第43章 冥冥中的守望者
§1
第43章 冥冥中的守望者
§2
Chap. 43 - The Unseen Watcher
§3
（本章根据：但以理五章）
§4
当但以理的一生将近结束时，他和他的希伯来同伴六十余年前被掳来寄居之地正在起着巨大的变化。“列国中的强暴人”尼布甲尼撒已经死了，”（结28:7）而“天下所称赞的”巴比伦在他的继承人昏庸的统治之下（耶51:41），已经逐渐走上终必瓦解之途了。[1]{PK 522.1}
§5
Toward the close of Daniels life great changes were taking place in the land to which, over threescore years before, he and his Hebrew companions had been carried captive. Nebuchadnezzar, the terrible of the nations (Ezekiel 28:7), had died, and Babylon, the praise of the whole earth (Jeremiah 51:41), had passed under the unwise rule of his successors, and gradual but sure dissolution was resulting.{PK 522.1}[1]
§6
由于尼布甲尼撒的外孙伯沙撒的愚妄和懦弱，骄傲的巴比伦不久便将倾覆了。伯沙撒在青年时期就享有王权，因此他常以自己的势力为荣，而且心高气傲地反抗天上的上帝。他原有很多机会可以了解神的旨意，并明白自己实行顺从的本分。他已获知他外祖父是怎样因上帝的命令而被逐远离人间，他也熟悉尼布甲尼撒的悔改和神奇的复原。但伯沙撒竟任由贪爱宴乐和荣耀自己的心磨灭了他应永志勿忘的教训。他浪费了那恩慈地赐给他的各项时机，并且疏忽了利用他可能采取的方法来更透彻地认识真理。尼布甲尼撒付出难言之痛苦与屈辱的代价所终于获得的教训，伯沙撒却漫不经意地忽略了。[2]{PK 522.2}
§7
Through the folly and weakness of Belshazzar, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, proud Babylon was soon to fall. Admitted in his youth to a share in kingly authority, Belshazzar gloried in his power and lifted up his heart against the God of heaven. Many had been his opportunities to know the divine will and to understand his responsibility of rendering obedience thereto. He had known of his grandfathers banishment, by the decree of God, from the society of men; and he was familiar with Nebuchadnezzars conversion and miraculous restoration. But Belshazzar allowed the love of pleasure and self-glorification to efface the lessons that he should never have forgotten. He wasted the opportunities graciously granted him, and neglected to use the means within his reach for becoming more fully acquainted with truth. That which Nebuchadnezzar had finally gained at the cost of untold suffering and humiliation, Belshazzar passed by with indifference.{PK 522.2}[2]
§8
不久厄运便临到了。巴比伦被玛代人大利乌的侄子、也就是指挥玛代和波斯联军的古列所包围了。但这个荒淫的君王既住在这个有着高大的城垣和黄铜的城门，似乎无法攻破的堡垒之内，又为幼发拉底河所护卫，粮饷充足，防务完善，他就觉得安全无虞而终日荒宴醉酒了。[3]{PK 523.1}
§9
It was not long before reverses came. Babylon was besieged by Cyrus, nephew of Darius the Mede, and commanding general of the combined armies of the Medes and Persians. But within the seemingly impregnable fortress, with its massive walls and its gates of brass, protected by the river Euphrates, and stocked with provision in abundance, the voluptuous monarch felt safe and passed his time in mirth and revelry.{PK 523.1}[3]
§10
伯沙撒既骄傲自大，对于安全漫不经心，便“为他的一千大臣设摆盛筵，与这一千人对面饮酒。”凡属财富和权势所能获致的诱惑物，都被用来增进场面的豪奢。妖艳的美女穿插于参赴王筵的宾客之间。国内的名人学者全都在场。臣宰百官莫不饮酒如水，胡地胡天而狂欢作乐。[4]{PK 523.2}
§11
In his pride and arrogancy, with a reckless feeling of security Belshazzar made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. All the attractions that wealth and power could command, added splendor to the scene. Beautiful women with their enchantments were among the guests in attendance at the royal banquet. Men of genius and education were there. Princes and statesmen drank wine like water and reveled under its maddening influence.{PK 523.2}[4]
§12
王既因无耻的醉酒而丧失了理性，且被卑鄙的冲动和情欲占了优势，就亲自带头喧闹豪饮。正在欢饮之际，他“吩咐人将……尼布甲尼撒从耶路撒冷殿中所掠的金银器皿拿来，王与大臣、皇后、妃嫔、好用这器皿饮酒。”王想要借此表明没有什么东西过于神圣，而是他的手所不敢摸的。“于是他们把……金器皿拿来，王和大臣、皇后、妃嫔就用这器皿饮酒。他们饮酒，赞美金、银、铜、铁、木、石所造的神。”[5]{PK 523.3}
§13
With reason dethroned through shameless intoxication, and with lower impulses and passions now in the ascendancy, the king himself took the lead in the riotous orgy. As the feast progressed, he commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which . . . Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. The king would prove that nothing was too sacred for his hands to handle. They brought the golden vessels; . . . and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them. They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.{PK 523.3}[5]
§14
伯沙撒竟丝毫没有想到，有一位天上的“见证者”，目击他这种崇拜邪神的纵饮狂欢；有一位他们所不认识的“守望的圣者”在注视那亵渎的情景，听到那邪淫的狂欢，并看到那拜偶像的行为。但不久这位“不速之客”就要使人体认到他的临格了。正值欢宴的高潮，突然有一只没有血色的手出现，在王宫的墙上写了几个发光如火的字，这几个字虽然是那一大群人所不认识的，但对于这个现在受到良心咎责的国王和他的宾客却是一个凶兆。[6]{PK 524.1}
§15
Little did Belshazzar think that there was a heavenly Witness to his idolatrous revelry; that a divine Watcher, unrecognized, looked upon the scene of profanation, heard the sacrilegious mirth, beheld the idolatry. But soon the uninvited Guest made His presence felt. When the revelry was at its height a bloodless hand came forth and traced upon the walls of the palace characters that gleamed like fire--words which, though unknown to the vast throng, were a portent of doom to the now conscience-stricken king and his guests.{PK 524.1}[6]
§16
会场的狂欢声顿时寂静下来，男男女女均为一种莫可名状的恐惧所慑夺，凝视着那只手从容地写出几个奥妙的字来。同时他们罪恶生活中的行为，都像活动影画似的一幕一幕地从他们眼前过去。他们似乎是被传到永生上帝的审判台前，而他们方才却曾经反抗过他的威权。片刻之前还是欢笑作乐与亵渎的戏言，而现在则是灰白的面孔和恐惧的哀呼了。每当上帝使人恐惧的时候，他们便无法掩饰他们强烈惊怖的真情。[7]{PK 524.2}
§17
Hushed was the boisterous mirth, while men and women, seized with nameless terror, watched the hand slowly tracing the mysterious characters. Before them passed, as in panoramic view, the deeds of their evil lives; they seemed to be arraigned before the judgment bar of the eternal God, whose power they had just defied. Where but a few moments before had been hilarity and blasphemous witticism, were pallid faces and cries of fear. When God makes men fear, they cannot hide the intensity of their terror.{PK 524.2}[7]
§18
伯沙撒是众人中最恐惧的一个。那夜在巴比伦境内冒犯上帝达到顶点的事，他应当较比别人负有更重的责任。王在那位他曾抗拒其权柄、亵渎其圣名之冥冥中守望着的代表面前，竟因恐惧而瘫痪了。良心也觉醒了。“腰骨好像脱节，双膝彼此相碰。”伯沙撒曾不敬地高抬自己过于天上的上帝，并依仗自己的能力，以为没有人敢质问他说：“你为什么这样行？”但这时他终于觉悟他必须为所托付与他的作管家的责任交帐，也无法为他所错失的良机和傲慢的态度，提出任何托辞。[8]{PK 524.3}
§19
Belshazzar was the most terrified of them all. He it was who above all others had been responsible for the rebellion against God which that night had reached its height in the Babylonian realm. In the presence of the unseen Watcher, the representative of Him whose power had been challenged and whose name had been blasphemed, the king was paralyzed with fear. Conscience was awakened. The joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. Belshazzar had impiously lifted himself up against the God of heaven and had trusted in his own might, not supposing that any would dare say, Why doest thou thus? but now he realized that he must render an account of the stewardship entrusted him, and that for his wasted opportunities and his defiant attitude he could offer no excuse.{PK 524.3}[8]
§20
王试图念读那几个发光如火的字，却无法办到。但这里却有他不能测透的奥秘，也有他无法理解或反驳的力量。他在绝望之中，便转向他国内的哲士求取帮助。他那疯狂的呼声响彻全场，吩咐一切观兆的、迦勒底人、和用法术的来读这文字。他应许说：“谁能读这文字，把讲解告诉我，他必身穿紫袍，项带金链，在我国中位列第三。”但他向他信任的顾问所发的要求，以及提供的丰厚奖赏，都归于徒然。属天的智慧不是能收买或出卖的。“王的一切哲士都……不能读那文字，也不能把讲解告诉王。”他们正像前一代的哲士无法解释尼布甲尼撒的梦兆一样，无法读出这几个神秘的文字。[9]{PK 527.1}
§21
In vain the king tried to read the burning letters. But here was a secret he could not fathom, a power he could neither understand nor gainsay. In despair he turned to the wise men of his realm for help. His wild cry rang out in the assembly, calling upon the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers to read the writing. Whosoever shall read this writing, he promised, and show me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. But of no avail was his appeal to his trusted advisers, with offers of rich awards. Heavenly wisdom cannot be bought or sold. All the kings wise men . . . could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof. They were no more able to read the mysterious characters than had been the wise men of a former generation to interpret the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar.{PK 527.1}[9]
§22
这时太后想起了五十多年前向尼布甲尼撒王说明那大像的梦及其讲解的但以理。她说：“愿王万岁，你心意不要惊惶，脸面不要变色；在你国中有一人，他里头有圣神的灵；你父在世的日子，这人心中光明，又有聪明智慧，好像神的智慧；你父尼布甲尼撒王……立他为术士、用法术的和迦勒底人，并观兆的领袖；在他里头有美好的灵性，又有知识聪明，能圆梦、释谜语，解疑惑，这人名叫但以理，尼布甲尼撒王又称他为伯提沙撒；现在可以召他来，他必解明这意思。”[10]{PK 527.2}
§23
Then the queen mother remembered Daniel, who, over half a century before, had made known to King Nebuchadnezzar the dream of the great image and its interpretation. O king, live forever, she said. Let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed: there is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar . . . made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers; forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.{PK 527.2}[10]
§24
“但以理就被领到王前。”伯沙撒勉强镇定下来，对先知说：“你是被掳之犹大人中的但以理吗？就是我父王从犹大掳来的吗？我听说你里头有神的灵，心中光明，又有聪明和美好的智慧。现在哲士和用法术的都领到我面前，为叫他们读这文字，把讲解告诉我，无奈他们都不能把讲解说出来；我听说你善于讲解，能解疑惑；现在你若能读这文字，把讲解告诉我，就必身穿紫袍，项戴金链，在我国中位列第三。”[11]{PK 528.1}
§25
Then was Daniel brought in before the king. Making an effort to regain his composure, Belshazzar said to the prophet: Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry? I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee. And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not show the interpretation of the thing: and I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom. {PK 528.1}[11]
§26
但以理不为王的应许所动，却带着至高者仆人的威严，肃立在那惊恐万状的群众之前，他并不是要讲谄媚的话，而是要解释一项不祥的信息。他说：“你的赠品可以归你自己，你的赏赐可以归给别人；我却要为王读这文字，把讲解告诉王。”[12]{PK 529.1}
§27
Before that terror-stricken throng, Daniel, unmoved by the promises of the king, stood in the quiet dignity of a servant of the Most High, not to speak words of flattery, but to interpret a message of doom. Let thy gifts be to thyself, he said, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.{PK 529.1}[12]
§28
先知首先提醒伯沙撒一些他所熟悉的事，但这些事并没有使他学得那可能拯救他的谦卑的教训。他提到尼布甲尼撒的罪恶与堕落，以及主对待他的经过，那赐与他的主权和荣耀，那因他的骄傲而降下的神圣惩罚，以及他后来对以色列上帝之权柄与恩慈所作的承认等。然后但以理又以勇敢而有力的话责备伯沙撒的罪大恶极。他将王的罪恶露布在他面前，说明了他那本应学会而却未得到的教训。伯沙撒并未正确地了解他外祖父的经验，也未曾注意那些对他关系重大的各种事件中的警告。他曾蒙赐予认识并顺从真神上帝的机会，但他没有把它放在心上，因此他就要收割他违逆的后果了。[13]{PK 529.2}
§29
The prophet first reminded Belshazzar of matters with which he was familiar, but which had not taught him the lesson of humility that might have saved him. He spoke of Nebuchadnezzars sin and fall, and of the Lords dealings with him--the dominion and glory bestowed upon him, the divine judgment for his pride, and his subsequent acknowledgment of the power and mercy of the God of Israel; and then in bold and emphatic words he rebuked Belshazzar for his great wickedness. He held the kings sin up before him, showing him the lessons he might have learned but did not. Belshazzar had not read aright the experience of his grandfather, nor heeded the warning of events so significant to himself. The opportunity of knowing and obeying the true God had been given him, but had not been taken to heart, and he was about to reap the consequence of his rebellion.{PK 529.2}[13]
§30
先知说：“伯沙撒啊，……你虽知道这一切，你心仍不自卑，竟向天上的主自高，使人将他殿中的器皿拿到你面前，你和大臣、皇后、妃嫔用这器皿饮酒；你又赞美那不能看，不能听，无知无识，金、银、铜、铁、木、石所造的神；却没有将荣耀归与那手中有你气息、管理你一切行动的上帝；因此从上帝那里显出指头来写这文字。”[14]{PK 529.3}
§31
Thou, . . . O Belshazzar, the prophet declared, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; but hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of His house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: then was the part of the hand set from Him; and this writing was written.{PK 529.3}[14]
§32
于是先知便转向那写在墙上的天赐信息，宣读说：“弥尼，弥尼，提客勒，乌法珥新。”那只写字的手已经不见了，但这几个字却仍以可怕的明光闪耀着。这时众人都屏息静听那老迈的先知宣布说：[15]{PK 530.1}
§33
Turning to the Heaven-sent message on the wall, the prophet read, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin. The hand that had traced the characters was no longer visible, but these four words were still gleaming forth with terrible distinctness; and now with bated breath the people listened while the aged prophet declared:{PK 530.1}[15]
§34
“讲解是这样：弥尼，就是上帝已经数算你国的年日到此完毕。提客勒，就是你被称在天平里显出你的亏欠。毗勒斯（与乌法珥新同义），就是你的国分裂，归于玛代人和波斯人。”[16]{PK 530.2}
§35
This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. Peres; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.{PK 530.2}[16]
§36
伯沙撒和他的大臣在最后疯狂放荡之夜，就此使他们自己和迦勒底全国达到恶贯满盈的地步了。上帝阻遏的手再不能挡住那迫近眉睫的灾祸了。上帝曾设法用多种奇事来教导他们尊敬他的律法。他论到那些罪恶滔天的人说：“我们想医治巴比伦，她却没有治好。”（耶51:9）由于人心罕见地执迷不悟，上帝终于不得不宣布那无可挽回的判决。伯沙撒要死亡，他的国度要归与别人。[17]{PK 530.3}
§37
In that last night of mad folly, Belshazzar and his lords had filled up the measure of their guilt and the guilt of the Chaldean kingdom. No longer could Gods restraining hand ward off the impending evil. Through manifold providences, God had sought to teach them reverence for His law. We would have healed Babylon, He declared of those whose judgment was now reaching unto heaven, but she is not healed. Jeremiah 51:9. Because of the strange perversity of the human heart, God had at last found it necessary to pass the irrevocable sentence. Belshazzar was to fall, and his kingdom was to pass into other hands.{PK 530.3}[17]
§38
先知讲完话之后，王就下令将所应许的尊荣加于他；于是“人就把紫袍给但以理穿上，把金链给他戴在颈项上，又传令使他在国中位列第三。”[18]{PK 530.4}
§39
As the prophet ceased speaking, the king commanded that he be awarded the promised honors; and in harmony with this, they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. {PK 530.4}[18]
§40
百余年前，《圣经》已预言到，那“所羡慕的黄昏，”（赛21:4）王和大臣都要在亵渎上帝的事上彼此争胜，却要在突然间变成战兢和毁灭的时候。而现在，重大的事件接踵而至，正应验了《圣经》预言对这幕话剧中的主角们出世之前许多年所作的描述。[19]{PK 531.1}
§41
More than a century before, Inspiration had foretold that the night of . . . pleasure during which king and counselors would vie with one another in blasphemy against God, would suddenly be changed into a season of fear and destruction. And now, in rapid succession, momentous events followed one another exactly as had been portrayed in the prophetic scriptures years before the principals in the drama had been born.{PK 531.1}[19]
§42
正当王还在筵厅内被那些业已注定厄运的人包围着的时候，有一个送信的人来通知他说：“城的四方”已经被他以为其图谋必不得逞的敌人所“攻取了，”而且“渡口被占据了，……兵丁也惊慌了。”（耶51:31-32）正当他和他的贵人们用耶和华的神圣器皿饮酒、并赞美金银所造之神的时候，玛代和波斯的军队已将幼发拉底河的水引离其河道，而长驱直入那毫无戒备的大城中心。古列的军队这时已列阵宫墙之外，全城都充满了“像蚂蚱一样”的敌军（耶51:14）；而且可以听到他们胜利的呐喊，盖过了那些惊慌的宴乐者所发绝望的哀呜。[20]{PK 531.2}
§43
While still in the festal hall, surrounded by those whose doom has been sealed, the king is informed by a messenger that his city is taken by the enemy against whose devices he had felt so secure; that the passages are stopped, . . . and the men of war are affrighted. Verses 31, 32. Even while he and his nobles were drinking from the sacred vessels of Jehovah, and praising their gods of silver and of gold, the Medes and the Persians, having turned the Euphrates out of its channel, were marching into the heart of the unguarded city. The army of Cyrus now stood under the walls of the palace; the city was filled with the soldiers of the enemy, as with caterpillars (verse 14); and their triumphant shouts could be heard above the despairing cries of the astonished revelers.{PK 531.2}[20]
§44
“当夜，迦勒底王伯沙撒被杀，”而由一个外国的君主登上了王位。[21]{PK 531.3}
§45
In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain, and an alien monarch sat upon the throne.{PK 531.3}[21]
§46
希伯来的众先知早已清楚地论到巴比伦倾覆的情景。当上帝在异象中向他们启示未来的事件时，他们曾感叹地说：“示沙克（就是巴比伦）何竟被攻取！天下所称赞的何竟被占据！巴比伦在列国中何竟变为荒场！”“全地的大锤何竟砍断破坏！巴比伦在列国中何竟荒凉！”“因巴比伦被取的声音地就震动，人在列邦都听见呼喊的声音。”[22]{PK 531.4}
§47
Clearly had the Hebrew prophets spoken concerning the manner in which Babylon should fall. As in vision God had revealed to them the events of the future, they had exclaimed: How is Sheshach taken! and how is the praise of the whole earth surprised! how is Babylon become an astonishment among the nations! How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations! At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.{PK 531.4}[22]
§48
“巴比伦忽然倾覆毁坏。”“这是行毁灭的临到巴比伦；巴比伦的勇士被捉住，他们的弓折断了；因为耶和华是施行报应的上帝，必定施行报应。君王、名为万军之耶和华的说，我必使巴比伦的首领、智慧人、省长、副省长勇士都沉醉，使他们睡了长觉，永不醒起。”[23]{PK 532.1}
§49
Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed. The spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the Lord God of recompenses shall surely requite. And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise men, her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name is the Lord of hosts.{PK 532.1}[23]
§50
“巴比伦哪，我为你设下网罗，你不知不觉被缠住；你被寻着，也被捉住，因为你与耶和华争竞。耶和华已经开了武库，拿出他恼恨的兵器；因为主万军之耶和华，在迦勒底人之地有当作的事。”[24]{PK 532.2}
§51
I have laid a snare for thee, and thou art also taken, O Babylon, and thou wast not aware: thou art found, and also caught, because thou hast striven against the Lord. The Lord hath opened His armory, and hath brought forth the weapons of His indignation: for this is the work of the Lord God of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans.{PK 532.2}[24]
§52
“万军之耶和华如此说：以色列人和犹大人一同受欺压；凡掳掠他们的，都紧紧抓住他们，不肯释放。他们的救赎主大有能力；万军之耶和华是他的名；他必伸清他们的冤，好使全地得平安，并搅扰巴比伦的居民。”（耶51:41；50:23,46；51:8,56-57；50:24-25,33-34）[25]{PK 532.3}
§53
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together: and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go. Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is His name: He shall throughly plead their cause, that He may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon. Jeremiah 51:41; 50:23, 46; Jeremiah 51:8, 56, 57; 50:24, 25, 33, 34.{PK 532.3}[25]
§54
“巴比伦宽阔的城墙，”就如此“全然倾倒，她高大的城门……被火焚烧。”万军之耶和华就如此“使骄傲人的狂妄止息，制服强暴人的狂傲。”“巴比伦素来为列国的荣耀，为迦勒底人所矜夸的华美，”就如此与所多玛、蛾摩拉一样，成为一个永远受咒诅的所在。《圣经》已宣称：“其内必永无人烟，世世代代无人居住；亚拉伯人也不在那里支搭帐棚；牧羊的人也不使羊群卧在那里。只有旷野的走兽卧在那里；咆哮的兽满了房屋；驼鸟住在那里；野山羊在那里跳舞。豺狼必在他宫中呼号；野狗必在他华美殿内吼叫。”“我必使巴比伦为箭猪所得，又变为水池；我要用灭亡的扫帚扫净他。这是万军之耶和华说的。”（耶51:58；赛13:11,19-22；14:23）[26]{PK 532.4}
§55
Thus the broad walls of Babylon became utterly broken, and her high gates . . . burned with fire. Thus did Jehovah of hosts cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. Thus did Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees excellency, become as Sodom and Gomorrah--a place forever accursed. It shall never be inhabited, Inspiration has declared, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there. But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there. And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces. I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the Lord of hosts. Jeremiah 51:58; Isaiah 13:11, 19-22; 14:23.{PK 532.4}[26]
§56
“守望的圣者”以表号向这巴比伦的最后一位君王，犹如向它第一位君王那样的宣判说：“王啊，有话对你说：你的国位离开你了。”（但4:31）“巴比伦的处女啊，下来坐在尘埃；……没有宝座，要坐在地上，……迦勒底的闺女啊，你要默然静坐，进入暗中，因为你不再称为列国的主母。我向我的百姓发怒，使我的产业被亵渎，将他们交在你手中，你毫不怜悯他们，……你自己说：我必永为主母，所以你不将这事放在心上，也不思想这事的结局。你这专好宴乐、安然居住的，现在当听这话。你心中说：唯有我，除我以外再没有别的，我必不至寡居，也不遭丧子之事。哪知丧子、寡居这两件事在一日转眼之间必临到你，正在你多行邪术、广施符咒的时候，这两件事必全然临到你身上。你素来依仗自己的恶行，说：无人看见我。你的智慧、聪明使你偏邪；并且你心里说：唯有我，除我以外再没有别的。因此，祸患要临到你身，你不知何时发现，灾害落在你身上，你也不能除掉，所不知道的毁灭也必忽然临到你身。站起来吧，用你从幼年劳神施行的符咒和你许多的邪术，或者可得益处，或者可得强胜。你筹划太多，以至疲倦。让那些观天像的、看星宿的、在月朔说预言的，都站起来，救你脱离所要临到你的事。他们要像碎秸被火焚烧，不能救自己脱离火焰之力；……无人救你。”（赛47:1-15）[27]{PK 533.1}
§57
To the last ruler of Babylon, as in type to its first, had come the sentence of the divine Watcher: O king, . . . to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. Daniel 4:31. Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, Sit on the ground: there is no throne. . . . Sit thou silent, And get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: For thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms. I was wroth with My people, I have polluted Mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: Thou didst show them no mercy; . . . And thou saidst, I shall be a lady forever: So that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, Neither didst remember the latter end of it. Therefore hear now this, Thou that art given to pleasures That dwellest carelessly, That sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, Neither shall I know the loss of children: . . . These two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, The loss of children, and widowhood: They shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments. For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: Thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; And thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me. Therefore shall evil come upon thee; Thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: And mischief shall fall upon thee; Thou shalt not be able to put it off: And desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know. Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast labored from thy youth; If so be thou shalt be able to profit, If so be thou mayest prevail. Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, Stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; . . . They shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: . . . None shall save thee. Isaiah 47:1-15. {PK 533.1}[27]
§58
每一曾经登上历史舞台的国家，都蒙许可在地上占有相当的地位，以便决定它是否愿意成全那位“守望的圣者”的旨意。预言已经描述了世界大帝国——巴比伦、玛代波斯、希腊和罗马的兴起与发达。在这几个国家中，犹如在较小的国家中一般，历史都已重演。每一个国家都经过一段试验时期；结果都告失败，它的光荣消退，它的权力也丧失了。[28]{PK 535.1}
§59
Every nation that has come upon the stage of action has been permitted to occupy its place on the earth, that the fact might be determined whether it would fulfill the purposes of the Watcher and the Holy One. Prophecy has traced the rise and progress of the worlds great empires--Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. With each of these, as with the nations of less power, history has repeated itself. Each has had its period of test; each has failed, its glory faded, its power departed.{PK 535.1}[28]
§60
列国虽然都拒绝了上帝的原则，并因而造成其自身的败亡，但历代以来，上帝的控制一切的旨意显然仍在运行着。这是先知以西结流亡于迦勒底国时在异象中所见到的，那时在他惊异的注视之下，有一些表号出现，显明一个支配万有的“权力”如何掌管着地上一切统治者的事务。[29]{PK 535.2}
§61
While nations have rejected Gods principles, and in this rejection have wrought their own ruin, yet a divine, overruling purpose has manifestly been at work throughout the ages. It was this that the prophet Ezekiel saw in the wonderful representation given him during his exile in the land of the Chaldeans, when before his astonished gaze were portrayed the symbols that revealed an overruling Power that has to do with the affairs of earthly rulers.{PK 535.2}[29]
§62
以西结在迦巴鲁河边看见狂风似乎从北方刮来，“随着有一朵包括闪烁火的大云，周围有光辉，从其中的火内发出好像光耀的精金。”还有几个“轮中套轮”的轮，由四个活物推动着。在这一切以上，“有宝座的形象，仿佛蓝宝石；在宝座形象以上，有仿佛人的形状。”“在基路伯翅膀之下，显出有人手的样式。”（结1:4,26；10:8）轮的结构极为复杂，初看似乎混乱，但它们转动时却完全协调。那些属天的“活物”，为那只出现在基路伯翅膀之下的手支持着、引导着，经常在推动那些轮。在这一切之上，有亘古常在者坐在蓝宝石的宝座上，宝座的上方有一道代表神恩的虹环绕着。[30]{PK 535.3}
§63
Upon the banks of the river Chebar, Ezekiel beheld a whirlwind seeming to come from the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the color of amber. A number of wheels intersecting one another were moved by four living beings. High above all these was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a mans hand under their wings. Ezekiel 1:4, 26; 10:8. The wheels were so complicated in arrangement that at first sight they appeared to be in confusion; yet they moved in perfect harmony. Heavenly beings, sustained and guided by the hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, were impelling those wheels; above them, upon the sapphire throne, was the Eternal One; and round about the throne was a rainbow, the emblem of divine mercy.{PK 535.3}[30]
§64
那像轮的复杂结构怎样受着出现于基路伯翅膀之下的手所引导，照样，人世间的一切纷繁活动也受着神的控制。那位坐在基路伯以上的主，至今仍在邦国的纷乱与扰攘中指导世上的事。[31]{PK 536.1}
§65
As the wheellike complications were under the guidance of the hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, so the complicated play of human events is under divine control. Amidst the strife and tumult of nations He that sitteth above the cherubim still guides the affairs of this earth.{PK 536.1}[31]
§66
列国的历史今日向我们说话。上帝已为每一个国家、和每一个人，在他的大计划中安排了一定的地位。今日万国万民都受着那位绝无错误之主手中“线铊”的试验。人人都在根据自己的选择而决定自己的命运，上帝则掌管着一切，以成全他的旨意。[32]{PK 536.2}
§67
The history of nations speaks to us today. To every nation and to every individual God has assigned a place in His great plan. Today men and nations are being tested by the plummet in the hand of Him who makes no mistake. All are by their own choice deciding their destiny, and God is overruling all for the accomplishment of His purposes.{PK 536.2}[32]
§68
那位自有永有者在他《圣经》中所赐予的预言，已将历史的事件一一串联起来，从永恒的过去直到永恒的将来，借此指示我们今日在历史的过程中已置身何处，以及将来可望有何事发生。直到今日，凡预言所说必要成就的事，都可从历史的篇页中一一探寻，因此我们可以确知那尚未成就的事，也必依次实现。[33]{PK 536.3}
§69
The prophecies which the great I AM has given in His word, uniting link after link in the chain of events, from eternity in the past to eternity in the future, tell us where we are today in the procession of the ages and what may be expected in the time to come. All that prophecy has foretold as coming to pass, until the present time, has been traced on the pages of history, and we may be assured that all which is yet to come will be fulfilled in its order.{PK 536.3}[33]
§70
今日各种时兆都说明，我们正置身于各项重大而严肃事件出现的起点。我们世上的每一件事物无不在动荡之中。救主所预言在他复临之前必定发生的事。正应验在我们的眼前：“你们也要听见打仗和打仗的风声。……民要攻打民，国要攻打国，多处必有饥荒、地震。”（太24:6-7）[34]{PK 536.4}
§71
Today the signs of the times declare that we are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Everything in our world is in agitation. Before our eyes is fulfilling the Saviours prophecy of the events to precede His coming: Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. . . . Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Matthew 24:6, 7.{PK 536.4}[34]
§72
现今乃是对于一切存活之人都具有极其重大关系的时期。统治者和政治家，身居要职手握大权的人，以及各阶层的有心人士，都在留心注意那在我们周围所发生的大事。他们很注意当前的国际关系。他们看到每一属世的势力都呈现着紧张的状态，所以他们都认定将有重大而决断的事件发生，全世界已濒临惊人危机的边缘了。[35]{PK 537.1}
§73
The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element, and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place--that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis.{PK 537.1}[35]
§74
《圣经》，唯有《圣经》，对于这些事提供了正确的见解。《圣经》启示了世界历史的重大的最后几幕，就是那已投影于前面的各项事件，而这些事件临近的响声已使大地震动，并使人因惧怕而心惊胆怯。[36]{PK 537.2}
§75
The Bible, and the Bible only, gives a correct view of these things. Here are revealed the great final scenes in the history of our world, events that already are casting their shadows before, the sound of their approach causing the earth to tremble and mens hearts to fail them for fear.{PK 537.2}[36]
§76
“看哪，耶和华使地空虚，变为荒凉，又翻转大地，将居民分散；……因为他们犯了律法，废了律例，背了永约。所以地被咒诅吞灭，住在其上的显为有罪。”（赛24:1-6）[37]{PK 537.3}
§77
Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof; . . . because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate. Isaiah 24:1-6.{PK 537.3}[37]
§78
“哀哉，耶和华的日子临近了！这日来到，好像毁灭从全能者来到。……谷种在土块下朽烂，仓也荒凉，廪也破坏；因为五谷枯干了。牲畜哀呜，牛群混乱，因为无草；羊群也受了困苦。”“葡萄树枯干，无花果树衰残；石榴树、棕树、苹果树，连田野一切的树木，也都枯干，众人的喜乐尽都消灭。”（珥1:15-18,12）[38]{PK 537.4}
§79
Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come. . . . The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered. How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate. The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men. Joel 1:15-18, 12.{PK 537.4}[38]
§80
“我心疼痛；……我不能静默不言；因为我已经听见角声，和打仗的喊声。毁坏的信息连络不绝，因为全地荒废。”（耶4:19-20）[39]{PK 538.1}
§81
I am pained at my very heart; . . . I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled. Jeremiah 4:19, 20.{PK 538.1}[39]
§82
“哀哉，那日为大，无日可比。这是雅各遭难的时候；但他必被救出来。”（耶30:7）“耶和华是我的避难所；你已将至高者当你的居所，祸患必不临到你，灾害也不挨近你的帐棚。”（诗91:9-10）[40]{PK 538.2}
§83
Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacobs trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. Jeremiah 30:7. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, Even the Most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Psalm 91:9, 10.{PK 538.2}[40]
§84
“锡安的民哪，……耶和华必救赎你脱离仇敌的手。现在有许多国的民聚集攻击你说：愿锡安被玷污；愿我们亲见她遭报。他们却不知道耶和华的意念，也不明白他的筹划。”（弥4:10-12）上帝决不会在教会遭遇最大危机的时候丢弃她。他已应许要施行拯救。他曾说：“我必使雅各被掳去的帐棚归回，也必顾惜他的住处。”（耶30:18）[41]{PK 538.3}
§85
O daughter of Zion, . . . the Lord shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies. Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion. But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they His counsel. Micah 4:10-12. God will not fail His church in the hour of her greatest peril. He has promised deliverance. I will bring again the captivity of Jacobs tents, He has declared, and have mercy on his dwelling places. Jeremiah 30:18.{PK 538.3}[41]
§86
那时上帝的旨意就必成全；他国度的原则也必被天下众生所尊重。[42]{PK 538.4}
§87
Then will the purpose of God be fulfilled; the principles of His kingdom will be honored by all beneath the sun.{PK 538.4}[42]