第44章 在狮子坑中
§1
第44章 在狮子坑中
§2
Chap. 44 - In the Lions Den
§3
（本章根据：但以理六章）
§4
玛代人大利乌夺取了以前原属巴比伦统治者的王位之后，便立即着手组织新政府。他“立一百二十个总督治理通国；又在他们以上立总长三人（但以理在其中）；使总督在他们三人面前回复事务，免得王受亏损。因这但以理有美好的灵性，所以显然超乎其余的总长和总督；王又想立他治理通国。”[1]{PK 539.1}
§5
When Darius the Median took the throne formerly occupied by the Babylonian rulers, he at once proceeded to reorganize the government. He set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes; . . . and over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.{PK 539.1}[1]
§6
那加与但以理的殊荣引起了国内领导人物的嫉妒，他们就要寻找参他的把柄。但他们却找不到，“因他忠心办事，毫无错误过失。”[2]{PK 539.2}
§7
The honors bestowed upon Daniel excited the jealousy of the leading men of the kingdom, and they sought for occasion of complaint against him. But they could find none, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.{PK 539.2}[2]
§8
但以理这种毫无瑕疵的行为引起了敌人更深的嫉妒。他们不能不承认：“我们要找参这但以理的把柄，除非在他上帝的律法中就寻不着。”[3]{PK 539.3}
§9
Daniels blameless conduct excited still further the jealousy of his enemies. We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, they were constrained to acknowledge, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.{PK 539.3}[3]
§10
因此总长和总督聚集商议，想出了一个计谋，希望借此陷害先知。他们决定去求王签署他们所预备的一道禁令，三十日内国中不拘何人，不可在大利乌王以外向神或向人求什么。凡违犯这禁令的人就必扔在狮子坑中。[4]{PK 540.1}
§11
Thereupon the presidents and princes, counseling together, devised a scheme whereby they hoped to accomplish the prophets destruction. They determined to ask the king to sign a decree which they should prepare, forbidding any person in the realm to ask anything of God or man, except of Darius the king, for the space of thirty days. A violation of this decree should be punished by casting the offender into a den of lions.{PK 540.1}[4]
§12
于是总督们拟就了一道这样的禁令，呈请大利乌签署。他们针对他的虚荣心，向他极力陈说这禁令的实施必能大大增进他的尊荣和威权。王既不知总督们的阴险用意，也没有从禁令中看出他们的仇恨，便俯从了他们的谄媚，在禁令上盖了玉玺。[5]{PK 540.2}
§13
Accordingly, the princes prepared such a decree, and presented it to Darius for his signature. Appealing to his vanity, they persuaded him that the carrying out of this edict would add greatly to his honor and authority. Ignorant of the subtle purpose of the princes, the king did not discern their animosity as revealed in the decree, and, yielding to their flattery, he signed it.{PK 540.2}[5]
§14
但以理的敌人从大利乌面前退出来的时候，就因他们已妥善地为耶和华的仆人布下网罗而雀跃不已。原来在策动这次的阴谋中，撒但乃是重要的角色。先知在国中握有大权，所以恶天使深恐他的势力会削弱他们对国内众领袖的控制。那激使总督们生出猜忌嫉妒的，就是这些撒但的爪牙；那鼓动布置阴谋除灭但以理的，也是他们，而总督们既让自己作罪恶的工具，就使阴谋得逞了。[6]{PK 540.3}
§15
The enemies of Daniel left the presence of Darius, rejoicing over the snare now securely laid for the servant of Jehovah. In the conspiracy thus formed, Satan had played an important part. The prophet was high in command in the kingdom, and evil angels feared that his influence would weaken their control over its rulers. It was these satanic agencies who had stirred the princes to envy and jealousy; it was they who had inspired the plan for Daniels destruction; and the princes, yielding themselves as instruments of evil, carried it into effect.{PK 540.3}[6]
§16
先知的仇敌预计但以理必坚持原则，所以深信他们的图谋必能成功。他们对他品格所作的估计并无错误。他很快就看出他们定立禁令的恶意用意，但他丝毫并未改变自己的素常行为。这正是他最需要祷告的时候，他怎能停止祈祷呢？他宁愿牺牲性命，也不肯放弃他从上帝那里得帮助的希望。他泰然自若地克尽他作总长的职责，及至祈祷的时辰来到，他就回到自己的楼上，跪在开向耶路撒冷的窗户前，照他素常的习惯，向天上的上帝献上他的祈祷。他并未试图遮掩他的行为。他虽然很充分地明知他忠于上帝必有的后果，但他的心意却不为所动。他在那些设谋陷害他的人面前，绝不显出他与上帝之间的联系有丝毫断绝的迹象。对于王有权管理的一切事情，但以理都愿服从，但无论是王或是王的禁令，都不能使他在效忠万王之王的事上稍有偏差。[7]{PK 540.4}
§17
The prophets enemies counted on Daniels firm adherence to principle for the success of their plan. And they were not mistaken in their estimate of his character. He quickly read their malignant purpose in framing the decree, but he did not change his course in a single particular. Why should he cease to pray now, when he most needed to pray? Rather would he relinquish life itself, than his hope of help in God. With calmness he performed his duties as chief of the princes; and at the hour of prayer he went to his chamber, and with his windows open toward Jerusalem, in accordance with his usual custom, he offered his petition to the God of heaven. He did not try to conceal his act. Although he knew full well the consequences of his fidelity to God, his spirit faltered not. Before those who were plotting his ruin, he would not allow it even to appear that his connection with Heaven was severed. In all cases where the king had a right to command, Daniel would obey; but neither the king nor his decree could make him swerve from allegiance to the King of kings.{PK 540.4}[7]
§18
先知便如此勇敢、却又安静而谦卑地声明，世上任何的势力都无权介入人与上帝之间，他虽被拜偶像的人包围，但仍对这一项真理作了忠心的见证。他不屈不挠地坚持正义，无异明灯烛照在那异教宫廷的道德黑暗中，时至今日，但以理仍是站在世人之前的基督徒勇敢与忠贞的可贵榜样。[8]{PK 542.1}
§19
Thus the prophet boldly yet quietly and humbly declared that no earthly power has a right to interpose between the soul and God. Surrounded by idolaters, he was a faithful witness to this truth. His dauntless adherence to right was a bright light in the moral darkness of that heathen court. Daniel stands before the world today a worthy example of Christian fearlessness and fidelity.{PK 542.1}[8]
§20
总督们窥伺了但以理一整天。他们看到他三次上到楼房，三次听见他扬声向上帝祈祷恳求。次日早晨他们便进到王前提出控诉。他所最重视、最忠心的总长但以理已经违抗了王的禁令。他们提醒王说：“王啊，三十日内不拘何人，若在王以外或向神或向人求什么，必被扔在狮子坑中，王不是在这禁令上盖了玉玺吗？”[9]{PK 542.2}
§21
For an entire day the princes watched Daniel. Three times they saw him go to his chamber, and three times they heard his voice lifted in earnest intercession to God. The next morning they laid their complaint before the king. Daniel, his most honored and faithful statesman, had set the royal decree at defiance. Hast thou not signed a decree, they reminded him, that every man that shall ask a petition of any god or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?{PK 542.2}[9]
§22
王回答说：“实有这事，照玛代和波斯人的例，是不可更改的。”[10]{PK 542.3}
§23
The thing is true, the king answered, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.{PK 542.3}[10]
§24
于是他们得意扬扬地将大利乌所最信任的顾问的行动告诉他，说：“王啊，那被掳之犹大人中的但以理不理你，也不遵你盖了玉玺的禁令，他竟一日三次祈祷。”[11]{PK 542.4}
§25
Exultantly they now informed Darius of the conduct of his most trusted adviser. That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, they exclaimed, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.{PK 542.4}[11]
§26
当王听到这话时，就立即看出了那为他忠心仆人所设下的网罗。他发觉那提出禁令的动机，并不是热心为增进王的尊荣，而是由于嫉妒但以理。他因自己也在这件业已进行的恶事上有分“就甚愁烦，”他“筹划解救”他的朋友，“直到日落的时候。”总督们预料到王一定会作这番努力的，就来向他说：“王啊，当知道玛代人和波斯人有例，凡王所立的禁令和律例，都不可更改。”这道禁令虽然是贸然签署的，但也不能更改，必须予以执行。[12]{PK 543.1}
§27
When the monarch heard these words, he saw at once the snare that had been set for his faithful servant. He saw that it was not zeal for kingly glory and honor, but jealousy against Daniel, that had led to the proposal for a royal decree. Sore displeased with himself for his part in the evil that had been wrought, he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver his friend. The princes, anticipating this effort on the part of the king, came to him with the words, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, that no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. The decree, though rashly made, was unalterable and must be carried into effect.{PK 543.1}[12]
§28
“王下令，人就把但以理带来，扔在狮子坑中。王对但以理说，你所常侍奉的上帝他必救你。”于是有人搬石头放在坑口，王就亲自“用自己的玺，和大臣的印，封闭那坑，使惩办但以理的事毫无更改。王回宫终夜禁食，无人拿乐器到他面前，并且睡不着觉。”[13]{PK 543.2}
§29
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee. A stone was laid on the mouth of the den, and the king himself sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep went from him.{PK 543.2}[13]
§30
上帝并没有阻止但以理的敌人将他扔在狮子坑中，他容许恶天使和恶人遂行他们的毒谋到现在这个地步，但这乃是要使他拯救他仆人的神迹更为显著，使真理与公义的仇敌所遭受的失败更为彻底。诗人曾见证说：“人的忿怒要成全你的荣美。”（诗76:10）由于这个决心遵循正义而不屈从权谋之人的勇敢，撒但要被击败，而上帝的圣名要受高举和尊崇。[14]{PK 543.3}
§31
God did not prevent Daniels enemies from casting him into the lions den; He permitted evil angels and wicked men thus far to accomplish their purpose; but it was that He might make the deliverance of His servant more marked, and the defeat of the enemies of truth and righteousness more complete. Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee (Psalm 76:10), the psalmist has testified. Through the courage of this one man who chose to follow right rather than policy, Satan was to be defeated, and the name of God was to be exalted and honored.{PK 543.3}[14]
§32
次日黎明，大利乌王急忙往狮子坑那里去，“哀声呼叫”说：“永生上帝的仆人但以理啊，你所常侍奉的上帝，能救你脱离狮子吗？”[15]{PK 544.1}
§33
Early the next morning King Darius hastened to the den and cried with a lamentable voice, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?{PK 544.1}[15]
§34
先知便扬声回答说：“愿王万岁。我的上帝差遣使者，封住狮子的口，叫狮子不伤我；因我在上帝面前无辜，我在王面前也没有行过亏损的事。”[16]{PK 544.2}
§35
The voice of the prophet replied: O king, live forever. My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.{PK 544.2}[16]
§36
“王就甚喜乐，吩咐人将但以理从坑里系上来。于是但以理从坑里被系上来，身上毫无伤损，因为信靠他的上帝。[17]{PK 544.3}
§37
Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.{PK 544.3}[17]
§38
“王下令，人就把那些控告但以理的人，连他们的妻子、儿女都带来，扔在狮子坑中，他们还没有到坑底，狮子就抓住他们，咬碎他们的骨头。”[18]{PK 544.4}
§39
And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.{PK 544.4}[18]
§40
于是又有一位异教的统治者颁发谕旨，赞扬但以理的上帝为真神。“那时大利乌王传旨，晓谕住在全地，各方各国各族的人，说愿你们大享平安。现在我降旨晓谕我所统辖的全国人民，要在但以理的上帝面前，战兢恐惧；因为他是永远长存的活上帝，他的国永不败坏，他的权柄永存无极。他护庇人、搭救人，在天上地下施行神迹奇事，救了但以理脱离狮子的口。”[19]{PK 544.5}
§41
Once more a proclamation was issued by a heathen ruler, exalting the God of Daniel as the true God. King Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for He is the living God, and steadfast forever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and He worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.{PK 544.5}[19]
§42
那反对上帝仆人的恶党这时全然瓦解了。“但以理当大利乌王在位的时候，和波斯王古列在位的时候，大享亨通。”这些异教的君王由于与他接触，就不得不承认他的上帝为“永远长存的活上帝，他的国永不败坏。”[20]{PK 545.1}
§43
The wicked opposition to Gods servant was now completely broken. Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. And through association with him, these heathen monarchs were constrained to acknowledge his God as the living God, and steadfast forever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.{PK 545.1}[20]
§44
从但以理得蒙拯救的故事中，我们可以明白，上帝的儿女处于试炼和黑暗的时际，应当保持他们在前途光明、充满希望、一切如意的环境中所有的态度。那在狮子坑中的但以理，仍是那侍立王前作首相、又作至高上帝之先知的同一但以理。一个坚心倚靠上帝的人，在遭受最大试炼的时候，正与他在兴盛顺利——上帝和世人礼遇恩待的时候并无二致。信心可攀达那未见之事，并握住永恒的现实。[21]{PK 545.2}
§45
From the story of Daniels deliverance we may learn that in seasons of trial and gloom Gods children should be just what they were when their prospects were bright with hope and their surroundings all that they could desire. Daniel in the lions den was the same Daniel who stood before the king as chief among the ministers of state and as a prophet of the Most High. A man whose heart is stayed upon God will be the same in the hour of his greatest trial as he is in prosperity, when the light and favor of God and of man beam upon him. Faith reaches to the unseen, and grasps eternal realities.{PK 545.2}[21]
§46
天国与凡为义受苦的人十分接近。基督与他忠心的子民利害相共，他与他的圣徒同受苦难。谁伤害他所拣选的人，也就是伤害他。那随时施予拯救以脱离身体上伤害的能力，也随时施予拯救以脱离更大的祸患，使上帝的仆人能以在任何环境之下保持自己的纯正。并靠着神的恩典而得胜。[22]{PK 545.3}
§47
Heaven is very near those who suffer for righteousness sake. Christ identifies His interests with the interests of His faithful people; He suffers in the person of His saints, and whoever touches His chosen ones touches Him. The power that is near to deliver from physical harm or distress is also near to save from the greater evil, making it possible for the servant of God to maintain his integrity under all circumstances, and to triumph through divine grace. {PK 545.3}[22]
§48
但以理在巴比伦和玛代波斯国作政治家的经验，显明了一项事实，那就是管理事务的人并不一定要作一个狡谋百出、玩弄权术的人。反之，他也可以作一个步步得蒙上帝引导的人。那身为世上最强大国家之首相的但以理，同时也是上帝的先知，领受上天灵感的光照。他原是与我们一样性情的人，而灵感之笔却描述他是毫无过失的。他所办理的事务，虽经他的仇敌仔细查究，也找不到一点差错。他是每一办理事务之人的榜样，显明一个人的心意若重生而奉献给主，动机在上帝看为纯正，便能达到何等的地步。[23]{PK 546.1}
§49
The experience of Daniel as a statesman in the kingdoms of Babylon and Medo-Persia reveals the truth that a businessman is not necessarily a designing, policy man, but that he may be a man instructed by God at every step. Daniel, the prime minister of the greatest of earthly kingdoms, was at the same time a prophet of God, receiving the light of heavenly inspiration. A man of like passions as ourselves, the pen of inspiration describes him as without fault. His business transactions, when subjected to the closest scrutiny of his enemies, were found to be without one flaw. He was an example of what every businessman may become when his heart is converted and consecrated, and when his motives are right in the sight of God.{PK 546.1}[23]
§50
严格遵从上天的要求，不但导致属灵的、同时也导致属世的福分。但以理坚定不移地效忠上帝，而不屈从自我的操纵，凭着他那高贵的尊严和刚毅的正直，就在青年的时候，便博得照管他的外邦官长的“恩惠……怜悯。”（但1:9）他晚年的生活也表现了同样的特质。他的地位扶摇直上，终至成为巴比伦国的首相。他历经几个继起君王的统治，邦国的倾覆，和另一世界性帝国的兴起，他的智慧与政治才能，他的机智，他的礼貌，他心地的真诚良善，以及他的忠于原则，都是如此完美，甚至连他的仇敌也不得不承认，他们“找不着他的错误过失，因他忠心办事，毫无错误过失。”[24]{PK 546.2}
§51
Strict compliance with the requirements of Heaven brings temporal as well as spiritual blessings. Unwavering in his allegiance to God, unyielding in his mastery of self, Daniel, by his noble dignity and unswerving integrity, while yet a young man, won the favor and tender love of the heathen officer in whose charge he had been placed. Daniel 1:9. The same characteristics marked his afterlife. He rose speedily to the position of prime minister of the kingdom of Babylon. Through the reign of successive monarchs, the downfall of the nation, and the establishment of another world empire, such were his wisdom and statesmanship, so perfect his tact, his courtesy, his genuine goodness of heart, his fidelity to principle, that even his enemies were forced to the confession that they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful. {PK 546.2}[24]
§52
但以理一方面受人的尊敬而授予处理国务的要责，并得以参与统治天下之大帝国的机密，同时也为上帝所重视而作他的特使，得蒙赐予许多有关未来世代之奥秘的启示。他所记在但以理书第七至第十二章的奇奥预言，连先知自己也不完全了解，但他在一生工作结束之前，已得到有福的保证：“到了末期”就是这世界历史结束的时候，他必再蒙允许“起来，”享受他的福分和地位。他并未获准明白上帝所启示的全部神圣旨意。关于他所写的预言书，他得蒙指示说：“要隐藏这话，封闭这书，”这些书要被封闭，“直到末时。”天使再度指示这个耶和华的忠心使者说：“但以理啊，你只管去；因为这话已经隐藏封闭，直到末时。……你且去等候结局；因为你必安歇，到了末期，你必起来，享受你的福分。”（但12:4,9,13）[25]{PK 547.1}
§53
Honored by men with the responsibilities of state and with the secrets of kingdoms bearing universal sway, Daniel was honored by God as His ambassador, and was given many revelations of the mysteries of ages to come. His wonderful prophecies, as recorded by him in chapters 7 to 12 of the book bearing his name, were not fully understood even by the prophet himself; but before his life labors closed, he was given the blessed assurance that at the end of the days--in the closing period of this worlds history--he would again be permitted to stand in his lot and place. It was not given him to understand all that God had revealed of the divine purpose. Shut up the words, and seal the book, he was directed concerning his prophetic writings; these were to be sealed even to the time of the end. Go thy way, Daniel, the angel once more directed the faithful messenger of Jehovah; for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. . . . Go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. Daniel 12:4, 9, 13.{PK 547.1}[25]
§54
当我们临近这世界历史的末叶时，我们需要特别注意但以理所记载的，与我们现今这个时代有关的各项预言。这些预言应与新约《圣经》最后一卷的教训连结起来。撒但已经诱使许多人相信但以理和启示录作者约翰的书卷是无法了解的。但这应许是很清楚的，研究这些预言必有特别的福分伴随着。有话论到但以理所见到的、那些将在以后的日子要启明的异象说：“智慧人能明白。”（但12:10）至于基督所赐给他仆人约翰为指引上帝各世代子民的启示，则有应许说：“念这书上预言的，和那些听见又遵守其中所记载的，都是有福的。”（启1:3）[26]{PK 547.2}
§55
As we near the close of this worlds history, the prophecies recorded by Daniel demand our special attention, as they relate to the very time in which we are living. With them should be linked the teachings of the last book of the New Testament Scriptures. Satan has led many to believe that the prophetic portions of the writings of Daniel and of John the revelator cannot be understood. But the promise is plain that special blessing will accompany the study of these prophecies. The wise shall understand (verse 10), was spoken of the visions of Daniel that were to be unsealed in the latter days; and of the revelation that Christ gave to His servant John for the guidance of Gods people all through the centuries, the promise is, Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein. Revelation 1:3.{PK 547.2}[26]
§56
我们需要从但以理和启示录两书所阐明的邦国兴亡史中，明白仅有外表和属世的荣耀该是多么地无价值。巴比伦及其空前绝后的一切权势与荣美，这种权势与荣美在当时的人看来，似乎是十分稳固而持久的，已是何等彻底消逝了啊！它已像“草上的花”那样衰残了。随之而兴起的玛代波斯、希腊、与罗马等帝国也都一样地消亡。而一切不以上帝为基础的都必如此消灭。唯有完全符合他旨意而表现他品德的，才能永远长存。世上唯一永不变易的事物，就是他的原则。[27]{PK 548.1}
§57
From the rise and fall of nations as made plain in the books of Daniel and the Revelation, we need to learn how worthless is mere outward and worldly glory. Babylon, with all its power and magnificence, the like of which our world has never since beheld,--power and magnificence which to the people of that day seemed so stable and enduring,--how completely has it passed away! As the flower of the grass, it has perished. James 1:10. So perished the Medo-Persian kingdom, and the kingdoms of Grecia and Rome. And so perishes all that has not God for its foundation. Only that which is bound up with His purpose, and expresses His character, can endure. His principles are the only steadfast things our world knows.{PK 548.1}[27]
§58
仔细研究上帝的旨意如何在各国历史和有关未来之事的启示中逐步实现，足以帮助我们得就一切能见和不能见的事物之真正价值而作估计，并明白何为人生的真正目的。如此，我们既根据永恒的观点而观察一切暂时的事物，便可像但以理和他的同伴一样，为那真实、高贵、永恒的事物而生活。我们要在今生学习我们主救主的国度、就是那存在永永远远的幸福国度的原则，俾能准备妥当而在他复临时与他一同承受这个国度。[28]{PK 548.2}
§59
A careful study of the working out of Gods purpose in the history of nations and in the revelation of things to come, will help us to estimate at their true value things seen and things unseen, and to learn what is the true aim of life. Thus, viewing the things of time in the light of eternity, we may, like Daniel and his fellows, live for that which is true and noble and enduring. And learning in this life the principles of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, that blessed kingdom which is to endure for ever and ever, we may be prepared at His coming to enter with Him into its possession.{PK 548.2}[28]