第13章 雅各和以扫
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第13章 雅各和以扫
§2
Chap. 13—Jacob and Esau
§3
上帝从起初就看明末后的事。祂在雅各和以扫尚未出世之前，就知道他们二人将要发展怎样的品格。祂知道以扫不会有顺从上帝的心。祂答复了利百加苦恼的祈祷，并告知她将要生两个孩子，而且大的将要服事小的。上帝将她两个儿子未来的历史向她指明，说他们将要成为两国，这国大于那国，而且将来大的要服事小的。那时长子享有独特的利益和特权，是家属中其他成员所没有的。{3SG 113.1}[1]
§4
God knows the end from the beginning. He knew before the birth of Jacob and Esau, just what characters they would both develop. He knew that Esau would not have a heart to obey him. He answered the troubled prayer of Rebekah, and informed her that she would have two children, and the elder should serve the younger. He presented the future history of her two sons before her, that they would be two nations, the one greater than the other, and the elder should serve the younger. The first-born was entitled to peculiar advantages, and special privileges, which belonged to no other members of the family.?{3SG 113.1}[1]
§5
以撒爱以扫过于雅各，因为以扫常为他预备野味。他很喜欢以扫打猎野兽时所表现的英勇作风。雅各乃是母亲的宠儿，因为他性情温和，更能讨母亲的欢喜。雅各既已从他母亲那里听到上帝所告诉她，说大的要服事小的，因此他那幼稚的理解力便使他作出结论，认为只要以扫仍拥有长子所承受的特权，这个应许就不可能实现。有一次以扫从田野回来，因饥饿累昏了，雅各就利用这次机会从以扫的需要中得利，答应给他喝红豆汤，只要他肯放弃长子名分的一切权利；于是以扫就将他的长子名分出卖给雅各了。{3SG 113.2}[2]
§6
Isaac loved Esau better than Jacob, because Esau provided him venison. He was pleased with his bold, courageous spirit manifested in hunting wild beasts. Jacob was the favorite son of his mother, because his disposition was?mild, and better calculated to make his mother happy. Jacob had learned from his mother what God had taught her, that “the elder should serve the younger,” and his youthful reasoning led him to conclude that this promise could not be fulfilled, while Esau had the privileges which were conferred on the first-born. And when Esau came in from the field, faint with hunger, Jacob improved the opportunity to turn Esau’s necessity to his own advantage, and proposed to feed him with pottage, if he would renounce all claim to his birthright, and Esau sold his birthright to Jacob.?{3SG 113.2}[2]
§7
以扫娶了两个拜偶像的妻子，她们给以撒和利百加很大的烦恼。虽然如此，以撒却爱以扫过于雅各。他在想到自己快要死的时候，便请求以扫为他预备食物，以便在临死之前为他祝福。以扫没有告诉他父亲他已经起誓，将自己的长子名分卖给雅各了。利百加听到以撒的这些话，就想起了主的话说：“将来大的要服事小的，”而且她也知道以扫曾轻看自己长子的名分而将它卖给雅各了。她说服了雅各，叫他欺骗他的父亲，并用诡计领受他父亲的祝福，这福是她以为不能借任何其他方法得来的。雅各起先不愿意实行这样的骗术，但他终于同意了母亲的计谋。{3SG 114.1}[3]
§8
Esau took two idolatrous wives, which was a great grief to Isaac and Rebekah. Notwithstanding this, Isaac loved Esau better than Jacob. And when he thought that he was about to die, he requested Esau to prepare him meat that he might bless him before he died. Esau did not tell his father that he had sold his birthright to Jacob, and confirmed it with an oath. Rebekah heard the words of Isaac, and she remembered the words of the Lord, “The elder shall serve the younger,” and she knew that Esau had lightly regarded his birthright and sold it to Jacob. She persuaded Jacob to deceive his father, and by fraud receive the blessing of his father, which she thought could not be obtained in any other way. Jacob was at first unwilling to practice this deception, but finally consented to his mother’s plans.?{3SG 114.1}[3]
§9
利百加熟知以撒偏爱以扫，并确信即使讲理也决不至改变他的意向。她非但不信赖那位支配万事的上帝，反而劝服雅各去欺骗他的父亲，因而显明了她的缺少信心。雅各在这一件事上所采取的方针，原是上帝所不嘉许的。利百加和雅各理应等待上帝用祂自己的方法，并在祂所定的时间，实现祂的旨意，而不应借助于欺骗的手段来促进所预言的事。即或以扫承受了他父亲的祝福，就是那给予长子的福分，但他的兴盛也只能从上帝而来；而且祂必定根据他的行为，或赐福给他，使他兴盛，或使他遭遇不幸。如果他象义人亚伯一样敬爱上帝，他就必得蒙上帝的悦纳和赐福，万一他象作恶的该隐一样，既不尊敬上帝，也不尊重祂的诫命，却随从自己败坏的行径，他就不能从上帝领受什么福惠，却要象该隐一样，被上帝弃绝。如果雅各的行为是公义的，如果他敬爱上帝，他就必蒙上帝赐福，而且上帝使人兴盛的手必与他同在，即使他没有得到那通常赐给头生子的福分和特权仍是如此。{3SG 115.1}[4]
§10
Rebekah was acquainted with Isaac’s partiality for Esau, and was satisfied that reasoning would not change his purpose. Instead of trusting in God, the disposer of events, she manifested her lack of faith by persuading Jacob to deceive his father. Jacob’s course in this was not approbated by God. Rebekah and Jacob should have waited for God to bring about his own purposes, in his own way, and in his own time, instead of trying to bring about the foretold events by the aid of deception. If Esau had received the blessing of his father, which was bestowed upon the first-born, his prosperity could have come from God alone; and he would have blessed him with prosperity; or brought upon him adversity, according to his course of action. If he should love and reverence God, like righteous Abel, he would be accepted, and blessed of God. If like the wicked Cain he had no respect for God, nor for his commandments, but followed his own corrupt course, he would not receive a blessing from God, but would be rejected of God as was Cain. If Jacob’s course should be righteous; if he should love and fear God, he would be blessed of God, and the prospering hand of God would be with him, even if he did not obtain the blessings and privileges generally bestowed upon the first born.?{3SG 115.1}[4]
§11
利百加痛悔她所给予雅各的错误怂恿，因为这事竟使他与她永远分离了。他不得不为自己的性命而逃避以扫的愤怒，因此他母亲以后再没有见到他的面了。以撒为雅各祝福之后，还活了多年，他从以扫和雅各的行为上，确认那福份按理应归于雅各。{3SG 115.2}[5]
§12
Rebekah repented in bitterness for the wrong counsel which she gave to Jacob, for it was the means of separating him from her?forever. He was compelled to flee for his life from the wrath of Esau, and his mother never saw his face again. Isaac lived many years after he gave Jacob the blessing, and was convinced, by the course of Esau and Jacob, that the blessing rightly belonged to Jacob.?{3SG 115.2}[5]
§13
以扫出卖他的长子名分的事，代表不义的人认为基督为他们所施行的救赎没有什么价值，竟为必朽坏的财宝牺牲了他们的继承权。许多人受食欲控制，不愿克制不健康的食欲，而愿牺牲高尚和有价值的考虑事项。是要满足堕落的食欲，还是要上帝只应许给舍己和敬畏上帝之人的崇高属天的福气，若是必须放弃一个，食欲的叫嚣通常会得胜，象以扫的情况那样。为了满足自我，确实会藐视上帝和天国。就连自称基督徒的人也会喝茶、咖啡，吸鼻烟、抽烟、饮用烈酒，这些东西都是使出色的心灵敏感性麻木迟钝的。要是你告诉他们说他们不能既拥有天国又保持这些有害的放纵，他们应该克制自己的食欲，洁净自己脱离身体灵魂一切的污秽，敬畏上帝，得以成圣（林后7:1），就会得罪他们，他们就会显出难过的表情，下结论说，要是这条路窄到使他们不能放纵自己属肉体的情欲，他们就不愿再行在其中了。{3SG 116.1}[6]
§14
The circumstances of Esau’s selling his birthright represents the unrighteous, who consider that the redemption purchased for them by Christ of little value, and sacrifice their heirship to Heaven for perishable treasures. Many are controlled by their appetite, and rather than to deny an unhealthy appetite, will sacrifice high and valuable considerations. If one must be yielded, the gratification of a depraved appetite, or the high and heavenly blessings which God promises only to the self-denying and God-fearing, the clamors of appetite, as in the case of Esau, will generally prevail, and for self-gratification, God and Heaven will be virtually despised. Even professed Christians will use tea, coffee, snuff, tobacco and spirits, all of which benumb the finer sensibilities of the soul. If you tell them they cannot have Heaven, and these hurtful indulgences, and that they should deny their appetites, and cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh, and the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord, they are offended, look sorrowful, and conclude that if the way is so strait that they?cannot indulge in their gross appetites, they will not walk any longer in it.?{3SG 116.1}[6]
§15
败坏的情欲尤其会控制那些认为天国没有什么价值之人的心智，会使他们牺牲健康，削弱智力，为这些乐趣出卖天国，就象以扫出卖了他的长子名分一样。以扫是一个不计后果的人。他向雅各郑重起誓把长子名分卖给了他。这事记在经上乃是对他人的一个警告。当以扫获悉雅各得到了要是他没有贸然出卖就原本属于他的福气时，便大感哀伤。他后悔自己的轻率举动，想要补救已经为时太晚了。在上帝的日子，罪人的情形也要如此，他们牺牲了自己作天国后嗣的福气，为要满足自己和有害的私欲。那时他们必发现没有悔改的余地了，尽管他们可能会象以扫一样，流着泪小心寻求悔改的机会。{3SG 117.1}[7]
§16
Especially will the corrupt passions control the mind of those who value heaven of so little worth. Health will be sacrificed, the mental faculties enfeebled, and heaven will be sold for these pleasures, as Esau sold his birthright. Esau was a reckless person. He made a solemn oath that Jacob should have his birthright. This case is left on record as a warning to others. As Esau learned that Jacob had obtained the blessing which would have belonged to him, had he not rashly sold it, he was greatly distressed. He repented of his rash act, when it was too late to remedy the matter. Thus will it be with sinners in the day of God, who have bartered away their heirship to heaven for selfish gratifications, and hurtful lusts. They will then find no place for repentance, although they may seek it, like Esau, carefully and with tears.?{3SG 117.1}[7]
§17
雅各在他的婚姻关系上并不是幸福的。虽然他的两个妻子乃是姐妹。他和拉班订立婚约，原是要娶他的女儿拉结，因为拉结才是雅各所爱的。他在为拉结服务七年之后，拉班竟欺骗他，将利亚给了他。雅各既发现他已受骗，而且利亚在这骗局中也有一份，他就不能爱利亚。原来拉班一心想保留雅各作更长久的忠心服务，因此将利亚代替拉结给他，借此欺骗他。雅各责怪拉班如此玩弄他的感情，竟将他所不爱的利亚给他。拉班恳求雅各不可休去利亚，因为这事不但是对妻子，而且也是对全家的一种大耻辱。雅各的处境非常难堪，但他决定仍然保留利亚，同时也迎娶他的妹妹。但利亚所得的爱却始终远不及拉结。拉班在他对待雅各的事上自私自利。他只想到利用雅各的忠心劳动来使自己得利。雅各早就想离开狡猾的拉班，但他总害怕与以扫相见。他听见拉班的儿子们发怨言，说：“雅各把我们父亲所有的都夺了去，并借着我们父亲的，得了这一切的荣耀。雅各见拉班的气色向他不如从前了”（创31:1,2）。{3SG 117.2}[8]
§18
Jacob was not happy in his marriage relation, although his wives were sisters. He formed the marriage contract with Laban for his daughter Rachel whom he loved. After he had served seven years for Rachel, Laban deceived him and gave him Leah. When Jacob realized the deception that had been practiced upon him, and that Leah had acted her part in deceiving him, he could not love Leah. Laban wished to retain the faithful services of Jacob a greater length of time, therefore deceived him by giving him Leah,?instead of Rachel. Jacob reproved Laban for thus trifling with his affections, in giving him Leah, whom he had not loved. Laban entreated Jacob not to put away Leah, for this was considered a great disgrace, not only to the wife, but to the whole family. Jacob was placed in a most trying position, but he decided to still retain Leah, and also marry her sister. Leah was loved in a much less degree than Rachel. Laban was selfish in his dealings with Jacob. He only thought of advantaging himself by the faithful labors of Jacob. He would have left the artful Laban long before, but he was afraid of encountering Esau. He heard the complaint of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s, and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this glory. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban and behold, it was not toward him as before.”?{3SG 117.2}[8]
§19
雅各感到烦恼了。他不知应转向何方。他将情形禀告上帝，求祂指示。主慈怜地答允了他急难中的祈祷。“耶和华对雅各说：你要回你祖你父之地，到你亲族那里去，我必与你同在。”“雅各就打发人，叫拉结和利亚到田野羊群那里来；对她们说：我看你们父亲的气色向我不如从前了；但我父亲的上帝向来与我同在。你们也知道，我尽了我的力量服事你们的父亲。你们的父亲欺哄我十次，改了我的工价；然而上帝不容他害我。”雅各向她们述说上帝所给他的梦，指示他离开拉班到他亲族那里去。拉结和利亚对她们父亲的作风也表示不满。雅各既向她们详述拉班的不义，并建议离开他，拉结和利亚便对雅各说：“在我们父亲的家里还有我们可得的分么？还有我们的产业么？我们不是被他当作外人么？因为他卖了我们，吞了我们的价值。上帝从我们父亲所夺出来的一切财物，那就是我们、和我们孩子们的；现今凡上帝所吩咐你的，你只管去行吧”（创31:3-7；14-16）。{3SG 118.1}[9]
§20
Jacob was distressed. He knew not which way to turn. He carries his case to God, and intercedes for direction from him. The Lord mercifully answers his distressed prayer. “And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred, and I will be with thee. And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, and said unto them, I see your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. And?your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.” Jacob related to them the dream given him of God to leave Laban and go unto his kindred. Rachel and Leah expressed their dissatisfaction of their father’s proceedings. As Jacob rehearsed his wrongs to them, and proposed to leave Laban, Rachel and Leah said to Jacob, “Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us and hath quite devoured also our money. For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children’s; now then whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.”?{3SG 118.1}[9]
§21
古时的风俗是新郎要按照自己的经济能力给岳父一笔聘金。他若没有钱或贵重的东西，就可在娶妻之前为此工作一定的时间。这种风俗被认为是对婚约的一种保障。作父亲的不放心把女儿的幸福托付给没有为家庭经济作充分准备的人。他们若没有能力经营事业，积财置产，就可能没有多大出息。但真有价值的人却不应变得灰心，因有另一种方法试验那些无力筹备聘金的人。他们可以为所爱之女子的父亲作工，至于工作时期的长短，则根据所要聘金的多少而定。这样，婚姻就不会草率从事，也有机会可以试验求婚者爱情的深浅。如果求婚者忠于工作，并在各方面显着合格，他就可以娶那女子为妻；而且按着平常的习惯，父亲所收到的这笔聘金，要在结婚时给他女儿作为嫁妆。{3SG 119.1}[10]
§22
It was customary anciently for the bridegroom to pay a sum of money according to his circumstances, to the father of his wife. If he had no money, or anything of value, his labor was accepted for a stated length of time before he could obtain the daughter as his wife. This custom was considered a safeguard to the marriage contract. Fathers did not consider it safe to trust the happiness of their daughters to men who had not made sufficient provisions to take care of a family. If they had not ability to manage business, to acquire cattle or lands, they were afraid that their lives would be worthless. But that the truly worthy should not become discouraged, a provision was made to test the worth of those who had nothing of value to pay for a?wife. They were permitted to labor for the father whose daughter they loved. Their labors were engaged for a certain length of time, regulated by the value of the dowry required for their daughter. In doing this, marriages were not hasty, and there was opportunity to test the depth of the affections of the suitor. If he was faithful in his services, and was otherwise considered worthy, the daughter was given him as his wife. And generally all the dowry the father had received was given to his daughter at her marriage.?{3SG 119.1}[10]
§23
如今的父母儿女们所追求的做法有何等大的反差啊！许多不幸的婚姻都是因为太仓促了。两个人藉着在上帝面前极其严肃地宣誓而在婚姻的祭坛前利益与共，之前却没有权衡此事，花工夫冷静思考和恳切祈祷。许多人行事出于冲动。他们没有彻底了解彼此的性情，没有认识到他们整个一生的幸福危在旦夕。他们在这个问题上走错，婚姻确实不幸福，实在没什么可大吃一惊的。他们若发现自己并不打算使对方幸福，也必须尽量忍受。有时丈夫会太不关心供养家庭，他的妻子和儿女便要受苦了。如果依照古时的风俗，求婚者的能力在结婚之前先受试验，就可以避免许多痛苦不幸的事了。在拉结和利亚二人的婚事上，拉班自私地扣留了她们应得的嫁妆。她们曾提到此事说：“他卖了我们，吞了我们的价值”（创31:15）。{3SG 120.1}[11]
§24
What a contrast to the course now pursued by parents and children! There are many unhappy marriages because of so much haste. Two unite their interest at the marriage altar, by most solemn vows before God, without previously weighing the matter, and devoting time to sober reflection and earnest prayer. Many move from impulse. They have no thorough acquaintance with the dispositions of each other. They do not realize that the happiness of their whole life is at stake. If they move wrong in this matter, and their marriage life proves unhappy, it cannot be taken back. If they find they are not calculated to make each other happy, they must endure it the best they can. In some instances the husband proves to be too indolent to provide for a family, and his wife and children suffer. If the ability of such had been proved, as was the custom anciently before marriage, much misery would have been saved.?In the case of Rachel and Leah, Laban selfishly kept the dowry which should have been given to them. They have reference to this when they say, “He hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.”?{3SG 120.1}[11]
§25
雅各趁拉班不在，带了他的家眷和他一切所有的，离开了拉班。他行了三天的路程之后，拉班听说他已经离开了他，就十分恼怒。于是他就去追赶雅各，决定要用武力把他带回来。但主却怜悯了雅各，在拉班即将追上他的时候，上帝在梦中吩咐他不可与雅各说好说歹。这意思是说，不可强迫他回去，也不可用诱骗的方法催迫他。及至拉班会见了雅各，便问他为什么背着他偷逃，又把他的女儿们带走，如同用刀剑掳去一般。拉班说：“我手中原有能力害你，只是你父亲的上帝昨夜对我说：你要小心，不可与雅各说好说歹”（创31:29）。于是雅各向拉班重述他过去对待他的刻薄行为，只讲求他自己的利益。他向拉班申辩自己与他同在时所有的正直作风，说：“被野兽撕裂的，我没有带来给你，是我自己赔上。无论是白日，是黑夜，被偷去的，你都向我索要。我白日受尽干热，黑夜受尽寒霜，不得合眼睡着，我常是这样”（创31:39,40）。{3SG 121.1}[12]
§26
In the absence of Laban, Jacob took his family, and all that he had, and left Laban. After he had pursued his journey three days Laban learned that he had left him, and he was very angry. And he pursued after him, determined to bring him back by force. But the Lord had pity upon Jacob, and as Laban was about to overtake him, gave him a dream not to speak good or bad to Jacob. That is, he should not force him to return, or urge him by flattering inducements. When Laban met Jacob, he inquired why he had stolen away unawares, and carried away his daughters as captives taken with the sword. Laban tells him, “It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt, but the God of your fathers spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.” Jacob then rehearsed to Laban the ungenerous course he had pursued toward him, that he had only studied his own advantage. He appeals to Laban as to the uprightness of his conduct while with him, and says, “That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night. Thus I was, in the day the drought consumed me, and the?frost by night, and my sleep departed from mine eyes.”?{3SG 121.1}[12]
§27
牧人的生活是勤劳细心的。他不得不昼夜看守羊群。野兽又多又猛，羊群和牛群若是得不到忠心牧人的守护，就会大遭蹂躏。雅各虽有许多仆人帮他看管拉班的许多羊群，可是他自己要负一切的责任。在一年的某些季节中，他必须亲自昼夜与羊群同在。在干燥的季节里保护它们不致渴死；在最寒冷的几个月中保护他们免被夜间的严霜侵害。他们的羊群还有被无原则的牧人们偷去的危险，那等牧人希望藉着偷盗邻舍的牲畜来肥己。{3SG 122.1}[13]
§28
A shepherd’s life was one of diligence. He was obliged to watch his flocks day and night. Wild beasts were common, and often bold, and would do great injury to flocks of sheep and cattle that were not guarded by a faithful shepherd. Although Jacob had a number of servants to aid him in tending the flocks owned by himself and Laban, yet the responsibility of the whole matter rested upon him. And in some seasons of the year he was obliged to be with the flocks himself, day and night, to protect them in the driest season of the year, that they should not perish with thirst; and in the coldest part of the season, to save them from becoming chilled with the heavy night frosts. Their flocks were also in danger of being stolen by unprincipled shepherds, who wished to enrich themselves by stealing their neighbor’s cattle.?{3SG 122.1}[13]
§29
牧人的生活是不断操心的生活。他若不是仁慈、勇敢、有毅力的人，就没有资格作牧人。雅各自己是牧长。他所雇的仆人是在他手下同作牧人的。牧长称这些人为仆人，他把羊群委托给他们照管，要是发现羊群没有处在兴旺状态，就严严地要他们交待。若是牲畜不见，牧长就要承受损失。{3SG 122.2}[14]
§30
A shepherd’s life was one of constant care. He was not qualified for a shepherd unless he was merciful, and possessed courage and perseverance. Jacob was chief shepherd, and had shepherds under him who were termed servants. The chief shepherd called these servants, to whom he intrusted the care of the flock, to a strict account if they were not found in a flourishing condition. If there were any of the cattle missing, the chief shepherd suffered the loss.?{3SG 122.2}[14]
§31
基督与祂子民的关系也是用牧人的比喻来说明的。在人类堕落之后，基督看到祂的羊处在可怜的状态，必要遭受灭亡，祂就撇弃了祂父家的尊贵和荣耀，好成为一个牧人，来拯救这些可怜迷失将亡的羊。祂动人的声音呼唤他们到祂的羊栏，那是盗贼不能插足的安稳的休养所；也是躲避炎热的庇护所，保护他们脱离凛冽寒风的蹂躏。祂对于羊群的照顾是不息不倦的。祂坚固软弱的，安慰受苦的，用膀臂聚集羊羔，抱在怀中。祂的羊爱祂。祂走在祂的羊前头，他们也听祂的声音，并且跟着祂。“羊不跟着生人，因为不认得他的声音，必要逃跑”（约10:5）。基督说：“我是好牧人。好牧人为羊舍命，若是雇工，不是牧人，羊也不是他自己的，他看见狼来，就撇下羊逃走；狼抓住羊，赶散了羊群。雇工逃走，因他是雇工，并不顾念羊。我是好牧人；我认识我的羊，我的羊也认识我”（约10:11-14）。{3SG 122.3}[15]
§32
The relation of Christ to his people is?compared to a shepherd. He saw, after the fall, his sheep in a pitiable condition, exposed to sure destruction. He left the honors and glory of his Father’s house to become a shepherd, to save the miserable, wandering sheep who were ready to perish. His winning voice was heard calling them to his fold, a safe and sure retreat from the hand of robbers; also a shelter from the scorching heat, and a protection from the chilling blasts. His care was continually exercised for the good of his sheep. He strengthened the weak, nourished the suffering, and gathered the lambs of the flock in his arms, and carried them in his bosom. His sheep love him. He goeth before his sheep, and they hear his voice, and follow him. “And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers.” Christ says, “I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.”?{3SG 122.3}[15]
§33
基督是牧长。祂将看顾祂羊群的责任委托给祂手下的牧人。祂要求这些牧人要有象祂所显示的关心，而且要始终感到所托付给他们的责任。蒙上帝所召劳苦传道教导人的传道人，乃是基督的牧人。祂已指定他们在祂手下看管照顾祂的羊群。祂曾严严地嘱咐他们要作忠心的牧人，殷勤地牧养群羊，效法祂的榜样，坚固那些软弱的，鼓舞那些沮丧的，并保护他们脱离豺狼的口。祂要祂的牧人以祂所显明的对祂羊群的爱为榜样。祂为了拯救祂的羊，曾舍去自己的性命。他们若是效法祂舍己的榜样，羊群就会在他们的照管之下兴旺起来。他们就会表现出比雅各更深切的关心，雅各忠心地牧养了拉班的牛羊。他们就会为了羊群的福利不断地工作。他们不会仅仅作雇工，耶稣论到雇工说，他们不特别关心羊群，在有危险或考验的时候就会逃跑撇下羊群。一个只为得工价才工作的牧人，只顾自己的好处，不断考虑自己的利益和安逸，而不考虑他所负责之羊群的幸福。{3SG 123.1}[16]
§34
Christ is the chief Shepherd. He has intrusted the care of his flock to under shepherds. He requires these shepherds to have the same interest for his sheep which he has?ever manifested, and to ever feel the responsibility of the charge he has intrusted to them. Ministers, who are called of God to labor in word and doctrine, are Christ’s shepherds. He has appointed them under himself to oversee and tend his flock. He has solemnly commanded these to be faithful shepherds, to feed the flock with diligence, to follow his example, to strengthen the weak, nourish the fainting, and to shield them from devouring beasts. He points them to his example of love for his sheep. To secure their deliverance, he laid down his life for them. If they imitate his self-denying example, the flock will prosper under their care. They will manifest a deeper interest than Jacob, who was a faithful shepherd over the sheep and cattle of Laban. They will be constantly laboring for the welfare of the flock. They will not be merely hirelings, of whom Jesus speaks, who possess no particular interest in the sheep, who in time of danger, or trial, flee and leave the sheep. A shepherd who labors merely for the wages he obtains, cares only for himself, and is continually studying his own interest, and ease, instead of the welfare of his flock.?{3SG 123.1}[16]
§35
彼得说：“务要牧养在你们中间上帝的群羊，按着上帝旨意照管他们；不是出于勉强，乃是出于甘心；也不是因为贪财，乃是出于乐意。也不是辖制所托付你们的，乃是作群羊的榜样”（彼前5:2-3）。保罗说：“圣灵立你们作全群的监督，你们就当为自己谨慎，也为全群谨慎，牧养上帝的教会，就是祂用自己血所买来的”（徒20:28）。{3SG 124.1}[17]
§36
Says Paul, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. Take heed therefore unto[17]
§37
凡自称为牧人，却觉得劳苦传道教导人、挑担子、和每一位忠心牧人都应该操心的事乃是一种讨厌工作的人，都是被使徒所责备的。“不是出于勉强，乃是出于甘心；也不是因为贪财，乃是出于乐意。”一切这样不忠心的牧人，牧长必不留用。上帝的教会是用基督的血买来的，每一个牧人都应当认明在他照管之下的羊群，是由无限牺牲代价所赎来的。他们在工作上应该勤奋，坚持不懈地努力保守羊群处在健康兴旺的状态。他们应该认为所委托给他们照管的羊群是无价之宝，并且认识到自己必要蒙召为所做的工作严严地交账。而他们若是忠心，就必得到丰富的赏赐。“到了牧长显现的时候，你们必得那永不衰残的荣耀冠冕”（彼前5:4）。{3SG 125.1}[18]
§38
yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”?{3SG 124.1}[18]
§39
雅各说：“我这二十年在你家里，为你的两个女儿服事你十四年，为你的羊群服事你六年，你又十次改了我的工价。若不是我父亲以撒所敬畏的上帝，就是亚伯拉罕的上帝与我同在，你如今必定打发我空手而去。上帝看见我的苦情，和我的劳碌，就在昨夜责备你”（创31:41,42）。{3SG 125.2}[19]
§40
All those professing to be shepherds, who feel that to minister in word and doctrine, and bear the burdens, and have the care which every faithful shepherd should have is a disagreeable task, are reproved by faithful Paul, “Not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.” All such unfaithful shepherds, the chief Shepherd would willingly release. The church of God is purchased with the blood of Christ, and every shepherd should realize that the sheep under their care cost a priceless sum. They should be diligent in their labor, and persevering in their efforts to keep the flock in a healthy, flourishing condition. They should consider the sheep intrusted to their care of the highest value, and realize that they will be called to render a strict account of their ministry. And if they are found faithful they will receive a rich reward. “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”?{3SG 125.1}[19]
§41
于是拉班向雅各保证，他很关心自己的女儿和她们的孩子们，所以决不致伤害他们。他建议双方订立和约。拉班说：“来吧，你我二人可以立约，作你我中间的证据。雅各就拿一块石头立作柱子。又对众弟兄说：你们堆聚石头；他们拿石头来堆成一堆，大家便在旁边吃喝”（创31:44-46）。{3SG 126.1}[20]
§42
Jacob says, “Thus have I been twenty years in thy house. I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle, and thou hast changed my wages ten times. Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now?empty. God hath seen mine affliction, and the labor of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.”?{3SG 125.2}[20]
§43
尽管拉班用诡计使雅各娶了两个妻子，他是知道多妻的坏处的。他很清楚是因为利亚和拉结的妒忌令她们把自己的使女给了雅各，造成了家庭关系的混乱，增添了她们自己的不幸。现在他知道女儿们将远远离开他，他无法再关照她们，于是他尽可能地要维护她们的幸福。他不让雅各再娶别的妻子，给自己和利亚、拉结带来更大的不幸。拉班又说：“我们彼此离别以后，愿耶和华在你我中间鉴察。你若苦待我的女儿，又在我的女儿以外另娶妻，虽没有人知道，却有上帝在你我中间作见证”（创31:49,50）。{3SG 126.2}[21]
§44
Laban then assures Jacob that he has an interest for his daughters and their children, that he could not harm them. He proposes to make a covenant between them. And Laban said, “Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee. And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar. And Jacob said unto his brethren, gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap, and they did eat there upon the heap.”?{3SG 126.1}[21]
§45
雅各在主面前严肃立约，决不另外娶妻。“拉班又说：你看我在你我中间所立的这石堆，和柱子；这石堆作证据，这柱子也作证据，我必不过这石堆去害你，你也不可过这石堆和柱子来害我。但愿亚伯拉罕的上帝，和拿鹤的上帝，就是他们父亲的上帝，在你我中间判断；雅各就指着他父亲以撒所敬畏的上帝起誓”（创31:51-53）。{3SG 127.1}[22]
§46
Laban understood the wrong of polygamy, although it was alone through his artifice that Jacob had taken two wives. He well knew that it was the jealousy of Leah and Rachel that led them to give their maids to Jacob, which confused the family relation, and increased the unhappiness of his daughters. And now as his daughters are journeying at a great distance from him, and their interest is to be entirely separate from his own, he would guard as far as possible their happiness. Laban would not have Jacob bring still greater unhappiness upon himself and upon Leah and Rachel, by taking other wives. And Laban said “The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives besides my?daughters; no man is with us; see God is witness betwixt me and thee.”?{3SG 126.2}[22]
§47
雅各继续行路的时候，上帝的天使出现在他面前，当雅各看见众天使时，他说：“这是上帝的军兵”（创32:2）。他在梦中看见了上帝的天使，在他四围安营。雅各给他哥哥以扫送去一个谦虚求和的信息。“所那打发的人回到雅各那里说：我们到了你哥哥以扫那里，他带着四百人，正迎着你来。雅各就甚惧怕，而且愁烦，便把那与他同在的人口，和羊群、牛群、骆驼，分作两队，说：以扫若来击杀这一队，剩下的那一队还可以逃避。{3SG 127.2}[23]
§48
Jacob made a solemn covenant before the Lord that he would not take other wives. “And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee; this heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm. The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.”?{3SG 127.1}[23]
§49
“雅各说：耶和华，我祖亚伯拉罕的上帝，我父亲以撒的上帝啊，祢曾对我说：回你本地本族去，我要厚待你。你向仆人所施的一切慈爱和诚实，我一点也不配得。我先前只拿着我的杖过这约但河，如今我却成了两队了。求祢救我脱离我哥哥以扫的手，因为我怕他来杀我，连妻子带儿女一同杀了。祢曾说，我必定厚待你，使你的后裔如同海边的沙，多得不可胜数”（创32:6-12）。{3SG 127.3}[24]
§50
As Jacob went on his way, the angels of God met him. And when he saw them, he said, “This is God’s host.” He saw the angels of God, in a dream, encamping around about him. Jacob sent a humble conciliatory message to his brother Esau. “And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; and said, if Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.?{3SG 127.2}[24]