属灵的恩赐_卷3E · 第15章约瑟和他的弟兄们

第15章约瑟和他的弟兄们

§1 第15章约瑟和他的弟兄们

§2 Chap. 15—Joseph and his Brethren

§3 约瑟听从他父亲的教训，也敬畏耶和华。他比他的弟兄们更能遵守他父亲公义的教训，他珍视父亲的教导，并以正直的心怀喜爱顺服上帝。他因他有些弟兄们的错行而伤心，因此谦虚地劝他们行义，放弃行恶。这只有激使他们反对他。他痛恨罪恶，以致不忍看见他弟兄们得罪上帝。他将这事向父亲禀明，希望借他的权威可使他们改善。这种揭露他弟兄们错行的事，激怒了他们反对他。他们已经看出父亲极其疼爱约瑟，因此嫉妒他。他们的嫉妒渐渐变成仇恨，终于引起了谋害。{3SG 138.1}[1]

§4 Joseph listened to his father’s instructions, and feared the Lord. He was more obedient to his father’s righteous teachings than any of his brethren. He treasured his instructions, and with integrity of heart, loved to obey God. He was grieved at the wrong conduct of some of his brethren, and meekly entreated them to pursue a righteous course, and leave off their wicked acts. This only imbittered them against him. His hatred of sin was such that he could not endure to see his brethren sinning against God. He laid the matter before his father, hoping that his authority might reform them. This exposure of their wrongs enraged his brethren against him. They had observed their father’s strong love for Joseph, and were envious at him. Their envy grew into hatred, and finally to murder.?{3SG 138.1}[1]

§5 上帝的使者在梦中指示约瑟，而他竟天真无邪地转告他的弟兄们：“我们在田里捆禾稼，我的捆起来站着，你们的捆来围着我的捆下拜。他的哥哥们回答说：难道你真要作我们的王么？难道你真要管辖我们么？他们就因为他的梦，和他的话，越发恨他。{3SG 138.2}[2]

§6 The angel of God instructed Joseph in dreams which he innocently related to his brethren. “For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.?{3SG 138.2}[2]

§7 “后来他又作了一梦，也告诉他的哥哥们说：看哪，我又作了一梦，梦见太阳、月亮、与十一个星，向我下拜。约瑟将这梦告诉他父亲，和他哥哥们，他父亲就责备他说：你作的这是什么梦？难道我和你母亲、你弟兄，果然要来俯伏在地，向你下拜么？他哥哥们都嫉妒他；他父亲却把这话存在心里”（创37:7-11）。{3SG 139.1}[3]

§8 “And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold I have dreamed a dream more; and behold, the sun, and the moon, and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. And he told it to his father, and to his brethren, and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and they brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.”?{3SG 139.1}[3]

§9 雅各表面上虽然对他儿子的两个梦显得漠不关心，但他自己既常在梦中蒙主指示，便相信主在以同样的方式教导约瑟。他责备约瑟为的是不让嫉妒约瑟的哥哥们发现他真正的感受。{3SG 139.2}[4]

§10 Jacob appeared to regard the dreams of his son with indifference. But he had been often instructed by the Lord in dreams himself, and he believed that the Lord was teaching Joseph in the same manner. He reproved Joseph that his true feelings might not be discovered by his envious brothers.?{3SG 139.2}[4]

§11 雅各的儿子们是牧人，在能找到最好牧场的地方牧放群羊。他们带着牲畜在各地游牧时，常走到离父家很远的地方，以致有时数月见不到他们的父亲。他既为他们感到担心，就派约瑟去看看他们是否安好。约瑟真诚地关心他的哥哥们，便到他父亲认为会找到他们的地方去找他们，他们却不在那里。有人遇见他在田野找哥哥们走迷了路，便指点他往多坍去。这对约瑟来说是很长的一段旅程，但他高兴地去了，因为他爱他的哥哥们，还希望解除父亲的担心。但他对哥哥们的爱和对父亲的顺从却得到了恶劣的回报。{3SG 139.3}[5]

§12 Jacob’s sons were shepherds, and fed their flocks where they could find the best pastures. In traveling from place to place with their cattle, they often wandered quite a distance from their father’s house, so that they did not see their father for several months at a time. In his anxiety for them, he sent Joseph to see if they were all well. With the true interest of a brother, Joseph searched for his brethren, where his father supposed he would find them, but they were not there. A certain man found him wandering in the field in search of his brethren, and directed him to Dothan. This was a long journey for Joseph. But he cheerfully?performed it, because he loved his brethren, and also wished to relieve the anxiety of his father. But he was illy repaid for his love to them, and obedience to his father.?{3SG 139.3}[5]

§13 “他们远远的看见他，趁他还没有走到跟前，大家就同谋要害死他，彼此说：‘你看！那做梦的来了。来吧！我们将他杀了，丢在一个坑里，就说有恶兽把他吃了。我们且看他的梦将来怎么样。’流便听见了，要救他脱离他们的手，说：‘我们不可害他的性命’；又说：‘不可流他的血，可以把他丢在这野地的坑里，不可下手害他。’流便的意思是要救他脱离他们的手，把他归还他的父亲”（创37:18-22）。{3SG 140.1}[6]

§14 “And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him; and we shall see what will become of his dreams. And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him, that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.”?{3SG 140.1}[6]

§15 约瑟一点儿没想到自己会遭遇什么，在疲倦地长途跋涉后满心高兴地走近他的哥哥们。约瑟的哥哥们粗暴地拒绝他。他向他们问候，他们却不回答。约瑟看到他们的怒容，心中的恐惧代替了欢乐。他出于本能地从他哥哥们面前退缩。他们则强行抓住他，用他过去劝戒他们的话嘲弄他，指控他把梦说出来是为了在父亲心目中高抬自己，好让他父亲爱他超过他们。他们控告他假冒为善。当他们发泄嫉妒的情绪时，撒但便控制了他们的心智，他们就毫无恻隐之心，一点儿也不爱自己的弟弟了。他们剥了他的彩衣，那是他父亲爱的记号，也是引起他们嫉妒的东西。{3SG 140.2}[7]

§16 Joseph, unsuspicious of what was to befall him, approached his brethren with gladness of heart to greet them after his long, wearisome journey. His brothers rudely repulsed him. He told them his errand, but they answered him not. Joseph was alarmed at their angry looks. Fear took the place of joy, and he instinctively shrank with dread from their presence. They then took hold of him violently. They taunted him with the admonitions he had given them in the past, accused him of relating his dreams to exalt himself above them in the mind of their father, that he might love him more than themselves. They?accused him of hypocrisy. As they gave utterance to their envious feelings, Satan controlled their minds, and they had no sense of pity, and no feelings of love for their brother. They stripped him of his coat of many colors that he wore, which was a token of his father’s love, and which had excited their envious feelings.?{3SG 140.2}[7]

§17 约瑟又累又饿，可是他们既不让他休息也不给他东西吃。他们抓住他，“把他丢在坑里；那坑是空的，里头没有水”（创37:24）。犹大一想到约瑟要在坑里慢慢饿死，就感到不安。他和其他的兄弟们有段时间似乎被一种邪恶的狂怒支配了。然而他们开始对无辜无助的约瑟完成他们邪恶的意图时，他们中有些人感到心神不宁了。他们以为看着约瑟死掉会有满足感，却毫无这种感觉。犹大首先表达了自己的感觉。“犹大对众弟兄说：‘我们杀我们的兄弟，藏了他的血，有什么益处呢？我们不如将他卖给以实玛利人，不可下手害他；因为他是我们的兄弟，我们的骨肉。’众弟兄就听从了他。有些米甸的商人从那里经过，哥哥们就把约瑟从坑里拉上来，讲定二十舍客勒银子，把约瑟卖给以实玛利人。他们就把约瑟带到埃及去了”（创37:26-28）。{3SG 141.1}[8]

§18 Joseph was weary and hungry, yet they gave him neither rest nor food. “And they took him, and cast him into a pit; and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.” As Judah thought of Joseph dying in the pit, suffering a lingering death by starvation, he was troubled. For a short time, he with others of his brethren, seemed to possess a satanic frenzy. But after they had begun to accomplish their wicked purposes to the helpless, innocent Joseph, some of them were ill at ease. They did not feel that satisfaction they thought they should have to see Joseph perish. Judah was the first one to express his feelings. “He said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh; and his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites, merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver, and they brought Joseph into Egypt.”?{3SG 141.1}[8]

§19 一想到自己竟要被卖为奴隶，约瑟就感到比死还可怕。他显出最深切的痛苦，挨个请求哥哥们的同情。有几个哥哥动了恻隐之心，却因怕被其余的人嘲笑而保持沉默。他们都以为自己已经走得太远，不可能悔改自己的行为了，因为约瑟会向父亲揭露他们，他们会因如此对待他非常喜爱的约瑟而令他极其恼怒。他们便硬着心苦待约瑟，他恳求他们为了父亲的缘故放了他，他们也不听，反而把他当作奴隶卖了。{3SG 141.2}[9]

§20 The thought of being sold as a slave was?more dreadful to Joseph than to die. He manifested the deepest anguish, and appealed first to one of his brethren, then to another, for compassion. Some of their hearts were moved with pity, but through fear of derision from the rest, kept silent. They all thought that they had gone too far to repent of their acts, for Joseph might expose them to their father, and he would be exceedingly angry with them for their treatment of his much-loved Joseph. They steeled their hearts against his distress, and would not listen to his entreaties for his father’s sake to let him go, but sold him as a slave.?{3SG 141.2}[9]

§21 流便曾离开弟弟们，免得他们获悉他要救约瑟的企图。他建议他们把他丢在坑里，并且计划再回来把他带给他父亲。“流便回到坑边，见约瑟不在坑里，就撕裂衣服，回到兄弟们那里，说：‘童子没有了。我往哪里去才好呢’”（创37:29,30）？他弟弟们便告诉他，他们已把约瑟卖了。{3SG 142.1}[10]

§22 Reuben went away from his brethren that they might not learn his purpose in regard to Joseph. He advised them to put him in the pit, and designed to return and take him to his father. “And Reuben returned unto the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit, and he rent his clothes. And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?” His brethren told him that they had sold Joseph.?{3SG 142.1}[10]

§23 “他们宰了一只公山羊，把约瑟的那件彩衣染了血，打发人送到他们的父亲那里，说：‘我们捡了这个；请认一认是你儿子的外衣不是’”（创37:31,32）？他们使父亲极其悲痛，描绘他儿子暴死必是被野兽撕碎了。他们没想到父亲的忧伤会那么深。他的儿女都设法要安慰他，他却不肯忍住悲伤。他向儿女们宣布，他“必悲哀着下阴间”（创37:35）。{3SG 142.2}[11]

§24 “And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood, and they sent the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their father, and said, This have we found; know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no.” They caused their father intense anguish, as he pictured to himself the violent death his son must have suffered by being torn in pieces by wild?beasts. His sons had not imagined that their father’s grief would be so deep. All his children tried to comfort him, but he refused to refrain from his grief. He declared to his children that he would go down into his grave mourning.?{3SG 142.2}[11]

§25 约瑟的哥哥们自以为稳妥地阻止了约瑟所做异梦的实现。但主却控制着时局，且使约瑟哥哥们的残忍行为导致了他们所努力要阻止的异梦的实现。{3SG 143.1}[12]

§26 Joseph’s brethren flattered themselves that they were taking a sure course to prevent the fulfillment of Joseph’s strange dreams. But the Lord controlled events, and caused the cruel course of Joseph’s brethren to bring about the fulfillment of the dreams which they were laboring to frustrate.?{3SG 143.1}[12]

§27 约瑟因与父亲分离而大感痛苦，而他最难过的就是想到他父亲的忧伤。但上帝没有遗弃约瑟，让他单独往埃及去。有天使为接纳他铺路。法老的内臣：护卫长波提乏，从以实玛利人手中把他买了来。耶和华与约瑟同在，使他顺利亨通，颇受主人的恩宠，甚至将他一切所有的都交给约瑟管理。“波提乏将一切所有的，都交在约瑟的手中，除了自己所吃的饭，别的事一概不知”（创39:6）。在当时看来，希伯来人为埃及人预备饮食，乃为可憎之事。{3SG 143.2}[13]

§28 Joseph was greatly afflicted to be separated from his father, and his bitterest sorrow was in reflecting upon his father’s grief. But God did not leave Joseph to go into Egypt alone. Angels prepared the way for his reception. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, bought him of the Ishmaelites. And the Lord was with Joseph, and he prospered him, and gave him favor with his master, so that all that he possessed he intrusted to Joseph’s care. “And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat.” It was considered an abomination for a Hebrew to prepare food for an Egyptian.?{3SG 143.2}[13]

§29 及至约瑟遭受试探要偏离正路，去干犯上帝的律法，并显示对主人不忠时，他坚定地抗拒了，并在他回答他主人妻子的话中显出敬畏上帝之卓越能力的明证来。他先提及主人对他的极大信任，竟将他一切所有的都交给他，然后惊呼说：“我怎能作这大恶，得罪上帝呢”（创39:9）？他决不肯因任何诱惑或威胁而偏离正道，践踏上帝的律法。及至他被诬告犯了卑鄙的罪行，他并没有因绝望而意志消沉。他自觉清白正直，因此依然信靠上帝。而且那位向来支持他的上帝也没有遗弃他。他竟被铁链捆锁，禁闭在幽暗的监狱中。然而上帝却转祸为福。他使约瑟获得司狱的恩待，不久他竟将所有的囚犯都交在他的手下。这是给以后各世代之人作榜样的一个实例。人们虽然可能遭受试探，但他们总要明白就在近处有一个避难所，如果他们没有得蒙保守，那必是由于他们自己的错。上帝必作他们随时的帮助，祂的灵必作盾牌。他们虽然被最剧烈的试探所包围，但总有能力的来源足供他们取用以便抵御。约瑟在道德品行方面所受的袭击该是何等地猛烈。它是从一位具有势力，而最可能诱惑人堕落的人那里来的。然而这一袭击是多么及时而坚定地加以抵抗了。约瑟不免因他的美德和正直而受苦，因那想要诱惑他堕落的女人竟向她所无法败坏的德行泄愤，以诬告他犯了邪恶的罪行，而仗势将他下在监里。约瑟竟因不肯放弃人格的完整而受苦了。他已将自己的名誉和利益都交在上帝的手中。他虽然一时遭受苦难，以备他日充任要职，但上帝仍然保全了那被邪恶的诬告者所毁谤了的名誉，而且后来又在祂自己所定的良好时机中使之获得光荣。上帝竟使监牢成为他擢升的途径。可见德行到时候终必获致其本身的报偿。约瑟护心的盾牌乃是敬畏上帝。这就使他对主人守正效忠，也忠于上帝。他藐视那会使他滥用主人信任的忘恩负义，尽管他主人可能决不会知道真相。他呼求上帝施恩相助，然后便与那试探人的作战。他高贵地说：“我怎能作这大恶，得罪上帝呢”（创39:9）？他得胜了。{3SG 143.3}[14]

§30 When Joseph was tempted to deviate from the path of right, to transgress the law of God, and prove untrue to his master, he firmly resisted, and gave evidence of the elevating power of the fear of God in his answer to his?master’s wife. After speaking of the great confidence of his master in him, by intrusting all that he had to him, he exclaims, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God.” He would not be persuaded to deviate from the path of righteousness, and trample upon God’s law, by any inducements, or threats. And when he was accused, and a base crime was falsely laid to his charge, he did not sink in despair. In the consciousness of innocence and right, he still trusted in God. And God, who had hitherto supported him, did not forsake him. He was bound with fetters, and kept in a gloomy prison. Yet God turned even this misfortune into a blessing. He gave him favor with the keepers of the prison, and to Joseph was soon committed the charge of all the prisoners. Here is an example to all generations who should live upon the earth. Although they may be exposed to temptations, yet they should ever realize that there is a defense at hand, and it will be their own fault if they are not preserved. God will be a present help, and his Spirit a shield. Although surrounded with the severest temptations, there is a source of strength to which they can apply and resist them. How fierce was the assault upon Joseph’s morals. It came from one of influence, the most likely to lead astray. Yet how promptly and firmly was it resisted. He suffered for his virtue and integrity, for she, who would lead him astray, revenged herself upon the?virtue she could not subvert, and by her influence caused him to be cast into prison, by charging him with a foul wrong. Here Joseph suffered because he would not yield his integrity. He had placed his reputation and interest in the hands of God. And although he was suffered to be afflicted for a time, to prepare him to fill an important position, yet God safely guarded that reputation that was blackened by a wicked accuser, and afterward, in his own good time, caused it to shine. God made even the prison the way to his elevation. Virtue will in time bring its own reward. The shield which covered Joseph’s heart was the fear of God, which caused him to be faithful and just to his master, and true to God. He despised that ingratitude which would lead him to abuse his master’s confidence, although his master might never learn the fact. The grace of God he called to his aid, and then fought with the tempter. He nobly says, “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God.” He came off conqueror.?{3SG 143.3}[14]

§31 人们在所要面临的种种陷阱面前，需要设下坚固可靠的防线。在这邪恶的世代中，许多人缺少上帝的恩典，以致往往在第一次进攻后，防线就被突破了。强烈的试探俘虏了他们。即使是在最败坏的影响之中，恩典的盾牌也能保护所有的人不被仇敌的试探所胜。藉着坚定的原则和不动摇的信靠上帝，他们高尚的美德就会发出光来。他们虽然被罪恶所包围，却不会在其美德和忠贞之上留下污点。如果他们象约瑟那样遭到诽谤和诬陷，天意就会支配仇敌一切的计谋，使他们受益。虽然他们暂时遭受恶意报复的屈辱，但上帝在祂自己所定的时间会把他们举得更高。{3SG 145.1}[15]

§32 Amidst the snares to which all are exposed, they need strong and trustworthy defenses on which to rely. Many in this corrupt age have so small a supply of the grace of God, that in many instances their defense is broken down by the first assault, and fierce temptations take them captives. The shield of grace can preserve all unconquered by the temptations of the enemy, though surrounded?with the most corrupting influences. By firm principle, and unwavering trust in God, their virtue and nobleness of character can shine, and, although surrounded with evil, no taint need be left upon their virtue and integrity. And if like Joseph they suffer calumny and false accusations, Providence will overrule all the enemy’s devices for good, and God will in his own time exalt as much higher, as for a while they were debased by wicked revenge.?{3SG 145.1}[15]

§33 约瑟在阴暗的牢狱中所作的工作，是为他最后享受荣华富贵作准备。上帝计划让他从试探、逆境和艰难之中获得一种经验，以便今后担任崇高的职务。{3SG 146.1}[16]

§34 The part which Joseph acted in connection with the scenes of the gloomy prison, was that which raised him finally to prosperity and honor. God designed that he should obtain an experience by temptations, adversity, and hardships, to prepare him to fill an exalted position.?{3SG 146.1}[16]

§35 约瑟被关在监狱里时，法老被两个臣子得罪了，就是膳长和酒政，便将他们投在约瑟所在的监牢里。“护卫长把他们交给约瑟，约瑟便伺候他们；他们有些日子在监里”（创40:4）。约瑟甚至在坐监的时候也使自己过了有益的人生。他堪作典范的操行、谦卑的举止和信实，使他获得了监牢里一切人等和在监狱工作之人的信任。他并没有花时间为他受到的不公正的控告悲哀，所受的诬告使他丧失了自由。一天早上，约瑟带饭给王的二臣，看到他们面带愁容，便亲切地询问说：“‘你们今日为什么面带愁容呢？’他们对他说：‘我们各人做了一梦，没有人能解。’约瑟说：‘解梦不是出于上帝吗？请你们将梦告诉我’”（创40:7,8）。于是酒政就对约瑟讲了他的梦，约瑟解释说，酒政会重得王的恩宠，象从前一样递杯在法老手中。酒政对这个解释感到很满意，立刻放心了。{3SG 146.2}[17]

§36 While he was confined in prison, Pharaoh became offended with two of his officers, the chief baker and the chief butler, and they were put in prison where Joseph was bound. “And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them, and they continued a season in ward.” Joseph made his life useful even while in prison. His exemplary conduct, humble deportment, and faithfulness, obtained for him the confidence of all in the prison, and those who were connected with it. He did not spend his time in mourning over the injustice of his accusers, which had deprived him of his liberty. One morning as Joseph brought food to the king’s?officers, he observed that they were looking very sad. He kindly inquired, “Wherefore look ye so sadly today? And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me them, I pray you” Then the butler related to Joseph his dream, which he interpreted, that the butler would be restored to the king’s favor, and deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand as he had formerly done. The butler was satisfied with the interpretation, and his mind was at once relieved.?{3SG 146.2}[17]

§37 约瑟告诉酒政说三天后他就不再是囚犯了。他很感激约瑟，因为约瑟对他表示关心并且善待了他，最重要的是给他解了梦，帮助他脱离了心中的极大痛苦。于是约瑟很动人地提到自己的被囚，并且恳求他说：“但你得好处的时候，求你记念我，施恩与我，在法老面前提说我，救我出这监牢。我实在是从希伯来人之地被拐来的；我在这里也没有做过什么，叫他们把我下在监里。膳长见梦解得好”（创40:14-16），便鼓起勇气说了自己的梦。他一说完自己的梦，约瑟就显得很难过。他明白这梦的可怕意义。约瑟具有仁慈的恻隐之心，然而他高尚的责任感使他对膳长的梦作出了真实而可悲的解说。他告诉膳长，他头上的三个筐子意思是三天。在他的梦里，飞鸟怎样来吃筐子里的食物，也必怎样在他被挂在木头上的时候来吃他身上的肉。{3SG 147.1}[18]

§38 Joseph told the chief butler that in three days he would be no more a prisoner. He felt very grateful to Joseph because of the interest he had manifested for him, and the kind treatment he had received at his hands, and, above all, for helping him when in great distress of mind, by interpreting his dream. Then Joseph, in a very touching manner, alluded to his captivity, and entreated him, “But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house; for indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good,” he took courage and made known his dream. As soon as he related his dream, Joseph looked sad. He understood its terrible?meaning. Joseph possessed a kind, sympathizing heart, yet his high sense of duty led him to give the truthful, yet sad, interpretation to the chief baker’s dream. He told him that the three baskets upon his head meant three days. And that, as in his dream, the birds ate the baked meats out of the upper basket, so they would eat his flesh hung upon a tree.?{3SG 147.1}[18]

§39 “到了第三天，是法老的生日，他为众臣仆设摆筵席，把酒政和膳长提出监来，使酒政官复原职，他仍旧递杯在法老手中；但把膳长挂起来，正如约瑟向他们所解的话。酒政却不记念约瑟，竟忘了他”（创40:20-23）。酒政忘恩负义了。他因约瑟鼓舞人心的解梦大感放心之后，以为自己若是重新得到王的恩宠，肯定会纪念被囚的约瑟，并向王求情的。他看到梦的讲解准确的应验了，可是他在自己的兴旺发达中竟忘了约瑟的苦难和被囚。忘恩负义被主视为极其严重的罪，虽然为上帝和人所憎恨，却天天有人在犯。{3SG 148.1}[19]

§40 “And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again, and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand; but he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.” The butler was guilty of the sin of ingratitude. After he had obtained relief from his anxiety, by the cheering interpretation of Joseph, he thought that he should, if brought again into the king’s favor, certainly remember the captive Joseph, and speak in his favor to the king. He had seen the interpretation of the dream exactly fulfilled, yet in his prosperity he forgot Joseph in his affliction and confinement. Ingratitude is regarded by the Lord as among the most aggravating sins. And although abhorred by God and man, yet it is of daily occurrence.?{3SG 148.1}[19]

§41 约瑟在阴暗的监牢里又留了两年。主赐给法老两个异梦。早上，王因无法明白这两梦而心神不安。他叫了埃及的术士和哲士来。王以为他们很快就会帮助他明白这两个梦，因为他们有能解决难题的好名声。王向他们讲了自己的梦，却大感失望，因为一切的术士哲士虽自夸有魔法有智慧，却解不了这两个梦。王越来越感到困惑痛苦。酒政看到王的急难，突然想起了约瑟，同时知道自己犯了健忘和忘恩负义的罪，“那时酒政对法老说：我今日想起我的罪来。”然后他对王讲了他和膳长各自做的梦使他们不安，就象如今王的梦令王不安一样，并说：“在那里同着我们有一个希伯来的少年人，是护卫长的仆人，我们告诉他，他就把我们的梦圆解，是按着各人的梦圆解的。后来正如他给我们圆解的成就了；我官复原职，膳长被挂起来了”（创41:12,13）。{3SG 148.2}[20]

§42 Two years longer Joseph remained in his gloomy prison. The Lord gave Pharaoh?remarkable dreams. In the morning the king was troubled because he could not understand them. He called for the magicians of Egypt, and the wise men. The king thought that they would soon help him to understand these dreams, for they had a reputation of solving difficulties. The king related his dream to them, but was greatly disappointed to find that with all their magic and boasted wisdom, they could not explain them. The perplexity and distress of the king increased. As the chief butler saw his distress, all at once Joseph came into his mind, and at the same time a conviction of his forgetfulness and ingratitude, “Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day.” He then related to the king the dreams which he and the chief baker had, which troubled them as the dreams which now troubled the king, and said, “And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew servant to the captain of the guard, and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams, to each man according to his dream he did interpret. And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was. Me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.”?{3SG 148.2}[20]

§43 对法老来说，离开他国中的术士哲士，转而去求助于一个希伯来仆人是可耻的。但他的学者和哲士既已令他失望，他如今便愿意屈尊接受一个奴隶的谦卑服务了，只要他心中的苦恼可以解除。{3SG 149.1}[21]

§44 It was humiliating to Pharaoh to turn away from the magicians and wise men of his kingdom to a Hebrew servant. But his learned and wise men failed him, and he now will condescend to accept the humble services of a slave if his troubled mind can obtain relief.?{3SG 149.1}[21]

§45 “法老遂即差人去召约瑟，他们便急忙带他出监，他就剃头，刮脸，换衣裳，进到法老面前。法老对约瑟说：‘我做了一梦，没有人能解；我听见人说，你听了梦就能解。’约瑟回答法老说：‘这不在乎我，上帝必将平安的话回答法老’”（创41:14-16）。{3SG 150.1}[22]

§46 “Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon; and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it; and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me; God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”?{3SG 150.1}[22]

§47 约瑟对王的回答显明他对上帝的坚强信心和谦卑倚靠。他谨慎地拒绝将能解梦的出众智慧的一切尊荣归于自己。他告诉王，他的知识并不比王所咨询的那些人多。“这不在乎我。”惟有上帝能解释这些奥秘。“法老对约瑟说：我梦见我站在河边，有七只母牛从河里上来，又肥壮又美好，在芦荻中吃草。随后又有七只母牛上来，又软弱又丑陋又干瘦，在埃及遍地，我没有见过这样不好的。这又干瘦又丑陋的母牛吃尽了那以先的七只肥母牛，吃了以后却看不出是吃了，那丑陋的样子仍旧和先前一样。我就醒了。{3SG 150.2}[23]

§48 Joseph’s answer to the king shows his strong faith and humble trust in God. He modestly disclaims all honor of possessing in himself superior wisdom to interpret. He tells the king that his knowledge is not greater than those whom he has consulted. “It is not in me.” God alone can explain these mysteries. “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river, and behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fat-fleshed and well favored; and they fed in a meadow; and, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor, and very ill-favored and lean-fleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness. And the lean and the ill-favored kine did eat up the first seven fat kine, and when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill-favored, as at the beginning. So I awoke.?{3SG 150.2}[23]

§49 “我又梦见一棵麦子，长了七个穗子，又饱满又佳美，随后又长了七个穗子，枯槁细弱，被东风吹焦了。这些细弱的穗子吞了那七个佳美的穗子。我将这梦告诉了术士，却没有人能给我解说。{3SG 150.3}[24]

§50 “And I saw in my dream, and behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good;?and behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them; and the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.?{3SG 150.3}[24]

§51 “约瑟对法老说：“法老的梦乃是一个。上帝已将所要做的事指示法老了。七只好母牛是七年，七个好穗子也是七年；这梦乃是一个。那随后上来的七只又干瘦又丑陋的母牛是七年，那七个虚空、被东风吹焦的穗子也是七年，都是七个荒年”（创41:17-27）。{3SG 151.1}[25]

§52 “And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one. God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years; the dream is one. And the seven thin and ill-favored kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.”?{3SG 151.1}[25]

§53 约瑟告诉王，将会有七个大丰年。样样作物都会大丰收。田园会比往年有多得多的收成。水果和谷类都会丰产。而这七个丰年之后紧接着便是七个荒年。赐下那七个丰年是叫人可以为要来的七个荒年作准备。“因那以后的饥荒甚大，便不觉得先前的丰收了。至于法老两回做梦，是因上帝命定这事，而且必速速成就。所以，法老当拣选一个有聪明有智慧的人，派他治理埃及地”（创41:31-33）。{3SG 151.2}[26]

§54 Joseph told the king that there would be seven years of great plenty. Every thing would grow in great abundance. Fields and gardens would yield more plentifully than formerly. Fruits and grain would yield abundantly. And these seven years of abundance were to be followed by seven years of famine. The years of plenty would be given that he might prepare for the coming years of famine. “And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following, for it shall be very grievous. And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice, it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.”?{3SG 151.2}[26]

§55 王相信约瑟所说的一切话，相信上帝与约瑟同在，并且深感他就是最适合奉派掌权管事的人。王没有因他是一个希伯来奴隶而藐视他。他看到约瑟具有一种卓越的精神。“法老对臣仆说：‘象这样的人，有上帝的灵在他里头，我们岂能找得着呢？’法老对约瑟说：‘上帝既将这事都指示你，可见没有人象你这样有聪明有智慧。你可以掌管我的家；我的民都必听从你的话。惟独在宝座上我比你大’”（创41:38-40）。{3SG 151.3}[27]

§56 The king believed all that Joseph said. He believed that God was with him, and was?impressed with the fact that he was the most suitable man to be placed in authority at the head of affairs. He did not despise him because he was a Hebrew slave. He saw that he possessed an excellent spirit. “And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art. Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled, only in the throne will I be greater than thou.”?{3SG 151.3}[27]

§57 约瑟虽被擢升为全国的宰相，然而他并没有忘记上帝。他深知自己是一个远离父兄居留异地的外人，这事常使他忧伤，但他坚信上帝的圣手在支配着他的行径，将他安置在重要的地位上，因此他不断地依靠上帝，忠心地克尽他作埃及全地宰相的职责。“七个丰年之内，地的出产极丰极盛，约瑟聚敛埃及地七个丰年一切的粮食，把粮食积存在各城里；各城周围田地的粮食都积存在本城里。约瑟积蓄五谷甚多，如同海边的沙，无法计算，因为谷不可胜数”（创41:47-49）。{3SG 152.1}[28]

§58 Although Joseph was exalted as a ruler over all the land, yet he did not forget God. He knew that he was a stranger in a strange land, separated from his father and his brethren, which often caused him sadness, but he firmly believed that God’s hand had overruled his course, to place him in an important position. And depending on God continually, he performed all the duties of his office, as ruler over the land of Egypt with faithfulness. “And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. And he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities, the food of the field which was round about every city, laid he up in the same. And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering, for it was without number.”?{3SG 152.1}[28]

§59 约瑟遍行埃及全地，发令建造巨大的仓房，用他清明的头脑和卓越的见识帮助为七个荒年储备粮食。埃及地的七个丰年终于结束了。“七个荒年就来了。正如约瑟所说的，各地都有饥荒；惟独埃及全地有粮食。及至埃及全地有了饥荒，众民向法老哀求粮食，法老对他们说：‘你们往约瑟那里去，凡他所说的，你们都要做。’当时饥荒遍满天下，约瑟开了各处的仓，粜粮给埃及人；在埃及地饥荒甚大”（创41:54-56）。{3SG 152.2}[29]

§60 Joseph traveled throughout all the land of?Egypt, giving command to build immense store-houses, and using his clear head and excellent judgment to aid in the preparations to secure food, necessary for the long years of famine. At length the seven years of plenteousness in the land of Egypt ended. “And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said, and the dearth was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. And Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you do. And the famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the store-houses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.”?{3SG 152.2}[29]

§61 迦南地的饥荒很大，雅各和他儿子们很不安。他们的粮食快要吃光了，对将来不知所措。他们很沮丧地彼此谈论说无法用粮食供养家人。缺乏和饥饿对他们虎视眈眈。雅各终于听到埃及王有奇妙的粮食储备；听说他在梦中蒙上帝指示，在荒年出现之前七年就开始为七个荒年大量储备粮食，还听说各国的人都去埃及籴粮。雅各便对儿子们说：“你们为什么彼此观望呢？我听见埃及有粮，你们可以下去，从那里为我们籴些来，使我们可以存活，不至于死。于是，约瑟的十个哥哥都下埃及籴粮去了。但约瑟的兄弟便雅悯，雅各没有打发他和哥哥们同去，因为雅各说：‘恐怕他遭害’”（创42:1-4）。{3SG 153.1}[30]

§62 The famine was severe in the land of Canaan. Jacob and his sons were troubled. Their supply of food was nearly exhausted, and they looked forward to the future with perplexity. They talked despondingly to one another in regard to being able to supply their families with food. Want and starvation stared them in the face. At length Jacob heard of the wonderful provisions which the king of Egypt had made; that he was instructed of God in a dream seven years before the famine to lay up large supplies for the seven years of famine which were to follow, and that all the countries journeyed to Egypt to buy corn. He said unto his sons, “Why do ye?look one upon another? And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt. Get you down thither, and buy for us from thence, that we may live, and not die. And Joseph’s ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt. But Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren, for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.”?{3SG 153.1}[30]

§63 雅各的儿子们与许多籴粮的人一起来向约瑟买粮，他们“脸伏于地，向他下拜。”约瑟认得他哥哥们，却装作不认识他们，向他们说些严厉话，问他们说：“你们从哪里来？”他们说：“我们从迦南地来籴粮。”约瑟想起从前所做的那两个梦，就对他们说：“你们是奸细，来窥探这地的虚实”（创42:6-9）。{3SG 154.1}[31]

§64 Jacob’s sons came with the crowd of buyers to purchase corn of Joseph, and they “bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.” And Joseph knew his brethren, but he appeared not to know them, and spake roughly unto them. “And he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan, to buy food. And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies. To see the nakedness of the land ye are come.”?{3SG 154.1}[31]

§65 他们向约瑟保证他们只是来埃及买粮的。约瑟又指控他们是奸细。他想知道他们是否仍旧有他与他们在一起时的那种傲慢的精神，并且渴望从他们得知一些他父亲和便雅悯的消息。他们在逆境中感到谦卑，受到约瑟的猜疑便显出了忧伤，而不是愤怒。他们向他保证自己不是奸细，只是一个人的儿子；说他们有兄弟十二人，最小的和他们的父亲在一起，有一个不在了。约瑟的父亲和便雅悯正是约瑟想听到消息的人。他表示怀疑他们所说的事是真的，告诉他们说他要证验他们，他们的小兄弟要不来，他们就不能离开埃及。他打算关押他们，直到他们中有一个人去把他们的兄弟带来，好验证他们的话是不是真的。他们若不同意这么做，他就会认他们是奸细。{3SG 154.2}[32]

§66 They assured Joseph that their only errand into Egypt was to buy food. Joseph again charges them with being spies. He wished to learn if they possessed the same haughty spirit they had when he was with them, and he was anxious to draw from them some information in regard to his father and Benjamin. They feel humbled in their adversity, and manifest grief, rather than anger, at the suspicions of Joseph. They assure him that they are no spies, but the sons of one man; that they are twelve brethren; that the youngest is then with their father, and one is not.?His father and Benjamin are the very ones Joseph wishes to learn in regard to. He professes to doubt the truthfulness of their story, and tells them he will prove them, and that they shall not go forth from Egypt until their youngest brother come hither. He proposes to keep them in confinement until one shall go and bring their brother, to prove their words, whether there was any truth in them. If they would not consent to this, he would regard them as spies.?{3SG 154.2}[32]

§67 雅各的儿子们不愿同意这种安排。派一个人到他们的父亲那里把便雅悯带来是需要时间的，他们的家人会因缺粮而受苦。此外，他们中谁愿意撇下弟兄们在监牢里，独自回家去呢？他怎能面对他父亲呢？他们见过父亲以为约瑟死了的时候所有的悲伤，他会觉得自己丧失了所有的儿子。他们在一起谈论这事时，约瑟听到了。他们还说，我们或许会丧命，或被卖为奴隶。要是一个人回到父亲那里把便雅悯带来，他也可能成为一个奴隶，而我们的父亲就必死无疑了。他们决定都留下来，一起受苦，而不给他们的父亲带来更大的忧伤，使他丧失他非常喜爱的便雅悯。{3SG 155.1}[33]

§68 The sons of Jacob felt unwilling to consent to this arrangement. It would require some time for one to go to their father, to get Benjamin, and their families would suffer for food. And then again, who among them would undertake the journey alone, leaving their brethren in a prison. How could that one meet his father? They saw his distress at the supposed death of Joseph, and he would feel that he was deprived of all his sons. As they conversed with one another in this manner, Joseph heard them. They said, further, It may be we shall lose our lives, or be made slaves. And if one go back to our father for Benjamin, and bring him here, he may be made a slave also, and our father will surely die. They decided to all remain, and suffer together, rather than to bring greater sorrow upon their father by the loss of his much-loved Benjamin.?{3SG 155.1}[33]

§69 被监禁的那三天对雅各的儿子们来说是痛苦悲伤的日子。他们反省了自己过去错误的行径，特别是他们待约瑟的残忍作为。他们知道，要是自己被定罪为奸细，是没法证明自己清白的，他们都会丧命或成为奴隶。他们怀疑他们中谁也不能努力使他们的父亲同意把便雅悯带来，因为他以为约瑟已经遭受了惨死。他们曾把约瑟卖为奴隶。他们担心上帝会惩罚他们，让他们做奴隶。约瑟考虑他父亲和他兄弟们的家人可能缺粮，并且确信哥哥们已经悔改了对待他的残忍行为，决不愿照他们曾对待他的对待便雅悯了。{3SG 155.2}[34]

§70 The three days of confinement were days of bitter sorrow with Jacob’s sons. They?reflected upon their past wrong course, especially their cruelty to Joseph. They knew if they were convicted of being spies, and they could not bring evidence to clear themselves, they would all have to die, or become slaves. They doubted whether any effort any one of them might make would cause their father to consent to have Benjamin go from him, after the cruel death, as he thought, Joseph had suffered. They sold Joseph as a slave, and they were fearful that God designed to punish them by suffering them to become slaves. Joseph considers that his father and the families of his brethren, may be suffering for food, and he is convinced that his brethren have repented of their cruel treatment of him, and that they would in no case treat Benjamin as they had treated him.?{3SG 155.2}[34]

§71 约瑟向哥哥们提出另一个建议。第三天他对他们说：“我是敬畏上帝的；你们照我的话行就可以存活。你们如果是诚实人，可以留你们中间的一个人囚在监里，但你们可以带着粮食回去，救你们家里的饥荒。把你们的小兄弟带到我这里来，如此，你们的话便有证据，你们也不至于死。”他们同意接受约瑟的这个建议；但彼此表示没什么希望会使他们的父亲同意把便雅悯与他们一同带回来。他们因恶待约瑟而自责和互相谴责。“他们彼此说：‘我们在兄弟身上实在有罪。他哀求我们的时候，我们见他心里的愁苦，却不肯听，所以这场苦难临到我们身上。’流便说：‘我岂不是对你们说过，不可伤害那孩子吗？只是你们不肯听，所以流他血的罪向我们追讨。’他们不知道约瑟听得出来，因为在他们中间用通事传话。约瑟转身退去，哭了一场，又回来对他们说话，就从他们中间挑出西缅来，在他们眼前把他捆绑”（创42:18-24）。{3SG 156.1}[35]

§72 Joseph makes another proposition to his brethren. And he said unto them the third day, “This do, and live; for I fear God. If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison. Go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses. But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die.” They agree to accept this proposition of Joseph; but express to one another little hope that their father will let Benjamin return with them. They accuse themselves, and one another, in regard to their treatment of Joseph. “And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother,?in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore behold also his blood is required. And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter. And he turned himself about from them, and wept, and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.”?{3SG 156.1}[35]

§73 约瑟选择捆绑西缅，因为他是挑事的人，且是残忍待他的哥哥们中的主犯。然后他指示要慷慨地供应给他哥哥们粮食，还要把他们每一个人的钱归还在他们各自的口袋里。他们悲哀地回乡了。当他们中的一个人打开口袋喂牲口时，发现了自己的钱，与他曾交给约瑟的数目一样。他便把这事告诉了弟兄们，他们就以为要出新的灾祸了，都很害怕，彼此说：这是上帝向我们做什么呢？我们应该认为这是耶和华善待我们的征兆呢，还是祂让这事发生要因我们的罪恶惩罚我们，便我们遭受更深的苦难呢？他们承认上帝已看到他们的罪恶，记下了他们的错行，现在正因他们的罪过报应他们。{3SG 157.1}[36]

§74 Joseph selected Simeon to be bound, because he was the instigator, and principal actor in the cruelty of his brethren toward him. He then directed that his brethren should be liberally supplied with provision, and that every man’s money should be placed in his sack. They pursued their homeward journey in sadness. As one of them opened his sack to feed his beast with provender, he found his money, just as he had brought it to Joseph. He told his brethren, and they considered that a new evil would arise, and they were afraid, and said one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us? Shall we consider this as a token of good from the Lord, or has he suffered it to occur to punish us for our sins, and plunge us still deeper in affliction? They acknowledge that God has seen their sins, and has marked their wrongs, and that he is now visiting them for their transgressions.?{3SG 157.1}[36]

§75 他们来到父亲雅各面前，便向他叙述了所发生的一切事，说：“那地的主对我们说严厉的话，把我们当作窥探那地的奸细。我们对他说：‘我们是诚实人，并不是奸细。我们本是弟兄十二人，都是一个父亲的儿子，有一个没有了，顶小的如今同我们的父亲在迦南地’”（创42:30-32）。他们告诉父亲说，他不肯相信他们的话，还说，要是你们不是奸细，就把你们的一个兄弟留在我这里，把粮食带给你们的家人；你们再来时要把你们最小的兄弟带来，那时我就会释放你们被捆绑的兄弟，你们就可在这地自由买卖了。{3SG 158.1}[37]

§76 When they came to their father Jacob they related to him all that had transpired, and said, “The man who is the Lord of the land, spake roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country. And we said unto him, We are true men; we are no spies. We be twelve brethren, sons of our father; one is not, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan.” They told their father that he would not believe their word, and said, If ye are not spies, leave one of your brethren with me, and take food for your households; and when ye come again bring your youngest brother, and then I will release you your brother that is bound, and ye shall be at liberty to trade in the land.?{3SG 158.1}[37]

§77 他们倒空口袋时，发现各人的钱都在自己的口袋里，便都感到惧怕。雅各感到哀伤，对他们说：“你们使我丧失我的儿子：约瑟没有了，西缅也没有了，你们又要将便雅悯带去；这些事都归到我身上了。”流便向父亲保证说，他若愿意把便雅悯交给他照管，他就一定把他带回来还给父亲；否则，他可以杀他的两个儿子。这种冒失话一点也不能安慰雅各的心。他说：“我的儿子不可与你们一同下去；他哥哥死了，只剩下他，他若在你们所行的路上遭害，那便是你们使我白发苍苍、悲悲惨惨地下阴间去了”（创42:35-38）。{3SG 158.2}[38]

§78 As they emptied their sacks, every man’s money was found in his sack, and they were all afraid. Jacob was distressed, and said unto them, “Me have ye bereaved of my children; Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away. All these things are against me.” Reuben assured his father that if he would intrust Benjamin to his care, he would surely bring him again to his father; if not, he might slay his two sons. This rash speech did not relieve the mind of Jacob. He said, “My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone. If mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.”?{3SG 158.2}[38]

§79 雅各对便雅悯的爱强如母爱。他对损失约瑟表现出了极深的忧伤。然而缺粮压迫着雅各和他的孩子们，他们的家人需要食物。雅各要他的儿子们再到埃及去籴粮。犹大对他父亲说，便雅悯要是不跟他们一起去，他就不能下去；因为“那人谆谆地告诫我们说：‘你们的兄弟若不与你们同来，你们就不得见我的面’”（创43:3）。犹大向父亲保证，他愿为弟弟作保，要是父亲愿意打发便雅悯与他们一起去，他们就去，要是他没把便雅悯带回来，他情愿永远担罪。{3SG 158.3}[39]

§80 Jacob’s affections cling to Benjamin with?all the strength of a mother’s love. He shows how deeply he has felt the loss of Joseph. But want presses upon Jacob and his children, and their households are calling for food. Jacob requests his sons to go again into Egypt and buy food. Judah says to his father that he cannot go down unless Benjamin is with them; for “the man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.” Judah assures his father that he will be surety for his brother, that if he would send him with them they would go, and if he did not bring Benjamin back, he would bear the blame of it forever.?{3SG 158.3}[39]

§81 他告诉父亲，要是他们没有因父亲不愿打发便雅悯去而一直耽延，就能已经去了埃及又回来了。雅各感到被迫允许他儿子便雅悯与他哥哥们同去。他还送了礼物给那地的宰相，希望藉此得到他的恩待。他还指示儿子们要带上双倍的银钱，归还他们口袋里发现的钱；因为可能是放错了。他对他们说：“也带着你们的兄弟，起身去见那人”（创43:13）。{3SG 159.1}[40]

§82 He tells his father that while they had been lingering, because of his unwillingness to send Benjamin, they could have journeyed to Egypt and returned again. Jacob feels compelled to permit his son Benjamin to go with his brethren. He also sent a present to the ruler, hoping therewith to obtain his favor. He also directed his sons to take double money, and return the money found in their sacks; for it might have been placed there by mistake. He says to them, “Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man.”?{3SG 159.1}[40]

§83 当雅各的众子们正提心吊胆地准备上路时，他们年迈的父亲起来，站在他们中间，举手向天，恳求主与他们同去，并且向他们宣布了一个恩慈的祝福。“但愿全能的上帝使你们在那人面前蒙怜悯，释放你们的那弟兄和便雅悯回来。我若丧了儿子，就丧了吧”（创43:14）！{3SG 159.2}[41]

§84 As his sons were about to leave him to go on their doubtful journey, their aged father arose, and, while standing in their midst, raised his hands to heaven, and entreated the Lord to go with them, and pronounced upon them a gracious benediction. “And God?Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”?{3SG 159.2}[41]

§85 “于是，他们拿着那礼物，又手里加倍地带银子，并且带着便雅悯，起身下到埃及，站在约瑟面前”（创43:15）。及至约瑟看到便雅悯与他们在一起，便几乎忍不住爱弟之情。他吩咐人为弟兄们预备筵席与他一同吃饭。他们被领到约瑟的屋里时，感到很害怕，以为被叫来与他们算账，因为发现钱在他们的口袋里。他们认为这或许是故意放在那里，好有把柄强取他们为奴仆，以为他们被带到宰相的屋里就是要达到这个目的。他们设法与家宰交朋友，使他知道他们在自己的口袋里发现了银钱，担心宰相会严严地待他们，控告他们在这事上犯了错。他们告诉家宰说，他们已把口袋里所发现的银子足量带回来；另外又带了银子来籴粮，又加上一句说：“不知道先前谁把银子放在我们的口袋里”（创43:22）。{3SG 160.1}[42]

§86 “And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin, and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.” And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he could scarcely restrain his brotherly feelings of love. He gave direction to make preparation for his brethren to dine with him. When they were taken into Joseph’s house they were afraid that it was for the purpose of calling them to account, because of the money found in their sacks. And they thought that it might have been intentionally placed there for the purpose of finding occasion against them to make them slaves, and that they were brought into the ruler’s house to better accomplish this object. They sought to make friends with the steward of the house, and made known to him that they had found their money in the mouths of their sacks, fearing the ruler who had treated them so roughly, would accuse them of wrong in regard to the matter. They informed the steward that they had brought back the money found in their sacks, in full weight; also other money to buy food, and added, “We cannot tell who put the money in our sacks.”?{3SG 160.1}[42]

§87 “家宰说：‘你们可以放心，不要害怕，是你们的上帝和你们父亲的上帝赐给你们财宝在你们的口袋里；你们的银子，我早已收了。’他就把西缅带出来，交给他们”（创43:23）。家宰的话解除了他们的忧虑，他们便以为上帝确实照他们的父亲所恳求的恩待了他们。{3SG 160.2}[43]

§88 “And he said, Peace be to you, fear not; your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks. I had your?money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.” The words of the steward relieved their anxiety, and they thought God was indeed gracious unto them, as their father had entreated he would be.?{3SG 160.2}[43]

§89 当约瑟到家时，他的兄弟们便以他们父亲的名义献上礼物，又“俯伏在地，向他下拜。”“约瑟问他们好，又问：‘你们的父亲，就是你们所说的那老人家平安吗？他还在吗？’他们回答说：‘你仆人我们的父亲平安；他还在。’于是他们低头下拜。约瑟举目看见他同母的兄弟便雅悯，就说：‘你们向我所说那顶小的兄弟就是这位吗？’又说：‘小儿啊，愿上帝赐恩给你！’约瑟爱弟之情发动，就急忙寻找可哭之地，进入自己的屋里，哭了一场。他洗了脸出来，勉强隐忍，吩咐人摆饭”（创43:26-31）。{3SG 161.1}[44]

§90 When Joseph came home, his brethren gave him the present in the name of their father, “and they bowed themselves to him to the earth.” “And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive? And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads and made obeisance. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son. And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother, and he sought where to weep, and he entered into his chamber, and wept there. And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.”?{3SG 161.1}[44]

§91 约瑟并没有与他的弟兄们同桌吃饭，因为埃及人认为与希伯来人一起吃饭是可憎的事。约瑟在餐桌安排他弟兄们的位子时，从最年长的开始，按例遵照长幼的次序排列，好像他完全知道他们的年纪似的。他的兄弟们对约瑟的这个举动大感诧异，他们原以为他不可能知道他们的年纪。{3SG 161.2}[45]

§92 Joseph did not eat at the same table with his brethren, for the Egyptians considered it an abomination for them to eat bread with the Hebrews. Joseph placed his brethren at the table, as was customary when their ages were known, commencing with the eldest, according to his birthright, arranging them in order down to the youngest, as though he perfectly knew their ages. His brethren were astonished?at this act of Joseph, whom they thought could have no knowledge of their ages.?{3SG 161.2}[45]

§93 他在给每一个兄弟分食物时，给便雅悯的比别人的多五倍。他这么做不仅是要对他的弟弟便雅悯表示特别的关心，而且要试验他们，看他们是否对便雅悯怀有曾对他怀有的嫉妒情绪。他们以为约瑟听不懂他们的语言，便当着他的面自由地彼此交谈；所以约瑟有很好的机会了解他们的感情真相而不让他们知道。约瑟再次吩咐给他的兄弟们粮食，照着他们所能携带的给他们，并将他们银钱放回各人的口袋里，且将他的银杯放在最小的兄弟口袋里。当他的弟兄们出城时，约瑟便打发家宰去追上他们，问他们为什么以恶报善，偷了属于王的确实用来占卜的银杯。{3SG 162.1}[46]

§94 As he sent a portion of food to each of his brethren, he sent Benjamin five times as much as the others. He did this not only to show his particular regard for his brother Benjamin, but to prove them, and see if they regarded Benjamin with the same envious feelings they had him. They thought that Joseph did not understand their language, and were free to converse with one another in his presence; therefore Joseph had a good opportunity to learn the true state of their feelings without their knowledge. Joseph again commanded to provide his brethren with food, as much as they could carry, and to put every man’s money in his sack’s mouth, and to place his silver cup in the sack of the youngest. When his brethren were gone out of the city, Joseph sent his steward to overtake them, and inquire why they had rewarded evil for good, by taking the silver cup belonging to the king, whereby, indeed, he divineth.?{3SG 162.1}[46]

§95 君王和官长们有自己用来饮酒的杯子，那时代的人认为这样的杯确实能发现盛在其中的任何毒物。“他们回答说：‘我主为什么说这样的话呢？你仆人断不能做这样的事。你看，我们从前在口袋里所见的银子，尚且从迦南地带来还你，我们怎能从你主人家里偷窃金银呢？你仆人中无论在谁那里搜出来，就叫他死，我们也作我主的奴仆。’家宰说：‘现在就照你们的话行吧！在谁那里搜出来，谁就作我的奴仆；其余的都没有罪。’于是他们各人急忙把口袋卸在地下，各人打开口袋。家宰就搜查，从年长的起到年幼的为止，那杯竟在便雅悯的口袋里搜出来”（创44:7-12）。{3SG 162.2}[47]

§96 Kings and rulers had a cup from which they drank, which was considered a sure detective if any poisonous substance was placed in their drink. “And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my Lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing. Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks’ mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan. How then should we steal out of thy lord’s house silver or?gold? With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord’s bondmen. And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words. He with whom it is found shall be my servant, and ye shall be blameless. Then they speedily took down every man his sack to the ground, and, opened every man his sack. And he searched, and began at the eldest, and left at the youngest; and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.”?{3SG 162.2}[47]

§97 这个发现使大家都非常惊讶，弟兄们就撕裂了衣服，这在当时的风俗是表示他们的十分悲苦。便雅悯比哥哥们更加吃惊，不知所措。他们悲哀恐惧地回到城里，以为上帝的手正在因他们过去的罪恶而与他们作对。依照他们自己的承诺，便雅悯是注定要过奴隶的生活了。他们以为父亲所担心的事会完全实现。灾祸临到了父亲非常疼爱的便雅悯身上。{3SG 163.1}[48]

§98 At this discovery all were greatly surprised, and, to express their great distress, they rent their garments, which was the custom when in great affliction. Benjamin was more amazed and confounded than his brethren. They returned into the city sorrowful and afraid. They thought that the hand of God was against them for their past wickedness. By their own promise, Benjamin was appointed to a life of slavery. And the fears of their father they thought would be fully realized. Mischief had befallen his much loved Benjamin.?{3SG 163.1}[48]

§99 犹大曾保证要为便雅悯作保。“犹大和他弟兄们来到约瑟的屋中，约瑟还在那里，他们就在他面前俯伏于地。约瑟对他们说：‘你们做的是什么事呢？你们岂不知象我这样的人必能占卜吗？’”约瑟问这个问题是要引他的哥哥们承认他们过去的错行，好充分显露他们真实的情绪。他并没有自称有什么占卜的能力，而是愿意让他的哥哥们相信他能了解他们生活中的隐秘行为。犹大说：“我们对我主说什么呢？还有什么话可说呢？我们怎能自己表白出来呢？上帝已经查出仆人的罪孽了。我们与那在他手中搜出杯来的都是我主的奴仆”（创44:15,16）。犹大告诉弟兄们，上帝已经查出他们把弟弟卖到埃及的罪孽，如今正在报应他们，让他们也做奴仆。{3SG 163.2}[49]

§100 Judah had pledged himself to be surety for Benjamin. “And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph’s house; for he was yet there, and they fell before him on the ground. And Joseph said unto them, What deed is this that ye have done? Wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?” Joseph asked this question to draw forth from his brethren an acknowledgment of their past wrong course, that their true feelings might?be more fully revealed. He did not claim any power of divination, but was willing his brethren should believe that he could read the secret acts of their lives. “And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants. Behold, we are my lord’s servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found.” Judah told his brethren that God had found out their iniquity for selling their brother in Egypt, and was now returning upon them their transgressions, by permitting them to become slaves also.?{3SG 163.2}[49]

§101 约瑟不肯照犹大的话让他们都作奴仆。他说：“我断不能这样行！在谁的手中搜出杯来，谁就作我的奴仆；至于你们，可以平平安安的上你们父亲那里去”（创44:17）。犹大挨近约瑟，向他讲了他父亲不愿让便雅悯跟他们一起来埃及，还说他已保证为便雅悯作保，要是他不能把便雅悯带给父亲，他就要永远担罪。他动人地为他父亲的利益辩护，述说了父亲损失了约瑟的大悲伤，还说便雅悯是他母亲所留下惟一的儿子，而他母亲是父亲所深爱的，要是便雅悯与父亲分离，父亲就会死，因为他的命与这童子的命相连。然后犹大高尚地提出替他的弟弟作奴仆，因为便雅悯若不与他一起回去，他就不能见他的父亲。犹大说：“现在求你容仆人住下，替这童子作我主的奴仆，叫童子和他哥哥们一同上去”（创44:33）。{3SG 164.1}[50]

§102 Joseph refused to accept them all, according to the word of Judah, as bondmen. “And he said, God forbid that I should do so; but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.” Judah spoke with Joseph aside from the rest, and related to him the reluctance of his father to let Benjamin come with them to Egypt, and that he pledged himself to become surety for Benjamin, that if he brought him not to his father he would bear the blame forever. He eloquently plead in behalf of his father, relating his great grief at the loss of Joseph, and that Benjamin was all that was left of the mother which his father loved, and that if Benjamin should be separated from his father he would die, for his life was bound up in the lad’s life. Judah then nobly offered to become a slave?instead of his brother, for he could not meet his father without Benjamin was with him. Said Judah, “Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brethren.”?{3SG 164.1}[50]

§103 约瑟满意了。他已验证了哥哥们，且已在他们身上看到了悔改己罪的果子。约瑟深受感动，不能再隐瞒自己的感情了，就吩咐在旁侍立的人都出去，他好单独与他弟兄们同在。于是发泄了长久抑制的感情，放声大哭。“约瑟对他弟兄们说：‘我是约瑟。我的父亲还在吗？’他弟兄不能回答，因为在他面前都惊惶”（创45:3）。{3SG 165.1}[51]

§104 Joseph was satisfied. He had proved his brethren, and had seen in them the fruits of true repentance for their sins, and he was so deeply affected that he could not longer conceal his feelings, and requested to be left alone with his brethren. He then gave vent to his long-suppressed feelings and wept aloud. “And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph. Doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.”?{3SG 165.1}[51]

§105 他的弟兄们惊讶地不能回答他。他们实在不能相信埃及的宰相竟是他们所嫉妒、想谋杀、最终却满意地卖为奴隶的弟弟约瑟。他们痛苦地回想起恶待弟弟的一幕幕情景，特别是他们所藐视并努力阻止其实现的约瑟的两个梦。他们已在这两个梦的实现中扮演了自己的角色。依照那个梦，他们已再三向约瑟顿首。如今他们站在他面前，被定罪且惊愕莫名。{3SG 165.2}[52]

§106 His brethren could not answer him for astonishment. They could not really believe that the ruler of Egypt was their brother Joseph whom they had envied, and would have murdered, but finally were satisfied to sell as a slave. All their ill treatment of their brother painfully passed before them, and especially his dreams, which they had despised, and had labored to prevent their fulfillment. They had acted their part in fulfilling these dreams. Repeatedly had they made obeisance to Joseph, according to his dream. And now they stood before him condemned and amazed.?{3SG 165.2}[52]

§107 约瑟看出他哥哥们的窘态，便对他们说：“‘请你们近前来。’他们就近前来。他说：‘我是你们的兄弟约瑟，就是你们所卖到埃及的。’”他慷慨地尽量使他的弟兄们在这个场合感到自在。他一点不想责难他们，使他们更难堪。他感到他们已经因对他的残忍行为而受够了苦，便尽力安慰他们。他对他们说：“现在，不要因为把我卖到这里自忧自恨。这是上帝差我在你们以先来，为要保全生命。现在这地的饥荒已经二年了，还有五年不能耕种，不能收成。上帝差我在你们以先来，为要给你们存留余种在世上，又要大施拯救，保全你们的生命。这样看来，差我到这里来的不是你们，乃是上帝。他又使我如法老的父，作他全家的主，并埃及全地的宰相。你们要赶紧上到我父亲那里。对他说：‘你儿子约瑟这样说：上帝使我作全埃及的主，请你下到我这里来，不要耽延。你和你的儿子孙子，连牛群羊群，并一切所有的，都可以住在歌珊地，与我相近。我要在那里奉养你；因为还有五年的饥荒，免得你和你的眷属，并一切所有的，都败落了。’况且你们的眼和我兄弟便雅悯的眼都看见是我亲口对你们说话。你们也要将我在埃及一切的荣耀和你们所看见的事都告诉我父亲，又要赶紧地将我父亲搬到我这里来。”“于是约瑟伏在他兄弟便雅悯的颈项上哭，便雅悯也在他的颈项上哭。他又与众弟兄亲嘴，抱着他们哭，随后他弟兄们就和他说话”（创45:4-15）。{3SG 165.3}[53]

§108 As Joseph saw the confusion of his brethren, he said to them, “Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said?I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.” He nobly sought to make this occasion as easy for his brethren as possible. He had no desire to increase their embarrassment by censuring them. He felt that they had suffered enough for their cruelty to him, and he endeavored to comfort them. He said to them, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither, for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land, and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God; and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and Lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me Lord of all Egypt. Come down unto me, tarry not. And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou and thy children, and thy children’s children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast. And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty. And, behold your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.?And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither. And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck. Moreover, he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them, and after that his brethren talked with him.”?{3SG 165.3}[53]

§109 他们谦卑地承认自己过去对约瑟所犯的罪，恳求他宽恕。他们知道他还活着，心里十分高兴。自从他们卖了他以后，他们一直深深懊灰自责。现在他们得知自己没有流他的血，他们自责的心也就放下来了。{3SG 167.1}[54]

§110 They humbly confessed their wrongs which they had committed against Joseph, and entreated his forgiveness, and was greatly rejoiced to find that he was alive; for they had suffered remorse, and great distress of mind, since their cruelty toward him. And now as they knew that they were not guilty of his blood, their troubled minds were relieved.?{3SG 167.1}[54]

§111 约瑟高兴地饶恕了哥哥们，打发他们回去，大量供给他们粮食、车辆和父亲的家及他们自己的家搬到埃及来所需的一切东西。约瑟赠送给他弟弟便雅悯的东西比其他弟兄更为珍贵。他给他们送行的时候嘱咐他们说：“你们不要在路上相争。”他担心他们会发生纠纷，在对待他的残忍行为上彼此怪罪。他们高高兴兴地回到父亲那里，告诉他说：“‘约瑟还在，并且作埃及全地的宰相。’雅各心里冰凉，因为不信他们。他们便将约瑟对他们说的一切话都告诉了他。他们父亲雅各又看见约瑟打发来接他的车辆，心就苏醒了。以色列说：‘罢了！罢了！我的儿子约瑟还在，趁我未死以先，我要去见他一面’”（创45:26-28）。{3SG 167.2}[55]

§112 Joseph gladly forgave his brethren, and sent them away abundantly provided with provisions, and carriages, and every thing necessary for the removal of their father’s family and their own to Egypt. Joseph gave his brother Benjamin more valuable presents than to his other brethren. As he sent them away he charged them, “See that ye fall not out by the way.” He was afraid that they might enter into a dispute, and charge upon one another the cause of their guilt in regard to their cruel treatment of himself. With joy they returned to their father, and told him, saying, “Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not, And they told him all the words of Joseph.?which he had said unto them; and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived. And Israel said, It is enough. Joseph my son is yet alive. I will go and see him before I die.”?{3SG 167.2}[55]

§113 于是雅各的儿子们羞耻地向父亲供认了对待约瑟的邪恶行为，并且恳求父亲饶恕。雅各没有想到他的儿子们会犯这么残忍的罪。但他看出上帝已使万事都互相效力，为要叫他们得益处，所以他就饶恕了这些犯错的儿子，并为他们祝福。他心中快乐地上路了。当他来到别示巴时，便在那里献上了感恩祭，并且恳求上帝赐福他，使他知道祂是不是喜悦他们搬到埃及去。雅各希望有来自上帝的证据证明祂愿意与他们同去。“夜间，上帝在异象中对以色列说：‘雅各！雅各！’他说：‘我在这里。’上帝说：‘我是上帝，就是你父亲的上帝。你下埃及去不要害怕，因为我必使你在那里成为大族。我要和你同下埃及去，也必定带你上来；约瑟必将手按在你的眼睛上’”（创46:2-4）。{3SG 168.1}[56]

§114 Jacob’s sons then made their humiliating confessions to their father, of their wicked treatment of Joseph, and entreated his forgiveness. Jacob did not suspect his sons were guilty of such cruelty. But he saw that God had overruled it all for good, and he forgave and blessed his erring sons. He commenced his journey with gladness of heart, and when he came to Beersheba he offered grateful sacrifices, and entreated God to bless him, and make known to him if he was pleased with their moving into Egypt. Jacob wanted an evidence from God that he would go with them. “And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And he said, I am God, the God of thy fathers. Fear not to go down into Egypt, for I will there make of thee a great nation. I will go down with thee into Egypt, and I will also surely bring thee up again, and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.”?{3SG 168.1}[56]

§115 约瑟与他父亲相见是非常感人的。约瑟跳下车，跑去见他父亲，拥抱他，他们就伏在彼此的颈项上哭了许久。于是雅各表示他死也甘心了，因为他又见到了自己的儿子约瑟，他已为他悲伤了那么久，以为他死了。{3SG 168.2}[57]

§116 The meeting of Joseph and his father was very affecting. Joseph left his chariot, and ran to meet his father on foot, and embraced him, and they wept over each other. Jacob then expressed his willingness to die, since he?had again seen his son Joseph, for whom he had so long mourned as dead.?{3SG 168.2}[57]

§117 约瑟曾与他的兄弟们商议，要是法老问起他们的职业，就要坦率地告诉他是牧羊的，尽管这种职业被埃及人视为耻辱的。约瑟喜爱公义，敬畏上帝。他不希望自己的兄弟们遭受试探，所以不愿让他们参与王的特别侍奉，处在宫廷腐败的拜偶像的影响中。要是他们告诉王他们是牧羊的，王就不会想使用他们为他服务，为约瑟的缘故把他们晋升到尊贵的职位了。王既得知他们是牧羊的，便允许约瑟把他父亲和兄弟们安置在埃及国最好的地方。约瑟拣选了歌珊作合适的地方，那里有良好的牧场和水源。他们还可在那里敬拜上帝而不受埃及人各种拜偶像仪式的打扰。以色列人便住在歌珊地，直到上帝用大能的神迹和奇事把祂的子民带出埃及。{3SG 169.1}[58]

§118 Joseph counselled his brethren, that when Pharaoh should ask of their occupation, to tell him frankly that they were shepherds, although such an occupation was regarded by the Egyptians as degrading. Joseph loved righteousness, and feared God. He did not wish his brethren to be exposed to temptation, therefore would not have them in the king’s special services, amid the corrupting idolatrous influence at court. If they should tell the king that they were shepherds, he would not seek to employ them in his service, and exalt them to some honorable position for Joseph’s sake. When the king learned that they were shepherds, he gave Joseph permission to settle his father and his brethren in the best part of the country of Egypt. Joseph selected Goshen as a suitable place provided with good pastures, well watered. Here also they could worship God without being disturbed with the ceremonies attending the idolatrous worship of the Egyptians. The country round about Goshen was inhabited by the Israelites, until with power and mighty signs and wonders God brought his people out of Egypt.?{3SG 169.1}[58]

§119 约瑟把雅各带到法老面前，把他十分尊重的父亲介绍给王。雅各因王善待他儿子而为王祝福。“法老问雅各说：‘你平生的年日是多少呢？’雅各对法老说：‘我寄居在世的年日是一百三十岁，我平生的年日又少又苦，不及我列祖在世寄居的年日’”（创47:8,9）。{3SG 169.2}[59]

§120 Joseph brought Jacob before Pharaoh, and introduced his much honored father to the king. Jacob blessed Pharaoh for his kindness to his son Joseph. “And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou? And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of?my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years; few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.”?{3SG 169.2}[59]

§121 雅各对王说他平生的年日又少又苦，就是说，他见了许多烦恼，受了许多困苦，这些都缩短了他平生的年日。雅各的一生并不平稳安宁。他妻子们的嫉妒已带来一连串的祸患。有些孩子使他忧伤，使他的生活很痛苦。然而雅各的晚年就安宁多了。他的儿子们已经改过自新了。{3SG 170.1}[60]

§122 Jacob told the king his years had been few and evil. That is, he had seen much trouble, and suffered much perplexity, which had cut short his years. The life of Jacob had not been smooth and peaceful. The jealousy of his wives had brought a train of evils. Some of his children had grieved him, and made his life very bitter. But the last years of Jacob’s life were more peaceful. His sons had reformed.?{3SG 170.1}[60]

§123 雅各将要去世的时候，他的孩子们聚集在他周围，要领受他的祝福。他饶恕了儿女们不孝的行为，和他们对待约瑟的邪恶行为，那使他以为约瑟遭受了可怕的死亡，使他多年以来想起来就止不住悲伤。他最后一次对孩子们讲话时，主的灵停留在他身上，他就说出了远及他们将来的预言。他在圣灵的感动下把他们过去的生活和将来的历史摆开在他们面前，揭示了上帝对他们的旨意。他向他们说明，上帝绝不认可残忍或邪恶的行为。他从长子说起。流便虽然没有参与出卖约瑟的事，但在那事之前他就犯过令人忧伤的罪。他的行为是败坏的，因为他违背了上帝的律法。雅各发出关于他的预言说：“流便哪，你是我的长子，是我力量强壮的时候生的，本当大有尊荣，权力超众。但你放纵情欲，滚沸如水，必不得居首位”（创49:3,4）。{3SG 170.2}[61]

§124 As Jacob was about to die, his children gathered about him to receive his blessing, and to listen to his last words of advice to them. He forgave his children for all their unfilial conduct, and for their wicked treatment of Joseph, which had caused him many years of grief as he had reflected upon his supposed dreadful death. As he spoke with his children for the last time, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon him, and he uttered prophecies concerning them which reached far in the future. While under the spirit of inspiration he laid open before them their past life, and their future history, revealing the purposes of God in regard to them. He showed them that God would by no means sanction cruelty, or wickedness. He commenced with the eldest. Although Reuben had no hand in selling?Joseph, yet previous to that transaction he had grievously sinned. His course was corrupt, for he had transgressed the law of God. Jacob uttered his prophecy in regard to him. “Reuben, thou art my first-born, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power, unstable as water, thou shalt not excel.”?{3SG 170.2}[61]

§125 然后他发出了关于西缅和利未的预言，他们先是欺骗了示剑人，然后残忍报复地毁灭了他们。他们在谋害约瑟的事上也是最有罪的。“西缅和利未是弟兄；他们的刀剑是残忍的器具。我的灵啊，不要与他们同谋；我的心哪，不要与他们联络；因为他们趁怒杀害人命，任意砍断牛腿大筋。他们的怒气暴烈可咒；他们的忿恨残忍可诅。我要使他们分居在雅各家里，散住在以色列地中”（创49:5-7）。{3SG 171.1}[62]

§126 He then prophesied in regard to Simeon and Levi, who practiced deception to the Shechemites, and then in a most cruel, revengeful manner destroyed them. They were also the ones who were the most guilty in the case of Joseph. “Simeon and Levi are brethren, instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honor, be not thou united; for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce, and their wrath, for it was cruel. I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.”?{3SG 171.1}[62]

§127 雅各就这样对令他忧伤的几个儿子说出了灵感之言，把亮光摆在他们面前，使他们看清上帝是如何看待他们的暴力行为的，祂必要因他们的罪恶报应他们。他就其余的儿子所发的预言不是这么令人沮丧的。{3SG 171.2}[63]

§128 Jacob thus uttered the words of inspiration to his sorrowing sons, presenting before them the light in which God viewed their deeds of violence, and that he would visit them for their sins. His prophetic words in regard to his other sons were not as gloomy.?{3SG 171.2}[63]

§129 关于犹大，雅各的灵感之言就喜乐得多了。他以先知的慧眼看到了将来的许多年，直到基督降生，他说：“圭必不离犹大，杖必不离他两脚之间，直等细罗（就是赐平安者）来到，万民都必归顺”（创49:10）。{3SG 171.3}[64]

§130 In regard to Judah, Jacob’s words of inspiration were more joyful. His prophetic eye looked hundreds of years in the future to the birth of Christ, and he said, “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver?from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”?{3SG 171.3}[64]

§131 雅各为他多数的儿子预言了一个兴盛的将来。特别在预言到约瑟时，他的话令人心花怒放。“约瑟是多结果子的树枝，是泉旁多结果的枝子；他的枝条探出墙外。弓箭手将他苦害，向他射箭，逼迫他。但他的弓仍旧坚硬；他的手健壮敏捷。这是因以色列的牧者，以色列的磐石，就是雅各的大能者。你父亲的上帝必帮助你；那全能者必将天上所有的福，地里所藏的福，以及生产乳养的福，都赐给你。你父亲所祝的福，胜过我祖先所祝的福，如永世的山岭，至极的边界；这些福必降在约瑟的头上，临到那与弟兄迥别之人的顶上”（创49:22-26）。{3SG 172.1}[65]

§132 Jacob predicted a cheerful future for most of his sons. Especially of Joseph he uttered words of eloquence of a happy character. “Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well, whose branches run over the wall. The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him; but his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob. From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel. The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors, unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.”?{3SG 172.1}[65]

§133 雅各是一位慈爱的父亲。他对众子所说的话并不是他自己因为对他们的错误持有不饶恕的精神而说出来的。他饶恕了他们，爱他们到底。他在失去约瑟时深感哀伤，及至西缅被留在埃及时，他也显出忧伤，表示急切盼望孩子们能与西缅一同平安地从埃及回来。他对令他忧伤的儿女没有怨恨的情绪。然而上帝藉着预言之灵提升雅各的心智超越了他本性的情感。在他最后的时辰，众天使在他周围，上帝恩典的能力照在他身上，他的慈父情怀原会使他在临死时只说出慈爱的证言。但在灵感之下，他说出了实话，虽然这些话对他是痛苦的。{3SG 172.2}[66]

§134 Jacob was an affectionate father. The words he uttered to his children were not his, spoken because he had retained an unforgiving spirit on account of their wrongs. He had forgiven them. He had loved them to the last. He mourned deeply at the loss of Joseph, and when Simeon was retained in Egypt, he manifested grief, and expressed his anxious wish that his children should return safely from Egypt with their brother Simeon. He had no resentful feeling toward his sorrowing children. But God by the spirit of prophecy elevated the mind of Jacob above his natural feelings. In his last hours angels were all around him, and the power of the grace of?God shone upon him. His paternal feelings would have led him to only utter in his dying testimony expressions of love and tenderness. But under the influence of inspiration he uttered truth, although painful.?{3SG 172.2}[66]

§135 雅各死后，约瑟的哥哥们充满了忧闷悲伤。他们以为约瑟出于对父亲的尊敬才隐瞒了他的怨恨，如今父亲死了，他会因他曾在他们手中遭受的恶待报复他们。“约瑟的哥哥们见父亲死了，就说：‘或者约瑟怀恨我们，照着我们从前待他一切的恶足足地报复我们。’他们就打发人去见约瑟，说：‘你父亲未死以先吩咐说：“你们要对约瑟这样说：从前你哥哥们恶待你，求你饶恕他们的过犯和罪恶。”如今求你饶恕你父亲上帝之仆人的过犯。’他们对约瑟说这话，约瑟就哭了。他的哥哥们又来俯伏在他面前，说：‘我们是你的仆人。’约瑟对他们说：‘不要害怕，我岂能代替上帝呢？从前你们的意思是要害我，但上帝的意思原是好的，要保全许多人的性命，成就今日的光景。现在你们不要害怕，我必养活你们和你们的妇人、孩子。’于是约瑟用亲爱的话安慰他们”（创50:15-21）。{3SG 173.1}[67]

§136 After the death of Jacob, Joseph’s brethren were filled with gloom and distress. They thought that Joseph had concealed his resentment, out of respect for their father, and now that he was dead, he would be revenged for the ill treatment he had suffered at their hands. “And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin, for they did unto thee evil; and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face, and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not, I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.”?{3SG 173.1}[67]

§137 约瑟受不了他哥哥们以为他对他们怀有报复精神的想法。他是诚心爱他们的。{3SG 174.1}[68]

§138 Joseph could not bear the thought that his brethren should think that he harbored a spirit of revenge toward them whom he cordially loved.?{3SG 174.1}[68]

§139 约瑟象征着基督。耶稣曾到自己的地方来，自己的人倒不接待祂，因为祂的行为是义的。祂不断克己的生活，对于那些自命虔诚，实则败坏的人来说，是一种经常的遣责。约瑟的坚贞和美德受到了猛烈的攻击。波提乏之妻既不能令他就范，就对她所无法破坏的坚贞和美德产生强烈的仇恨，从而作伪证诬告他。无辜的约瑟就因他的义而受迫害，因他的美德而受监禁。约瑟曾被他的哥哥们以一小笔金钱卖给了外邦人。上帝的儿子也被祂的一个门徒卖给了祂最恶毒的敌人。耶稣既温柔又圣洁。祂的一生绝无仅有地体现了克己、善良和圣洁。祂没有犯罪。然而人们雇来了伪证人陷害祂。祂受人仇恨，因为祂忠实地斥责罪恶和腐败。约瑟的哥哥们曾剥掉他彩色的外衣。那些处死耶稣的人也拈阄分祂无缝的外衣。{3SG 174.2}[69]

§140 Joseph illustrates Christ. Jesus came to his own, but his own received him not. He was rejected and despised, because his acts were righteous, and his consistent, self-denying life was a continual rebuke upon those who professed piety, but whose lives were corrupt. Joseph’s integrity and virtue were fiercely assailed, and she who would lead him astray could not prevail, therefore her hatred was strong against the virtue and integrity which she could not corrupt, and she testified falsely against him. The innocent suffered because of his righteousness. He was cast into prison because of his virtue. Joseph was sold to his enemies by his own brethren for a small sum of money. The Son of God was sold to his bitterest enemies by one of his own disciples. Jesus was meek and holy. His was a life of unexampled self-denial, goodness and holiness. He was not guilty of any wrong. Yet false witnesses were hired to testify against him. He was hated because he had been a faithful reprover of sin and corruption. Joseph’s brethren stripped him of his coat of many colors. The executioners of Jesus cast lots for his seamless coat.?{3SG 174.2}[69]

§141 约瑟的哥哥们打算杀了他，但最终同意把他卖为奴隶，以防止他成为比他们大的。他们以为已经使约瑟处在不能再用他的梦烦扰他们、那些梦也不可能实现的地方了。但他们所采取的行径却被上帝用来导致他们计划决不应该发生的事——约瑟要统治他们。{3SG 174.3}[70]

§142 Joseph’s brethren purposed to kill him, but were finally content to sell him as a slave, to prevent his becoming greater than themselves.?They thought they had placed him where they would be no more troubled with his dreams, and where there would not be a possibility of their fulfillment. But the very course which they pursued, God overruled to bring about that which they designed never should take place—that he should have dominion over them.?{3SG 174.3}[70]

§143 祭司长和长老们也曾嫉妒基督，因为祂会吸引民众离开他们归向祂。他们知道祂在做比他们所做过的或所能做的更大的事；他们也知道要是继续让祂教导人，祂就会变得比他们更有权威，还可能成为犹太人的王。他们一致同意要阻止这事发生，要私下逮捕祂，雇用证人诬告祂，好定祂的罪，处死祂。他们不愿接受祂作他们的王，而是大声喊叫说：钉祂在十字架上！钉祂在十字架上！犹太人以为要了基督命就能阻止祂为王。然而藉着谋杀上帝的儿子，他们却导致了他们设法要阻止的事发生。约瑟藉着被他的哥哥们卖到埃及，成了他父亲全家的救星。然而这一件事并没有减轻他哥哥们的罪过。照样，基督被祂的敌人们钉死，使祂成了世人的救赎主，堕落人类的救星，全世界的主宰。但祂敌人们的罪依然是可憎的，犹如上帝的圣手没有为自己的荣耀和人类的益处掌管这事一样。{3SG 175.1}[71]

§144 The chief priests and elders were jealous of Christ, that he would draw the attention of the people away from themselves, to him. They knew that he was doing greater works than they ever had done, or ever could perform; and they knew that if he was suffered to continue his teachings, he would become higher in authority than they, and might become king of the Jews. They agreed together to prevent this by privately taking him, and hiring witnesses to testify falsely against him, that they might condemn him, and put him to death. They would not accept him as their king, but cried out, Crucify him! crucify him! The Jews thought that by taking the life of Christ, they could prevent his becoming king. But by murdering the Son of God, they were bringing about the very thing they sought to prevent. Joseph by being sold by his brethren into Egypt, became saviour to his father’s family. Yet this fact did not lessen the guilt of his brethren. The crucifixion of Christ by his enemies made him the Redeemer of mankind the Saviour of the fallen race, and ruler over the whole world. The crime of his?enemies was just as heinous, as though God’s providential hand had not controlled events for his own glory and the good of man.?{3SG 175.1}[71]

§145 约瑟与上帝同行。他决不因任何威迫利诱而偏离正路，干犯上帝的律法。当他为保持清白而被囚受苦时，他温顺地忍受，毫无怨言。他在逆境中的自制与忍耐，以及他那毫不动摇的忠贞，都已留下记录，加惠于后世一切生存在地上的人。当约瑟的哥哥们向他认罪时，他慷慨地饶恕了他们，并以宽厚仁爱的行为，显明他不因他们过去对待他的残酷作风而怀有丝毫恶感。救世主耶稣的生活乃是仁爱、良善和圣洁的模范。但祂却受藐视、被侮辱，遭人嘲笑和戏弄，不过是因为祂公义的生活，祂那样的生活对罪恶是一种经常不断的谴责。祂的敌人们不会感到满意，直到祂被交在他们手里，以便他们使祂遭受可耻的死。祂为有罪人类死了，而祂在遭受最残忍的折磨时，却温顺地饶恕杀害祂的人。祂从死里复活了，升到祂父那里，领受了一切的权柄和能力，便又回到地上来将之分赐给祂的门徒。祂把各样的恩赐赏给人。凡来到祂面前悔改认罪的人，祂都接纳，使之蒙恩，白白地赦免他们。他们若是保持对祂的忠心，祂就会把他们高举到祂的宝座，使他们作祂的后嗣，承受祂用自己的血所买来的基业。{3SG 176.1}[72]

§146 Joseph walked with God. He would not be persuaded to deviate from the path of righteousness, and transgress God’s law, by any inducements or threats. And when he was imprisoned, and suffered because of his innocence, he meekly bore it without murmuring. His self-control, and patience in adversity, and his unwavering fidelity are left on record of the benefit of all who should afterward live on the earth. When Joseph’s brethren acknowledged their sin before him, he freely forgave them, and showed by his acts of benevolence and love that he harbored no resentful feelings for their former cruel conduct toward him. The life of Jesus, the Saviour of the world, was a pattern of benevolence, goodness and holiness. Yet he was despised and insulted, mocked and derided for no other reason than because of his righteous life, which was a constant rebuke to sin. His enemies would not be satisfied until he was given into their hands, that they might put him to a shameful death. He died for the guilty race, and, while suffering the most cruel torture, meekly forgave his murderers. He rose from the dead, ascended up to his Father, and received all power and authority, and returned to the earth again to impart it to his disciples. He gave gifts unto men. And all who have ever come to him?repentant, confessing their sins, he has received into his favor, and freely pardoned them. And if they remain true to him, he will exalt them to his throne, and make them his heirs to the inheritance which he has purchased with his own blood.?{3SG 176.1}[72]

§147 以色列民原来并不是奴隶。他们始终没有象许多埃及人一样，为了粮食竟将自己的牲畜、田地、和自己本身卖给法老。他们曾因约瑟对国家的功劳，而得以领受一部分土地，以供居住和牧养牛羊之用。法老颇重视约瑟在料理国务，尤其是他在为那临到埃及的多年饥荒作准备时所表现的智慧。他认为全国的兴盛都应归功于约瑟明智的经营，因此为表示感激起见，他对约瑟说：“埃及地都在你面前，只管叫你父亲和你弟兄住在国中最好的地；他们可以住在歌珊地；你若知道他们中间有什么能人，就派他们看管我的牲畜。”“约瑟遵着法老的命，把埃及国最好的地，就是兰塞境内的地，给他父亲和弟兄居住，作为产业。约瑟用粮食奉养他父亲，和他弟兄，并他父亲全家的眷属，都是照各家的人口奉养他们”（创47:6,11,12）。{3SG 177.1}[73]

§148 The children of Israel were not slaves. They had never sold their cattle, their lands, and themselves to Pharaoh for food, as many of the Egyptians had done. They had been granted a portion of land wherein to dwell, with their flocks and cattle, on account of the service Joseph had been to the kingdom. Pharaoh appreciated his wisdom in the management of all things connected with the kingdom, especially in the preparations for the long years of famine which came upon the land of Egypt. He felt that the whole kingdom was indebted for their prosperity to the wise management of Joseph; and as a token of his gratitude he said to Joseph, “The land of Egypt is before thee. In the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell. In the land of Goshen let them dwell. And if thou knowest any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle. And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father’s household, with bread according to their families.”?{3SG 177.1}[73]

§149 埃及王没有向约瑟的父亲和弟兄征税，而约瑟反而享有特权，可以大量供给他们粮食。王对他手下的官长们说：我们岂不是因约瑟的上帝和他本人而得到这丰富的粮食供应么？我们之所以得有如此充足的存粮，岂不是由于他的智慧么？其他各地都濒于死亡，而我们却丰足有余！他的经营已经大大增进国家的财富。{3SG 178.1}[74]

§150 No tax was required of Joseph’s father and brethren by the king of Egypt, and Joseph was allowed the privilege of supplying them liberally with food. The king said to his rulers, Are we not indebted to the God of Joseph, and to him, for this liberal supply of food? Was it not because of his wisdom that we laid in so abundantly? While other lands are perishing, we have enough! His management has greatly enriched the kingdom.?{3SG 178.1}[74]

§151 “约瑟和他的弟兄，并那一代的人都死了。以色列人生养众多，并且繁茂，极其强盛，满了那地。有不认识约瑟的新王起来，治理埃及。对他的百姓说：看哪，这以色列民比我们还多，又比我们强盛；来吧，我们不如用巧计待他们，恐怕他们多起来，日后若遇什么争战的事，就联合我们的仇敌攻击我们，离开这地去了”（出1:6,10）。{3SG 178.2}[75]

§152 “And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty, and the land was filled with them. Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people, Behold the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we. Come on, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.”?{3SG 178.2}[75]

§153 这个新的埃及王听说以色列民对国家大有贡献。他们中间有许多技术卓越的工人，所以他不愿失去他们的劳动力。这个新王将以色列民和那班已将自己的牛羊、土地，连同自己都卖给国家的奴隶列在一起。“于是埃及人派督工的辖制他们，加重担苦害他们。他们为法老建造两座积货城，就是比东和兰塞。只是越发苦待他们，他们越发多起来，越发蔓延。埃及人就因以色列人愁烦。埃及人严严地使以色列人作工；使他们因作苦工觉得命苦，无论是和泥，是做砖，是作田间各样的工，在一切的工上都严严地待他们”（出1:11-14）。他们把以色列人的妇女当作奴隶，强迫他们在田间劳作。然而他们的人数并未减少。当国王和官长们看到他们不断增多时，他们便商议要强迫他们每天作定额的工作。他们想用苦工压制他们，并且因为不能减少他们的人数与摧毁他们独立的精神而感到恼怒。{3SG 178.3}[76]

§154 This new king of Egypt, learned that the children of Israel were of great service to the kingdom. Many of them were able and understanding workmen, and he was not willing to lose their labor. This new king ranked the children of Israel with that class of slaves who had sold their flocks, their herds, their lands and themselves to the kingdom. “Therefore?they did set over them taskmasters, to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure-cities, Pithom and Rameses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigor. And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service wherein they made them serve was with rigor.” They compelled their women to work in the fields, as though they were slaves. Yet their numbers did not decrease. As the king and his rulers saw that they continually increased, they consulted together to compel them to accomplish a certain amount every day. They thought to subdue them with hard labor, and were angry because they could not decrease their numbers, and crush out their independent spirit.?{3SG 178.3}[76]

§155 正因埃及人未能达到他们的目的，他们便硬着心肠要更进一步。王下令将所有的男孩一生下来就杀死。这个毒计的主动者乃是撒但。他知道将有一个救星从希伯来人中兴起，来解救他们脱离压迫，他以为他若能怂恿王杀绝男孩，上帝的计划就必失败了。但接生的妇女却敬畏上帝，并没有遵照埃及王所吩咐她们的去作，反而存留了男孩的性命。那些妇女们，因为不敢杀害希伯来人的孩子，所以她们不听从王的命令，主就使她们兴盛。埃及王一听说他的命令不为人所遵从，就非常恼怒。他随即加紧并扩大他的命令。他吩咐他的众民都要保持严格的监视，说：“以色列人所生的男孩，你们都要丢在河里，一切的女孩，你们要存留她的性命”（出1:22）。{3SG 179.1}[77]

§156 And because they failed to accomplish their purpose they hardened their hearts to go still further. The king commanded that the male children should be killed as soon as they were born. Satan was the mover in these matters. He knew that a deliver was to be raised up among the Hebrews to rescue them from oppression. He thought that if he could move the king to destroy the male children, the purpose of God would be defeated. The women feared God, and did not as the king?of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive. The women dare not murder the Hebrew children, and because they obeyed not the command of the king, the Lord prospered them. As the king of Egypt was informed that his command had not been obeyed he was very angry. He then made his command more urgent and extensive. He charged all his people to keep a strict watch, saying, “Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.”?{3SG 179.1}[77]