第16章 摩西
§1
第16章 摩西Chap. 16—Moses
§2
正当这道残酷的命令以雷霆万钧之势付诸执行时，摩西诞生了。他的母亲尽可能地把他隐藏了一个时期，随后预备了一个蒲草制的小箱，抹上沥青以防漏水，再将它搁在河边，同时又让孩子的姐姐以似乎漠不关心的样子，在河畔逗留徘徊。她很焦急地在等待着，要看看她的小弟弟究竟将有何等的遭遇。那时天使也在看守着，不让什么危害临到那软弱无能的婴儿，因他乃是由一个亲爱的慈母放在那里，并借她流泪的恳祷交托上帝照顾的。这些天使引领了法老女儿的脚步到那河边，离那无辜的小婴孩躺卧的地方不远。她注意到那奇特的小箱，便打发她的一个婢女把它拿来。及至她把这特制的小箱盖子打开，就看到一个可爱的婴儿。“孩子哭了。她就可怜他。”她知道必是一个慈爱的希伯来母亲，采用这种特殊方法来保全她所十分疼爱之婴孩的性命，所以她立即决定要把他领来作自己的儿子。摩西的姐姐当时就进前来问道：“我去在希伯来妇人中叫一个奶妈来，为你奶这孩子，可以不可以？法老的女儿说：可以”（出2:6,7）。{3SG 180.1}[1]
§3
When this cruel decree was in full force, Moses was born. His mother hid him as long as she could with any safety, and then prepared a little vessel of bulrushes, making it secure with pitch, that no water might enter the little ark, and placed it at the edge of the water, while his sister should be lingering around the water, with apparent indifference. She was anxiously watching to see what would become of her little brother. Angels were also watching that no harm should come to the helpless infant, which had been placed there by an affectionate mother, and committed to the care of God by her earnest prayers mingled with tears. And these angels directed?the footsteps of Pharaoh’s daughter to the river, near the very spot where lay the innocent little stranger. Her attention was attracted to the little strange vessel, and she sent one of her waiting-maids to fetch it to her. And when she had removed the cover of this singularly constructed little vessel, she saw a lovely babe, “and, behold, the babe wept, and she had compassion on him.” She knew that a tender Hebrew mother had taken this singular means to preserve the life of her much loved babe, and she decided at once that it should be her son. The sister of Moses immediately came forward and inquired, “Shall I go, and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go.”?{3SG 180.1}[1]
§4
这位姐姐很高兴地赶到她母亲那里，向她报告这快乐的信息，并急忙带她到法老的女儿那里，将孩子交给母亲去乳养，而且她还为抚养自己儿子得到丰盛的酬劳呢。这位母亲满心感恩地下手从事这项安全而愉快的工作。她相信这是上帝保全了孩子的性命。她忠心地善用了这个宝贵的机会，来教育她的儿子度有用的人生。她特别注重他的教育，过于她其他的孩子；因为她确信他的得蒙保全，乃为担任伟大的事工。她借着忠心的教训，在他幼稚的心灵中灌输了敬畏上帝和热爱真理与正义的观念。她的努力还不止于此；她热切地祈求上帝，保守她的儿子脱离各样腐化的影响。她教训他跪拜祷告上帝，就是那位永生的上帝，因为惟有祂才能在任何危难中垂听并帮助他。她设法使他对于拜偶像的罪恶，在心中留下深刻的印象。她知道他不久就要与她的感化隔绝，而被交给他那王族的养母，被许多足以使他不相信有创造天地之主存在的影响所包围。{3SG 181.1}[2]
§5
Joyfully sped the sister to her mother, and related to her the happy news, and conducted her with all haste to Pharaoh’s daughter, where the child was committed to the mother to nurse, and she was liberally paid for the bringing up of her own son. Thankfully did this mother enter upon her now safe and happy task. She believed that God had preserved his life. Faithfully did she improve the precious opportunity of educating her son in reference to a life of usefulness. She was more particular in his instruction than in that of her other children; for she felt confident that he was preserved for some great work. By her faithful teachings she instilled into his?young mind the fear of God, and love for truthfulness and justice. She did not rest here in her efforts, but earnestly prayed to God for her son that he might be preserved from every corrupting influence. She taught him to bow and pray to God, the living God, for he alone could hear him and help him in any emergency. She sought to impress his mind with the sinfulness of idolatry. She knew that he was to be soon separated from her influence, and given up to his adopted royal mother, to be surrounded with influences calculated to make him disbelieve in the existence of the Maker of the heavens and of the earth.?{3SG 181.1}[2]
§6
他从他的父母所领受的教训，适足以巩固他的思想，并保护他不致心高气傲而被罪恶所腐化，在那炫耀奢侈的宫廷生活中自高自大。他具有清楚的思想和聪慧的心智，而且始终没有丧失他年轻时所领受的敬虔的印象。他的母亲尽可能的留住他，但到他大约十二岁的时候，她就不得不和他分离了，那时他就成了法老女儿的儿子。{3SG 182.1}[3]
§7
The instructions he received from his parents were such as to fortify his mind, and shield him from being lifted up and corrupted with sin, and becoming proud amid the splendor and extravagance of court life. He had a clear mind, and an understanding heart, and never lost the pious impressions he received in his youth. His mother kept him as long as she could, but was obliged to separate from him when he was about twelve years old, and he then became the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.?{3SG 182.1}[3]
§8
撒但在这件事上失败了。他本想鼓动法老杀灭男孩，借此挫败上帝的计划，消灭上帝所要兴起拯救祂子民的人。但那指定希伯来人婴孩要被治死的命令，却成了上帝所用以将摩西安置在王室之中的工具，在那里他得以有机会成为一个博学的人，并卓越地有资格胜任将同胞从埃及领出来。法老原期望使他的养孙荣升王座。他教育他作埃及的军队元帅，率领他们作战。摩西乃是法老全军所最爱戴尊崇的，因为他战术精明。“摩西学了埃及人一切的学问，说话行事都有才能”（徒7:22）。埃及人都认为摩西乃是非常卓越的人物。{3SG 182.2}[4]
§9
Here Satan was defeated. By moving Pharaoh to destroy the male children, he thought to turn aside the purpose of God, and destroy the one whom God would raise up to deliver his people. But that very decree, appointing the Hebrew children to death,?was the means God overruled to place Moses in the royal family where he had advantages to become a learned man, and eminently qualified to lead his people from Egypt. Pharaoh expected to exalt his adopted grandson to the throne. He educated him to stand at the head of the armies of Egypt, and lead them to battle. Moses was a great favorite with Pharaoh’s host, and was honored because he conducted warfare with superior skill and wisdom. “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.” The Egyptians regarded Moses as a remarkable character.?{3SG 182.2}[4]
§10
有天使指示摩西说，上帝已经拣选他拯救以色列民。以色列民中的首长们也受过天使的指教，说他们获得解救的时候近了，而摩西则正是上帝所要用来完成这项任务的人。摩西总以为以色列民必借战争而获得解放，他必率领希伯来人的全军与埃及军队作战，拯救他的弟兄们挣脱压迫的轭。摩西既具有这种观念，便抑制自己的感情，不愿过分施用在他的养母或法老身上，以免他更难保持执行上帝旨意的自由。{3SG 183.1}[5]
§11
Angels instructed Moses that God had chosen him to deliver the children of Israel. The rulers among the children of Israel were also taught by angels that the time for their deliverance was nigh, and that Moses was the man whom God would use to accomplish this work. Moses thought that the children of Israel would be delivered by warfare, and that he would stand at the head of the Hebrew host, to conduct the warfare against the Egyptian armies, and deliver his brethren from the yoke of oppression. Having this in view, Moses guarded his affections, that they might not be strongly placed upon his adopted mother, or upon Pharaoh, lest it should be more difficult for him to remain free to do the will of God.?{3SG 183.1}[5]
§12
埃及宫廷所展示的光彩与骄傲，以及他所受到的阿谀奉承，没能使他忘记自己受奴役的弟兄们。即使有戴上埃及王冠的前途，他也不愿受引诱把自己与埃及人视为一体，与他们一起参加他们的偶像崇拜。他不愿抛弃自己受压迫的弟兄们，他知道他们是上帝的选民。王对摩西感兴趣，吩咐说摩西要在埃及人的崇拜方面受教育。这项工作交给了祭司们去办理，他们在人们所遵守的用来尊荣他们假神的崇拜偶像的节日供职。但他们无论是威逼还是利诱，都不能使摩西去参加他们的异教仪式。他若不与他的希伯来信仰断绝关系，就有丧失王冠和法老女儿不认他的威胁。但他不愿放弃他的信仰。他坚定地只向天地的创造主上帝献上效忠，惟独应当崇敬和尊荣祂。他甚至与祭司们和拜偶像的人理论，指明他们向没有知觉的偶像作迷信的仪式的敬拜乃是愚妄的。他们也回答不了他。他在这方面的坚定得到了容忍，因为他是王的养孙，且是国中最有影响的人所普遍喜爱的。{3SG 183.2}[6]
§13
The splendor and pride displayed at the Egyptian court, and the flattery he received,?could not make him forget his despised brethren in slavery. He would not be induced, even with the promise of wearing the crown of Egypt, to identify himself with the Egyptians, and engage with them in their idolatrous worship. He would not forsake his oppressed brethren, whom he knew were God’s chosen people. The king was interested in Moses, and he commanded that he should be instructed in the worship of the Egyptians. This work was committed to the priests, who officiated in the idolatrous feasts observed by the people in honor of their idol gods. But they could not by any threats, or promises of rewards, prevail upon Moses to engage with them in their heathenish ceremonies. He was threatened with the loss of the crown, and that he should be disowned by Pharaoh’s daughter, unless he renounced his Hebrew faith. But he would not renounce his faith. He was firm to render homage to no object save God, the maker of the heavens and of the earth, to whom alone reverence and honor was due. He even reasoned with the priests and idolatrous worshipers upon their superstitious ceremonial worship of senseless objects. They could not answer him. His firmness in this respect was tolerated, because he was the king’s adopted grandson, and was a universal favorite with the most influential in the kingdom.?{3SG 183.2}[6]
§14
耶和华保守了摩西，使他不为那包围着他的腐化影响所伤害。他始终没有忘记自己童年从他敬畏上帝的父母所领受的真理原则。正值他最需要得到保护，免受那随宫廷生活而俱来的腐化影响时，他童年时的教训就结出果子来了。敬畏上帝的观念常保持在他面前。他极爱自己的同胞，并且极其尊重希伯来人的信仰，甚至他不肯为作王室继承人的尊荣而隐瞒自己的出身。{3SG 184.1}[7]
§15
The Lord preserved Moses from being injured by the corrupting influences around him. The principles of truth, received in his?youth from God-fearing parents, were never forgotten by him. And when he most needed to be shielded from the corrupting influences attending a life at court, then the lessons in his youth bore fruit. The fear of God was before him. And so strong was his love for his brethren, and so great was his respect for the Hebrew faith, that he would not conceal his parentage for the honor of being an heir of the royal family.?{3SG 184.1}[7]
§16
摩西在四十岁的时候，“他出去到他弟兄那里，看他们的重担，见一个埃及人打希伯来人的一个弟兄。他左右观看，见没有人，就把埃及人打死了，藏在沙土里。第二天他出去见有两个希伯来人争斗，就对那欺负人的说：你为什么打你同族的人呢？那人说：谁立你作我们的首领和审判官呢？难道你要杀我，象杀那埃及人么？摩西便惧怕，说：这事必是被人知道了。法老听见这事，就想杀摩西，但摩西躲避法老，逃往米甸地居住”（出2:1-15）。{3SG 185.1}[8]
§17
When Moses was forty years old “he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens, and he spied an Egyptian smiting a Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together; and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? Intendest thou to kill me as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. Now when Pharaoh heard this thing he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian.”?{3SG 185.1}[8]
§18
那个被摩西责备的心怀忌恨的希伯来人把摩西杀死埃及人的事告诉了埃及人。而当这事传到法老耳中时，被大大夸张了。埃及人告诉法老说，摩西图谋与埃及人作战，胜过他们，他好自己作王。法老极其愤怒。他认为摩西的这个行为关系重大，如果让他存在，国家就不能安全。法老便下令把摩西处死。但摩西并非不知道法老的计划，便秘密逃离了埃及。主指引了他的行程。结果他在一个敬拜上帝的人叶忒罗家里找到栖身之所。叶忒罗是个牧人，也是米甸的祭司。他的女儿们替父亲放羊。但过不久他的羊群就都交给摩西照料了，他娶了叶忒罗的女儿，并留在米甸达四十年之久。{3SG 185.2}[9]
§19
The matter of Moses killing the Egyptian was made known to the Egyptians by the envious Hebrew whom Moses reproved. And when it reached Pharaoh, it was greatly exaggerated. And the Egyptians told Pharaoh?that Moses designed to make war with the Egyptians, and to overcome them, and rule himself as king. Pharaoh was exceedingly angry. He thought that this conduct of Moses meant much, and that there was no safety for his kingdom while he lived. He commanded that Moses should be slain. But he was not ignorant of Pharaoh’s design, and he secretly left Egypt. The Lord directed his course, and he found a home with Jethro, a man that worshiped God. He was a shepherd, also priest of Midian. His daughters tended his flocks. But Jethro’s flocks were soon placed under the care of Moses, who married Jethro’s daughter, and remained in Midian forty years.?{3SG 185.2}[9]
§20
摩西杀死那埃及人，实在是操之过急了。他以为以色列民必定明白：上帝的特别安排已使他兴起拯救他们。但是上帝没有计划照摩西所想的用战争，却要用祂自己的大能，来拯救以色列民，使这荣耀全然归与祂。 {3SG 186.1}[10]
§21
Moses was too fast in slaying the Egyptian. He supposed that the people of Israel understood that God’s special providence had raised him up to deliver them. But God did not design to deliver the children of Israel by warfare, as Moses thought; but by his own mighty power, that the glory might be ascribed to him alone.?{3SG 186.1}[10]
§22
上帝在摩西杀死埃及人的这件事上压制了摩西的行为，来实现祂的旨意。祂已依照祂的美意，将摩西安置在埃及的王室之中，在那里他已经接受彻底的教育；然而他还没有为上帝兴起他要交托他去完成的大工准备妥当。摩西不能立即离开王廷和那供给他作王孙所有的种种享受，而去执行上帝的特殊任务。他必须有相当的时间，在逆境与贫困的训练中获得经验并受到教育。他的岳父敬畏上帝，且因他的远见卓识而为周围的人所特别尊重。他对摩西的影响很大。{3SG 186.2}[11]
§23
God overruled the act of Moses in slaying the Egyptian to bring about his purpose. He had in his providence brought Moses into the royal family of Egypt, where he had received a thorough education; and yet he was not prepared for God to intrust to him the great work he had raised him up to accomplish. Moses could not immediately leave the king’s court, and the indulgences granted him as the?king’s grandson, to perform the special work of God. He must have time to obtain an experience, and be educated in the school of adversity and poverty. His father-in-law feared God, and was especially honored of all the people around him for his far-seeing judgment. His influence with Moses was great.?{3SG 186.2}[11]
§24
摩西在隐居的时候，主差遣祂的使者特别指示他有关未来的事。他在这里更充分地学会了自制和谦虚的重要功课。他看守了叶忒罗的羊群，而在他从事牧人的卑微职务时，上帝正是在预备他作祂的羊群——就是祂的选民以色列的属灵牧人。他已有作将领的充分资格，站在众军之首；而今主希望他在作祂子民的忠心牧人方面学习尽职尽责，好温柔地照顾祂犯错的迷羊。摩西将羊群带到旷野，来到上帝的山就是何烈山的时候，“耶和华的使者从荆棘里火焰中向摩西显现。摩西观看，不料，荆棘被火烧着，却没有烧毁。摩西说：‘我要过去看这大异象，这荆棘为何没有烧坏呢？’耶和华上帝见他过去要看，就从荆棘里呼叫说：‘摩西！摩西！’他说：‘我在这里。’上帝说：‘不要近前来。当把你脚上的鞋脱下来，因为你所站之地是圣地。’又说：‘我是你父亲的上帝，是亚伯拉罕的上帝，以撒的上帝，雅各的上帝。’摩西蒙上脸，因为怕看上帝。耶和华说：‘我的百姓在埃及所受的困苦，我实在看见了；他们因受督工的辖制所发的哀声，我也听见了；我原知道他们的痛苦。我下来是要救他们脱离埃及人的手，领他们出了那地，到美好宽阔流奶与蜜之地，就是到迦南人、赫人、亚摩利人、比利洗人、希未人、耶布斯人之地。现在以色列人的哀声达到我耳中，我也看见埃及人怎样欺压他们。故此我要打发你去见法老，使你可以将我的百姓以色列人从埃及领出来’”（出3:2-10）。{3SG 187.1}[12]
§25
While Moses was living in retirement, the Lord sent his angels to especially instruct him in regard to the future. Here he learned more fully the great lesson of self-control and humility. He kept the flocks of Jethro, and while he was performing his humble duties as a shepherd, God was preparing him to become a spiritual shepherd of his sheep, even of his people Israel. He had been fully qualified as a general, to stand at the head of armies, and now the Lord would have him learn the duties, and perform the offices of a faithful shepherd of his people, to tenderly care for his erring, straying sheep. As Moses led the flock to the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb, “the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire, out of the midst of a bush. And he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither.?Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their task-masters; for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me; and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.—Come now, therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”?{3SG 187.1}[12]
§26
时机已经成熟，上帝要摩西拿起上帝的杖来代替牧人的竿，祂要使这杖在施行神迹奇事，在拯救祂的子民脱离压迫，并在被仇敌追赶时保卫他们的事上大显神能。“摩西对上帝说：‘我是什么人，竟能去见法老，将以色列人从埃及领出来呢？’上帝说：‘我必与你同在。你将百姓从埃及领出来之后，你们必在这山上事奉我；这就是我打发你去的证据。’摩西对上帝说：‘我到以色列人那里，对他们说：“你们祖宗的上帝打发我到你们这里来。”他们若问我说：“祂叫什么名字？”我要对他们说什么呢？’上帝对摩西说：‘我是自有永有的’；又说：‘你要对以色列人这样说：“那自有的打发我到你们这里来。”’上帝又对摩西说：‘你要对以色列人这样说：“耶和华你们祖宗的上帝，就是亚伯拉罕的上帝，以撒的上帝，雅各的上帝，打发我到你们这里来。”耶和华是我的名，直到永远；这也是我的纪念，直到万代’”（出3:11-15）。{3SG 188.1}[13]
§27
The time had fully come when God would have Moses exchange the shepherd’s staff, for the rod of God, which he would make powerful in accomplishing signs and wonders, in delivering his people from oppression, and in preserving them when pursued by their enemies. “And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out?of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee, and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee. When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. And Moses said unto God, Behold when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you, and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses I Am That I Am. And he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you. This is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”?{3SG 188.1}[13]
§28
摩西没有料到主会竟以这种方式使用他救以色列人离开埃及。他原以为会用战争。及至主使他知道他必须站在法老面前，奉祂的名要法老让以色列人离开时，他便从这工作面前退缩了。{3SG 189.1}[14]
§29
Moses did not expect that this was the manner in which the Lord would use him to deliver Israel from Egypt. He thought that it would be by warfare. And when the Lord made known to him that he must stand before Pharaoh, and in his name demand him to let Israel go he shrank from the task.?{3SG 189.1}[14]
§30
他要见的法老并不是曾发令要处死他的那个人。那个王已经死了，另一个王接续他掌权。几乎所有的埃及王都被称作法老。摩西宁愿站在以色列人前头作他们的将领，与埃及人作战。但这不是上帝的计划。祂会在自己的百姓面前显大，不仅教导他们，也教导埃及人知道有一位永生的上帝，祂有能力拯救，也有能力毁灭。摩西受命先要招聚以色列的长老，就是以色列中最尊贵、最正直，并因百姓受奴役而长久忧伤的人，对他们说：“‘耶和华你们祖宗的上帝，就是亚伯拉罕的上帝，以撒的上帝，雅各的上帝，向我显现，说：我实在眷顾了你们，我也看见埃及人怎样待你们。我也说：要将你们从埃及的困苦中领出来，往迦南人、赫人、亚摩利人、比利洗人、希未人、耶布斯人的地去，就是到流奶与蜜之地。’他们必听你的话。你和以色列的长老要去见埃及王，对他说：‘耶和华希伯来人的上帝遇见了我们，现在求你容我们往旷野去，走三天的路程，为要祭祀耶和华我们的上帝’”（出3:16-18）。{3SG 189.2}[15]
§31
The Pharaoh before whom he was to appear, was not the one who had decreed that he should be put to death. That king was dead, and another had taken the reins of government. Nearly all the Egyptian kings were called by the name of Pharaoh. Moses would have preferred to stand at the head of?the children of Israel as their general, and make war with the Egyptians. But this was not God’s plan. He would be magnified before his people, and teach not only them, but the Egyptians, that there is a living God, who has power to save, and to destroy. Moses was commanded first to assemble the elders of Israel, the most noble and righteous among them, who had long grieved because of their bondage, and say unto them, “The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt. And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt, unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. And they shall hearken to thy voice, and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath met with us, and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.”?{3SG 189.2}[15]
§32
主还明确地告诉摩西，法老不会让以色列人走。然而摩西不可失去勇敢的心，因为主会藉此在埃及人和祂百姓面前显出祂的神迹奇事。“我知道虽用大能的手，埃及王也不容你们去。我必伸手在埃及中间施行我一切的奇事，攻击那地，然后他才容你们去”（出3:19,20）。{3SG 190.1}[16]
§33
The Lord also assured Moses that Pharaoh would not let Israel go. Yet his courage should not fail, for he would make this the occasion of manifesting his signs and wonders before the Egyptians, and before his people. “And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.?And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof, and after that he will let you go.”?{3SG 190.1}[16]
§34
上帝为拯救希伯来人而在埃及人面前所施行的大能的神迹，会使他们在埃及人眼前蒙恩，以致他们离开埃及的时候不至于空手而去。“但各妇女必向她的邻舍，并居住在她家里的女人，要金器银器和衣裳，好给你们的儿女穿戴。这样你们就把埃及人的财物夺去了”（出3:22）。{3SG 191.1}[17]
§35
The powerful works of God, which he wrought before the Egyptians for the deliverance of the Hebrews, would give them favor in the sight of the Egyptians, that when they should leave Egypt they should not go empty-handed. “But every woman shall borrow of her neighbor, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters, and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.”?{3SG 191.1}[17]
§36
埃及人曾使以色列人作奴隶，其实他们并不是奴隶，埃及人也没有资格让他们作苦工。他们只让以色列人可以糊口，并且勒逼他们作苦工来肥己。他们压迫以色列人，把他们压在重担之下，直到上帝为他们施行干预。而当他们要离开压迫他们的人时，他们需要用来为长途旅行交换食物和应付环境需要的东西。所以，上帝指示他们向邻舍和寄居在他们家里的外人要东西。这些埃及人曾受命监管他们，看他们每天是否做了一定量的工作。尽管他们可以要很多东西，但比起他们曾使埃及人富足所做的苦工，他们所得到的也不过是很少的一点补偿。{3SG 191.2}[18]
§37
The Egyptians had made slaves of the children of Israel, when they were not slaves, and the Egyptians were not entitled to their labor. They had only allowed the children of Israel a sustenance, and had enriched themselves with the labor which they had extorted from them. They had oppressed them, and bound them down under heavy burdens, until God interposed in their behalf. And as they were to go from their oppressors, they would need for their long journey that which they could exchange for bread, and use as their circumstances should require. Therefore, God directed them to borrow of their neighbors, and the stranger that sojourned with them. That is, the Egyptian that had been appointed over them to see that they performed a certain amount of labor each day. Although they?might borrow quite an amount, it would be but a small recompense for the hard labor they had performed, which had enriched the Egyptians.?{3SG 191.2}[18]
§38
摩西向主恳求说：“他们必不信我，也不听我的话，必说：‘耶和华并没有向你显现’”（出4:1）。于是主便藉着使杖变成蛇、手变麻风的神迹向摩西保证，祂要藉着这种神迹奇事使埃及人和法老畏惧，以致他们不敢伤害他。祂用这些神迹使摩西确信，他会使王和他的百姓确信有一位比他大的正在他们面前彰显自己的能力。可是，他们在法老面前当着百姓的面行了许多奇事之后，他们还是不会让以色列人走。摩西希望免去这个艰苦的任务，便藉口说缺乏即时应对的口才。即，他已离开埃及那么久，不象他在他们中间的时候那样清楚明了和轻松运用他们的语言了。{3SG 192.1}[19]
§39
Moses plead with the Lord, and said, “But behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice; for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee.” The Lord then assured him by the miracle of the rod becoming a serpent, and the hand turning leprous, that by such signs and wonderful works would he cause the Egyptians and Pharaoh to fear, so that they would not dare to harm him. By these signs he assured Moses that he would convince the king and his people that a greater than himself was manifesting his power before them. And yet, after they should perform many miracles before Pharaoh in the sight of the people, they would not let Israel go. Moses wished to be excused from the laborious task. He plead a lack of ready speech as an excuse. That is, he had been so long from the Egyptians, he had not as clear knowledge and ready use of their language as when he was among them.?{3SG 192.1}[19]
§40
主责备了摩西的担心，好像拣选他去做其伟大工作的上帝不能使他有资格去做似的，又好像上帝在拣选人方面犯了错误似的。“谁造人的口呢？谁使人口哑、耳聋、目明、眼瞎呢？岂不是我耶和华吗”（出4:11）？这是何等的劝勉！对不信任是何等的责备啊！{3SG 192.2}[20]
§41
The Lord reproved Moses for his fearfulness, as though the God who chose him to perform his great work was unable to qualify him for it, or as though God had made a mistake in his selection of the man. “And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the?Lord?” What an appeal! What a rebuke to the distrustful!?{3SG 192.2}[20]
§42
“‘现在去吧，我必赐你口才，指教你所当说的话。’摩西说：‘主啊，祢愿意打发谁，就打发谁去吧’”（出4:12,13）！他劝主去拣选一个更合适的人。摩西起先的退后源于谦卑，表现出一定的缺乏自信。但在上帝应许要消除他的困难，并作他的口，教导他如何发言和使他最终在他的使命上取得成功之后，他仍表现出不情愿，就令上帝不悦了。在上帝保证会与他同在之后，他还不情愿去执行上帝保护了他的性命并使他有资格去执行的任务，显明了疑惑不信和有罪的失望泄气以及对上帝自己的不信任。耶和华因这种不信任而责备了他。按照上帝所提议的方式拯救以色列人出埃及，这项工作在他看来是没有希望取得成功的。{3SG 193.1}[21]
§43
“Now, therefore, go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. And he said, O, my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.” He entreated the Lord to select a more proper person. The backwardness of Moses at first proceeded from humility, a modest diffidence. But after God promised to remove his difficulties, and be with his mouth, and teach him what to say, and to give him success finally, in his mission, then for him to still manifest reluctance was displeasing to God. His unwillingness to execute the mission God had preserved his life to fill, and had qualified him to perform, after the assurance that God would be with him, showed unbelief and criminal despondency, and distrust of God himself. The Lord rebuked him for this distrust. The deliverance of Israel out of Egypt, in the manner God proposed to do the work, looked hopeless to him of the mission ever being successful.?{3SG 193.1}[21]
§44
摩西在做事方面有超人的智慧。他哥哥亚伦一直天天在说埃及话，对这种语言很了解。他是有口才的。{3SG 193.2}[22]
§45
Moses excelled in wisdom in conducting affairs. Aaron, Moses’ elder brother, had been in daily use of the language of the Egyptians, and understood it perfectly. He was eloquent.?{3SG 193.2}[22]
§46
“耶和华向摩西发怒说：‘不是有你的哥哥利未人亚伦吗？我知道他是能言的；现在他出来迎接你，他一见你，心里就欢喜。你要将当说的话传给他；我也要赐你和他口才，又要指教你们所当行的事。他要替你对百姓说话；你要以他当作口，他要以你当作上帝。你手里要拿这杖，好行神迹’”（出4:14-17）。{3SG 193.3}[23]
§47
“And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses; and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, Behold, he cometh forth to meet thee, and when he seeth thee he will be?glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth. And I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people. And he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God. And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.”?{3SG 193.3}[23]
§48
摩西答应去执行这个任务。他先拜访了他的岳父，征得他的同意，让他自己携同眷属返回埃及去。他不敢将他所要带给法老的信息告诉叶忒罗，惟恐他不让他的妻子和孩子们在如此危险的使命中陪他同去。主加强了他的力量，并用话解除了他的惧怕，说：“你要回埃及去，因为寻索你命的人都死了”（出4:19）。{3SG 194.1}[24]
§49
Moses consented to perform the mission. He first visited his father-in-law and obtained his consent for himself and his family to return into Egypt. He did not dare to tell Jethro his message to Pharaoh, lest he should be unwilling to let his wife and children accompany him on such a dangerous mission. The Lord strengthened him, and removed his fears by saying to him: “Return into Egypt; for all the men are dead which sought thy life.”?{3SG 194.1}[24]
§50
“耶和华对摩西说：你回到埃及的时候，要留意将我指示你的一切奇事行在法老面前。但我要使（或作：任凭；下同）他的心刚硬，他必不容百姓去”（出4:21）。就是说，在法老面前彰显的全能的能力，既被他拒绝，就会使他更刚硬，更坚定地反抗上帝。他心地的刚硬程度会因不断反抗上帝的能力而增长。但上帝会掌控法老内心的刚硬，以致法老之不放以色列人走，反而会使主的名在埃及人和祂百姓面前显为大。{3SG 194.2}[25]
§51
“And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand; but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.” That is, the display of almighty power before Pharaoh, being rejected by him, would make him harder and more firm in his rebellion. His hardness of heart would increase by a continual resistance of the power of God. But he would overrule the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart, so that his refusing to let Israel go, would magnify his name before the Egyptians and before his people also.?{3SG 194.2}[25]
§52
主指示摩西对法老说：“耶和华这样说：以色列是我的儿子，我的长子。我对你说过：容我的儿子去，好事奉我。你还是不肯容他去。看哪，我要杀你的长子”（出4:2,23）。主称以色列人为祂的长子，因为祂已将他们从万民中挑选出来，作祂律法的保管人，顺从祂的律法会使他们在拜偶像的列邦中保持纯洁。祂给予他们特别的待遇，正如通常所授予长子的特权。{3SG 195.1}[26]
§53
The Lord directed Moses to say unto Pharaoh, “Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my first-born. And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me. And if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy first-born.” The Lord called Israel his first-born, because he had singled them out from all people to be the depositaries of his law, the obedience of which would preserve them pure amidst idolatrous nations. He conferred upon them special privileges, such as were generally conferred upon the first-born son.?{3SG 195.1}[26]
§54
摩西在去埃及的路上，耶和华的使者迎面而来，摆出一种威胁的姿态，好像要杀了他。他为自己的性命担忧。他曾屈服于妻子的拒绝，没有给儿子行割礼，而在顺从她的心愿时，疏忽了顺从上帝。他的妻子害怕自己的丈夫被杀，就自己下手施行这礼节。此后，天使才放了摩西。摩西在法老面前执行他的使命时，将处在危险的境地，假如上帝不藉着天使的临格用祂的能力保护他，他的性命就会由王任意处置。摩西在忽视上帝一条明确的命令时，他的性命是不会安全的，因为上帝的天使不能在他不顺从的时候保护他。因此，天使才在路上拦住他，威胁着要他的性命。他并没有向摩西说明为什么显出那种威胁的样子。摩西知道这是有原因的。他正依照上帝的明令前往埃及，所以行程是对的。他立刻想起在给自己的幼子行割礼上没有遵行上帝的旨意，而是屈从了妻子的恳劝推迟了割礼的仪式。他顺从了上帝的命令之后，就可以自由地走到法老面前，再没有什么挡在路上，阻碍服役的天使参加他的工作了。{3SG 195.2}[27]
§55
As Moses journeyed to Egypt, the angel of the Lord met him and assumed a threatening posture, as though he would slay him. He was fearful of his life. He had yielded to the refusal of his wife to have their son circumcised, and, in compliance with her wishes, had neglected to obey God. His wife, fearful that her husband might be slain, overcame her feelings of undue affection for her son, and performed the act herself. After this, the angel let Moses go. In his mission to Pharaoh, he was to be placed in a perilous position, where his life would be exposed to the will of the king, if God did not by his power, through the presence of his angels, preserve him. While Moses was living in neglect of one of God’s positive commands, his life would not be secure, for God’s angels could not protect him while in disobedience. Therefore, the angel met him in the way and threatened his?life. He did not explain to Moses why he assumed that threatening aspect. Moses knew that there was a cause. He was going to Egypt according to God’s express command, therefore the journey was right. He at once remembered that he had not obeyed God in performing the ordinance of circumcision upon his youngest son, and had yielded to his wife’s entreaties to postpone the ceremony. After he had obeyed the command of God he was free to go before Pharaoh, and there was nothing in the way to hinder the ministration of angels in connection with his work.?{3SG 195.2}[27]
§56
在基督复临前夕的大艰难时期，义人的性命也会藉着服役的天使得到保全。到那个考验人的时期，疏忽顺从上帝命令的人性命是没有保障的。天使不能在他们疏忽任何已知的本分或耶和华的明令时保护他们脱离敌人的忿怒。{3SG 196.1}[28]
§57
In the time of trouble, just previous to the coming of Christ, the lives of the righteous will be preserved through the ministration of holy angels. Those who come up to that trying time, neglecting to obey God’s commands, will have no security of their lives. Angels cannot protect them from the wrath of their enemies while they are living in neglect of any known duty, or express command of Jehovah.?{3SG 196.1}[28]
§58
主已告诉摩西，大他三岁的哥哥亚伦会来迎接他，而他一见到摩西，心里就会欢喜（出4:14）。他们已经分别了许多年。上帝的天使已就要做的工作指示了摩西。天使也奉差去教导亚伦前来迎接摩西，因为主已拣选他与摩西在一起，及至他见到自己的弟弟，就要听他的话，因为上帝已把当说的话赐给摩西，叫摩西告诉亚伦他应该在拯救以色列人的工作上尽到的本分。“耶和华对亚伦说：‘你往旷野去迎接摩西。’他就去，在上帝的山遇见摩西，和他亲嘴。摩西将耶和华打发他所说的言语和嘱咐他所行的神迹都告诉了亚伦。摩西、亚伦就去招聚以色列的众长老。亚伦将耶和华对摩西所说的一切话述说了一遍，又在百姓眼前行了那些神迹，百姓就信了。以色列人听见耶和华眷顾他们，鉴察他们的困苦，就低头下拜”（出4:27-31）。{3SG 196.2}[29]
§59
The Lord had informed Moses that Aaron, his brother, three years older than himself, would come forth to meet him, and when he should see him, would be glad. They had been separated for many years. Angels of God had instructed Moses in regard to the work he should perform. Angels also were sent to teach Aaron to go forth and meet Moses, for the Lord had chosen him to be with Moses, and when he should meet his brother?to listen to his words, for God had given Moses words to speak to him in regard to the part he should act in connection with the deliverance of Israel. “And the Lord said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him. And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him. And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel. And Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed. And when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.”?{3SG 196.2}[29]
§60
希伯来人指望他们的信心不受什么特别的考验，他们也不受什么苦就能得救脱离埃及人的奴役。他们虽有许多人情愿离开埃及，但并非人人如此。有些人的习惯已经变得与埃及人很相似，以致他们宁愿留下来与埃及在一起。“后来摩西、亚伦去对法老说：‘耶和华以色列的上帝这样说：“容我的百姓去，在旷野向我守节。”’法老说：‘耶和华是谁，使我听他的话，容以色列人去呢？我不认识耶和华，也不容以色列人去！’他们说：‘希伯来人的上帝遇见了我们。求你容我们往旷野去，走三天的路程，祭祀耶和华我们的上帝，免得他用瘟疫、刀兵攻击我们’”（出5:1-3）。摩西和亚伦的要求是很适度的。他们只要求走三天的路程。但法老傲慢地拒绝了这个要求，自称完全不知道以色列的上帝。但主却定意要让法老知道祂的声音必须得到听从；祂是超乎一切的，并且会迫使骄傲的统治者们向祂的权威低头。“埃及王对他们说：‘摩西、亚伦！你们为什么叫百姓旷工呢？你们去担你们的担子吧！’又说：‘看哪，这地的以色列人如今众多，你们竟叫他们歇下担子！’当天，法老吩咐督工的和官长说：‘你们不可照常把草给百姓做砖，叫他们自己去捡草。他们素常做砖的数目，你们仍旧向他们要，一点不可减少；因为他们是懒惰的，所以呼求说：“容我们去祭祀我们的上帝”’”（出5:4-8）。{3SG 197.1}[30]
§61
The Hebrews expected to be delivered from their bondage without any particular trial of their faith, or suffering on their part. They were many of them ready to leave Egypt, but not all. The habits of some had become so much like the Egyptians that they preferred to remain with them. “And afterward, Moses and Aaron went in and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go. And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us; let us?go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.” The request of Moses and Aaron was very modest. They asked to go only three days’ journey. But Pharaoh haughtily refused this, and professed to be entirely ignorant of the God of Israel. But the Lord purposed to let Pharaoh know that his voice is to be obeyed; that he is above all, and will compel proud rulers to bow to his authority. “And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? Get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens. And Pharaoh commanded the same day the task-masters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them. Ye shall not diminish aught thereof, for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.”?{3SG 197.1}[30]
§62
法老的心变得对以色列人越加无情。他大大增加了他们的工作量。所安置在希伯来人上面的督工是埃及人。他们手下有官长监督工作，指示百姓。这些官长是希伯来人，他们负责手下百姓的工作。这个不公正的要求一下达给百姓，就使他们散在埃及遍地，捡碎秸当作草作砖，因而百姓就无法完成平时的工作量。“于是百姓散在埃及遍地，捡碎秸当作草。督工的催着说：‘你们一天当完一天的工，与先前有草一样。’法老督工的，责打他所派以色列人的官长，说：‘你们昨天今天为什么没有照向来的数目做砖、完你们的工作呢’”（出5:12-14）？{3SG 198.1}[31]
§63
Pharaoh’s heart was becoming more unfeeling toward the children of Israel. He greatly increased their labor. The task-masters placed over the Hebrews were Egyptians. They had officers under them who had oversight of the work, and directed the people. These officers were Hebrews, and they were responsible for?the work of the people under them. And when the unjust requirement was given them to make them gather the scattered straw and stubble found in the fields for their brick, the people could not perform their usual amount of labor. “So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. And the task-masters hasted them, saying, Fulfill your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh’s task-masters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and today, as heretofore?”?{3SG 198.1}[31]
§64
因为没有完成足量的工作，埃及督工便叫官长们负责，并且残忍地惩罚了他们，因为他们没有迫使百姓完成平时的工作量。这些官长以为他们所受的压迫来自督工而不是王。所以他们就带着自己的案件去找王，向他诉说他们的冤屈和督工待他们的残忍行为。法老硬着心对待他们的苦难，并且愚弄他们，嘲笑他们一切的抱怨。他对他们充满了仇恨。{3SG 199.1}[32]
§65
Because the full amount of labor was not accomplished the Egyptian task-masters called the officers to account, and cruelly punished them, because they did not compel the people to perform their usual amount of labor. These officers thought that their oppression came from their task-masters, and not from the king himself. Therefore they went with their case to the king and told him their grievances, and the cruel treatment of their task-masters. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened against their distress, and he derided them, and mocked at all their complaints. He was filled with hatred against them.?{3SG 199.1}[32]
§66
“以色列人的官长就来哀求法老说：‘什么这样待你的仆人？督工的不把草给仆人，并且对我们说：“做砖吧！”看哪，你仆人挨了打，其实是你百姓的错。’但法老说：‘你们是懒惰的！你们是懒惰的！所以说：“容我们去祭祀耶和华。”现在你们去做工吧！草是不给你们的，砖却要如数交纳。’以色列人的官长听说‘你们每天做砖的工作一点不可减少’，就知道是遭遇祸患了。他们离了法老出来，正遇见摩西、亚伦站在对面，就向他们说：‘愿耶和华鉴察你们，施行判断；因你们使我们在法老和他臣仆面前有了臭名，把刀递在他们手中杀我们。’摩西回到耶和华那里，说：‘主啊，祢为什么苦待这百姓呢？为什么打发我去呢？自从我去见法老，奉祢的名说话，他就苦待这百姓，祢一点也没有拯救他们’”（出5:15-23）。{3SG 199.2}[33]
§67
“Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants??There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick; and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle; therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the Lord. Go, therefore, now, and work, for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish aught from your bricks of your daily task. And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh. And they said unto them, The Lord look upon you and judge, because ye have made our savor to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. And Moses returned unto the Lord and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil-entreated this people? Why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people. Neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.”?{3SG 199.2}[33]
§68
以色列人既将自己所受的苦难都归咎于摩西，就使摩西大感痛苦，几乎要因主迟迟不拯救祂的百姓而发怨言了。他们还没准备好得救。他们没什么信心，也不愿耐心经历恒心忍受他们的苦难，直到上帝为他们施行奇妙的拯救。{3SG 200.1}[34]
§69
As the children of Israel charged all their suffering upon Moses, he was greatly distressed, and felt almost like murmuring because the Lord delayed to deliver his people. They were not yet prepared to be delivered. They had but little faith, and were unwilling to patiently suffer and perseveringly endure?their afflictions, until God should work for them a glorious deliverance.?{3SG 200.1}[34]
§70
“耶和华对摩西说：‘现在你必看见我向法老所行的事，使他因我大能的手容以色列人去，且把他们赶出他的地。’上帝晓谕摩西说：‘我是耶和华。我从前向亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各显现为全能的上帝；至于我名耶和华，他们未曾知道。我与他们坚定所立的约，要把他们寄居的迦南地赐给他们。我也听见以色列人被埃及人苦待的哀声，我也记念我的约’”（出6:1-5）。{3SG 201.1}[35]
§71
“Then the Lord said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh, for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land. And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the Lord; and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty; but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them. And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered my covenant.”?{3SG 201.1}[35]
§72
以色列民已多年服于埃及人的奴役之下。当初下到埃及的只有少数几家，但这时他们却已成为一大群的人了。他们既为拜偶像的恶习所包围，其中很多人就早已失去对真神的认识，也忘记了祂的律法。因此他们便在敬拜日、月、星、辰、禽兽、以及人手所造的偶像的事上与埃及人联合了。那环绕着以色列民的种种事物，都足以使他们忘记永生的上帝。然而希伯来人中仍有一些人保持着对天地创造主真神的认识。他们看到自己的儿女天天观看，甚至也参与四邻拜偶像之人的可憎行为，又向用木石制成的偶像下拜，并给这些无知无觉的东西献祭，他们就非常痛心。忠心的人既悲痛万分，就在急难中呼求主救他们挣脱埃及人的轭，将他们领出埃及，使他们可以摆脱拜偶像的事，和那环绕着他们的腐化势力。{3SG 201.2}[36]
§73
Many years had the children of Israel been in servitude to the Egyptians. Only a few families went down into Egypt, but they had become a large multitude. And being surrounded with idolatry, many of them had lost the knowledge of the true God, and had forgotten his law. And they united with the Egyptians in their worship of the sun, moon, and stars, also of beasts and images, the work of men’s hands. Everything around the children of Israel was calculated to make them forget the living God. Yet there were those among the Hebrews who preserved the knowledge of the true God, the Maker of the heavens?and of the earth. They were grieved to see their children daily witnessing, and even engaging in, the abominations of the idolatrous people around them, and bowing down to Egyptian deities, made of wood and stone, and offering sacrifice to these senseless objects. The faithful were grieved, and in their distress they cried unto the Lord for deliverance from the Egyptian yoke; that he would bring them out of Egypt, where they might be rid of idolatry, and the corrupting influences which surrounded them.?{3SG 201.2}[36]
§74
但是有许多希伯来人却宁愿留在奴役之下，而不愿到新的地方去，也不愿受那长途跋涉的艰难困苦，故此主未曾在初次向法老显示祂的神迹奇事时拯救他们。祂掌管万事，且容法老暴虐的精神得到更充分的发展，使祂得以向埃及人，也对祂的百姓彰显祂的大能，令他们急欲离开埃及而选择侍奉上帝。要是许多希伯来人没有变得败坏，不愿离开埃及，摩西的任务原会容易完成得多。{3SG 202.1}[37]
§75
But many of the Hebrews were content to remain in bondage rather than to go to a new country and meet with the difficulties attending such a journey. Therefore the Lord did not deliver them by the first display of his signs and wonders before Pharaoh. He over-ruled events to more fully develop the tyrannical spirit of Pharaoh, and that he might manifest his great power to the Egyptians, and also before his people to make them anxious to leave Egypt, and choose the service of God. The task of Moses would have been much easier had not many of the Hebrews become corrupted, and were unwilling to leave Egypt.?{3SG 202.1}[37]