第35章 大卫
§1
第35章 大卫Chap. 35—David
§2
上帝拣选大卫这个卑微的牧羊人来管理祂的百姓。大卫在犹太宗教的一切礼仪上非常严格，并以勇敢和对上帝毫不动摇的信赖而闻名。他因忠诚和敬畏而非同寻常。他的坚定、谦卑、喜爱公义、品格果断，使他有资格实现上帝崇高的旨意，教导以色列忠诚献身，并作为智慧大度的君王统治他们。{4aSG 85.2}[1]
§3
God selected David, a humble shepherd, to rule his people. He was strict in all the ceremonies connected with the Jewish religion, and he distinguished himself by his boldness and unwavering trust in God. He was remarkable for his fidelity and reverence. His firmness, humility, love of justice, and decision of character, qualified him to carry out the high purposes of God, to instruct Israel in their devotions, and to rule them as a generous and wise monarch.?{4aSG 85.2}[1]
§4
大卫的宗教品质真诚而热切。他如此忠于上帝，而且具有这些高尚的品性时，上帝才称他为合自己心意的人。大卫荣登宝座后，其一般的行为与周围的列王形成了鲜明的对照。他憎恨偶像崇拜，热心保守以色列人不受引诱参加周围列国的偶像崇拜。他极受百姓的拥护和爱戴。{4aSG 85.3}[2]
§5
His religious character was sincere and fervent.?It was while David was thus true to God, and possessing these exalted traits of character, that God calls him a man after his own heart. When exalted to the throne, his general course was in striking contrast with the kings of other nations. He abhorred idolatry, and zealously kept the people of Israel from being seduced into idolatry by the surrounding nations. He was greatly beloved and honored by his people.?{4aSG 85.3}[2]
§6
大卫经常出征，并获胜利。他的尊大与财富日渐增长。但他的昌盛却有一种影响，使他离开了上帝。那包围着他的试探多而强烈。大卫终于陷入周围列王的恶习之中，广立妃嫔，他的生活也因多妻的恶果而充满苦涩。他的第一个错误就是娶了一个以上的妻子，从而偏离了上帝明智的安排。这种偏离正义的行动为更大的错误预备了道路。世上拜偶像的君王认为有许多妻子可以增进自己的荣耀和尊严。大卫竟也视多妻能增进自己王位的尊荣。然而，他很快看到了这种行径的恶果：宫闱嫉妒，诸子相争，不快不睦，竞相敌对。{4aSG 86.1}[3]
§7
He often conquered, and triumphed. He increased in wealth and greatness. But his prosperity had an influence to lead him from God. His temptations were many and strong. He finally fell into the common practice of other kings around him, of having a plurality of wives, and his life was imbittered by the evil results of polygamy. His first wrong was in taking more than one wife, thus departing from God’s wise arrangement. This departure from right, prepared the way for greater errors. The kingly idolatrous nations considered it an addition to their honor and dignity to have many wives, and David regarded it an honor to his throne to possess several wives. But he was made to see the wretched evil of such a course by the unhappy discord, rivalry and jealousy among his numerous wives and children.?{4aSG 86.1}[3]
§8
大卫在乌利亚和拔示巴之事上的罪行在上帝眼中极其可憎。公义无私的上帝决没有认可或袒护大卫的罪恶，而是派祂的先知拿单去责备大卫，重重地指责他，活生生地描绘出了他严重的罪行。大卫一度对自己惊人地远离上帝竟茫然无知。他曾原谅自己的罪行，以为自己的行为似乎是情有可原的。一步错，步步错，直到他的罪招致耶和华藉拿单的严厉谴责。大卫如梦方醒。他深刻认识到自己的罪。他并没有像扫罗那样，为自己的行为找借口，或者减轻自己的罪；而是怀着忧伤痛悔的心，在上帝的先知面前俯首，承认自己的罪行。拿单告诉大卫，因为他的痛悔与谦卑认罪，上帝必赦免他的罪，转移一部分迫近的灾祸，并存留他的性命。然而大卫仍须受罚，因为他使上帝的仇敌大得亵渎的机会。从大卫的日子直到今天，上帝的仇敌始终揪住这件事，大做文章。怀疑主义者因大卫给他们的机会而攻击基督教并讥诮圣经。他们将大卫的事摆列在基督徒面前——他在乌利亚和拔示巴之事上所犯的罪，他的多妻，然后又说，这就是上帝所说合祂心意的人；他们断言，如果圣经上的记载是正确的，那么上帝就是在为大卫的罪行辩护。{4aSG 86.2}[4]
§9
His crime in the case of Uriah and Bath-sheba was heinous in the sight of God. A just and impartial God did not sanction or excuse these sins in David, but sends a reproof, and heavy denunciation by Nathan, his prophet, which portrays in living colors his grievous offense. David had been blinded to his wonderful departure from God. He had excused his own sinful course to himself, until his ways seemed passable in his own eyes. One wrong step had prepared the way for another, until his sins called for the rebuke from Jehovah through Nathan. David awakens as from a dream. He feels the sense of his sin. He does not seek to excuse his course, or palliate his sin, as did Saul; but with remorse and sincere grief, he bows his head before the prophet of God, and acknowledges his guilt. Nathan tells David that?because of his repentance, and humble confession, God will forgive his sin, and avert a part of the threatened calamity, and spare his life. Yet he should be punished, because he had given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. This occasion has been improved by the enemies of God, from David’s day until the present time. Skeptics have assailed christianity, and ridiculed the Bible, because David gave them occasion. They bring up to Christians the case of David, his sin in the case of Uriah and Bathsheba, his polygamy, and then assert that David is called a man after God’s own heart, and if the Bible record is correct, God justified David in his crimes.?{4aSG 86.2}[4]
§10
我蒙指示看到，上帝称大卫合祂心意，是在他心地纯洁、遵行上帝旨意的时候。当大卫偏离上帝，因罪行而玷污自己纯洁的品格时，他就不再是合上帝心意的人了。上帝决未袒护大卫的罪行，而是差遣祂的先知拿单，可怕地谴责了大卫，因他干犯了耶和华的诫命。上帝对大卫多妻表示不悦并降刑罚给他，允许灾祸自他家中兴起攻击他。上帝允许可怕的灾祸临到大卫这个曾因正直诚实而被称为合祂心意之人的事实，乃是一个证据，向后来的世代表明，上帝不会为任何一个违背祂诫命的人辩护，而会必定刑罚那罪恶，无论他们在心地纯洁跟从主时多么公义蒙爱。当义人转离他们的义去行恶时，他们过去的义不会救他们脱离公义圣洁之上帝的忿怒。{4aSG 87.1}[5]
§11
I was shown that it was when David was pure, and walking in the counsel of God, that God called him a man after his own heart. When David departed from God, and stained his virtuous character by his crimes, he was no longer a man after God’s own heart. God did not in the least degree justify him in his sins, but sent Nathan his prophet, with dreadful denunciations to David because he had transgressed the commandment of the Lord. God shows his displeasure at David’s having a plurality of wives by visiting him with judgments, and permitting evils to rise up against him from his own house. The terrible calamity God permitted to come upon David, who for his integrity was once called a man after God’s own heart, is evidence to after generations that God would not justify any one in transgressing his commandments, but that he will surely punish the guilty, however righteous, and favored of God they might once have been while they followed the Lord in purity of heart. When the righteous turn from their righteousness and do evil, their past righteousness will not save them from the wrath of a just and holy God.?{4aSG 87.1}[5]
§12
圣经历史中的伟人和领袖曾经犯过严重的罪行。圣经并没有掩盖他们的罪，而是将他们的罪恶和刑罚如实地记录在上帝教会的历史上。这些事例记录下来，是为了后代的益处，能够激发人类对上帝圣言的信心，相信它是一部忠实的历史。那些想怀疑上帝、质疑基督教和圣经的人，不愿坦率公正地进行判断，却抱着偏见审视以色列中最杰出的领袖的品格和生活，找出他们的缺点和罪恶。上帝在祂圣言里忠实地记载了当时代最好最伟大之人的品格。这些人都是凡人，遭受魔鬼的试探。圣经并未掩盖他们的弱点和罪恶，而是连同责备和惩罚如实地记录下来。“这些事都要作为鉴戒，并且写在经上，正是警戒我们这末世的人”（林前10:11）。{4aSG 87.2}[6]
§13
Leading men of Bible history have sinned grievously. Their sins are not concealed, but faithfully recorded in the history of God’s church, with the punishment from God, which followed the offenses. These instances are left on record for the benefit of?after generations, and should inspire faith in the word of God, as a faithful history. Men who wish to doubt God, doubt christianity, and the word of God, will not judge candidly, and impartially, but with prejudiced minds will scan the life and character, to detect all the defects in the life of those who have been the most eminent leaders of Israel. A faithful delineation of character, God has caused to be given in inspired history, of the best and greatest men in their day. These men were mortal, subject to a tempting Devil. Their weakness and sins are not covered, but are faithfully recorded, with the reproof and punishment which followed. “These things were written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come.”?{4aSG 87.2}[6]
§14
上帝在祂的圣言中对于生在世上最好的那些人的优点溢美之词甚少。他们所有的伟大、胜利和善行都被归功于上帝。独有上帝应得尊荣，惟有祂应被高举。上帝超乎众人之上，贯乎众人之中。世人不过是媒介，是上帝手中卑微的器皿。能力与美德全都属于上帝。上帝看到世人有种持续的倾向，就是容易远离祂，忘记祂，敬拜受造之物而非创造主。因此，上帝不愿在圣史的篇章中留下许多赞美世人之辞。{4aSG 88.1}[7]
§15
God has not allowed much said in his word to extol the virtues of the best men that have lived upon the earth. All their victories, and great and good works, were ascribed to God. He alone was to receive the glory, he alone to be exalted. He was all and in all. Man was only an agent, a feeble instrument in his hands. The power and excellence was all of God. God saw in man a continual disposition to depart from, and to forget him, and worship the creature, instead of the Creator. Therefore God would not suffer much in the praise of man to be left upon the pages of sacred history.?{4aSG 88.1}[7]
§16
大卫在炉灰和尘土中懊悔自己的罪。他恳求上帝的饶恕，并不向国中的大臣甚至仆人隐瞒自己的悔意。他作了一首悔罪的诗，叙述他的罪恶与悔改。他很清楚，这首诗歌必将流传后世。他希望别人因他人生中的悲惨篇章受到教育。{4aSG 88.2}[8]
§17
David repented of his sin in dust and ashes. He entreated the forgiveness of God, and concealed not his repentance from the great men, and even servants of his kingdom. He composed a penitential Psalm, recounting his sin and repentance, which Psalm he knew would be sung by after generations. He wished others to be instructed by the sad history of his life.?{4aSG 88.2}[8]
§18
全以色列到处传唱大卫的悔罪诗，尤其是在宫廷集会时，当着祭司、长老和首领们的面反复吟唱。大卫知道承认自己的罪行会使自己的罪恶为后世所知。他提出自己的情形，说明他信赖谁，指望得谁的赦免。“上帝啊，求祢按祢的慈爱怜恤我，按祢丰盛的慈悲涂抹我的过犯。求祢将我的罪孽洗除净尽，并洁除我的罪。”“上帝啊，祢是拯救我的上帝，求祢救我脱离流人血的罪”（诗51:1,2,14）。{4aSG 88.3}[9]
§19
The songs which David composed were sung by all Israel, especially in the presence of the assembled court, and before priests, elders and lords. He knew that the confession of his guilt would bring his sins to the notice of other generations. He presents his case, showing in whom was his trust and hope for pardon.?“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness; according to the multitude of thy mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation.”?{4aSG 88.3}[9]
§20
大卫没有表现出不肯悔改之人的精神。如果大卫具有周围列王的精神，他就不会忍受拿单在他面前描绘他罪行的实在可憎的本相，而会要了那位忠实谴责者的命。然而，即便大卫身居高位，权力无限，他还是谦卑地承认所控告他的一切罪，这证明他仍旧因耶和华的话而恐惧战兢。{4aSG 89.1}[10]
§21
David does not manifest the spirit of an unconverted man. If he had possessed the spirit of the rulers of the nations around him, he would not have borne from Nathan the picture of his crime before him in its truly abominable colors, but would have taken the life of the faithful reprover. But notwithstanding the loftiness of his throne, and his unlimited power, his humble acknowledgment of all with which he was charged, is evidence that he still feared and trembled at the word of the Lord.?{4aSG 89.1}[10]
§22
大卫尝尽了自己犯罪的苦果。他的儿子们步其后尘。暗嫩犯了大罪。押沙龙为报仇雪恨，将他杀害。这些事不断让大卫想起自己的罪，使他充分感到自己对乌利亚和拔示巴所行的不公不义的分量。{4aSG 89.2}[11]
§23
David was made to feel bitterly the fruits of wrongdoing. His sons acted over the sins of which he had been guilty. Amnon committed a great crime. Absalom revenged it by slaying him. Thus was David’s sin brought continually to his mind, and he made to feel the full weight of the injustice done to Uriah and Bath-sheba.?{4aSG 89.2}[11]
§24
押沙龙是大卫亲生的儿子，大卫爱他超过他的众子，押沙龙却反叛了大卫。他用他那非凡的俊美、动人的仪态、假装的仁慈狡猾地盗取了百姓的心。他并非仁爱为怀，而是野心勃勃的，正如他的行为所表明的，想以阴谋诡计和犯罪行为获得国位。他竟谋取他父亲的性命，用来报答他父亲的爱与仁慈。跟从他的希伯来人宣布他为王，并由他率领去追击他父亲。他战败被杀了。{4aSG 89.3}[12]
§25
Absalom, his own son, whom he loved above all his children, rebelled against him. By his remarkable beauty, winning manners, and pretended kindness, he cunningly stole the hearts of the people. He did not possess benevolence at heart, but was ambitious and, as his course shows, would resort to intrigue and crime to obtain the kingdom. He would have returned his father’s love and kindness by taking his life. He was proclaimed king by his followers in Hebron, and led them out to pursue his father. He was defeated and slain.?{4aSG 89.3}[12]
§26
大卫因这次的叛乱而极其悲痛忧伤。这不象他曾打过的任何一次仗。他来自上帝的智慧、他的活力和作战技巧曾使他成功地抵抗敌人的袭击。但这次不自然的战争发生在他自己家里，造反的人是他亲生的儿子，这似乎搞乱和削弱了他沉着的判断力。他既知道这场灾祸是先知所预言过的，且知道是他自己因违反上帝的诫命而招来的，便没有了战术和从前无敌的勇气。{4aSG 89.4}[13]
§27
David was brought into great distress by this rebellion. It was unlike any war that he had been connected with. His wisdom from God, his energy and war-like skill, had enabled him to successfully resist the assaults of his enemies. But this unnatural warfare, arising in his own house, and the rebel being his?own son, seemed to confuse and weaken his calm judgment. And knowing that this evil had been predicted by the prophet, and that he had brought it upon himself, by his transgressing the commandments of God, destroyed his skill and former unequaled courage.?{4aSG 89.4}[13]
§28
大卫被降卑，非常哀伤。他逃离耶路撒冷以保性命。他并没有带着信心和王的尊荣出去，象从前作战的时候一样倚靠上帝；而是由他的百姓和勇士们围着上了橄榄山，谦卑地蒙着头，赤着脚，且走且哭，跟随他的人也效法王在逃离押沙龙时深表谦卑的榜样。{4aSG 90.1}[14]
§29
David was humbled and greatly distressed. He fled from Jerusalem to save his life. He went not forth with confidence and kingly honor, trusting in God as in previous battles; but as he went up by the ascent of the mount of Olivet, surrounded by his people, and his mighty men, he covered his head in his humility, and walked barefoot, weeping, and his people imitating the example of deep humility manifested by their king, while fleeing before Absalom.?{4aSG 90.1}[14]
§30
扫罗的亲戚示每一直嫉妒大卫，因为他得到了曾赐给扫罗的王权和王的尊荣。他便利用这次机会，趁着大卫不幸，反叛他，向他泄愤。他咒骂王，向他和他的仆人们扔石头和泥土，指控大卫是好流人血的恶人。跟随大卫的人请求得到允许去取了他的性命，但大卫斥责了他们，并且告诉他们说：“他咒骂是因耶和华吩咐他说：‘你要咒骂大卫。’如此，谁敢说你为什么这样行呢？我亲生的儿子尚且寻索我的性命，何况这便雅悯人呢？由他咒骂吧！因为这是耶和华吩咐他的”（撒下16:10）。{4aSG 90.2}[15]
§31
Shimei, a kinsman of Saul, who had ever been envious of David because he received the throne and kingly honors which had once been given to Saul, improved this opportunity of venting his rebellious rage upon David in his misfortune. He cursed the king, and cast stones and dirt at him, and his servants, and accused David of being a bloody and mischievous man. The followers of David begged permission to go and take his life, but David rebukes them, and tells them to “let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?” If my son “seeketh my life, how much more now may this Benjamite do it? Let him alone, and let him curse; for the Lord hath bidden him.”?{4aSG 90.2}[15]
§32
大卫在百姓和首领面前承认这是上帝对他犯罪的惩罚。他的罪给了上帝的仇敌亵渎的机会。那个愤怒的便雅悯人正在实施所预言的惩刑。他若谦卑地忍受，上帝就会减轻他的苦难，把示每的咒诅变为祝福。大卫表显出悔改的精神，和在上帝的事上有经验。他愿意接受上帝的纠正，并且凭着信心转向祂，以祂作为自己唯一的倚靠。上帝报偿大卫谦卑地投靠祂。祂挫败了亚希多弗的计谋，保存了大卫的性命。{4aSG 90.3}[16]
§33
He thus acknowledges before his people and chief men, that this is the punishment God has brought upon him because of his sin, which has given the enemies of the Lord occasion to blaspheme. The enraged Benjamite might be accomplishing his part of the punishment predicted, and if he bore these things with humility, that the Lord would lessen his affliction, and turn the curse of Shimei into a blessing. David does not manifest the spirit of an unconverted man. He shows that he has had an experience in the things of God. He manifests a disposition to receive?correction from God, and in confidence turns to him as his only trust. God rewards David’s humble trust in him, by defeating the counsel of Ahithophel, and preserving his life.?{4aSG 90.3}[16]
§34
大卫并不具有示每所描绘的品格。当扫罗屡次落在他权下，跟从他的人要杀了扫罗时，大卫不允许他们这么做，尽管他不断为自己的性命担忧，被扫罗追捕象猎取一只野兽一样。有一次扫罗落在他手中时，他割掉了扫罗衣袍的一角，好向扫罗证明他不想伤害他，尽管他原本可以要了他的命。大卫连这事也后悔了，因为扫罗是耶和华的受膏者。{4aSG 91.1}[17]
§35
David was not the character Shimei represented him to be. When Saul was repeatedly placed in his power, and his followers would have killed him, David would not permit them to do so, although he was in continual fear of his own life, and was pursued like a wild beast by Saul. At one time when Saul was in his power, he cut off a piece of the skirt of his robe, that he might evidence to Saul that he would not harm him, although he might have taken his life if he was so disposed. David repented even of this, because he was the Lord’s anointed.?{4aSG 91.1}[17]
§36
当大卫口渴，极想喝伯利恒井里的水时，三个勇士不让他知道，冲破了非利士的军队，取了伯利恒井里的水来，带给大卫喝。他认为这水太神圣了，不能用来喝，解他的渴，因为是那三个人由于爱他而冒着生命的危险取来的。他并没有轻视生命。对他来说，似乎他若喝了这三个勇士冒着生命的危险取来的水，就好像是喝他们的血一样。他庄严地将那水浇奠了，作为献给上帝的神圣供物。{4aSG 91.2}[18]
§37
When David was thirsty, and greatly desired water of the well of Bethlehem, three men, without his knowledge, broke through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, and brought it to David. He considered it too sacred to drink and quench his thirst, because three men, through their love for him, had periled their lives to obtain it. He did not lightly regard life. It seemed to him that if he drank the water these brave men had put their lives in jeopardy to obtain, it would be like drinking their blood. He solemnly poured out the water as a sacred offering to God.?{4aSG 91.2}[18]
§38
押沙龙死后，上帝使以色列民的心转回，一心一意归向大卫。示每曾在大卫落难之时咒骂他，他害怕性命不保，就在反叛者中最先迎接大卫回耶路撒冷。他向大卫承认自己反叛的行为，而那些曾亲眼看见他咒骂大卫的人，主张不要饶他的命，因为他咒骂上帝所膏立的。但是大卫责备了他们。他不仅饶了他的命，而且还开恩赦免了他，如果大卫怀有报复的精神，处死得罪他的人是轻而易举的。{4aSG 91.3}[19]
§39
After the death of Absalom, God turned the hearts of Israel, as the heart of one man, to David. Shimei, who had cursed David in his humility, through fear of his life, was among the first of the rebellious to meet David on his return to Jerusalem. He made confession of his rebellious conduct to David. Those who witnessed his abusive course urged David not to spare his life, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed. But David rebuked them. He not only spared the life of Shimei, but mercifully forgave him. Had David possessed a revengeful spirit, he could readily have gratified it, by putting the offender to death.?{4aSG 91.3}[19]
§40
以色列人在大卫的统治下兴盛起来，人数增多，而当他们强壮起来，财富和尊荣都增多时，他们就变得自高和骄傲起来。他们忘记了赐予他们一切恩慈怜悯的主，很快就丧失了他们的独特性和圣洁品质，正是这些性质使他们与四围的列国区别开来。{4aSG 91.4}[20]
§41
Israel prospered and increased in numbers under?David’s rule, and, as they became strong, and had increased in wealth and greatness, they became exalted and proud. They forgot the Giver of all their mercies, and were fast losing their peculiar and holy character, which separated them from the nations around them.?{4aSG 91.4}[20]
§42
大卫在兴盛中没有保持他早期的生活所表现的品格的谦卑和对上帝的倚靠。他骄傲地看着王国的扩张，且将他们当时的繁荣状况与他登基时人少力弱的状况作对比，将荣耀归于自己。他屈从了魔鬼的试探，竟然满足自己的野心，去数点以色列人，以便将他们从前的软弱与他统治时的兴盛状况作对比。这令上帝不悦，且与祂的明令相反。这会使以色列人去依赖人数的力量而不是永生的上帝。{4aSG 92.1}[21]
§43
David, in his prosperity, did not preserve that humility of character and trust in God which characterized the earlier part of his life. He looked upon the accessions to the kingdom with pride, and contrasted their then prosperous condition with their few numbers and little strength when he ascended the throne, taking glory to himself. He gratified his ambitious feelings in yielding to the temptations of the Devil to number Israel, that he might compare their former weakness to their then prosperous state under his rule. This was displeasing to God, and contrary to his express command. It would lead Israel to rely upon their strength of numbers, instead of the living God.?{4aSG 92.1}[21]
§44
大卫清点以色列民的工作还没有完成，就认识到自己犯了大罪，得罪了上帝。他看到自己的过错，在上帝面前自卑，承认自己愚昧地犯下了清点百姓的大罪，但是他悔之已晚。上帝已命令祂的忠心先知传信给大卫，叫他选择一样犯罪的处罚。大卫仍然表示他信赖上帝。他宁愿落在慈悲上帝的手中，也不愿落在恶人手中。{4aSG 92.2}[22]
§45
The work of numbering Israel is not fully completed before David feels convicted that he has committed a great sin against God. He sees his error, and humbles himself before God, confessing his great sin in foolishly numbering the people. But his repentance came too late. The word had already gone forth from the Lord to his faithful prophet, to carry a message to David, and offer him his choice of punishments for his transgression. David still shows that he has confidence in God. He chooses to fall into the hands of a merciful God, rather than be left to the cruel mercies of wicked men.?{4aSG 92.2}[22]
§46
毁灭迅速临到。有七万人因瘟疫而死亡。大卫和以色列的众长老在上帝面前深深自卑和悲哀。上帝的使者正要前往毁灭耶路撒冷，上帝吩咐他停止灭命的工作。虽然他们悖逆，慈怜的上帝仍然爱祂的百姓。大卫和旁边的人看见天使身着军装，手持出鞘的刀伸向耶路撒冷。大卫十分害怕，但他喊出了他的痛苦和对以色列人的同情。他求上帝拯救这些羊群。他悲痛地认罪说：“我犯了罪，行了恶。愿祢的手攻击我和我的父家，不要攻击祢的民”（见撒上24:17;代上21:17）。上帝藉着祂的先知吩咐大卫要为自己赎罪。大卫专心致志于这项工作，他的悔改得到悦纳。亚劳拿愿意免费给大卫提供禾场，可以在那里为耶和华筑一座坛，牛以及各样献祭所需要的东西都有了。但是大卫对慷慨奉献的亚劳拿说，上帝悦纳他甘心的奉献。他不能带着白白得来的供物来到上帝面前。他要用足价买下这块地。他在那里献燔祭和平安祭。耶和华就接纳这祭物，让火从天降下烧掉祭物。耶和华吩咐祂的使者收刀入鞘，停止毁灭的工作。{4aSG 92.3}[23]
§47
Swift destruction followed. Seventy thousand were destroyed by pestilence. David and the elders of Israel were in the deepest humiliation, mourning before the Lord. As the angel of the Lord was on his way to destroy Jerusalem, God bids him to stay his work of death. A pitiful God loves his people still, notwithstanding their rebellion. The angel clad in warlike garments, with a drawn sword in his hand, stretched out over Jerusalem, is revealed to David, and to those who were with him. David is terribly afraid, yet he?cries out in his distress, and his compassion for Israel. He begs of God to save the sheep. In anguish he confesses, “I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. Let thine hand be against me, and against my father’s house, and not upon the people.” God speaks to David by his prophet, and bids him make atonement for his sin. David’s heart was in the work, and his repentance was accepted. The threshing-floor of Araunah is offered him freely, where to build an altar unto the Lord; also cattle, and everything needful for the sacrifice. But David tells him who would make this generous offering, that the Lord will accept the sacrifice which he is willing to make, but that he would not come before the Lord with an offering which cost him nothing. He would buy it of him for full price. He offered there burnt-offerings and peace-offerings. God accepted the offering by answering David in sending fire from Heaven to consume the sacrifice. The angel of God was commanded to put his sword into his sheath, and cease his work of destruction.?{4aSG 92.3}[23]
§48
大卫在旷野写了许多诗篇，他为了安全起见曾被迫逃到那里。扫罗甚至追他到旷野，大卫有几次皆因上帝天意的特别干预才没有落入扫罗手中。当大卫这样经历严峻的考验和艰难时，他表现出了对上帝坚定不移的信靠，且被祂的灵所特别充满，写作诗歌叙述他的危险和得救，将赞美和荣耀归于上帝——他满有恩慈的保护者。在这些诗篇中，可以见到一种热情、献身和圣洁的精神。他唱这些歌，这些歌表达他的思想和他对神圣事物的默想，并娴熟地用竖琴和其它乐器配上乐曲。撒下22章中的诗篇是在扫罗寻索他命的时候写的。大卫所有的诗篇几乎都是在他早期的生活中写的，那时他以内心的纯正侍奉上帝。{4aSG 93.1}[24]
§49
David composed many of the Psalm in the wilderness, to which he was compelled to flee for safety. Saul even pursued him there, and David was several times preserved from falling into the hands of Saul by the special interposition of Providence. While David was thus passing through severe trials and hardships, he manifested an unwavering trust in God, and was especially imbued with his Spirit, as he composed his songs which recount his dangers and deliverances, ascribing praise and glory to God, his merciful preserver. In these Psalm is seen a spirit of fervor, devotion and holiness. He sung these songs, which express his thoughts and meditations of divine things, accompanied with skillful music upon the harp and other instruments. The Psalm contained in?2 Samuel 22, was composed while Saul was hunting him to take his life. Nearly all the sacred songs of David were arranged in the earlier period of his life, while he was serving the Lord with integrity and purity of heart.?{4aSG 93.1}[24]
§50
大卫打算给上帝建一个殿宇，好在其中存放神圣的约柜，以色列人都应前来敬拜。主藉祂的先知告诉大卫，他不应该建殿，但他要有一个儿子为上帝建殿。“我要作他的父，他要作我的子；他若犯了罪，我必用人的杖责打他，用人的鞭责罚他。但我的慈爱仍不离开他，象离开在你面前所废弃的扫罗一样”（撒下7:14,15）。上帝对犯错之人的软弱表示同情怜悯，并且应许，他若犯罪，就惩罚他；他若悔改，就饶恕他。{4aSG 93.2}[25]
§51
David purposed to build a house for God, in which?he could place the sacred ark, and to which all Israel should come to worship. The Lord informed David through his prophet that he should not build the house, but that he should have a son who should build a house for God. “I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men. But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.” God manifests pity and compassion for the weakness of erring man, and promises, if he transgress, to punish him, and if he repent, to forgive him.{4aSG 93.2}[25]
§52
大卫晚年的生活显然是忠心献身于上帝的。他为自己的罪和偏离上帝公义的律例哀恸，那既玷污了他的品格，也使耶和华的敌人有了亵渎的机会。耶和华藉着一位天使指示大卫，将所罗门所要为祂建殿的图样给了他。一位天使在大卫画出图样的时候奉命站在他的身旁，为所罗门建殿作出重要的指示与说明。大卫专心致志于这项工作。他在为建殿所做的广泛准备工作上表现出恳切和献身，不遗余力，不计代价，大量捐献了自己的财物，从而在百姓面前树立了一个高尚的榜样，他们毫不犹豫地甘心效法了他的榜样。{4aSG 94.1}[26]
§53
The closing years of David’s life were marked with faithful devotion to God. He mourned over his sins and departure from God’s just precepts, which had darkened his character, and given occasion for the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. The Lord, through his angel, instructed David, and gave him a pattern of the house which Solomon should build for him. An angel was commissioned to stand by David while he was writing out, for the benefit of Solomon, the important directions in regard to the arrangement of the house. David’s heart was in the work. He manifested an earnestness and devotion in making extensive preparations for the building, and spared neither labor nor expense, but made large donations from his own treasury, thereby setting a noble example before his people, which they did not hesitate with a willing heart to follow.?{4aSG 94.1}[26]
§54
大卫对所罗门感到最大的关怀。他担心所罗门会随从他的榜样做错事。他能以最深切的悲伤看到他因陷入重罪中而给自己的品格带来的污点和瑕疵，很愿尽力救他儿子远离这种罪恶。他已从经验中学到，主决不认可错行，无论是高高在上的君王犯的，还是最卑微的臣民犯的，而且主必更加严厉地惩罚祂百姓的领袖，因为领袖的职位要比卑微的国民责任重的多。以色列的领袖们所犯的罪会有一种影响，削弱百姓心中和良心中对罪的可憎性的认识，且会叫不敬畏上帝的其它国家知道，使他们亵渎以色列的上帝。{4aSG 94.2}[27]
§55
David feels the greatest solicitude for Solomon. He fears that he may follow his example in wrong doing. He can see with the deepest sorrow the spots and blemishes he has brought upon his character, by his falling into grievous sins, and he would save his son from the evil if he could. He has learned by experience that the Lord will in no case sanction wrong doing, whether it be found in the loftiest prince, or the humblest subject, but would visit the leader of his people with as much severer punishment as his position is more responsible than the humble subject’s. The?sins committed by the leaders of Israel would have an influence to lessen the heinousness of crime on the minds and consciences of the people, and would be brought to the notice of other nations, who fear not God, but who trample upon his authority, and they would be led to blaspheme the God of Israel.?{4aSG 94.2}[27]
§56
大卫严肃地嘱咐他的儿子，要严格地遵守上帝的律法，持守祂一切的律例。他向所罗门讲了主藉先知对他讲的话。“‘他若恒久遵行我的诫命典章如今日一样，我就必坚定他的国位，直到永远。’现今在耶和华的会中，以色列众人眼前所说的，我们的上帝也听见了。你们应当寻求耶和华你们上帝的一切诫命，谨守遵行，如此你们可以承受这美地，遗留给你们的子孙，永远为业。我儿所罗门哪，你当认识耶和华你父的上帝，诚心乐意地事奉祂；因为祂鉴察众人的心，知道一切心思意念。你若寻求祂，祂必使你寻见；你若离弃祂，祂必永远丢弃你。你当谨慎，因耶和华拣选你建造殿宇作为圣所。你当刚强去行”（代上28:7-10）。{4aSG 95.1}[28]
§57
David solemnly charges his son to adhere strictly to the law of God, and to keep all his statutes. He relates to Solomon the word of the Lord, spoken unto him through his prophets. “Moreover, I will establish his kingdom forever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day. Now, therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the congregation of the Lord, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God, that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you forever. And thou, Solomon, my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind; for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts. If thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off forever. Take heed now, for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary. Be strong, and do it.”?{4aSG 95.1}[28]
§58
他在百姓和上帝面前这样嘱咐了他儿子之后，便向上帝献上感谢，因为祂使他的心和百姓的心乐意为建殿的大工奉献。他还恳求耶和华使所罗门的心喜爱祂的命令。他说：“我的上帝啊，我知道祢察验人心，喜悦正直；我以正直的心乐意献上这一切物。现在我喜欢见祢的民在这里都乐意奉献与祢。耶和华我们列祖亚伯拉罕、以撒、以色列的上帝啊，求祢使祢的民常存这样的心思意念，坚定他们的心归向祢，又求祢赐我儿子所罗门诚实的心，遵守祢的命令、法度、律例，成就这一切的事，用我所预备的建造殿宇”（代上29:17-19）。{4aSG 95.2}[29]
§59
After giving this charge to his son, in the audience of the people, and in the presence of God, he offers grateful thanks to God for disposing his own heart, and the hearts of the people, to give willingly for the great work of building. He also entreats the Lord to incline the heart of Solomon to his commandments. He says, “I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart, I have willingly offered all these things. And now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee. And give unto Solomon,?my son, a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.”?{4aSG 95.2}[29]
§60
大卫的公务将要结束了。他知道自己将不久于人世。他没有撒手不管，让他的儿子受累。他在精力充沛的时候，亲自安排国家事务，不论巨细。他也没有忘记警告所罗门有关示每的情况。他知道示每日后必闹事。示每是一个性情凶恶的危险人物。他只是因害怕而暂时老实。无论何时，只要有机会，他都会起来造反，毫不犹疑地夺取所罗门的性命。{4aSG 96.1}[30]
§61
David’s public labor was about to close. He knew that he should soon die, and he does not leave his business matters in confusion, to vex the soul of his son, but while he has sufficient physical and mental strength, he arranges the affairs of his kingdom, even to the minutest matters, not forgetting to warn Solomon in regard to the case of Shimei. He knew that he would cause trouble in the kingdom. He was a dangerous man of violent temper, and only kept in control through fear. Whenever he dared, he would cause rebellion, or, if he had a favorable opportunity, would not hesitate to take the life of Solomon.?{4aSG 96.1}[30]
§62
大卫对事务的安排，给一切年长的人树立了一个好榜样。他们应在力所能及的时候安排好自己的事务，好在他们体弱将死、智力迟钝的时候，不会有世俗的事使他们的心离开上帝。{4aSG 96.2}[31]
§63
David, in arranging his business, sets a good example to all who are advanced in years, to settle their matters while they are capable of doing so, that when they shall be drawing near to death, and their mental faculties are dimmed, they shall have nothing of a worldly nature to divert their minds from God.?{4aSG 96.2}[31]