第18章 以色列人出埃及
§1
第18章 以色列人出埃及
§2
Chapter 18- Israel Leaves Egypt.
§3
以色列民已经遵行上帝所给他们的指示，因此正当灭命的使者在埃及人中挨家挨户经过的时候，他们都预备好出发，并等待着那顽固的王和他的臣宰吩咐他们去。“到了半夜，耶和华把埃及地所有的长子，就是从坐宝座的法老，直到被掳囚在监里之人的长子，以及一切头生的牲畜，尽都杀了。法老和一切臣仆，并埃及众人，夜间都起来了；在埃及有大哀号，无一家不死一个人的。夜间，法老召了摩西、亚伦来，说：‘起来，连你们带以色列人，从我民中出去，依你们所说的，去事奉耶和华吧！也依你们所说的，连羊群牛群带着走吧！并要为我祝福。’埃及人催促百姓，打发他们快快出离那地，因为埃及人说：‘我们都要死了。’百姓就拿着没有酵的生面，把抟面盆包在衣服中，扛在肩头上，以色列人照着摩西的话行，向埃及人要金器、银器、和衣裳；耶和华叫百姓在埃及人眼前蒙恩，以致埃及人给他们所要的，他们就把埃及人的财物夺去了”（出12:29-36）。{1SP 204.1}[1]
§4
The children of Israel had followed the directions given them of God; and while the angel of death was passing from house to house among the Egyptians, they were all ready for their journey, and waiting for the rebellious king and his great men to bid them go. And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt, from the first-born of Pharaoh that sat on his throne, unto the first-born of the captive that was in the dungeon, and all the first-born of cattle. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said. Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also. And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men. And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading-troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders. And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment. And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required; and they spoiled the Egyptians. {1SP 204.1}[1]
§5
主在这事尚未曾应验之前约四百年，就已将其显示给亚伯拉罕：“耶和华对亚伯兰说：你要的确知道，你的后裔必寄居别人的地，又服事那地的人，那地的人要苦待他们四百年。并且他们要服事的那国，我要惩罚，后来他们必带着许多财物，从那里出来”（创15:13-14）。{1SP 205.1}[2]
§6
The Lord revealed this to Abraham about four hundred years before it was fulfilled: And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years. And also that nation whom they shall serve, will I judge; and afterward shall they come out with great substance. {1SP 205.1}[2]
§7
“又有许多闲杂人，并有羊群牛群，和他们一同上去”（出12:38）。以色列人带着他们所有的财物出离埃及，这些财物不属于法老，因为他们从未将其出卖给他。雅各和他的众子将他们的羊群和牛群带到埃及地。这时以色列民的人数极其众多，他们的羊群牛群也大大增加了。上帝已经降灾于埃及人，借此刑罚他们，并使他们急于催促祂的百姓带着他们一切所有的出离埃及。{1SP 205.2}[3]
§8
And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle. The children of Israel went out of Egypt with their possessions, which did not belong to Pharaoh, for they had never sold them to him. Jacob and his sons took their flocks and cattle with them into Egypt. The children of Israel had become exceedingly numerous, and their flocks and herds had greatly increased. God had judged the Egyptians by sending the plagues upon them, and made them hasten his people out of Egypt, with all that they possessed. {1SP 205.2}[3]
§9
“法老容百姓去的时候，非利士地的道路虽近，上帝却不领他们从那里走，因为上帝说：‘恐怕百姓遇见打仗后悔，就回埃及去。’所以上帝领百姓绕道而行，走红海旷野的路。以色列人出埃及地，都带着兵器上去。摩西把约瑟的骸骨一同带去；因为约瑟曾叫以色列人严严地起誓，对他们说：‘上帝必眷顾你们；你们要把我的骸骨从这里一同带上去。’他们从疏割起行，在旷野边的以倘安营。日间，耶和华在云柱中领他们的路；夜间，在火柱中光照他们，使他们日夜都可以行走。日间云柱，夜间火柱，总不离开百姓的面前”（出13:17-22）。{1SP 205.3}[4]
§10
And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt. But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him; for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you. And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night. He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. {1SP 205.3}[4]
§11
主知道非利士人必定反对以色列人经过他们的境界。他们必论到以色列人说：他们是从埃及的主人们那里偷逃的，所以就要和他们作战。这样，上帝就在带领他们经过红海的事上显明自己既是公义的上帝，也是慈悲的上帝。主告诉摩西说：法老必定追赶他们，所以祂指示他在海边安营的地点。他告诉摩西说他必在法老和他全军面前得到荣耀。希伯来人离开埃及数日之后，埃及人告诉法老说：他们已经逃窜，而且再也不会回来服侍他了。于是他们就因容许他们离开埃及而懊丧了。不能享受他们的服事，实在是非常重大的损失，因此他们懊悔自己曾经同意让他们走。他们虽曾从上帝的刑罚遭受那一切痛苦，但他们已因长久悖逆而十分顽梗，竟至决定要追赶以色列民，用武力迫使他们回到埃及来。王率领大队军兵及六百辆战车去追赶他们，终于在他们海边安营的时候追上了他们。{1SP 206.1}[5]
§12
The Lord knew that the Philistines would oppose their passing through their land. They would say of them, They have stolen away from their masters in Egypt, and would make war with them. Thus God, by bringing them by the way of the sea, revealed himself a compassionate God, as well as a God of judgment. The Lord informed Moses that Pharaoh would pursue them, and he directed him just where to encamp before the sea. He told Moses that he would be honored before Pharaoh and all his host. After the Hebrews had been gone from Egypt some days, the Egyptians told Pharaoh that they had fled, and would never return to serve him again. And they mourned because they had permitted them to leave Egypt. It was a very great loss for them to be deprived of their services; and they regretted that they had consented to let them go. Notwithstanding all they had suffered from the judgments of God, they were so hardened by their continual rebellion that they decided to pursue the children of Israel, and bring them back by force into Egypt. The king took a very large army and six hundred chariots, and pursued after them, and overtook them while encamped by the sea. {1SP 206.1}[5]
§13
“法老临近的时候，以色列人举目看见埃及人赶来，就甚惧怕，向耶和华哀求。他们对摩西说：‘难道在埃及没有坟地，你把我们带来死在旷野吗？你为什么这样待我们，将我们从埃及领出来呢？我们在埃及岂没有对你说过，不要搅扰我们，容我们服侍埃及人吗？因为服侍埃及人比死在旷野还好。’摩西对百姓说：‘不要惧怕，只管站住，看耶和华今天向你们所要施行的救恩，因为你们今天所看见的埃及人，必永远不再看见了。耶和华必为你们争战，你们只管静默，不要作声’”（出14:10-14）。{1SP 206.2}[6]
§14
And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid; and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? Wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? for it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not; stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show to you today; for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. {1SP 206.2}[6]
§15
以色列人多快就不信上帝了啊！他们曾经亲眼看到祂为迫使王让以色列人离去所降给埃及的一切刑罚，及至他们对于上帝的信赖受到试验时，他们虽已见过上帝在施行奇妙拯救时所显神能的证据，但他们还是发了怨言。他们既没有在急难中依赖上帝，反而埋怨忠心的摩西，叫他想起他们在埃及所说的不信的话。他们控诉他为他们遭受一切患难的祸根。他却鼓励他们信靠上帝，抑制住自己不信的表现，他们应当注意主所要为他们作的事。摩西恳切地哀求主拯救祂的选民。{1SP 207.1}[7]
§16
How soon the Israelites distrusted God! They had witnessed all his judgments upon Egypt to compel the king to let Israel go; but when their confidence in God was tested, they murmured, notwithstanding they had seen such evidences of his power in their wonderful deliverance. Instead of trusting in God in their necessity, they murmured at faithful Moses, reminding him of their words of unbelief which they uttered in Egypt. They accused him of being the cause of all their distress. He encouraged them to trust in God, and withhold their expressions of unbelief, and they should see what the Lord would do for them. Moses earnestly cried to the Lord to deliver his chosen people. {1SP 207.1}[7]
§17
“耶和华对摩西说：‘你为什么向我哀求呢？你吩咐以色列人往前走。你举手向海伸杖，把水分开，以色列人要下海中走干地’”（出14:15,16）。上帝要摩西明白祂必要为祂的子民行事——他们的急需正是祂的机会。他们即使已经尽可能走到尽头，他仍须吩咐他们继续前进；因为他要用上帝所赐他的杖把水分开。“{1SP 207.2}[8]
§18
And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward. But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it; and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. God would have Moses understand that he would work for his people--that their necessity would be his opportunity. When they should go as far as they could, he must bid them still go forward; that he should use the rod God had given him to divide the waters. {1SP 207.2}[8]
§19
“‘我要使埃及人的心刚硬，他们就跟着下去，我要在法老和他的全军、车辆、马兵上得荣耀。我在法老、和他的车辆、马兵上，得荣耀的时候，埃及人就知道我是耶和华了。’在以色列营前行走的上帝的使者，转到他们后边，云柱也从他们前面转到他们后边立住。在埃及营和以色列营中间有云柱，一边黑暗，一边发光；终夜两下不得相近”（出14:17-20）。{1SP 208.1}[9]
§20
And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them; and I will get me honor upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honor upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them, and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them. And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these. So that the one came not near the other all the night. {1SP 208.1}[9]
§21
埃及人看不见希伯来人，因为他们前面有浓黑的乌云，这云对于以色列人却放射光明。上帝如此彰显祂的大能来试验祂的百姓，要看他们在祂向他们如此表示眷顾和慈爱的证据时，他们是否信靠祂，同时也要责备他们的不信和埋怨。“摩西向海伸杖，耶和华便用大东风，使海水一夜退去，水便分开，海就成了干地。以色列人下海中走干地，水在他们的左右作了墙垣”（出14:22,23）。海水在两旁升起矗立，象凝固的墙壁一样，这时以色列民则走在海中干地上。{1SP 208.2}[10]
§22
The Egyptians could not see the Hebrews; for the cloud of thick darkness was before them, which cloud was all light to the Israelites. Thus did God display his power to prove his people, whether they would trust in him after giving them such tokens of his care and love for them, and to rebuke their unbelief and murmuring. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand and on their left. The waters rose up and stood, like congealed walls on either side, while Israel walked in the midst of the sea on dry ground. {1SP 208.2}[10]
§23
当夜埃及全军正在得意扬扬，认为以色列民又要落到他们的权下了。他们以为这些人无路可逃；因为他们前面是一片汪洋的红海，而后面又有埃及的大军堵住去路。早晨他们来到海边，只见那里有一条干路，海水已被分开，立在两旁象墙垣一样，而以色列民已在干地上走过了海中心了。埃及人等了一会儿，要决定应采取什么方针。他们原以为希伯来人几已唾手可得，必定落到他们的权下，而今居然有一条意想不到的出路为他们在海中打开，因此感到失望而且恼怒；所以决定要追赶他们。“埃及人追赶他们，法老一切的马匹、车辆、和马兵，都跟着下到海中。到了晨更的时候，耶和华从云、火柱中向埃及的军兵观看，使埃及的军兵混乱了。又使他们的车轮脱落，难以行走，以致埃及人说：我们从以色列人面前逃跑吧，因耶和华为他们攻击我们了”（出14:23-25）。{1SP 209.1}[11]
§24
The Egyptian host was triumphing through that night that the children of Israel were again in their power. They thought there was no possibility of their escape; for before them stretched the Red Sea, and their large armies were close behind them. In the morning, as they came up to the sea, lo, there was a dry path, the waters were divided, and stood like a wall upon either side, and the children of Israel were half way through the sea, walking on dry land. They waited awhile to decide what course they had better pursue. They were disappointed and enraged, that, as the Hebrews were almost in their power, and they were sure of them, an unexpected way was opened for them in the sea. They decided to follow them. And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them, to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaohs horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, and took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians. {1SP 209.1}[11]
§25
埃及人竟敢于冒险走上帝为祂子民所预备的道路，结果上帝的使者进到他们队伍中间，将他们战车的轮子拆了下来。他们遭殃了。他们的进度极其缓慢，而且他们开始混乱了。他们记起希伯来人的上帝在埃及所降给他们的刑罚，使他们不得不让以色列人出去，这时他们想，上帝可能要将他们全都交在以色列人的手中呢。他们认定上帝是在那里为以色列人作战，于是他们非常地恐慌，就转身逃跑，这时“耶和华对摩西说：‘你向海伸杖，叫水仍合在埃及人并他们的车辆、马兵身上。’摩西就向海伸杖，到了天一亮，海水仍旧复原，埃及人避水逃跑的时候，耶和华把他们推翻在海中。水就回流，淹没了车辆和马兵；那些跟着以色列人下海法老的全军，连一个也没有剩下。以色列人却在海中走干地，水在他们的左右作了墙垣。当日，耶和华这样拯救以色列人脱离埃及人的手，以色列人看见埃及人的死尸都在海边了。以色列人看见耶和华向埃及人所行的大事，就敬畏耶和华，又信服祂和祂的仆人摩西”（出14:26-31）。{1SP 209.2}[12]
§26
The Egyptians dared to venture in the path God had prepared for his people, and angels of God went through their host and removed their chariot wheels. They were plagued. Their progress was very slow, and they began to be troubled. They remembered the judgments that the God of the Hebrews had brought upon them in Egypt, to compel them to let Israel go, and they thought that God might deliver them all into the hands of the Israelites. They decided that God was fighting for the Israelites, and they were terribly afraid, and were turning about to flee from them, when the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians; and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses. {1SP 209.2}[12]
§27
希伯来人看到上帝在毁灭埃及人一事上所施的奇妙作为，他们就都同声歌唱一首高尚动听，和感谢颂赞而出自灵感的诗歌。女先知摩西的姐姐米利暗带领着妇女们奏乐。{1SP 210.1}[13]
§28
As the Hebrews witnessed the marvelous work of God in the destruction of the Egyptians, they united in an inspired song of lofty eloquence and grateful praise. Miriam, the sister of Moses, a prophetess, led the women in music. {1SP 210.1}[13]
§29
“那时，摩西和以色列人向耶和华唱歌说：我要向耶和华歌唱，因祂大大战胜，将马和骑马的投在海中。耶和华是我的力量，我的诗歌，也成了我的拯救。这是我的上帝，我要赞美祂；是我父亲的上帝，我要尊崇祂。耶和华是战士，祂的名是耶和华。法老的车辆、军兵，耶和华已抛在海中；他特选的军长都沉于红海。深水淹没他们，他们如同石头坠到深处。耶和华啊，祢的右手施展能力，显出荣耀；耶和华啊，祢的右手摔碎仇敌。祢大发威严，推翻那些起来攻击祢的；祢发出烈怒如火，烧灭他们象烧碎秸一样。祢发鼻中的气，水便聚起成堆，大水直立如垒，海中的深水凝结。仇敌说：我要追赶，我要追上；我要分掳物，我要在他们身上称我的心愿。我要拔出刀来，亲手杀灭他们。祢叫风一吹，海就把他们淹没；他们如铅沉在大水之中。” {1SP 210.2}[14]
§30
Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously. The horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation. He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my fathers God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is his name. Pharaohs chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea; his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea. The depths have covered them; they sank into the bottom as a stone. Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power. Thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee. Thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble. And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea. The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil. My lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them. They sank as lead in the mighty waters. {1SP 210.2}[14]
§31
“耶和华啊，众神之中，谁能象祢？谁能象祢至圣至荣，可颂可畏，施行奇事？祢伸出右手，地便吞灭他们。祢凭慈爱领了祢所赎的百姓；祢凭能力引他们到了祢的圣所。外邦人听见就发颤；疼痛抓住非利士的居民。那时，以东的族长惊惶，摩押的英雄被战兢抓住，迦南的居民心都消化了。惊骇恐惧临到他们。耶和华啊，因祢膀臂的大能，他们如石头寂然不动，等候祢的百姓过去，等候祢所赎的百姓过去。祢要将他们领进去，栽于祢产业的山上，耶和华啊，就是祢为自己所造的住处；主啊，就是祢手所建立的圣所。” {1SP 211.1}[15]
§32
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed; thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. The people shall hear, and be afraid. Sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O Lord, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased. Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in; in the sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established. {1SP 211.1}[15]
§33
“耶和华必作王，直到永永远远！法老的马匹、车辆，和马兵下到海中，耶和华使海水回流，淹没他们；惟有以色列人在海中走干地”（出15:1-19）。{1SP 212.1}[16]
§34
The Lord shall reign forever and ever. For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea. {1SP 212.1}[16]
§35
法老不愿承认上帝并向祂的权威低头，却喜欢表现他作为统治者对他能控制之人的权力。在法老不给草却让百姓做砖之后，摩西曾向法老宣布，他所假装不认识的上帝会迫使他屈服于祂的要求，承认祂作为至高统治者的权威。{1SP 212.2}[17]
§36
Pharaoh, who would not acknowledge God and bow to his authority, delighted to show his power as ruler over those whom he could control. Moses declared to Pharaoh, after he required the people to make brick without straw, that God, whom he pretended not to know, would compel him to yield to his claims, and acknowledge his authority, as supreme ruler. {1SP 212.2}[17]
§37
时候已到，上帝要应允祂受压迫子民的祈求，以神能的大力彰显把祂的百姓带出埃及，迫使埃及人承认他们所藐视的希伯来人的上帝是超乎诸神之上的。如今祂要因他们拜偶像、骄傲地自夸他们没有知觉没有意识的假神对他们的恩待而惩罚他们。上帝必荣耀祂自己的名，好使其它各国可以听闻祂的权能，并在祂大能的作为下战兢；祂自己的子民也可因目睹祂奇妙的作为而完全转离他们的偶像崇拜，向祂献上纯洁的敬拜。{1SP 212.3}[18]
§38
The time had come when God would answer the prayers of his oppressed people, and would bring them from Egypt with such mighty displays of his power that the Egyptians would be compelled to acknowledge that the God of the Hebrews, whom they had despised, was above all gods. He would now punish them for their idolatry, and for their proud boasting of the mercies bestowed upon them by their senseless gods. God would glorify his own name, that other nations might hear of his power and tremble at his mighty acts, and that his people, by witnessing his miraculous works, should fully turn from their idolatry to render to him pure worship. {1SP 212.3}[18]
§39
上帝吩咐摩西对法老说：“其实，我叫你存立，是特要向你显我的大能，并要使我的名传遍天下”（出9:16）。这并不是说上帝为了那个目的才让他存在的。而是说祂的天意在支配着时局，在上帝要拯救希伯来人的时候应有这样一个顽固的暴君坐在埃及的宝座上。为此他的性命才得保存，尽管他因自己的罪恶理应丧失上帝的怜悯。然而上帝认为合适保留他的性命，好藉着他的顽梗在埃及地彰显祂的奇迹。祂会使法老对祂的反抗成为好机会，藉以增多祂能力的证据，既为自己子民的益处，也使祂的名在埃及人面前显大，且使后来生在世上的人认识祂。时局的处理出于祂天意的安排。祂原可安置一位更加仁慈的王在埃及的宝座上，这样的王不会胆敢坚持反抗上帝大能的显现，就象在法老面前显现的一样。然而那样上帝的旨意就不会实现了。祂的子民就会在埃及人拜偶像的罪恶上一直受欺骗，不会亲身体验到拜偶像的埃及人残忍待他们的铁石心肠。上帝希望在他们面前显明：祂痛恨偶像崇拜，无论哪里存在残忍和压迫，祂都必予以惩罚。{1SP 212.4}[19]
§40
God commanded Moses to say unto Pharaoh, For this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power. This does not mean that God had given him an existence for that purpose; but his providence had so overruled events that such a rebellious tyrant as Pharaoh should be upon the throne of Egypt at the time God would deliver the Hebrews. For this purpose his life had been preserved, though he had justly forfeited the mercy of God by his crimes. God saw fit to spare his life, to manifest, through his stubbornness, his wonders in the land of Egypt. He would cause Pharaohs rebellion against him to be the occasion to multiply evidences of his power for the good of his people, and that his name might be magnified before the Egyptians, and brought to the knowledge of those who should afterward live upon the earth. The disposing of events is of his providence. He could have placed a more merciful king upon the throne of Egypt, who would not have dared to persist in his rebellion with the display of Gods mighty power manifested before him as it was before Pharaoh. But then the purposes of God would not have been accomplished. His people would have been deceived in regard to the sinfulness of the idolatry of the Egyptians, and would not have experienced in themselves the hard-hearted cruelty which the idolatrous Egyptians could practice. God would manifest before them that he hates idolatry, and that he will punish cruelty and oppression wherever it exists. {1SP 212.4}[19]
§41
许多以色列人虽然为拜偶像的事所腐化，但忠心的人总能站稳脚步。他们没有隐瞒自己的信仰，却在埃及人面前公然承认他们是侍奉那独一真神永生上帝的。他们述说那自从创世以来，证明上帝的存在和能力的凭据。埃及人有机会认识希伯来人的信仰和他们的上帝。他们曾经试图灭绝这班忠心敬拜真神上帝的人，但他们无论用威迫、利诱、或暴虐的待遇，终不得逞，因此他们甚为恼怒。{1SP 213.1}[20]
§42
Although many of the Israelites had become corrupted by idolatry, yet the faithful stood firm. They had not concealed their faith, but openly acknowledged before the Egyptians that they served the only true and living God. They rehearsed the evidences of Gods existence and power from creation down. The Egyptians had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the faith of the Hebrews, and their God. They had tried to subvert the faithful worshipers of the true God, and were annoyed because they had not succeeded, either by threats, the promise of rewards, or by cruel treatment. {1SP 213.1}[20]
§43
最后登基的两个埃及王是暴虐无道的，曾经残酷地对待希伯来人。以色列的长老们曾经致力于述说那向亚伯拉罕所立的应许，以及约瑟临终前所作的预言，说明他们的得蒙拯救出离埃及，借以鼓舞以色列民消沉的信心。有些人愿意听信，另有一些人却只注意到自己悲惨的处境，而不抱任何希望。埃及人对以色列民的指望有所听闻，因而嘲笑他们求救的希望，并出言侮蔑他们上帝的能力。他们向以色列民指出他们这个民族的现状，说他们不过是被奴役的民族，并挖苦他们说，如果你们的上帝是那么公义怜悯的，又比埃及的神更有能力，祂为什么不使你们成为自由的民族呢？为什么不彰显祂的威严和能力并高举你们呢？埃及人又唤起以色列民注意他们这个敬拜自己所选择，而为以色列人所称为假神之神明的民族。他们得意洋洋地说：他们的神明已经使他们兴盛，并赐给他们衣食和大量财富，而且他们的神明还将以色列人交在他们手中服事他们，他们也有权压迫以色列人，杀害他们，使他们不再成为一个民族。他们讥诮希伯来人终必从奴役中得蒙解救的意见。{1SP 214.1}[21]
§44
The two last kings who had occupied the throne of Egypt had been tyrannical, and had cruelly entreated the Hebrews. The elders of Israel had endeavored to encourage the sinking faith of the Israelites, by referring to the promise made to Abraham, and the prophetic words of Joseph just before he died, foretelling their deliverance from Egypt. Some would listen and believe. Others looked at their own sad condition, and would not hope. The Egyptians had learned the expectations of the children of Israel, and derided their hopes of deliverance, and spoke scornfully of the power of their God. They pointed them to their own situation as a people, as merely a nation of slaves, and tauntingly said to them, If your God is so just and merciful, and possesses power above the Egyptian gods, why does he not make you a free people? Why not manifest his greatness and power, and exalt you? The Egyptians then called the attention of the Israelites to their own people who worshiped gods of their own choosing, which the Israelites termed false gods. They exultingly said that their gods had prospered them, and had given them food, and raiment, and great riches; and that their gods had also given the Israelites into their hands to serve them, and that they had power to oppress them, and destroy their lives, so that they should be no people. They derided the idea that the Hebrews would ever be delivered from slavery. {1SP 214.1}[21]
§45
法老夸耀说他愿意看到他们的上帝救他们脱离他的手。这些话打销了许多以色列人的希望。在他们看来，情形似乎正如国王和他的谋士们所说的。他们知道自己是受着奴隶的待遇，而且必须忍受督工的和官长所可能加在他们身上任何程度的迫害。他们的男孩曾被搜索加以杀害。他们自己的生活也成了重担，而他们正在相信并敬拜天上的上帝。于是他们将自己的处境和埃及人的作一比较。埃及人根本不相信有一位具有拯救或毁灭之能的永生上帝。他们有的人敬拜偶像，就是木石制成的像。另一些人则选择敬拜日、月、星辰；然而他们倒是兴盛富裕的，所以有一些希伯来人心想：如果上帝真是超过一切的神明，那么祂就决不致如此听任他们成为一个拜偶像民族的奴隶。{1SP 215.1}[22]
§46
Pharaoh boasted that he would like to see their God deliver them from his hands. These words destroyed the hopes of many of the children of Israel. It appeared to them very much as the king and his counselors had said. They knew that they were treated as slaves, and that they must endure just that degree of oppression their taskmasters and rulers might put upon them. Their male children had been hunted and slain. Their own lives were a burden; and they were believing in, and worshiping, the God of Heaven. Then they contrasted their condition with that of the Egyptians. They did not believe at all in a living God, who had power to save or to destroy. Some of them worshiped idols, images made of wood and stone, while others chose to worship the sun, moon, and stars; yet they were prospered, and wealthy. And some of the Hebrews thought that if God was above all gods, he would not thus leave them as slaves to an idolatrous nation. {1SP 215.1}[22]
§47
上帝忠心的仆人们明白：主之所以任由他们下到埃及来，乃是因为他们作为一个民族来说不忠于上帝，以及他们的任性与其他民族通婚，如此被诱惑去敬拜偶像。他们也向自己的弟兄们强调：上帝不久必将他们从埃及地领出来并折断那压制他们的轭。{1SP 215.2}[23]
§48
The faithful servants of God understood that it was because of their unfaithfulness to God as a people, and their disposition to intermarry with other nations, and thus being led into idolatry, that the Lord suffered them to go into Egypt. And they firmly declared to their brethren that God would soon bring them up from Egypt, and break their oppressive yoke. {1SP 215.2}[23]
§49
上帝在拯救以色列人出离埃及的事上，清楚地向所有的埃及人显明祂对祂子民特殊的怜爱。上帝认为合适要在法老身上执行祂的刑罚。使他既不愿因其他的方法相信，就只有从痛苦的经验得以认明，祂的能力远胜其他一切的神明。祂为要使自己的圣名传遍全地，就要向万国提出自己的神圣能力和公义之可作鉴戒、与令人信服的证据来。上帝的计划乃是要这些大能的表现足以加强祂子民的信心，使他们的后代子孙都能单单敬拜祂，因祂曾为他们的缘故施行如此怜爱的奇事。{1SP 215.3}[24]
§50
In the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, God plainly showed his distinguished mercy to his people, before all the Egyptians. God saw fit to execute his judgments upon Pharaoh, that he might know by sad experience, since he would not otherwise be convinced, that his power was superior to all others. That his name might be declared throughout all the earth, he would give exemplary and demonstrative proof to all nations of his divine power and justice. It was the design of God that these exhibitions of power should strengthen the faith of his people, and that their posterity should steadfastly worship Him alone who had wrought such merciful wonders in their behalf. {1SP 215.3}[24]
§51
杖化成蛇，与河水变为血的神迹，并没有感动法老刚硬的心，而只有增加他对以色列人的仇恨。术士们的作法使他相信摩西所行的神迹无非也是法术，但在蛙灾解除之后，他就得到充分的凭据证明事情并非如此。上帝原可将青蛙在倾刻之间消除仍归回尘土，但祂并没有这样作，以免青蛙消除之后，王和埃及人又说这是行法术的结果，正如他们的术士所行的一样。青蛙死了之后，埃及人便把它们都聚拢成堆。他们便得以眼见这些动物的尸体，而且腐臭也污染了空气。王和全埃及的人从此看到他们的虚妄哲学所无法解释的凭据，证明这决不是法术，而是天上上帝所降的刑罚。{1SP 216.1}[25]
§52
The miracle of the rods becoming a serpent, and the rivers being turned to blood, did not move the hard heart of Pharaoh, only to increase his hatred of the Israelites. The work of the magicians led him to believe that these miracles were performed by magic; but he had abundant evidence that this was not the case when the plague of frogs was removed. God could have caused them to disappear and return to dust in a moment; but he did not do this, lest, after they should be removed, the king and the Egyptians should say that it was the result of magic, like the work of the magicians. They died, and then they gathered them together into heaps. Their bodies they could see before them, and they corrupted the atmosphere. Here the king, and all Egypt, had evidences which their vain philosophy could not dispose of, that this work was not magic, but a judgment from the God of Heaven. {1SP 216.1}[25]
§53
行法术的无法造出虱子。主不容许他们这样作，即使造出虚幻的现象，使他们自己或埃及人相信他们能造成虱灾，也不可以。祂要消灭法老的一切不信借口。祂迫使行法术的自己承认说：“这是上帝的手段。” {1SP 216.2}[26]
§54
The magicians could not produce the lice. The Lord would not suffer them to make it even appear to their own sight, or to that of the Egyptians, that they could produce the plague of the lice. He would remove all excuse of unbelief from Pharaoh. He compelled even the magicians themselves to say, This is the finger of God. {1SP 216.2}[26]
§55
随后降下的是蝇灾。那种苍蝇并不象在某些季节中骚扰我们的普通苍蝇，那临到埃及的苍蝇乃是巨大而有毒的。它们的螫刺使人和牲畜遭到非常的痛苦。上帝却使祂的百姓与埃及人分别出来，不容苍蝇在他们的境内出现。{1SP 216.3}[27]
§56
Next came the plague of the swarms of flies. They were not such flies as harmlessly annoy us in some seasons of the year; but the flies brought upon Egypt were large and venomous. Their sting was very painful upon man and beast. God separated his people from the Egyptians, and suffered no flies to appear throughout their coasts. {1SP 216.3}[27]
§57
后来主又降下瘟疫在他们的牲畜身上，同时却保守了希伯来人的牲畜，使它们一个都没有瘟死。随后又在人和牲畜身上降下泡疮的灾，连行法术的自己也无法幸免。主随后又将搀杂着有火、闪电、和雷轰的雹灾降在埃及地。每次降灾的时间都是预先宣布的，使人不能说它是偶然发生的。主向埃及人证明全地都在希伯来人的上帝的指挥之下——证明雷雹和风雨都听从祂的吩咐。那骄傲的法老曾经一度发问说：“耶和华是谁，使我听祂的话？”如今竟自卑地说：“我犯了罪了，耶和华是公义的，我和我的百姓是邪恶的。”他央求摩西为他向上帝代求，使这可怖的雷轰和闪电止息。{1SP 217.1}[28]
§58
The Lord then sent the plague of the murrain upon their cattle, and at the same time preserved the cattle of the Hebrews, that not one of them died. Next came the plague of the boil upon man and beast, and the magicians could not protect themselves from it. The Lord then sent upon Egypt the plague of the hail mingled with fire, with lightnings and thunder. The time of each plague was given before it came, that it might not be said to have happened by chance. The Lord demonstrated to the Egyptians that the whole earth was under the command of the God of the Hebrews--that thunder, hail, and storm, obey his voice. Pharaoh, the proud king who once inquired, Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice? humbled himself and said, I have sinned. The Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. He begged of Moses to be his intercessor with God, that the terrific thunder and lightning might cease. {1SP 217.1}[28]
§59
耶和华随后又降下可怕的蝗灾。王却宁愿忍受这些灾难，而不愿向上帝低头。他眼看着全国在这些可怕的刑罚神迹之下毫不悔悟。主随后又降了一次黑暗之灾在埃及地。民众不但得不到亮光，就连空气都是非常沉闷难受的，以致连呼吸也感到困难；然而希伯来人在所居住的境内却都有亮光和纯洁的空气。上帝还降下一个可怕的灾难在埃及地，较比以前任何灾难更为严重。那抗拒摩西的要求一直到底的，乃是王和那些拜偶像的祭司。民众却希望希伯来人获得允许离开埃及。摩西向法老和埃及人，也向以色列人，说明这最后灾难的性质和结果。那天夜晚，对于埃及人可说是非常恐怖的，但对于上帝的子民，却是光荣的；严肃的逾越节就是当夜设立的。{1SP 217.2}[29]
§60
The Lord next sent the dreadful plague of the locusts. The king chose to receive the plagues rather than to submit to God. Without remorse, he sees his whole kingdom under the miracle of these dreadful judgments. The Lord then sent darkness upon Egypt. The people were not merely deprived of light, but the atmosphere was very oppressive, so that breathing was difficult; yet the Hebrews had a pure atmosphere, and light, in their dwellings. One more dreadful plague God brought upon Egypt, more severe than any before it. It was the king and his idolatrous priests who opposed to the last the request of Moses. The people desired that the Hebrews should be permitted to leave Egypt. Moses related to Pharaoh, and to the people of Egypt, also to the Israelites, the nature and effect of the last plague. On that night, so terrible to the Egyptians, and so glorious to the people of God, was the solemn ordinance of the passover instituted. {1SP 217.2}[29]
§61
要埃及王和一班骄傲而拜偶像的国民服从天上上帝的命令，实在是很难的。埃及王的屈服非常迟缓。他在最难堪的痛苦之下稍微作了一点让步，可是一旦苦难消除，他就收回他所允诺的一切。如此，灾难一个一个地临到埃及，而他除了上帝忿怒的可怕刑罚迫使他低头之外，总不肯作更多的让步。王甚至在埃及国业已败落之后，依然固执地反抗不从。摩西和亚伦向法老述说，那在他不容以色列民出去之后，随之而来的每一灾难的性质和结果。他每次虽然看到这些灾难完全照着所讲的临到；但他总不肯让步。最先，他只准许他们在埃及地献祭给上帝；后来，在埃及遭受上帝忿怒的打击之后，他只容许男人出去。在埃及几乎被蝗灾摧毁之后，那时他才准许妇人和孩子也可以去，但仍不允许带牲畜去。这时，摩西告诉王，上帝的使者必要杀死他们所有头生的。{1SP 218.1}[30]
§62
It was very hard for the Egyptian king and a proud and idolatrous people to yield to the requirements of the God of Heaven. Very slow was the king of Egypt to yield. While under most grievous affliction, he would yield a little; but when the affliction was removed, he would take back all he had granted. Thus, plague after plague was brought upon Egypt, and he yielded no more than he was compelled to by the dreadful visitations of Gods wrath. The king even persisted in his rebellion after Egypt had been ruined. Moses and Aaron related to Pharaoh the nature and effect of each plague which should follow his refusal to let Israel go. Every time, he saw these plagues come exactly as he was told they would come; yet he would not yield. First, he would only grant them permission to sacrifice to God in the land of Egypt; then, after Egypt had suffered by Gods wrath, he granted that the men alone should go. After Egypt had been nearly destroyed by the plague of the locusts, then he granted that their children and their wives might go also; but would not let their cattle go. Moses then told the king that the angel of God would slay their first-born. {1SP 218.1}[30]
§63
每一次的灾难总比之前来得更接近、更严重，而这一次的却要比以前任何一次的更可怕。但那骄傲的君王竟大发烈怒，不肯自卑。埃及人在看到以色列人为那可怕的一夜大作准备时，他们就讥诮那涂在他们门框和门楣上鲜血的标记。但埃及人从坐宝座的国王到最卑贱的仆人都遭了灾殃。他们的长子都被杀了，哭号声传遍了埃及全地。这时法老想起了自己傲慢的话：“耶和华是谁，使我听祂的话，容以色列人去呢？我不认识耶和华，也不容以色列人去。”他就自卑，带着顾问和大臣赶往歌珊，跪在摩西和亚伦面前，叫他们去事奉上帝。羊群牛群也可以依他们所说的带走。他们求以色列人快走，唯恐留下来，他们都会被杀。法老还求摩西为他祝福，心想上帝仆人的祝福会保护他免遭这可怕灾难的进一步影响。{1SP 219.1}[31]
§64
Every plague had come a little closer and more severe, and this was to be more dreadful than any before it. But the proud king was exceedingly angry, and humbled not himself. And when the Egyptians saw the great preparations being made among the Israelites for that dreadful night, they ridiculed the token of blood upon their door-posts. But when the Egyptians, from the king upon his throne down to the lowliest servant, were afflicted, and their first-born were slain, then there was wailing throughout all Egypt. Then Pharaoh remembered his proud boast, 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. He humbled himself, and went with his counselors and his rulers to Goshen in haste, and bowed before Moses and Aaron, and bade them go and serve their God. Their flocks and herds should go also, as they had requested. They implored them to be gone, fearing if they continued longer, they would be all as dead men. Pharaoh also entreated Moses to bless him, thinking at the time that a blessing from the servant of God would protect him from the further effects of the dreadful plague. {1SP 219.1}[31]
§65
以色列人急速而有秩序地离开了埃及。他们被分成了几队，每队都有一名领袖。法老顽梗到这种地步，以致他们在埋葬了自己的死人，并且看到上帝可怕的审判停止了之后，他竟后悔允许摩西离开了。埃及人后悔自己竟然傻到以为自己长子的死是由于上帝的能力。他们痛苦地彼此问说：我们为什么这么做，竟让以色列人走了，不侍奉我们呢？法老预备了一支装备精良的军队，由他们拜偶像的祭司和官长及国中的伟人们组成。他们以为若有他们的祭司陪伴着，就肯定会成功。他们选了埃及最勇猛的人，好大张权势地胁迫以色列人。他们想，要是消息传到其它各国，说他们被迫屈服于他们所藐视的以色列人的上帝的能力，他们就会受到嘲笑，被人看不起。然而他们若是大张旗鼓地用武力把以色列人带回来，他们就会挽回自己的荣耀，也会让以色列人重新服侍他们。他们在红海追上了以色列人。这里被指定为上帝在昏头昏脑的埃及人面前最后彰显祂权能的地方。早上，他们到了红海，看到希伯来众人行走在海中为他们预备的干地上，而海水则在两边立起如垒，被上帝的能力凝固了。上帝能力的这一展现只是增加了他们反抗的情绪，他们既已那么长久地反抗这种显现，就心地刚硬了，他们便盲目地冲到上帝不可思议地为祂的子民预备的道路上。于是就实现了上帝曾对摩西说的话：“我要败坏埃及一切的神。我是耶和华”（出12:12）。上帝的审判表现在彻底消灭了埃及的军队上。{1SP 219.2}[32]
§66
The Israelites left Egypt in haste, yet in order. They were divided into several bodies, and each division had its leader. The obstinacy of Pharaoh was such that, after they had buried their dead, and had seen that the dreadful judgments of God had ceased, he repented of having given Moses permission to depart. The Egyptians regretted that they had been so foolish as to think that the death of their first-born was the result of the power of God. They asked in bitterness of one another, Why have we done this, and let Israel go from serving us? Pharaoh prepared a well-equipped army, composed of the priests of their idol gods, and of the rulers, and of all the great men of his kingdom. They thought if their priests accompanied them, they would be more sure of success. The most mighty of Egypt were selected, that they might intimidate the Israelites with the grand display of their power and greatness. They thought that when the news should reach other nations, that they were compelled to yield to the power of the God of Israel, whom they had despised, they would be looked upon with derision. But if they should go with great pomp and bring Israel back with force, they would redeem their glory, and would also have the services of the children of Israel again. They overtook the Hebrews at the Red Sea. This place was appointed for the last display of the power of God before the infatuated Egyptians. In the morning, they came up to the Red Sea and saw the Hebrew host walking upon a dry path prepared for them in the sea, while high walls of water stood upon either side, congealed by the power of God. This exhibition of Gods power only increased their feelings of rebellion; and they had so long resisted such manifestations, that they were hardened; and in their blindness, rushed into the path that God had miraculously prepared for his people. Then were fulfilled the words which the Lord spake to Moses, And against all the gods of Egypt, I will execute judgment. I am the Lord. The judgment of God was manifested in the utter destruction of the Egyptian host. {1SP 219.2}[32]