第33章 撒母耳和扫罗
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第33章 撒母耳和扫罗
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Chapter33. - Samuel and Saul.
§3
以色列人曾是非常受优待的民族。上帝曾把他们从埃及为奴之家带出来，认他们为祂自己特殊的宝贝。摩西说：“哪一大国的人有神与他们相近，象耶和华我们的上帝、在我们求告祂的时候与我们相近呢”（申4:7）？ {1SP 352.2}[1]
§4
The children of Israel were a highly-favored people. God had brought them from Egyptian bondage, and acknowledged them as his own peculiar treasure. Moses said, What nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? {1SP 352.2}[1]
§5
撒母耳从青年时候起就在以色列人中施行审判。他一直是公正无私的士师，忠于自己的职责。他年纪老迈了。他的儿子们并没有随从父亲的脚步。他们虽然不及以利儿子们那样邪恶，但他们三心两意，并不忠诚。他们在协助父亲从事辛苦的工作时，竟贪图报酬，袒护坏人。{1SP 353.1}[2]
§6
Samuel had judged Israel from his youth. He had been a righteous and impartial judge, faithful in all his work. He was becoming old; and the people saw that his sons did not follow his footsteps. Although they were not vile, like the children of Eli, yet they were dishonest and double-minded. While they aided their father in his laborious work, their love of reward led them to favor the cause of the unrighteous. {1SP 353.1}[2]
§7
希伯来人要求撒母耳立一个王，象四围的列国一样。他们宁要一个专制的君主，而不要上帝藉祂先知的管辖亲自英明宽大地施政，这就表明他们对上帝大大缺乏信心，不信任祂天意的安排会为他们兴起治理者带领和管理他们。以色列人既是上帝特选的民，他们的政权形式就与周围的列邦有本质上的不同。上帝曾赐给他们律例和法度，为他们拣选治理者，百姓要在主里顺从这些领袖。在一切的困难和大困惑中，他们都要求问上帝。他们要立王乃是叛离上帝——他们特别的领袖。祂知道立一个王对祂的选民来说不是最好的。他们会将惟独应归于上帝的尊荣献给地上的君主。他们要是有了一个王，王就会自高自大，在上帝面前心不正直，会带领他们离开上帝，使他们反抗祂。主知道，凡坐王位并接受通常所赐予王的尊荣的人，都会变得自高，他们的道路虽在自己眼中看为正，同时却在得罪上帝。王的一句话就会使无辜的人受难，而最卑劣的人却会得到抬举，除非王不断地倚靠上帝，从祂领受智慧。{1SP 353.2}[3]
§8
The Hebrews demanded a king of Samuel, like the nations around them. By preferring a despotic monarchy to the wise and mild government of God himself, by the jurisdiction of his prophets, they showed a great want of faith in God, and confidence in his providence to raise them up rulers to lead and govern them. The children of Israel being peculiarly the people of God, their form of government was essentially different from all the nations around them. God had given them statutes and laws, and had chosen their rulers for them; and these leaders the people were to obey in the Lord. In all cases of difficulty and great perplexity, God was to be inquired of. Their demand for a king was a rebellious departure from God, their special leader. He knew that a king would not be best for his chosen people. They would render to an earthly monarch that honor which was due to God alone. And if they had a king whose heart was lifted up and not right with God, he would lead them away from him, and cause them to rebel against him. The Lord knew that no one could occupy the position of king, and receive the honors usually given to a king, without becoming exalted, and his ways seeming right in his own eyes, while at the same time he was sinning against God. At the word of a king, innocent persons would be made to suffer, while the most unworthy would be exalted, unless he continually trusted in God, and received wisdom from him. {1SP 353.2}[3]
§9
希伯来人在离开埃及后若是继续顺从上帝，遵守祂公义的律法，祂原会行在他们前面，使他们兴盛，且使他们周围的列国总是惧怕他们。但他们却常常随从自己反叛的心，离开上帝，陷入偶像崇拜中，祂便让他们被别的国家战胜，好降卑和惩罚他们。他们在痛苦中呼求上帝时，祂总是听他们，为他们兴起一位治理者救他们脱离敌人的压制。他们却很盲目，不承认是他们的罪使上帝离开他们，撇下他们软弱下去并被敌人掳掠，反而认为这是因为他们没有一个人赋有王权好指挥以色列的众军。他们没有不住地感恩记念上帝多次关照他们，大大地爱他们，却常常不信任祂的良善和怜悯。{1SP 354.1}[4]
§10
If the Hebrews had continued to obey God after they left Egypt, and had kept his righteous law, he would have gone before them and prospered them, and made them always a terror to the heathen nations around them. But they so often followed their own rebellious hearts, and departed from God, and went into idolatry, that he suffered them to be overcome by other nations, to humble and punish them. When in their affliction they cried unto God, he always heard them, and raised them up a ruler to deliver them from their enemies. They were so blinded that they did not acknowledge that it was their sins which had caused God to depart from them, and to leave them weak and a prey to their enemies; but they reasoned that it was because they had no one invested with kingly authority to command the armies of Israel. They had not kept in grateful remembrance the many instances God had given them of his care and great love, but often distrusted his goodness and mercy. {1SP 354.1}[4]
§11
上帝兴起撒母耳审判以色列人，他为全国人民所尊敬，他们承认上帝为他们伟大的领袖，然而祂还是为他们指定了一些治理者，使他们被祂的灵所充满，藉着祂的天使将祂的旨意传达给他们，再让他们教导百姓。上帝还赐给百姓特别的证据，通过祂所拣选的治理者们行了祂大能的作为，好使百姓相信祂已赐给这些治理者不可轻弃的权柄。{1SP 354.2}[5]
§12
God had raised up Samuel to judge Israel. He was honored by all the people. God was to be acknowledged as their great head; yet he designated their rulers, and imbued them with his Spirit, and communicated his will to them through his angels, that they might instruct the people. God also gave special evidences to the people, by his mighty works performed through the agency of his chosen rulers, that they might have confidence that he had invested them with authority which could not be lightly set aside. {1SP 354.2}[5]
§13
上帝因祂的子民要求立王而对他们生气。祂便在忿怒中赐给他们一个王。但祂吩咐撒母耳要忠实地告诉百姓他们周围各国的王行事的方式；这些王不会象治理他们的人一样审断教会和国家的难题，以上帝的方式指教他们。他们的王会受到尊崇，会要求王的尊荣，会征收重税或贡物；他们会受到欺压；而上帝则不会彰显祂的大能拯救他们象在埃及一样，当他们在急难中向祂呼求时，祂也不会听他们。{1SP 355.1}[6]
§14
God was angry with his people because they demanded a king. He gave them a king in his wrath. Yet he bade Samuel to tell the people faithfully the manner of the kings of the nations around them: that they would not be as a judge of difficulties of church and state, to instruct them in the ways of the Lord, like their rulers; that their king would be exalted, and would require kingly honors, and would exact a heavy tax or tribute; that they would be oppressed; and that God would not manifest to them his mighty power to deliver them, as he had in Egypt, but when they should cry unto him in their distress, he would not hear them. {1SP 355.1}[6]
§15
然而百姓不愿接受撒母耳的忠告，还是要求立王。“耶和华对撒母耳说：‘百姓向你说的一切话，你只管依从；因为他们不是厌弃你，乃是厌弃我，不要我作他们的王’”（撒上8:7）。上帝此时允准以色列所要的会成为他们的严重咒诅的东西，是因为他们不愿让主统治他们。他们认为说起来“希伯来人有一个王”会在其它国家看来更光荣体面。主指示撒母耳膏扫罗为以色列的王。扫罗相貌堂堂，正符合以色列人骄傲的心思。但上帝向他们显示了祂的不悦。当时不是雷雨季节，上帝却降下了大雨，伴有霹雷。“于是撒母耳求告耶和华，耶和华就在这日打雷降雨，众民便甚惧怕耶和华和撒母耳。众民对撒母耳说：‘求你为仆人们祷告耶和华你的上帝，免得我们死亡，因为我们求立王的事正是罪上加罪了’”（撒上12:18,19）。撒母耳便设法勉励百姓，尽管他们犯了罪，但他们从那时起若是听从主，祂为了祂大名的缘故，还是不会离弃他们。“至于我，断不停止为你们祷告，以致得罪耶和华。我必以善道正路指教你们。只要你们敬畏耶和华，诚诚实实地尽心事奉祂，想念祂向你们所行的事何等大。你们若仍然作恶，你们和你们的王必一同灭亡”（撒上12:23-25）。{1SP 355.2}[7]
§16
But the people would not receive the advice of Samuel, and continued to demand a king. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee; for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. Here, God granted to rebellious Israel that which would prove a heavy curse to them, because they would not submit to have the Lord rule over them. They thought that it would be more honorable in the sight of other nations to have it said, The Hebrews have a king. The Lord directed Samuel to anoint Saul as king of Israel. His appearance was noble, such as would suit the pride of the children of Israel. But God gave them an exhibition of his displeasure. It was not a season of the year when they were visited with heavy rains accompanied with thunder. So Samuel called unto the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day. And all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not; for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king. Samuel sought to encourage the people, that although they had sinned, yet if they from that time followed the Lord, he would not forsake them, for his great names sake. Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way; only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king. {1SP 355.2}[7]
§17
当非利士人和他们的大军准备和以色列人作战时，百姓便都惧怕。他们没有那种信心，不相信上帝会象他们邪恶地要求立王之前一样为他们出面。他们知道自己与非利士大军相比人数很少，出去与他们打仗似乎必死无疑。他们原以为有了王会很放心，却一点没有那种安全感。他们在困惑混乱中也不敢求告他们所轻视了的上帝。主对撒母耳说过：他们想要立一个王，这不是厌弃你，而是厌弃我。{1SP 356.1}[8]
§18
When the Philistines, with their large army, prepared to make war with Israel, then the people were afraid. They had not that confidence that God would appear for them, as before they had wickedly demanded a king. They knew that they were but a handful, compared with the armies of the Philistines, and to go out to battle with them seemed to be certain death. They did not feel as secure as they thought they should in possession of their king. In their perplexity, they dared not call upon God whom they had slighted. The Lord said to Samuel, They have not rejected you, but me, by desiring a king. {1SP 356.1}[8]
§19
如今，这些曾经英勇，使许多敌人闻风丧胆的人，竟害怕出去与非利士人作战了。他们有了王，却不敢信任他，他们也认识到自己已选择了他而不是以色列的大能者。当他们处在这种困境中时，他们的心就消化了。百姓四散，在急难中藏在山洞、丛林、高地和坑中，好像逃避掳掠似的。那些斗胆跟从扫罗的人也都战战兢兢。扫罗见到百姓离开他四散而去，就大感困惑。撒母耳曾应许来到吉甲，扫罗便焦急地等待着；然而时间届满，撒母耳还没有来。上帝特意耽延了撒母耳，好考验祂的百姓，让他们认识到自己的罪，明白他们的力量是多么微小，离了上帝，他们的判断和智慧是多么软弱。{1SP 356.2}[9]
§20
Now these men, who had been valiant and a terror to their numerous enemies, were afraid to go out against the Philistines to battle. They had their king, but did not dare to trust in him; and they felt that they had chosen him before the Strength of Israel. When they were brought into this perplexing condition, their hearts fainted. In their distress, the people scattered, and hid themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in high places, and in pits, as though escaping from captivity. Those who ventured to go with Saul, followed him trembling. He was in great perplexity as he saw that the people were scattered from him. He anxiously awaited the promised coming of Samuel; but the time expired, and he came not. God had designedly detained Samuel, that his people might be proved, and might realize their sin, and how small was their strength, and how weak their judgment and wisdom, without God. {1SP 356.2}[9]
§21
他们在灾难中后悔自己曾选立君王的事。当敬畏上帝的治理者指示和带领他们时，他们具有比现在更大的勇气和信心，因为那些治理者直接从上帝得忠告，就象由上帝亲自带领一样。如今，他们认识到自己在受一个易犯错误的王指挥，他不能在他们的急难中救他们。扫罗对上帝卓越而可怕的威严并无高尚的认识。对指定给他的训令也没有庄严的尊重。因为撒母耳没有在约定的时间来到，扫罗便带着一种冲动的精神冒昧地冲到上帝面前，承担起了献祭的神圣工作。他竟穿着军装建了祭坛，为自己和百姓献祭。这项工作原是庄严地赐给那些已被委派作这些事之人的。扫罗这么做乃是犯罪，而且这种榜样会使百姓低估上帝所圣化和指定、预表祂爱子无罪牺牲的宗教礼节与条例。上帝原希望祂的子民对祭司的献祭工作有一种圣洁的尊重和神圣的崇敬，因为这工作是指向祂儿子的牺牲的。{1SP 357.1}[10]
§22
In their calamity, they repented that they had chosen a king. They had possessed greater courage and confidence while they had God-fearing rulers to instruct and lead them; for they obtained counsel direct from God, and it was like being led by God himself. Now, they realized that they were commanded by an erring king, who could not save them in their distress. Saul had not a high and exalted sense of the excellence and terrible majesty of God. He had not a sacred regard for his appointed ordinances. With an impetuous spirit because Samuel did not appear at the appointed time, he rushed before God presumptuously, and undertook the sacred work of sacrifice. While equipped for war, he built the altar and officiated for himself and the people. This work was sacredly given to those appointed for the purpose. This act was a crime in Saul, and such an example would lead the people to have a low estimate of the religious ceremonies and ordinances sanctified and appointed of God, prefiguring the sinless offering of his dear Son. God would have his people have a holy regard and sacred reverence for the sacrificial work of the priests, which pointed to the sacrifice of his Son. {1SP 357.1}[10]
§23
扫罗一做完这件冒昧的事，撒母耳就出现并且看到了他犯罪的证据，他就忧伤地对扫罗大声说：“你做的是什么事呢？”扫罗便向撒母耳解释这事，证明自己有理，把他的困惑和急难摆在撒母耳面前，撒母耳的耽延也是一个藉口。撒母耳责备扫罗，并且告诉他，他做了愚昧的事，没有遵行主的命令，他若遵行了，主原会坚立他的王位直到永远。“现在你的王位必不长久。耶和华已经寻着一个合祂心意的人，立祂作百姓的君，因为你没有遵守耶和华所吩咐你的”（撒上13:14）。{1SP 358.1}[11]
§24
As soon as Saul had finished his presumptuous work, Samuel appears, and, beholding the evidences of Sauls sin, cries out in grief to him, What hast thou done? Saul explains the matter to Samuel, justifying himself, setting before Samuel his perplexity and distress, and his delay, as an excuse. Samuel reproves Saul, and tells him that he has done foolishly in not keeping the commandments of the Lord, which if he had obeyed, the Lord would have established his kingdom forever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue. The Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee. {1SP 358.1}[11]
§25
因为扫罗犯了冒昧献祭的罪，主就不愿让他在指挥以色列众军与非利士人作战时得尊荣。主希望惟独让祂的名显大，免得以色列众军高抬自己，好像是由于他们的公义、勇猛或智慧，才战胜了敌人似的。祂感动了义人约拿单的心，也感动了给他拿兵器的人，他们便过到那边，到非利士人的防营那里去。约拿单相信上帝能为他们行事，能藉着许多人或几个人施行拯救。他并没有冒失地冲上去，而是求问了上帝的意见，然后以一颗无畏的心，惟独倚靠祂前进。主藉着这两个人成就了征服非利士人的工作。祂差派天使去保护约拿单和给他拿兵器的人，保护他们免受敌人手中致命的武器伤害。{1SP 358.2}[12]
§26
Because of the sin of Saul in his presumptuous offering, the Lord would not give to him the honor of commanding the armies of Israel in battle with the Philistines. The Lord would have his name alone magnified, lest the armies of Israel should exalt themselves as though it were on account of their righteousness, valor, or wisdom, that their enemies were overcome. He moved upon the heart of Jonathan, a righteous man, and his armor-bearer, to go over to the garrison of the Philistines. Jonathan believed that God was able to work for them, and to save by many or by few. He did not rush up presumptuously. He asked counsel of God, and then, with a fearless heart, trusting in him alone, moved forward. Through these two men, the Lord accomplished his work of subduing the Philistines. He sent angels to protect Jonathan and his armor-bearer, and to shield them from the instruments of death in the hands of their enemies. {1SP 358.2}[12]
§27
上帝的天使在约拿单旁边作战，非利士人在他们四周倒下了。驻军和在营外的非利士军队都大大地战兢恐惧。已经分成许多个别的分队，被派到不同的方向准备施行烧杀抢掠的非利士人十分害怕。他们脚下的地大震动，地面上就好像有大批的车马在准备战斗一般。约拿单和拿兵器的人，甚至是非利士人的军队也知道有耶和华在为拯救希伯来人作战。非利士人不知所措了。在他们看来有以色列人在他们中间，与他们对抗；他们便彼此争斗起来，残杀自己的军队。{1SP 359.1}[13]
§28
Angels of God fought by the side of Jonathan, and the Philistines fell all around him. Great fear seized the host of the Philistines in the field and in the garrison; and the spoilers that had been divided into separate companies, and sent in different directions, ready for their work of slaughter, were terribly afraid. The earth trembled beneath them, as though a great multitude with horsemen and chariots were upon the ground, prepared for battle. Jonathan and his armor-bearer, and even the Philistine host, knew that the Lord was working for the deliverance of the Hebrews. The Philistines became perplexed. It seemed to them that there were men of Israel among them, fighting against them; and they fought against one another, and slaughtered their own armies. {1SP 359.1}[13]
§29
战斗进行了相当长的时间之后，扫罗和他的人才知道主正在为以色列人施行拯救。扫罗的守望兵看见非利士的军众溃散，极其混乱，人数在减少，可是以色列的军兵却未短少一人。在查点了战士之后，报告说不见了约拿单和拿兵器的人。扫罗和百姓不知所措。他便叫人把上帝的约柜抬来，而当祭司正求问上帝时，非利士营中的喧嚷越发大了，听起来就象两支大军在热战一样。当扫罗和以色列人意识到上帝在为他们作战的时候，那些曾经逃跑并在恐惧中藏起来的人和那些因害怕而加入非利士军的人便与扫罗和约拿单联合起来，追击非利士人。主为以色列人行事，为祂自己圣名的荣耀拯救了他们，免得外邦军队向祂的子民夸胜，骄傲地高抬自己反对上帝。{1SP 359.2}[14]
§30
The battle had progressed quite a length of time before Saul and his men were aware that deliverance was being wrought for Israel. The watchmen of Saul perceived great confusion among the Philistines, and saw their numbers decreasing, and yet no one was missed from the armies of Israel. After numbering the men of war, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were reported missing. Saul and the people were perplexed. He had the ark of God brought; and while the priest was inquiring of God, the noise among the Philistines increased. It sounded like two great armies in close battle. When Saul and the people of Israel perceived that God was fighting for them, those who had fled and hid in their terror, and those who had joined the Philistines through fear, united with Saul and Jonathan, and pursued the Philistines. The Lord wrought for Israel, and delivered them for his own names glory, lest the heathen army should triumph over his people, and exalt themselves proudly against God. {1SP 359.2}[14]
§31
扫罗又犯了错误，轻率地起誓说不到晚上谁也不能吃什么。扫罗热心起这样的誓很缺乏智慧。百姓白天作战很辛苦，很是疲乏无力，及至起誓的期限一满，就软弱到违背了上帝的命令，吃了带血的肉，这是上帝所禁止的。扫罗决心杀了他儿子约拿单，因为他在疲乏的时候尝了一点蜜，不知道他父亲起的誓。{1SP 360.1}[15]
§32
Again, Saul erred in his rash vow that no man should eat until the evening. There was a great lack of wisdom in Sauls zeal in making such a vow. It was a great days labor for the people, and they suffered much through faintness; and when the time of the vow expired, the people were so faint that they transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and ate meat with the blood, which had been forbidden of God. Saul was determined to slay his son Jonathan, because in his faintness he had tasted of a little honey, being ignorant of his fathers vow. {1SP 360.1}[15]
§33
这事显出扫罗盲目的热心，在困难的问题上没能作出公正明智的判断。他本应该这样推理：上帝既喜悦藉着约拿单以一种特别的方式行事，在以色列人中间如此拣选他搭救他们，要了他的命必是犯罪行为，因为上帝已奇妙地保护了他的性命。扫罗知道，要是留下约拿单的性命，就必须承认自己起这样的誓是犯了错误。这会在百姓面前挫了他的骄傲。扫罗本应尊重上帝所尊重所拣选用来搭救以色列人的人。他处死约拿单，就是杀死上帝所爱的人，却保留那些在上帝面前心不正直的人。上帝不愿让约拿单被处死，而是让百姓反对扫罗的判决，尽管他是在位的君主，也可使他确信他起这么轻率的誓言是有罪的。“百姓对扫罗说：‘约拿单在以色列人中这样大行拯救，岂可使他死呢？断乎不可！我们指着永生的耶和华起誓，连他的一根头发也不可落地，因为他今日与上帝一同做事。’于是百姓救约拿单免了死亡”（撒上14:45）。{1SP 360.2}[16]
§34
Here was seen Sauls blind zeal, and failure to judge righteously and wisely in difficult matters. He should have reasoned thus: God has been pleased to work in a special manner through Jonathan, thus choosing him among the children of Israel to deliver them; and it would be a crime to destroy his life, which God has miraculously preserved. He knew that if he spared his life, he must acknowledge that he had committed an error in making such a vow. This would humble his pride before the people. Saul should have respected the ones whom God had honored by choosing them to deliver Israel. In putting Jonathan to death, he would slay one whom God loved, while those whose hearts were not right with God, he would preserve alive. God would not suffer Jonathan to die, but led the people to oppose Sauls judgment, although he were a ruling monarch, that he might be convinced that he sinned in making so rash a vow. And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid; as the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not. {1SP 360.2}[16]
§35
扫罗是一个冲动任性的人，以色列人很快就认识到他们要求立一个王是有罪了。主指示撒母耳带着祂的一个特别的命令到扫罗那里去。撒母耳在向扫罗传达主的话之前，对他说：“耶和华差遣我膏你为王，治理祂的百姓以色列；所以你当听从耶和华的话”（撒上15:1）。{1SP 361.1}[17]
§36
Saul was an impulsive man, and the people of Israel were soon made to feel their sin in demanding a king. The Lord directed Samuel to go unto Saul with a special command from him. Before he related to him the words of the Lord, he said to him, The Lord sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel; now, therefore, hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the Lord. {1SP 361.1}[17]
§37
撒母耳已对扫罗的虔诚品质失去了信心，因为他一直很不重视遵行主的话。他曾在擅自献祭上犯罪，又在轻率起誓上大大犯错。所以撒母耳特别嘱咐他要留心听从主的话。“万军之耶和华如此说：‘以色列人出埃及的时候，在路上亚玛力人怎样待他们，怎样抵挡他们，我都没忘。现在你要去击打亚玛力人，灭尽他们所有的，不可怜惜他们’”（撒上15:2,3）。{1SP 361.2}[18]
§38
Samuel had lost confidence in Sauls religious character, because he had been so regardless of following the word of the Lord. He had sinned in his presumptuous offering, and greatly erred in his rash vow. Therefore, Samuel gave him a special charge to heed the words of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not. {1SP 361.2}[18]
§39
多年以前，上帝就已定意让亚玛力人完全灭亡。他们曾向上帝和祂的宝座举手，凭着他们的诸神起誓要完全消灭以色列人，推翻以色列的上帝，使祂不能救以色列人脱离他们的手。{1SP 361.3}[19]
§40
Many years before, God had appointed Amalek to utter destruction. They had lifted up their hands against God and his throne, and had taken oath by their gods that Israel should be utterly consumed, and the God of Israel brought down so that he would not be able to deliver them out of their hands. {1SP 361.3}[19]
§41
亚玛力人曾嘲笑以色列人的恐惧，讥讽上帝藉摩西的手救以色列人出埃及的奇妙作为。他们吹嘘自己的哲士和术士能行所有这些神迹。如果以色列人被他们俘虏，落在他们手就象在埃及人手里一样，那就证明以色列的上帝不能亲自救以色列人脱离他们的手。他们藐视以色列人，发誓要苦害以色列人，直到把他们全部消灭。{1SP 361.4}[20]
§42
Amalek had made derision of the fears of his people, and made sport of Gods wonderful works for the deliverance of Israel performed by the hand of Moses before the Egyptians. They had boasted that their wise men and magicians could perform all those wonders; and that if the children of Israel had been their captives, in their power as they were in Pharaohs, the God of Israel himself would not have been able to deliver them out of their hands. They despised Israel, and vowed to plague them until there should not be one left. {1SP 361.4}[20]
§43
上帝记下了他们自负自夸敌对祂的话，命定他们要被他们所藐视的民全然毁灭，好使列邦都可注意到那个极其骄傲强大民族的结局。{1SP 362.1}[21]
§44
God marked their boastful words against him, and appointed them to be utterly destroyed by the very people they had despised, that all nations might mark the end of that most proud and powerful people. {1SP 362.1}[21]
§45
上帝考验了扫罗，把祂所警告要报应亚玛力人的重要使命交托给他。但他却违背了上帝，怜惜了上帝所指定要处死的邪恶亵渎的王亚甲，还留下了上好的牲畜。只将一切下贱瘦弱对他们无益的尽都杀了。扫罗以为把装饰华贵的亚甲王留下来会使自己显得更伟大；带着亚甲作为俘虏，和牛羊骆驼等大量战利品从战场凯旋会使他自己很有名望，使列国都惧怕他，在他面前战兢。百姓在这事上与他联合一致。他们为自己没有将牲畜灭尽的罪开脱，因为他们可以保留这些牲畜好献祭给上帝，同时为自己留下牲畜。{1SP 362.2}[22]
§46
God proved Saul by intrusting him with the important commission to execute his threatened wrath upon Amalek. But he disobeyed God, and spared the wicked, blasphemous king Agag, whom God had appointed unto death, and spared the best of the cattle. He destroyed utterly all the refuse that would not profit them. Saul thought it would add to his greatness to spare Agag, a noble monarch splendidly attired; and that to return from battle with him captive, with great spoil of oxen, sheep, and much cattle, would get to himself much renown, and cause the nations to fear him, and tremble before him. And the people united with him in this. They excused their sin among themselves in not destroying the cattle, because they could reserve them to sacrifice to God, and spare their own cattle to themselves. {1SP 362.2}[22]
§47
撒母耳带着来自主的一个咒诅来见扫罗，因为扫罗悖逆，竟在主面前如此高抬自己，偏行己路，随从自己的推理而不严格听从主。扫罗前来迎接撒母耳，竟象一个无辜的人，用这些话问候他：“‘愿耶和华赐福与你，耶和华的命令我已遵守了。’撒母耳说：‘我耳中听见有羊叫、牛鸣，是从哪里来的呢？’扫罗说：‘这是百姓从亚玛力人那里带来的；因为他们爱惜上好的牛羊，要献与耶和华你的上帝；其余的，我们都灭尽了’”（撒上15:13-15）。{1SP 362.3}[23]
§48
Samuel visits Saul with a curse from the Lord for his disobedience, for thus exalting himself before the Lord, to choose his own course, and follow his own reasoning, instead of strictly following the Lord. Saul goes forth to meet Samuel, like an innocent man, greeting him with these words: Blessed be thou of the Lord. I have performed the commandment of the Lord. And Samuel said, What meaneth, then, this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. {1SP 362.3}[23]
§49
撒母耳向扫罗讲了上帝头一天晚上向他所说的话，那晚是撒母耳因扫罗的罪而在忧伤的祈祷中度过的：“从前你虽然以自己为小，岂不是被立为以色列支派的元首吗？耶和华膏你作以色列的王。”他提醒扫罗所邪恶地违背了的上帝的命令，并且问他说：“你为何没有听从耶和华的命令，急忙掳掠财物，行耶和华眼中看为恶的事呢”（撒上15:17,19）？ {1SP 363.1}[24]
§50
Samuel relates to Saul what God had said unto him the night before, which night Samuel spent in sorrowful prayer because of Sauls sin. When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel? He reminds Saul of the commands of God which he had wickedly transgressed, and inquires, Wherefore, then, didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the Lord? {1SP 363.1}[24]
§51
“扫罗对撒母耳说：‘我实在听从了耶和华的命令，行了耶和华所差遣我行的路，擒了亚玛力王亚甲来，灭尽了亚玛力人。百姓却在所当灭的物中取了最好的牛羊，要在吉甲献与耶和华你的上帝’”（撒上15:20,21）。 {1SP 363.2}[25]
§52
And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and have gone the way which the Lord sent me, and have brought Agag, the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things, which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal. {1SP 363.2}[25]
§53
扫罗此时说了谎。百姓是听从了他的指示。但为了保护自己，他就乐于让百姓承担他背命的罪。{1SP 363.3}[26]
§54
Saul here uttered a falsehood. The people had obeyed his directions; but in order to shield himself, he was willing the people should bear the sin of his disobedience. {1SP 363.3}[26]
§55
“撒母耳说：‘耶和华喜悦燔祭和平安祭，岂如喜悦人听从祂的话呢？听命胜于献祭；顺从胜于公羊的脂油。悖逆的罪与行邪术的罪相等；顽梗的罪与拜虚神和偶像的罪相同。你既厌弃耶和华的命令，耶和华也厌弃你作王。’扫罗对撒母耳说：‘我有罪了，我因惧怕百姓，听从他们的话，就违背了耶和华的命令和你的言语’”（撒上15:22-24）。{1SP 363.4}[27]
§56
And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken, than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandments of the Lord, and thy words; because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. {1SP 363.4}[27]
§57
上帝不希望祂的子民占有属于亚玛力的任何东西，因为祂的咒阻已经落在亚玛力人和他们的财产上。祂要消灭他们，不让祂的子民保留祂所咒阻的任何东西。祂也希望各国看见挑衅祂之民族的下场，注意到这个民族正是被他们所藐视的以色列人所灭亡。他们的灭亡不是要增加以色列人的财富和荣耀，而是要应验上帝关于亚玛力人所说的话。{1SP 364.1}[28]
§58
God did not wish his people to possess anything which belonged to the Amalekites, for his curse rested upon them and their possessions. He designed that they should have an end, and that his people should not preserve anything for themselves which he had cursed. He also wished the nations to see the end of that people who had defied him, and to mark that they were destroyed by the very people they had despised. They were not to destroy them to add to their own possessions, or to get glory to themselves, but to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken in regard to Amalek. {1SP 364.1}[28]
§59
主曾对摩西说过：“我要将亚玛力的名号从天下全然涂抹了；你要将这话写在书上作纪念，又念给约书亚听。”“你要记念你们出埃及的时候，亚玛力人在路上怎样待你。他们在路上遇见你，趁你疲乏困倦击杀你尽后边软弱的人，并不敬畏上帝。所以耶和华你上帝使你不被四围一切的仇敌扰乱，在耶和华你上帝赐你为业的地上得享平安。那时，你要将亚玛力的名号从天下涂抹了，不可忘记”（出17:14；申25:17-19）。{1SP 364.2}[29]
§60
The Lord had said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua; for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; how he met thee by the way, and smote the hindermost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary, and he feared not God. Therefore it shall be, when the Lord thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it. {1SP 364.2}[29]
§61
可是扫罗却胆敢违背上帝，保留祂所咒诅并命定要处死的，要在上帝面前献作赎罪祭。{1SP 365.1}[30]
§62
And yet Saul had ventured to disobey God, and reserve that which he had cursed and appointed unto death, to offer before God as a sacrifice for sin. {1SP 365.1}[30]
§63
撒母耳把扫罗的罪恶行径摆在他面前，然后问道：“耶和华喜悦燔祭和平安祭，岂如喜悦人听从祂的话呢”（撒上15:22）？他最好是顺从上帝，而不是为他们悖逆的罪献上这种祭物和供物。{1SP 365.2}[31]
§64
Samuel presented before Saul his wicked course, and then inquired, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? It would have been better had he obeyed God, than to make such provisions for sacrifices and offerings for their sins of disobedience. {1SP 365.2}[31]
§65
上帝喜悦他们流牲畜的血，并不如喜悦他们听从祂的命令。上帝命定人献祭，是要提醒有罪的人：罪带来死，而无辜牲畜的血之所以能为犯罪的人赎罪，是由于那将要献上的伟大牺牲。上帝要求祂的子民顺从，胜过献祭。地上所有的财富都是祂的。千山上的牲畜也都是属于祂的。祂并不需要败坏之人的财物为祭，献给祂预表圣洁的救主，如同一只无暇疵的羊羔。因为这些财物是祂所咒诅的，要完全消灭的。{1SP 365.3}[32]
§66
God did not have as great delight in their shedding the blood of beasts, as in obedience to his commandments. The offerings were divinely appointed to remind sinful man that sin brought death, and that the blood of the innocent beast could atone for the guilt of the transgressor, by virtue of the great sacrifice yet to be offered. God required of his people obedience rather than sacrifice. All the riches of the earth were his. The cattle upon a thousand hills belonged to him. He did not require the spoil of a corrupt people, upon whom his curse rested, even to their utter extinction, to be presented to him to prefigure the holy Saviour, as a lamb without blemish. {1SP 365.3}[32]
§67
撒母耳告诉扫罗，他悖逆的罪与行邪术的罪相等。就是说，当一个人走上悖逆之路时，他就是献上自己受一种与上帝的旨意对抗的势力控制。撒但控制着悖逆之人的心思。那些如此受控制的人丧失了对上帝的平静倚靠，越来越不愿对祂的旨意献上爱的顺从。撒但变得越来越熟悉他们，直到他们似乎没有能力停止反叛了。在这方面，悖逆的罪与行邪术的罪相等。{1SP 365.4}[33]
§68
Samuel informed Saul that his rebellion was as the sin of witchcraft. That is, when one commences to travel in the path of rebellion, he yields himself to be controlled by an influence that is in opposition to the will of God. Satan controls the rebellious mind. Those who are thus controlled lose a calm trust in God, and have less and less disposition to yield loving obedience to his will. Satan becomes more and more familiar with them, until they seem to have no power to cease to rebel. In this respect, rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. {1SP 365.4}[33]
§69
扫罗顽梗地坚持在撒母耳面前说他顺从了上帝，这就与拜虚神和偶像的罪相同。他更喜爱实现自己的意愿而不是获得上帝的恩宠或清洁良心的嘉许。及至他的罪清楚地展现在他面前，他的错误被明确地指出来时，他骄傲的意见和过度的自爱使他为自己的错误行径辩护，无视撒母耳的责备和主藉祂先知的口所说的话。这种在大家都知道的罪行上的固执，使他与上帝永远隔绝了。{1SP 366.1}[34]
§70
Sauls stubbornness in persisting before Samuel that he had obeyed God, was an iniquity and idolatry. His love to carry out his own will was more desirable to him than to obtain the favor of God, or the approbation of a clear conscience. And when his sin was opened clearly before him, and his wrong definitely pointed out, his pride of opinion, his excessive self-love, led him to justify himself in his wrong course, in defiance of the reproof of Samuel, and the word of the Lord by the mouth of his prophet. Such obstinacy in a known transgression, separated him forever from God. {1SP 366.1}[34]
§71
扫罗虽知道自己所行的与上帝的明令相反，但当上帝藉着撒母耳责备他时，他却不愿谦卑地承认自己的罪，反而坚决地说出了自我辩白的谎言。扫罗若是谦卑地悔改，接受责备，主原会怜悯他，饶恕他的大罪。但扫罗既顽梗地拒绝纠正，竟向主的使者撒母耳说出谎言，所以主就离开了他。撒母耳告诉扫罗，他既厌弃了主的话，上帝就厌弃他作王。{1SP 366.2}[35]
§72
He knew that he had gone contrary to Gods express command; yet when reproved by God through Samuel, he would not humbly acknowledge his sin, but in a determined manner uttered a falsehood in self-justification. If he had humbly repented, and received the reproof, the Lord would have had mercy and forgiven Saul of his great sin. But the Lord left Saul for his stubbornly refusing to be corrected, and for uttering falsehoods to Samuel, his messenger. Samuel told Saul that, as he had rejected the word of the Lord, God had rejected him from being king. {1SP 366.2}[35]
§73
撒母耳最后这个惊人的谴责使扫罗意识到了自己的真实状况，他因恐惧便承认了自己犯了罪，违背了主的命令，这是他之前所坚决否认的。他恳求撒母耳原谅他的罪，与他一起在主面前敬拜。撒母耳拒绝了，并且告诉扫罗，上帝已使以色列国与他断绝，并且，免得他受欺骗，撒母耳还告诉他，以色列的大能者必不至说谎，也不会象他那样容易改变。{1SP 366.3}[36]
§74
This last startling denunciation from Samuel gave Saul a sense of his true condition, and, through fear, he acknowledged that he had sinned, and had transgressed the commandment of the Lord, which he had before firmly denied. He entreated Samuel to pardon his sin, and to worship with him before the Lord. Samuel refused, and told Saul that God had rent the kingdom from him; and lest he should be deceived, he told him that the Strength of Israel would not lie, nor be as changeable as he was. {1SP 366.3}[36]
§75
扫罗再次恳劝撒母耳留下来，再一次在以色列的众长老和众民面前尊重他。撒母耳屈从了他的请求，要求把残忍的王亚甲带来，亚甲就很斯文地来到他面前。“撒母耳说：‘你既用刀使妇人丧子，这样，你母亲在妇人中也必丧子。’于是，撒母耳在吉甲耶和华面前将亚甲杀死”（撒上15:33）。 {1SP 367.1}[37]
§76
Again Saul earnestly entreated that Samuel would honor him with his presence once more before the elders of Israel and all the people. Samuel yielded to his request, and called for the cruel king Agag; and he came to him very politely. And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the Lord in Gilgal. {1SP 367.1}[37]
§77
主不再与扫罗通话，也不藉着撒母耳指示他了。扫罗已选择随从自己的意愿，拒绝了主的话。上帝便撇下他去受他自己的意见引导，他已选择随从自己的意见而不是顺从上帝。扫罗没有真悔改。他已因被立为王而自高，在百姓面前表现出更渴望受到撒母耳尊重而不是获得上帝的饶恕和恩宠。{1SP 367.2}[38]
§78
And the Lord no more communicated with Saul, or instructed him through Samuel. He had chosen to follow his own will, and had rejected the word of the Lord. God left him to be guided by his own judgment, which he had chosen to follow rather than to obey God. Saul had no true repentance. He had become exalted because he was made king. He manifested greater anxiety to be honored by Samuel before the people, than to obtain forgiveness and the favor of God. {1SP 367.2}[38]
§79
撒母耳不再将从上帝那里得来的指示扫罗。耶和华不能使用扫罗来完成祂的旨意。祂差遣撒母耳到耶西的家，去膏大卫，祂已拣选他作王，代替祂所弃绝的扫罗。{1SP 367.3}[39]
§80
Samuel came no more to Saul with directions from God. The Lord could not employ him to carry out his purposes. But he sent Samuel to the house of Jesse, to anoint David, whom he had selected to be ruler in the place of Saul, whom he had rejected. {1SP 367.3}[39]
§81
当耶西的众子从撒母耳面前经过的时候，他心想那位身材高大，外貌高贵的以利押一定是蒙拣选的，但是上帝的天使站在他身旁引导他作出重要的决定，指示他不应按外貌判断。以利押不敬畏上帝，他的心在上帝看来不正，他会成为一个骄傲苛刻的君王。耶西的众子中只有最年轻的大卫被选上了，他卑微的工作就是看守羊群。他已非常忠心勇敢地履行了牧羊的谦卑职责，以致上帝拣选他作祂百姓的统帅。有一天，他牧羊的杖要变成权杖。{1SP 367.4}[40]
§82
As the sons of Jesse passed before Samuel, he would have selected Eliab, who was of high stature and dignified appearance, but the angel of God stood by him to guide him in the important decision, and instructed him that he should not judge from appearances. Eliab did not fear the Lord. His heart was not right with God. He would make a proud, exacting ruler. None was found among the sons of Jesse, but David, the youngest, whose humble occupation was that of tending sheep. He had filled the humble office of shepherd with such faithfulness and courage that God selected him to be captain of his people. In course of time, he was to change his shepherds crook for the scepter. {1SP 367.4}[40]
§83
大卫并没有高大的身材，但是他的容貌俊美，表露着谦卑、诚实及真实的勇敢。上帝的天使向撒母耳说明大卫就是要受膏的一位，因为他就是上帝所拣选的。从那时起主就赐给大卫一颗审慎而具有悟性的心。{1SP 368.1}[41]
§84
David was not of lofty stature; but his countenance was beautiful, expressive of humility, honesty, and true courage. The angel of God signified to Samuel that David was the one for him to anoint, for he was Gods chosen. From that time the Lord gave David a prudent and understanding heart. {1SP 368.1}[41]
§85
扫罗既看到撒母耳不再来指教他，便知道耶和华已因他邪恶的行径厌弃了他，此后他的品性似乎总是显然地走极端。他所指定管理国家事务的臣仆有时不敢接近他，因为他似乎象一个疯子，很暴虐。他常常似乎充满了懊悔。他很忧郁，在毫无危险的地方常常害怕。这使他没有资格作统治者。他总是满心忧虑，而当他处在阴郁的状态时，他不希望受到打扰，有时不让任何人接近他。他会预言地说到他被废黜，另一个人会占据他作统治者的位子，还说他的后裔绝不会被晋升到王位，得到王的尊荣，而是都将因他的罪灭亡。他甚至会当着他的贵胄和百姓的面，心烦意乱地反复预言对自己不利的事。{1SP 368.2}[42]
§86
When Saul saw that Samuel came no more to instruct him, he knew that the Lord had rejected him for his wicked course, and his character seemed ever after to be marked with extremes. His servants, whom he directed in regard to things connected with the kingdom, at times dared not approach him, for he seemed like an insane man, violent and abusive. He often seemed filled with remorse. He was melancholy, and often afraid when there was no danger. This disqualified him for being ruler. He was always full of anxiety; and when in his gloomy moods, he wished not to be disturbed, and at times would suffer none to approach him. He would speak prophetically of his being dethroned, and anothers occupying his position as ruler, and that his posterity would never be exalted to the throne, and receive kingly honors, but that they would all perish because of his sins. He would repeat, prophetically, sayings against himself with distracted energy, even in the presence of his lords, and of the people. {1SP 368.2}[42]
§87
那些目睹扫罗这些奇怪表现的人向他推荐音乐，意在对他如此烦乱的心思有安抚的影响。在上帝天意的安排下，大卫作为一个灵巧的音乐家被带到扫罗面前。他还被推荐为一个英勇的战士，凡事谨慎忠心，因为他是特别蒙主引导的。扫罗有时感到谦卑下来，甚至渴望有一个能从主知道如何依照祂旨意行事的人来负责国政。他在良好的心态时便差人去叫大卫来。他不久就很喜爱大卫了，就叫他作了给他拿兵器的人，成了他的侍从。他想既然大卫蒙上帝眷爱，就可作他的护卫，或许在他面对敌人时能救他的命。大卫娴熟的弹琴技巧抚慰了扫罗烦乱的心。他聆听迷人的音乐旋律时，就受到一种影响，驱散了萦绕着他的阴郁感，使他受了刺激的心进入一种更理性更快乐的状态。{1SP 368.3}[43]
§88
Those who witnessed these strange exhibitions in Saul recommended to him music, as calculated to have a soothing influence upon his mind when thus distracted. In the providence of God, David was brought to his notice as a skillful musician. He was also recommended for being a valiant man of war, prudent and faithful in all matters, because he was especially guided by the Lord. Saul felt humbled at times, and was even anxious that one should take charge of the government of the kingdom, who should know from the Lord how to move in accordance with his will. While in a favorable state of mind, he sent messengers for David. He soon loved him, and gave him the position of armor-bearer, making him his attendant. He thought that if David was favored of God, he would be a safeguard to him, and perhaps save his life, when he should be exposed to his enemies. Davids skillful playing upon the harp soothed the troubled spirit of Saul. As he listened to the enchanting strains of music, it had an influence to dispel the gloom which had settled upon him, and to bring his excited mind into a more rational, happy state. {1SP 368.3}[43]
§89
约拿单的心特别与大卫的心深相契合，他们之间建立了一种极其神圣的联合，直到扫罗和约拿单死时都保持完好无损。这是主的作为，好在扫罗设法谋害大卫时，使约拿单成为保护大卫性命的手段。上帝的天意使大卫与扫罗联络，以便藉着他贤明的行为获得百姓的信任，并且藉着长期的艰难与兴衰引导他完全信靠上帝，同时预备他成为祂子民的统治者。{1SP 369.1}[44]
§90
Especially was the heart of Jonathan knit with Davids; and there was a most sacred bond of union established between them, which remained unbroken till the death of Saul and Jonathan. This was the Lords doings, that Jonathan might be the means of preserving the life of David when Saul would try to kill him. Gods providence connected David with Saul, that by his wise behaviour he might obtain the confidence of the people, and by a long course of hardships and vicissitudes, be led to put his entire trust in God, while he was preparing him to become ruler of his people. {1SP 369.1}[44]
§91
当非利士人重新与以色列人作战时，大卫便蒙允许回到父家重新开始做他所喜爱的牧羊工作。非利士人不敢象以前那样冒险以大军来与以色列作战，唯恐会被战胜，倒在以色列人面前。他们不知道以色列人的软弱，不知道扫罗和他的百姓已经大感忧虑，不敢开始与他们交战，恐怕以色列人会被战胜。但非利士人提出了交战的方式。他们挑选了一名身高约十二英尺的勇士，去向以色列人挑战，要他们也派一个人来应战。他的外表吓人，言语骄傲，挑战以色列众军和他们的上帝。{1SP 370.1}[45]
§92
When the Philistines renewed war with Israel, David was permitted to go to his fathers house to resume the occupation of shepherd, which he loved. The Philistines dare not venture their large armies against Israel, as they had heretofore done, fearing they would be overcome, and fall before Israel. They are ignorant of the weakness of Israel. They know not that Saul and his people have great anxiety, and they dare not commence the battle with them, fearing that Israel will be overcome. But the Philistines propose their own manner of warfare, in selecting a man of great size and strength, whose height is about twelve feet; and they send this champion forth to provoke a combat with Israel, requesting them to send out a man to fight with him. He was terrible in appearance, and spoke proudly, and defied the armies of Israel and their God. {1SP 370.1}[45]
§93
有四十天之久，这个骄傲自夸的人使以色列人充满了恐惧，也使扫罗大大害怕，因为没有一个人胆敢冒险去与那个大能的巨人战斗。以色列人因犯罪而对上帝没有那种会使他们奉祂的名作战的神圣倚靠。但上帝不愿让一个拜偶像的国家扬起头骄傲地反对宇宙的统治者。祂救了以色列人，不是藉着扫罗的手，而是藉着大卫的手，祂已兴起大卫统治祂的百姓。{1SP 370.2}[46]
§94
For forty days this proud boaster filled Israel with terror, and made Saul greatly afraid; for no one dared to combat with the mighty giant. Israel, on account of their transgressions, had not that sacred trust in God which would lead them to battle in his name. But God would not suffer an idolatrous nation to lift their heads proudly against the Ruler of the universe. He saved Israel, not by the hand of Saul, but by the hand of David, whom he had raised up to rule his people. {1SP 370.2}[46]
§95
扫罗不知道该怎么做。他设想以色列人成了非利士人的奴隶。他看不到逃生之路。他在苦恼中提出大赏赐给愿意杀死那个骄傲的自夸者的人。然而人人都感到了自己的软弱。他们有一个上帝不教导的王，他不敢从事任何危险的计划，因为他不能指望上帝会特别干预救他的性命。以色列人既与他的罪过有分，他就不指望上帝会特别为他们行事，救他们脱离非利士人的手。以色列众军似乎因恐惧而瘫痪了。他们不能信任他们的王，就是他们曾向上帝要的王。扫罗的心思是易变的。他会暂时指挥军队，然后又被恐惧灰心慑住，撤消自己的命令。{1SP 370.3}[47]
§96
Saul knows not what to do. He imagines Israel as Philistine slaves. He can see no way of escape. In his trouble, he offers great reward to any one who will slay the proud boaster. But all feel their weakness. They have a king whom God does not instruct, who dares not engage in any perilous enterprise, for he expects no special interposition from God to save his life. As Israel had been partakers with him in transgression, he had no hope that God would work specially for them, and deliver them out of the hands of the Philistines. The armies of Israel seemed paralyzed with terror. They could not trust in their king, whom they had demanded of God. Sauls mind was changeable. He would for a short time direct the armies, and then fear and discouragement would seize him, and he would countermand his orders. {1SP 370.3}[47]
§97
大卫做他父亲给他的一个卑微差事，到他哥哥们那里时，便听到那个骄傲自夸的人挑衅以色列人，他的灵便在他里面激动。他为那个亵渎的自夸者所挑衅的永生上帝的军队发热心，便表示了自己的愤慨，一个不敬畏上帝、也没有从上帝而来的能力的外邦人，竟这样使所有的以色列人恐惧并向他们夸胜。{1SP 371.1}[48]
§98
As David is performing a humble errand from his father to his brethren, he hears the proud boaster defying Israel, and his spirit is stirred within him. He is jealous for the armies of the living God, whom the blasphemous boaster has defied. He expresses his indignation that a heathen, who has no fear of God, and no power from him, should be left to thus hold all Israel in fear, and triumph over them. {1SP 371.1}[48]
§99
大卫的长兄、上帝所不愿拣选为王的以利押，因大卫受尊荣过于他，便嫉妒大卫。他鄙视大卫，看他不如自己。他在他人面前控告大卫说他不让父亲知道偷偷溜走去看争战。他嘲笑大卫所从事的照顾旷野中的几只羊的小工作。大卫反驳这不公正的控告说：“我做了什么呢？我来岂没有缘故吗”（撒上17:29）？大卫没有过多地向他哥哥解释他来是要帮助以色列人的，上帝已经差遣他去击杀歌利亚。上帝已经拣选他作以色列的领袖，当永生上帝的军队在危急中时，他已蒙一位天使的指示去拯救以色列。{1SP 371.2}[49]
§100
Davids eldest brother, Eliab, whom God would not choose to be king, was jealous of David, because he was honored before him. He despised David, and looked upon him as inferior to himself. He accused him before others of stealing away unknown to his father to see the battle. He taunts him with the small business in which he is engaged, in tending a few sheep in the wilderness. David repels the unjust charge, and says, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? David is not careful to explain to his brother that he had come to the help of Israel; that God had sent him to slay Goliath. God had chosen him to be a ruler of Israel; and as the armies of the living God were in such peril, he had been directed by an angel to save Israel. {1SP 371.2}[49]
§101
大卫被带到扫罗面前，他就告诉扫罗：以色列无需害怕。“你的仆人要去与那非利士人战斗。”扫罗因他年幼而反对他去。大卫便提到他在旷野中拯救自己所照管的羊群时所经历的危险。他谦卑地把自己的拯救归于上帝。“耶和华救我脱离狮子和熊的爪，也必救我脱离这非利士人的手。”扫罗便允许大卫去了。他把自己君王的战衣给大卫穿上。但大卫把它脱下来了，只拿着在溪中挑选的五块光滑石子、一个投石器和一根杖。当那骄傲的挑战者看到一个容貌俊美的年轻人带着这种装备走近他，就问道：“你拿杖到我这里来，我岂是狗呢？”他就指着自己的神咒诅大卫，自夸地邀请他过来，他好把他的肉给空中的飞鸟、田野的走兽吃。“大卫对非利士人说：你来攻击我，是靠着刀枪和铜戟。”但我来攻击你不是靠军装的炫耀，也不是靠有力的武器，而是“靠着万军之耶和华的名，就是你所怒骂带领以色列军队的上帝。”大卫没有自夸出众的技巧。他是靠主夸口。“‘今日耶和华必将你交在我手里。我必杀你，斩你的头，又将非利士军兵的尸首给空中的飞鸟、地上的野兽吃，使普天下的人都知道以色列中有上帝；又使这众人知道耶和华使人得胜，不是用刀用枪，因为争战的胜败全在乎耶和华。祂必将你们交在我们手里。’非利士人起身，迎着大卫前来。大卫急忙迎着非利士人，往战场跑去。大卫用手从囊中掏出一块石子来，用机弦甩去，打中非利士人的额，石子进入额内，他就仆倒，面伏于地”（撒上17:33-50）。 {1SP 371.3}[50]
§102
David is brought before Saul, and tells him that Israel need not fear: Thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. Saul objects, because of his youth. David refers to the perils he had experienced in the wilderness, to save the sheep under his care. He humbly ascribes his deliverance to God. The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. Saul gives David permission to go. He places upon David his own kingly armor; but David laid it off, and merely chose him five smooth stones from the brook, a sling, and a staff. As the proud defier of Israel saw the young man of beautiful countenance approaching him with this equipment, he inquired, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? He cursed David by his gods, and boastingly invited him to come to him, that he might give his flesh to the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee, not in display of armor, nor with powerful weapons, but in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. David makes no boast of superior skill. His boast is in the Lord. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand, . . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lords, and he will give you into our hands. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. {1SP 371.3}[50]
§103
大卫用那骄傲自夸者自己的大刀割掉了他的头。及至非利士人看到他们的勇士死了，就都慌乱，四散逃跑，以色列人便追击他们。{1SP 373.1}[51]
§104
David cut off the head of the proud boaster with his own powerful sword, of which he had boasted. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they were confused, and fled in every direction, Israel pursuing them. {1SP 373.1}[51]
§105
扫罗和大卫追杀非利士人回来时，各城的妇女们出来，欢欢喜喜地歌唱着迎接他们。一队人唱：“扫罗杀死千千。”另一队回应前一队唱：“大卫杀死万万”（撒上18:7）。这使扫罗非常生气。他非但没有因以色列藉大卫的手得救脱离了仇敌的手而向上帝表示谦卑的感谢，反而有了一种残忍的嫉妒精神，并象过去一样屈服于这种精神的控制。“扫罗甚发怒，不喜悦这话，就说：‘将万万归大卫，千千归我，只剩下王位没有给他了’”（撒上18:8）。他又害怕起来，担心这确实就是会取代他作王的那个人。可是因为百姓都敬爱大卫，扫罗便不敢公然伤害他。{1SP 373.2}[52]
§106
When Saul and David were returning from the slaughter of the Philistines, the women of the cities came out to meet them with demonstrations of joy, and with singing. One company sang, Saul hath slain his thousands. Another company responded to the first, And David his ten thousands. This made Saul very angry. Instead of manifesting humble gratitude to God that Israel had been saved out of the hand of their enemies by the hand of David, a cruel spirit of jealousy comes upon him, and, as in times past, he yields himself to its control. And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands; and what can he have more but the kingdom? His fears were aroused that this was indeed the man who would take his place as ruler. Yet because the people all esteemed and loved David, Saul was afraid to harm him openly. {1SP 373.2}[52]
§107
大卫藉百姓的影响力被晋升为战事主管。他在其它重要事业上也是领袖。扫罗看到大卫已赢得百姓的喜爱和信任，就恨他，因为他以为百姓宁愿要大卫而不要他。他伺机杀害大卫，当恶灵临到他身上时，大卫就照常在他面前弹琴，为要抚慰他烦恼的心，他竟设法杀大卫，用力把锐利的枪投向他的心脏。上帝的天使保护了大卫的性命。他们使大卫明白扫罗的意图，当枪投向他时，他就跳到一边，没有受害，而枪就深深刺入了大卫所坐之处的墙壁上。{1SP 373.3}[53]
§108
Through the influence of the people, David was promoted to take charge of the business connected with warfare. He was leader in all their important enterprises. As Saul saw that David had won the love and confidence of the people, he hated him; for he thought that he was preferred before him. He watched an opportunity to slay him; and when the evil spirit was upon him, and David played before him as usual to soothe his troubled mind, he tried to kill him, by throwing with force a sharp-pointed instrument at his heart. Angels of God preserved the life of David. They made him understand what was the purpose of Saul; and as the instrument was hurled at him, he sprang to one side, and received no harm, while the instrument was driven deep into the wall where David had been sitting. {1SP 373.3}[53]
§109
以色列人如今认识到自己特殊的处境了。他们天天都有证据显明上帝已任由扫罗去偏行其有罪的道路，他们是受一位胆敢犯谋杀罪的统治者指挥着，他竟敢杀害耶和华所拣选要拯救他们的一个义人。他们因扫罗的残忍行为，便有活泼的证据表明一位反叛上帝、受自己情欲支配的王会在犯罪行为上走到怎样的极端。{1SP 374.1}[54]
§110
The people of Israel were now made to feel their peculiar position. They had daily evidence that God had left Saul to his own guilty course, and that they were commanded by a ruler who dared to commit murder, and slay a righteous person whom the Lord had chosen to save them. And by the cruel acts of Saul they were having living evidences to what extremes of guilt and crime a king might go who rebelled against God, and was governed by his own passions. {1SP 374.1}[54]
§111
大卫作为一个仆人顺从扫罗，他的行为是谦卑的。他的生活无可指责。他忠实地遵行上帝的旨意，这对扫罗放肆、反叛的行为是一种不断的谴责。扫罗决心想尽一切办法使大卫被杀。扫罗只要活着，这就是他人生的大目标，尽管他不得不将大卫屡次从他手中逃脱归于上帝的旨意。可是他的心缺乏上帝的爱，他是一个崇拜自我的人。真正的尊荣、正义和博爱都要牺牲给他的骄傲和野心。他追捕大卫象猎取野兽一样。大卫常有能力处置扫罗，他手下的人也催促他把扫罗杀了。大卫虽然知道上帝已拣选他作以色列的领袖，但他不愿扬起自己的手与上帝所膏的扫罗作对。他选择在非利士人中得到一个庇所。他因自己谨慎谦卑的行为甚至使敌人与他和平相处，他留在敌人那里直到扫罗死了。{1SP 374.2}[55]
§112
David had obeyed Saul as a servant, and his conduct was humble. His life was irreproachable. His faithfulness in doing the will of God was a constant rebuke to Sauls extravagant, rebellious course. Saul determined to leave no means untried, that David might be slain. As long as Saul lived, this was the great object of his life, notwithstanding he was compelled to ascribe to the providence of God the escape of David from his hands. Yet his heart was destitute of the love of God, and he was a self-idolater. True honor, justice, and humanity, were sacrificed to his pride and ambition. He hunted David as a wild beast. David often had Saul in his power, and was urged by the men whom he commanded to slay him. Although David knew that he was chosen of God as ruler in Israel, yet he would not lift his hand against Saul, whom God had anointed. He chose to find an asylum among the Philistines. He made even his enemies to be at peace with him, by his prudent, humble course, with whom he remained until the death of Saul. {1SP 374.2}[55]
§113
当非利士人再次与扫罗交战时，扫罗就害怕了。他一有危险就不得安息，百姓也离心离德。有些人在扫罗的一切恶行上跟随他。有些人则不信任他的判断，而是希望有一位公义的治理者。扫罗最后的行为是那么残忍、专横和大胆，以致他的良心就象一个鞭子，不断地谴责他。可是他并不悔改自己的恶行，反而歇斯底里不顾一切地从事他残忍无情的行径，他一想到战斗的前景就心烦意乱、沮丧郁闷。他带着罪恶的重担冒昧地求问上帝，但上帝不回答他。他已粗野残暴地屠杀了耶和华的祭司，只因祭司们让大卫脱逃了。他还毁灭了祭司们所住的城邑，处死了大量义人，好满足他嫉妒的狂怒。可是他在危险中竟敢接近上帝，求问他是否要与非利士人作战。但上帝既然离开了他，他就去找一个交鬼的妇人，那妇人是与撒但有联络的。他既离弃了上帝，便终于去找一个已与死亡立约与阴间联盟的人求知识。隐多珥的女巫与撒但订有协议，在万事上接受他的指导。只要她毫无保留地服从撒但的权威，他就会为她施行神迹和奇事，显示最秘密的事。她就这么做了。{1SP 375.1}[56]
§114
When the Philistines again make war with Israel, Saul is afraid. He has no rest in any season of peril, and the people are divided. Some go with Saul in all his wickedness. Others cannot trust to his judgment, and wish a righteous ruler. Sauls last acts have been so cruel, presumptuous and daring, that his conscience is as a scourge, continually upbraiding him. Yet he does not repent of his wickedness, but pursues his relentless course with despairing desperation, and at the prospect of a battle, he is distracted and melancholy. He presumes, with his load of guilt upon him, to inquire of God; but God answers him not. He has barbarously massacred the priests of the Lord, because they suffered David to escape. He destroyed the city where the priests lived, and put a multitude of righteous persons to death, to satisfy his envious rage. Yet in his peril he dares to approach God, to inquire whether he shall make war with the Philistines. But as God has left him, he seeks a woman with a familiar spirit, who is in communion with Satan. He has forsaken God, and at length seeks one who has made a covenant with death, and an agreement with hell, for knowledge. The witch of Endor had made agreement with Satan to follow his directions in all things; and he would perform wonders and miracles for her, and would reveal to her the most secret things, if she would yield herself unreservedly to be controlled by his satanic majesty. This she had done. {1SP 375.1}[56]
§115
当扫罗求问撒母耳的时候，上帝不会使撒母耳向扫罗显现。他什么也没有看见。撒但无权打搅安息在坟墓里的撒母耳，把他带到隐多珥的女巫那里。上帝没有赐给撒但叫死人复活的权柄。是撒但的使者装成死去友人的样子，模仿他们的言语和举止。他藉着冒充的死人朋友更好地实行他欺骗的工作。撒但十分了解撒母耳，知道怎样在隐多珥的女巫面前冒充他，准确地说出扫罗和他儿子的命运。{1SP 376.1}[57]
§116
When Saul inquired for Samuel, the Lord did not cause Samuel to appear to Saul. He saw nothing. Satan was not allowed to disturb the rest of Samuel in the grave, and bring him up in reality to the witch of Endor. God does not give Satan power to resurrect the dead. But Satans angels assume the form of dead friends, and speak and act like them, that through professed dead friends he can the better carry on his work of deception. Satan knew Samuel well, and he knew how to represent him before the witch of Endor, and to utter correctly the fate of Saul and his sons. {1SP 376.1}[57]
§117
撒但将以十分巧妙的方式来到他所能欺骗人那里，向他们献媚求宠，使他们在不知不觉中离开上帝。他起先小心翼翼地争取他们受他支配。及至他们的感觉麻木了，他就提出更大胆的建议，引诱他们犯下任何罪行。当他把他们完全诱入他的网罗时，他就高兴让他们看到自己所处的景况。他见他们象扫罗那样走投无路，就十分得意。扫罗曾受撒但引诱，甘心做他的俘虏。现在撒但在扫罗面前展示了他的命运。撒但通过隐多珥妇人向扫罗准确地描述了他的结局。撒但敞开门路让以色列民接受他狡猾的指导，使他们在反叛上帝中向他学习，从而割断他们与上帝的最后联系。{1SP 376.2}[58]
§118
Satan will come in a very plausible manner to such as he can deceive, and will insinuate himself into their favor, and lead them almost imperceptibly from God. He wins them under his control, cautiously at first, until their perceptibilities become blunted. Then he will make bolder suggestions, until he can lead them to commit almost any degree of crime. When he has led them fully into his snare, he is then willing that they should see where they are, and he exults in their confusion, as in the case of Saul. He had suffered Satan to lead him a willing captive, and now Satan spreads before Saul a correct description of his fate. By giving Saul a correct statement of his end, through the woman of Endor, Satan opens a way for Israel to be instructed by his satanic cunning, that they may, in their rebellion against God, learn of him, and by thus doing, sever the last link which would hold them to God. {1SP 376.2}[58]
§119
扫罗知道这次去求问隐多珥女巫的垂死之举，切断了他与上帝最后联系。他知道即使他以前没有故意与上帝绝交，这个举动也最后确定了与上帝的分离。他已经与死亡和地狱立了约。他的恶贯已经满盈了。{1SP 376.3}[59]
§120
Saul knew that in this last act, of consulting the witch of Endor, he cut the last shred which held him to God. He knew that if he had not before willfully separated himself from God, this act sealed that separation, and made it final. He had made an agreement with death, and a covenant with hell. The cup of his iniquity was full. {1SP 376.3}[59]