第07章 先祖时期的天使
§1
第07章 先祖时期的天使
§2
Chap. 7—Angels in the Patriarchal Age
§3
【亚伯拉罕】
§4
上帝赐予亚伯拉罕极大的尊荣。有天上的使者来与他同行共语，像朋友一样。——PP 138{TA 73.1}[1]
§5
【Abraham】
§6
God conferred great honor upon Abraham. Angels of heaven walked and talked with him as friend with friend.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 138.?{TA 73.1}[1]
§7
主将祂的旨意藉着天使向亚伯位罕显明，基督曾向他显现，使他更清楚地认识道德律法的要求，以及藉着祂自己所要完成的伟大救恩。——RH 1875年4月29日。{TA 73.2}[2]
§8
The Lord communicated His will to Abraham through angels. Christ appeared to him, and gave him a distinct knowledge of the requirements of the moral law, and of the great salvation which would be accomplished through Himself.—The Review and Herald, April 29, 1875.?{TA 73.2}[2]
§9
主在以实玛利出生以后，又向亚伯拉罕显现，对他说：“我要与你并你世世代代的后裔坚立我的约，作永远的约”（创17:7）。主又藉祂的使者重新应许赐给撒拉一个儿子，并应许使她成为多国之母。——1SP 96{TA 73.3}[3]
§10
After the birth of Ishmael, the Lord manifested Himself again to Abraham, and said unto him, “I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, for an everlasting covenant.” Again the Lord repeated by His angel His promise to give Sarah a son, and that she should be a mother of many nations.—The Spirit of Prophecy 1:96.?{TA 73.3}[3]
§11
当上帝将要降灾与所多玛的时候，祂也没有瞒着亚伯拉罕。于是亚伯拉罕就在上帝面前为罪人代求。在他与天使会见的事上也给了我们一个款待客旅的美好榜样。{TA 73.4}[4]
§12
When judgments were about to be visited upon Sodom, the fact was not hidden from him, and he became an intercessor with God for sinners. His interview with the angels presents also a beautiful example of hospitality.?{TA 74.4}[4]
§13
在一个暑天的中午，先祖亚伯拉罕正坐在帐棚门口眺望风景，忽然远处有三个旅客走向前来。但当他们还没有到达他的帐棚之前，就停了下来，似乎是在商量他们行程的方向。亚伯拉罕没有等待他们前来求助，就立刻起来，在他们似乎要转向的时候，赶紧追上去，以最殷勤的态度恳请他们赏光，在他那里暂时休息一下。于是他亲手拿水来给他们洗去脚上的尘土，又亲自选择食品。他们在荫凉的树下歇息的时候，饮食就预备好了。他们领受他的款待时，他就站在旁边伺候。……{TA 74.1}[5]
§14
In the hot summer noontide the patriarch was sitting in his tent door, looking out over the quiet landscape, when he saw in the distance three travelers approaching. Before reaching his tent, the strangers halted, as if consulting as to their course. Without waiting for them to solicit favors, Abraham rose quickly, and as they were apparently turning in another direction, he hastened after them, and with the utmost courtesy urged them to honor him by tarrying for refreshment. With his own hands he brought water that they might wash the dust of travel from their feet. He himself selected their food, and while they were at rest under the cooling shade, an entertainment was made ready, and he stood respectfully beside them while they partook of his hospitality....?{TA 74.1}[5]
§15
亚伯拉罕以为他的宾客不过是三个旅途劳顿的行人，一点也没有想到其中有一位是他所应当跪拜的主。但天上使者的真身份这时显露出来了。他们虽然是前去降灾与所多玛的，却先对有信心之人亚伯拉罕说了祝福的话。{TA 74.2}[6]
§16
Abraham had seen in his guests only three tired wayfarers, little thinking that among them was One whom he might worship without sin. But the true character of the heavenly messengers was now revealed. Though they were on their way as ministers of wrath, yet to Abraham, the man of faith, they spoke first of blessings....?{TA 74.2}[6]
§17
亚伯拉罕曾尊重了上帝，所以耶和华也重看了他，使他得以参加祂的谋略；并将祂的旨意启示给他。……上帝原来熟知所多玛的恶贯满盈；但是祂用世人的方式表达自己的意思，使人能以明白祂的赏罚是公正无私的。在没有刑罚犯法的人之前，祂要亲自着手调查他们的行为。如果他们还没有越过祂怜爱的限度，祂必再给他们悔改的机会。——PP 138,139{TA 74.3}[7]
§18
Abraham had honored God, and the Lord honored him, taking him into His counsels, and revealing to him His purposes.... God knew well the measure of Sodom’s guilt; but He expressed himself after the manner of men, that the justice of His dealings might be understood. Before bringing judgment upon the transgressors, He would go Himself to institute an examination of their course; if they had not passed the limits of divine?mercy, He would still grant them space for repentance.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 138, 139.?{TA 74.3}[7]
§19
【所多玛和蛾摩拉的毁灭】
§20
三位使者之中有两位离去了，留下亚伯拉罕单独与那一位同在。这时亚伯拉罕已经知道祂是上帝的儿子。……亚伯拉罕极其恭敬谦卑地向主恳求说:“我虽然是灰尘，还敢对主说话”（创18:27）。……他挨近天上的使者，热切地提出他的请求。罗得虽然住在所多玛，却与城中居民的罪孽无分。亚伯拉罕认为在那人烟稠密的城中必有其他敬拜真神的人。因此他恳求说：“将义人与恶人同杀，……这断不是祢所行的；审判全地的主，岂不行公义吗”（创18:25）？亚伯拉罕不仅求一次，乃是求了多次。主每次都允准了他的祈求，他就越发胆壮，不断地恳求，直到上帝应许他，若在那里能找到十个义人，也不毁灭那城。——PP 139, 140. {TA 75.1}[8]
§21
【The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah】
§22
Two of the heavenly messengers departed, leaving Abraham alone with Him whom he now knew to be the Son of God.... With deep reverence and humility he urged his plea: “I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes.” ... He came close to the heavenly messenger, and fervently urged his petition. Though Lot had become a dweller in Sodom, he did not partake in the iniquity of its inhabitants. Abraham thought that in that populous city there must be other worshipers of the true God. And in view of this he pleaded, “That be far from thee, to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked; ... that be far from thee. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Abraham asked not once merely, but many times. Waxing bolder as his requests were granted, he continued until he gained the assurance that if even ten righteous persons could be found in it, the city would be spared.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 139, 140.?{TA 75.1}[8]
§23
【两位天使访问罗得】
§24
在暮色苍茫之际，有两位客旅走近城门口。他们显然是要到这城里住宿。没有人能认出那两个平凡的行人就是上帝差来降灾的大能使者，而且那放荡无羁、逍遥自在的人群，一点也没有梦想到当夜他们对待天上使者的行为，就要使他们恶贯满盈，使他们骄傲的城邑注定遭劫。可是那里竟有一个人对旅客表示恳挚的关怀，并请他们到他家里去。罗得并没有认识到他们的真身份，但他习惯有礼好客。——PP 158{TA 75.2}[9]
§25
【Two Angels Visit Lot】
§26
In the twilight, two strangers drew near to the city gate. They were apparently travelers coming in to tarry for the night. None could discern in those humble wayfarers the mighty heralds of divine judgment, and little dreamed the gay, careless multitude that in their treatment of these heavenly messengers that very night they?would reach the climax of the guilt which doomed their proud city. But there was one man who manifested kindly attention toward the strangers, and invited them to his home. Lot did not know their true character, but politeness and hospitality were habitual with him.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 158.?{TA 75.2}[9]
§27
天使把他们使命的目的告诉罗得说：“我们要毁灭这地方，因为城内罪恶的声音，在耶和华面前甚大，耶和华差我们来，要毁灭这地方”（创19:13）。罗得所企图保护的客人，如今却应许保护他，也要拯救他家里一切愿意跟着逃出这罪恶之城的人。……罗得就出去警告他的女儿女婿们。他重述天使的话说：“你们起来离开这地方，因为耶和华要毁灭这城”（创19:14）。他们却以为他说的是戏言。……{TA 76.1}[10]
§28
The angels revealed to Lot the object of their mission: “We will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.” The strangers whom Lot had endeavored to protect, now promised to protect him, and to save also all the members of his family who would flee with him from the wicked city.... Lot went out to warn his children. He repeated the words of the angels, “Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city.” But he seemed to them as one that mocked....?{TA 76.1}[10]
§29
罗得忧忧愁愁地回到家里，述说他失败的经过。于是天使吩咐他起来，带着他的妻子和两个还在家中的女儿离开这城。……这时罗得因忧伤而茫然若失，迟迟不愿离开。若没有上帝的天使在场，他们就必都在所多玛的倾覆中灭亡了。天上的使者拉着他和他妻子，并他两个女儿的手，把他们领出城外。{TA 76.2}[11]
§30
Lot returned sorrowfully to his home, and told the story of his failure. Then the angels bade him arise, and take his wife and two daughters who were yet in his house, and leave the city.... Stupified with sorrow, he lingered, loath to depart. But for the angels of God, they would all have perished in the ruin of Sodom. The heavenly messengers took him and his wife and daughters by the hand, and led them out of the city.?{TA 76.2}[11]
§31
天使把他们留在这里，就回到所多玛去完成他们毁灭的工作。这时另有一位，就是亚伯拉罕曾向他恳求的那一位，挨近罗得身旁。……{TA 76.3}[12]
§32
Here the angels left them, and turned back to Sodom to accomplish their work of destruction. Another—He with whom Abraham had pleaded—drew near to Lot....?{TA 76.3}[12]
§33
天上的君王就在他旁边，而他还要为自己的性命恳求，好像那已经向他显示这么大的照顾和爱护的上帝，还不会保存他的性命。他应该完全信赖上帝的使者，把自己的意志和生命毫无疑问地交托在耶和华手中。可是象许多人一样，他企图为自己打算。……{TA 76.4}[13]
§34
The Prince of heaven was by his side, yet he pleaded for his own life as though God, who had?manifested such care and love for him, would not still preserve him. He should have trusted himself wholly to the divine Messenger, giving his will and his life into the Lord’s hands without a doubt or a question. But like so many others, he endeavored to plan for himself....?{TA 76.4}[13]
§35
于是上帝又发出严肃的命令，叫他们赶紧逃命，因为烈火的灾难只能再耽延片刻了。但是这四个逃命的人中有一个（罗得的妻子）竟敢回头望一望那注定遭劫的城，于是她就成了上帝刑罚的一个纪念。——PP 158-161{TA 77.1}[14]
§36
Again the solemn command was given to hasten, for the fiery storm would be delayed but little longer. But one of the fugitives [Lot’s wife] ventured to cast a look backward to the doomed city, and she became a monument of God’s judgment.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 158-161.?{TA 77.1}[14]
§37
【亚伯拉罕经受考验】
§38
当亚伯拉罕将近一百岁的时候，上帝向他重申赐给他一个儿子的应许，而且声明撒拉所生的儿子才是将来承受产业的后嗣。……以撒的出世，使亚伯拉罕和撒拉的帐棚充满了喜乐，因为他们最大的希望，经过一生的等待，这才实现。……{TA 77.2}[15]
§39
【Abraham Tested】
§40
When Abraham was nearly one hundred years old, the promise of a son was repeated to him, with the assurance that the future heir should be the child of Sarah.... The birth of Isaac, bringing, after a life-long waiting, the fulfillment of their dearest hopes, filled the tents of Abraham and Sarah with gladness....?{TA 77.2}[15]
§41
撒拉看出以实玛利的这种暴躁的性情必致家中时常失和，于是她要求亚伯拉罕务必把夏甲和以实玛利从家中赶出去。先祖因此大为困窘。他怎能把自己仍然疼爱的儿子以实玛利驱逐出去呢？他在十分为难之中，就恳求上帝的指引。耶和华藉着一位圣天使指示他当答应撒拉的要求。……天使又给他安慰的应许，就是：以实玛利虽然离开父亲的家，上帝却不会丢弃他；他的性命必得保全；他也必成为一国之父。亚伯拉罕顺从了天使的话，但总不免儿女情长。——PP 146,147{TA 77.3}[16]
§42
Sarah saw in Ishmael’s turbulent disposition a perpetual source of discord, and she appealed to Abraham, urging that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away from the encampment. The patriarch was thrown into great distress. How could he banish Ishmael his son, still dearly beloved? In his perplexity he pleaded for divine guidance. The Lord, through a holy angel, directed him to grant Sarah’s desire.... And the angel gave him the consoling promise that though separated from his father’s home, Ishmael should not be forsaken by God; his life should be preserved, and he should become the father of a great nation. Abraham obeyed the angel’s?word, but it was not without keen suffering.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 146, 147.?{TA 77.3}[16]
§43
上帝曾选召亚伯拉罕，叫他作有信心之人的父。他的一生，要作为以后各世代信心的榜样。但是过去他的信心并不是完全的。……上帝为要使他达到最高的标准，就叫他再受一次试验，也是历来人所遭受最严格的试验。在夜间的一个异象中，上帝命令他起身往摩利亚地去，在指定的山上将他的儿子献为燔祭。……{TA 78.1}[17]
§44
God had called Abraham to be the father of the faithful, and his life was to stand as an example of faith to succeeding generations. But his faith had not been perfect.... That he might reach the highest standard, God subjected him to another test, the closest which man was ever called to endure. In a vision of the night he was directed to repair to the land of Moriah, and there offer up his son as a burnt offering upon a mountain that should be shown him....?{TA 78.1}[17]
§45
那命令中所用的字句必使先祖的心痛苦万分:“你带着你的儿子，就是你独生的儿子，你所爱的以撒，……把他献为燔祭”（创22:2）。以撒乃是他家中的光，是他晚年的安慰，尤其是应许之福的承受者。……{TA 78.2}[18]
§46
The command was expressed in words that must have wrung with anguish that father’s heart: “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, ... and offer him for a burnt offering.” Isaac was the light of his home, the solace of his old age, above all else the inheritor of the promised blessing....?{TA 78.2}[18]
§47
撒但在旁示意，说他必是听错了，因为上帝的诫命吩咐“不可杀人，”所以上帝决不会叫人作祂所禁止的事。亚伯拉罕走到帐棚外面，举目观看，只见满天星斗，万里无云，就回想起近五十年前上帝给他的应许，说他的后裔将要如同星那样无数。他想，如果这个应许是要藉着以撒来实现的话，那么，他怎能被置于死地呢？亚伯拉罕受了试探，以为自己或许是受了迷惑。……他想起上帝曾差遣天使向他显明毁灭所多玛的旨意，而那位天使也曾带给他生这个儿子以撒的应许，于是他便走到从前曾几次遇见天使的地方去，希望再遇见他们，好再领受一些指示；但是没有天使来解救他的困难。——PP 147,148{TA 78.3}[19]
§48
Satan was at hand to suggest that he must be deceived, for the divine law commands, “Thou shalt not kill,” and God would not require what He had once forbidden. Going outside his tent, Abraham looked up to the calm brightness of the unclouded heavens, and recalled the promise made nearly fifty years before, that his seed should be innumerable as the stars. If this promise was to be fulfilled through Isaac, how could he be put to death? Abraham was tempted to believe that he might be under a delusion.... He remembered the angels sent to reveal to him God’s purpose to destroy Sodom, and who bore to him the promise of this same son Isaac, and he went to the place where he had several times met the heavenly messengers, hoping to meet?them again, and receive some further direction; but none came to his relief.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 147, 148.?{TA 78.3}[19]
§49
一整天他都希望能遇见一位天使来赐福并安慰他，或者是取消上帝的吩咐，但是没有慈怜的使者出现。……第二个漫长的一天又快结束了，另一个不眠之夜在自卑与祈祷中度过了，接着第三天的行程开始了。——ST 1875年4月1日。{TA 79.1}[20]
§50
All day he had hopes of meeting an angel coming to bless and comfort him, or perhaps to revoke the command of God, but no messenger of mercy appeared.... The second long day comes to a close, another sleepless night is spent in humiliation and prayer, and the journey of the third day is commenced.—The Signs of the Times, April 1, 1875.?{TA 79.1}[20]
§51
他们在指定的地方筑了坛，摆好柴。于是亚伯拉罕带着颤抖的声音，把上帝的信息告诉他的儿子。以撒得知自己的命运，心中极其恐慌惊异；但是他没有抵抗。……他也有亚伯拉罕的信心，并觉得能蒙召舍去性命作为祭牲献给上帝，乃是光荣的。……{TA 79.2}[21]
§52
At the appointed place they built the altar and laid the wood upon it. Then with trembling voice, Abraham unfolded to his son the divine message. It was with terror and amazement that Isaac learned his fate, but he offered no resistance.... He was a sharer in being called to give his life as an offering to God....?{TA 79.2}[21]
§53
于是父子二人说了最后分别的话语，流了最后辛酸的眼泪，作了最后亲爱的拥抱。父亲正举刀要杀他的儿子，忽然他的膀臂停住了。上帝的使者从天上呼叫先祖说：“亚伯拉罕！亚伯拉罕！”他赶紧回答说：“我在这里。”天使的声音又向他说：“你不可在这童子身上下手，一点不可害他；现在我知道你是敬畏上帝的了。因为你没有将你的儿子，就是你独生的儿子，留下不给我”（创22:11-18）。……{TA 79.3}[22]
§54
And now the last words of love are spoken, the last tears are shed, the last embrace is given. The father lifts the knife to slay his son, when suddenly his arm is stayed. An angel of God calls to the patriarch out of heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” He quickly answers, “Here am I.” And again the voice is heard, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him; for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou has not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me.” ...?{TA 79.3}[22]
§55
上帝竟赐下祂的儿子，让祂蒙受痛苦和羞辱的死。那些目睹上帝儿子受屈辱和惨痛的天使，未能蒙允许出来干涉，象在以撒的事上一样。没有声音发出来说：“够了。”为要拯救这堕落的人类，荣耀之君竟舍去了祂的生命。……{TA 79.4}[23]
§56
God gave His Son to a death of agony and shame. The angels who witnessed the humiliation and soul anguish of the Son of God were not permitted to interpose, as in the case of Isaac. There was no voice to cry,?“It is enough.” To save the fallen race, the King of glory yielded up His life....?{TA 79.4}[23]
§57
在亚伯拉罕的信心和以撒的顺从受到考验时，有天上的生灵在旁观看。……全天庭看到亚伯拉罕坚决的服从，莫不惊奇感佩。全天庭都赞扬他的忠贞。撒但的控告显明是虚假的了。……{TA 80.1}[24]
§58
Heavenly beings were witnesses of the scene as the faith of Abraham and the submission of Isaac were tested.... All heaven beheld with wonder and admiration Abraham’s unfaltering obedience. All heaven applauded his fidelity. Satan’s accusations were shown to be false....?{TA 80.1}[24]
§59
原来救赎计划的奥秘连天使都不容易明白。他们不明白天上的大君，就是上帝的儿子，为什么必须为犯罪的人类舍命。当上帝命令亚伯拉罕献上他的儿子时，天上的众生无不感到关切。他们以非常的热诚注视着亚伯拉罕履行这命令的每一步骤。及至他们听到以撒问：“燔祭的羊羔在哪里呢？”并听见亚伯拉罕回答说：“上帝必自己预备作燔祭的羊羔；”又看到亚伯拉罕举手要杀他的儿子而忽然被拦阻，以后用上帝所预备的公羊代替以撒献上──那时就有亮光照耀在救赎计划的奥秘上，连天使也更加清楚地明白上帝为拯救人类所作奇妙的安排（见彼前1:12）。——PP 152,154,155{TA 80.2}[25]
§60
It had been difficult even for the angels to grasp the mystery of redemption—to comprehend that the Commander of heaven, the Son of God, must die for guilty man. When the command was given to Abraham to offer up his son, the interest of all heavenly beings was enlisted. With intense earnestness they watched each step in the fulfillment of this command. When to Isaac’s question, “Where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham made answer, “God will provide himself a lamb”: and when the father’s hand was stayed as he was about to slay his son, and the ram which God had provided was offered in the place of Isaac—then light was shed upon the mystery of redemption, and even the angels understood more clearly the wonderful provision that God had made for man’s salvation.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 152, 154, 155.?{TA 80.2}[25]
§61
【以撒的婚姻】
§62
在亚伯拉罕看来，为他的儿子找一个配偶乃是一件非常重要的事；他切望以撒能与一个不至于引他离开上帝的女子结婚。……{TA 80.3}[26]
§63
【The Marriage of Isaac】
§64
In the mind of Abraham, the choice of a wife for his son [Isaac] was a matter of grave importance; he was anxious to have him marry one who would not lead him from God....?{TA 80.3}[26]
§65
以撒素来信赖他父亲的智慧和慈爱，所以甘愿把婚事托付他的父亲，并且他也相信上帝必指引他所作的选择。先祖亚伯拉罕想到米所波大米亚他的父家。……亚伯拉罕就把这件事托付他“最老的仆人”（以利以谢）。这个仆人是一个敬虔，老练，稳健的人，并曾忠心地服事他多年。……他说:“耶和华天上的主，曾带领我离开父家和本族的地，……祂必差遣使者在你面前”（见创24）。{TA 80.4}[27]
§66
Isaac, trusting to his father’s wisdom and affection, was satisfied to commit the matter to him, believing?also that God Himself would direct in the choice made. The patriarch’s thoughts turned to his father’s kindred in the land of Mesopotamia.... [He] committed the important matter to “his eldest servant [Eliezar],” a man of piety, experience, and sound judgment, who had rendered him long and faithful service.... “The Lord God of heaven,” he said, “which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, ... He shall send His angel before thee.” ....?{TA 80.4}[27]
§67
仆人立时出发，……到了哈兰“拿鹤的城，”就停在城外，靠近众女子傍晚出来打水的井旁。……他忆起亚伯拉罕所说上帝必要差遣天使与他同在的话，于是就恳切地祈求上帝赐给他明白的指引。他在主人家中惯于看见仁爱好客的举动，所以这时他祈求能看到一件殷勤有礼的行为，作为上帝所拣选之女子的特征。{TA 81.1}[28]
§68
The messenger set out without delay.... [At] Haran, “the city of Nahor,” he halted outside the walls, near the well to which the women of the place came at evening for water.... Remembering the words of Abraham, that God would send His angel with him, he prayed earnestly for positive guidance. In the family of his master he was accustomed to the constant exercise of kindness and hospitality, and he now asked that an act of courtesy might indicate the maiden whom God had chosen.?{TA 81.1}[28]
§69
他祷告的话还没有说完，上帝已经答应他了。在出来打水的许多女子中，一个有礼貌的女子（利百加）引起了他的注意。当这女子来到井旁时，他就上前迎着她，求她将肩上水瓶里的水给他一点喝。女子立时和蔼地答应了他的要求，并自动地要为骆驼打水。这样的工作，在近东地带就是贵族的女子也常为自己父亲的牛羊作的。于是那仆人所求的记号就此显明了。……{TA 81.2}[29]
§70
Hardly had the prayer been uttered before the answer was given. Among the women who were gathered at the well, the courteous manners of one [Rebekah] attracted his attention. As she came from the well, the stranger went to meet her, asking for some water from the pitcher upon her shoulder. The request received a kindly answer, with an offer to draw water for the camels also, a service which it was customary even for the daughters of princes to perform for their father’s flocks and herds. Thus the desired sign was given....?{TA 81.2}[29]
§71
当时亚伯拉罕住在别是巴，以撒曾在附近的乡间牧放牛羊，这时已回到父亲的帐棚等候仆人从哈兰回来。……“以撒出来在田间默想，……仆人就将所办的一切事，都告诉以撒。以撒便领利百加进了他母亲撒拉的帐棚，娶了她为妻”（创24:63,37）。——PP 171-173 {TA 81.3}[30]
§72
Abraham dwelt at Beersheba, and Isaac, who had been attending to the flocks in the adjoining country, had returned to his father’s tent to await the?arrival of the messenger from Haran.... “And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide.... And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, 171-173.?{TA 81.3}[30]
§73
【雅各和以扫】
§74
以撒的双生子雅各和以扫，在品格和生活上是非常悬殊的。这种不同点在他们出世之前已由上帝的天使预先说明了。当利百加心中困惑向主祷告时，耶和华回答说，她必生两个儿子，而且主把这两个儿子将来的历史展开在她面前。他们各要成为一个大国之首，可是这国要强于那国，小的要胜过大的。……{TA 82.1}[31]
§75
【Jacob and Esau】
§76
Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac, present a striking contrast, both in character and life. This unlikeness was foretold by the angel of God before their birth. When in answer to Rebekah’s troubled prayer he declared that two sons would be given her, he opened to her their future history, that each would become the head of a mighty nation, but that one would be greater than the other, and that the younger would have the preeminence....?{TA 82.1}[31]
§77
以撒……声明以扫既然是长子，他就是长子权的合法继承人。可是以扫不爱好崇拜，也不热心于宗教的生活。……利百加记得天使的话语，所以她以比丈夫更清楚的见识来洞察他们两个儿子的品格。她深信雅各是要承受上帝应许的。她曾再三向以撒述说天使的话；可是父亲的爱心却专注于长子身上。他的意志坚决，丝毫不为所动。——PP 177, 178. {TA 82.2}[32]
§78
Isaac ... plainly stated that Esau, as the eldest, was the one entitled to the birthright. But Esau had no love for devotion, no inclination to a religious life.... Rebekah remembered the words of the angel, and ... she was convinced that the heritage of divine promise was intended for Jacob. She repeated to Isaac the angel’s words; but the father’s affections were centered upon the elder son, and he was unshaken in his purpose.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 177, 178.?{TA 82.2}[32]
§79
雅各曾从他母亲那里得悉上帝暗示长子权要归到他身上，所以他对于这个特权，心中充满了说不出来的愿望。他所渴求的目标，倒不是他父亲的财富；而是属灵的长子权。……{TA 82.3}[33]
§80
Jacob had learned from his mother of the divine intimation that the birthright should fall to him, and he was filled with an unspeakable desire for the privileges which it would confer. It was not the possession?of his father’s wealth that he craved; the spiritual birthright was the object of his longing....?{TA 82.3}[33]
§81
有一天，雅各正在家里预备食物，以扫打猎回来，累得发昏了，就向他要东西吃；雅各就应许给他哥哥食物充饥，而以他长子的名分为代价。当时，这个放荡无羁，纵情任性的猎人说:“我将要死，这长子的名分于我有什么益处呢”（创25:32）？他为了一碗红豆汤就出卖了长子的名分。……{TA 83.1}[34]
§82
When Esau, coming home one day faint and weary from the chase, asked for the food that Jacob was preparing, the latter ... offered to satisfy his brother’s hunger at the price of the birthright. “Behold, I am at the point to die,” cried the reckless, self-indulgent hunter, “and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” And for a dish of red pottage he parted with his birthright....?{TA 83.1}[34]
§83
雅各和利百加的计划终于成功了，然而他们由于欺骗所得到的，不过是烦恼和忧伤。上帝曾宣布雅各应承受长子的名分。如果他们凭着信心等候上帝为他们安排，则到了上帝自己所预定的时候，上帝的话就必实现。……{TA 83.2}[35]
§84
Jacob and Rebekah succeeded in their purpose, but they gained only trouble and sorrow by their deception. God had declared that Jacob should receive the birthright, and His word would have been fulfilled in His own time, had they waited in faith for Him to work for them....?{TA 83.2}[35]
§85
以扫怨恨雅各，声言要杀他的兄弟报仇雪恨，所以雅各就离开了父家，出去作一个逃亡的人。……第二天晚上，他离父家已经很远了。他觉得自己是一个被弃的人，并知道这一切临到他的困难都是由于自己的错误。绝望的忧郁重重地压在他心上，几乎使他不敢祷告。可是他这时全然孤单无助，所以比以前任何时候更觉得需要上帝的保护。他一面哭泣，一面深深自卑地承认自己的罪，并恳求上帝赐他一个凭据，让他知道自己还没有完全被丢弃。……{TA 83.3}[36]
§86
Threatened with death by the wrath of Esau, Jacob went out from his father’s home a fugitive.... The evening of the second day found him far away from his father’s tents. He felt that he was an outcast, and he knew that all this trouble had been brought upon him by his own wrong course. The darkness of despair pressed upon his soul, and he hardly dared to pray. But he was so utterly lonely that he felt the need of protection from God as he had never felt it before. With weeping and deep humiliation he confessed his sin, and entreated for some evidence that he was not utterly forsaken....?{TA 83.3}[36]
§87
上帝并没有丢弃雅各。……耶和华慈悲地显示雅各所正需要的乃是一位救主。……雅各行路疲乏，便拿一块石头枕在头下，躺在地上休息。当他睡着时，他看见一个光明闪耀的梯子立在地上，梯子的头顶着天。有天使在梯子上上去下来；耶和华站在梯子以上，并有声音从天上向他说：“我是耶和华你祖亚伯拉罕的上帝，也是以撒的上帝”（创28:13）。……{TA 83.4}[37]
§88
God did not forsake Jacob.... The Lord compassionately revealed just what Jacob needed—a Saviour.... Wearied with his journey, the wanderer lay down upon the ground, with a stone for his pillow. As he slept, he beheld a ladder, bright and shining, whose?base rested upon the earth, while the top reached to heaven. Upon this ladder, angels were ascending and descending; above it was the Lord of glory, and from the heavens His voice was heard: “I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac.” ....?{TA 83.4}[37]
§89
上帝已将救赎的计划在这一次异象中指示雅各。……那梯子预表耶稣，就是上帝所指定为天人之间交通的媒介。如果不是祂用自己的功劳在罪恶所造成的深渊上搭了一座桥梁，则服役的天使就不能与堕落的人类来往。……{TA 84.1}[38]
§90
In this vision the plan of redemption was presented to Jacob.... The ladder represents Jesus, the appointed medium of communication. Had He not with His own merits bridged the gulf that sin had made, the ministering angels could have held no communion with fallen man....?{TA 84.1}[38]
§91
雅各这时对上帝的应许生出新而持久的信心，并深知天上的使者必与他同在，保护他，于是他继续前行，“到了东方人之地。” ——PP 178-180,183,184{TA 84.2}[39]
§92
With a new and abiding faith in the divine promises, and assured of the presence and guardianship of heavenly angels, Jacob pursued his journey to “the land of the children of the East.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, 178-180, 183, 184, 188.?{TA 84.2}[39]
§93
雅各离开巴旦亚兰，虽然是由于顺从上帝的指示，但当他重新踏上二十年前作一个逃亡者所走过的路时，心中却是忧惧交加的。欺骗父亲的罪一直在他眼前。……当他临近行程的终点时，他一想起以扫，心中就引起许多凶兆，……这时，耶和华又赐给雅各一个凭据，显明祂的照顾。——PP 195{TA 84.3}[40]
§94
Though Jacob had left Padan-aram in obedience to the divine direction, it was not without many misgivings that he retraced the road which he had trodden as a fugitive twenty years before. His sin in the deception of his father was ever before him.... As he drew nearer his journey’s end, the thought of Esau brought many a troubled foreboding.... Again the Lord granted Jacob a token of the divine care.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 195.?{TA 84.3}[40]
§95
当雅各继续行路的时候，上帝的天使遇见他，雅各看见他们就说：“这是上帝的军兵”（创32:2）。他在梦中看见了上帝的天使，在他四围安营。--3SG 127.{TA 84.4}[41]
§96
As Jacob went on his way, the angels of God met him. And when he saw them, he said, “This is God’s host.” He saw the angels of God in a dream, encamping around about him.—Spiritual Gifts 3:127.?{TA 84.4}[41]
§97
雅各看见就在前面有两队天使好像是向导和卫兵那样在给他们带路，和他们一同前行。他看见天使就发出赞美的话语说：“这是上帝的军兵。”于是给那地方起名叫“玛哈念”，就是二军兵或两军营的意思。-ST 1879年11月20日。{TA 84.5}[42]
§98
Directly before ... [Jacob], as if leading the way, he beheld two armies of heavenly angels marching as a?guide and guard; and when he saw them he broke forth in language of praise, and exclaimed, “This is God’s host.” And he called the name of the place Mahanaim, which signifies two hosts, or camps.—The Signs of the Times, November 20, 1879.?{TA 84.5}[42]
§99
虽然如此，雅各觉得为求安全起见，他自己也有应作的事。所以他派遣使者带着求和致敬的意思到他哥哥那里。……但是仆人回来说，以扫正带着四百人迎着他而来，对于他们所带去表示友好的信息却没有回音。……“雅各就甚惧怕，而且愁烦。”……于是他把所有的人口和牲畜分作两队，心想，倘若这一队受攻击，那一队还有机会逃跑。……{TA 85.1}[43]
§100
Yet Jacob felt that he had something to do to secure his own safety. He therefore dispatched messengers with a conciliatory greeting to his brother.... But the servants returned with the tidings that Esau was approaching with four hundred men, and no response was sent to the friendly message.... “Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.” ... He accordingly divided them [his family and servants] into two bands, so that if one should be attacked, the other might have an opportunity to escape....?{TA 85.1}[43]
§101
这时，他们已经到了雅博河。夜间雅各打发他的家属过了雅博渡口，自己则留在后面。他决定用一夜功夫祷告上帝。他自己要单独与上帝同在。……{TA 85.2}[44]
§102
They had now reached the river Jabbok, and as night came on, Jacob sent his family across the ford of the river, while he alone remained behind. He had decided to spend the night in prayer, and he desired to be alone with God....?{TA 85.2}[44]
§103
忽然有一只强壮的手抓住了他。他以为这是一个敌人来寻索他的性命，于是尽力想挣脱那他的手。双方在黑暗中搏斗，各想占据上风。雅各尽他一切的力量应战，片刻没有松懈。他正在这样为自己的性命博斗时，有他自己犯罪的感觉压在心上；他所犯的种种罪恶都呈在他面前，把他与上帝隔绝了。幸亏他在可怕的绝境中想起上帝的应许来，于是倾吐心意，向上帝恳求恩典。这一场角斗一直继续到天将破晓的时候，那时雅各的对手用指头将他的大腿摸了一下，他的腿立时就瘸了。先祖雅各这时才认出他对手的真面目。他知道自己是在与天上的使者角斗，所以他虽然用了几乎超人的力量还是不能得胜。——PP 196,197{TA 85.3}[45]
§104
Suddenly a strong hand was laid upon him. He thought that an enemy was seeking his life, and he endeavored to wrest himself from the grasp of his assailant. In the darkness the two struggled for the mastery. Not a word was spoken, but Jacob put forth all his strength, and did not relax his efforts for a moment. While he was thus battling for his life, the sense of his guilt pressed upon his soul; his sins rose up before him, to shut him out from God. But in his terrible extremity he remembered God’s promises, and his whole heart went out in entreaty for His mercy. The struggle continued until near the break of day,?when the stranger placed his finger upon Jacob’s thigh, and he was crippled instantly. The patriarch now discerned the character of his antagonist. He knew that he had been in conflict with a heavenly messenger, and this was why his almost superhuman effort had not gained the victory.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 196, 197.?{TA 85.3}[45]
§105
与雅各角力的那一位被称为人，何西阿称他为天使，而雅各说：“我面对面地见了上帝。” 祂也拥有与上帝同等的权柄，这是天上的大君，立约的使者，祂以人的形像和样式来到雅各面前。——ST 1879年11月20日。{TA 86.1}[46]
§106
The One who wrestled with Jacob is called a man; Hosea calls Him the angel; while Jacob said, “I have seen God face to face.” He is also said to have had power with God. It was the Majesty of heaven, the Angel of the covenant, that came, in the form and appearance of a man, to Jacob.—The Signs of the Times, November 20, 1879.?{TA 86.1}[46]
§107
这乃是“立约的使者”基督亲自向雅各显现。这时先祖虽然受了伤，并感到剧痛，但是他总不肯放手。……雅各必须确知他的罪已蒙赦免。……那天使设法挣脱，对他说:“天黎明了，容我去吧;”但是雅各回答说:“祢不给我祝福，我就不容祢去”（创32:26）。如果雅各这话是出于自夸和僭越自恃，他必要立时被杀灭；但他是出于承认自己的不配，而信赖守约之上帝的诚实。雅各“与天使较力并且得胜”（何12:4）。……{TA 86.2}[47]
§108
It was Christ, “the Angel of the covenant,” who had revealed Himself to Jacob. The patriarch was now disabled, and suffering the keenest pain, but he would not loosen his hold.... He must have the assurance that his sin was pardoned.... The Angel tried to release Himself; He urged, “Let me go, for the day breaketh”: but Jacob answered, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet trusts the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God. Jacob “had power over the Angel, and prevailed.” ...?{TA 86.2}[47]
§109
当雅各与天使角力的时候，另有一位天上的使者奉差遣到以扫那里去。以扫在梦中看见他兄弟离开父家，流亡在外二十年之久；他看到兄弟回来时发现母亲已死，心中所有的悲伤；并看到上帝的军兵四围环绕着他。以扫把这梦告诉了他的兵士，并吩咐他们不可伤害雅各，因为他父亲的上帝与他同在。……{TA 86.3}[48]
§110
While Jacob was wrestling with the Angel, another heavenly messenger was sent to Esau. In a dream, Esau beheld his brother for twenty years an exile from his father’s house; he witnessed his grief at finding his mother dead; and saw him encompassed by the hosts?of God. This dream was related by Esau to his soldiers, with the charge not to harm Jacob, for the God of his father was with him....?{TA 86.3}[48]
§111
雅各那一夜挣扎的痛苦经验，预表上帝的子民在基督第二次降临的前夕所必须经过的试炼。——PP 197-201{TA 87.1}[49]
§112
Jacob’s experience during that night of wrestling and anguish represents the trial through which the people of God must pass just before Christ’s second coming.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 197-201.?{TA 87.1}[49]