Leviticus 利未记 10 — Strange Fire 凡火

Posted on Oct 2, 2021 in 2021, Leviticus |

It did not take long for sin to enter the priestly family. After a great experience with the Lord, beware the enemy’s attack. Elijah ran away after the great victory at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 19), and Jesus was tempted after His baptism at the Jordan (Matt. 3:13–4:11). Great blessings sometimes mean great temptations.

罪很快就进入了祭司的家族里。我们与主有奇大经历后，更须小心提防敌人的攻击；以利亚在迦密山上得着大胜利后就必须逃离（王上19），而耶稣在约旦河洗礼后也被魔鬼试探（太3:13-4:11）。蒙受的祝福越大，所遇的试探或许也会很大。

 

Eleven times in chapters 8–9 you find the phrase “the Lord commanded.” Nadab and Abihu did what the Lord had not commanded, and the fire of God killed them (Heb. 12:29). At the beginning of new periods in redemptive history, God judged sin in a dramatic way so that the people would learn to fear Him (Josh. 7; Acts 5:1–11).

在8-9章中，你会看到“耶和华所吩咐的”一句出现11次。拿答和亚比户行了耶和华没有吩咐的，所以被神的火烧灭（来12:29）。在救赎时代的初期，神必须严厉显出祂的审判，叫众民学习敬畏祂（书7，徒5:1-11）。

 

Did their sin have something to do with strong drink (vv. 8–11)? Paul’s admonition in Ephesians 5:18ff. is appropriate here, for there is no acceptable substitute in ministry for the power of the Holy Spirit.

他们的罪是否与浓酒有关？（8-11节）这里，保罗在以弗所书5:18中的告诫是恰当的，因为在事工上，唯独靠圣灵的力量才是合宜的。

 

Aaron obeyed the spirit of the commandment but not the letter. Had he obeyed the letter, he would have been insincere before God, and God would have known that his heart was not in it. Moses looked at the outward appearance, but God looked on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). God knows your heart and understands you, even when others are critical (1 John 3:20–21).

亚伦遵守的是诫命的精意，而不是子句。他若服从的是子句，在神面前就是虚伪的，而神也必晓得亚伦并不是由衷顺服祂。摩西看的是外在，神看重的却是内心（撒上16:7）。即便他人批评你，神是无所不知的；祂明白你的心思意念（约一3:20-21）。

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

Everything that Nadab and Abihu did was wrong. To begin with, they were the wrong people to be handling the incense and presenting it to the Lord. This was the task of their father, the high priest (Ex. 30:7–10). They also used the wrong instruments, they used their own censers instead of the censer of the high priest, which was sanctified by the special anointing oil (40:9). They acted at the wrong time, for it was only on the annual Day of Atonement that the high priest was permitted to take incense into the holy of holies, and even then he had to submit to a special ritual (Lev. 16:1ff). They acted under the wrong authority. They didn’t consult with Moses or their father, nor did they seek to follow the Word of God, which Moses had received. In burning the incense, they used the wrong fire, what Scripture calls “strange fire” (10:1). The high priest was commanded to burn the incense on coals taken from the brazen altar (16:12), but Nadab and Abihu supplied their own fire, and God rejected it. They acted from the wrong motive and didn’t seek to glorify God (10:3).

拿答和亚比所行的一切都不是耶和华所吩咐的。首先，拿香炉献上给耶和华的应该是他们的父亲；这是大祭司的职务，不属他们的（出30:7-10）。其次，他们用的是自己的香炉，并非受膏油所抹的大祭司的香炉（40:9）。第三，只有大祭司能在一年一度的赎罪日点香进入圣所，而大祭司首先也得经过特殊的仪式后才可点香（利16:1）。第四，他们没有经过摩西或他们父亲的允许，也没有遵照耶和华晓谕摩西的话，就擅自行动。第五，在烧香时，耶和华所吩咐的是要大祭司从铜坛盛满火炭（16:12），但拿答和亚比却自己盛上火，也就是圣经所说的“凡火”（10:1），所以神拒绝他们。最后，他们以错误的动机行事，因他们没有寻求神的荣耀（10:3）。

 

We don’t know the secrets of their hearts, but you get the impression that what they did was a willful act of pride. Their desire wasn’t to sanctify and glorify the Lord but to promote themselves and be important. Let’s fear the Lord because man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks in the heart.” (1Sa 16:7) Let’s examine our hearts before serving Him.

我们虽然不知他们确切的想法，但从行动上看来，他们大可是出于骄傲自大的心。他们渴望的不是荣耀主、求洁净，乃为抬举自己，尊己为大。且让我们敬畏耶和华，因为“人是看外貌，耶和华是看内心”。（撒上16:7）在侍奉主之前，让我们先审察自己的心。

 

Leviticus 利未记 8-9 — Ordination of Priest 圣职之礼

Posted on Oct 2, 2021 in 2021, Leviticus |

Altar is a key word in these chapters; it is used twenty-three times. Without an altar, there can be no acceptable sacrifice; without a sacrifice, man cannot approach a holy God. But there must also be a priesthood to serve at the altar. In the Old Testament, God’s people had a priesthood, but in the New Testament, God’s people are the priesthood (1 Pet. 2:5, 9).

“坛”在这几个篇章中是关键词，共出现了23次。若无祭坛，就没有主所悦纳的祭了；若无献祭，人就不能亲近圣洁的神。另外，祭坛前还必须有祭司侍奉。在旧约时代，神的子民中有祭司，但在新约里，神的子民就是祭司（彼前2:5，9）。

 

What made the priests acceptable to God? Water (8:6), oil (8:10–12), blood (8:14–29), and garments (8:7–9). We have been washed (1 Cor. 6:11), anointed by the Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27), redeemed by Christ’s blood (1 Pet. 1:18ff.), and dressed in His righteousness (Isa. 61:10).

祭司如何能成为神所悦纳的？就是水（8:6）、膏油（8:10-12）、血（8:14-29）和圣服（8:7-9）。我们已得洁净（林前6:11），受圣灵的恩膏（约一2:20，27），籍着基督的宝血得赎（彼前1:18）并披上主的公义为袍了（赛61:10）。

 

The day of dedication began a week of consecration (8:31–36), and the week ended with Aaron’s blessing the people and the Lord’s accepting the sacrifices (9:22–24). The glory of the Lord appeared (9:6, 23), which is the purpose of sacrifice and service. Can people say of our worship, “God is truly among you” (1 Cor. 14:25)?

承接圣职之礼后，祭司们就要在会幕七天（8:31-36），直到以亚伦祝福百姓、向主献祭，并蒙主悦纳才结束（9:22-24）。耶和华的荣光向众民百姓显现（9:6，23），这就是献祭和侍奉的目的。当他人看见我们敬拜时，是否能说：“神真是在你们中间了”（林前14:25）？

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. You’ll find the word commanded at least twenty times in these three chapters. Moses and Aaron didn’t have to concoct an ordination ceremony. The same God who instructed Moses how to build the tabernacle also told him how to ordain the priests and how the priests should serve in the tabernacle (Ex. 28–29). Nothing was left to chance or to the imagination. Moses was to do everything according to what God had shown him on the mount (25:40; 26:30; 27:8; Heb. 8:5). In the ministry of the church today, spiritual leaders must constantly ask, “What did the Scripture say?” (Rom. 4:3) God hasn’t left us in the dark as to what His church is, how it’s to be led, and what it’s supposed to do, but if we substitute people’s ideas for God’s Word, we will be in the dark! (Isa. 8:20) Let’s pray for the churches to obey Him.

在这三个篇章中，你会发现“吩咐”出现至少20次。摩西和亚伦无需策划一个仪式，因为指示摩西当如何建造帐幕的神，现在也指示摩西要如何进行圣职之礼，并祭司要如何在帐幕内侍奉（出28-29）。他们无需凭空想象；摩西必须按神在山上所吩咐的一切去行（25:40，26:30，27:8，来8:5）。在今天的教会事工里，带领者必须不断自问：“圣经说了什么？”（罗4:3）。神已向我们启示祂的教会当是怎样的、当如何带领，及教会的使命。但如果我们以人的意思代替神的话，我们就会行在黑暗中！（赛8:20）让我们为众教会祷告，愿教会都顺服于神，遵从祂的话。

 
  1. Sacrificing on God’s altar (9:1–21). Aaron and his sons had to offer a bull calf for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering; from then on, they would be offering a burnt offering on the altar every morning and evening (v. 16; Ex. 29:38–42). Each day must begin and end with total consecration to the Lord. Being imperfect, the priests had to offer sacrifices for themselves first before they could offer sacrifices for the people (see Heb. 7:25–28). Let’s pray for ourselves first and let us be right with God before we can pray for others and lead them to be right with the Holy God.

在神的坛上献祭（9:1-21）。亚伦和他的儿子需献上一只公牛犊作赎罪祭，及一只公绵羊作燔祭；从那天起，他们每早晨与黄昏都必须在坛上献燔祭（16节；出29:38 -42）。每一天的开始和结束都是要全然献给主的。因着自己的欠缺，祭司必须首先为自己献祭，才可为百姓的罪献祭（见来7:25-28）。让我们首先也为自己与神的关系祷告，叫我们可再为他人祷告，引导他们能与圣洁之神和好。

 


Leviticus 利未记 6-7 — Restitution 偿还

Posted on Oct 2, 2021 in 2021, Leviticus |

While all sins are against God (cf. Ps 51:4), some are direct (5:14–19) and others are indirect, involving people (6:1-7). We are made in the image of God and we are to be Holy as He is Holy. If we sin, we become unholy and we tarnish God image. Therefore, all sins are ultimately against God.

虽然罪都是向神犯的（诗51:4），但有些是直接干犯了神（5:14-19），而有些则是涉及其他人，间接干犯神（6:1-7）。我们都拥有神的形象，必须像祂一样圣洁。我们若犯了罪，就不洁净了，从而玷污神的形象。因此，凡是罪最终都是向神犯的。

 

Besides confession to God, he must return what he has stolen or taken by extortion, or what was entrusted to him, or the lost property he found, or whatever it was he swore falsely about. He must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the owner on the day he presents his guilt offering. (Lev 6:4-5)

除了向神认罪之外，人也要归还他所抢夺的，或是因欺压他人所得的，或是人交付他的，或是所捡的遗失之物，或是他因什么物起了假誓，就要如数归还，另外加上五分之一，在献赎愆祭牲的那日归还给本主。（利6:4-5）

 

Leviticus 1:1–6:7 has dealt with 5 major offerings from the worshiper’s perspective. Lev. 6:8–7:38 were laws of sacrifice for the priesthood. Here instructions for the priests are given, with special attention to the priests’ portion of the sacrifice.

利未记1:1-6:7讲述了敬拜者所献的五大祭。利未记6:8-7:38讲明的是祭司献祭的律法。祭司在这里得到神的指示，而这里也特别说明了祭司该拿的祭牲。

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. The sin offering was so holy that it could not remain in the defiled camp; it had to be taken out of the camp (5:11–12; see also Heb. 13:10–13). The priests were permitted to eat their share, but only in the holy court of the tabernacle because whatever the offering touched was made holy. Fellowship with God and one another depends on purity (7:19–21).

赎罪祭非常神圣，不得留在污秽的帐营里，必须拿出营外（5:11-12；来13:10-13）。祭司只可以在帐幕的院子里吃下自己的份额，因为凡被祭物所触碰的已成圣洁。与神及他人的交通团契，取决于个人的圣洁（7:19-21）。

 

  1. Let us follow the example of the priest and get rid of the old ashes, stir up the fire, and offer a burnt offering to the Lord each morning (Rom. 12:1–2). The phrase “stir up” in 2 Timothy 1:6 means “stir up the flame into life again.” Is the flame burning high on the altar of your heart (Luke 24:32), or are you getting lukewarm (Rev. 3:15–16) or cold (Matt. 24:12)?

让我们效法祭司，除去燔祭灰，挑起火来，每日早晨都向主献上燔祭（罗12:1-2）。提摩太后书1:6所指的 “挑旺”，意思就是“使生命再次燃烧起来”。这把火是否在你心中的祭坛熊熊地燃烧着（路24:32），还是你心中已如温水，不冷也不热（启3:15-16），又或是已渐渐冷淡了（太24:12）？

 

  1. Let’s also keep the leaven out of our lives (6:14–18), which includes hypocrisy (Luke 12:1), false doctrine (Gal. 5:8–9), and corrupt living (1 Cor. 5:6ff.).

让我们也把生命中的酵除去（6:14-18），而这包括虚假行为（路12:1）、假教义（加5:8-9）和腐败的生活（林前5:6）。

 

Leviticus 利未记 5 — The Guilt Offering 赎愆祭

Posted on Oct 2, 2021 in 2021, Leviticus |

The trespass offering could involve both sacrifice and restitution. It reminds us that sin harms others (v. 16) and that true repentance ought to result in our making right the things we have done wrong.

赎愆祭可包括献祭和赔偿。它提醒我们罪能伤害他人（16节），而真正的悔改会叫人纠正所犯下的错误。

 

The sin offering deals with the fact that we are sinners by nature, while the trespass offering deals with individual acts of sin. We must be honest with God about both what we are and what we do (1 John 1:8, 10).

赎罪祭凸显的是人本有的罪性，而赎愆祭针对的是个人行为上的过犯。我们必须与神坦诚，正视自己的本性与行为（约一1:8,10）。

 

Sometimes we commit sin by keeping quiet (v. 1), or we may cover up (vv. 2–3) or speak out (v. 4). Our sins may be unintentional, and we may be ignorant of them; but once we know about them, we must come to God for cleansing. Sin is not “deliberate disobedience to a known law.” If we disobey God, we are guilty whether we realize it or not.

有时，我们因着保持沉默（1节）、隐瞒（2-3节）或冒言（4节）而犯罪。我们的罪可能是无意的，连自己也不晓得；可我们一旦知晓，就必须来到神面前请求洁净。罪并非“蓄意违反所知的律法。”当我们不顺服神时，无论我们察觉与否，都犯了罪。


Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. If anyone hears a public adjuration to testify, and though he is a witness yet does not speak, he shall bear his iniquity (Lev 5:1). This is a sin of knowing another believer’s sin and a refusal to reprove and restore him. Matthew 18:15 teaches us that if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private, yet how many times do we refuse to reproof and restore our brothers? Do you love the Lord or your brothers enough to reprove and restore him? Let’s pray that we do.

若有人听见发誓的声音，本是见证，却不把所见、所知的说出来，这就是罪；他要担当他的罪孽（利5:1）。这罪是知道其他信徒在犯罪，却不愿向他指出来，叫他与神和好。马太福音18:15教导我们说，如果有弟兄犯罪，我们就要在一处向他指出他的错来，但我们有多少次不愿这样做？你对主与兄弟的爱，是否足以让你指责他们，使他们能悔改，与神和好呢？让我们祈祷我们愿能如此行。

 

  1. The trespass or guilt offering symbolized an atonement for sin unknowingly committed where restitution was possible. God is so perfect and holy, yet he is kind and gracious. He knows our weakness and frailty. We are so imperfect that we stray into sin without knowing. Yet the Lord loves us so much that he provides a way to atone for our sins. “If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. (Ps. 130:3-4) Let’s pray that we are grateful to the Lord.

赎愆祭是为在不知情所犯，但还可纠正的罪而设。神是完全和圣洁的，但同时也是良善且满有恩典的。祂知道我们的软弱和脆弱。我们是如此的不完全，竟不知自己已陷入罪重。然而主爱我们，并赐予我们赎罪的方法。“主─耶和华啊，你若究察罪孽，谁能站得住呢？但在你有赦免之恩，要叫人敬畏你。”（诗130:3-4）让我们祈祷，叫我们为此感谢主。


Leviticus 利未记 4 — The Sin Offering 赎罪祭

Posted on Sep 26, 2021 in 2021, Leviticus |

The sin offering atoned for sins committed unknowingly where restitution was impossible. This was a required sacrifice, as was the guilt offering (5:14–6:7). These includes unintentional sins of commission (4:1–35) and unintentional sins of omission (5:1–13). Leviticus 4:1–35 indicates the person committing the sin: a) the High-Priest (vv. 3–12); b) the congregation (vv. 13–21); c) a leader (vv. 22–26); and d) an individual (vv. 27–35). Leviticus 5:1–13 unfolds according to the animal sacrificed: a) lamb/goat (vv. 1–6); b) bird (vv. 7–10); and c) flour (vv. 11–13).

赎罪祭是为误犯且无可挽回之罪所献的。这是一个必要献上的祭，就如赎愆祭一样（5:14-6:7）。这些包括无意犯下的罪行（4:1-35）和无意疏忽的罪（5:1-13）。利未记4:1-35说明了这些犯罪的人包括：1）受膏的祭司（3-12节）；2）会众（13-21节）；3）官长（22-26节）和4）个人（27-35节）。利未记5:1-13也说明了所需的祭牲：1）山羊/羊羔（1-6节）；2）鸟类（7-10节），和3）面粉（11-13节）。

 

Ignorance is no excuse in God’s sight! Once we know that we have sinned, we must come to God for forgiveness. Jesus Christ was the sin offering for the whole world, including ignorant Israel (Luke 23:34; Acts 3:17). Our Lord’s prayer on Calvary did not automatically forgive their sins because the people did not repent; but it did postpone the outpouring of God’s wrath for nearly forty years.

无知对神而言不是借口！一旦我们知道自己犯了罪，我们必须来到神面前恳求宽恕。耶稣基督是全世界的赎罪祭，包括无知的以色列（路23:34；徒3:17）。我们主在各各他山上的祷告并不会自动赦免他们的罪，因为他们尚未悔改；但这祷告却将神愤怒的审判延后近四十年。

 

The priest’s sacrifice was the same as that of the whole congregation (vv. 3, 14), for the higher the privilege, the greater the responsibility (Luke 12:48). But when the offerings were brought by faith, God promised to forgive (vv. 20, 26, 31, 35). Of course, the final and complete atonement was brought by Jesus Christ on the cross (Heb. 10:1–14).

祭司所献的祭与会众相同（3，14节），因为尊荣越高，责任越重（路12:48）。但只要是凭信心献上的祭，神应许祂必赦免（20，26，31，35节）。当然，最后的赎罪祭，也是永远完全的赎罪祭，是由基督在十字架上完成的（来10:1-14）。

 

When we sin, it affects our prayer life. This is why the priest had to cleanse the golden altar (v. 7). (See Ps. 66:18.)

当我们犯罪时，祷告生命必受影响。这就是为什么祭司必须清洗金坛（7节）。（参诗66:18）。

 

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. When Israelites sin, they shall kill a bull and the blood of the bull shall be sprinkled seven times before the LORD in front of the veil. And he shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar and the rest shall be poured out at the base of the altar of burnt offering that lies at the entrance of the tent of meeting (Lev 4:15-18). Can you imagine how it smells like when you enter the tent? It will be bloody. How will you feel when entering the tent?

当以色列人犯罪时，他们需宰杀一只公牛，将公牛的血在耶和华面前对着幔子弹七次。他又要把部分的血抹在会幕内、耶和华面前坛的四角上，再把其余的血倒在会幕门口、燔祭坛的脚那里。（利4:15-18）你能想象当你踏入帐篷时所闻的味道吗？血腥味会扑鼻而来。那时，你的感觉会是怎样的呢？

 

  1. Hebrews 10:4 said, “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. (Heb 10:4) It is the blood of Jesus Christ that wipes clean our sins. Jesus literally died for us so that we can be wiped clean. As we enter the tent, the bloody smell reminds us our sins as well as Jesus’ sacrifice. Let’s pray that we will not take sin lightly.

希伯来书10:4说：“因为公牛和山羊的血，断不能除罪。”（来10:4）耶稣基督的血才能洁净我们的罪。耶稣实实在在地为我们舍命了，使我们得以洁净。当我们踏入帐篷时，血腥的味道不仅提醒我们自己的罪，也让我们联想到耶稣的牺牲。让我们祈祷，叫我们不轻待罪孽。

 


Leviticus 利未记 3 — The Peace Offering 平安祭

Posted on Sep 26, 2021 in 2021, Leviticus |

Religion is man’s attempt to make peace with God on his own terms. However, redemption is God’s offer of peace through Jesus Christ. But this is “peace through the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20). The animal sacrifice had to die and the blood had to be sprinkled on the altar before God could declare peace.

宗教是人试图以自己的条件与神达成和平协议。然而，救赎是神借着耶稣基督所赐与人的和平。不过，这救赎是“藉着他在十字架上所流的血成就了和平的”（西1:20）。供物必须牺牲，血必须洒在坛上后，神才可宣告和平。

 

Peace with God is a precious blessing that we must never take for granted: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).

我们绝不能把与神的和平看作理所当然，因为它是一个份珍贵的祝福。“我们既因信称义，就藉着我们的主耶稣基督得与神相和。”（罗5:1）

 

After the sacrifice, the worshiper and his family would eat what remained once the priest had taken his rightful share (7:11–18). It was to be a joyful feast of fellowship. In fact, the Jews were to consider it a peace offering whenever they slaughtered an animal for food (17:1–9). Do you strive to make each meal an occasion of fellowship and praise to God? If we would present ourselves and the food to Him as an act of worship, our meals might become much happier occasions.

在祭司献祭并拿取应有的份额后，大家均分吃下祭物（7:11-18）。它是一个欢乐的盛宴。事实上，每当犹太人宰杀动物为食时，他们都应当看似是一种平安祭（17:1-9）。你是否努力使每一餐都成为赞美神并与祂相通的时间呢？如果我们可以将自己以及食物献于神作敬拜，我们的用餐时间可能就会变得更愉快了。

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. Peace is only possible through Jesus Christ. Ephesians says, “For he himself is our peace.” (Eph. 2:13-14) This is only possible through His blood of his cross. (Col 1:20) Colossians said, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. (Col 1:21-22) Let’s thank Jesus for He paid a heavy price to become peace for us.

和平唯独籍着耶稣基督而来。以弗所书说：“因他使我们和睦”（弗2:13-14），而这唯有藉着基督在十字架上所流的血才可成就（西1:20）。歌罗西1:21-22说：“你们从前与神隔绝，因着恶行，心里与他为敌。但如今他藉着基督的肉身受死，叫你们与自己和好，都成了圣洁，没有瑕疵，无可责备，把你们引到自己面前。”让我们感谢耶稣，因祂付上沉重的代价，从而成为我们的和平。

 

  1. The peace offering symbolizes the peace and fellowship between the true worshiper and God (as a voluntary offering). It was the third freewill offering resulting in a sweet aroma to the Lord (3:5), which served as the appropriate corollary to the burnt offering of atonement and the grain offering of consecration and dedication. It symbolized the fruit of redemptive reconciliation between a sinner and God (cf. 2Co 5:18). Now the Lord wants to have peace with us, do we want to have peace with Him and enjoy the fellowship with Him?

平安祭象征着敬拜者与神之间的和平与团契（是自愿献上的）。这是第三个自愿献给神的馨香之祭（3:5），也是在赎罪的燔祭，以及奉献的素祭后的必然结果。它也象征罪人与神之间救赎和平的果子（参林后5:18）。主希望与我们和好，但我们是否也有同样的渴望，并享受与祂相交呢？

 

Leviticus 利未记 2 — The Grain Offering 素祭

Posted on Sep 26, 2021 in 2021, Leviticus |

Grain offering signifies Jesus had a perfect character and he was a fragrance to God. There was no shedding of blood involved in the grain offering because it focused on the life and character of our Lord Jesus Christ rather than on His death. In Him was perfect balance; nothing was ever in excess. His life on earth pleased God (Matt. 17:5). As we become more like Him, we shall become more and more balanced in character.

素祭象征耶稣是完全的，与神而言是馨香之祭。素祭并无血迹沾染，因为它的焦点是在我们主耶稣基督的生命和品格上，并非祂的死。耶稣的生命有完美的平衡，没有什么是多余的。祂在地上的生命是神所喜悦的（太17:5）。在这成圣的道路中，当我们越有主的形象时，我们也将在品性上越有平衡。

 

The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit who has anointed each believer (2 Cor. 1:21–22). The oil mixed with the offering (v. 4) reminds us that our Lord was born of the Spirit with a perfect nature (Luke 1:35). The oil poured on the offering (v. 6) speaks of the power of the Spirit given to the Savior (Acts 10:38). We need the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23) and the power of the Spirit (Acts 1:8) if we are to please God in character and service.

油象征那恩膏所有信徒的圣灵（林后1:21-22）。加入调油的素祭（4节）提醒我们主是由圣灵所生，是完全人（路1:35）。把油浇在素祭上（6节）也说明救主受到了圣灵能力的浇灌（徒10:38）。我们若要在品格和侍奉上讨神的喜悦，就需结出圣灵的果子（加5:22-23），并靠着圣灵的能力而行（徒1:8）。

 

Note that God never wants leaven (a picture of sin [1 Cor. 5:6–8]) or honey (man’s glory and not God’s [Prov. 25:27]). But He does want salt, which speaks of purity (Col. 4:6), and frankincense, which is praise to God. What a privilege it is to build a Christian life that brings glory to God!

请注意，神由始至终都弃绝酵（罪的象征[林前5:6-8]）或蜜（人之荣耀[箴25:27]）的使用。神要的是盐（纯洁的代表[西4:6]），和乳香（与神的赞美）。能够建立一个荣耀神的基督徒生命是何等珍贵的特权啊！

 

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. Jesus is sinless and perfect. Peter said, “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” (1Pe 2:22-23) Sometimes we think of babies as pure, perfect and sinless. Of course this is not true theologically. The truth is Jesus is purer and more perfect beyond our imagination. Yet God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor 5:21) His love and grace is beyond our understanding. Let’s pray to Him to draw us near to Him by His love.

耶稣是无罪、是完全的。彼得说：“祂并没有犯罪，口里也没有诡诈。祂被骂不还口；受害不说威吓的话，只将自己交托那按公义审判人的主。”（彼前2:22-23）有时我们以为婴孩是纯洁、完全与无罪的，但这当然是个神学错误。事实上，耶稣比我们想象得更纯洁、更完美，但神使那无罪的替我们成为罪，好叫我们在祂里面成为神的义（林后5:21）。祂的爱和恩典是超乎我们所思所想的。让我们祷告，求神能藉着祂的慈爱使我们亲近祂。

 

  1. Jesus’ life is pleasing aroma or fragrance to God. The grain offering must be brought to the Lord, and its purpose must be to please the Lord as a “sweet aroma” (vv. 9, 13, 17). Do you want to please the Lord? Is your life a pleasing aroma or fragrance to God? People may not understand you, but if you keep seeking to please Him, He will accept it (1 Pet. 2:5).

神以耶稣的生命为馨香之祭。以色列必须向主献上素祭，而其目的是作“馨香”之祭，讨主喜悦（9，13，17节）。你想讨主的喜悦吗？神是否视你的生命为馨香之祭？他人或许无法理解你，但你若不断地寻求取悦神，祂必接纳（彼前2:5）。

 

  1. There are three possible ways to make the grain offering but one condition must be fulfilled: the bread must be unleavened. Leaven is a symbol of sin in this case. Therefore, Christians shall have no tolerance for sin in our lives but to “kill” it. (Rom 8:13) Let’s pray that we will constantly kill sin every day of our lives till we meet God face to face.

祭司能以三种不同方式献上素祭，但它们都必须满足一个条件：饼必须是无酵的。在这里，酵象征了罪。因此，基督徒不能容忍生命中的罪，必须将它“治死”（罗8:13）。让我们祈祷，叫我们每一天都会不断地治死生命中的罪，直到我们与主相见。


Leviticus 利未记 1 — The Burnt Offering 燔祭

Posted on Sep 25, 2021 in 2021, Leviticus |

The name of this book means “pertaining to the Levites.” Exodus and Leviticus were guidebooks for the priests in their ministry. Israel today has neither priesthood nor temple, so the nation cannot obey these laws (Hos. 3:4), but Leviticus has great value to the Christian. It illustrates the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ and stresses the importance of a life of separation and obedience.

书名之意即是“关乎利未人的”。出埃及记和利未记皆是祭司在事工上的指南。今日的以色列既无祭司也无圣殿，所以无法遵守这些律法（何3:4），但利未记仍对基督徒而言有很大的价值。它勾画的是耶稣基督在十字架上的工作，也强调了分别为圣与顺服生活的重要性。

 

The book emphasizes sacrifice (chaps. 1-10), for man must deal with his sins if he expects to have fellowship with a holy God. These five sacrifices are fulfilled in Jesus Christ and portray His perfect life and atoning work on the cross (Heb. 10:1–14).

本书着重于献祭（1-10章），因为人必须正视自己的罪，才可与圣洁的神相通。这五种祭都在耶稣基督里成就了，从而彰显了祂完全的生命以及十字架上救赎之工（来10:1-14）。

 

Leviticus also emphasizes separation (chaps. 11–24), for a redeemed people should walk in God’s holy will. These various laws touch on many aspects of everyday life and illustrate the principles of holy living that God’s children should follow today.

利未记也强调了分别为圣的生活（11-24章），因蒙救赎之人当行在神的旨意里。这些法律涉及到了日常生活的各层面，也表明了神儿女今日当遵从的原则，以过圣洁的生活。

 

Finally, since God anticipated the nation’s entrance into the Promised Land, He gave them some rules for success (chaps. 25–27). The land was theirs because of God’s covenant, but they could enjoy it only if they obeyed God’s will. Obedience by faith always brings blessing.

最后，神既然预知以色列必踏入应许之地，所以祂赐给百姓一些成功之道（25-27章）。因着神所立的约，这地必属以色列，但他们若想享受这等福分，他们必须遵行神的旨意。信靠顺服之人必蒙福。

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. The Burnt Offering is so called because it required that the animal be completely consumed by the fire. (1:9). The laying of hands, a symbolic gesture, pictures the transfer of sin to the sacrificial animal and was likely done with a prayer of repentance and request for forgiveness (cf. Ps 51:18, 19). And the purpose is to make atonement on his behalf. (Lev 1:4). This was a substitutionary sacrifice that prefigured the ultimate substitute – Jesus Christ (cf. Is 53; see note on 2Co 5:21). Let’s thank God for the solution to our sins.

所谓燔祭是因为祭司必须把供物全烧在坛上（1:9）。在供物上按手是一个象征性的表现，意味罪已转移至供物上，且伴同忏悔的祷告寻求宽恕（诗51:18,19）。其目的是要代人赎罪（利1:4）。燔祭预示了日后最终的赎罪祭—耶稣基督（参见赛53；见附注林后5:21）。让我们感谢神为我们的罪所赐下了解决方案。

 

  1. The killing and butchering of the sacrificial animals after laying of hands gives a vivid and dramatic visual of the consequences of sin (cf. v. 6). Do you see the horrific nature of sins? Therefore, Paul teaches us to put to death the deeds of the body. (Rom 8:13) Let’s pray that the Lord shows us how horrific our sins are and that we will butcher the sins in our lives.

按手之后，祭司必须宰杀供物，将皮剥去，切成块子（参见第6节）；这画面贴切地反映了罪的后果。你看见罪恶的可恶性吗？所以，保罗教导我们要治死身体的恶行（罗8:13）。让我们祈祷，求神让我们得见罪的可恶，愿意斩断自己生命中的罪。

 

  1. The priest had to collect the blood in a basin and then offer it to God as a sacrifice to indicate that a life had been taken. And the priest shall sprinkle the blood around on the altar that is at the doorway of the tent of meeting. (Lev 1:5) Let’s thank God for we were once far off but have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:13)

祭司把血收进盆里，然后将它献上给神，以示一条生命已被牺牲。之后，祭司也把血洒在会幕门口及坛的周围（利1:5）。让我们感谢神，因从前我们是远离神的人，如今却借着基督的宝血得以亲近了（弗2:13）。

 


Exodus 出埃及记 40 — The Glory of the LORD 耶和华的荣耀

Posted on Sep 25, 2021 in 2021, Exodus |

Finished 成品

All the framework, hangings, and pieces of furniture were completed, along with the priests’ garments; but Moses waited for the Lord to tell him what to do next. Wise is the leader who gets his orders from God.
所有的板架、挂饰、器具，和祭司的圣衣都已完成，但摩西仍等待主告诉他下一步该怎么做。从神得命令的带领者才有智慧。

 

Furnished 陈设

God told Moses what to do and when to do it. First they were to set up the tent and then put in the six special pieces of furniture, starting with the ark in the Holy of Holies. The right order was as significant as the right furnishings. When he finished with the tent and the furniture, he put up the court around it and set it apart from the rest of the camp.
神告诉摩西该行什么，并何时该行。首先，他们要立起帐幕，然后从至圣所的约柜开始把六件器具搬进去。正确的顺序与合适的器具一样重要。立起了帐篷，搬进器具后，摩西就在帐幕和坛的四围立了院帷，与其余的营地分隔开来。
 
 

Fragrant 香气

Everything in the tabernacle was anointed with the holy oil, which set it all apart for God’s use. Is there a fragrance about our lives that makes people think of heaven?
帐幕和其中所有的都抹上膏油，使其为圣，神所用之。我们的生命是否也散发香气，使人联想到天国呢？
 
 

Filled 充满

Two things made the tabernacle a special building: the pattern was given by God, and God’s glorious presence filled it when He came to dwell with His people. What a gracious God that He should consent to dwell with such a rebellious people!
帐幕有两个特殊性质：一，它是按照神的模式建造；二，当神与子民同住时，祂的荣耀充满了帐幕。这是何等恩慈的神，竟愿意与这等叛逆的子民同住！
 

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 
 
1. Finally the time arrived for the tabernacle to be erected with the Holy of Holies and its accompanying Holy Place to the West, and the courtyard entrance to the East. In terms of pagan religions and their worship of the sun god, some polemic significance might be seen in the High-Priest worshiping God with his back to the rising sun. All who entered the courtyard also turned their backs to the rising sun as they came in to sacrifice and worship. This is a clear sign of turning back from their pagan worship and turning to God.
最终，立起帐幕、至圣所、西面圣所和东面院子入口的时候到了。在东方崇拜太阳的普遍异教文化中，大祭司却背着升起的太阳敬拜神，且以色列人进入院子献祭和敬拜时，也都背着那升起的太阳；这清楚表明，他们已背弃异教敬拜，转向归神。
 
2. The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. (Ex 40:34) Clearly this represent the presence of the Lord and he is pleased to dwell with them. It is sad later we read from Ezekiel that the glory of the Lord left them (Ezk 10-11) because of their persistent disobedience. Let’s pray that we are serious in obeying God and his presence will be always be with us.
耶和华的荣耀充满了整个帐幕（出40:34）。这清楚表明主的同在，且祂乐意与百姓同住。可悲的是，我们后来会以西结书看到，由于以色列人一直不断反抗神，耶和华的荣耀最终会离开他们（结10-11）。让我们祈祷，叫我们能认真遵从神的话，而神能永远与我们同在。
 
 
 
 

Exodus 出埃及记 35-39 — Second Chance 第二次机会

Posted on Sep 18, 2021 in 2021, Exodus |

Each aspect of the making of the tabernacle is mentioned in detail because each part was important to God. The smallest wooden peg had to conform to the pattern God gave Moses on the mount. If we expect God to be concerned about the details of our lives, we must pay attention to the details of His instructions.

建造帐幕的所有细节在此列出，是因为每一部分对神来说都是重要的。就算是最小的木钉，摩西都必须按照神在山上所给的指示使用。如果我们希望神关注我们生命中的每一个细节，那就必须仔细听从祂的指示。

 

The construction of the tabernacle involved God’s pattern and man’s provision. The people had plundered the Egyptians (12:35–36), and they willingly brought that wealth to the Lord. It was an act of spontaneous generosity and not something that was forced from them (35:5, 21–22, 26, 29). Christians today should give in the same way (2 Cor. 8:1–12).

帐幕的建造包括了神的模式和人的供应。百姓掠夺了埃及人的财物（出12:35-36），而他们现在乐意将此奉献出来。无人迫从他们奉献，皆是自发的慷慨之举（出35:5,21-22,26,29）。今日的基督徒也当以同样的方式奉献（林后8:1-12）。

 

God gave the plan, and He also gave the workers the wisdom needed to do the job right (35:10, 25, 34–35 There is nothing wrong with dedicated artistry, for God built beauty into His tabernacle. God wants skillful hands as well as dedicated hearts (Ps. 78:72).

神给予计划，也赐予工人完成事工所需的智慧（出35:10,25,34-35）。使用精致巧妙的工艺并没错，因为神使祂的帐幕为荣美。然而，神要灵巧的双手，也要专一的心（诗78:72）。

 

Moses was careful to inspect the work to see that it was just what God had commanded. (The word commanded is found seventeen times in these chapters.) Moses was faithful as the servant of God to do what God told him to do (Heb. 3:5).

Chapter 39 ends by saying, “And Moses blessed them” (v. 43). Have you taken time lately to bless those who have done the will of God in serving you? (See Ruth 2:4.)

摩西仔细检查工程，以确保所有的事工都按神的吩咐进行。（“所吩咐的”这话在这些篇章中共出现了17次。）摩西是神忠心的仆人，因他按照神所吩咐的行事（来3:5）。第39章最后说道：“摩西就给他们祝福。”（43节）你最近是否有花时间祝福那些因执行神旨意而服事你的弟兄姊妹？（见得2:4）

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. In this section, the Israelites constructed the tabernacle as God so prescribed in 25:1–31:18. The report of the work done is repeated in the past tense. This report also highlighted how careful the workers were in carrying out the instructions and blueprints received. Note the repeated phrase on doing all just as the Lord had commanded Moses (39:1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32, 42, 43 and 40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32). We thank God for the second chance given to us so that we can repent from our sins and obey God again.

在这里，以色列人按神在25:1至31:18的吩咐建造帐幕。工程的报告都是以过去式的文法记载的。报告也强调人们是如何细心地按指示和蓝图施工。请注意这里不断重复“是照耶和华所吩咐摩西的”一句（39:1,5,7,21,26,29,31,32,42,43；40:19,21,23,25,27,29,32）。我们感谢神赐给我们第二次机会，使我们可以从罪中悔改，再次顺服神。

 

  1. The phrase “As the Lord had commanded” had been repeated a number of times (vv. 1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31). This signals to the reader of every age, or to the listener in Israel back then, that God’s detailed instructions to Moses on the fabricating of the ephod (vv. 2–7), breastpiece (vv. 8–21), and priestly garments (vv. 22–31) were followed to the letter. Obedience in every detail was taken seriously by Israel’s artisans. Do we carefully obey God’s commandments or do we find opportunity to break it?

“照耶和华所吩咐的”一句，在经文中重复多次（1，5，7，21，26，29，31节）。这告诉世世代代的人：当是的工人确确实实地按照神所吩咐摩西的来造以弗得（2-7节）、胸牌（8-21节）和祭司的圣衣（22-31节）。以色列的众工匠都认真地遵从每一个细节。我们是否也在每一个细节上顺服神的诫命，还是在找寻机会违背神呢？


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