Deuteronomy 申命记 4 — Covenant Established 立约
Before he repeated the Law to Israel, Moses reminded them of their holy relationship with God and of their privileges as His chosen people. What other nation had heard the voice of God, had seen His power and glory, and had received His Word as their wisdom and their very life (vv. 1, 4, 25, 40)? When we take our blessings for granted, we are in danger of disobeying God.
摩西向以色列重申律法之前,先提醒了会众他们与神之间的圣洁关系,以及作为神所拣选的子民所持有的特权。还有那个国家能像以色列一样,听见神的声音、看见祂的大能与荣耀,又领受祂的话语作自己的生命与智慧呢?(14,25,40节)当我们把领受的祝福看作理所当然时,我们就处在叛逆神的险境了。
On the basis of these privileges, Moses warned them to take heed lest they forget what God had done for them (v. 9), how God had come to them (v. 15), what God had said to them (v. 19), and what God expected of them because of His covenant (v. 23). To whom much is given, much shall be required.
在这些特权的基础上,摩西警告他们要谨慎,以免忘记神为他们所做的一切(9节):神如何向他们显现(15节),神对他们所说的话(19节),还有神因着祂的约对以色列人的期望(23节)。因为多给谁,就向谁多取。
He also warned them that disobedience would bring chastening. God forgives His people when they repent (vv. 29–31), but read Hebrews 12:25–29 before making plans to disobey God. He is a merciful God (v. 31), but He is also a jealous God (v. 24); He will not permit His children to sin successfully.
摩西还警告他们:叛逆之心必受管教。倘若他们悔改,神必赦免(29-31节),但请你在策划违背神之前先阅读希伯来书12:25-29。神是有怜悯的(31节),但祂亦是忌邪的神(24节);神绝不允许自己的孩子成功犯罪。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- The nations around Israel worshiped many gods but Israel was to worship only the one true God. “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord” is the first and basic tenet in the Jewish confession of faith, “The Shema” (6:4–5); and the first of the Ten Commandments is, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (5:7). Why? Because all other “gods” are only the creations of sinful imaginations and aren’t gods at all (Rom. 1:18ff). To worship other gods is to worship nothing and become nothing (Ps. 115:8). Let’s pray that we love our God with all our hearts, souls and minds.
以色列的邻国崇拜许多假神,但她只能敬拜那独一真神。在施玛篇(The Shema)里,犹太教的第一个基本教义是:“以色列啊,你要听:耶和华我们神是独一的主”(6:4-5);另外,十诫中的第一诫命是:“除了我以外,你不可有别的神”(5:7)。为什么呢?因为其它的“神”仅是罪恶想象创造出来的,所以根本就不是神(罗1:18)。敬拜别神,相同于崇拜虚有,所以也必成为虚有(诗115:8)。让我们祈祷要尽心、尽性、尽力爱主我们的神。
- The archeologist’s spade has revealed that the Book of Deuteronomy follows a literary pattern used in the ancient Near East for treaties between rulers and their vassal nations. Deuteronomy has a preamble (1:1–5) and a review of the history behind the treaty (1:6–4:49). It then lists the ruler’s stipulations for the conduct of his subjects (chaps. 5–26) and what would happen if they disobeyed (chaps. 27–30). It closes with an explanation of how the treaty would operate in future generations (chaps. 31–34). The covenant expresses God’s desire so let’s pray that we obey not the letters of the law but the spirit of the law.
在考古学家的挖掘下,他们发现《申命记》的文学模式是按照古代近东统治者和附庸国家之间所用的条约模式。《申命记》含有序言(1:1-5),也回顾了条约背后的历史(1:6-4:49)。接着,它列出了统治者对臣子行为上的规定(5至26章),及违例者的惩罚(27-30章)。最后,它还以解释后代要如何应用条约作结语(31-34章)。这约表达了神的意愿,所以让我们祷告能遵守诫命的精意,而不是子句。
Deuteronomy 申命记 3 — Transition of Leadership 带领者的接替
A Possession to Claim 认领产业 (1–11).
Guided by God’s will and fortified by God’s promises, the people marched from victory to victory. Were it not for their unbelief, the former generation could have won the victories in Canaan forty years earlier. The high walls and gates were no problem to God (Num. 13:26–33). He is limited only by our unbelief.
在神旨意的带领及祂应许的肯定下,以色列人不断地得胜。要不是因为上一代人的不信,以色列早该在40年前在迦南地取得胜利了。再高的城墙、再宽的城门也难不倒神(民13:26-33),唯有我们的不信限制了祂。
A Promise to Keep 遵守应许 (12–22).
The tribes to be settled east of the Jordan had promised to cross the river and help conquer Canaan (Num. 32:16–23). Now that their land was subdued, Reuben and Gad might have settled down and avoided a lot of danger, but they kept their word. God hears our promises and takes them seriously (Num. 30:2; Eccles. 5:1–5).
将安顿在约旦以东的两支派曾答应摩西要过河,协助以色列征服迦南地(民32:16-23)。如今,他们占领了自己的土地后,流便和迦得大可安顿下来,躲避许多危险,可他们却选择信守诺言。神听见并认真对待我们所许下的承诺(民30:2;传5:1-5)。
A Penalty to Endure 忍受惩罚 (23–29).
Because of his pride at Kadesh (Num. 20:1–13), Moses was not allowed to enter Canaan, even though he prayed earnestly for God to relent. He did see the land and give the people a leader to take them into the land. He also visited the land centuries later when Jesus was transfigured (Matt. 17:1–3). Some of the disappointments of life will have their compensations when the glory comes. Be patient!
摩西因着自己在加低斯的骄傲(民20:1-13),不得进入迦南地;尽管他后来恳切祈求神回转心意,仍然无用。不过,摩西仍得以看见那应许之地,并给予众民一位领导,带领他们进入那里。数世纪后,当耶稣变形时,摩西也到访了那地(太17:1-3)。我们在生命里的一些遗憾有可能会在荣耀之日里得弥补,所以务必耐心等待!
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- In preparing them for conquest, Joshua was the appointed to succeed Moses and lead the nation into Canaan (Num. 27:18–23). At the command of the Lord, Moses publicly laid hands on Joshua with the help of Eleazar. Moses also began to hand over some of his authority to Joshua (Num. 27:20) so that by the time Moses left the scene, Joshua was ready to take charge. Joshua was a man of great faith and experience. He had served as Moses’ servant (Ex. 33:11) and as leader of the army (17:8–16), and he had been on Sinai with Moses (24:13). At Kadesh-Barnea he proved his faith and obedience by standing with Moses and Caleb against the ten spies and the whole unbelieving nation. Pray that we will learn spiritual lessons from Joshua.
在预备出征前,约书亚受委接替摩西带领以色列进入迦南地(民27:18-23)。在主的命令和祭司以利亚撒的协助下,摩西在全会众面前按手在约书亚头上。与此同时,摩西也将一些职权交给约书亚(民27:20),这样当摩西离开的时候,约书亚就可以独当一面了。约书亚拥有很大的信心,也曾经历大事:他曾是摩西的助手(出33:11)、带领过军队(17:8-16),也曾与摩西同在西奈山上(24:13)。在加低斯巴尼亚,约书亚与摩西和迦勒并肩对抗十个探子和整个不信的以色列,这足以证明他的信心与顺服。请祷告我们能向约书亚学习属灵的功课。
- The only cloud hanging over all the celebration of victory was that Moses wasn’t permitted to enter the Promised Land because of his impetuous sin of striking the rock (Num. 20:1–13; 27:12–14). Let’s pray that we take the Lord seriously and obey his commands.
在这庆祝胜利的欢乐气氛中,唯一的阴霾就是摩西因着自己鲁莽撞击岩石的罪不得进入应许之地(民20:1-13;27:12-14)。让我们祈祷,叫我们认真对待并服从主的命令。
- As wonderful as Israel’s victories had been so far, they were just a small expression of the greatness and power of God; and Moses didn’t want to miss any of the magnificent things God was going to do in Canaan. Although the Lord wouldn’t permit Moses to enter the land, Moses was allowed to see the land from the top of Mount Pisgah before he died (Nebo; see 32:48–52; 34:1–6). Let’s pray that we are also keen to see the glory and power of God.
到目前为止,以色列虽然一直有亮眼的战绩,但这只不过是神伟大全能的一个微小表现;摩西不想错过的是神要在迦南地所完成的大事。虽然主不允许摩西进入迦南地,但他临终前得以在毗斯迦山上观望那地(见32:48-52;34:1-6)。让我们祈祷,叫自己也会急切盼着看到神的荣耀和大能。
Deuteronomy 申命记 2 — Obeying the Lord in the World 在世界里顺服主
God Assigns our Battles. 神指定我们的战争
He instructed the nation not to meddle with the Edomites, the Moabites, or the Ammonites. The people were to behave themselves as godly pilgrims and avoid creating trouble. For a nation that enjoyed great victory in war, His instructions were probably hard to take, but God had better things for His people than the spoils of those nations. (See Rom. 12:18; Col. 4:5.) It is unwise to meddle in things that God commands us to avoid.
神指示以色列不得扰害以东人、摩押人或亚扪人。众百姓当作世上敬虔的客旅,遵守规矩,不得滋事。对于经历无数胜利的以色列而言,神此时的指示或许难以接受,但神对他们的计划,远胜于争战得来的掳掠之物。(参罗12:18;西4:5)。擅自掺和神要我们避开的事是不明智的。
God Assures our Victory. 神保证我们的胜利
When the Lord leads us into battle, we need not fear, for His commandment is His enablement. Israel defeated Sihon, and “there was not one city too strong” (v. 36) for God’s people. (See 1 John 5:1-4)
当主带领我们进入战场时,我们无需害怕,因为祂的命令就是祂大能的彰显。以色列击败了西宏,而“没有一座城墙是坚固得使神的子民不能攻取”的(36节)。(见约一5:1-4)
God Assigns our Inheritance. 神指定我们的产业
God promised to give the Trans-Jordan territory to the tribes of Reuben and Gad (Num. 32), and He kept His promise. (See Ps. 47:4; Acts 20:32; 1 Pet. 1:3–5.) God promises – we possess by faith!
神应许将横贯约旦境内赐给流便子孙和迦得子孙(民32),而祂遵守了自己的诺言(见诗47:4;徒20:32;彼前1:3-5)。神所应许的,我们凭着信心领受!
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- Avoiding the Edomites 避开以东人 (vv. 1–8; Num. 20:14–21).
Moses was commanded by God not to declare war on the people of Edom and try to take their land. The Edomites were descended from Jacob’s brother, Esau, and therefore were related to the Jews (Gen. 36).
神吩咐摩西不可与以东人争战或尝试争夺他们的土地。由于以东人是雅各兄长以扫的子孙,所以以东人与犹太人是有亲属关系的(创36)。
- Avoiding the Moabites and Ammonites 避开摩押人和亚扪人 (vv. 9–23).
Just as the Edomites were not attacked and conquered because they were related to Jacob, so the Moabites and Ammonites were spared because they were the descendants of Lot, the nephew of Abraham (Gen. 19:30–38). It is interesting to note that the Lord is still merciful and compassionate to Jacob’s brother Esau and Abraham’s nephew Lot.
正如以东人因着与雅各的亲属关系不被攻击,摩押人和亚扪人也因为他们是亚伯拉罕侄子罗得的后裔(创19:30-38)而被赦了。有趣的是,我们可以发现主对雅各的哥哥以扫和亚伯拉罕的侄子罗得仍存有怜悯和慈悲之心。
- Defeating the Amorites 击败亚摩利人 (v. 24–3:11).
Sihon and Og were powerful kings in the region of the Amorites on the east side of the Jordan, and the Lord had determined to destroy them and their people. Liberal critics of the Bible express concern at the way Israel destroyed entire nations, killed “innocent people”, and confiscated their cities and their lands. But how “innocent” were these people? The critics of Scripture may not realize that the nations Israel encountered east of the Jordan and in Canaan itself were indescribably wicked. They were brutal people who sacrificed their own children to the false gods that they worshiped. Male and female prostitutes served in their temples and sexual intercourse was an important part of the Canaanite religion. Let pray that we do not jump to conclusion and blame God without a proper understanding of the Bible.
西宏和噩是约旦以东亚摩利区域的两位强大国王,而主已经决意要消灭他们和他们的子民。以色列人摧毁整个国家、杀害“无辜的人”,并抢夺他们城市和土地的方式,都受到了圣经自由主义评论家的异议。但是,亚摩利人究竟有多“无辜”呢?这些自由主义者可能没有意识到,以色列在约旦以东和迦南所遇到的国家到底有多邪恶。他们都是残暴的,将自己的孩子牺牲献给所敬拜的众假神。男女成为庙妓,性交更是迦南宗教重要的一部分。让我们祈祷,要正确理解圣经,不随意妄下结论责怪神。
Deuteronomy 申命记 1 — Trust and Obey 信靠顺服
The Kadesh Barnea event is recorded in Numbers 14, and the New Testament commentary is in Hebrews 3–4. God warns against “an evil heart of unbelief” (Heb. 3:12). An evil heart!
民数记第14章记载了加低斯巴尼亚事件,而对此的新约注释就在希伯来书第3-4章。神警告我们不得“存着不信的恶心”(来3:12)。这是一个邪恶的心!
Why is the sin of unbelief so evil?
不信之罪为何如此邪恶呢?
To begin with, unbelief makes God a liar and questions the dependability of His Word. Our responsibility is not to question God but to believe God and do what He commands.
首先,不信相等于控告神是骗子,也质疑了神话语的可靠性。我们的责任不是怀疑神,而是要信靠神并遵从祂的命令。
Unbelief wastes time. An eleven-day journey turned into forty years of wandering and death! Unbelief robs us of God’s best blessings. God cared for His people those forty years, but how much more He would have done had they claimed their inheritance.
不信即是浪费时间。原本11天的行程却演变成40多年的流浪与死亡!不信剥夺了神对我们佳美的祝福。在这40年间,神不断地看顾祂的子民,但以色列若肯领受神已为他们预备的基业,神必能为他们行更大的事。
When you come to those Kadesh Barnea places in your pilgrimage, don’t look around at the problems and dangers. Look up to the God who is leading you, and walk by faith.
当你在自己的天国历程中来到加低斯巴尼亚这样的地方时,切记不要把焦点放在眼前的问题和危险上。要仰望那位带领你的耶和华,要凭信心而行。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- God was giving His people a second chance and Moses didn’t want the new generation to fail as their fathers had failed before them. Israel should have entered Canaan thirty-eight years before (2:14), but in their unbelief they rebelled against God. The Lord condemned them to wander in the wilderness until the older generation had died, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb (Num. 13–14). Philosopher George Santayana wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” so the first thing Moses did in his farewell discourse was to review Israel’s past and remind the new generation who they were and how they got where they were (Deut. 1–5). Knowing their past, the new generation in Israel could avoid repeating the sins of their fathers. Do you know your past?
神时在给予以色列第二次机会,而摩西不希望这新的一代会像上一代一样失败。以色列早该在38年前踏入迦南地(2:14),但他们因着不信背弃了神。主惩罚他们,使他们持续在旷野里飘流,直至上一代的人(除了约书亚和迦勒)都陆续离世(民13-14)。哲学家乔治·桑塔亚那写道:“那忘记过去的必重蹈覆辙”,因此摩西在临别前所做的第一件事就是回顾以色列的过去,提醒这新一代的以色列人他们属谁,并是如何走到今日的(申1-5)。通过了解自己的过去,新一代的以色列人就可以避免犯下他们先父的过犯。你了解自己的过去吗?
- Kadesh-Barnea was the gateway into the Promised Land, but Israel failed to enter the land because of fear and unbelief. They walked by sight and not by faith in God’s promises. “See, the Lord your God has given you the land,” Moses told them. “Go up and take possession of it.… Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deut. 1:21). It has well been said that faith is not believing in spite of evidence—that’s superstition—but obeying in spite of circumstances and consequences. How much more evidence did the people need that their God was able to defeat the enemy and give them their land? Hadn’t He defeated and disgraced all the false gods of Egypt, protected Israel, and provided for them on their pilgrim journey? Pray that we believe and obey.
加低斯巴尼亚是踏入应许之地的通道,但以色列人因恐惧和不信不得进入。他们不按神的应许凭信心行事,乃凭肉眼而行。摩西告诉他们:“看哪,耶和华你的神已将那地摆在你面前……上去得那地为业;不要惧怕,也不要惊惶。”(第21节)这句话说得好:信心不是在没有凭据的情况下而信,这乃叫迷信;信心则是不论处境和后果,坚持顺服于神。以色列还需要多少证据,才肯相信神必击败敌人,把土地赐给他们呢?神不是已经击败并羞辱埃及的所有假神,保护以色列人,并在他们漂泊的旅途中看顾他们了吗?请祷告,叫我们能信靠并顺服主。
Deuteronomy 申命记 — Introduction 引言
Deuteronomy means “second law.” It records the second giving of the Law by Moses as he prepared the nation to enter their promised inheritance. But Moses did more than simply repeat the Law to a new generation. He applied it to their new life in the land and stressed the importance of their loving God and obeying Him from the heart.
《申命记》的意思是“第二组律法”。它记录了神晓谕摩西的第二次律法,以备以色列进入应许之地。然而,摩西并不仅对这新一代的以色列人重申律法,更将这些律法应用在他们在那地的新生活里,强调他们要爱神,以及由衷顺服神的重要性。
Some key words in Deuteronomy are land (190 times), hear (54 times), possess and possession (57 times), heart (53 times), and love (25 times).
《申命记》里的一些关键词包括地(190次)、听(54次)、拥有和所有(57次)、心(53次)和爱(25次)。
The nation owned the land by God’s grace and possessed the land by God’s power, but they could not enjoy the land unless they obeyed God’s Word. When the nation disobeyed, God chastened them in the land (book of Judges) and then took them from the land into Babylonian captivity.
以色列国因着神的恩典拥有土地,也因着神的大能占有土地,但若不听从神的话,他们就无法享受土地。当以色列国背弃神的时候,神在那地管教他们(士师记),然后将他们赶出土地,流亡至巴比伦为奴。
In the addresses, Moses first reminded the people of God’s past leading (chaps. 1–4). The word remember is used 14 times in the book. Then he restated and applied the Law (chaps. 5–26), and closed his message with words of warning and blessing (chaps. 27–33). In chapter 34, we read how Moses passed from the scene and Joshua took over.
开头时,摩西首先提醒百姓神过去的带领(1至4章)。“记住”在本书共出现14次。接着,他重申并应用律法(5至26章),最后以告诫和祝福的话结束(27至33章)。在第34章中,我们读到摩西是如何退出场景,并由约书亚接手。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- The Hebrew title of Deuteronomy is Haddebharim, “The Words,” taken from the opening phrase in 1:1, “These are the words.” The parting words of Moses to the new generation are given in oral and written form so that they will endure to all generations. Deuteronomy has been called “five-fifths of the Law” since it completes the five books of Moses. The Jewish people have also called it Mishneh Hattorah, “repetition of the Law,” which is translated in the Septuagint as To Deuteronomion Touto, “This Second Law.” Deuteronomy, however, is not a second law but an adaptation and expansion of much of the original law given on Mount Sinai. The English title comes from the Greek title Deuteronomion, “Second Law.” Deuteronomy has also been appropriately called the “Book of Remembrance.”
《申命记》的希伯来文标题是“所说的话”(Haddebharim),源于1章1节的开头话语。摩西对新一代以色列人临别的话是以口述以及书面形式留下的,确保世世代代的以色列人都知道神的话。《申命记》已被称是“五分五法”,因为它是摩西五经的最后一本。犹太人也将此称作“重复的律法”(Mishneh Hattorah),并在七十士译本译为“此第二组律法”(To Deuteronomion Touto)。然而,《申命记》并非是第二组律法,而是西奈山上耶和华所晓谕摩西的原法上之扩张和改编。英文名称则源于希腊文“第二律法”(Deuteronomion)。《申命记》也恰当地被称是“纪念之册”。
- Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. (2 Pet 1:12-14)
你们虽然晓得这些事,并且在你们已有的真道上坚固,我却要将这些事常常提醒你们。我以为应当趁我还在这帐棚的时候提醒你们,激发你们。因为知道我脱离这帐棚的时候快到了,正如我们主耶稣基督所指示我的 。(彼后1:12-14)