Deuteronomy 申命记 25 — Fairness 公正

The emphasis is on respecting people and treating them as fellow human beings, made in the image of God. It is wrong to humiliate others or take advantage of them (vv. 1–3, 11–12).

这里强调的是要尊重他人,待他人如同胞,因为我们都是按神的形象所造的。我们不可侮辱或利用他人(1-3节,11-12节)。

 

We also should have respect for animals (v. 4; see also Prov. 12:10). It would be frustrating for an ox to be in the midst of plenty and not be able to eat. The apostle Paul saw a much wider application of this verse (1 Cor. 9:1–14; 1 Tim. 5:17–18).

我们也应该尊重动物(4节,也见箴12:10)。要牛在谷场上工作却不给吃,实在很苛刻。使徒保罗在新约里对这节经文有了更广泛的应用(林前9:1-14;提前5:17-18)。

 

We should respect the family (vv. 5–10). This law was significant in Israel because of family and tribal inheritance. It does not apply today, but the principle is clear: the family carries on the life of the nation, and it must be protected.

我们要尊重家人(5-10节)。这律法在以色列非常重要,因这关乎家族和支派的继承。它虽不适用于今日,但其原则是清楚的:家庭继承了国家的命脉,所以家庭必须受到保护。

 

We must have respect for truth (vv. 13–16) and not be devious in our business dealings. Read Proverbs 11:1 and 20:10, and heed the warning of Proverbs 21:6.

我们必须尊重真理(13-16节),商业往来也不能使用不正当的手段。请阅读箴言11:1和20:10,并听从箴言21:6的警告。

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. When an offender was found guilty and sentenced to be beaten, he was not to be humiliated but punished justly (Deut. 25:1–3). To beat him too little would be to minimize the offense, but to beat him too much would be to treat him in an inhuman manner and “degrade him” (NIV). The limit was forty stripes, but the Jews later made it thirty-nine (2 Cor. 11:24) so as not to accidentally go over the legal number. Whether it’s a judge sentencing a criminal or a father chastening his child, the punishment must fit the offense and not demean the offender. Let’s pray for wisdom so that we know how to mete out punishments in our dealings especially when bringing up our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4)

当罪犯被定罪受责打时,我们不得羞辱他,只能按公义施行惩罚(申25:1-3)。打的次数过少就是轻看罪行,打过数了则是不人道,“轻贱”了弟兄。鞭打次数的上限是40下,但犹太人后来将它改为39下(林前11:24),以免无意超过极限。无论是法官审判罪犯,还是父亲管教孩子,刑罚与罪状必须相符,不得践踏犯罪者。让我们向神祈求智慧,在需要时懂得施行公正的处罚,尤其要照着主的教训和警戒养育我们的孩子。(弗6:4)

 

  1. Levirate marriages provided that the brother of a dead man who died childless was to marry the widow in order to provide an heir. Obviously, this required that the brother be unmarried and desired to keep the property in the family by passing it on to a son since taking brother’s wife is forbidden (Lev. 18:16; 20:21). This practice reflected fraternal affection, and if a single brother refused to conform to this practice, he was confronted with contempt and humiliation by the elders. The perpetuation of his name as a member of the covenant people witnessed to the dignity of the individual. Although this is not practiced today, the principle remains. We are to care for our family. Let’s pray for our family members and care for physical, emotional and spiritual health.

夫兄弟婚是寡妇与亡夫的弟兄或近亲结婚的习俗,好叫家族有继承人。显然,这兄弟必是未婚的,因为迎娶兄弟的妻子是违例的(利18:16;20:21),且有志愿保守家族的财产,将它传授给儿子。这习俗反映的是兄弟之间爱,而倘若一个单身兄弟拒绝这么做,他将受到长老们的蔑视和羞辱。作为约下子民的一份子,他姓名的存留见证了个人的尊严。虽然我们今日并无这习俗,但其原则不变:我们当照顾自己的家人。让我们为自己的家人祷告,关心他们身、心、灵的健康。