GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP | 恩道堂

Life 生命

“One more plague!” The words sounded ominous, and they were, for the last plague was death to the firstborn. When you trust in the Lord, it means the difference between light and darkness (10:21–23) and life and death. God made this difference (11:7), and His people must maintain it (Rom. 12:1).

“再使一样的灾殃！”，这话听起来极为不祥，这指的是最后的灾殃，即灭长子的灾。当你信主时，这就意味着光明与黑暗（10:21-23）、生命和死亡之别。神造了这个差异（11:7），而祂的子民必须把持它（罗12:1）。

Lamb 羔羊

Observe the sequence: “a lamb” (12:3), “the lamb” (12:4), “your lamb” (12:5). The Passover lamb is a picture of Jesus Christ who died for the sins of the world (John 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:6–7). Do you call Him “a Savior,” “the Savior,” or “my Savior” (Luke 1:47)? Jesus is the Perfect Lamb (1 Pet. 1:18–19) who had to die to save us. We are saved not by admiring His example or by studying His teaching, but by applying His blood to our own hearts by faith. The lamb saved the Jews and it also sustained them for their journey. You “feed” on Jesus Christ when you meditate on His Word and make its truth a part of your inner person.

请注意其中的顺序：“一只羊羔”（12:3）、“那羔羊”（12:4）、“你的羔羊”（12:5）。逾越节的羔羊是耶稣基督为世人的罪而死的写照（约1:29；林前5:6-7）。你是否称祂为“一位救主”、“那位救主”或“我的救主”（路1:47）呢？耶稣是一个无瑕疵、无玷污的完美羔羊，祂以死来拯救我们（彼前1:18-19）。我们得救，不是通过欣赏祂的作为或学习祂的教导，我们得救是因着信并以祂的宝血浇灌在我们的心中。这羊羔拯救了犹太人，也为他们的旅途供应食物。当你默想祂的话，使真理成为你内心的一部分时，你就是在以耶稣基督为“粮食”了。

Leaven 酵

Yeast is a picture of sin: it begins small but spreads quickly; it puffs up; and it works secretly. When you are saved by the blood of Christ, you want to have a life that is pure and free from known sin. The Jews were not saved through them getting rid of the leaven; they got rid of the leaven because God had saved them (2 Cor. 7:1; 2 Tim. 2:19).

酵母代表罪恶：它一开始虽小，但迅速蔓延、膨胀起来，并在暗中工作。当你已被基督的血救赎时，你要过的生活是远离罪恶、是圣洁的。犹太人不是通过自己除去所有的酵而得救；他们能除去酵，是因为神已拯救了他们（林后7:1；提后2:19）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. The plague of first born was the biggest blow to Pharaoh because Pharaoh who was considered the god of gods in Egypt and his firstborn was supposed to succeed his throne in future. This is divine judgment on Pharaoh, the god of all Egyptian gods. The Lord God said that on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. (Ex 12:12) Let’s pray that we truly can sing like Moses “Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? (Ex 15:11)

灭头生之灾对法老的打击是最大的，因为法老被视为埃及地众神之神，而他的长子将来也要继承他的宝座。这是神对法老，即埃及地众神之神的审判。耶和华神说：“要败坏埃及一切埃及的众神。我是耶和华。”（出12:12）让我们祈祷，叫我们可以像摩西一样由衷唱出：“耶和华阿，众神之中，谁能像你？谁能像你─至圣至荣，可颂可畏，施行奇事？”（出15:11）

2. Another reason the Lord punished their male children is because the Egyptians especially Pharaoh gave the order to kill all the male Israelite children earlier. The Bible says, “The LORD will by no means leave the guilty (Nah 1:3) Let’s pray that we confess our sins.

灭埃及长子的另一个原因是因为埃及人，尤其是法老，早些时候下令杀死所有以色列人的男婴。圣经说：“耶和华绝不以有罪的为无罪。”（鸿1:3）让我们为自己能承认罪过而祷告。

3. Along with the lamb, the Israelites ate bitter herbs and unleavened bread (Ex. 12:14–20, 39; 13:3–7). Bitter herbs would remind them their bitter bondage in Egypt. The unleavened bread was a symbol of purity. Leaven is an image of sin: it’s hidden; it works silently and secretly; it spreads and pollutes; and it causes dough to rise (“puffed up”—1 Cor. 4:18–5:2). Paul admonishes local churches to purge out the sin from their midst and present themselves as an unleavened loaf to the Lord. Let’s pray we do that.

以色列人以苦菜和无酵饼一同吃下羊肉。（出12:14-20,39；13:3-7）。苦菜提醒着他们在埃及奴役的苦难日子。无酵饼则象征圣洁。酵代表罪：它是隐秘、默默动工、蔓延和污染周围的，使面团发起来（“膨胀”，见林前4:18-5:2）。保罗告诫教会要从他们中间除去罪恶，并向神献上已成为无酵新团的自己。让我们祷告叫自己也能这样做。

All Moses wanted was Pharaoh’s permission to take the people on a three-day journey to a place where they could worship God. God had differentiated His people and the people of Egypt, just as today He has differentiated the people of God and the people of the world (2 Cor. 6:14–18).

摩西仅想要法老允许以色列人去一个离埃及三天路程的地方敬拜神。神就是想要将自己的子民和埃及的子民分别开来，就如今日，祂已经把自己的子民和属世界的子民分别开来（林前6:14-18）。

But the world doesn’t want believers to be too radical, so it tries to offer various compromises: “Sacrifice in the land” (8:25); “Don’t go too far away” (8:28); “Don’t take your children” (10:8–11); and “Don’t take your possessions to serve God” (10:24–26). Have you been tempted by any of these compromises lately?

但是，这世界并不要信徒走得太过偏激，所以试图给予各种的妥协，如“在这地祭祀”（8:25）、“不要走得很远”（8:28）、“留下你们的孩子”（10:8-11）及“留下你们的羊群牛群”（10:24-26）。你近期是否受到这些诱惑呢？

God’s judgments had practically ruined the land, yet Pharaoh would not give in. In doing so, Pharaoh thought he was showing great strength when in fact, God was using him to display His own sovereignty (9:16; see also Rom. 9:17–18). God is greater than any ruler, so we need never fear (Dan. 4:34–37).

神的审判几乎已毁了全埃及地，但法老仍不肯妥协。他还要以为这是在凸他的坚强，但神事实上正使用法老显明自己的主权（9:16；罗9:17-18）。神比所有统治者大，所以我们无需害怕（但 4:34-37）。

Pharaoh’s “confession of sin” (9:27) was not sincere; he only wanted Moses to stop the plagues. True repentance involves a change of mind that leads to a change of life. Balaam (Num. 22:34), Saul (1 Sam. 15:24), and Judas (Matt. 27:4) were all guilty of insincere confession of sin.

法老的“认罪”（9:27）并不真诚，他只希望摩西停止降灾。真正的悔改必须包括思想上的改变，从而引致生命的改变。巴兰（民22:34）、扫罗（撒上15:24）和犹大（太27:4）都犯了言不由衷的罪。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. God gave Pharaoh 24 hours to release the Israelites otherwise all the livestock in the Egyptian fields would be killed by a terrible pestilence. Pharaoh hardened his heart and almost all the Egyptian livestock were killed. Yet the livestock that belonged to the Jews living in the land of Goshen were fine. Do you see the important of separation? Let’s pray that we are willing to be separated for holiness.

神要法老在24小时内释放以色列人，否则在埃及地的一切牲畜将感染可怕的瘟疫而死。可是，法老却使自己的心刚硬，因此埃及所有的牲畜几乎都死了。然而，住在歌珊地属于犹太人的牲畜却不受影响。你在这里看到分别的重要性吗？让我们祷告，叫我们愿意将自己分别为圣来归神。

2. It is important to notice that this is the first time since the plagues broke out that the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Ex 9:12). During all the previous occasions, Pharaoh hardened his own heart. However the judgment has arrived, Pharaoh has lost the opportunity to repent. Why did the Lord harden Pharaoh’s heart? The Lord Himself said in Exodus 9:15, “For if by now I had put forth My hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, you would then have been cut off from the earth. But, indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth. (Ex 9:15-16) Let’s repent while there is still an opportunity. The door will close one day. When judgment comes, it will be too late.

自祸灾发生以来，这是耶和华首次使法老的心刚硬；这是一个重要的转折点（出 9:12）。在这之前，都是法老使自己的心刚硬。然而，审判降临了，法老已经失去悔改的机会了。主为何要使法老的心刚硬？主自己在出埃及记9:15说：“我若伸手用瘟疫攻击你和你的百姓，你早就从地上除灭了。其实，我叫你存立，是特要向你显我的大能，并要使我的名传遍天下。”（出9:15-16）让我们趁有机会的时候立刻悔改。终有一日，这扇门会关闭。当判断来临时，一切为时已晚。

3. Has Pharaoh repented since he confessed, “I have sinned this time; the LORD is the righteous one, and I and my people are the wicked ones?” (Ex 9:27). If so, why Exodus 9:35 said that he sinned again and he did not let the sons of Israel go (Ex 9:35). Let’s pray we truly repented.

法老承认说：“这一次我犯了罪了。耶和华是公义的；我和我的百姓是邪恶的。”（出9:27），法老是否真心悔改了？若是，出埃及记9:35为何说他不让让以色列人去呢？让我们祷告叫我们能真心悔改。

If men will not obey His words of warning, God must speak by His works of judgment. When God speaks, there are only two responses: people either obey and submit or disobey and harden their hearts (Heb. 3:7–13). From the human point of view, Pharaoh resisted God’s will and thus hardened his own heart. From the divine point of view, God sent the judgments and therefore caused his heart to harden. The same sun that melts the ice also hardens the clay.

人若不听从神的警告，神就必施行审判。当神说话时，人们只有两种反应：一是顺服，二是反抗并使自己的心刚硬（来3:7-13）。从人的角度来看，法老抵挡神的旨意，因此他使自己的心刚硬。从神的角度来看，神正在施行审判，因此使法老的心刚硬。使冰融化也使粘土变硬的是同一个太阳。

The court magicians were able to imitate Aaron’s miracle. Satan is a counterfeiter, and that is one way he opposes God’s work today (2 Tim. 3:8–9). Some miracles are lying wonders (2 Thess. 2:9–10). Be sure you can tell the difference (1 John 2:18–27; 4:1–6).

法老的术士也能模仿亚伦的神迹。撒旦是一个骗子，这也是他今天抵挡神工作的一种方式（提后3:8-9）。有些神迹只不过是虚假的奇事（帖后2:9-10）。你当有一颗分辨真伪的心（约一2:18-27；4:1-6）。

The plagues were God’s declaration of war against the false gods of Egypt (12:12). He proclaimed, “I am the Lord” (7:5). They were also a declaration that God had put a difference between the Jews and the Egyptians (8:23).

这十灾是神向埃及偶像宣告的战（12:12）。他宣称：“我是耶和华”（7:5）。神也借着十灾向全地声明，祂已经把犹太人从埃及人分别出来了（8:23）。

How sad that Israel saw God’s wonders in Egypt and yet did not trust Him (Ps. 106:6–7). They even wanted to return to Egypt after they had been delivered! Great experiences are no guarantee that one has grown spiritually. It all depends on what happens to your heart.

以色列人看见神在埃及所行的奇迹，但仍然不信，好可悲啊！（诗106:6-7）。神已助他们脱离苦海，但他们甚至想回到埃及去！奇特的经历并不能保证一人在属灵上的成长。这一切都取决于你心里的改变。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. How many times did Pharaoh hardened his own hearts and how many times did the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart? It will be interesting to do a count and notice the sequence. If we know God’s command and refuse to obey, we harden our own hearts. Do you harden your own heart? If we harden our hearts enough times it will become seared (1Ti 4:2) and unable to respond. Let’s pray that we do not harden our hearts and respond to God with obedience.

请问法老使自己的心刚硬几次，耶和华又使法老的心刚硬几次呢？如果能数算并注意其中的顺序，你将会有重要的发现。如果我们晓得神的命令却仍拒绝顺服，我们就是在使自己的心刚硬。你刚硬自己的心吗？当我们一再地这么做，我们的心总会同被热铁烙惯了一样（提前4:2），无法回应了。让我们祷告，叫我们不使自己的心刚硬，并在顺服中回应神。

2. The river of Nile was considered sacred because it provides livelihood for all animals as well as human. The attack on Nile river is the attack on Egyptian god “Hapi.” Similarly frog also represents “Heqt,” the god of fertility. It is interesting Moses asked Pharaoh when he wanted the frog to leave. Pharaoh said, “Tomorrow.” So it is done according to the stipulated time. It is beyond doubt that this is the work of the Lord. In the midst of all these, Pharaoh hardened his heart.

埃及人视尼罗河为神圣的，因为它为所有的动物及人类提供生计。攻击尼罗河就等于攻击埃及尼罗河神“哈比”（Hapi）。同样的，青蛙代表了生育女神赫克特（Heqt）。有趣的是，摩西问法王他想青蛙几时离开，法老回答的是：“明天。”因此，青蛙就在规定的时间离开了。这必是主的作为。然而，法老选择在这过程中继续使自己的心刚硬。

3. Again, the plague of dust/gnats was against the Egyptian god “Hathor or set” – the god of desert. The plague of flies was against the healing god “Isis.” Even the magicians conceded to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” (Ex 8:19) Yet Pharaoh still refused to obey the Lord. How many times do we want to harden our hearts before we start to obey? Let’s pray that we obey God at once.

虱灾/蝗灾是在攻击埃及沙漠之神哈托尔/赛特(Hathor/Set)。蝇灾针对的是治疗之神伊西斯（Isis）。就连行法术的也对法老说：“这是神的手段。”（出8:19）然而，法老仍不肯顺服主。我们需要使自己的心刚硬几次才会开始顺服神呢？让我们祈祷，叫我们能立即顺服神。

When Moses and Aaron began their work in Egypt, their first problem was with Pharaoh (5:1–9). Not only did Pharaoh refuse to let the people leave Egypt but he made their work more difficult. That gave Moses a second problem—his own people, who blamed him for their plight (5:20–21). He had a foretaste of the criticism and rebellion he would experience for the next forty years. Often, the people you help the most will appreciate you the least. Moses’ third problem was with the Lord Himself (5:22–23)! God had promised success but Moses had failed. Even the Jews didn’t believe him!

当摩西和亚伦在埃及开始了他们的工作时，他们遇到的第一个问题就是法老（5:1-9）。法老不但拒绝让犹太人离开埃及，还加重了他们的工作量。这给摩西带来第二个问题，即自己的族人，因他们责怪摩西使他们的处境更糟糕（5:20-21）。他事先尝到了他在未来40年所要经历的——族人的指责和反抗。这也难怪，因为你所给予最多帮助的人，往往就是最忘恩的。摩西的第三个问题就是主本身！（5:22-23）神应许摩西会成功，但他却失败了。就连犹太人也不相信他！

But God gave Moses the assurance that He needed (6:1–8) and told him to return to his job and stay with it. God doesn’t solve every problem immediately, nor does He follow your schedule. When you think you have failed, even when you have obeyed God’s will, ponder on Isaiah 55:8–9 and Jeremiah 29:11.

但神给予摩西他需要的保证（6:1-8）并要他回到岗位上坚持下去。神并不会立即解决你的每一个问题，也不会按照你的时间表行事。当你认为你已听从神的旨意了却仍失败，请思考以赛亚书 55:8-9 和耶利米书 29:11 的话。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. The Egyptians were the most polytheistic people known from the ancient world. Even today, the historians and archeologists are not completely sure the total number of gods they worship. However, most lists include somewhere in the neighborhood of 80 gods including lion, ox, ram, wolf, dog, cat, cobra, frog, locust and other insects. They will have no problem adding one more god to their collection. So when Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice (Ex 5:2), he is despising the Lord “God of the slave.”  So when the Lord sent the ten plagues to judge and destroy the idols/gods of Egyptians (Ex 12:12) He is showing them who the God of this universe is. Ultimately the Egyptians will know the LORD and worship Him (Isa 19:21). Do you have idols in your hearts? The Lord will destroy them one by one.

埃及人是古代世界拥有最多神的民族。即使在今日，历史学家和考古学家估计他们所崇拜的偶像不少于80个，包括狮子、牛、羊、狼、狗、猫、眼镜蛇、青蛙、蝗虫和其他昆虫；要再添加一个偶像，肯定没问题。所以，法老说：“耶和华是谁，使我听他的话”（出5:2），他是在藐视这位“奴隶的神”耶和华。因此，当主降下十灾来审判和摧毁埃及人的神或偶像时（出12:12），祂是在告诉他们这宇宙间的神到底是谁。最终，埃及人会认识耶和华并敬拜祂（赛19:21）。你的心中是否有偶像呢？耶和华必将它们一一毁掉。

2. Not only the Pharaoh did not know God, Moses and the Israelite also did not truly know him (3:11; 6:3, 7). Do you know the Lord is the mighty great “I AM”? Furthermore, He is the merciful, compassionate and faithful God? Can you list out all the verses that indicate the attribute of God in these beginning chapters of Exodus? Let’s pray that we know God and know him well.

不认识神的不仅仅是法老，摩西和以色列人也未真正认识祂（3:11；6:3,7）。你是否知道主是那伟大的“我是”？此外，祂也是一位怜悯、慈爱和信实的神呢？你是否能从出埃及记前面几章的经节找出所有表明神属性的经文呢？让我们祷告，叫我们认识神，并彻底地认识祂。

Forty years before, Moses was sure he could solve his people’s problems; but now that God had called him, he was sure he would fail. He could give no reasons for disobeying God, but he certainly had plenty of excuses. “An excuse is the skin of a reason stuffed with a lie,” observed Billy Sunday. But God gave Moses everything he needed for success. All he had to do was trust the great I AM.

40年前，摩西相信自己可以解决族人的问题；但神呼召他后，他反认为定失败。虽然他无法给神拒绝的理由，但摩西确实有许多借口。比利·桑戴说：“借口是理由的皮囊，里面塞满了谎言。”然而，神就是摩西所需的一切。摩西所需要做的只是相信那伟大的“我是”。

Credentials 凭据.

If we give God what we have, He can use it for His glory: a rod, a sling (1 Sam. 17:40), a net (Luke 5:1–11), or a little lunch (John 6:9). He can even use the hand if nothing is in it!

我们尽心献什么，祂皆能以使用并荣耀自己：一杆、一吊索（撒上17:40）、一网（路5:1-11），或一个小午餐（约6:9）。即使是什么都没有的手，神也可以使用它！

Companion 同伴.

God already had Aaron prepared and on his way to meet Moses. While Aaron at times created some problems for Moses, he was still a valued helper in the work. He was the speaker, and Moses was the doer. But in time, Moses himself became a great orator.

神已经预备好亚伦，而亚伦已在迎接摩西的路上了。虽然有时亚伦带给摩西一些麻烦，但在事工上他仍然是一位得力助手。亚伦是宣讲者，摩西是行事者。假以时日，摩西自己也成为一个伟大的演说家。

Commission 任命.

God spoke to Moses and gave him the instructions and encouragement he needed (vv. 19–23). Before he arrived in Egypt, Moses knew that his work would be difficult and that Pharaoh would oppose him.

神与摩西说话，并给予摩西他所需的指示和鼓励（19-23节）。在他抵达埃及之前，摩西知道这事工是艰难的，而法老也必与他作对。

Chastening 管教.

Moses was chastened by God and almost died because he had failed to make his child a son of the covenant (Gen. 17:10). How could Moses lead Israel if his own family was not dedicated to God? (See 1 Tim. 3:5.)

神惩罚摩西，甚至叫他差点丧命因为摩西没有让自己的孩子成为立约之子（创17:10）。如果摩西不把自己的家庭献给神，那他要如何带领以色列呢（提前3:5）？

Conviction 信念.

Moses was sure nobody would believe him; however, when the elders saw the signs and heard the message, they believed and bowed to worship God. When you face a tough job and you are afraid that you will fail, remember Moses. God keeps His promises, no matter how you feel or how people respond.

摩西很肯定没有人会相信他的，然而，当长老看见神迹、听见信息后，他们就信了并低头敬拜神。当你面对一个艰难的工作，并害怕自己会失败时，请记起摩西。不论你有什么感受，或人们有何反应，神绝不食言。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Forty years before, when Moses felt perfectly adequate to solve the problem of his people, God refused him. 40 years later when he felt totally helpless (3:11), God begin to use him. The lesson we can learn is God can use “useless” men to achieve his purpose. Secondly, it’s only when we are humble and not relying on ourselves, that’s the time we are useful to God. Let’s pray that God keeps us humble to achieve big things for Him.

四十年前，摩西自觉他能解决族人的问题，但神拒绝了他。四十年后，当他感到完全无助时（3:11），神却开始使用他。我们从这里能看到神能使用“无用”的人完成祂的旨意。其次，只有当我们真正“谦卑”，不靠自己的时候，才合乎主用。让我们祷告神使我们谦卑，叫我们能为他行大事。

2. In His anger (4:14), God appointed Aaron to be the spokesperson for Moses, but Aaron wasn’t always a help to his brother. It was Aaron who cooperated with the people in making the golden calf (Ex. 32), and Aaron and his sister Miriam were critical of Moses (Num. 12). Let’s pray that we do not insist our will because we do not know the future. God’s will is the best. Let’s accept it, welcome it and embrace it.

在祂的愤怒下（4:14），神任命亚伦为摩西的代言人，但亚伦不都是一直是帮助摩西的。为众人制造金牛犊的是亚伦（出32），常常挑剔摩西的是亚伦还有姐姐米利暗（民12）。让我们祷告，叫我们不要坚持自己的立场，因为我们不知道明天将发生什么事。神的旨意是最好的。让我们接纳、欢迎并拥抱它。

You never know what a day may bring, so keep your eyes and ears open to the leading of the Lord. Childlike curiosity completely changed Moses’ life.

你不会知道今日会发生什么事，所以要时刻睁大眼睛，张开耳朵，观察主的带领。孩儿般的好奇心彻底改变了摩西的生命。

God is Faithful 神是信实的

He called Abraham, cared for Isaac, guided and protected Jacob, and He would be with Moses. He is the God of the individual as well as the nation, and He does not change from generation to generation.

神曾呼召亚伯拉罕，照顾以撒并引导和保护雅各，所以祂必与摩西同在。祂是个人以及全国的神。时代虽然变迁，但祂永不改变。

God is Concerned and Compassionate 神富于怜悯之心

He saw the affliction of His people, and He heard their cries. Then why didn’t He act sooner? Because He was following a perfect timetable (Gen. 15:13–16). You must learn to wait on the Lord. (See Ps. 37.)

祂看见祂子民的痛苦，也听到他们的呼求。那神为什么不早点采取行动呢？因为祂有着一个完美的时间表（创15:13-16）。你必须学会​​等待主（见诗37）。

God is Long-Suffering 神恒久忍耐

The Lord answered all of Moses’ objections and gave one assurance after another to encourage him. Moses said, “I am not!” and God replied, “I AM!” Faith lays hold of what God is and obeys what God says. Faith sees the opportunities while unbelief sees the obstacles. Are you arguing with God about something He wants you to do?

主一一回答摩西所有的顾虑，并不断向摩西保证和鼓励。可是摩西却还是说：“我不能！”神答道：“我能！”认识神并顺服神是信心的基础。信心让人看见机会，不信则看见障碍。你是否在与神争论祂要你做的事情呢？

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. The Lord ordered Moses to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Why was the ground holy? It was because God’s presence there. This command prevented Moses from rashly intruding, unprepared, into God’s presence. Do we need to remove our shoes when we come to church? Of course this is not the principle taught here. The principle is that we should come prepared and come with an attitude of fear and reverence to worship God. If we come late, unprepared and if we come with an attitude of a critical spirit, we are in danger of offending God. Let’s pray that every week we come to worship God with an attitude of fear and reverence. It is not man we please but God.

主命令摩西把脚上的鞋脱下来，因为他所站之地是圣地。为何是圣地呢？这是因为神的所在。这命令防止摩西贸然闯入，猝不及防地来到神的面前。当我们来到教会时，是否也要把脚上的鞋脱下来？当然，这里所教导的原则不是这个。它的原则是：我们应该预备自己以敬畏的态度敬拜神。如果我们迟到、没有做好准备，或以批判的态度来到教会，那我们便处在得罪神的险境。让我们祈祷，叫我们每周以敬畏的心敬拜神。我们要取悦的是神，不是人。

2. God instructed Moses to go to Pharaoh and ask him to let Israelites go, but the king of Egypt will not let them go unless compelled by a mighty hand. (Ex 3:19) When we do the will of the Lord it does not mean we will have no difficulties. We must do it with faith because this is the will of the Lord. In this case, The Lord prophesized that He will have to stretch out His hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders; after that He will let them go. (Ex 3:20) Let’s pray that we are willing to do our part in God’s plan in order that His will be done and His name be glorified.

神指示摩西叫法老让以色列人离开，但这位埃及王若非被强迫，他是d绝不会让以色列人走的（出3:19）。当我们行主的旨意时，这并不代表我们不会遇到困难。我们必须凭信心走下去，因为这是主的旨意。这里，主已预言祂不得不伸手击打埃及并行一切的奇事后，法老才会让以色列人走（出3:20）。让我们祈祷，叫我们愿意尽自己的本分完成神的计划，完成祂的旨意，并荣耀祂的名。

Moses’ parents, Amram and Jochebed (Exod. 6:20), knew that the times were difficult, but they had faith (Heb. 11:23).

摩西的父母暗兰和约基别知道时世困难，但他们仍有信心（来11:23）。

From the very start, Moses was seen to be “no ordinary child” (Acts 7:20), and it was evident that God had a special purpose for him. Believing this to be true, the parents defied Pharaoh’s edict and kept their son alive. This wasn’t easy to do since all the Egyptians were now Pharaoh’s official spies, watching for babies to be drowned (Ex. 1:22). It also took faith for the parents to put their son into the river. God rewarded their faith. Jochebed not only got her son back, but she was paid to take care of him!

从一开始，摩西就已被看作“不是一个普通的孩子”（徒7:20），而神很显然在他身上有特殊的旨意。因此，他的父母违抗法老的命令，保存儿子的性命。这是不容易的，因为埃及人已成为法老官吏的间谍，要把犹太人的男婴淹死（出1:22）。把自己的儿子放入河中，也是需要信心的。神最终奖励了他们的信心。约基别不仅得回了她的儿子，她也因照顾他得到酬报！

When the princess came to the Nile to perform her religious ablutions, she saw the basket, discovered the baby, and heard him cry; and her maternal instincts told her to rescue the child and care for him. God used a baby’s tears to save Moses and He used Miriam’s words to arrange for the baby’s mother to raise the boy and get paid for it! 

当公主来到尼罗河执行她的宗教沐浴时，她看见了蒲草箱并发现那哭泣的婴孩；她的母性本能告诉她自己必须拯救这婴孩并照料他。神用婴儿的眼泪使摩西活下来，也用米利暗的话安排婴孩的母亲照顾孩子且得到酬报！

The princess adopted Moses as her own son, which means that Moses had a favored position in the land and was given a special education for service in the government (Acts 7:22). In the Egyptian language, Moses means “born” or “son” and sounds like a Hebrew word that means “to draw out” (of the water). Years later, his name would remind Moses of the God who rescued him and did great things for him in Egypt. On more than one occasion, Moses would rescue his people because he trusted the Lord.

公主收养摩西成为自己的儿子，这意味着摩西在这土地上处于有利的位置，并且接受特殊的教育以便将来为国工作（徒7:22）。在埃及文里，摩西的意思是“诞生”或“儿子”，这在希伯来文听起来像“（从水里）取出”的意思。多年以后，他的名字将提醒摩西那位曾拯救他并为他在埃及行伟大奇事的神。摩西也因着信靠神多次拯救他的族人。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Moses had a splendid education (Acts 7:22), but he was lacking in faith. He thought he could solve the problem himself. Also, he fought the wrong enemy at the wrong time with the wrong weapon. When you start to look around and ask yourself “Is it safe?” and not “Is it right?” you have stopped living by faith. Sometimes God has to “set us aside” to teach us what we need to know—and to help us forget the way the world does things. Moses’ impulsive deed sent him to the back of the desert for forty years, just as his impulsive words would keep him out of the Promised Land (Num. 20:9–13). An impatient spirit is a dangerous thing. Let’s pray that we learn the spiritual discipline of being patient.

摩西受到卓越的教育（徒7:22），但是他缺乏信心之眼。他以为自己可以解决问题，并在错误的时间以错误的方式打了不对的敌人。当你开始环顾四周并问自己：“这是不是安全？”，而不是“这样做对吗？”你已经不凭信心生活了。有时，神需把我们“分别出来”以教导我们所需要知道的事，并帮助我们忘记世界的处理方式。摩西冲动的行为使他在沙漠生活40年，就如他“冲动的话”使他不得进入应许之地（民20:9-13）。一个不耐烦的灵是危险的。让我们祷告，叫我们学习耐心。

2. God is the God who hears. The people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery went up to God. (Ex 2:23) Do you believe our God is the God who hears our prayers? If so, do you pray? Exodus 2:25 said, “God saw the people of Israel– and God knew.” Yes, God sees where we are and He knows our situations even before we ask. So prayer is not to inform God of our situations but for us to humble ourselves and to submit to Him. Prayer is clear evidence that we do not to rely on ourselves but on God. Let’s do that.

神是垂听祷告的神。以色列人为奴做苦工，就叹息哀求，他们的哀声达于神（出2:23）。你是否相信我们的神是垂听祷告的神呢？若是，你是否有祷告？出埃及记2:25说：“神看顾以色列人，也知道他们的苦情。”是的，神看见我们的处境，并在我们开口之前已知道我们的情况。所以，祷告不是通知神的工具，而是叫我们谦卑自己并顺服祂。祷告表明我们不依靠自己，而是靠神。让我们这样做吧。

The Nation Growing 民族的增长.

God promised that the descendants of Abraham would multiply greatly, and they did (Gen. 13:16; 15:5). God keeps His word and accomplishes His purposes in His time. Over the centuries, nations have tried to destroy Israel but have not succeeded. God gave Israel a special promise in Genesis 12:3, and He is keeping it. God’s children today should pray for Israel (Ps. 122:6), share the gospel with them (Rom. 1:16), and minister to them in practical ways (Rom. 15:25–27).

神应许亚伯拉罕的后裔将繁衍，而他们确实如此（创13:16; 15:5）。神守诺言，并按自己的时间成就旨意。数世纪以来，许多国家试图消灭以色列但都没有成功。神在创世记12:3给了以色列一个特别的应许，且如今持守着。神今日的儿女应该为以色列祷告（诗122:6）、向他们传福音（罗1:16），并以实际行动服侍他们（罗15:25-27）。

The Nation Groaning 民族的哀声.

God told Abraham that his people would experience suffering (Gen. 15:13–14). It is easy for nations and local churches to forget the heroes of yesterday (Heb. 13:7–8). Although we must not “embalm” the past, we certainly must not forget those who helped to make our future possible.

神已经告诉亚伯拉罕，他的子民必会经历痛苦（创15:13-14）。无论是国家或教会，我们常常忘记过去的英雄（来13:7-8）。虽然我们不应该“停留”在过去，但我们定不能忘记那些为我们创造未来的人。

The new Pharaoh was more concerned about national security than human decency. When people become a means to an end instead of an end in themselves, we are not treating them as God wants us to. Enslaving the men was Egypt’s solution to “the Jewish problem.”

比起人类的尊严，新法老更关心国家的安全。他把人看作为达到目的一种手段，并没有按神的要求待人。把犹太人当成奴役是埃及对“犹太人问题”的解决方案。

The Nation Facing Distinction 民族面临灭绝.

The new king not only enslaved the Jewish people, he planned to annihilate the race of Jewish people by instructing the midwives to kill the new born baby boys. However the midwives believed and obeyed God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Thank God for concerned people who will courageously defend the little ones!

新法老不仅使犹太人成为奴隶，他也指示收生婆把新生犹太男婴都杀掉，从而消灭犹太民族。然而，收生婆敬畏并顺服神而不是人（徒5:29）。我们为这些勇敢保护婴儿的人感谢神！

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. God promised Abraham that He will multiply Abraham’s descendants greatly and it is amazing to watch how God did it. It grew from 70 men (Gen. 46:27) to 603,000 males (Num 1:46), who were 20 years of age and older, thus allowing for a total population of about 2 million departing from Egypt. The seed of Abraham was no longer an extended family, but a nation. The promise that his descendants would be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 35:11, 12) had indeed been fulfilled in Egypt. Do you trust God’s promises? Let’s pray that you do.

神应许亚伯拉罕他的后裔将繁衍，而当我们看神成就这事的时候，的确奇妙！犹太人从70名男子（创46:27）增至603,000名（民1:46），而这些指的是20岁以上的男子。所以，从埃及出来的总人数约有200万人。亚伯拉罕的后裔不再是一个大家庭，它已成为一国。他的后裔要生养众多的应许，已经在埃及成就了（创35:11,12）。你相信神的应许吗？让我们祷告叫自己确实信神。

2. A new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. (Ex. 1:8) This is probably refers a Hyksos king (1730–1570 b.c.) who arose against Pharaoh during a period of political disintegration after Joseph. The term “arose” signifies “rose against,” which accords well with a foreign seizure of the Egyptian throne. Without Joseph and the blessing of God, Egypt has deteriorated into such a pitiful stage where it was taken over by a foreign king. Without God and His blessing we will be overcome by pride, lust and self-centeredness. Let’s pray that we constantly walk with God and ask God to help us to live in a healthy fear of Him.

一位不认识约瑟的新埃及王兴起了（出1:8）。这可能是指希克索斯王（公元前1730年至1570年），即在约瑟后的政治解体期间对抗法老的。“兴起”的原文是“起来反对”，对一个外来的人抢夺埃及王位的叙述妥当。没有约瑟和神的祝福，埃及已经沦落到如此可怜的地步，以致被外来国王占领了。如果没有神和祂的祝福，我们将被骄傲、私欲和自我占据。让我们祷告，叫我们不断与神同行，并祈求神帮助我们每一日都能敬畏祂。

3. The midwives feared and obeyed God, not man. And the Lord blessed them. Do you fear God and obey him?

收生婆敬畏并顺服神而不是人，神就厚待她们。你敬畏并顺服神吗？