GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP | 恩道堂

It would not be easy for Jacob, now 130 years old, to leave the land God gave him and go to Egypt. Moving to a new home is usually a difficult experience, and the older we are, the more difficult it is. Furthermore, Abraham got into trouble in Egypt (12:10ff.), and God had stopped Isaac from going there (26:2ff.).

如今130岁的雅各要离开神所赐予他的这块土地到埃及去，着实不是容易。搬迁到新家已是难事，更何况年数又高。此外，亚伯拉罕就是在埃及闯祸陷入困境的（12:10），而神也曾经阻止以撒下到埃及（26:2）。

But Jacob was able to go with confidence and peace because he was sure of God’s promise and presence (46:1–4). Furthermore, Jacob knew that God had gone before him and that Joseph was there making everything ready for him. The future is your friend when Jesus is your Lord and you follow Him.

然，雅各能带着信心和安宁前往埃及，乃因他心知神的应许与同在（46:1-4）。更何况，雅各也知道神已经行在他前面，而约瑟也在埃及为他做好一切的准备。当耶稣是你的主而你又是跟从耶稣的，未来就是你的朋友。

Jacob was a blessing in Egypt. He blessed Pharaoh (47:7, 10), Joseph and Joseph’s sons (48:15, 20), and all twelve of the sons of Israel (49:1ff.). God blesses us that we might be a blessing. Circumstances change, but God never changes.

雅各在埃及成为每一个人的祝福。他祝福法老（47:7,10）、约瑟及他的儿子（48:15，20），并自己的十二个儿子（49:1）。神祝福我们，叫我们也能成为别人的祝福。环境虽变，但神是永不会改变的。

Egypt was a haven for Jacob and his family, and there God protected them and built of them a great people. But Jacob knew that Egypt was not his home, Canaan was; and he wanted to be buried there with the others who had made the same pilgrimage of faith. He was a testimony in life, and he wanted to be a testimony in death. Despite his mistakes and failures in life, Jacob ended well.

埃及对雅各一家来说是天堂——在那里有神的保护，神又使他们为大。但雅各知道，埃及不是他的家；迦南地才是。他想与其他有着同样信心的客旅同葬。他生时为神作见证，死后仍望如此。尽管他犯过错，摔过跤，雅各仍打了一场美好的仗。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Change is something most people, perhaps especially the elderly, fear and resist. Moreover, Egypt was a pagan land. Perhaps Jacob was fearful because his grandfather Abraham had gotten into serious trouble by going to Egypt (12:10ff). His father Isaac was also stopped by the Lord when he was going to Egypt (26:1–2). Egypt could be a dangerous place for God’s pilgrims. But the Lord came to Jacob at night and assured him that it was safe for him and his family to relocate. Why did God want Jacob’s family to live in Egypt? Because God plans to use the hands of Egyptians to mold them into a mighty nation (12:2). In a spiritual sense, we all are in “Egypt” now because we are living in this pagan world. Let’s humble ourselves and completely rely on God for every step we take here on earth.

改变是多数人所恐惧和抗拒的，特别是老年人。更何况，埃及是一个异教之地。雅各或许感到害怕，因为他的祖父亚伯拉罕在埃及惹过大麻烦（12:10 ff），神也阻止过他的父亲以撒到下埃及（26:1-2）。埃及对神的客旅而言或许是个危险之地，但主夜间在异象中对雅各说他可以放心地与家人迁往埃及。神为什么要雅各一家住埃及呢？因为神计划通过埃及人的手把他们塑造成强大之国（12:2）。在属灵意义上，我们现在就居住在“埃及”里，因为我们都生活在这个异教世界中。让我们谦卑，在这世上所行的每一步都完全依靠神。

2. When Abraham was nearing death, his desire was to find a wife for Isaac and transfer to him the blessings of the covenant (chap. 24). When Isaac was on his dying bed, he wanted to eat his favorite meal and then bless his favorite son, who was not chosen by God. (chap. 27) For Jacob, his concern was to bless Joseph, whom he had made his firstborn (49:3–4; 1 Chron. 5:2), and then adopt Joseph’s two sons as his own to replace his second son, Simeon, and third son, Levi (Gen. 49:5–7). Levi and Simeon were punished for their sins at Shechem (Gen. 34). Lord, help us to finish to race well as Paul has said. (2Ti 4:7)

亚伯拉罕临死前的愿望是为以撒寻妻，并把立约的祝福赐给以撒（第24章）。当以撒垂死在床上时，他想的是自己最爱吃的食物，并想要祝福没有被神拣选，但又是自己最喜爱的儿子（第27章）。雅各所关注的则是祝福他所立的长子约瑟（49:3-4；代上5:2），然后领养约瑟之子以取代自己的两个儿子西缅和利未（创49:5-7）。利未和西缅在示剑（创34）因自己的罪孽受惩罚。主啊，助我们能像雅各和保罗一样打完那美好的仗（提后4:7）。

3. There’s also a revelation of the Messiah, who had been promised to Jacob’s people. In these words of Jacob, you meet Shiloh (v. 10), Salvation (Yeshua, 18), the Mighty One, the Shepherd, and the Stone (v. 24), and the Almighty (v. 25), all of which point to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Dear Lord help us to see you in Scripture especially Old Testament.

这里也包含了有关弥赛亚的启示，即神所应许雅各之民的。从雅各的话中，我们听到示罗（49:10）、救世主（耶稣，49:18）、大能者、大牧者、盘石（49:24）和全能的（49:25）称呼，即都指向我们的救主耶稣基督。亲爱的主，请助我们在圣经中看到你，尤其是在旧约里。

Recognition 辨别

When Joseph saw that his brothers’ hearts were humble, and when he heard them confess their sins, he knew it was safe to reveal his identity to them. Had he done it earlier, they would not have been ready for the blessings he had for them; and had he waited longer, the men might have been in total despair. Our Lord knows just how to work in our lives to bring us to submission. Joseph could have fed them and their father without going through this lengthy procedure, but it would only have further ruined their character.

当约瑟看到兄弟们的心确实已谦卑下来，又听到他们为自己的罪忏悔时，他知道向兄弟透露自己身份的时机已到了。如果早一点，兄弟们或许还未做好接受祝福的准备；但如果再延迟，兄弟们可能已经完全绝望了。我们的主知道要如何在我们的心里动工，叫我们顺服。约瑟大可无需经过这漫长的过程照顾自己的兄弟和父亲，但这只会进一步阻碍他们品格的培养。

Reconciliation 和好

Joseph said, “Please come near to me” (v. 4). He had forgiven them, but they were still afraid. In fact, they would still be afraid seventeen years later (50:15–21). In Jesus Christ, we have been reconciled to God, and we need not fear judgment (Rom. 8:1; 2 Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:20). God wants us to draw near to Him (Heb. 10:19–25; James 4:8).

当约瑟说:“请你们近前来”（4节），他已经原谅了兄弟们，但他们仍觉害怕。事实上，十七年后他们仍然感到害怕（50:15-21）。在耶稣基督里，我们已经与神和好，我们无需害怕审判（罗8:1；林后5:18；西1:20）。神的确要我们亲近祂（来10:19-25；雅4:8）。

Reassurance 保证

Joseph explained to them that God had sent him before them to preserve the nation so that Israel could be a blessing to all the earth (12:1–3). God’s providential purpose did not minimize their sins or negate their responsibility (Acts 2:23; 3:13–18), but it did help to ease their fear and sorrow. Joseph further reassured them by giving them rich gifts and promising to care for the whole family. The gifts he sent home helped to give Jacob the assurance he needed that Joseph indeed was alive.

约瑟向他们解释神差遣他在他们面前来保守国家，使以色列能成为全地的祝福（12:1-3）。神的主权与旨意并不能成为减轻他们的罪与责任的借口（徒2:23；3:13-18），但它确实有助于缓解他们的恐惧和悲伤。约瑟还借着送丰厚的礼物使他们心安，并且承诺要照顾整个家族。他所送回家的礼物让雅各确实知道约瑟还活着。

Joseph knew his brothers, so he admonished them: “Don’t be angry with yourselves!” (v. 5), and “Don ’t quarrel on the journey!” (v. 24). We quickly lose the blessing when we fail to accept Christ’s forgiveness and then love one another. (See 1 John 4:7ff.)

约瑟了解他的兄弟，所以他告诫他们：“不要因为把我卖到这里自忧自恨！”（5节）和“你们不要在路上相争！”（24节）。当我们不接受基督的宽恕而开始彼此相爱时，便会很快地失去祝福（约一4:7）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. The simple statement “I am Joseph” exploded like a bomb in their ears and brought terror to their hearts. They were speechless. Every mouth was dropped as they stood guilty before their judge (Rom. 3:19). Yes, Joseph’s brothers were guilty. Yes, they were responsible for Joseph’s sufferings, but God used them to accomplish His divine purposes. The story of Joseph encourages us to recognize the sovereignty of God in the affairs of life and to trust His promises no matter how dark the day may be. “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” (Prov 19:21) Dear Lord, help me to trust You no matter what happens because you are a sovereign, loving, gracious and wise God.

一句简单的话：“我是约瑟”，如雷震耳，使约瑟的兄弟惊慌。他们无话可说。站在罪的面前受审判，他们百口莫辩（罗3:19）。是的，约瑟的兄弟的确有罪。是的，约瑟的苦难是他们的错，但神使用它来完成自己神圣的目的。约瑟的故事鼓励我们：无论夜有多黑，我们要意识到神在我们生活中的主权，并信靠祂的应许。“人心多有计谋；惟有耶和华的筹算才能立定。”（箴19:21）亲爱的主，请帮助我在任何情况下都要信靠您，因为您是一位有主权，有爱，有恩典和满有智慧的神。

2. Since Joseph could see his brothers’ mixed responses of fear and bewilderment, he encouraged them with words that came from a loving and forgiving heart. Joseph even urged them not to be angry with themselves (v. 5) and don’t quarrel on the road (v24). What a loving and tender heart of Joseph! Dear Lord, help me to be like Joseph. Even he suffered years of toil and pains he still can forgive because he sees God in the situation. Help me to be forgiving, loving and gracious like our Lord Jesus Christ.

约瑟从兄弟们身上看到恐惧和困惑交杂的反应，因此他以一个充满爱和宽恕的心来鼓励他们。约瑟甚至敦促他们“不要因为把我卖到这里自忧自恨！”（5节），也 “不要在路上相争！”（24节）约瑟的心是如此充满着爱和温柔啊！亲爱的主，助我能像约瑟一样，即使遭受了多年的辛劳和痛苦，仍然可以原谅自己的弟兄，因为他以您的眼光看待一切。请助我做个宽容、亲切、有爱心的人，就像我们的主耶稣基督一样。

These chapters describe Joseph’s dealings with his brothers and the brothers’ consequent confrontations with their father. The ten brothers had sinned against both Jacob and Joseph, but they thought that Joseph was dead and their sin was safely hidden. Joseph had to deal with them patiently, honestly, and decisively, just the way the Lord works with us when we have tried to cover our sins.

这几个篇章描述的是约瑟与他兄弟的来往，以及他兄弟们后来与父亲的对峙。这十个兄弟得罪了雅各和约瑟，但他们以为约瑟已死了，罪也被埋没了。当他们试图掩盖自己的罪时，约瑟就必须就象主待我们一样，当我们试图掩盖自己的罪时，以耐心、坦率和果断的方式待他们。

Joseph’s immediate goal was to get all eleven brothers to Egypt to fulfill the dream God had given him more than twenty years before. However his ultimate goal was to get them to confess their sins and be reconciled to him and Jacob. The men had to come to the place where their mouths were stopped (44:16; Rom. 3:19).

约瑟即刻要做的是将十一位兄弟带来埃及，成就二十多年前神在梦里给予他的启示。但是，他最终的目标是要兄弟们为自己的罪悔改，并和自己与父亲和好。人必须学会塞住自己的口（44:16，罗3:19）。

In a masterful way, Joseph wove these two purposes together as he spoke roughly to them, accused them of crimes, and insisted on their bringing Benjamin to Egypt. Outwardly, he was a stern ruler; but behind the scenes, he was a weeping brother.

当约瑟与兄弟谈话时，他巧妙地把两个目的结合在一起：一方面指责他们的罪，另一方面坚持他们必须把便雅悯带来埃及。从表面上来看，他是一位严厉的统治者，但在背后却是一位哭泣的兄弟。

Jacob’s responses mirror our responses to God’s providential disciplines: “Everything is against me!” (42:36); “Why didn’t you do it differently?” (43:6); “Take a gift along” (43:11 [always the schemer!]); “If it has to be, it has to be!” (43:14). From pessimism to fatalism, and very little faith.

雅各对神管教的回应和我们相似：“这些事都归到我身上了！”（42:36）；“你们为什么这样害我？”（43:6）;“ 带下去送给那人做礼物”（43:11【仍在算计！】）“我若丧了儿子，就丧了吧！”（43:14）。从悲观至极到听天由命，这都是没有信心的表现。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Be sure your sin will find you out. (Num. 32:23). The ten brothers thought that Joseph was dead and their sin was safely hidden. However, God is righteous and He will by no means leave the guilty (Nah 1:3) However, the Bible also said, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1Jo 1:9) Dear Lord, Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Ps. 139:23-24)

要知道你的罪必找上你（民32:23）。这十位兄弟以为约瑟已死了，他们的罪也就被埋没了。然而，神是公义的，祂绝不使有罪的成为无罪（鸿1:3）。但圣经也说：“我们若认自己的罪，神是信实的，是公义的，必要赦免我们的罪，洗净我们一切的不义（约一1:9）。亲爱的主，求你鉴察我，知道我的心思！试炼我，知道我的意念！看在我里面有什么恶行没有，引导我走永生的道路！（诗139:23-24）

2. Joseph’s pent up emotions had reached its limit and he had to leave the room and wept privately. This is the first of six such records; for Joseph also wept when he saw his brother Benjamin (43:29–30), when he revealed himself to his brothers (45:2), when he met his father in Egypt (46:29), when his father died (50:1), and when he assured his brothers that they were truly forgiven (v. 17). That which makes a person weep is a good test of character. Do you weep occasionally? Does it reveal the true desires of your hearts or character? Let’s search our hearts and pray to God.

当约瑟再也无法压抑自己的情绪，他就不得不离开房间私下哭泣。这是六个记录约瑟哭泣的第一回。当他看到自己的弟弟便雅悯时，他也哭了（43:29-30）；当他向兄弟们透露自己的身份时（45:2）；当他在埃及见到了父亲时（46:29）；当父亲去世时（50:1）；还有当他向兄弟们保证已经原谅他们时（17节），他都哭了。什么会使一人哭泣呢？那是测试人内心的一个好工具。你偶尔会哭泣吗？它揭示你心里真实的愿望或性格吗？让我们鉴察自己的心并向神祷告。

3. Jacob’s responses mirror our responses to God’s providential disciplines: “Everything is against me!” (42:36); “Why did you treat me so badly?” (43:6); “If it has to be, it has to be!” (43:14) This is getting from bad to worst; from pessimism to fatalism. It demonstrates very little faith on our part. It shows our ignorance of God and His love and wisdom. Do we behave the same way as Jacob when facing trials? Let’s examine ourselves and respond to God accordingly.

雅各对神管教的回应和我们相似：“这些事都归到我身上了”（42:36）；“你们为什么这样害我？”（43:6）;“ 我若丧了儿子，就丧了吧！”（43:14）。他的回应越来越糟，从悲观到听天由命。这代表我们是小信的人，也显示我们对神的爱和祂智慧的无知。当我们经试炼的时候，我们是否和雅各一样？让我们审查自己，并在祷告中回应神。

Explanation 解释

For two years, Joseph was forgotten by the chief butler, but he was not forgotten by the Lord. It is disappointing to depend on people, for often their help never comes (Ps. 60:11; 146:3). Speaking to the world’s greatest ruler, Joseph was careful to give all the glory to God (vv. 16, 25, 28, 32).

埃及的管家把约瑟忘得一干二净，但主却没忘记他。依赖人只会带来失望，因人的帮助常常不会到（诗60:11：146:3）。与世界最伟大的统治者说话时，我们看到约瑟仍蓄意将荣耀都归于神（vv.16，25，28，32）。

Exaltation 高举

God always exalts the humble “in due time” (1 Pet. 5:6). Joseph started as a servant, but then God made him a ruler (Matt. 25:21). He experienced suffering before God gave him glory (1 Pet. 5:10). God invested thirteen years in making a man out of Joseph; when it comes to building character, God is never in a hurry.

神“到了时候”必高举谦卑的人（彼前5:6）。约瑟初始是个仆人，但神最后使他成为统治者（马25:21）。他要受苦难后，神才给他荣耀（彼前5:10）。神用了13年的时间塑造约瑟；论到树立品格之事，神从不着急。

Expectation 期望

Joseph’s new name probably means “the one who furnishes nourishment to the land.” He got married and named his two sons Manasseh (“one who forgets”) and Ephraim (“double fruit”). Joseph determined to forget the past and live for the future. In the Bible, forgetting means “not holding it against another.” Joseph certainly did not forget what his brothers did, but he did not hold it against them. Instead, he concentrated on living a fruitful life to the glory of God.

约瑟的新名之意，或许是“为土地提供营养”。他结了婚，并为两个儿子起名为玛拿西（“使之忘记”）和以法莲（“使之昌盛”）。约瑟执意要忘记过去，展望未来。在圣经中，忘记就是“不再怪罪于另一人”。约瑟肯定无法忘记他的兄弟对自己所做的事，但他决定不再怪罪于他们。相反，他刻意要过着一个充实的生命来荣耀神。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Joseph was forgotten by the chief butler but he was not forgotten by the Lord. God caused Pharaoh to have two dreams that no one can interpret. God prodded the cupbearer to remember Joseph and brought him to the Pharaoh. In front of the greatest ruler of the world, Joseph was humble before God and gave honor to the only true and living God (v. 16; see also 40:8; Dan. 2:27–28). Lord, help us not to fear man but you alone.

首席管家把约瑟忘得一干二净，但主并没忘记他。神使法老做了两个无人能解释的梦。神使酒政记起约瑟并把他带到法老前。在世界上最伟大统治者前，约瑟在神面前谦卑自己，并把荣耀归给那独一真神（16节；40:8；但2:27-28）。主啊，助我们唯独敬畏您而不是人。

2. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Prov. 21:1, NKJV). Joseph’s demeanor, his skill at interpreting dreams, and his wisdom in finding a solution to the problem of the famine all impressed Pharaoh and convinced him that Joseph was the man for the job. Thirteen years before, his brothers had stripped him of his special robe, but now Pharaoh gave him a robe far greater significance. Lord, help us to humble ourselves under your mighty hand so that at the proper time you may exalt us. (1Pe 5:6)

“王的心在耶和华手中，好像陇沟的水随意流转”（箴21:1）。约瑟的风范、他诠释梦的技巧，与他在为饥荒寻找解决方案的智慧让法老留下深刻的印象，使法老确信约瑟能治理埃及全地。十三年前，约瑟的兄弟剥光了他特殊的长袍，但是现在，法老给他一件具有更大荣誉的长袍。主，请帮助我们在您大能的手下谦卑自己，叫我们到了时候，您可高举我们（彼前5:6）。

3. Joseph accomplished some wonderful things including overcoming trial and temptation in Egypt. But there was one more achievement that in some ways was greatest of all: He was enabled by God’s grace to wipe out the pains and bad memories of the past and make a new beginning. The name of his son Manasseh means “forgetting.” Joseph didn’t forget his family or the events that occurred, but he did forget the pain and suffering that they caused. He realized that God meant it for good (50:20). Therefore, looking at the past from that perspective, he attained victory over his bad memories and bitterness. Lord, help us be like Joseph so that we can forget past pains and make a new beginning.

约瑟一生颇有惊人的成就，包括在埃及胜过试炼和试探。但他最伟大的成就是在神的恩典下抹去过往的一切痛苦和不好的回忆，重新开始。他的儿子之名“玛拿西”意思就是“忘记”；约瑟没有忘记他的家人或所发生的事，但他忘记了其中的痛苦和苦难。他意识到神的旨意思原是好的（50:20）。因此，当约瑟从这个角度看自己的过去，他就能战胜那一些不好的回忆和辛酸。主，请助我们像约瑟一样，可以忘记过去的痛苦，能有崭新的开始。

The key to Joseph’s victory was his godly character, and the basis for that character was his recognition that he belonged to God and served Him (39:9). “The Lord was with Joseph” is often repeated (39:2, 3, 21, 23).

约瑟得胜的秘诀是他的虔诚，因为他明白自己属于神，是事奉神的。注意“主与约瑟同在” 这句话不断地在经文中重复（39:2，3，21，23）。

The Lord is with us as we work, and we should do our work as unto Him (Eph. 6:5–8). He is with us when we are tempted and will show us the way to escape (1 Cor. 10:13). We must keep away from temptation (Rom. 13:14); and if it gets too close, we must run away (2 Tim. 2:22). It is better to flee and lose your garment than fall and lose your character.

当我们工作时，主与我们同在，而我们当向侍奉主一样工作（弗6:5-8）。当我们受试探时，祂仍然与我们同在，并为我们指出出路（林前10:13）。是的，我们必须远离试探（罗13:14）；如果试探太靠近，我们必须逃（提前2:22）。赶紧逃离，丢下衣服，总比失去人格强。

God is with us as we wait. Joseph spent two difficult years working in the prison, but he held to his faith and did what he could to serve others. The experience helped to “put iron into his soul” (Ps. 105:17–22). If the Lord controls us, it makes little difference who commands us.

等待时，神也与我们同在。约瑟在狱中艰辛工作两年，但他持守自己的信仰，并竭尽所能服事他人。这经历坚固了他的信心（诗105:17-22）。如果掌管我们的是主，那么谁命令我们就无分别了。

The fact that Joseph could interpret the dreams of the baker and butler indicates that he understood the meaning of his own dreams. He knew that one day his eleven brothers would have to bow before him. What an encouragement that was to his faith!

约瑟能够解释膳长和管家的梦，就表示约瑟也能解自己所作的梦。他知道自己的十一位兄弟终有一日将在他面前低头。他的信心必因此受到极大的鼓励，因为祂知道神的旨意！

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Joseph had suffered in a pit because of the hatred of his brothers, but now he would face an even greater danger because of the lust of a woman. Potiphar’s wife seduced him and Joseph fled. There are times when fleeing could be a mark of cowardice (Ps. 11:1–2; Neh. 6:11), but there are also times when fleeing is evidence of courage and integrity. Joseph was wise enough to follow the same advice Paul gave to Timothy, “Flee the evil desires of youth” (2 Tim. 2:22). Lord, we want to flee from the evil desires of youth. So help us, Lord.

约瑟较早前因为兄弟的嫉妒而掉入坑里，但现在却因一个女人的情欲陷入更大的危机。波 提 乏的妻子勾引约瑟，而他逃跑了。有时候，逃跑是懦弱的表现（诗11:1-2；尼6:11），但它也可以是人的勇气与正直的凭据。约瑟有智慧，像保罗给提摩太的劝告一样“逃避少年的私欲”（提后2:22）。主啊，我们要逃避少年的私欲。请帮助我们。

2. For the second time in his life, Joseph lost a garment (Gen. 39:12; 37:23ff); but as the Puritan preacher said, “Joseph lost his coat but he kept his character.” Self-control is an important factor in building character and preparing us for leadership. “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls” (Prov. 25:28). Joseph exercised self-control, but Samson used his body to gratify his own pleasures; and Joseph ended up ruling on a throne, while Samson ended his life buried in a pile of rubble (Jud. 16:23–31). Dear Lord, help us to learn self control in every aspect of our life so we are able to resist temptation when it comes.

约瑟在他的生命中第二次失去衣裳（创39:12;参见37:23）；但就如清教徒所说的：“约瑟失去了衣裳，但保全了自己的品格。”节制是塑造品格的要素，也预备一人当领导。“人不制伏自己的心，好像毁坏的城邑没有墙垣”（箴25:28）。约瑟操练节制，最终成为埃及的宰相；参孙则放纵情欲，导致他死在一堆瓦砾中（士16:23-31）。亲爱的主，请帮助我们在生命里的各个方面学习节制，叫试探来临时能抵挡它。

3. When he was at home in Hebron, Joseph’s brothers considered him to be a trouble-maker, but in Egypt, he was a source of blessing because God was with him. God promised Abraham that his descendants would bring blessing to other nations (12:1–3), and Joseph not only fulfilled that promise in Egypt, he also saved the Israel and his own family from famine. Dear Lord, help us to be blessing to the people around us especially our family.

当约瑟在希伯伦时，约瑟的哥哥认为他是一个挑拨是非的人，但在埃及时，他却成为了祝福的来源，因为神与他同在。神应许亚伯拉罕，他的后裔将带来其他国家祝福（12:1-3），约瑟在埃及不仅实现了这一承诺，他还从饥荒中拯救了以色列和自己的家庭。亲爱的主，请帮助我们成为我们周围的人的祝福，尤其是我们的家人。

The events in this chapter seem to interrupt the story, but why is this story here? One of the major purposes of Genesis is to record the origin and development of the family of Jacob, the founder of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Israelites went down to Egypt a large family, and four centuries later they came out of Egypt a large nation. Since the tribe of Judah is the royal tribe from which the Messiah would come (49:10), anything related to Judah is vital to the story in Genesis. Without this chapter, you’d wonder at finding Tamar and Perez in our Lord’s genealogy (Matt. 1:3). Perez was an ancestor of King David (Ruth 4:18–22) and therefore an ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1).

本章中的事件似乎打断了故事的发展——为何要在此提及这事儿？《创世记》主要目的之一是记录雅各家族的起源与发展，即以色列十二支派的创始人。以色列人下到埃及时是个大家庭，但四百年后出埃及时，已成为一大国。由于弥赛亚是从犹大支派而来（49:10），任何与犹大相关的事对《创世纪》来说是至关重要的。如果没有这一章，你就不会晓得主家谱中的他玛和法勒斯是从何而来的（太1:3）。法勒斯是大卫王的祖先（得4:18-22），因此也是耶稣基督肉身的祖先（马1:1）。

Judah marrying a Canaanite woman was clearly disobedience God’s command (24:3; 2 Cor. 6:14–7:1). When we disobey, we will reap the consequences sin brings to us. Two of his sons were slain by God, and then his wife died. What a tragedy! It was expected that the next son would marry the widow and thus preserve the family, but Judah did not intend to keep his promise (v. 11). Although Tamar’s purpose was good but her plan was wicked. Leaving the signet and staff was like leaving fingerprints, because each man’s was distinctive. Judah was quick to condemn Tamar for sinning, but he was blind his own sins toward Joseph and Tamar.

犹大娶了迦南女子，显然是不服从神的命令（24:3；林前6:14-7:1）。当我们不顺服时，我们就要承担罪所带来的后果。耶和华叫他的两个儿子死了，然后自己的妻子也死了。何等悲哀啊！按条例，下一个儿子当迎娶寡妇，以保全家庭，但犹大并不打算履行承诺d（11节）。虽然他玛的出发点是好的，但她的计划是邪恶的。犹大留下的印、带子和杖就如留下指纹一样，因为这些物品都是能表明身份。犹大能迅速指出他玛的罪行，却看不到自己冒犯了约瑟和他玛。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. This chapter shows how dangerous it was for God’s people to be in the land with the Canaanites. There will always be temptations. Judah got himself into trouble when he separated himself from his brothers and started to make friends with the Canaanites in the land. Like Samson, he saw a woman he liked and took her to be his wife (v. 2; Jud. 14). Lord, help us to be careful and watchful in observing your commands especially in this unbelieving world. Help us not to stray away from your people like Judah.

本章告诉我们神的子民在迦南地是何等危险的：那里总是充满了诱惑。当犹大离开自己的兄弟并开始与迦南人交往时，他便把自己陷入困境中。如参孙一样，当他看见自己喜爱的女人时，就不顾神的命令把她迎娶为妻（2节；士14）。主啊，请帮助我们在这不信的世界里更要谨守遵行您的命令。请助我们不要像犹大一样偏离您的子民。

2. There is also a big contrast between Judah’s sin and Joseph’s victory (chap. 39), and we realize the importance of purity. Joseph refused to compromise himself with Potiphar’s wife (Gen. 39:7–20), but his brother Judah casually slept with a strange prostitute. We also see the continued practice of deception in the family. Jacob used a garment to deceive his father Isaac, and Judah and his brothers used a garment to deceive Jacob (37:32). Now Tamar used a garment to deceive Judah! (Gen. 38:14) We reap what we sow. Lord, keep us pure and faithful.

犹大的罪和约瑟的胜利（39章）形成了强烈的对比——这让我们意识到圣洁的重要性。约瑟拒绝向波提乏的妻子妥协（创39:7-20），但他的兄弟犹大却随性与一个妓女共处。我们也看到这家族里的成员不断使用欺诈的手段。雅各用衣服欺骗自己的父亲以撒，而犹大和兄弟也用衣服欺骗的雅各（37:32）。现在，他玛也用衣服欺骗犹大（创38:14）！我们是会自食其果的。主啊，请使我们心里洁净，做诚实的人。

3. The story of the patriarchs in Genesis reminds us of God’s grace and sovereignty. The men and women who played a part in this important drama weren’t perfect and yet the Lord used them to accomplish His purposes. This doesn’t mean that God approved of their sins, because their sins were ultimately revealed and judged. But it does mean that God can take the weak things of this world and accomplish His purposes (1 Cor. 1:26-31). Thank you Lord and help us not to tarnish your good name but to fulfill your will on this world.

《创世记》里先祖的故事提醒我们神有恩典和主权。其中的人物都不完美，但主仍然使用他们成就自己的旨意。这并不代表神允许他们犯罪，因为他们的罪行最终都被揭露，也受到审判。可是，我们看到神可以用这世上软弱的事物来完成自己的目的（哥前1:26-31）。感谢主，请帮助我们不要玷污您美好的名声，但能这个世界上完成您的旨意。

The statement “These are the generations of Jacob” (v. 2) informs us that we’re moving into a new section of the Book of Genesis, which will be devoted to Jacob, whom we’ve already met while reading about “the generations of Isaac” (25:19).

这句“雅各的记略如下”（第2节）告诉我们，我们正进入《创世记》一个新的段落，一个专为雅各所设的阶段，一位我们在“以撒的记略”已看到的人物（25:19）。

The history of Joseph can be read on at least three different levels. If we read it simply as literature, we discover a fascinating story involving a doting father, a pampered son, some jealous brothers, a conniving wife, and an international food crisis. It’s no wonder that for centuries creative artists have turned to this story for inspiration.

约瑟的历史可以用至少三个不同的层次来阅读。如果我们把它当作文学品，就会发现它是一个非常吸引人的故事，其涉及到一个溺爱孩子的父亲、一个受宠的儿子、一些嫉妒的兄弟、一个放纵的妻子，以及一个国际性粮食危机。难怪几个世纪以来，许多富有创造的艺术家纷纷从这故事里寻找灵感。

But Genesis 37-50 is much more than a piece of dramatic literature; for when you penetrate deeper, you discover a story abounding with profound theological implications. The hand of God is evident in every scene, ruling and overruling the decisions people make; and in the end, God builds a hero, saves a family, and creates a nation that will bring blessing to the whole world. Behind this story is the heart of the covenant-making God, who always keeps His promises.

然，《创世记》37至50章的篇幅远远超出一个戏剧化的文学作品；当你更深入挖掘时，你会发现这是一个富有深奥神学意义的故事。神的手在每一个场景都可见，掌管人所做的每一个决定，而最终，神立了一位英雄、拯救了一户家庭，并创建了一个将带给全世界祝福的国家。这个故事勾画出了那位立约之神的心，即那位始终遵守自己应许的神。

For the Christian believer, there’s a third level to the story; for Joseph is one of the richest illustrations of Jesus Christ found in the Old Testament. Joseph is like Jesus in that he was beloved by his father and obedient to his will; hated and rejected by his own brethren and sold as a slave; falsely accused and unjustly punished; finally elevated from the place of suffering to a powerful throne, thus saving his people from death. The major difference, of course, is that Joseph was only reported to be dead, while Jesus Christ did give His life on the cross and was raised from the dead in order to save us.

对基督徒而言，这故事还有第三个层面，因为约瑟是耶稣基督在旧约中最丰富的代表。约瑟有许多地方和耶稣相似，即被自己父亲疼爱和顺服父亲旨意、遭到自己心爱弟兄的憎恨和拒绝并被卖为奴仆、被诬告和受到不公正的处罚；最终从痛苦中被提升到拥有至高的特权，并且拯救子民免于死亡。主要的区别，当然就是约瑟最终死了，而耶稣不但在十字架上舍命，而并从死里复活，为拯救我们。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. God’s goal for all His children is that we become like His Son (Rom. 8:29). The goal is glorious, but the process is painful. Both Jesus and Joseph had to suffer before they could enter into glory (Luke 24:26; 1 Pet. 5:10). Had Joseph remained at home, his father probably would have pampered him and ruined his character. God knew what was best. Lord, help me to appreciate your goodness and your love to mold us into your image. Please help us to humble ourselves and be willing to accept your discipline with joy.

神对所有属祂孩子的旨意就是要我们更像主耶稣（罗8:29）。这旨意是荣耀的；但过程是痛苦的。在进入荣耀之前，耶稣和约瑟都必须受苦（路24:26；彼前5:10）。如果约瑟继续呆在家里，他的父亲可能会把他宠坏，毁了约瑟的性格。神知道什么是最好的。主啊，帮助我明白你是因着您自己的美善和爱塑造我们，因而感恩。请帮助我们谦卑自己，并乐意愿意接受你的磨练。

2. In the Old Testament, the Lord spoke in dream and He spoke to Jacob in dreams (Gen. 28:12ff; 31:1–13). Joseph’s dreams were to him what God’s Word is to us today. The dreams irritated Joseph’s brothers and even his father became upset and rebuked him; but privately, Jacob pondered the dreams. What would we do if we were one of Joseph’s brothers? Will we submit to God’s plan? Lord, humble us. Let’s us remember the sovereignty belongs to you and you alone. What we need to do is to submit to your lordship and enjoy what you have planned for us.

临到约瑟的梦就好像神的话临到我们一样。在旧约中，耶和华在梦里启示，祂在雅各的梦中和雅各说话（创28:12 FF；31:1-13）。这梦激怒了他的兄弟，甚至连父亲雅各也责备他；但雅各私下自己琢磨这梦的意思。如果我们是约瑟的哥哥，我们会怎么做呢？我们会顺服神的计划吗？主啊，请您使我们谦卑。让我们记住主权属于您，唯独您。我们需要顺服您并享受您为我们所计划的。

Moving from Genesis 34 to Genesis 35 is like going from a desert to a garden. The atmosphere in Genesis 35 is one of faith and obedience, and the emphasis is on cleansing and renewal. God is mentioned ten times in chapter 35; and He used His name El Shaddai, which means “God Almighty, the all-sufficient One.” Best of all, in chapter 35 you see God’s pilgrims making progress and arriving at the place of God’s appointment.

从《创世记》34章读到《创世记》35章就好像从沙漠到了花园一样。《创世记》35章的氛围是信心和顺服，强调了洁净和复新。在第35章中，神的名字就提到十次；而所用的名字是El Shaddai，即“全能神，自给自足的神”。最重要的是在第35章中，我们看到神的朝圣者有了进展，到达了神所预备的地方了。

New Beginning 新的开始

God once more appeared and told Jacob what to do. This was a part of the Bethel promise (28:13–15). We walk by faith when we obey God in spite of circumstances or consequences. But a change in geography does not guarantee a change in life, so Jacob told the whole family to bury the past and get rid of their heathen charms and idols. At Bethel, Jacob built a new altar and worshiped “the God of the house of God.”

神再次出现并指示雅各要做的事。这是伯特利应许的一部分（28:13-15）。“凭信心行事”就是不顾后果顺服神。环境的改变并不一定代表生命的改变，所以雅各要全家忘记过去，并处理掉外邦偶像。雅各在伯特利建立了一个新的祭坛，并且敬拜“在神殿中的神”。

New Sorrow 新的悲伤

Three deaths are recorded in this chapter, for death is one of the facts of life. Jacob’s obedience to God did not prevent him from experiencing trials. He lost a friend, Deborah; a favorite wife, Rachel; and then his beloved father. (In spite of what he said in 27:2, Isaac lived for forty-three years after that!) Perhaps the greatest sorrow of all was the sin of his firstborn son Reuben. Sin is expensive, and this one cost Reuben the birthright (49:3-4; 1 Chron. 5:1).

本章节记录了三个死亡，因为死亡是生命的一部分。雅各对神的顺服并不表示试炼就会终止。雅各失去一个朋友（底波拉）、心爱的妻子（拉结）和敬爱的父亲（纵然他在27:2说的话，以撒仍活了43年！）。但是他最大的悲哀就是他的长子流便的罪。罪的代价是极为昂贵的，而流便因此失去了长子的名分（49:3-4；代前5:1）。

New Joy 新的喜乐

The birth of Benjamin cost Rachel her life (30:1). Jacob wisely changed the name from “son of my sorrow” to “son of my right hand” (the place of honor). It was an act of faith at a time when Jacob’s heart was broken. Like Benjamin, our Lord Jesus is a Son of sorrow (Isa. 53:3) and a Son of the right hand (Ps. 110:1; Mark 16:19). The tribe of Benjamin gave us the apostle Paul (Phil. 3:5), so the mother’s sacrifice bore a rich harvest for the whole world (John 12:24–25).

拉结在生便雅悯时难产而失去了生命（30:1）。雅各明智地把名字从“儿子，我的悲伤” 改成“儿子，我的右手的”（荣誉的位置）。雅各在悲哀时仍能如此行，这是出于信心的。如便雅悯一样，我们主耶稣也是悲伤的儿子（赛53:3）和在右手的儿子（诗110:1；可16:19）。从便雅悯支派而出的有使徒保罗（腓3:5），所以这母亲的牺牲带给了全世界一个极大的祝福（约12:24-25）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. No matter how many times we’ve failed the Lord, we can go back to Him provided we truly repent and obey. It happened to Abraham (13:1-4), Isaac (26:17), David (2 Sam. 12), Jonah (Jonah 3:1-3), and Peter (John 21:15-19); and now it’s happening to Jacob. Jacob returned to God. Dear Lord, I am not fooled by my propensity to sin but help me to rely on you and if I sin again, please help me to repent and return to you and ask for forgiveness immediately.

无论我们辜负主多少次，只要我们真正悔改和服从，我们就可以回到主那里去。这发生在亚伯拉罕（13:1-4）、以撒（26:17）、大卫（撒下12）、约拿（约拿3:1-3）、彼得的身上（约21:15-19）；现在也发生在雅各的身上。亲爱的主，我们不能因习性的犯罪而找借口，请帮助我们更多依靠袮，而若我再次犯罪，请帮助我即刻悔改，并回到你那里请求宽恕。

2. Rachel named his son Ben-oni which means “son of my sorrow.” But Jacob renamed his new son Benjamin, which means “son of my right hand,” that is, a son of honor. The first king of Israel came from the tribe of Benjamin (1 Sam. 9) and the Apostle Paul was also a Benjamite (Phil. 3:5). Jacob’s faith brought him hope rather than sorrow. Lord, help us to see our problems with spiritual lenses. You are a good God and you cause all things to work together for good. So let us receive your grace, including discipline from your hand, with gratitude and learn from it.

拉结为儿子起名为便俄尼，意思是“儿子，我的悲伤”，但雅各改将他改名为便雅悯，即“儿子，我的右手的”，也就是荣耀之子。以色列的第一任国王就是出于便雅悯支派（撒上9），而使徒保罗也是便雅悯人（腓3:5）。雅各的信心带给他的是希望，不是悲伤。主啊，请帮助我们以属灵的眼光看待问题。你是一个良善的神，也使万事互相效力成全你的美意。因此，让我们以感恩的心领受你的恩典，包括管教，并从中学习。

Defilement 玷辱

Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom and lost his daughters (19:30ff.), and Jacob moved too close to Shechem and lost Dinah. She was the daughter of Leah (30:21), which explains why Simeon and Levi became so angry (35:23). Had nobody warned her? Was she out looking for opportunities to sin? Or was she completely overpowered by the prince? It may have been love at first sight, but that didn’t lessen the guilt or tragedy of the sin.

罗得把帐棚往所多玛搭，结果失去了女儿（19:30）。雅各也因与示剑住得太近，所以失去底拿。底拿是利亚所以生的（30:21），这就为什么西缅和利未会如此愤怒（35:23）。难道无人警告过底拿吗？她是在寻找犯罪的机会吗？又或者她是真的完全被王子制服了呢？这或许是一见钟情，但却不能减轻罪责或悲剧的发生。

Deception 诡诈

Note the twofold attempt at deception: Simeon and Levi deceived Hamor, and Hamor thought he deceived them. Jacob’s sons had learned much from watching their father. Dinah’s two brothers were preparing for war while the men of Shechem were preparing for wealth. When the men of the city were unable to fight, Simeon and Levi killed all the men and took the spoils. It was another case of promoting a holy cause in an unholy way and being motivated by hatred of the enemy instead of love for the truth.

请注意这里的双重欺骗：西缅和利未欺骗了哈抹，哈抹也以为自己成功欺骗了他们。雅各的众子已从父亲那里学到了不少。底拿的两兄弟为战争做准备，而示剑人却为财富做准备。当城里的人都无能反抗时，西缅和利未便把所有的男丁都杀了，并掳掠一切作战利品。这又是一个以正义挂名，却不用爱和真理，反由仇恨驱使的不义之举。

Disgrace 蒙羞

Jacob was more concerned about his safety and his reputation than he was the character and conduct of his ruthless sons. Although Jacob was not to blame for their deed, had he not settled near Shechem, this tragedy would not have occurred. On his deathbed, Jacob brought the matter up again (49:5-7). How gracious of God to make the tribe of Levi the priestly tribe! (See Romans 5:20.)

雅各关心的是自身安全和声誉，而不是他残暴儿子的品格和行为。虽然这件事不能怪罪于雅各，但如果他不在示剑附近定居，这场悲剧就不会发生了。在他临终前，雅各又提起这件事（49:5-7）。神满有恩典，然还是把利未支派分别出来做祭司侍奉祂！（罗马书5:20）

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Was Dinah naive, rebellious, or just plain ignorant of the ways of the world? Why was it so important that she gets to know the women of the land? For that matter, why was Jacob tarrying in this pagan neighborhood and deliberately endangering his family? He should have been at Bethel leading them closer to the Lord. When we disobey the Lord, we put ourselves and our loved ones in danger. Consider what happened to Abraham in Egypt (12:10–20) and Gerar (20:1ff), Lot in Sodom (19:1ff), Isaac in Gerar (26:6–16). Let’s pray that we do not love the world, the things of the world and be wise testimonies of the Lord in the world.

底拿是天真，叛逆，或仅是无知，不知世界之道呢？为什么与当地的女子结识会如此重要？话说回来，雅各为什么要在这个外邦环境逗留，使自己的家人陷入危境呢？他本应该回到伯特利，领家人更亲近主。当我们不顺服主时，我们就是在把自己和亲人置于危险之中。想想亚伯拉罕在埃及（12:10-20）和基拉耳（20:1）、罗得在所多玛（19:1）、以撒在基拉耳（26:6-16）所发生的事。让我们祷告，叫神使我们不要爱世界和世界的事物，而是要为主在这世界作美好的见证。

2. The young prince claimed that he did it because he loved her and wanted her for his wife, but committing rape and keeping the girl confined in a house (v. 26) was a strange way to declare his love. But his actions and words bore witness only to the fact that God’s people and the people of world had different standards of conduct. Pre-marital sex is defilement in the eyes of the Lord. Note that three times in the narrative, the word “defiled” is used to describe Shechem’s wicked deed (vv. 5, 13, 27). Let’s pray that we do not follow the standard of the world but the Lord’s.

年轻的王子声称他这样做是因为他爱底拿，希望她能成为自己的妻子，但是通过强奸和把女孩反锁在一间房子里（26节）来示爱确实很奇怪。这言行也证实了神的子民和属世的人有完全不同的行为标准。婚前性行为在主眼中是一种玷辱。请注意圣经在形容示剑的邪恶时，“玷辱”就用了三次（vv.5，13，27）。让我们祈祷，叫我们遵循的是主的标准，而不是世界的标准。

3. When Jacob’s sons were told what had happened, they were grieved that their sister had been violated and angry with the man who did it. Both responses were normal and right. However, by their deception and ruthless destruction, they ruined their testimony before the people of the land. Let’s pray that we remember Ephesians 4:26, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. (Eph 4:26)

当雅各的儿子知道发生了何事时，他们因自己的妹妹被侵犯而感到十分悲痛，也对施暴的男子感到十分愤怒。这两种反应皆是正常和正确的。然而，因着他们的欺骗和无情的手段，他们在当地人的面前毁掉了自己的见证。让我们祈祷主使我们能记住《以弗所书》4章26节：“生气却不要犯罪；不可含怒到日落。”

Jacob had seen God and been given a new name, but the benefits of his experience didn’t appear immediately. Sometimes he acted like Jacob (“the heel-catcher”) and sometimes like Israel (“the prince with God”). Many of God’s people fail to live up to their new life in Christ because they don’t claim what they have by faith. God had to give Jacob a limp to encourage him to walk by faith.

雅各见过神，又被赋予了新的名字，但我们并没有看见他马上转变。有时，他仍旧是雅各，有时，他是以色列（“与神同在的王子”）。许多神的子民并没好好活出他们在基督里的新生命，因为他们不按信心行事。神需要使雅各瘸脚，以鼓励他要凭信心行事。

In his attempt to appease Esau, the old schemer used several devices: bowing (vv. 1–7), bribery (vv. 8–11), outright lying (vv. 12–16), and then moving off in another direction (vv. 17–20). Esau went south and Jacob went east! Princes are not supposed to bow, and what about God’s promise in Genesis 25:23 and 27:29?

为要安抚以扫，雅各那老阴谋家试图使用几个伎俩：鞠躬（1-7节）、行贿（8-11节）、说谎（12-16节），然后往另一个方向移动（17-20节）。以扫往南，雅各就往东！王子是不应该向别人低头的，不然神在《创世记》25章23节与27章29节的应许算什么？

One mistake often leads to another. Jacob ceased to be a pilgrim, purchased the land already given by God, built a house, and settled down. He built an altar and called on “God, the God of Israel” (note the new name); but that didn’t prevent him from getting into trouble with the neighbors. Far better had he pressed on to Bethel.

一个错误往往导致另一个错误。雅各不再是一个客旅；他购买了神所赐的土地，盖起了房子并安顿下来。他筑了一座祭坛，并称它为“神，以色列的神”（新的名称），但是这并没有避免他与邻居发生冲突。他若能直接到伯特利，那便好。

Praying the Scripture用经文祷告

1. Jacob had seen the angels (32:1–2), and he had even seen God face-to-face (v. 30), but when he saw Esau and his four hundred men, he seemed to lose all the spiritual progress he had made and returned to his old self. It’s one thing to be blessed on the mountaintop with God and quite something else to carry that blessing down into the valley. Let’s pray that we are not mountaintop Christians but able to face day-to-day challenges with the strength God gives us.

雅各见过天使（32:1-2），甚至与神脸对脸（30节），但当他看到以扫和他身后的四百人时，便似乎失去了所有属灵上的成长，返回到以前的自已。在山顶上受到神的祝福是一回事，但把这祝福带山下又是另一回事。让我们祈祷，叫我们不是山顶上的基督徒，乃是凭着神给我们的力量面对每一天的挑战。

2. The fact that Esau ran to his brother, embraced him, kissed him, Jacob was given an opportunity to talk with Esau about the past and get family matters straightened out. But instead of confessing his sins and giving witness to God’s grace in his life, Jacob spent the time begging Esau to accept his gifts. Jacob had seen God face-to-face, but he said nothing to Esau nor did he give God the glory. Let’s pray that we are brave enough to share our spiritual awakening to our family rather than insincere and cheap talk.

事实上，以扫跑向弟弟、拥抱他、亲吻他时，那是雅各向以扫厘清过去，重振家庭的良机。然而，雅各没有承认自己的罪，没有见证神在他的生命中的恩典，反倒花大把时间求以扫接受他的礼物。雅各曾与神脸对脸，但他什么也没有对以扫说，也没有把荣耀归给神。让我们祈祷，叫我们有足够勇气与家人分享自己的属灵觉醒，而不是说一些虚伪、毫无意义的空谈。

3. God’s command was that Jacob return to Bethel (31:13) and then to his home where Isaac still lived, which was Hebron (35:27). Instead, he tarried first at Succoth and then settled near Shechem. (33:18) At Succoth, the pilgrim who was supposed to live in a tent (Heb. 11:9–16) but he built a house for himself. When he moved near Shechem, Jacob purchased a piece of property and became a “resident alien” in the land. He was settling down in the land. It’s obvious that Jacob wasn’t in a hurry to obey God and return the Bethel. We commend him for erecting an altar and giving public witness of his faith in the Lord, but sacrifice is no substitute for obedience (1 Sam. 15:22).

神的命令是要雅各返回到伯特利（31:13），然后才回到以撒仍然居住的希伯伦（35:27）。不过，雅各先到疏割，然后在附近的示剑城定居（33:18）。在疏割，这位客旅当为自己搭建帐篷（来11:9-16），但他却为自己盖房子。当他搬到示剑城时，雅各购买了一块土地，并成为当地的“永久居民”。他想要在这里安顿下来。很显然，雅各不急于服从神的命令返回伯特利。我们赞扬他竖立了一座坛，并公开给予他对主信心的见证，但祭物是不可替代顺服的心（撒上15:22）。