GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP | 恩道堂

Jacob expected a battle and his concern was escape, not reconciliation (v.8). He saw the army of angels protecting him, but even that didn’t encourage his faith. Mahanaim means “double camp”—his camp and the camp of God’s angels. Had Jacob recalled his experience with God at Bethel, he would not have been afraid of Esau (28:13–15).

雅各估计会发生一场斗争，所以他想逃走，而不是和解（8节）。即便看见神的军兵在保护他，雅各仍惧怕。玛哈念的意思是“二军兵”；雅各的阵营和神的军兵。如果雅各能回忆他在伯特利与神的经历，就不会害怕以扫了（28:13-15）。

One minute Jacob prayed for God’s help, and the next minute he devised some new way to appease his angry brother. He reminded God of His great promises and then acted as though God had never spoken. This is the conduct of a believer who needed to be broken before God. He prayed to be delivered from Esau (v. 11), but his greatest need was to be delivered from himself.

雅各一方面寻求神的帮助，另一方面又想方设法安抚怀怒的哥哥。雅各想起神的应许，行事却又好像神从未开口似的。这就是一个仍需被神彻底破碎的信徒会做的事。他祈祷神能救他脱离以扫的手（11节），但他最需要的是脱离自己的惧怕。

Jacob was broken to be healed and weakened to be strengthened. When he surrendered, he won and became a “prince with God.” His limp would be a constant reminder that God would be in control of his life. “God fights against us with His left hand and for us with His right hand,” wrote John Calvin. When we let God have His way, it is the dawning of a new day (v. 31).

雅各被破碎是为了得医治，变软弱是为得力量；他投降时就获得胜利，并成为“与神同在的王子”。他瘸了的大腿是在不断地提醒他：神掌管着他的生命。约翰·加尔文写道：“神用左手对抗我们，也用右手扶持我们”。当我们让神按祂的方式行事，这便是崭新的开始（31节）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Jacob’s greatest problem is fear. Fear is debilitating. Even Jacob saw the angels and named the place Mahanaim meaning aside from them, God’s army was with them. Yet he still lived in such terrifying fear. Let’s pray that we remember what Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Mat 10:28)

雅各最大的问题就是恐惧。恐惧使人变得软弱无力。即使雅各看见天使，并将此地命名为玛哈念（意思是他的阵营与神的军兵同在），他仍然活在恐惧中。让我们祈祷，叫我们能记住耶稣所说的：“那杀身体，不能杀灵魂的，不要怕他们；惟有能把身体和灵魂都灭在地狱里的，正要怕他。”（太10:28）

2. We are so much like Jacob. One minute, he prayed for God’s help, and the next, he devised his own way. He was reminded of God’s promises and then he acted as though God had never spoken. Our greatest need is to be delivered from ourselves. We are our own greatest enemy. We need to rest in God and not fear the possible consequences. Let’s pray that we learn this very important lesson.

我们真的很像雅各，一边向神寻求帮助，另一边却谋算设计。他记得神的应许，行事却如同神从未开过口似的。我们最大的敌人是自己；d我们需要从自己1手中解脱。我们需要在神里面安息，而不是畏惧后果。让我们祈祷，叫我们能学会这非常重要的一课。

3. W. Tozer said, “The Lord cannot fully bless a man until He has first conquered him.” Jacob wanted the blessing of God but he didn’t want to be God’s man. The question is whether he wants to continue to deceive himself and others; or will he admit who he is and let God change him? In the Bible, receiving a new name signifies making a new beginning. The new name God gave him was “Israel,” from a Hebrew word that means “to struggle.” Some translate it “one who wrestles with God” or “God strives” or “let God rule.” The explanation in Genesis 32:28 is that Jacob had gained power because he prevailed. He lost the battle but won the victory! By seeking God’s blessing and finally being weakened and forced to yield, he had become a “God-empowered prince.” Pray that we are willing to accept our own weakness and strive for God’s blessing.

陶恕说：“主不能全然祝福一人，直到神先征服他。”雅各希望得到神的祝福，但他却不想神的人。问题是：他是否还要继续欺骗自己与他人过活，或是承认自己是谁，让神改变他呢？在圣经中，新的名字意味着新的开始。神给了他一个新名“以色列”，希伯来文的意思是“较力”。有的译为“与神较力”、“神争斗”或“让神统治”。《创世记》32章28节解释，雅各能变刚强是因为他与神与人较力，都得了胜。他输了仗却赢了战争！雅各寻求神的祝福，成为软弱的，被逼要顺服，所以最终成为“神授权的王子”。请祷告让我们愿意接受自己的弱点，并努力获得神的祝福。

Escape 逃跑

The family situation was not at all comfortable for Jacob or his wives, but he patiently waited for God’s instructions before making a move. The seeking heart will always get a word from God when decisions have to be made. Read Psalm 25 in the light of Jacob’s situation. Like his mother before him, Jacob did the right thing in a wrong way, and God had to intervene to protect him (v. 24).

雅各的家庭处境无论对他或他妻子都不理想，但他耐心等待神的指示才行动。当人需要做出抉择时，那颗寻求神的心必然会得到神的指示。请阅读《诗篇》25章，了解雅各的处境。如母亲一样，雅各用错误的方法做正确的事，而神必须介入以保全他（24节）。

Encounter 遭遇

Jacob had a three-day lead on Laban, but his father-in-law finally caught up with him. No one can successfully run away from problems. Laban accused Jacob of a breach of social custom, while Jacob accused Laban of breaking his promises for twenty years. There was also the matter of the household goods, for whoever had them could claim possession of Laban’s property.

雅各虽有三天的优势，拉班终究还是追上了他。人是无法逃避问题的。拉班指责雅各违反社会习俗，而雅各指责拉班这二十年来持续食言。这里也涉及到他们家中偶像的问题，因为只要有神像，那人就能取得拉班所有的财物了。

Expedience 权宜

The two men never did agree, and their problems were not solved. Instead, they declared a truce and made a pile of stones the boundary beyond which neither would pass. It was called “the heap of witness” to remind Jacob and Laban that God was watching both of them. (The word Mizpah means “watchtower.”) The so-called Mizpah benediction is not a correct interpretation or application of this passage.

两人无法达成共识，问题也并未解决。因此，他们达成协议，在边界之处堆起石头，叫双方都不得跨越。它被称为“石堆凭据”，提醒雅各和拉班神正看着他们俩（米斯巴意思是“瞭望塔”）。所谓的米斯巴祝福并没有对这段话做出正确的解释或应用。

It is better to declare a truce than to wage a war, but the best decision of all is for brethren to “dwell together in unity” (Ps. 133:1). See Ephesians 4:25–32 for directions.

休战比发动战争好，但最好的解决方式就是所有弟兄能和睦同居（诗133:1）。请参考《以弗所书》4章25至32节的引导。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. The Lord told Jacob to return to his homeland so he took time to share this information with his family especially his wives Rachel and Leah. After all, he was asking them to leave their people and home and go with him to another land and people. Even though the Word of God is our primary source of wisdom in making decisions (119:105), it’s good for us to share with our family members and convince them to follow the Lord together. Let’s pray that we’ll lead others, especially our family members, by sharing with them what the Lord has laid in our hearts.

主命令雅各回到家乡去，因此他花时间与家人沟通，尤其是妻子拉结和利亚。毕竟，他是在要求她们离开自己的家园与他一起去另一地方，与另一个民族中居住。即使神的话是我们做决定时的主要智慧来源（119:105），但与家人沟通并说服他们一起跟随主是好的。让我们祈祷能通过与他人分享主放在我们心中的事来带领他人，特别是自己的家人。

2. Although Jacob has the instruction of the Lord yet he fled with his family like a criminal escaping justice. This was an act of fear and unbelief, not an act of faith. In fact, Jacob later admitted to Laban that he had departed secretly and quickly because he was afraid (Gen. 31:31). It isn’t enough to know and do the will of God; we must also do His will in the way He wants it done, the way that will glorify Him most. Let’s pray that we are brave enough to face our situations with God’s promises fearlessly.

虽然主已指示雅各，但他仍然如逃犯似的带着家人逃跑。这是恐惧和不信的行为，并非信心之举。事实上，雅各后来也向拉班承认，他偷偷地、迅速地离开，是因为他害怕（创31:31）。晓得和行出神的旨意是不够的；我们还要按祂的方式，以最能荣耀祂的道路行事。让我们祈祷，叫我们能凭着神的应许，有勇气坦然面对自己的处境。

There are two major themes in this chapter: the building of Jacob’s family (vv. 1–24), and the building of Jacob’s fortune (vv. 25–43). Various people (including Jacob) thought they were in control of the situation, but all of it was in the hands of God.

本章节有两个主题：雅各家庭的建立（1-24节）和雅各财富的建立（25-43节）。很多人（包括雅各）认为一切皆在他们的掌控下，但是这一切其实都在神的手中。

Having grown up his mother’s favored son (25:28), Jacob was accustomed to a woman telling him what to do. But now he had four different women involved in his life! When he came home from the fields, he never knew which one he would be living with! The schemer discovered the pain that people felt when others selfishly manipulate his life.

常年在宠爱自己的母亲照料下长大的雅各（25:28），已经习惯听从女人的话。但现在，他的生命里有四个不同的女人！当他从田里回家时，他竟不知道今天会和哪一个妻子睡！这骗子终于发现当别人自私地操纵他人的生活时，生命是有多痛苦的。

Laban tried to trick Jacob and make him poor but God overruled and made Jacob a very wealthy man. In fact, God even blessed Laban because of Jacob, and the old trickster admitted it (v. 27)! It was God’s blessing and not Jacob’s schemes that increased the flocks. God was keeping the promises He had made at Bethel (28:13–15). When we are in difficult situations, we can trust God to care for us.

拉班试图欺骗雅各，但神却使雅各成为一个非常富有的人。事实上，神是因为雅各的缘故而祝福拉班，而这老骗子也承认了（第27节）！使得羊群增加的是神的祝福，不是雅各的计谋。神遵守了自己在伯特利许下的承诺（28:13-15）。当我们处在困境时，我们是可以相信神必然会照顾我们的。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. We see in this episode Jacob’s patience in the hands of his four wives. Not only did Laban tell him what to do, but the wives were also fighting, scheming and making agreements that he knew nothing of until he came home weary from caring for the flocks. Rachel and Leah treated Jacob like a servant and used him as a pawn in their family bargaining and he patiently bore it all. God’s plan for marriage is one man and one woman. It is difficult to imagine what headaches and heartaches 4 wives brought to Jacob. It is better to make a right decision rather than the wrong one that leads to chaos in the family. Let’s pray that we will follow God’s plan for marriage and patiently wait for God instead of getting into a situation we’ll regret for life.

我们在本章可以看到雅各对待四个妻子的耐心。对他指指点点的不只拉班，连妻子们也在明争暗斗、私下协议，而雅各一点也不知情，直到他牧羊疲惫后回到家才发现。拉结和利亚待雅各如同仆人一样，并利用他为筹码在家庭里讨价还价，而雅各也耐心地承受这一切。神对婚姻的计划是一男一女的；四个妻子带给雅各的愁烦是无可想象的。做一个正确的选择，比做出一个导致家庭混乱的错误决定要好。让我们祈祷能耐心等候并顺从神对结婚的旨意，也不步入一个会让我们遗憾终生的婚姻。

2. The time had come for Jacob to move his large family and start his own business. All Jacob wanted for his wages from working for Laban this whole time were speckled and spotted sheep – animals considered inferior at that time. However, God blessed Jacob and he became very wealthy. It was not the peeled sticks. It was God’s promise at Bethel to bless Jacob, and He kept His promise. (28:13–15) Again we see that God did not forget his promise but he was faithful to the end. Let’s pray that we do not let our humble circumstances, be it family or business, distract us from God’s promise and that we’ll rely on Him completely.

雅各要搬迁并开始自己的事业的时候到了。雅各只要求有斑点的羊作为这段期间为拉班打工的工资（有斑点的羊当时被认为是劣质的动物）。然而，神却赐福雅各，使他变得非常富有。这不是剥了皮的枝子的功劳，而是神成就祂在伯特利对雅各立下的诺言 （28:13-15）。我们再一次看到神并没有忘记自己的应许，信实到底。让我们祈祷我们不要因自己卑微的情况（无论是家庭或事业），忘记我们神的应许，让我们可以完全依靠祂。

Abraham’s faithful servant had found a wife for Isaac, but Jacob had to find his own wife. God’s plans are different for each of us, and we must accept His will (Phil. 2:12–13).

亚伯拉罕忠心的仆人为以撒寻妻，但雅各必须自己寻找妻子。神对每个人的计划是不同的，而我们必须接受祂的旨意（腓2:12-13）。

The Guest 客人 (1–14).

God’s providence brought Jacob to the well just as Rachel was arriving. (See Gen. 24:27.) True to his scheming nature, Jacob tried to get rid of the shepherds so he could have her all to himself! It was love at first sight. That first month in Uncle Laban’s home must have been heaven on earth to Jacob, but it didn’t take long for things to change.

神定意把雅各和拉结都带到井边（创24:27）。但，诡计多端的雅各试图摆脱那群牧羊人，叫自己能独自与拉结共处！这可说是一见钟情。在舅舅拉班家的第一个月对雅各来说定是人间天堂，但不用多久，事情就开始改变了。

The Worker 工人 (15–30).

Jacob was not wealthy as Isaac was when he got his wife (Gen. 24:36, 53), so he had to work for his uncle to have the woman he loved. But love takes the burden out of work and makes time pass quickly. Jacob the schemer met his match in Laban and soon began to reap what he had sown. Jacob had deceived his father, and his father-in-law deceived him.

雅各不如以撒富裕（创24:36，53），所以为了自己心仪的女人不得不为伯父打工。不过，爱使工作变得轻松，也让时间过得很快。诡计多端的雅各却碰上对手拉班，最终自食其果。雅各欺骗了他的父亲，却被自己的岳父欺骗了他。

The Father 父亲 (31–35).

The building of Jacob’s family was vitally important to God’s plan of salvation, for God would use the nation of Israel to give the world the Bible and the Redeemer. Although Rachel had great beauty, she was unable to conceive, while Leah gave birth to four sons: Reuben (“see, a son!”), Simeon (“hearing”), Levi (“joined”), and Judah (“praise”). The Lord was in control and had a special purpose for each son (Ps. 139:14–16; Eccles. 3:2).

雅各家庭的建立对神救恩的计划极为重要，因为在神的计划里，救世主是从以色列而来的。虽然拉结美丽动人，但她无法生育，而利亚却生下了四个儿子：流便（“看，儿子！”）、西缅（“听见”）、利未（“联合”）和犹大（“赞美”）。神在掌管一切，并为每一个儿子都有特定的计划（诗139:14-16；传3:2）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Jacob didn’t have an easy life after he left his father’s house. Though God forgave his sins, he still suffered the consequences of his sins. We reap what we sow. Jacob had deceived Isaac, but he was deceived by his father-in-law Laban also. During the years he worked for Laban, Jacob endured many trials. The thing that kept him going when the going gets tough was his faith in the promises of God. Let’s pray that we cleave to God’s promises when life is tough.

离开父家后，雅各的生活并不如意。虽然神赦免了他的罪，他仍然需面对其后果。我们种的是什么，收的也是什么。雅各欺骗以撒，但他也被自己的岳父拉班欺骗。在为拉班打工的这些年，雅各也经历了许多的考验。但是，因他持守神的应许，这样的信心使他可以坚持下去。请祷告，叫我们在艰难的日子里也会坚守神的应许。

2. It must have been painful for Leah to give herself to a husband who was only doing his duty and not sharing his affection. However her spiritual growth was clearly seen from how she named her sons. Leah named her firstborn Reuben, which means “see—a son!” she was certain that this baby would cause her husband to love her. However, she was wrong. Her second son was named Simeon which means “one who hears” and suggests that Leah had been praying to God about her misery. Levi was the name she gave her third son, and it means “attached”; for Leah was still hoping that Jacob would love her for the sons she had borne him. But the birth of her fourth son seemed to bring a new joy to her life, for she called him Judah, which comes from the Hebrew word meaning “praise.” Instead of complaining to the Lord about her unresponsive husband, she was now praising the Lord for His blessings (29:35).

嫁给一个只履行职责而不爱她的丈夫定是痛苦的。然而，从利亚如何为她的儿子起名，我们可以清楚看到她属灵上的成长。长子的名字“流便”，意思是“看，是一个儿子”；她以为丈夫会因为这孩子疼爱自己。但是，她错了。第二个儿子西缅，意思是 “听见”，表示利亚不断地向神祷告，诉说自己的痛苦。第三个儿子利未，意思是“联合”；利亚仍然希望因她为丈夫所生的儿子，雅各会爱她。但第四个儿子的出生似乎带给利亚新的喜悦，因为“犹大”的希伯来文意思是“赞美”。她不再向神抱怨对自己毫无爱意的丈夫，反赞美主对自己的祝福（29:35）。

A Day of Disappointment 失望的一天 (1–9). 

Jacob was a lonely fugitive, forced to flee from home. Even though he left with his father’s blessing (and Isaac knew what he was doing), Jacob faced an unknown future, and his brother still wanted to kill him. Not an encouraging beginning for a new chapter in his life! But God was still in control (Rom. 8:28).

雅各被迫离家，成为了一个孤独的逃犯。即使他带着父亲的祝福离开，他仍然要面对一个未知的将来，且仍有个想要杀他的兄弟。雅各就是在这种灰暗的境遇开始了新生活！但是，神依然掌权（罗8:28）。

A Night of Discovery 觉醒的一夜 (10–15). 

Jacob was literally between a rock and a hard place. But that night, Jacob made several discoveries that helped to change his life. He discovered that God was with him and working for him and had a perfect plan for his life. Jacob may have been separated from home, but he was not separated from heaven. (See John 1:51.) The very angels of God were caring for him (Heb. 1:13–14). “When the night is the darkest, you see the stars the brightest.”

雅各的确处在两难之间。但这一夜，雅各有了一些新发现，从此改变了自己生命。他发现神与他同在，保佑他，并对他的生命有完美的计划。雅各虽然已离家，但他并没离开天家（见约1:51）。神的使者正在细心照料着他（来1:13-14）。“夜间最黑暗的时刻，即是星星最明亮的时刻。”

A Morning of Dedication 委身的一早 (16–22). 

Jacob began his day worshiping God and turning his hard pillow into a holy altar. He gave the place a new name: “house of God.” Wherever God meets us, that place becomes a holy sanctuary. Jacob’s faith as yet was weak, but he did lay hold of God’s promises, even if there is a bit of “the bargainer” in his vow to give God the tithe. Jacob was making a new beginning, and twenty years later he would return to Bethel a more mature believer.

雅各把他的石枕变为一个神圣的祭坛，以敬拜神迎接新的一天。他为这地起了新名，即“神的殿”。神与我们同在之地，便能成为神圣的殿。雅各的信心虽然还软弱，在奉献上仍与神“讨价还价”，但他持守神的应许。这就是雅各新的开始，而二十年后，他将以成熟信徒的面貌返回伯特利。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Jacob the “home boy” is now without a home and is starting on a five hundred mile trek to Haran. He was fleeing from an angry brother and facing an unknown future, and all he had to depend on was his father’s blessing. From now on, the home boy would have to become a pilgrim and walk by faith. Jacob put his head on stone and slept (vv. 11, 18), a common practice in the Near East. As he slept, he had a dream in which he saw a ladder or stairway with angels going up and down between heaven and earth. Jacob discovered that he wasn’t alone but that God was with him! The God of Abraham and Isaac was watching over him and His angels were there to guard him and serve him. Yes we are also pilgrims on earth and we are also not alone. The Lord is with us. Let’s pray that we are constantly aware of the omnipresent Lord who is with us always.

雅各这“宅男”至今没有了家，并开始500里的行程到哈兰。他正在逃离愤怒的哥哥，面对未知的将来，所以只能依赖父亲的祝福。从此以后，“宅男”将成为一个客旅，需要凭信心走前面的道路。把头放在石头上睡觉（第11、18节）是东方人普遍的做法。在他睡觉的时候，他做了一个梦，看到神的使者从一个梯子在天地之间上去下来。这时，雅各发现他并不孤单，因为神与他同在！亚伯拉罕和以撒的神正在看守着他，众天使也在保护、服侍他。是的，我们也是世上的客旅，而我们也不孤独，因为主与我们同在。让我们祷告，叫我们能够持续晓得那一直与我们同在，那无所不在的主。

2. On awakening, Jacob’s first response was one of fear and surprise. God was in there and he didn’t know it! But “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7) His next act was to worship God who had appeared to him. He turned the headpiece into a pillar to memorialize the great experience. By pouring oil on the stone, he consecrated it to the Lord. In later Hebrew liturgy, the pouring out of liquid was symbolic of pouring one’s life out in devotion to the Lord (Ex. 29:38–41; see also Phil. 2:17; 2 Cor. 12:15). Pray that we will also devote our entire lives to the Lord who is always with us as Jacob did.

雅各醒来时的第一反应是恐惧和惊讶。神就在这里，他竟然不知道！但是“敬畏耶和华就是知识的开端”（箴1:7），所以雅各马上敬拜神。他把所枕的石头立作柱子来纪念这次震撼的经历。通过浇油在石头上，他把此物奉给主。后来，在希伯来人的礼仪上，浇油等于把一生奉献给主（出29:38-41；腓2:17，林后12:15）。请祷告，叫我们也像雅各一样把自己的一生献给永远与我们同在的主。

A Wrong Decision 错误的决定

It was only a matter of time before the divided home would start to self-destruct, and it all began with Isaac. He knew that God had chosen Jacob, the younger son, to receive the blessing (Gen. 25:23–26); but he announced that he would give it to Esau. It seems that Isaac was more interested in his physical appetite than in spiritual things. He was not the spiritual person he once had been.

一个分裂的家庭迟早是会自毁的，而这一切原于以撒。他明知道神已拣选要祝福小儿子雅各（创25:23-26），自己他却宣布要将名分赐给以扫。以撒似乎更喜欢属世的事物过于属灵的。他已经不是从前那位属灵人了。

A Wrong Solution 错误的解决方式

Rebekah knew what God’s promise was to Jacob, and she should have let God work it out in His own way. “Faith is living without scheming,” and who can hinder the Lord from accomplishing His purposes (Dan. 4:35)? Instead, she made her son a liar and deceived her husband. If Isaac had trusted the Lord instead of his physical senses (vv. 21, 22, 25, 27), he would not have been fooled.

利百加知道神的应许是予雅各的，也应该让神自己来解决问题。有信心的生命是无诡诈的生命，谁可以拦住神凭自己的旨意行事（但4:35）？相反的，她叫自己的儿子撒谎，也欺骗了自己的丈夫。如果以撒能信靠主而不是自己的靠感官（见21，22，25，27节），他就不会被愚弄了。

A Wrong Attitude 错误的态度

Esau had made it clear years before that he was not interested in spiritual things (Gen. 25:29–34), and certainly he knew God’s word about the blessing. He wept (Heb. 12:17) and begged for a blessing, and then he plotted to kill his brother! His heart was not right with God or man. We are reminded of Cain (Gen. 4). Rebekah’s “a few days” (v. 44) became over twenty years! Despite all her scheming, she never saw her son on earth again.

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Before the twins were born, God had told Isaac and Rebekah that the younger son, Jacob, was to receive the covenant blessing (vv. 19–23); yet Isaac planned to give the blessing to the eldest son, Esau. Isaac rejected the way of faith and depended on his feelings and senses: taste (vv. 4, 9, 25), touch (v. 21), hearing (v. 22), and smell (v. 27). Are you living by your feelings or God’s Word? Yes, the temptation is always strong because if the feeling is not strong, there will be no temptation.  Let’s pray that you will not put feelings before God’s word. 

在双胞胎出生之前，神曾告诉以撒和利百加，亚伯拉罕之约的福分是属于小儿子雅各的（19-23节）。可是，以撒却打算把祝福赐给长子以扫。以撒拒绝信心的道路，跟随自己的情感与感官行事：味觉（4节，9节，25节）、触觉（21节）、听觉（22节）和嗅觉（27节）。你是凭自己的感觉还是神的话语生活呢？是的，诱惑总是会牵引出强烈的情感；若不，就无诱惑可言。让我们祈祷，叫我们不把感觉摆在神的话语之前。

2. Isaac was depending on his own physical senses, but Rebekah was depending on her own wisdom. However, human wisdom always leads to trouble. Knowing that Jacob was chosen to receive the covenant blessing, Rebekah immediately took matters into her own hands to make sure her favorite son got what the Lord had promised him. She wanted to help God accomplish His will. Let’s pray that we trust God to fulfill his promise in His own way and timing instead of at our wisdom and scheming. 

以撒凭着自己的感觉行事，而利百加凭的是自己的智慧。然而，人类的智慧总是会招来麻烦的。利百加知道雅各是被拣选的，因此她立即采取行动，确保她最喜欢的儿子得到主所应许他的。她想帮助神成就祂的旨意。让我们祈祷，叫我们不依赖自己的智慧和谋算，而是相信神必定按祂的时间，以自己的方式成就祂的旨意。

3. The man who despised his birthright and married two pagan women now wept and cried out for his father to bless him. Hebrews 12:16–17 commented on this event: Esau tried to repent, but his own heart was too hard; and he couldn’t change his father’s mind. Esau’s tears were not tears of repentance for being an ungodly man; they were tears of regret because he had lost the covenant blessing. Esau wanted the blessing but he didn’t want to be the kind of man whom God could bless! We may forget our decisions, but our decisions don’t forget us. Let’s pray that we walk in God’s way in order to receive God’s blessing. 

藐视自己长子名分并和两名外邦女子结婚的以扫现在哭了，要求父亲祝福他。《希伯来书》12章16至17节对这一事件评论说：以扫试图悔改，但他自己的心太硬；也无法使父亲的心意回转。以扫的眼泪不是因自己的不敬虔所流下的忏悔之泪，而是属遗憾的泪水，因为他失去祝福。以扫想要得到神的祝福，但并不想成为神所要祝福的人！我们可以忘记自己做过的决定，但其后果总是会重现的。让我们祈祷，叫我们能走在神的道路上，以蒙神的祝福。

Faith cannot grow apart from trials, and this chapter records several trials that Isaac endured and shows how he responded to them.

不通过试炼的信心是不会成长的，而本章记载了以撒所经历的几个考验以及他的反应。

Escape 逃跑 (1–6). 

Like Abraham, Isaac started for Egypt (12:10ff.); but God stopped him at the border (10:19) and reassured him. Isaac was blessed because of Abraham (vv. 5, 24). We must never forget our debt to spiritual leaders (and relatives) who have gone before us.

如亚伯拉罕一样，以撒想要逃往埃及（12:10），但神在边境拦阻了他（10:19）并安慰他。以撒因着父亲亚伯拉罕而蒙神祝福（第5，24节）。我们绝不能忘记我们有愧于在我们之先的属灵领袖（及亲属）。

Deception 欺骗 (7–14). 

While in enemy territory, Isaac resorted to the “family lie” that twice got Abraham into trouble (12:10ff.; 20:1ff.). It is sad when the new generation imitates the sins of the old generation. God blessed Isaac in a material way, but we wonder what his spiritual life was like. Did his neighbors trust him after hearing about his lie?

在敌人的领土中，以撒使出了“家族谎言”，即使亚伯拉罕闯祸两次的（参间：12:10；20:1）。这是可悲的，因新一代正模仿着上一代的罪。神在物质上赐福给以撒，但我们不知道他的属灵景况是如何的。他的邻舍是否在听到他的谎言后仍继续相信他？

Surrender 投降 (15–25). 

Water is a very precious commodity in desert country, and possessing a well is almost the same as having a deed to the land. Instead of defending what his men had done, Isaac moved to new locations. He may have been practicing Romans 12:18.

水在沙漠国家里是一种非常珍贵的资源，而拥有一个良好泉源就好比拥有这块土地的契据。以撒竟选择迁移，也不维护自己手下所做的事。他可能在操练《罗马书》12章18节的原则。

Confrontation 对峙 (26–35). 

In contrast to his father Abraham, who dared to declare war, Isaac was a quiet, meditative man who tried to avoid trouble. He boldly faced his neighbors with their bad conduct—and he won! Note that he went the extra mile and entertained the men at a feast. (See Rom. 12:18–21)

与他的父亲亚伯拉罕相比，以撒是一个安静、爱思考又尽量避免麻烦的人。但是，他这次大胆地指出他邻居的罪行，并且得胜了！不但如此，他还以盛宴款待他们（参罗12:18-21）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Isaac could flee from famine but when he was forced to a dead end, he turned to deception to protect himself. Isaac was asked about his wife and he lied just like his father Abraham. Abraham committed this same sin twice, once in Egypt (Gen. 12:14–20) and once in Philistia (chap. 20). Remember, faith is living without scheming; and lying seems to be humanity’s favorite way to escape responsibility. We can never successfully run away from trials, because God sees to it that His children learn the lessons of faith regardless of where they go. Let’s pray that we trust God rather than our own understanding and scheming.

以撒逃离了饥荒，但被迫得山穷水尽时，他选择用欺骗的手段保护自己。当以撒被问及有关自己的妻子时，他像父亲亚伯拉罕一样说谎。亚伯拉罕也曾经两次犯下这罪，一次在埃及（创12:14-20），一次在非利士（第20章）。记住，凭信心生活是不会算计人的；说谎似乎是人类最喜欢用来逃避责任的方式。我们永远都不能成功逃离试炼，因为神必确保自己的孩子，无论在哪儿，都学会信心的功课。让我们祈祷，叫我们相信神而不是自己的聪明和计谋。

2. The Philistines tried to get Isaac to leave their land and they stopped up Abraham’s wells. The crisis came when the king himself commanded Isaac to move away, so Isaac obeyed. Whenever Abraham had a problem with the people, he boldly confronted them and got the matter settled (13:5–18; 14:1; 21:9ff and 22ff). But Isaac was a retiring man who wanted to avoid confrontation. But the Philistines did not let him go. Finally Isaac became bolder in his approach, and he confronted the Philistines with their misdeeds. It’s worth noting that Isaac’s conduct during this conflict had made a great impression on them and they could tell that the Lord was richly blessing him. More important than possessing his wells was the privilege Isaac had of sharing his witness with his pagan neighbors. Let’s pray that we are brave enough to face confrontation when the time comes. Even so, we do it to honor God. 

非利士人试图以堵住亚伯拉罕的水井使以撒离开他们的土地。当国王命令以撒迁移时，以撒服从了，危机就这样来临了。每当亚伯拉罕与他人有纷争时，他都会勇敢地与他们对峙，并成功解决问题（13:5-1814:1；21:9,22）。但以撒比较胆怯，想要避免麻烦。尽管如此，非利士人并没让他走。最后，以撒鼓起勇气，向非利士人指出他们的不对。值得注意的是，以撒在这场冲突中的言行给他们带来深刻的印象，让他们看到主给以撒丰富的祝福。比起拥有井的权力利，以撒得能向他的异教邻居作见证，这更为重要。让我们祈祷，当危机来临时，我们有足够的勇气面对它，以此荣耀神。

The center of attention now shifts from Abraham to Isaac.

现在，文中的焦点从亚伯拉罕转移到以撒了。

Isaac The Heir 继承人以撒 

God’s resurrection power continued to work in Abraham; he married again and begat six more sons. God is not likely to do this for people today, but the spiritual lesson is clear: we should be fruitful even in old age (Ps. 92:14). Abraham distinguished Isaac from his other sons: he gave them generous gifts, but he made Isaac his heir (v. 5; 24:35). God gives good things to unsaved people (Matt. 5:45; Acts 14:17; 17:25), but only those who are His children, through faith in Christ, can claim their inheritance. (See Rom. 8:17; Eph. 3:6; Heb. 1:2.)

神复活的能力继续在亚伯拉罕身上动工，他再婚并生下六个儿子。如今，神不太可能再这么做，但我们能学习的属灵功课是明确的：即便在年老的时候，我们仍要多结果子（诗92:14）。亚伯拉罕将以撒从其他儿子分别出来；亚伯拉罕虽赐给众子丰厚的礼物，却只认以撒作自己的继承人（第5节；24:35）。神将美好的东西赐给未得救的人（太5:45；徒14:17；17:25），但只有通过在基督里，因信称义的人才可以继承祂的产业（参罗8:17，弗3:6；来1:2）。

Isaac The Orphan 孤儿以撒

Abraham lived by faith and died by faith (Heb. 11:13), and God kept His word (Gen. 15:15). Isaac and Ishmael together mourned their father’s death, for death is a human experience that binds all men together. Unsaved relatives share in times of sorrow, but their grief is hopeless without Jesus Christ. Compare Ishmael’s death (v. 17) with that of Abraham.

亚伯拉罕凭着信心生活，也凭着信心死去（来11:13）。以撒和以实玛利一同为父亲的死亡哀悼，因为死亡也可以联系众人。未得救的亲人在这时候会一同悲伤，但他们的悲伤是无指望的，因他们没有耶稣基督。试比较以实玛利与亚伯拉罕的死亡（17节）。

Isaac The Intercessor 代祷者以撒

Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah. For twenty years, they waited for a family that did not come. God blessed Isaac in everything but the thing he wanted most. He and Rebekah knew that God had promised descendants (Gen. 15:5), so Isaac laid hold of the promise and prayed. True prayer lays hold of God’s Word (John 15:7) and seeks to accomplish God’s purposes.

以撒迎娶利百加的时候已经四十岁了。这二十年来，他们一直等待能成立一个家，却迟迟等不到。神赐给以撒所有的一切，除了他最想要的东西。亚伯拉罕和利百加知道神应许他们将有后代（创15:5），因此以撒紧持守神的应许，不断祷告。真正的祷告是持守神的话的（约15:7），并求完成神的旨意。

Isaac The Father 父亲以撒

God gave them twin boys who were opposite each other in every way. He also gave them a revelation that the younger one, Jacob, would carry on the messianic line. For that reason, you would think that Isaac would have favored Jacob but the physical won over the spiritual. Esau pictures the man of the world who despises the eternal and lives for the temporal.

神所赐的虽是双胞胎男孩，但他们在各方面都大不相同。神也赐给他们一个启示，就是小儿子雅各将继承弥赛亚的血脉。出于这个原因，你可能以为以撒将更疼爱雅各，但肉体却胜过灵性。以扫代表了一个蔑视永恒，只为当下而活的人。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Abraham died “in a good old age” as the Lord had promised him (15:15). He had walked with the Lord and had been “the friend of God” (James 2:23). Old age is “good” if you have the blessing of the Lord on your life (Prov. 16:31). Abraham also died “full of years” (Gen. 25:8). This suggests more than a quantity of time; it suggests a quality of life. Abraham, who flourished and was fruitful to the very end, fulfilled the picture of old age given in Psalm 92:12–15. How few people really experience joy and satisfaction when they reach old age! This is a testimony of God’s faithfulness and graciousness. Let’s pray that we will also end well with “full of years” and “in good old age.”

亚伯拉罕“享大寿数”后离去，就如主已应许他的一样（15:15）。他与主同行，他是“神的朋友”（各2:23）。如果你的生命充满了主的祝福，长寿是好的（箴16:31）。亚伯拉罕更是“寿高年迈”（创25:8）。这不但说明时间的长短，也表明生活的丰盛。亚伯拉罕儿孙满堂，直到最后还仍然生儿育女，勾画出了《诗篇》92章12至15节所提的老年生活。到底有几个老人真正体验到了这样的快乐和满足呢？这就是神的信实和恩典的见证。让我们祈祷我们也将以“寿高年迈”的日子为自己的生命画上句号。

2. It is a clear case that favoritism always divides homes (Gen 25:28 ) Let’s pray that we will protect our family from favoritism.

这里清楚告诉我们偏袒子女是会分散家庭的（创25:28）。让我们祈祷，叫我们在家中不会偏袒任何人，以保护自己的家庭。

3. Esau despised his birthright over a cup of lentil stew. (Gen 25:34) What about us? Do we despise our birthright as a Christian because of temporal and earthly pleasure? Let’s pray that we value our salvation and identify because Christ paid a heavy price for us! 

以扫因一碗红豆汤而藐视自己长子的名分（创25:34）。我们呢？我们是否也因短暂和俗世的享受而鄙视在基督里的身份？让我们祈祷，叫我们珍惜自己的救恩和身份，因为基督为我们付出了沉重的代价！

The Father Abraham 父亲 (1–9)  

It seems strange that the longest chapter in Genesis tells the story of how a man got his wife. But the chapter goes beyond history into theology. It gives us a picture of the Heavenly Father getting a bride for His Son (Matt. 22:1–14). The church is compared to a bride (2 Cor. 11:2–3; Eph. 5:22–33); and during this present age, the Holy Spirit is calling people to trust Christ and be “married to … Him” (Rom. 7:4). For one thing, the chapter emphasizes separation. Abraham made it clear that his son was not to marry a Canaanite woman (24:3). The Law of Moses did not permit the Jewish men to marry heathen women (Deut. 7:1–11). Nor are believers today to marry unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14–18; 1 Cor. 7:39–40). Genesis 24 is a great encouragement for those who want God’s will in the selection of a mate. 

《创世记》中最长的篇幅，竟是讲述一个男人是如何娶得自己的妻子。然而，这故事已超越历史，包含神学概念了。它代表我们的天父是如何为自己的儿子预备新妇（太22:1-14）。教会就好比新娘（林后11:2-3，弗5:22-33）；而在这个世代，圣灵正在呼召相信基督的人“嫁入……耶稣”（罗7:4）。另外，本章节强调分离。亚伯拉罕清楚表示，他的儿子不得娶迦南的女子（24:3）。摩西的律法不容许犹太男子与异教妇女结婚（申7:1-11）。今日的信徒也不得与非信徒结婚（林后6:14-18，林前7:39-40）。对于那些想要按神旨意来选择伴侣的人，《创世纪》24章是一个很大的鼓励。

The Servant 仆人 (10–60) 

The servant loved his master’s son and asked for God’s guidance. He knew how to “watch and pray” and discern God’s leading. He was not disappointed, for God rewarded his faith. Little did Rebekah realize that a small act of kindness would open up an exciting new life for her. “Make every occasion a great occasion, for you can never tell when someone may be taking your measure for a larger place,” advised Marsden. The servant talked about his master and not about himself, and he would not eat until he had given his message (John 4:31–32).

仆人爱他主人的儿子，并求神的指引。他知道该如何“儆醒祷告”，并识别神的带领。神因仆人的信心，并不叫他失望。利百加万万没想到一个小小善意的举动竟为她开辟了一条令人兴奋的新生活。马斯登建议：“将每一刻变成伟大的时刻，因你永远无法知道就在何时，这一切会带你到一个更宽阔的未来。”仆人所谈论的是自己的主人，不是自己，又不肯吃，直到他传了主人的信息（约4:31-32）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Just as Abraham wanted a bride for his son, God the Father elected to provide a bride for His beloved Son. Yes, The bride is the Father’s love gift to His Son (John 17:2, 6, 9, 11–12, 24). Let’s pray that we bring joy and glory to the Son Jesus Christ.

正如亚伯拉罕希望为儿子预备妻子，神也为心爱的儿子拣选预备新妇。是的，新娘是天父赐给儿子的一份爱礼（约17:2，6，9，11-12，24）。让我们祈祷，叫我们能为儿子耶稣基督带来喜悦和荣耀。

2. The servant acted by faith in God’s promise and providence. (24:27) He took time to pray and he kept his eyes open to see what God might do. In His providence, God brought Rebekah to the well just as the servant was praying. The servant did what Gideon would do years later, “put out a fleece” (Jud. 6:36–40). This is not the best way for God’s people to determine the will of God, because the conditions we lay down for God might not be in His will. We are to walk by faith and trust God to providentially guide us to the place we need to be. God is sovereign and he will accomplish His plan without fail. In any case, God accommodated Himself to servant’s needs (and Gideon) and guided him as requested. Furthermore, the servant was not led by feelings or impulsive acts but careful observations. In fact when he saw Rebekah, he was evaluating Rebekah to see if she would make a good wife for Isaac and he found her to be kind, pleasant, humble, healthy, and a hard worker. Watering ten camels is no easy job! Let’s pray that we are discerning and patient for God’s will.

仆人依靠的是神的应许和预备，所以他凭信心行事（24:27）。他花时间祷告，并睁眼期待。在神的供应下，当仆人还在祷告的时候，神就把利百加带到井边。仆人也做了基甸多年后会做的事，就是“把一团羊毛放在身上”（士6:36-40）。这并不是神子民了解神旨意最好的方法，因为我们所设的条件未必在神的旨意中。我们必须凭信心行事，并相信神的预备，指引我们当走的路。神是有主权的，祂必准确无误地成就祂的计划。无论如何，神迁就了仆人（和基甸）的要求引导他。此外，仆人也没有被感情或冲动行事，而是通过仔细的观察做判断。事实上，当他看见利百加时，他仔细评估了利百加，看她是否会能作以撒的贤妻，后来发觉她平易近人、谦卑、健康，又是个勤奋的人。为十匹骆驼打水不是一件轻松的事！让我们祈祷，叫我们能明辨神的旨意，并耐心等候。

3. Before coming to conclusion, he asked one of the most important question: “Whose daughter are you?” (Gen. 24:23). The wider implication for Christian believers today before you settle down is “Is he/she a child of God? Let’s pray that we are always discerning. 

在他得到结论之前，仆人问了一个极为重要的问题：“你是谁的女儿？”（创24:23）从广义上来说，今天的信徒在确认伴侣之前应该也想想：他/她是神的儿女吗？让我们祈祷，叫我们能明辨。 

1. Abraham the Mourner 哀悼的亚伯拉罕.

Sarah is the only woman named in the Bible whose age is given and burial described. It was the death of a princess, a woman of faith (Heb. 11:11–13; 1 Pet. 3:6). Abraham felt the pain of his loss and openly expressed his grief. Faith is not the enemy of tears, for we sorrow as those who have hope (1 Thess. 4:13–18). Jesus wept (John 11:35) even though He knew He would raise His friend from the dead.

撒拉是在圣经中唯一提到年龄和葬礼的女性。这是一个公主，一个有信心女子的死亡（希11:11-13；彼前3:6）。亚伯拉罕因失去了撒拉而感到痛苦，并公开表达了自己的悲痛。一个有信心的人并不表示他就不会流泪，但我们在悲伤的眼泪中仍有指望（帖前4:13-18）。即使耶稣知道祂将使自己的朋友从死里复活，祂也哭了（约11:35）。

2. Abraham the Sojourner 旅居的亚伯拉罕.

Ephron did not plan to give Abraham a valuable piece of land, but that is how typical Eastern bargaining always begins. Although the land already belonged to Abraham (15:7), but he did not want to take advantage of it and he could never explain that to his unbelieving neighbors. He was a pilgrim and did not claim any of it for himself. This is Abraham’s philosophy and principle of life as a pilgrim on earth.

以弗仑并没有打算将一块值钱的土地送给亚伯拉罕，但典型的东方谈判就是这样开始的。虽然这土地已经属亚伯拉罕了（15:7），但他并不想占别人的便宜，而他也无法向这些不信的邻居解释清楚。他是一名旅居者，他不将任何事物占为己有。这是亚伯拉罕作为世上一个旅居者的生活理念和原则。

3. Abraham the Owner 地主亚伯拉罕.

He paid a high price for what became one of the most famous tombs in Bible history, and eventually six people were buried there (49:31–32). Abraham owned only one thing on earth: a grave. Genesis ends with a full tomb, but the gospel story ends with an empty tomb! And because Jesus Christ lives, we who trust in Him never need to fear death.

他以高价购买了圣经历史上最有名的墓葬，而最终会有六个人葬在这里（49:31-32）。亚伯拉罕在世上只拥有一样东西：坟墓。《创世记》以一个完整的墓总结，但福音故事却以一个空墓结束！而因为耶稣基督仍活着，我们这些相信祂的人从来就不必害怕死亡。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. It is alright to weep. Abraham wept, David wept, and Jesus wept. God created us with feelings and emotions and it is natural to express it. Ecclesiastes states that there will be a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance (Ecc 3:4). However, we may not grieve as others do who have no hope (1Th 4:13). So there is a God-glorifying grieving. We need to discipline ourselves and keep grieving under control. (1Co 9:27) Let’s pray that we know how to handle our emotions for the glory of God.

我们是可以哭泣的。亚伯拉罕哭了，大卫哭了，连耶稣也哭了。我们被造时是富有感受和情绪的，将这些情感表达出来是件最自然不过的事。《传道书》说：“哭有时，笑有时；哀恸有时，跳舞有时（传3:4）。”然而，我们不可以像那些没有指望的人一样悲伤（帖前4:13）。因此，有一种悲哀是可以荣耀神的。我们需要操练自己，学会控制自己的情绪（林前9:27）。让我们祈祷，叫我们知道如何处理我们的情绪以荣耀神。

2. Abraham is a gracious man and he did not want to take advantage of the people of the land. Even though he knew God has given him the land, he knew the people might not understand so he gave them enough money in order not to stumble them. He is truly a pilgrim on earth. Let’s pray that we do not fight with others over the temporary things of this world but be a true pilgrim like Abraham.

亚伯拉罕是一个宽厚的人，并不想占当地人的便宜。虽然，他知道神已将这地赐给他，但他知道这些不信的人可能不会明白，所以付给他们足够的钱，不绊倒他们。他是地上真实的客旅。让我们祈祷，叫我们不因这世上短暂的事与别人争吵，但学会像亚伯拉罕一样成为一个真正的客旅。

3. Genesis ends with a full tomb, but the gospel story ends with an empty tomb. There is a saying that a man only needs a 6 by 3 piece of land for us to rest (grave). But Jesus didn’t even need that. Let’s pray that our hope is in heaven rather than on earth. We bring nothing here and we take nothing out of this world. Let’s pray that our hope is fixed on Jesus who gives us everything in heaven and on earth.

《创世记》以一个完整的墓总结，但福音却以一个空墓结束！有人曾经说过：一个人只需要一个六乘三大的土地就能让自己安息（坟墓）。但耶稣连这个也不需要。让我们祷告，我们的盼望是在天上而不是地上。我们来的时候不带任何东西，也不能带任何东西走。让我们祈祷，叫我们的盼望定在那赐给我们在天上和地上所有一切的耶稣。