GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP | 恩道堂

There are degrees of closeness to God. The people remained at a distance because of their fear of the Lord. Moses, Joshua, Nadab, Abihu, Aaron, and seventy of the elders went up the mountain to meet God. Then Moses and Joshua went further and finally Moses went into the glory cloud alone.

亲近神有不同的层次。有的因惧怕耶和华而滞留远处，有的则上山见主，如摩西、约书亚、拿答、亚比户、亚伦和70位长老。接着，摩西和约书亚进一步亲近，最终只有摩西进入荣耀的云中。

 
Oswald Sanders wisely commented, “We are at this moment as close to God as we really choose to be.” God invites us to draw near (James 4:8), but often we are unwilling to do what is necessary to meet Him. The people below had the Book and the blood, and they made promises to obey God; but they did not have the vision of the glory of the Lord that Moses had on the mount.

奥斯瓦尔德·桑德斯明智地说道：“此刻，我们与神之间的距离，就是我们所选择的距离。”神邀请我们亲近祂（雅 4:8），但我们常常不愿意。山下的人也有了石版（书）和宝血，他们也立了顺服神的承诺，但他们却没有摩西到山上见主荣耀的异象。
 

You would think verse 11 would read, “So they saw God, and they fell down and prayed.” But it says, “They ate and drank.”

你可能会认为在第11节当是：“他们见到神，就俯伏祷告。”但，经文却说：“他们又吃又喝。”

This is a beautiful picture of communion with God. Deuteronomy 12:7 said, “You shall eat before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your households, in all that you undertake, in which the LORD your God has blessed you. The vision of God’s glory should not make us careless or impractical. We can eat and drink to His glory (1 Cor. 10:31). But beware lest closeness to God leads to careless familiarity, for “our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:28–29). Nadab and Abihu would find that out (Lev. 10:1ff.).

这是一幅与主亲密团契的美丽画面。申命记12:7说：“在那里，耶和华——你们神的面前，你们和你们的家属都可以吃，并且因你手所办的一切事蒙耶和华——你的神赐福，就都欢乐。”神荣耀的异象不应该使我们变得马虎或不切实际。我们是可以或吃或喝，都为荣耀神而行（林前10:31），但务必要小心，免得亲近神的时候因熟悉变得轻率，因为“我们的神乃是烈火”（来12:28-29）。拿答与亚比户将继而明了（利10:1）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. The promise of the Lord in Exodus 6:6–8 was now about to move into its third phase. God had redeemed His people (Ex. 1–18), taken them to Himself as His people (Ex. 19–24) and now He was about to come and dwell among them and be their God (Ex. 25–40). The Lord redeemed us from sins and wants us to be holy so that He can dwell among us. Sadly, so many “Christian” after being saved, went away from God and refused to draw near to him. Do we enjoy the intimacy with God? Do we worship Him in truth and spirit? Do you love Him with all our hearts, strength and might? Let’s pray that you come to God to worship him with gladness.

主在出埃及记6:6-8的应许，现在即将进入第三个阶段。首先，神救赎自己的子民（出1-18），然后将他们归回自己（出19-24）；现在，祂将住在他们的中间，作他们的神（出25-40）。主从罪中拯救我们，要我们成为圣洁，使祂可以住在我们中间。可悲的是，有这么多的“基督徒”被救赎后，竟然背离神，拒绝亲近祂。我们是否享受与神的亲密？我们是否用心灵和诚实敬拜祂？你是否尽心、尽性、尽力爱你的神呢？让我们祷告，叫自己能满心欢喜地来敬拜祂。

2. Notice how Moses led them to draw near to God. After offering, Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins and half of the blood he threw against the altar. (Ex 24:6) Then Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.” (Ex 24:8) Do you see how this foreshadowed how Jesus Christ would shed His blood in order for us to draw near to God? Ephesians 2:13 wrote, “Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. So let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb. 4:16)

请留意摩西是如何带领百姓亲近神的。献祭之后，摩西将一半的血盛在盆中，一半撒在坛上（出24:6）。然后，摩西将血撒在百姓身上，说：“你看！这是立约的血，是耶和华按这一切话与你们立约的凭据。”（出24:8）你是否能看出这预表着耶稣基督将流血舍命，使我们得以亲近神呢？以弗所书2:13写道：“如今却在基督耶稣里，靠着祂的血，已经得亲近了。”所以，让我们只管坦然无惧的来到施恩的宝座前，为要得怜恤，蒙恩惠，作随时的帮助。（来4:16）

Having stated His basic law, God then told Moses how to apply it to specific situations so that everybody would receive equal justice, which is the principle in verses 22–25. No person was to take the law into his or her own hands. When it comes to personal retaliation, we must obey Matthew 5:38–48.

在立下律法的基础后，神接着告诉摩西要如何将此应用在日常具体的情况，叫每个人都能得到公平对待，这也是第22至25节的原则。无人能擅自处理事务。当遇到个人仇报的问题时，我们必须遵从马太福音5:38-48的教导。

God’s law shows that He is concerned about everything: men, women, children, the unborn, property and even animals. This is His creation and He has the right to tell us how to manage it. The Law did not change people’s hearts, but it did help to control their conduct and give order to the nation. Laws and government have been instituted by God and we should respect them (Rom. 13).

神的律法让我们看到祂是在乎一切的：男女、孩童、胎儿、财产、甚至动物。这一切皆是神的创造，所以祂有权利告诉我们应该如何施行管理。律法并不能改变人心，但它有助于抑制人的恶行，并给国家带来秩序。律法和政府皆由神所制立，所以我们应该尊重他们（罗13）。

Some penalties given here may seem harsh to us; but keep in mind that the nation was in its “childhood” (Gal. 4:1–7), and children learn best through rewards and punishments. Forty years later, when the new generation was on the scene, Moses emphasized love when he repeated the Law (Deut. 4:37; 6:4–6; 7:6–13). Love is the fulfillment of the Law (Rom. 13:8–10).

这里所列的一些惩罚看似苛刻，但我们要记住，这时的以色列国正处于“童年”时期（加4:1-7），而孩子最好的学习方式就是借着奖惩制度。四十年后，当新的一代诞生了，摩西重申律法时所强调的则是爱（申4:37，6:4-6，7:6-13）。爱，完全了律法（罗13:8-10）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. These principles have been severely criticized by some as being “barbaric” but it’s just the opposite. In an age where there was no the legal system, this law made sure that the punishment meted out by the judges was equal to the seriousness and severity of the crime, not more and not less. If the guilty aggressor blinded his enemy’s eye, then his own eye was blinded. Nothing could be fairer. The sentence must fit the crime. Let’s pray for our government that they will do their duty as God intended.

有些人苛刻批评律法原则为“野蛮”，但事实恰好相反。在一个没有法律体系的时代中，这些法律确保法官所实施的惩罚是与罪刑的严重性同等的。如果罪行罪犯弄瞎了敌人的眼，那他自己的眼睛也要被刺瞎——这是最合理、公平的对待了。惩罚与罪刑必须相符。让我们祷告，叫我们的政府可以按神所立定的制度尽他们的责任。

2. Justice is the practical outworking of the righteousness of God in human history, for “the Lord loves righteousness and justice” (Ps. 33:5; see Isa. 30:18; 61:8). There may be a great deal of injustice in our world today but the time will come when God will judge the world in righteousness by the Savior that the world has rejected and His judgment will be just (Acts 17:31). Let’s pray that we will be patient and wait on the Lord rather than take things into our own hands.

司法是神的公义在人类历史上的实践，因为“耶和华喜爱仁义公平”（诗33:5；赛30:18，61:8）。今日的世界仍然有许多的不义，但是神已经定了日子，要藉着祂所设立、那被世人拒绝的救主，按公义审判天下（徒17:31）。让我们祈祷能耐心等候耶和华，绝不擅自行报复。

3. When Jesus prohibited His disciples from retaliating against those who hurt them (Matt. 5:38–44; 1 Peter 2:19–21), He was dealing with personal revenge (“I’ll get even with you!”) and encouraging personal forgiveness. As believers, we have the privilege of waiving our “legal rights” to the glory of God and not demanding compensation (1 Cor. 6:1–8). Are you willing to forsake your right for the glory of God? Let’s pray that God’s glory is more important in your heart than your own right.

当耶稣禁止祂的门徒向加害他们的人报复时（太5:38-44；彼前2:19-21），耶稣是在针对个人的仇报（“我会向你报复！”），并鼓励个人的宽恕。作为信徒，我们可以不要求赔偿，并放弃个人的“合法权” 来荣耀神（林前6:1-8）。你愿意为了神的荣耀，弃绝你的权利吗？让我们祈祷能在心里重视神的荣耀，轻看自己的权利。

The Law does not save sinners (Gal. 2:21; 3:21); it reveals God’s holiness and man’s need for salvation (Rom. 3:20). It is a mirror that shows us how bad we are (James 1:22–2), but it does not provide the cleansing we need. Only Christ can do that.

律法并不能使一个罪人得救（加2:21；3:21）；它彰显的是神的圣洁与人得救的需要（罗3:20）。它是一面镜子，反映人的败坏（雅1:22-2），但它无法使我们洁净。唯有基督才能这么做。

Under the old covenant, God’s law was written on tables of stone (Exod. 24:12), but under the new covenant, God writes His word on our hearts (2 Cor. 3:1–3). As you meditate on the Word, the Spirit makes it a part of your inner being, and you become more like the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3:18). The Holy Spirit enables us to fulfill the righteous demands of God’s law (Rom. 8:1–4).

在旧约时代，神把律法写在石版上（出24:12），但在新约中，神把祂的话语刻在我们的心版上（林后3:1-3）。当你默想祂的话时，圣灵会使真理成为你内心的一部分，叫你能越来越像主耶稣基督了（林后3:18）。圣灵使我们能达成神律法之公义上的要求（罗8:1-4）。

The first four commandments deal with our relationship with God, while the last six deal with our relationship with others. If we love God and obey Him, we will also love others and serve them. (See Matt. 22:34–40).

前四个诫命是关乎我们与神的关系，后六个则是我们与他人的关系。如果我们爱神且顺服祂，我们也会去爱别人并服侍他们（见太22:34-40）。

Some people obey God because of fear (vv. 18–21). Others obey only because they want His blessing. The highest motive for obedience is our love for the Lord. But what if we disobey the Lord? God made provision for Israel in the prescribed sacrifices (vv. 22–26). He has made provision for believers today through the work of Christ (1 John 1:9–2:2). Believers are not under law but under grace. This is not an excuse for sin but an encouragement for loving obedience to His will.

有些人因惧怕神而顺服神（18-21节）；有些人则是想得到神的祝福才顺服祂。然而，我们顺服主的最大动机当是爱。但是，我们若犯罪了该怎么办呢？神已为以色列预备并规定了赎罪祭（22-26节）。祂也通过基督的工作为今天的信徒预备了赎罪祭（约一1:9-2:2）。信徒已不在律法之下，乃在恩典之下活着。这并不是我们犯罪的借口，而是鼓励我们因着爱顺服神的旨意。

Both nudity and intercourse with temple prostitutes were a part of many pagan religious ceremonies, and these were expressly forbidden by the Lord. God commanded the Jewish priests to wear special garments to cover their nakedness (Ex. 20:226; 28:42–43; Lev. 6:10), and if they failed to obey, they were in danger of being killed (Ex. 28:35, 43).

寺庙妓女在寺里袒露、与寺庙妓女性交是许多异教仪式的一部分，而这些都是主明确禁止的。神吩咐犹太祭司穿戴特殊的衣服以遮掩下体（出20:26，28:42-43；利6:10），而他们若不听从，就有可能被神击死（出 28:35，43）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. The privilege of freedom brings with it the responsibility to use that freedom wisely for the glory of God and the good of others. The law was never given as a way of salvation because “by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Gal. 2:16). Salvation is not a reward for good works but the gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 4:5; Eph. 2:8–9). The Law reveals the nature of God. Knowing who God is, do you know how to live your life to please Him? Pray that you do.

自由的特权也附带责任，这责任就是要我们明智地使用自由荣耀神，并为别人的益处着想。法律从来就不是得救的方式，“因为凡有血气的，没有一人因行律法称义”（加 2:16）。救恩不是好行为的奖励，它是神借着人对耶稣基督的信靠所赐下的恩典（罗4:5;弗2:8-9）。律法启示了神的属性。我们若晓得神是谁，是否也知道如何过一个讨神喜悦的生活？让我们祷告我们能明确知道。

2. God is a “jealous God,” not in the sense that He’s envious of other gods, for He knows there is no other gods. The word “jealous” expresses His special love for His people because He wants the very best for them. Just as parents are jealous over their children and spouses over their mates so God is jealous over His beloved ones and will not tolerate competition (Zech. 1:14; 8:2). God desires and deserves the exclusive love of His people (Ex. 34:14; Deut. 4:24; 5:9; 6:15). Let’s pray that you love God with all your heart, soul and might.

神是一个“忌邪的神”（英译“嫉妒”）；这不是说神羡慕偶像，因为祂晓得世上别无它神。“嫉妒”这词表达了祂对子民特殊的爱，因为祂只想自己的子民们得到最好的。正如家长为子女、配偶为对方一样，神也为所挚爱的产生嫉妒，所以祂绝对不容许任何竞争对手的存在（亚1:14；8:2）。神渴望也配得到祂子民专一的爱（出34:14；申4:24，5:9，6:15）。让我们祈祷，叫我们能尽心、尽性、尽力爱我们的神。

A Special People 一群特殊的子民.

At the Red Sea, God separated His people from their old life; at Sinai. He brought them into a new life – a covenant relationship with Himself. It was like a wedding ceremony, with God as the Husband and Israel as the wife. Whenever the nation turned from God to idols, God accused them of committing adultery (Isa. 1:21; Jer. 3:1–5). Believers today must also beware of this sin (James 4:4). The church is a nation of kings and priests (1 Pet. 2:5, 9) called to glorify God.

神在红海将祂的子民从以前的生活分别出来；祂又在西乃山把他们带入一个新的生命，即在约中与自己的一个关系。这与婚礼仪式相似——神是丈夫，而以色列是妻子。所以，每当以色列转而敬拜偶像时，神指责他们犯下奸淫之罪（赛1:21，耶3:1-5）。今日的信徒也必须提防这罪（雅4:4）。神呼召教会成为一个君王和祭司的国度（彼前2:5,9），目的是要将荣耀归于神。

A Sanctified People 一群圣洁的子民.

Because we belong to God, we must be separated from sin (vv. 10, 14, 22). God’s people are set apart from the world and unto the Lord.

由于我们属于神，所以我们必须与罪隔绝（第10，14，22节）。神的子民必须从世俗中分别出来，归向耶和华。

A Submissive People 一群顺服的子民.

To impress the people with the fear of the Lord, God demonstrated His power at Sinai and warned them not to come near. It was the childhood of the nation and the people, like children, learned from rewards and punishments. Hebrews 12:18–29 contrasts this experience with that of the New Testament believer today. We must still fear the Lord and respect the boundaries He establishes but we are invited to “draw near” (Heb. 10:19–25). The Israelites were not saved from Egypt by obeying the Law, but their obedience enabled them to enjoy all the blessings God had for them.

为要使人确确实实地敬畏祂，神在西乃山上展现了自己的能力，并警告他们不要靠近。这民族好比处在童年时期的孩子似的，需从奖惩制度中学习。希伯来书12:18-29将此与今日的新约信徒作比较。我们必须敬畏主，并尊崇祂所立的界限，但神也要我们“亲近”祂（来10:19-25）。以色列人不是因为他们顺服并遵守法律而从埃及获救；他们的顺服乃叫他们能够享受神所预备给他们的祝福。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Although Aaron and his sons would be consecrated later to serve as priests to the nation (Ex. 28–29), but it was God’s intent that all Israel live as priests, manifesting His truth and sharing His blessings with the world. Unfortunately, instead of Israel influencing the nations to worship God, the nations influenced Israel to worship idols! The Jews adopted the religions and lifestyles of the Gentiles and so desecrated themselves, their land and the temple so much so that God had to chasten them severely and send them into Babylonian captivity. Are you influencing the people around you or are you being influenced by them? Let’s pray that we are blessing to them.

虽然亚伦和他的儿子日后将被分别出来作以色列国的祭司（出28-29），但神也要所有以色列人都像祭司一样，彰显祂的真理并与世界分享祂的祝福。不幸的是，以色列国并没有影响其它国家敬拜神，反倒受到他们的影响崇拜偶像！犹太人接纳外邦人的生活方式和信仰，从而亵渎了自己、家园和神殿，以至神必须严厉管教他们，并让他们被巴比伦人囚禁为奴。你是否在影响你周围的人呢？又或者是你受到他们的影响？让我们祷告，叫我们可以给身边的人带来祝福。

2. Exodus 19:6 tells us how a nation was born. It was the Lord who brought them out of the bondage of Egypt and make them free so that they can be holy people. Holy people means people who are set apart; people who are different. In every area of life, Israel’s activities were governed by the fact that they belonged to God and that included what they ate, what they wore, who they married, how they buried their dead and especially how they worshiped. Are you being set apart?

出埃及记19:6告诉我们一个国家是如何诞生的。主使以色列人摆脱埃及的束缚，让他们重获自由，成为圣洁的子民。圣洁的子民指的是分别为圣的人，是有别于他人的。以色列在生活的各层面所做的都是出于他们属神的缘故，而这包括他们所吃的、穿的、结婚对象、埋礼仪式，特别是敬拜神的方式。你是否已将自己分别为圣呢？

3. Quoting Exodus 19:6, Peter said you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1Pe 2:9) Let’s pray that we proclaim His excellencies to all.

彼得引用出埃及记19:6，说：“惟有你们是被拣选的族类，是有君尊的祭司，是圣洁的国度，是属神的子民，要叫你们宣扬那召你们出黑暗入奇妙光明者的美德。”（彼前2:9）让我们祈祷，叫我们能向所有人宣扬神的美德。

Balance 平衡.

Moses experienced some exciting things after leaving Egypt, but now he returns to the everyday duties of life. God balances our lives and gives us enough burdens to keep us humble and enough blessings to keep us happy. Moses returned to his family, told them all that God had done, and then worshiped the Lord with them.

摩西离开埃及后经历了一些极其兴奋的事，但他现在返回到了日常职务。神平衡了我们的生活，给予我们足够担子使我们谦卑，也给予我们足够祝福使我们快乐。摩西回到了家人身边，并告诉他们神所行的一切，与他们一同敬拜耶和华。

Counsel 忠告.

Sometimes an outsider can see things more clearly than those who are doing the work, and we must always be open to counsel (Prov. 12:15; 13:10). Moses was trying to do all the work himself and he was not making a distinction between major matters and minor problems. He needed assistants and he needed priorities. Note that Jethro expected Moses to seek God’s will in the matter (v. 23). What seems like good counsel from men might be bad counsel in God’s sight, so we must always ask for God’s directions (Acts 27:9–14).

局外者清；有时第三者所看到的东西比自己还要清楚，所以我们必须敞开听取别人的忠告（箴12:15；13:10）。摩西试着要完成所有大小事务，不分主次。他需要助手，也需要主次分明。请注意，叶忒罗认为摩西在这件事上是必须征求神的旨意（23节）。一个从人看似良善的忠告，在神看来可能是不好的，所以我们必须凡事向神寻求指示（徒27:9-14）。

Leadership 领导.

Verse 21 describes the kind of leaders God needs, people characterized by ability, the fear of God, honesty, and a hatred for covetousness. (See Acts 6:3 for additional leadership qualities.) Moses was a great man, but he could not do the job alone. God may not call you to be a leader, but He may want you to help a leader do a better job.

第21节描述神所要的带领者，这包括有能力的、敬畏神的、有诚信的、并厌恶贪婪的人。（带领者的其它素质，请参考徒6:3）摩西是一个伟大的人，但他却无法单独完成所有的工作。神可能没有呼召你成为一名带领者，但祂可能要你帮助一名带领者更好地完成事工。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. After seeing his family, in Exodus 18:8, Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way and how the LORD had delivered them. (Ex 18:8) Do you tell your family members what the Lord did for us? Pray that we will be like Moses who are not ashamed of the Lord but testified for Him and gave glory to His name.

在出埃及记18:8，摩西见到家人后，就告诉自己的岳父神为以色列的缘故向法老和埃及人所行的一切事，以及路上所遭遇的一切艰难，并耶和华怎样搭救他们。你是否也告诉你的家人主为你所做的一切呢？请祷告我们可以像摩西一样，不但不以主为耻，反倒要为祂作证，并将荣耀归给祂的名。

2. Jethro’s response was, “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.” And Moses’ father-in-law brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God. (Ex 18:11-12) Let’s pray that our family members will respond like Jethro who acknowledged God and worshiped Him. Then the rest of us can celebrate together with them.

叶忒罗的回应是：“我现今在埃及人向这百姓发狂傲的事上得知，耶和华比万神都大。”摩西的岳父叶忒罗就把燔祭和平安祭献给神。亚伦和以色列的众长老都来了，与摩西的岳父在神面前吃饭（出18:11-12）。让我们祈祷自己的家人能像叶忒罗一样，以承认和敬拜来回应神。这样，我们都能与他们一同庆祝了。

3. What are the qualities of leadership we should be looking for? Exodus 18:21 gives us the list. Firstly we should look for able men. Secondly we should look for men who fear God. Thirdly, we should look for men who are trustworthy and lastly men that hate bribes (Ex 18:21) Let’s pray that God raises more men with these qualities to serve Him.

我们应该寻找怎么样的带领者呢？出埃及记18:21为我们提供了一个列表。首先，我们应该寻找有能力的人。其次，我们应该寻找敬畏神的人。第三，我们应该寻找值得信赖的人。最后，他必须是憎恨贿赂的人（出18:21）。让我们祈祷神能兴起拥有以上特质的人来侍奉祂。

Another Test 另一个考验 (1–7).

You never solve your problems by blaming other people. Israel’s real problem was unbelief and a desire to go back to the old life. Every difficulty you meet is an opportunity for testing yourself and trusting your Lord, for going forward or going backward. The rock pictures Jesus Christ who was smitten for us (1 Cor. 10:4) that we might have the living water of the Holy Spirit within (John 7:37–39).

责怪别人是永远无法解决你的问题的。以色列真正的问题是不信并渴望回到以前的生活。你所遇到的每一个考验都试验你是否信神；你是否在灵性上成长或倒退呢？那磐石代表了为我们受鞭伤的耶稣基督（林前10:4），叫我们内心能有圣灵的活水（约7:37-39）。

Another Enemy 另一位敌人 (8–13).

The Egyptian army had been drowned, but the Amalekites were very much alive and did not want Israel in their territory. It was Esau fighting Jacob again (Gen. 36:12). It takes intercession on the mountain as well as intervention in the valley for God’s people to win the victory. Israel watched God defeat Egypt, but now they had to enter the battle themselves and trust God for victory. Our High Priest intercedes in heaven for us (Heb. 4:14–16). This is the first mention of Joshua in Scripture. Little did he know that one day he would take Moses’ place as leader of God’s people.

埃及军队已被淹没，但亚玛力人仍然积极生活，不希望以色列人进入他们的领土。我们再一次看到了以扫与雅各的抗争（创36:12）。神的子民若想得胜，不但需要山顶上的代求，也需山谷中的介入。以色列目睹了神如何击败埃及，但现在他们必须自己加入战局，并相信神会带给他们胜利。我们的大祭司也在天上为我们代求（来 4:14-16）。这使圣经首次提及约书亚。此时的约书亚还不晓得他将来会代替摩西成为神子民的领袖。

Another Assurance 另一份保证 (14–16).

Each test can tell you something new about yourself and about the Lord (Gen. 22:14; Exod. 15:26). When you face the battles of life, remember that He is your banner and can give you victory (John 16:33; 1 John 5:4–5).

每一个试验都能使你对自己和主有新的认识（创22:14；出15:26）。当你面对生活的挑战时，请记住，神是你的旌旗，并能使你得胜（约16:33；约一5:4-5）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Israel had a long way to go before they would qualify as a godly nation. So far, every new trial they experienced only brought the worst out of them. Sometimes we think we know our hearts, that is until we come face to face with temptation. It is like tea bags without label. The flavor of the tea can only be known by soaking it in boiling water. Every difficulty can make us better or worse, and it’s our own attitude that determines which it will be. Let’s pray that we will learn the lesson and overcome the difficulty with flying colors.

以色列还须走一段很长的路，才能称之为敬虔之国。至今，所有的考验都带出他们最恶劣的一面。有时候，我们以为自己充分了解自己，直到我们面对试探。我们的心就像没有标签的茶叶袋一样，经过沸水的浸泡，才会知道茶的味道。每一个困难将使我们变得更好或更糟，两者之间有赖于自己的态度。让我们祈祷，叫我们能吸取教训并漂亮地打出胜战。

2. The Amalekites were the descendants of Esau (Gen. 36:12, 16) who was “a profane person” (Heb. 12:16). The word translated “profane” (godless) comes from a Greek word which refers to somebody who is “accessible” and “open-minded.” The English word “profane” comes from the Latin and it means “outside the temple.” Esau lived for the world and despised spiritual things (v. 17). Esau opposed his brother Jacob and threatened to kill him (Gen. 27:41), and Esau’s descendants opposed the children of Jacob (Israel) and threatened to annihilate them. Let’s pray that we are not so naive to think we can befriend the world. Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (Jam 4:4)

亚玛力人是以扫的后裔（创36:12，16），即那位“亵渎”的（来12:16）。“亵渎”（不敬虔）这词来自希腊文，指的是一个“通达”和“开明”的人。“亵渎”的英文单词也来源于拉丁文，其意思是“在圣殿以外”。以扫贪恋世俗，鄙视灵性的事（17节）。以扫对抗自己的兄弟雅各，并扬言要杀死他（创27:41）；他的后裔也对抗雅各的子孙（以色列），并扬言要将他们灭绝。让我们祈祷，不要天真地以为自己能与世界为友；难道你不知道与世界为友，就是与神为敌吗？所以凡想要与世俗为友的，就是与神为敌了。（雅4:4）

3. Whenever Moses held up his hand in prayer, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. (Ex 17:11) Are you an overcomer? Do you pray?

每当摩西举手祷告，以色列就得胜，但每当他垂下手，亚玛力人就得胜（出17:11）。你是一名得胜者吗？你是否祷告？

Before long, the redeemed Jews were acting like unsaved Gentiles, for they asked, “What shall we eat? What shall we drink?” (Matt. 6:25–34). God did not rescue them from bondage in order to kill them with hunger! (See Rom. 8:31–32.) Their real problem was that they still had the old appetite and needed to learn to enjoy the new food God had for them.

没过多久，这些已被赎回的犹太人行事就像未得救的外邦人一样，他们问: “我们吃什么？我们喝什么？”（太6:25-34）。神不可能救以色列人脱离奴役，然后以饥荒饿死他们！（参罗8:31-32）。他们真正的问题是：他们的饮食习惯还没改变，需要学会享用神为他们预备的新食物。

The manna is a picture of Jesus Christ (John 6:30ff.). The manna came only to Israel and all it could do was sustain physical life. But the Savior came for the whole world and He gives spiritual life. If the Jews did not appropriate the manna, they died. Sinners must believe on Jesus Christ to receive life.

吗哪象征耶稣基督（约 6:30 ff）。然而，吗哪只为以色列而降下，也只能维持人的生命。但救主是为世界而来，且赐下的是属灵生命。如果犹太人不吃吗哪，他们就会饿死。罪人也必须信靠耶稣基督才能有真正的生命。

Feeding on the manna is also a picture of your daily appropriation of Christ through the Word of God. Just as your food becomes a part of your very being, so the Word strengthens your inner person when you read it, meditate on it and obey it. Just as the Jews could not live on yesterday’s manna, so you cannot live on yesterday’s spiritual diet. Begin each day with the Lord, and He will give you what you need for facing the burdens and battles ahead.

以吗哪为食也象征我们每日需要通过神的话维持属灵生命。正如你吃下的食物将成为你身体的一部分一样，当你读神的话，默想并顺服时，这会使你的内心刚强，并成为你的一部分。正如犹太人不能靠昨日的吗哪维持生命，你也不能依赖昨日的读经来维持属灵生命。与主开始你的每一天，祂将赐给你所要面对的重担和挑战所需的一切。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. Moses said, “Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD.” (Ex 16:8) Grumbling is sin because you do not want to accept what the Lord’s sovereign plan for your life. Israelites’ grumbling is not against Moses but the Lord. Are you grumbling about your own situations in life?

摩西说：“你们的怨言不是向我们发的，乃是向耶和华发的。”（出16:8）抱怨是罪，因为你不想接受主在你生命众的安排。以色列人的怨言不是向摩西发的，而是向主发的。你是否因生命里所遇到的情况在抱怨呢？

2. The Jews were instructed to gather their manna daily, but only as much as each person in the family could eat (v. 16). The instruction is that they cannot keep it overnight (v. 19). But on the Sabbath day, they can keep double portions and it will not breed worms or become stink. (Ex 16:20) Yet the Israelites disobeyed. Some took more than they should and others purposely went out on the Sabbath day to look for manna. Are we not like them? When we are given instructions, we do the exact opposite? This is rebellious behavior.  Let’s pray that the Lord forgive us and let us pursue obedience immediately and willingly.

神指示犹太人要按着家里每个人的饭量每日收取吗哪（16节）。神命令他们不可把多余的吗哪收至隔一天（19节）。但是，在安息日，他们可以收取双份，而它们又不会生虫变臭（出16:20）。可是，以色列人就是要违背神的命令。有一些人收取比所需的还多，有些故意在安息日出门寻找吗哪。我们不是也和他们一样吗？当神给我们命令时，我们行事是否恰恰相反？这就是叛逆的行为。让我们祈祷，求主赦免我们，让我们立刻心甘情愿地追求顺服神。

The Lord Who Triumphs 胜利的主 (1–21)

When they walked by sight, Israel complained (14:10–12); but when they believed God and saw His mighty hand at work, they praised Him. Redemption should lead to rejoicing (Luke 15:1–24).

当他们凭眼见行事，以色列就满心抱怨（14:10-12）；但是当他们相信神，并看见祂大能的手在动工时，他们就赞美主。救赎随之而来的就是欢欣（路15:1-24）。

This first recorded song in Scripture is a pattern for true worship, for it emphasizes the Lord, who He is, and what He has done for His people. He saves His people (1–10), guides them to their inheritance (11–13), glorifies His name (14–17), and reigns forever (18). Today, let God be your strength, your song and your salvation (v. 2; see also Ps. 118:14;Isa. 12:2).

这是圣经中记载的第一首诗歌，它也是敬拜应有的模式，因它强调的是主：祂是谁、祂为子民所做了什么。祂拯救祂的子民（1-10）、带领他们进入基业（11-13）、颂扬祂的名字（14-17）并永远掌权（18）。今天，就让神成为你的力量、你的诗歌和你的救恩（第2节;也见诗118:14；赛12:2）。

The Lord Who Heals 医治的主 (22–26)

The people went from rejoicing to complaining! It is easy to sing when the circumstances are comfortable, but it takes faith to sing when you are suffering. God tests us in the everyday experiences of life to see whether we will obey Him. He is able to change our circumstances, but He would rather change us (Phil. 4:10–13).

欢欣之后，以色列人又开始抱怨了！在顺境时歌颂是容易的，但要在逆境痛苦中歌颂是需要信心的。神通过我们的日常生活来考验我们，要我们学习顺服。祂完全可以改变我们的处境，但是祂的目的是改变我们（腓4:10-13）。

The Lord Who Refreshes 复兴的主 (27)

Life is not always just filled with battles and bitter water. God brings us to the refreshing oases from time to time and for this, we should praise Him. However, we can never claim our inheritance if we linger at Elim. We are pilgrims, not residents.

生命并不是只充满了战斗和苦难。神时不时还是会把我们带到清新的绿洲，我们应该赞美祂。但是，如果我们选择留在以琳，那我们就永远无法继承基业。我们是客旅，而不是地上的居民。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. With their enemies drowned and their freedom secured, the people of Israel burst into song and praised the Lord. We must not only praise God with words but we must praise him with songs. Jesus also sang after they celebrated the first Lord’s Supper. Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! (Zep 3:14) Let’s pray that we all learn to praise God with songs in our worship service.

当敌人被淹没而自己获得自由时，以色列人就不住歌唱赞美主。我们不仅要以言语赞美神，我们更要以歌声颂赞祂。耶稣在他们庆祝第一个主的圣餐后也放声歌唱。“锡安的民哪，应当歌唱！以色列啊，应当欢呼！耶路撒冷的民哪，应当满心欢喜快乐！”（番3:14）让我们祈祷，叫我们学会通过我们崇拜聚会的赞美诗赞美神。

2. The statement “The Lord is a man of war” (v. 3) may upset people who feel that anything relating to warfare is alien to the Gospel and the Christian life. Some denominations have taken the “militant” hymns out of their hymnals, including “Onward Christian Soldiers.” But Moses promised the people, “The Lord shall fight for you” (14:14; Deut. 1:30); and one of God’s names is “Jehovah-Sabaoth,” which means “Lord of hosts, Lord of armies,” a title that’s used 285 times in the Old Testament. Yes, our Lord is “Jehovah-Sabaoth” and we shall not fear.

3. In the ten plagues the Lord had already proved Himself greater than the gods of Egypt. No wonder His people sang, “Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods?” (v. 11; Micah 7:18) The answer, of course, is nobody, for no other being in the universe is “majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders” (Ex. 15:11). Do you know the Lord our God is the greatest? Let’s bow and worship Him.

通过十灾，主已经证明自己大过所有的埃及神明（偶像）。难怪祂的子民唱道：“耶和华阿，众神之中，谁能像你？”（11节；弥7:18）。答案当然是无人能像祂，因为宇宙间再也没有像主是“至圣至荣，可颂可畏，施行奇事的（出15:11）。你是否知道耶和华我们的神是最伟大的呢？让我们低头敬拜祂。

God Sees Before 神早已见 (1–19)

God knew Pharaoh’s plans and saw to it that Israel was cared for. This is providence, which means “to see before.” He is Jehovah-Jireh (Gen. 22:14), “the Lord will see to it.” No matter what the enemy plans to do to you, God has already taken care of it and will tell you what to do.

神晓得法老的计划，并确保以色列人不因此受到阻拦。这就是神的看顾，也就是神已有预备。祂是耶和华以勒（创22:14），即“耶和华必预备”。不管敌人想怎么谋算加害你，神早已看顾并将告诉你应该怎么做。

God Comes Between 神在其间 (19–20)

The pillar that brought light to Israel brought darkness to the enemy. The people of the world are walking in darkness, but God’s people have “the light of life” (John 8:12). The enemy cannot touch you without first encountering God.

那带给以色列光明的柱子，却带给了敌人黑暗。属世的人在黑暗中行走，但神的子民有“生命的光”（约8:12）。如果敌人想要碰你，他必须先过神这关。

God Goes Ahead 神在前头行 (21–25)

He opens the way and does the impossible. The next time you are in a seemingly impossible situation, remember what God did for Israel at the Red Sea. The people of Israel never forgot this victory (Psa. 66:6; 106:9; 136:13–14). Recalling God’s past help can encourage you as you face future challenges in your faith.

祂开辟道路，并行了不可能的事。当你下一次处在一个看似没有出路的情况时，请记得神为以色列人在红海所做的一切。以色列人永远没有忘记这场胜利（诗66:6；106:9；136:13-14）。回顾神过去的帮助，可以鼓励你在信心里面对未来的挑战。

God Comes Behind 神作后盾 (26–31)

Isaiah stated, “And the God of Israel will be your rear guard” (Isa. 52:12). The defeat was complete; the Egyptian army was no more. There is much truth in these words: “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).

以赛亚说：“以色列的神必作你们的后盾”（赛52:12）。埃及军队完全的失败了。这话确实没错：“使我们胜了世界的，就是我们的信心”（约一5:4）。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (v. 13). By faith the Jews had marched out of Egypt, and now by faith they would stand still and watch God destroy the Egyptian charioteers. Moses not only told them to stand still, but also to “be still” (v. 14). How easy it would have been to weep, complain, and keep criticizing Moses, but none of those things would have helped them out of their predicament. Unbelief complains, but faith obeys and brings glory to the Lord. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). What is there to complain about when we have the wonderful promise, “The Lord shall fight for you”? (Ex. 14:14) Later in their journey, the Lord would help Joshua and the Jewish army fight their battles (17:8); but this time, God would defeat the Egyptians without Israel’s assistance. Let’s pray that we will be still and know that He is God.

“只管站住！看耶和华今天向你们所要施行的救恩。”（第13节）因着信，犹太人大步地走出埃及，而现在凭着信心，他们站在原地，看神如何摧毁埃及的战车。摩西不仅告诉他们要站住，他也告诉他们“不要作声”（第14节）。哭泣、抱怨、批评摩西很容易，但这些却不能帮助他们走出困境。不信的人抱怨，但信的人会顺服并把荣耀归给耶和华。“你们要休息，要知道我是神！”（诗46:10）。当我们有这美妙的应许：“耶和华必为你们争战”，我们还有什么可抱怨的呢？（出14:14）在他们后来的旅途中，主帮助约书亚和犹太军队战胜敌人（17:8），但这个时候，神自己战胜埃及人。让我们祈祷，叫我们可以静下，知道祂是神。

2. The next order came from God to Moses, “Go forward!” (14:15). We are not to be idle and wait but be obedient to God. The fact that Israel was facing the sea was not a problem to God and He told Moses exactly what to do. When Moses lifted up his rod, the waters would part, and Israel would be able to walk across on dry land and escape the Egyptian army. At Moses’s signal, the water would then flow back, drown the Egyptian soldiers and prevent Israel from returning to Egypt. Let’s pray that we actively obey God instead of passively waiting and idling.

神给摩西的下一个指示是：“往前走！”（14:15）。我们不该闲置等待，但要顺服神。事实上，以色列面向着海来说与神不是问题，神告诉摩西该怎么做。当摩西举起杖，海水就分离，以色列人就可下海走干地逃离埃及军队。在摩西的指示下，水就会合起，把埃及士兵淹没，并阻止以色列返回埃及。让我们祈祷，叫我们能积极顺服神，而不是被动地等待和闲置。

Remembering 纪念

God wanted Israel to remember what His hand had done for them (vv. 3, 9, 14, 16), lest in the future they forget to trust Him and serve Him. The setting apart of the firstborn would remind them that the firstborn sons of Israel had been redeemed by the Lord. The annual Passover would remind them to keep their lives pure. When you consider that Jesus Christ has redeemed us by His blood, surely we should give ourselves to Him and obey His Word.

神要以色列记得祂为他们所做的一切（第39,14,16节），以免以色列将来忘了信靠并事奉祂。把长子分别出来的目的是要提醒他们，以色列的长子已由主赎回。每年的逾越节将提醒他们各人必须保持圣洁的生活。当你思想耶稣基督已经用祂的血救赎自己，你肯定要献上自己，听从祂的话。

Instructing 指示

The younger generation cannot know the works of the Lord unless the older generation tells them. The Word of God must control our lips (v. 9), our eyes, and our hands (v. 16), and we must share it with others. The Jews took this literally and wore portions of the Law on the forehead and hand, but the Lord was surely speaking in a metaphorical way.

年轻一代是无法知道主的作为，除非由上一代告知。神的话语必须管理我们的嘴唇（9节）、眼睛和手（16节），而我们必须与他人分享。犹太人从字面上去理解并在额头和手上穿戴一部分的法律，但是主是用一个隐喻的方式来表达祂的意思。

Following 跟随

God frees us from bondage, and He also guides us to the inheritance He has prepared for us. His Word is like that pillar of cloud and fire and He will show us the way if we will trust Him.

神使我们摆脱束缚，还带领我们到祂为我们所预备的基业。祂的话语就像是云和火柱，如果我们相信祂，祂必定指引我们的道路。

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

1. We usually call this event “the Jewish Passover,” but the Bible calls it “the Lord’s Passover” (vv. 11, 27; Lev. 23:5; Num. 28:16). The observance was more than a celebration, because the feast was kept “unto the Lord” (Ex. 12:48; Num. 9:10, 14). “It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s Passover” (Ex. 12:27). The focus of attention is on the Lord because what occurred that special night was because of Him. At least seventeen times in Exodus 12 “the Lord” is mentioned because He was the one in charge. Let’s pray our familiarity does not breed contempt especially to the Lord our Savior.

我们通常称逾越节为“犹太人的逾越节”，但圣经称之为“耶和华的逾越节”（第11, 27节；利23:5；民28:16）。遵守这节日不仅是为了庆祝，因为这节日是“献给耶和华”的（出12:48；民9:10，14）。“这是献给耶和华逾越节的祭”（出12:27）。这里的主角是主，因为那特殊的夜晚所发生的一切都是因为祂。在出埃及记第12章中，“耶和华”出现至少17次，因为祂是主导这一切的。让我们祈祷自己不因习以为常而蔑视周围的人，尤其是我们的救主。

2. When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” (Ex 13:17) Israel’s exodus from Egypt wasn’t the end of their experience with God; it was the new beginning. Morrison said, “It took one night to take Israel out of Egypt, but forty years to take Egypt out of Israel.” The person who trusts Jesus Christ is born again into the family of God, but that’s just the beginning of an exciting new adventure that should lead to growth and conquest in sanctification. Let’s pray that we continue to grow and learn to trust Him as the Lord of our pilgrimage.                                    

当法老容百姓去的时候，非利士地的道路虽近，神却不领他们从那里走，因为神说：“恐怕百姓遇见打仗，就后悔而回埃及去。”（出13:17）以色列人从埃及出来，只是经历神的开始，不是终点。莫里森说：“使以色列从埃及出来只花了一晚，但使以色列脱离埃及却花了40年的时间。”一个相信耶稣基督的人是得重生的，并进入神的家，但这仅是一个激动人心的新旅程的开始，这旅途应该使人成长、成圣。让我们祈祷，叫我们继续成长并学会信靠我们旅居之行的主。