Foreshadowing the disasters of Judah

耶利米書06：01-15 Jeremiah 06:01-15

張貼者： bengchi 位於 下午7:27

6:1 便雅憫人哪，逃命吧！快逃出耶路撒冷！你們要在提哥亞吹號，在伯‧哈基琳燃起警報的烽火！大災大難快要從北方臨到了。6:2 錫安城雖然壯麗，但要被毀滅！6:3 列國的君王要率領他們的軍隊，在城的周圍各自選定據點紮營。6:4 他們要下令：「準備攻城！在中午發動攻擊！」後來他們又說：「糟了，天晚了，黑夜到了，來不及進軍。6:5 我們要在夜間攻城，摧毀防禦。」6:6 上主─萬軍的統帥已命令領軍的君王砍伐樹木，堆造土壘，圍攻耶路撒冷。他說：「這城充滿欺壓，我要懲罰它。6:7 像水井不斷地湧出清水，這城不斷地製造新罪惡。我聽見城裏發出殘暴毀滅的聲音；我也看見病痛和傷痕。6:8 耶路撒冷人哪，你們要從這些苦難吸取教訓。不然，我要丟棄你們，使你們的城荒廢，無人居住。」6:9 上主─萬軍的統帥這樣說：「敵人要來洗劫以色列，好像採葡萄的人摘光所有的葡萄。所以，你要趁著機會，盡量搶救殘存的人。」6:10 我說：「縱使我向他們傳達你的話，警告他們，有誰願意接受呢？他們頑固，不肯接受你的話。他們拿你吩咐我說的話開玩笑。6:11 上主啊，你向他們發的烈怒也在我身上燃燒，我再也不能忍受了！」於是上主告訴我：「把我的烈怒傾瀉在街頭巷尾的孩童和成群結夥的年輕人身上。夫妻要一起被擄，老年人也不能倖免。6:12 他們的房子連同他們的妻子、田地都要歸別人。我要懲罰這地的居民；6:13 因為他們無論地位高低都貪圖不義之財，連先知和祭司也欺詐人民。6:14 他們看我子民的創傷不足輕重。他們說：『沒有問題，沒有問題，』6:15 其實問題嚴重。他們做了這可惡的事理當知恥，可是他們不知恥，不臉紅。所以，他們要跟別人一樣跌倒。我懲罰他們的時候，他們就一蹶不振。我─上主這樣宣佈了。」

¹ "Flee for safety, people of Benjamin! Flee from Jerusalem! Sound the trumpet in Tekoa! Raise the signal over Beth Hakkerem! For disaster looms out of the north, even terrible destruction. ² I will destroy the Daughter of Zion, so beautiful and delicate. ³ Shepherds with their flocks will come against her; they will pitch their tents around her, each tending his own portion." ⁴ "Prepare for battle against her! Arise, let us attack at noon! But, alas, the daylight is fading, and the shadows of evening grow long. ⁵ So arise, let us attack at night and destroy her fortresses!" ⁶ This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Cut down the trees and build siege ramps against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; it is filled with oppression. ⁷ As a well pours out its water, so she pours out her wickedness. Violence and destruction resound in her; her sickness and wounds are ever before me. ⁸ Take warning, O Jerusalem, or I will turn away from you and make your land desolate so no one can live in it." ⁹ This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Let them glean the remnant of Israel as thoroughly as a vine; pass your hand over the branches again, like one gathering grapes." ¹⁰ To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in them. ¹¹ But I am full of the wrath of the LORD, and I cannot hold it in. "Pour it out on the children in the street and on the young men gathered together; both husband and wife will be caught in it, and the old, those weighed down with years.¹² Their houses will be turned over to others, together with their fields and their wives, when I stretch out my hand against those who live in the land," declares the LORD. ¹³ "From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. ¹⁴ They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace. ¹⁵ Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them," says the LORD.

一、中心內容：
內容：Content:
1>先知耶利米呼籲便雅憫人，趕快從耶路撒冷逃離，因為災難即將從北方臨到。（v1）

1. Prophet Jeremiah warned the people of Benjamin to flee from Jerusalem for disaster looms out of the north. (v1)

2>北方首領有如牧者，軍隊有如羊群，錫安有如細嫩的草場----當牧者（首領）帶領著羊群（軍隊）來臨時，草場（錫安）將遭吞吃殆盡。（v2-3）

2. The leader of the north is like a shepherd, its army is like a flock of sheep, the land of Zion has such beautiful and delicate grassland – when the shepherd (leader) leads the sheep (army), the grassland (Zion) will soon be tended by the sheep. (v2-3)

3>來自北方的大軍，早已磨刀霍霍，準備進逼攻擊。（v4-5）

3. The leader of the north has already being trained and is ready to attack for the battle. (v4-5)

4>上帝吩咐北方大軍，針對以色列的罪惡施行審判。（v6-7）

4. God commands the leader from the north to perform judgment according to the sins of the Israelites. (v6-7)

5>呼籲以色列百姓把握最後悔改的機會。（v8）

5. The last chance for the Israelites to repent. (v8)

6>上帝再度吩咐先知耶利米，儘量搶救存留的人。（v9）

6. Once again God commands Prophet Jeremiah to glean the remnant of Israel. (v9)

7>因為信息無人接受，先知耶利米向上帝發出抱怨，以及持守忍辱負重的態度。（v10-12）

7. Since no one wanted to accept the message, Prophet Jeremiah went to God and complained, but continuously keeping up his responsible attitude (v10-12).

8>先知耶利米再度數算以色列百姓的罪狀。（v13-15）

8. Prophet Jeremiah tried to count the number of the sins of the Israelites. (v13-15)
   

主題：預言猶大的災禍。

Theme: Foreshadowing the disasters of Judah

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？

1>萬軍的統帥上帝。（v6、v9）

1. The Lord Almighty (v6,9)

2>遭選民藐視的上帝。（v10）

2. The God that’s been contempt by men. (v10)

3>大發烈怒的上帝。（v11）

3. God that fills with wrath (v11).

4>施行審判的上帝。（v11）

4. The God that begins to judge (v11)

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？

1>大軍壓境的災難（v1-7） The coming of a disastrous destruction (v7)
便雅憫人哪，逃命吧！快逃出耶路撒冷！你們要在提哥亞吹號，在伯‧哈基琳燃起警報的烽火！大災大難快要從北方臨到了。錫安城雖然壯麗，但要被毀滅！列國的君王要率領他們的軍隊，在城的周圍各自選定據點紮營。他們要下令：「準備攻城！在中午發動攻擊！（v1-4a）
先知耶利米表示：上帝所命定毀滅的工具已經發動，災難已經從北方出現，悲慘的遭遇已成定局，來自北方的巴比倫，將要耶路撒冷城圍困了，所以警報聲音又重現。先知耶利米將這樣的災難，用擬人的手法表達出來。尤其呼籲城裏的居民趕緊逃難！

¹ "Flee for safety, people of Benjamin! Flee from Jerusalem! Sound the trumpet in Tekoa! Raise the signal over Beth Hakkerem! For disaster looms out of the north, even terrible destruction. ² I will destroy the Daughter of Zion, so beautiful and delicate. ³ Shepherds with their flocks will come against her; they will pitch their tents around her, each tending his own portion." ⁴ "Prepare for battle against her! Arise, let us attack at noon! (v1-4a).

Prophet Jeremiah shows that he knew God has sent out the word for disaster and that disaster looms out of the north. The fate of a disastrous destruction is on its way. Babylon of the north is about to surround Jerusalem, so the alarm of danger rings once again. Facing this coming disaster, Prophet Jeremiah warned the people to leave.

2>仍存悔改的機會。（v8） A chance to repent (v8)
耶路撒冷人哪，你們要從這些苦難吸取教訓。不然，我要丟棄你們，使你們的城荒廢，無人居住。（v8）雖然先知耶利米已經宣佈耶路撒冷即將遭受審判的消息，但是慈愛的上帝依然存留悔改的機會。所以藉著先知耶利米再三呼籲說：耶路撒冷人哪！你們要從這些苦難中吸取教訓。不然，我要丟棄你們，使你們的城荒廢，無人居住。
此處出現「不然」一詞，就是表示還有挽回餘地。合和本聖經譯為：---你當受教，免得我心與你生疏，免得我使你荒涼。連續出現「免得」一詞，同樣顯示還有挽回餘地。因此，即便上帝心意已定，而且已經藉著先知宣佈審判即將來臨，但依然留存悔改的機會。
反省：我是否體貼上帝的心意？是否把握上帝所存留，最後悔改的機會？

“Take warning, O Jerusalem, or I will turn away from you and make your land desolate so no one can live in it." (v8). Although Prophet Jeremiah had already sent out the news to Jerusalem about their judgment day, our loving Father is still willing to give them another chance to repent. So through Jeremiah as he said, “Take warning, O Jerusalem, or [else] I will turn away from you and make your land desolate so no one can live in it” (v8).

From the above verse, the word “or else” appeared to show that it is yet too late to repent. From another version of Bible, English Standard Version, “lest I turn from you in disgust, lest I make you a desolation, an uninhabited land.” Similarly, the word “lest” means that there is still room for repentance, despite the fact that God has already made up his mind earlier and had called the prophet to send forth the news about his judgment. He always gives us the opportunity to repent.

Reflection: Do I appreciate God’s kindness? Do I grab on to that last chance of repentance sensibly?

3>未受割禮的耳朵（v10） Uncircumcised ears (v10)
我說：「縱使我向他們傳達你的話，警告他們，有誰願意接受呢？他們頑固，不肯接受你的話（和合：他們的耳朵未受割禮，不能聽見）。他們拿你吩咐我說的話開玩笑。（v10）
先知耶利米以「未受割禮的耳朵」來形容以色列百姓「不願聽從上帝話語」的態度。「耳朵未受割禮」這樣的形容，在使徒行傳中也曾經出現過。你們這硬著頸項，心與耳未受割禮的人，時常抗拒聖靈，你們的祖宗怎樣，你們也怎樣。（使徒行傳7:51）
反省：我是否真正聽從上帝的話語？我是「耳朵未受割禮」的基督徒嗎？

To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed, so they cannot hear (English Standard Version: Behold, their ears are uncircumcised, they cannot listen). The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in them (v10).

Prophet Jeremiah uses the term “their ears are uncircumcised” to describe the fact that the people of Israel cannot hear God’s word. The description of uncircumcised ears is also used in the book of Acts, “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!” (Acts 7:51).

Reflection; Do I listen closely to God’s word? Am I a Christian with “uncircumcised ears”?

4>忍辱負重的先知（v10-11） The prophet that endures the seemingly burden (v10-11).
我說：「縱使我向他們傳達你的話，警告他們，有誰願意接受呢？他們頑固，不肯接受你的話。他們拿你吩咐我說的話開玩笑。上主啊，你向他們發的烈怒也在我身上燃燒，我再也不能忍受了！」（v10-11a）
因為沒有人願意聽信先知耶利米所傳講的信息，所以先知耶利米便向上帝發出抱怨，隨後即閉口不言，但卻難以抑制心中的激動。雖然一生的事奉毫無果效，但是他仍然忍辱負重，而且鞠躬盡瘁，照著上帝的呼召，盡他所當盡的任務。
反省：先知往往是孤單的，要是換成我的話，是否能繼續忍辱負重、盡忠職守？或半途而廢？

To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in them. ¹¹ But I am full of the wrath of the LORD, and I cannot hold it in (v10-11a).

Because no one believes the message that Prophet Jeremiah tries to convey, he went and complained to God. He could not control his temper or the words that came out of his mouth. Although nothing seems to be working well, he continuously takes on this seemingly burden, listens to God, and does all he can do try accomplishing this mission.

Reflection: Being a prophet is not easy; they usually have a very hard. If I was a prophet, would I be able to endure the pain and burden or would I just quit halfway through?

5>數算所犯的罪狀（v13-15）
因為他們無論地位高低都貪圖不義之財，連先知和祭司也欺詐人民。他們看我子民的創傷不足輕重。他們說：『沒有問題，沒有問題，』其實問題嚴重。他們做了這可惡的事理當知恥，可是他們不知恥，不臉紅。所以，他們要跟別人一樣跌倒。我懲罰他們的時候，他們就一蹶不振。我─上主這樣宣佈了。」（v13-15）
先知耶利米一一數算以色列百姓所犯的罪，其罪狀如下列：v13無論地位高低，都貪圖不義之財。v13連先知和祭司也欺詐人民。v14他們看我子民的創傷不足輕重。（刻意迴避問題）v15他們做了這可惡的事，竟然不知恥，不臉紅。
反省：鑒古知今，當時以色列百姓的情境，是否發生在我們當中？

"From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. ¹⁴ They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace. ¹⁵ Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them," says the LORD (v13-15).

Prophet Jeremiah counted the number of sins done by the Israelites. They are as follow: (v13) from the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain, (v13) prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit, (v14) they dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious, (v15) they are not ashamed of their loathsome conduct as they do not even know how to blush.

Reflection: Likewise today, is it possible that the same situation back then in Israel can reoccur in a similar way amongst us?

四、我的禱告 / 實際應用