Being lesser than the birds

Jeremiah 8:4-17 (New International Version)

Sin and Punishment

⁴ "Say to them, 'This is what the LORD says:
" 'When men fall down, do they not get up?
When a man turns away, does he not return?

⁵ Why then have these people turned away?
Why does Jerusalem always turn away?
They cling to deceit;
they refuse to return.

⁶ I have listened attentively,
but they do not say what is right.
No one repents of his wickedness,
saying, "What have I done?"
Each pursues his own course
like a horse charging into battle.

⁷ Even the stork in the sky
knows her appointed seasons,
and the dove, the swift and the thrush
observe the time of their migration.
But my people do not know
the requirements of the LORD.

⁸ " 'How can you say, "We are wise,
for we have the law of the LORD,"
when actually the lying pen of the scribes
has handled it falsely?

⁹ The wise will be put to shame;
they will be dismayed and trapped.
Since they have rejected the word of the LORD,
what kind of wisdom do they have?

¹⁰ Therefore I will give their wives to other men
and their fields to new owners.
From the least to the greatest,
all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
all practice deceit.

¹¹ They dress the wound of my people
as though it were not serious.
"Peace, peace," they say,
when there is no peace.

¹² 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 they are punished,
says the LORD.

¹³ " 'I will take away their harvest,
declares the LORD.
There will be no grapes on the vine.
There will be no figs on the tree,
and their leaves will wither.
What I have given them
will be taken from them. ^[a] ' "

¹⁴ "Why are we sitting here?
Gather together!
Let us flee to the fortified cities
and perish there!
For the LORD our God has doomed us to perish
and given us poisoned water to drink,
because we have sinned against him.

¹⁵ We hoped for peace
but no good has come,
for a time of healing
but there was only terror.

¹⁶ The snorting of the enemy's horses
is heard from Dan;
at the neighing of their stallions
the whole land trembles.
They have come to devour
the land and everything in it,
the city and all who live there."

¹⁷ "See, I will send venomous snakes among you,
vipers that cannot be charmed,
and they will bite you,"
declares the LORD.

I. Main Content

1> God tells prophet Jeremiah that He sees the unrepentant people of Israel. (v.4-6)

2> The prophet Jeremiah describes the people of Israel as being lesser than the birds of the air. (v.7)

3> The people of Israel, especially the religious leaders, are self-righteous in thinking that they have wisdom but are rejected by God. (v.8-9)

4> Since the people are greedy, practice deceit and are not ashamed of their actions, God wants to punish them. (v.10-13)

5> The prophet Jeremiah proclaims and describes the “unavoidable” disaster. (v.14-17)

Theme:

1> Being lesser than the birds

2> Going against God’s plan

II. Who is God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit?

1> God who reveals and grants his Word to people (v.4)

2> God who looks at people’s actions and listens to their voices (v.6)

3> God who issues statutes, decrees and the law (v.7-8)

4> God whose Word was neglected (v.9)

5> God who is in control of everything (v.10, 14, 17)

6>God who punishes those who go against Him (v.12, 14-17)

III. What does the passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations, and warnings?)

1> The unchanging people (v.4-5)

"Say to them, 'This is what the LORD says:
" 'When men fall down, do they not get up?
When a man turns away, does he not return?

Why then have these people turned away?
Why does Jerusalem always turn away?
They cling to deceit;
they refuse to return. (v.4-5)

Normally people who make a mistake will learn from it. But what is unfortunate is that sometimes due to one’s stubbornness, one does not learn from his/her mistakes. Therefore, the prophet Jeremiah uses a tone of wonder to convey God’s message which is to ask: When men fall down, do they not get up? When a man turns away, does he not return? Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return.

Reflection: There is a proverb that says ‘to make a mistake is human, to forgive, divine’. Am I stubborn or willing to learn and change when speaking about my attitude towards making a mistake?

2> Being lesser than the birds (v.6-7)

I have listened attentively,
but they do not say what is right.
No one repents of his wickedness,
saying, "What have I done?"
Each pursues his own course
like a horse charging into battle.

Even the stork in the sky
knows her appointed seasons,
and the dove, the swift and the thrush
observe the time of their migration.
But my people do not know
the requirements of the LORD. (v.6-7)

The prophet Jeremiah uses animals as examples to describe the people of Israel. Firstly, he uses the example of a horse charging into battle to describe the Israelites’ hard-headedness to follow one’s own way. Furthermore, he uses the example of birds to describe their mistake of knowing their mistakes but not changing. Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But the chosen people of God do not understand the requirements of God. Once they sin and go in the wrong direction, they still do not know to turn back. In the eyes of the prophet, the people of Israel are lesser than the birds.

Reflection: Are we lesser than the birds who know when to migrate or the animal offspring who know to kneel to receive milk from their parents?

3>Religious leaders’ condemnation (v.8-9, 10b-12a)

" 'How can you say, "We are wise,
for we have the law of the LORD,"
when actually the lying pen of the scribes
has handled it falsely?

The wise will be put to shame;
they will be dismayed and trapped.
Since they have rejected the word of the LORD,
what kind of wisdom do they have? (v.8-9)

From the least to the greatest,
all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
all practice deceit.

They dress the wound of my people
as though it were not serious.
"Peace, peace," they say,
when there is no peace.

Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct?
No, they have no shame at all;
they do not even know how to blush. (v.10b-12a)

The prophet Jeremiah continues on to state the condemnations of the religious leaders. Amongst them include the scribes handling the pen falsely, changing the law. From the least to the greatest, even the prophets and priests practice deceit. The sins that the people of Israel have committed have caused a lot of wound and are very serious but nonetheless they think it’s okay. Also, having done so many evil things, supposedly they should feel ashamed of themselves. However, not only do they have no shame at all but they do not even know how to blush.

Reflection: During the time, the religious leaders of Israel misinterpreted God’s law, were greedy, practiced deceit, took a serious matter as being light, and didn’t feel ashamed. Has this ever happened in my life?

4> The consequence of going against God (v.10, 12b-13)

Therefore I will give their wives to other men
and their fields to new owners.
From the least to the greatest,
all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
all practice deceit. (v.10)

So they will fall among the fallen;
they will be brought down when they are punished,
says the LORD.

" 'I will take away their harvest,
declares the LORD.
There will be no grapes on the vine.
There will be no figs on the tree,
and their leaves will wither.
What I have given them
will be taken from them. ^[a] ' " (v.12b-13)

The prophet Jeremiah mentions that the consequence of going against God is to have to withstand a lot of shame. This is accomplished by giving their wives to other men and their fields to new owners, meaning that whatever they have will be taken away from them and given to others.

On top of that, they will fall among the fallen. Once God’s punishment arrives, they will be unable to recover. Although God wants to gather His people, like harvesting a crop, they do not know how to be like a vine that bears grapes. But on the other hand they are like a fig tree that doesn’t bear fruit, with leaves that are withered. Therefore, God not only allows the Gentiles to come take over their land, He also allows the Gentiles to kidnap them.

Reflection: Going against God will lead to defeat. Have I truly understood this law? How do I keep myself from going against Him?

5> The unavoidable disaster (v.13-17)

" 'I will take away their harvest,
declares the LORD.
There will be no grapes on the vine.
There will be no figs on the tree,
and their leaves will wither.
What I have given them
will be taken from them. ^[a] ' "

"Why are we sitting here?
Gather together!
Let us flee to the fortified cities
and perish there!
For the LORD our God has doomed us to perish
and given us poisoned water to drink,
because we have sinned against him.

We hoped for peace
but no good has come,
for a time of healing
but there was only terror.

The snorting of the enemy's horses
is heard from Dan;
at the neighing of their stallions
the whole land trembles.
They have come to devour
the land and everything in it,
the city and all who live there."

"See, I will send venomous snakes among you,
vipers that cannot be charmed,
and they will bite you,"
declares the LORD. (v.13-17)

God, through the prophet Jeremiah, announces that the trial is near, saying: I will doom them to perish. In other words, He already convicted them to a death penalty (v.13) or that He will send venomous snakes among you (v.17).

Therefore, when the trial comes, the people still very hurriedly runs to the firmest refuge that they have constructed, thinking that they can avoid the trial. Yet, in reality they cannot avoid it. As a result, they remind one another saying: "Why are we sitting here? Gather together! Let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there!” At that moment, they had only one way to go which was to wait and accept their unavoidable destruction.

Reflection: Facing God’s trial, have I grasped hold of the last chance to repent?

IV. My prayer / Life Application

Translated by: Timothy Tsay

When the LORD doesn’t want to listen to prayers.

耶利米書 (Jeremiah )07：16-28

7:16 上主說：「耶利米呀，不要替這些人禱告，也不要為他們哀求。你不要向我祈求，因為我不聽。7:17 難道你沒有看見他們在猶大各城鎮，在耶路撒冷的大街小巷做些甚麼嗎？7:18 他們的兒女收集木柴，父親點火，母親揉麵團做供餅，獻給他們的女神天后。他們也向別的神明奠酒，故意激怒我。7:19 其實，他們不是傷害我，而是傷害自己，自取其辱。7:20 所以，我─至高的上主要把忿怒傾瀉在這座聖殿，也要傾瀉在人、動物、樹木，和五榖上面。我的忿怒像烈火燃燒，沒有人能撲滅。7:21 「我的子民哪，你們認為有些牲祭要燒光，有些牲祭可以吃。但是我─上主、萬軍的統帥、以色列的上帝這樣說：你們不如把所有的祭肉通通吃掉。7:22 我領你們的祖先出埃及的時候，我並沒有命令他們獻燒化祭或其他祭物。7:23 我只命令他們聽從我；這樣，我就作他們的上帝，他們作我的子民。我要他們遵行我的道路；這樣，他們就會萬事順利。7:24 可是，他們不聽從，也不理會，反而受自己那頑固邪惡的心所支配，越變越壞。7:25 從你們祖先離開埃及那一天，我一再地差派我的僕人─先知們向你們傳話，7:26 但是沒有人理會，沒有人聽話。你們比你們祖先更頑劣，更悖逆。7:27 「因此，耶利米呀，你要向我子民傳達這些話，但是他們不聽；你要呼召他們，但是他們不應答，7:28 你要指責他們：他們的國家不接受懲戒，不聽從我─上主、他們的上帝。忠信喪盡，他們連提都不提了！」

¹⁶ "So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you. ¹⁷ Do you not see what they are doing in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? ¹⁸ The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire and the women knead the dough and make cakes of bread for the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to provoke me to anger. ¹⁹ But am I the one they are provoking? declares the LORD. Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame? ²⁰ " 'Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: My anger and my wrath will be poured out on this place, on man and beast, on the trees of the field and on the fruit of the ground, and it will burn and not be quenched. ²¹ " 'This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go ahead, add your burnt offerings to your other sacrifices and eat the meat yourselves! ²² For when I brought your forefathers out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, ²³ but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you that it may go well with you. ²⁴ But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. ²⁵ From the time your forefathers left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. ²⁶ But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their forefathers.' ²⁷ "When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer. ²⁸ Therefore say to them, 'This is the nation that has not obeyed the LORD its God or responded to correction. Truth has perished; it has vanished from their lips.

一、中心內容：Core Message

內容：Content
1>上帝已經不再垂聽以色列百姓的禱告，也不垂聽先知耶利米的代求.（v16）
The LORD doesn’t listen to the people of Israel’s prayers anymore; the LORD doesn’t want to listen to Jeremiah’s plea, petition and prayer for the people. (v16)
2>上帝不再垂聽以色列百姓禱告的原因，就是因為他們全家搭配事奉他神。（v17-19）The reason that the Lord doesn’t listen to the prayer of the Israeli is because they are all prepared to light the fire, make bread, and pour out drinks to other gods.(v17-19)
3>上帝表示：因祂的憤怒，所以懲罰將臨到，就是要毀滅大地。（v20）
The LORD says: “My anger and my wrath will be poured out on this place.” The Lord wants to burn everything on earth and that it will not to be quenched. The severe punishment will befall. (v20)
4>上帝表示：祂不愛祭物，只愛百姓擁有順服的心。（v21-23）
The LORD says: He doesn’t like burnt offerings and sacrifices, but He likes the people to obey Him . (v21-23)
5>上帝表示：自古以來，以色列百姓屢勸不聽。（v24-26）
The LORD says: From the time your forefathers left Egypt until now, they didn’t listen or pay attention to LORD day after day, again and again, they did even more than their forefathers. (v24-26)

主題：Theme
1>當上帝不聽禱告時。When the LORD doesn’t want to listen to prayers.
2>聽命勝於獻祭。Obeying the LORD is more important than burnt offerings and sacrifices.

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？Who is God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit?

1>不垂聽禱告（因為百姓徹底背逆）的上帝。（v16）

The LORD didn’t listen to the prayers (Because the people went completely against Him) (v16)

2>遭受百姓激怒、大發烈怒的上帝。（v18-20）

The LORD was provoked by the people. He was very furious about it. (v18-20)
3>降災、毀滅的上帝。(v20）

The LORD wants to burn everything on earth and not let it be quenched. (v20)
4>萬軍的統帥上帝。（v21）

The LORD Almighty (v21)
5>盼望百姓聽從的上帝（v23）

The LORD wants the people to obey Him. (v23)
6>萬福源頭的上帝。（v23）

The LORD is the source of all good.

7>差派先知，以儆醒百姓的上帝。（v25）

The LORD sent a prophet to alert the people.

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？What lessons (command, covenant, role modeling, rebuking and warning) are God teaching us?

1>上帝不聽禱告時（v16）When the LORD doesn’t want to listen to prayers
上主說：耶利米呀，不要替這些人禱告，也不要為他們哀求。你不要向我祈求，因為我不聽。（v16） "So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you. (v16)

上帝是滿有慈愛的上帝，也是期待祂的選民，常常藉著禱告尋求祂面的上帝，更是照著應許垂聽禱告的上帝。但是由於選民的背逆，導致令祂對選民徹底的絕望，甚至拒絕再垂聽他們的禱告，也不許先知再為他們代求。這樣的情境是悲慘的！就像一個背逆的兒子，背逆到讓愛他的父親徹底絕望時一樣，那時的景況將會是淒涼、悲慘的。

God is full of love; He looks forward to the chosen people to seek God’s face through prayer. God listens to the prayers with promises. However, due to the chosen people going against Him again and again, the LORD felt complete despair and even refused to listen to their prayers. He also forbade the Prophet to plea or to pray for them. This situation is tragic! It is like a son against his father; his father loves him so much but feels complete despair. That kind of situation is hopeless and sad.

反省：我是否想過，要是哪一天，當上帝不再聽我禱告時，我生命中的景況將會是如何？

Reflection: Have I ever thought that one day LORD doesn’t listen to my prayer anymore,
what would it be of my life?

2>家家戶戶拜偶像（v17-18） Every household worship worthless idols.
難道你沒有看見他們在猶大各城鎮，在耶路撒冷的大街小巷做些甚麼嗎？他們的兒女收集木柴，父親點火，母親揉麵團做供餅，獻給他們的女神天后。他們也向別的神明奠酒，故意激怒我。（v17-18）

Do you not see what they are doing in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire and the women knead the dough and make cakes of bread for the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to provoke me to anger. (v17-18)

上帝不僅本身拒絕再聽他們的禱告，甚至也吩咐先知耶利米，不要再為他們代求，原因就是目睹以色列百姓，在猶大各城鎮，在耶路撒冷的大街小巷，舉國上下都祭拜偶像。

The LORD didn’t want to listen to their prayers. He even asked the prophet Jeremiah not to plea, petition and pray for them, because the Lord saw all the Israeli worshipping other gods in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem.

尤其看見家家戶戶、大大小小，通力合作，服事偶像的景象。就是：他們的兒女收集木柴，父親點火，母親揉麵團做供餅，獻給他們的女神天后。怎不令上帝神傷？
這種舉國上下、大街小巷、全家老小，全面性的背逆，莫怪讓上帝如此神傷與絕望！

He saw every household of the nation worshipping worthless idols. The children gathered wood, the fathers lit the fire and the women kneaded the dough and made cakes of bread for the Queen of Heaven. They poured out drink offerings to other gods. No wonder the LORD felt sad and hopeless about this situation.

反省：看到當時如此情景，也來想想如今的自己。我的國家、我的社會、我的家庭又如何？

Reflection: From this situation, let’s think about ourselves, How about our nation, our society, and our family?

3>招致全面的禍患（v19-20）Incurred scourge over all
其實，他們不是傷害我，而是傷害自己，自取其辱。所以，我─至高的上主要把忿怒傾瀉在這座聖殿，也要傾瀉在人、動物、樹木，和五榖上面。我的忿怒像烈火燃燒，沒有人能撲滅。（v19-20）

But am I the one they are provoking? declares the LORD. Are they not rather harming themselves, to their own shame? Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: My anger and my wrath will be poured out on this place, on man and beast, on the trees of the field and on the fruit of the ground, and it will burn and not be quenched. (v19-20)

當以色列百姓如此背逆之後，其實真正受傷害的並不是上帝，而是以色列百姓自己。因為上帝依然是上帝，根本毫髮無傷。但是以色列百姓，將因此而自招禍患、自取其辱。因為當上帝大發烈怒，降下懲罰的時候，不僅禍患傾注在聖殿，也要傾注在人、動物、樹木，和五榖上面。也就是將遭受全面性的禍患，尤其，上帝的忿怒，要像烈火燃燒一樣，沒有人能撲滅。

When the Israeli people went against God, the real person to get hurt is not God, but the Israeli people themselves, because God is still God, He is unharmed. But the Israeli people will get the scourge, bring disgrace upon themselves, because when God gets angry, His wrath will be poured out as punishment, the scourge will not only be on temple, but also poured on people, animals, trees, and grains. People will suffer the scourge thoroughly. God's anger would be like fire burning that no one can put out.

反省：我的心思意念、言行舉止，是否經常惹起上帝的憤怒？我如何更加謹慎的守住自己？
Reflection: Do my ideas, words and deeds often arouse the wrath of God? How
can I be more prudent to keep myself from provoking God?

4>順服神勝於獻祭。（v22-23） Obeying the Lord is more important than burning offerings and sacrifices
我領你們的祖先出埃及的時候，我並沒有命令他們獻燒化祭或其他祭物。我只命令他們聽從我；這樣，我就作他們的上帝，他們作我的子民。我要他們遵行我的道路；這樣，他們就會萬事順利。（v22-23）

For when I brought your forefathers out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give those commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, 23 but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you that it may go well with you. (v22-23)

回顧當初，當上帝帶領他們的祖先出埃及時，並沒有命令他們要獻上任何祭物，只命令他們要聽從、要順服。只要他們願意聽從、順服，遵行上帝的道路，就必萬事順利（蒙恩得福）。這樣的情境，就是所謂「聽命勝於獻祭」。
「聽命勝於獻祭」的信息，在聖經當中比比皆是。如：撒母耳記上15:22、以賽亞書1:10-20、耶利米書6:20、何西阿書6:6、阿摩司書5:21-24、彌迦書6:6-8。就以今天來說：若是不順服上帝，不遵行祂的旨意，空有熱誠的服事，甚至大把金錢的奉獻，同樣得不到上帝的悅納。

Recall the beginning, when God led their ancestors out of Egypt, there was no order for them to present any sacrifices. They were only ordered to obey and to comply. As long as they listened, obeyed and followed God's path, they would be blessed for everything. This kind of situation is the so-called "Obedience is superior to sacrifice”. The message of "Obedience is superior to sacrifice" is all around in the Bible. Such as: 1 Samuel 15:22, Isaiah 1:10-20, Jeremiah 6:20, Hosea 6:6, Amos 5:21-24, Micah 6:6 -8. Take this example: To disobey God, not abide His will, but have plenty of enthusiasm to serve, and even offer a lot of money won’t get God’s favor.

反省：聽命（順服）與獻祭（事奉、奉獻）這兩樣，在我生命中的優先次序如何？
Reflection: Obey (obedience) and sacrifices (ministry, dedication), how are the priorities
in my life?

5>獻祭的真正意義The true meaning of sacrifice（v22-23）

上帝為了讓人們過著順服的生活，才設立了獻祭的禮儀。因此，上帝真正要的不是禮儀、不是祭物，而是人，是祂所愛的人，也就是人心的歸向。所以，祭物跟祭禮，完全沒有讓上帝喜悅的理由或因素，但是藉著祭物跟禮儀，可以讓人自我反省，離棄罪惡、歸向上帝，甚至進而為上帝而活。上帝所喜悅的就是這個部份，這也就是上帝設立禮儀、規範祭物的真正目的。

God set up the establishment of a sacrificial ritual, in order to allow people to live a life of obedience. Therefore, what God really wants is not etiquette, not sacrifice, but a person who is the loved by God. That is a person’s heart that abides God’s will. Therefore, sacrifice with the ritual doesn’t make God happy, but through the ritual and sacrifices, people have a chance for self-reflection, to abandon our iniquities and to turn to God or even live for God. God likes this, which is the real purpose of God’s establishment of ceremony, norms and sacrifices.

反省：在上帝面前，我所在乎的是奉獻、事奉、禮儀？還是懺悔、謙卑、順服、渴慕祂的心？

Reflection: Before God, is what I care about dedication, service and ritual or repentance, humility, obedience and the desire to seek Him?

6>上帝憤怒的原因 The reason of God’s wrath（v25-28）

從你們祖先離開埃及那一天，我一再地差派我的僕人─先知們向你們傳話，但是沒有人理會，沒有人聽話。你們比你們祖先更頑劣，更悖逆。「因此，耶利米呀，你要向我子民傳達這些話，但是他們不聽；你要呼召他們，但是他們不應答，你要指責他們：他們的國家不接受懲戒，不聽從我─上主、他們的上帝。忠信喪盡，他們連提都不提了！」（v25-28）
From the time your forefathers left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. ²⁶ But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their forefathers.' ²⁷ "When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer. ²⁸ Therefore say to them, 'This is the nation that has not obeyed the LORD its God or responded to correction. Truth has perished; it has vanished from their lips. (v25-28)

以色列百姓為何令上帝如此憤怒呢？原因就是他們不肯聽從上帝的話語。自從上帝帶領他們的祖先離開埃及那一天，上帝就不斷差派先知向他們傳話，但是令上帝感到遺憾的就是：竟然沒有人理會，完全沒有人聽從。不僅他們的祖先是這樣，當時的以色列百姓更是變本加厲。因此，以色列百姓不聽話、不順服、徹底背逆，就是令上帝憤怒的原因。
How did the people of Israel cause God’s wrath? They refused to obey God's Word. Since the day that God led their ancestors out of Egypt, God has continually sent out prophets to talk to them. What God regretted is this: there was no one who even cared, no one who listened to. Their ancestors did this, and the Israeli people were worse. The people of Israel disobeyed and did not comply which is the reason to make God's anger.

反省：在上帝面前「順服就必蒙福」的道理，我是否真正明白？
Reflection: Before God, do I really understand the truth of “obedience is a blessing”?

Translated into English by Teresa Yang

Message in the temple

Jermiah7:1-15(NIV)

False Religion Worthless

¹ This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD : ² "Stand at the gate of the LORD's house and there proclaim this message:
" 'Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the LORD. ³ This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. ⁴ Do not trust in deceptive words and say, "This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD!" ⁵ If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, ⁶ if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, ⁷ then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever. ⁸ But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.

⁹ " 'Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, ^[a] burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, ¹⁰ and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, "We are safe"-safe to do all these detestable things? ¹¹ Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the LORD.

¹² " 'Go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for my Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel. ¹³ While you were doing all these things, declares the LORD, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. ¹⁴ Therefore, what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears my Name, the temple you trust in, the place I gave to you and your fathers. ¹⁵ I will thrust you from my presence, just as I did all your brothers, the people of Ephraim.'

耶利米書07：01-15

7:1 上主差我到聖殿門口，要我站在那裏向猶大人宣佈他自己的話。於是我到聖殿門口，向進入聖殿敬拜上主的人傳達上主─萬軍的統帥、以色列上帝的信息：「你們要 棄邪歸正！我就讓你們在這地方居住。7:2 併於上節7:3 併於上節7:4 不要再相信那些騙人的話，說：『我們很安全，這是上主的聖殿；這是上主的聖殿；這是上主的聖殿！』7:5 「你們要棄邪歸正，以公平相待。7:6 不要再佔外僑和孤兒寡婦的便宜。停止在這塊地上殺害無辜。不要再拜別的神明，自取滅亡。7:7 如果你們改過，我就讓你們繼續居留在這裏，就是從前我賜給你們祖先作永久產業的土地。7:8 「看吧，你們倚靠那騙人的話是徒然的！7:9 你們偷竊，殺人，姦淫，作偽證，向巴力獻祭，拜你們不認識的神明。7:10 你們做我恨惡的事，然後跑到我的聖殿裏，站在我面前，說：『我們很安全！』7:11 你們以為我的聖殿是賊窩嗎？我清清楚楚地看見你們的一舉一動。7:12 你們到示羅去，看我選定的第一個居所，就知道我因我子民以色列的罪怎樣對付那地方。7:13 你們犯了這許多罪過；我一再勸導你們，你們總是不聽；我呼叫你們，你們總是不應答。7:14 因此，我從前怎樣待示羅，也要怎樣待你們所信賴那屬於我的聖殿，以及我賜給你們和你們祖先的地方，像我從前對付示羅一樣。7:15 我要從我眼前把你們趕走，像我從前驅逐你們的親族以色列人一樣。我─上主這樣宣佈了。」

一、中心內容：

內容：
1>上帝呼召耶利米，要他站在聖殿宣佈信息。（v1a）God called Jeremiah to stand at the temple gate and declare His word. (v1a)
2>耶利米奉命站在聖殿，呼籲以色列百姓，勿相信假先知，應儘快改邪歸正。（v1b-4）Jeremiah stood at the temple gate and called the Israelites to not trust the false gods and to repent of their sins. (v1b-4)
3>耶利米舉出以色列百姓當悔改的事項，並談論有關上帝的應許，即：如果悔改的話，將能繼續留在上帝所賞賜，作為永久產業的土地上。（v5-7）

Jeremiah listed the things that the Israelites should repent of and talked about God’s promise. If they should repent, they would stay in the land that God had given them. (v5-7)
4>耶利米指出以色列百姓，一面姦殺、偷盜、拜偶像，另一面卻在聖殿敬拜上帝。（v8-11）

Jeremiah pinpointed that the Israelites had committed the sins of adultery, robbery and idol worshiping, yet they still went to the temple to worship God. (v8-11)
5>耶利米宣佈最後的結局---過去如何對待示羅，如今也要照樣對待耶路撒冷。（v12-15）
Jeremiah declared that God would do to Jerusalem what He did Shiloh. (v12-15)
主題：
1>聖殿宣講的信息。Message in the temple
2>不蒙悅納的敬拜。Unacceptable worship
3>住在殿中的資格。The qualification to live in the temple

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？

1>啟示人、賜人話語的上帝。（v1）God reveals and gives His word to man (v1)
2>配得敬拜的上帝。（v1、v10） God who is worthy of worship (v1,10)
3>萬軍的統帥上帝。（v1）God who is the head of a mighty army. (v1)
4>全能、掌權的上帝。（v1、v7、v15） Almighty and powerful God (v1,7,15)
5>賜下產業的上帝。（v7）God gives inheritance. (v7)
6>諄諄教誨、聲聲呼喚的上帝。（v13）God who exhorts and calls. (v13)

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？

序言：耶利米書從第七章開始，所傳遞的是以「聖殿敬拜」為主題的信息。（7:1-11:25）
Foreword: Starting from Chapter 7, the main theme is “Worship in the temple” (7:1-11; 25)
1>不蒙悅納的敬拜（v1-3）Unacceptable worship
上主差我到聖殿門口，要我站在那裏向猶大人宣佈他自己的話。於是我到聖殿門口，向進入聖殿敬拜上主的人傳達上主─萬軍的統帥、以色列上帝的信息：「你們要棄邪歸正！我就讓你們在這地方居住。（v1-3）
上 帝吩咐先知耶利米，要站在聖殿門口，宣佈上帝所啟示的話語。領受信息的對象是：進入聖殿敬拜上帝的人。吩咐他們要聽從上帝的話，要離棄罪惡，要改邪歸正。 顯示：當時進到聖殿敬拜上帝的人，根本沒有聽從上帝的話，一直都活在罪惡之中。所以，他們的敬拜是表面的、是虛假的，是上帝所厭惡的。
反省：每個禮拜都到聖殿敬拜上帝的我，上帝會如何看我？會跟當時的以色列百姓一樣嗎？
¹ This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD : ² "Stand at the gate of the LORD's house and there proclaim this message: " 'Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the LORD. ³ This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place.(v1-3)

God instructed Jeremiah to stand at the temple gate declaring the message to those who were entering the temple. God wanted them to heed His words and turn away from their sins. Clearly, whoever entered the temple never heeded God’s words and they continued to live in a sinful way. They only worshiped God outwardly and hypocritically. Thus, it was detestable to Him.

Reflection: How does God see me who goes to church every Sunday? Does He think that I am like the Israelites?
2>視聖殿如護身符（v4）Viewing the temple as a protective charm
不要再相信那些騙人的話，說：『我們很安全，這是上主的聖殿；這是上主的聖殿；這是上主的聖殿！』（v4）
以 色列百姓一直都認為：上帝就住在聖殿的至聖所裏面，所以只要來到聖殿，就理所當然擁有上帝的同在。再加上當時的假先知，傳講「只要進到聖殿，就能擁有上帝 的照顧，所以敵人就不會前來攻擊，生命安全就會有保障」這樣偏差的信息。導致以色列百姓遭受誤導、信以為真。因此，一方面殷勤敬拜上帝，一方面活在罪中、 為所欲為。所以，再三強調：這是上主的聖殿；這是上主的聖殿；這是上主的聖殿！我們躲在這裏就可享平安了！
殊不知，因為以色列百姓所犯下嚴重的罪行，導致上帝不僅遠離至聖所，同時也遠離他們，甚至還要審判他們、毀滅他們。顯然，上帝絕對不是盲目的保護者，聖殿也絕對不是「不分青紅皂白」的護身符！
反省：在我的心目中如何看待上帝？有求必應的護身符？利益交換、各取所需的神祉？或---
⁴ Do not trust in deceptive words and say, "This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD!" (v4)

The common concept shared among the Israelites was that God dwells in the Most Holy Place in the temple. Thus, whenever they came to the temple, they owned the presence of God. The false prophets misled the Israelites by false teachings that preached that they would be protected from their enemies and would live under God’s care. Therefore, the people worshiped God and lived a sinful life at the same time. They thought it was safe in the temple, thus they kept on repeating “This is the temple of God. This is the temple of God. This is the temple of God. We are safe in here!”They did not know that their sins not only had kept God away from the temple but also from themselves. Their sins had provoked judgment and destruction on them. Neither did God protect without discerning, nor was the temple a safe haven for whoever came to it.

Reflection: What is my perception of God? Do I treat Him like a charm to get what I want? Is the temple of God a place where people get what they want and exchange their profits? Or…
3>百姓所犯的罪過（v5-6、v8-9）The sins of the Israelites
「你們要棄邪歸正，以公平相待。不要再佔外僑和孤兒寡婦的便宜。停止在這塊地上殺害無辜。不要再拜別的神明，自取滅亡。（v5-6）
「看吧，你們倚靠那騙人的話是徒然的！你們偷竊，殺人，姦淫，作偽證，向巴力獻祭，拜你們不認識的神明。（v8-9）

⁵ If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, ⁶ if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm,… ⁸ But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless. ⁹ " 'Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, ^[a] burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known,(v5-6;8-9)
根據這段經文的描述，我們可以發現：當時以色列百姓所犯的過錯如下列：
a.在鄰舍之間，未以公平相待。 b.佔外僑和孤兒寡婦的便宜。 c.在這塊地上殺害無辜。
d.祭拜別的神明（巴力）。 e.欺騙。 f. 偷竊，殺人，姦淫，作偽證。
反省：以上罪行，我是否常因不小心而觸犯到？我如何更加謹慎守著自己，以免得罪上帝？
From these verses, we find that the Israelites had committed the following sins:

1. They did not deal justly with each other.
2. They oppressed the alien, the fatherless and the widows.
3. They shed the blood of the innocent.
4. They worshiped false gods (Baal).
5. They deceived others.
6. They committed the crimes of stealing, murder, adultery and perjury.

Reflection: Have I committed any of the above offenses? How can I be more scrupulous and keep myself from sinning against God?

4>將聖殿當作賊窩（v10-11a）Treating the temple as a house of robbers
你們做我恨惡的事，然後跑到我的聖殿裏，站在我面前，說：『我們很安全！』你們以為我的聖殿是賊窩嗎？（v10-11a）

¹⁰ and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, "We are safe"-safe to do all these detestable things? ¹¹ Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you?
先知耶利米聲稱：以色列百姓犯了許多污穢的罪行，卻又躲到聖殿裏，尋求上帝的保護。如此，無非是將聖殿當作盜賊的庇護所，也就是所謂：將聖殿變成賊窩。
當然，上帝接納罪人，也願意赦免罪人，罪人當然也可以進到教會。但是，如果有某一個人，他就是不肯悔改，一直活在罪惡之中，卻又常常進到聖殿尋求上帝，期待得著上帝的保護，這是上帝所不悅納的，這樣的情境，就是所謂的「將聖殿當成賊窩」。
反省：就這樣的情境，對我來說，聖殿是否有「被當作賊窩」的嫌疑？
Jeremiah said that the Israelites hid in the temple seeking God’s protection after they had committed detestable sins. They used the temple as a safe haven for robbers. This was what he meant when he said that they turned the temple into a house of robbers.

There is no doubt that God receives and forgives sinners. Sinners can enter the church. However, God is not pleased when a person constantly leads a sinful life and does not repent of his sins, despite of the fact that he enters the temple to seek God and to look for His protection. This is an example of turning the temple into a house of robbers.

Reflection: Am I hypocritical like the Israelites?
5>以示羅作為借鏡（v12-15）Learn from Shiloh’s example
你 們到示羅去，看我選定的第一個居所，就知道我因我子民以色列的罪怎樣對付那地方。你們犯了這許多罪過；我一再勸導你們，你們總是不聽；我呼叫你們，你們總 是不應答。因此，我從前怎樣待示羅，也要怎樣待你們所信賴那屬於我的聖殿，以及我賜給你們和你們祖先的地方，像我從前對付示羅一樣。我要從我眼前把你們趕 走，像我從前驅逐你們的親族以色列人一樣。我─上主這樣宣佈了。」（v12-15）

¹² " 'Go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for my Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of my people Israel. ¹³ While you were doing all these things, declares the LORD, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. ¹⁴ Therefore, what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears my Name, the temple you trust in, the place I gave to you and your fathers. ¹⁵ I will thrust you from my presence, just as I did all your brothers, the people of Ephraim.'( v 12-15)
先知耶利米以當時以色列百姓跟非利士人爭戰的事件為例，對前來聖殿敬拜的以色列百姓提出警戒。示羅這個城市，曾經是以色列百姓的宗教中心（士師記21:19、撒母耳記上1:13）。
在約書亞的時代，聖幕與約櫃曾經放在這個地方，（約書亞記18:1）。

然 而，該城並沒有因此而確保安全無虞。因為根據撒母耳記上第四章的記載，當以色列百姓與非利士人爭戰的時候，係將約櫃從示羅抬到以便以謝，他們以為將約櫃帶 在身邊，就表示擁有上帝的同在，如此就能夠打勝仗，其實是極大的誤解。因為，結果戰爭還是輸了，甚至輸到連約櫃也被非利士人擄去。當然，示羅的情景也可想 而知。
因此，先知耶利米提醒以色列百姓，應該以「示羅」事件作為殷鑑。要是他們還是不肯悔改的話，聖殿根本保護不了他們，甚至連他們也都要被驅逐出去。
反省：我是否從歷史、先人失敗的經驗當中，學習到信仰功課？

According to Judges 21:16 and 1Samuel 1:13, Shiloh was once a religious centre. It was also a place where the Tent for Meeting and the Ark were located. (See Joshua 18:1) However, Shiloh was not invincible from enemy intrusion. As recorded in1 Samuel 4, when they fought against the Philistines, the Israelites carried the Ark from Shiloh to Ebenezer, naively thinking that the Ark was the equivalence of God’s presence which would bring them victory. Their naiveness led them to defeat and the Ark was captured by the enemy, not to mention that Shiloh must be in worse condition.

Therefore, Jeremiah brought Shiloh’s history to the people’s attention and said that they should learn from its past. The temple would not be an asylum to those who did not repent and would cast them out.

Reflection: Did I learn anything from the mistakes the people made in history?

四、我的禱告 / 實際應用

Lose opportunity

耶利米書06：16-30

張貼者： bengchi 位於 下午7:30

6:16 上主勸告他子民說：「你們要站在十字路口觀察。要探問那些舊路，查一查那條最好的路在哪裏。走那條路，你們就有平安。」但是他們回答：「不！我們不走那條路。」6:17 上主又為他們指派守望者，替他們聽警報的角聲，但是他們說：「我們不聽！」6:18 因此，上主說：「列國啊，仔細觀看我子民的遭遇！6:19 大地呀，聽吧！為了我子民的詭詐，我要降災禍給他們；因為他們拒絕我的教訓，不聽從我的話。6:20 他們獻給我示巴的乳香，帶給我遠方的香料，我不稀罕！我不接受他們的燒化祭，也不喜歡他們的牲祭。6:21 因此，我要使這些人絆倒。父子都要死去，鄰人親友也都要滅亡。」6:22 上主這樣說：「有一個民族要從北方來；在遠方的一個強悍國家準備要作戰。6:23 他們用箭用刀裝備自己；他們蠻橫殘暴。他們騎馬奔馳，像浪濤怒吼澎湃。他們準備好要攻擊耶路撒冷。」6:24 耶路撒冷人說：「我們聽到戰爭的風聲，手腳發軟。我們非常痛苦，像產婦陣痛。6:25 我們不敢到郊外去，也不敢上街；因為到處都是武裝的敵人，周圍充滿著恐怖。」6:26 上主對他的子民說：「你們披上麻衣，在灰中打滾吧。你們要悲傷哀號，像喪失了獨子，因為毀滅者要突擊你們。6:27 耶利米呀，你要考驗我的子民，像提煉金屬一樣。6:28 他們都是頑劣的叛徒，像銅鐵那樣剛硬。他們到處造謠，非常腐敗。6:29 即使風箱猛吹，爐火旺盛，廢鐵也不鎔化，不流動。繼續考驗我子民是徒然的，因為作惡的人還沒有清除。6:30 人家要把他們當渣滓，因為我─上主拋棄了他們。」

Jeremiah 6:16-30 (NIV Holy Bible)

¹⁶ This is what the LORD says:
"Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'

¹⁷ I appointed watchmen over you and said,
'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!'
But you said, 'We will not listen.'

¹⁸ Therefore hear, O nations;
observe, O witnesses,
what will happen to them.

¹⁹ Hear, O earth:
I am bringing disaster on this people,
the fruit of their schemes,
because they have not listened to my words
and have rejected my law.

²⁰ What do I care about incense from Sheba
or sweet calamus from a distant land?
Your burnt offerings are not acceptable;
your sacrifices do not please me."

²¹ Therefore this is what the LORD says:
"I will put obstacles before this people.
Fathers and sons alike will stumble over them;
neighbors and friends will perish."

²² This is what the LORD says:
"Look, an army is coming
from the land of the north;
a great nation is being stirred up
from the ends of the earth.

²³ They are armed with bow and spear;
they are cruel and show no mercy.
They sound like the roaring sea
as they ride on their horses;
they come like men in battle formation
to attack you, O Daughter of Zion."

²⁴ We have heard reports about them,
and our hands hang limp.
Anguish has gripped us,
pain like that of a woman in labor.

²⁵ Do not go out to the fields
or walk on the roads,
for the enemy has a sword,
and there is terror on every side.

²⁶ O my people, put on sackcloth
and roll in ashes;
mourn with bitter wailing
as for an only son,
for suddenly the destroyer
will come upon us.

²⁷ "I have made you a tester of metals
and my people the ore,
that you may observe
and test their ways.

²⁸ They are all hardened rebels,
going about to slander.
They are bronze and iron;
they all act corruptly.

²⁹ The bellows blow fiercely
to burn away the lead with fire,
but the refining goes on in vain;
the wicked are not purged out.

³⁰ They are called rejected silver,
because the LORD has rejected them."

一、中心內容：Message

內容：Content
1>以色列拒行古道（拒絕上帝的道路）。The Israelites refuse to follow God（v16-21）
2>北方侵略者帶來的恐懼。The fear of the rising of the North（v22-26）
3>上帝設立耶利米為試驗（煉淨）的人。God chose Jeremiah to observe and test His people （v27-30）

主題：Theme
1>聽命勝於獻祭。Obey > Sacrifice
2>失去最後機會。Lose opportunity

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit?

1>諄諄教誨、聲聲呼喚的上帝。（v16-19）God who teaches us and calls us
2>賜人安息（平安）的上帝。（v16）God who brings peace
3>為祂的子民設立守望者的上帝。（v17）God who watches over for His people
4>施行審判的上帝。（v21）God of justice
5>考驗（煉淨）祂子民的上帝。（v27）God who tests His people and delivers them from sin

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, warning)?

1>行古道必得安息 Follow the path and will find ways（v16a）
上主勸告他子民說：「你們要站在十字路口觀察。要探問那些舊路，查一查那條最好的路在哪。走那條路，你們就有平安。」但是他們回答：「不！我們不走那條路。」This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'（v16a）
此處所謂的古道（舊路），就是指：上帝頒佈給他們祖先的律法In this case is to look at the ancient, but good paths 。因此，上帝呼籲以色列百姓遵行古道，意思並不是要他們固執、守舊，不接受任何新事物，而是要他們遵行上帝的律法，行在公義的道路上。However, God does not mean to stay old-fashioned and to drive away from anything new but to follow God’s law and walk in the way of righteousness. 當時以色列百姓，因為行在背逆的路上，所以必然面對強敵攻擊、遭遇各樣禍患。The Israelites were not obeying God and were on the wrong path which lead them to many sufferings. 但是如果回歸遵行古道，就是遵行上帝所頒佈的律法，就必得著安息（平安）。However, if returning to God’s way and follow His law, peace will be brought.
反省：聖經的教訓我追求嗎？我明白嗎？我是否遵行？我的生命中有安息（平安）嗎？Reflection: Do I follow what’s written in the Bible? Do I understand? Do I act accordingly to it? Have I experienced peace?

2>上帝設立守望者 God appointed watchmen（v17a）
上主又為他們指派守望者，替他們聽警報的角聲---。I appointed watchmen over you and said, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!'（v17a） 接著上帝提醒他們，就像「城市設有守望者，提醒百姓將知道有危險」一樣，上帝同樣差派先知，成為以色列百姓的守望者，為以色列百姓作屬靈的守望，以避免遭遇禍患。Then God reminded them that they are being watched and had sent prophet to them. 身為守望者，如果盡責的吹響號角，但是人民不肯聽，那麼罪不在先知。Even if at the sound of the trumpet, they decided not to listen, then prophet cannot be found guilty. 反過來說，如果忘了吹，或沒有盡責的吹，上帝將究其罪責。On the other hand, if the trumpet was not blown by the prophet then God would judge the wrongs. 當時，上帝為以色列百姓設立守望者，以免他們遭遇禍患；今天同樣為我們設立守望者，以免我們遭遇禍患。At that time, God appointed watchmen so the people would avoid sufferings. Today, we are still being watched so we would not get hurt.
反省：上帝在這個時代為我所設立的守望者，我能夠體會嗎？我是否聽從？Today, do I understand the guardian that God had sent for me? Can I feel it? Am obeying the watchman?

3>聽從神勝於獻祭（v20）Obeying God over sacrificing
他們獻給我示巴的乳香，帶給我遠方的香料，我不稀罕！我不接受他們的燒化祭，也不喜歡他們的牲祭。（v20）What do I care about incense from Sheba or sweet calamus from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please me.
以色列百姓由於抗拒上帝，不肯遵行上帝的律法，所以他們的祭祀和所獻上的禮物，上帝全然不悅納，即便再昂貴也是一樣。No matter how expensive and elegant the sacrifices were being offered to God by the Israelites, they do not please God and God does not accept them. 這種情境，就是所謂「聽命勝於獻祭」。This is what “Obeying God over sacrifices” means.
「聽命勝於獻祭」的信息，在聖經當中比比皆是。如：撒母耳記上15:22、以賽亞書1:10-20、
何西阿書6:6、阿摩司書5:21-24、彌迦書6:6-8。1^st Samuel 15:22, Isaiah 1:10-20, Hosea 6:6, Amos 5:21-24, Micah 6:6-8. 就以今天來說：若是不順服上帝，不遵行祂的旨意，空有熱誠的服事，以及大把金錢的奉獻，同樣得不到上帝的悅納。Nowadays, if disobeying God and not following His orders, no matter how large the amount of the money offered would still not be accepted by God.
反省：聽命（順服）與獻祭（奉獻）這兩樣，在我生命中的優先次序如何？Reflection: In my life, what am I placing first? Obeying or offering?

4>即將來臨的審判（v22-26）The upcoming judgment
上主這樣說：「有一個民族要從北方來；在遠方的一個強悍國家準備要作戰。他們用箭用刀裝備自己；他們蠻橫殘暴。他們騎馬奔馳，像浪濤怒吼澎湃。他們準備好要攻擊耶路撒冷。」耶路撒冷人說：「我們聽到戰爭的風聲，手腳發軟。我們非常痛苦，像產婦陣痛。我們不敢到郊外去，也不敢上街；因為到處都是武裝的敵人，周圍充滿著恐怖。」上主對他的子民說：「你們披上麻衣，在灰中打滾吧。你們要悲傷哀號，像喪失了獨子，因為毀滅者要突擊你們。（v22-26）God said: “Look, an army is coming from the land of the north; a great nation is being stirred up from the ends of the earth. They are armed with bow and spear; they are cruel and show no mercy. They sound like the roaring sea as they ride on their horses; they come like men in battle formation to attack you, O Daughter of Zion.”They answered: “We have heard reports about them, and our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor. Do not go out to the fields or walk on the roads, for the enemy has a sword, and there is terror on every side.” God then said: “O my people, put on sackcloth and roll in ashes; mourn with bitter wailing as for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us.”
先知耶利米再度警告以色列百姓，將有殘酷的敵人從北方而來，這群兇暴殘忍的敵人，雖然造成百姓極大的恐慌，但是依然不能激起他們悔改的心。Jeremiah, the prophet once again warned the Israelites the coming of the enemy from the North. It brought panic into their hearts but they did not change. 耶利米看見四面有驚慌，百姓應該穿上麻衣，而且在灰中打滾，好像作父母的喪失獨子一樣的悲哀，因為毀滅就要臨到。Jeremiah saw people’s terror, they should be putting on sackcloth and rolling in ashes; mourning with bitter wailing as for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon them.
反省：在這個背逆的世代，我是否看到哪些預兆？我是否敏感到上帝的心意？Reflection: In today’s context, What prodigy do I see? Do I see God’s purpose for me?

5>失去最後的機會（v17-30）The loss of the final chance
耶利米呀，你要考驗我的子民，像提煉金屬一樣。他們都是頑劣的叛徒，像銅鐵那樣剛硬。他們到處造謠，非常腐敗。即使風箱猛吹，爐火旺盛，廢鐵也不鎔化，不流動。繼續考驗我子民是徒然的，因為作惡的人還沒有清除。人家要把他們當渣滓，因為我─上主拋棄了他們。」（v27-30）"I have made you a tester of metals and my people the ore, that you may observe and test their ways. They are all hardened rebels, going about to slander. They are bronze and iron; they all act corruptly. The bellows blow fiercely to burn away the lead with fire, but the refining goes on in vain; the wicked are not purged out. They are called rejected silver, because the LORD has rejected them." 來自巴比倫的威脅已經兵臨城下，整個耶路撒冷已經危在旦夕，就在這千鈞一髮之際，上帝再度吩咐先知耶利米，成為試驗（煉金）的人，就是如同以爐火煉淨金屬的雜質一樣。Under the danger circumstances, God commanded Jeremiah once again to observe and test the Israelites, as tester of metals. 然而，無論是警告是管教，對以色列百姓來說，都起不了任何作用，因為他們一直不肯離棄罪惡。因此，以色列百姓，就像無法煉淨雜質的金屬一樣，最後只好丟棄。However, either warnings nor teachings change the mind of the Israelites. They are like the metals that cannot by purified which end up being thrown away.
反省：由於上帝的慈愛，不斷給予悔改的機會，我是否明白？是否把握？還是輕看？甚至糟蹋？Reflection: Through God’s love, He gives us many chances to repent, but do I understand? Do I grasp that opportunity or bounce away from it? Or do I even ruin it?

四、我的禱告 / 實際應用 Prayer / Life application


Translated by Janet H.

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