(Revelation 5:5-8)
神堅定祂的約
GOD AFFIRMS HIS COVENANT
GOD AFFIRMS HIS COVENANT
站在玻璃海前面的群眾，是以色列人全家得救的集會。以色列人是神的選民，神有特別的恩典在他們身上，不是因為他們特別好、特別愛主。只是神念舊，沒有忘記他們，仍然記得祂與以色列人所立的約。他們得救所經歷的路，是摩西的路、律法的路，是神特別的恩典。再加上羔羊的路，表示他們也得到基督代死的恩典，得以在神的國里有份。
The multitude standing by the sea of glass is the whole assembly of Israelites who have been saved. The Israelites are God's chosen people, God has special blessings in store for them and it is not because they were very good or because they love the Lord very much. It is because God had not forgotten them; God remembered the covenant He had with them. Theirs is the way of Moses, the way of the law; it is God's special grace towards them. In addition to that, there is the way of the Lamb, which shows that they also have God's grace through Jesus' death. They have a share in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The multitude standing by the sea of glass is the whole assembly of Israelites who have been saved. The Israelites are God's chosen people, God has special blessings in store for them and it is not because they were very good or because they love the Lord very much. It is because God had not forgotten them; God remembered the covenant He had with them. Theirs is the way of Moses, the way of the law; it is God's special grace towards them. In addition to that, there is the way of the Lamb, which shows that they also have God's grace through Jesus' death. They have a share in the Kingdom of Heaven.
這一切都是因為神記念他們虔誠的祖先，記念曾經給他們的應許。
All because God remembered their ancestor's devotion and the promises that God gave them in the past.
All because God remembered their ancestor's devotion and the promises that God gave them in the past.
神顯示祂的信物
GOD DISPLAYS A TOKEN OF HIS COVENANT
GOD DISPLAYS A TOKEN OF HIS COVENANT
5 我看見天上那存法櫃的殿開了。
5 After this I looked, and I saw in heaven the temple—that is, the tabernacle of the covenant law—and it was opened.
5 After this I looked, and I saw in heaven the temple—that is, the tabernacle of the covenant law—and it was opened.
這背景仍然是在天上的聖所，但這裡直接看到至深之處，最裡面的至聖所，就是神施恩座的所在。中文聖經說是｢法櫃的殿｣。｢法櫃｣就是｢約櫃｣，是在至聖所裡面的。當時的猶太人從來沒有見過約櫃，不單是因為約櫃本來就放在至聖所，沒有人可以進去看，只有大祭司一年纔進去至聖所一次。事實上在約翰的時候，約櫃早已失去，當時的聖殿是沒有約櫃的。
The setting is still in the sanctuary in heaven, but here, the most inner part of the sanctuary can be seen, the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant is placed. The Israelites in those days had never seen the Ark of the Covenant , nobody was allowed inside that place, only the High Priest could enter once a year. And during the times of John, the Ark was lost; there was not Ark of the Covenant in the temple.
The setting is still in the sanctuary in heaven, but here, the most inner part of the sanctuary can be seen, the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant is placed. The Israelites in those days had never seen the Ark of the Covenant , nobody was allowed inside that place, only the High Priest could enter once a year. And during the times of John, the Ark was lost; there was not Ark of the Covenant in the temple.
無論新約舊約，｢約櫃｣都有兩個名稱。第一｢法櫃｣，正確的翻譯應該是｢見證的櫃｣ark of testimony 。第二是｢約櫃｣ark of covenant 。｢見證的櫃｣是最早的名稱，因為櫃裡放著亞倫發芽的杖、嗎哪、與十誡法版，這些東西都是見證神曾經與他們同在，眷顧他們。要叫他們記得神的作為、神的保護、神的恩典與神的供應。
This Ark, whether in the Old Testament or in the New Testament, had two names. It was called the “Ark of the Covenant” and the “Ark of the Testimony”. At first, this Ark was called “Ark of the Testimony” because inside it had Aaron's staff that had budded, the golden jar of manna and the stone tablets of the covenant; these things testified that God had been with them and cared for them. So they remember the great things God had done for them, God's protection, God's grace and God's provision.
This Ark, whether in the Old Testament or in the New Testament, had two names. It was called the “Ark of the Covenant” and the “Ark of the Testimony”. At first, this Ark was called “Ark of the Testimony” because inside it had Aaron's staff that had budded, the golden jar of manna and the stone tablets of the covenant; these things testified that God had been with them and cared for them. So they remember the great things God had done for them, God's protection, God's grace and God's provision.
在啟示錄中｢法櫃｣出現一次，｢約櫃｣也出現一次( 在第十一章) 。這｢見證的櫃｣，是要提醒我們，神一直在眷顧祂的子民。有信心的人，這種種證據，都提醒我們要信靠主、愛主。
In Revelation, the term “Ark of the Testimony” appears one time and the term “Ark of the Covenant”, also appears one time (in Chapter 11). The “Ark of the Testimony” reminds us that God has always cared for His own people. For the believers, all these evidences remind us that we must trust in God and love Him wholeheartedly.
In Revelation, the term “Ark of the Testimony” appears one time and the term “Ark of the Covenant”, also appears one time (in Chapter 11). The “Ark of the Testimony” reminds us that God has always cared for His own people. For the believers, all these evidences remind us that we must trust in God and love Him wholeheartedly.
法櫃中的叁件信物
THE ARK OF THE TESTIMONY CONTAINED THREE KEEPSAKES
THE ARK OF THE TESTIMONY CONTAINED THREE KEEPSAKES
( 一) 嗎哪：以色列人在曠野行走的時候，沒有商店、沒有餐館、沒有田地種植，但他們不肯進入迦南，因為害怕迦南人高大威猛，寧願留在沙漠，缺食、缺水，過貧窮的生活。他們過的漂流生活是因為信心不足，但神還是供應給他們，每天降下嗎哪給他們吃。他們吃了快四十年的嗎哪。
(l) MANNA: When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, they did not have any restaurants, shops or farmlands but they were afraid to enter Canaan because they were afraid of the Canaanites who were big and strong. They preferred to stay in the wilderness where there was a lack of food and water. They chose to live in poverty. They just kept wandering in the desert because of their lack of faith, but God provided for them, God sent manna every day for them to eat. They ate manna for almost 40 years.
(l) MANNA: When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, they did not have any restaurants, shops or farmlands but they were afraid to enter Canaan because they were afraid of the Canaanites who were big and strong. They preferred to stay in the wilderness where there was a lack of food and water. They chose to live in poverty. They just kept wandering in the desert because of their lack of faith, but God provided for them, God sent manna every day for them to eat. They ate manna for almost 40 years.
嗎哪是圓圓的小薄餅。他們每天都吃新鮮的，就在外面空地上撿回來，帶回家之後可以烤、可以煮，也可以就這樣吃。一天只需要撿夠自己一家的份量，撿多了也留不到第二天，會生蟲變壞。原來我們所需要的，其實不多，我們的需要，主都知道，祂必按時供應。靈性方面的需要也是一樣，每天領受靈糧，得新領受。
Manna looked like little round things, like coriander seeds, it appeared fresh every day, they could collect it just by going outside; after gathering the manna, it could be cooked, baked or just eaten as it is. Every day they would gather enough for their family to eat, whatever was collected could not be kept until the next day because it would become corrupt with worms. Actually, what we need is not a lot and the Lord knows what we need, He will surely provide for us at the proper time. Our spiritual needs are similar; every day we are fed spiritually and we are refreshed.
Manna looked like little round things, like coriander seeds, it appeared fresh every day, they could collect it just by going outside; after gathering the manna, it could be cooked, baked or just eaten as it is. Every day they would gather enough for their family to eat, whatever was collected could not be kept until the next day because it would become corrupt with worms. Actually, what we need is not a lot and the Lord knows what we need, He will surely provide for us at the proper time. Our spiritual needs are similar; every day we are fed spiritually and we are refreshed.
他們吃了嗎哪四十年，證明神的供應不缺少，總會按時賜下。神吩咐摩西、亞倫，用金罐子裝滿嗎哪，存在見證櫃裡，作為永遠的證據，讓後世的人知道神偉大的作為，證明神是信實的，必叫我們一無所缺，叫我們不需要為明天憂慮。無論遇到甚麽難以處理的事，也不用擔心，可以放心信靠祂。
They ate the manna for 40 years, this proves that God provides abundantly at the proper time. God told Moses and Aaron to put some manna in a golden jar and to place it inside the Ark as eternal evidence, so that later generations might know about God's great works, God's trustworthiness, so that we will not worry about tomorrow for He will provide for our every need. No matter what hardships we face, we can trust in God to get us through.
They ate the manna for 40 years, this proves that God provides abundantly at the proper time. God told Moses and Aaron to put some manna in a golden jar and to place it inside the Ark as eternal evidence, so that later generations might know about God's great works, God's trustworthiness, so that we will not worry about tomorrow for He will provide for our every need. No matter what hardships we face, we can trust in God to get us through.
( 二) 亞倫發芽的杖：他們曾經有人造反，想捧起有本領、有才幹的領袖可拉，覺得摩西作領袖太軟弱、太溫柔、太謙卑。他們希望領袖有英雄氣慨。可拉是領袖人才，所以他們示威、抗議，要更換領袖。摩西叫百姓分開兩邊站，凡擁護可拉的，站到另一邊去。神忽然使地裂開，把可拉黨全部吞下去死了。
(2) AARON'S STAFF THAT BUDDED: Once the Israelites were insolent and rebelled against God by trying to make a very capable and skillful person named Korah to be their leader instead of Moses. They thought that Moses was not good enough because he was too weak , too gentle and too humble. Korah was a very talented leader so they wanted him instead of Moses. Moses ordered the people to separate from Korah and his group because God was angry with them, then God made the earth open its mouth and swallowed up the rebellious people alive, that included all those associated with Korah and their possessions.
(2) AARON'S STAFF THAT BUDDED: Once the Israelites were insolent and rebelled against God by trying to make a very capable and skillful person named Korah to be their leader instead of Moses. They thought that Moses was not good enough because he was too weak , too gentle and too humble. Korah was a very talented leader so they wanted him instead of Moses. Moses ordered the people to separate from Korah and his group because God was angry with them, then God made the earth open its mouth and swallowed up the rebellious people alive, that included all those associated with Korah and their possessions.
當時民眾還不醒悟，以為只是偶發事件。於是摩西再叫他們，每個支派的族長，帶一根杖，寫上名字。摩西的哥哥亞倫代表利未支派帶了杖來，杖全放在見證櫃裡。第二天一看，只有亞倫的杖一天之內發芽、開花、結果。這是一個神蹟，證明利未支派的摩西、亞倫，是神所揀選服事眾百姓的領袖，大家再沒有話說。後來這發芽的杖，就放在法櫃裡作證據，告訴他們，在神的家裡，所有服事主的領袖們，都是由神親自揀選，人不要想用世界骯髒的手段來爭奪這些位置。
At that time the people thought that what had happened was just an accident; so, Moses told the leaders of each ancestral tribe to bring one staff with their names written on it. Moses' older brother Aaron, the representative of the tribe of Levi also brought his staff. All the staffs were placed in the tent of the covenant law. The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron's staff, which represented the tribe of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds. This was a miracle which proved that Moses and Aaron from the tribe of Levi were the ones whom God had chosen for His service; so the matter was settled. Later on, the staff that budded was placed in the Ark of the Testimony as evidence to tell the people that in God's house all the leaders that serve God are chosen by Him and no human being can use worldly methods to obtain this position.
At that time the people thought that what had happened was just an accident; so, Moses told the leaders of each ancestral tribe to bring one staff with their names written on it. Moses' older brother Aaron, the representative of the tribe of Levi also brought his staff. All the staffs were placed in the tent of the covenant law. The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron's staff, which represented the tribe of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds. This was a miracle which proved that Moses and Aaron from the tribe of Levi were the ones whom God had chosen for His service; so the matter was settled. Later on, the staff that budded was placed in the Ark of the Testimony as evidence to tell the people that in God's house all the leaders that serve God are chosen by Him and no human being can use worldly methods to obtain this position.
( 叁) 十誡兩塊法版：神在西乃山上啟示摩西，百姓當怎樣生活。並且親自用祂的指頭把十條誡寫在兩塊石版上。約裡告訴百姓，要恆心守主的道，主必賜福他們以及他們的子子孫孫。如果他們離棄神的約，就會很快滅亡。
(3) THE STONE TABLETS OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: On Mt. Sinai, God revealed to Moses how the people should live. God wrote with His own finger the Ten Commandments on two tablets of stone. The commandments tell the people that if they persevere in keeping them, God will bless His people from generation to generation; but if they reject God's covenant, they will quickly perish.
(3) THE STONE TABLETS OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: On Mt. Sinai, God revealed to Moses how the people should live. God wrote with His own finger the Ten Commandments on two tablets of stone. The commandments tell the people that if they persevere in keeping them, God will bless His people from generation to generation; but if they reject God's covenant, they will quickly perish.
守約施慈愛的神
A LOVING GOD WHO KEEPS HIS COVENANT
A LOVING GOD WHO KEEPS HIS COVENANT
櫃裡的信物，都是神與他們立約的憑據，所以｢法櫃｣，後來就叫作｢約櫃｣。以色列人只要聽從神的話來生活，就會快樂健康。國家人民可以一代傳一代，見證神的約，見證神應許的真實可靠。不單守約的個人蒙福，連家庭、國家、民族都會蒙福，將被稱為｢有福之民｣。
The keepsakes inside the Ark are the evidence of the agreement between God and the Israelites; therefore the “Ark of the Testimony” later on became the “Ark of the Covenant”. If the Israelites followed God's Word, they would live happy and healthy lives . The people of their nation would testify of God's covenant and the trustworthiness of God's promises, from generation to generation. Not only would those who keep God's covenant be blessed, even their families, their country and their ethnic group would be blessed, they would then be called “the blessed people”.
The keepsakes inside the Ark are the evidence of the agreement between God and the Israelites; therefore the “Ark of the Testimony” later on became the “Ark of the Covenant”. If the Israelites followed God's Word, they would live happy and healthy lives . The people of their nation would testify of God's covenant and the trustworthiness of God's promises, from generation to generation. Not only would those who keep God's covenant be blessed, even their families, their country and their ethnic group would be blessed, they would then be called “the blessed people”.
當人不守約的時候，約裡的種種咒詛必臨到他們。以色列人的歷史就是一個證明，因為他們不恒心守主的約，所以他們失去家園，在各地漂流二千年之久。
If they did not keep the agreement, all the curses mentioned in the law would be on them. Israel's history is evidence of this; because they did not persevere in keeping God's covenant, they have lost the unity of their family and many have been drifting around for more than 2,000 years.
If they did not keep the agreement, all the curses mentioned in the law would be on them. Israel's history is evidence of this; because they did not persevere in keeping God's covenant, they have lost the unity of their family and many have been drifting around for more than 2,000 years.
人守約的時候，神固然守約；就算人不守約，神仍然守祂的約。到了末世，神仍然記念祂古時與他們立的約，在他們最難過的時候，當他們回心轉意歸向神的時候，神就拯救他們，使他們全族人民悔改得救。
When people keep the covenant, God keeps His covenant; but even if the people don't keep the agreement, God still keeps His Word. At the end of the world, God will still remember the covenant He made with them since ancient times, and during their most difficult times, when they change their minds and turn to God, God will rescue them so that their whole nation will repent and be saved.
When people keep the covenant, God keeps His covenant; but even if the people don't keep the agreement, God still keeps His Word. At the end of the world, God will still remember the covenant He made with them since ancient times, and during their most difficult times, when they change their minds and turn to God, God will rescue them so that their whole nation will repent and be saved.
保羅說：｢我們縱然失信，祂仍是可信的，因為祂不能背乎自己。｣( 提後2:13) 人常會反悔自己承諾的話，對配偶的承諾，對朋友的承諾，對父母的承諾，對主的承諾，都可以完全背棄。人常會背約的原因：( 一) 是由於本性浮誇，隨口亂說，根本沒有把承諾放在心上。( 二) 沒有能力去守住諾言，有心無力。但神不一樣，祂不能背乎自己，祂說的話就成為真理，無法改變。祂每一句話都必應驗。
Paul said: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.”(2 Timothy 2:13) People tend to go back on their own word, their commitment to their spouse, their commitment to their parents or their commitment to God. They could just completely deny what they promised. The reason why people break an agreement is because: (1) they are boastful, they speak without thinking the matter through, the actually just don't care about the promise. ( 2) They are not capable of keeping the promise. But God is different, He cannot disown Himself, whatever He says becomes an unchangeable truth. Every word He speaks is fulfilled.
Paul said: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.”(2 Timothy 2:13) People tend to go back on their own word, their commitment to their spouse, their commitment to their parents or their commitment to God. They could just completely deny what they promised. The reason why people break an agreement is because: (1) they are boastful, they speak without thinking the matter through, the actually just don't care about the promise. ( 2) They are not capable of keeping the promise. But God is different, He cannot disown Himself, whatever He says becomes an unchangeable truth. Every word He speaks is fulfilled.
神差遣祂的僕役行事
GOD SENDS HIS SERVANTS TO CARRY OUT HIS ORDERS
GOD SENDS HIS SERVANTS TO CARRY OUT HIS ORDERS
6 掌管七災的七位天使從殿中出來，穿著潔白光明的細麻衣，胸間束著金帶。
6 Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues. They were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests.
6 Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues. They were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests.
約翰見到執行審判的七位天使從內殿出來，就是從至聖所神的寶座前出來。天使有不同的等級位分，也有不同的能力。越靠近神的位分越高。所以這七位天使是大有權能的天使。他們直接從神寶座聽受命令、受差遣出來辦事。
John saw the seven angels who were ready to execute judgment come out from the temple, from the Most Holy Place, from the throne of God. Angels have different ranks and different powers. Those that are nearest to God have the highest positions. Therefore, these seven angels are very powerful. They received orders directly from God's throne.
John saw the seven angels who were ready to execute judgment come out from the temple, from the Most Holy Place, from the throne of God. Angels have different ranks and different powers. Those that are nearest to God have the highest positions. Therefore, these seven angels are very powerful. They received orders directly from God's throne.
他們穿著潔白光明( 白到發亮) 的細麻衣，衣服表明他們的職責。啟示錄裡面有叁種衣服，中文都有｢麻衣｣的字眼，會使人混亂。不知道每種衣服所代表的是甚麽意思。衣服乃是代表穿著者的身份，也代表他們所做的工，所以要先搞清楚他們的衣飾。
The angels were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests. The clothes they wore represented the work they were doing and their status. The book of Revelation mentions three different kinds of clothing:
The angels were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests. The clothes they wore represented the work they were doing and their status. The book of Revelation mentions three different kinds of clothing:
叁種不同的麻衣：
THREE DIFFERENT KINDS OF CLOTHING:
THREE DIFFERENT KINDS OF CLOTHING:
( 一) 麻衣(11:3) sakkous ：以色列人穿麻衣的時候，是表達憂傷、痛苦、難過、懊悔的心情。在十一章那兩位見證人｢身穿麻衣｣傳道，表示他們是｢悔改｣的見證人，他們經過憂傷、患難、懊悔，然後做主的見證人。中文聖經翻作｢毛衣｣，因為翻譯的人以為他們有先知的職份，應該穿毛衣。所以把｢麻衣｣改成｢毛衣｣，其實是改錯了。
(1) Sackcloth (11:3) sakkous : When the Israelites wear sackcloth, it shows their grief, pain, sadness and repenting heart. In chapter 11, the two witnesses were prophesying clothed in sackcloth, representing their repentance. They had to go through grief, trials and tribulations and repentance before becoming witnesses for the Lord.
(1) Sackcloth (11:3) sakkous : When the Israelites wear sackcloth, it shows their grief, pain, sadness and repenting heart. In chapter 11, the two witnesses were prophesying clothed in sackcloth, representing their repentance. They had to go through grief, trials and tribulations and repentance before becoming witnesses for the Lord.
( 二) 細麻衣( 19:8) bussinon ：是基督的新婦、新娘子所穿的婚紗。她｢蒙恩得穿光明潔白的細麻衣，就是聖徒所行的義｣。表面看，好像說她有好的行為。但如果看清楚。那裡是說是｢蒙恩得穿｣was given ，是特別給她的，不是她自己的本領賺到的。基督徒所有的義行，都是聖靈的作為，人必須倚靠聖靈的引導，纔得穿這光明的衣服。這細麻衣可以說是結婚時的婚紗，表示在外表行為上，有很美麗的生活表現。
(2) Fine Linen (19:8) bussinon : It is the wedding dress that Christ's bride wears. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God's holy people.) Apparently, it seems to be talking about her good deeds; but when we take a closer look we see that it was “given her” to wear; she didn't obtain it by her own ability. All the righteous acts of the Christians are the work of the Holy Spirit. Believers must depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to have this bright and clean garment to wear. This fine linen could be the wedding dress of the bride, which represents the outward behavior, the display of a beautiful life.
(2) Fine Linen (19:8) bussinon : It is the wedding dress that Christ's bride wears. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God's holy people.) Apparently, it seems to be talking about her good deeds; but when we take a closer look we see that it was “given her” to wear; she didn't obtain it by her own ability. All the righteous acts of the Christians are the work of the Holy Spirit. Believers must depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to have this bright and clean garment to wear. This fine linen could be the wedding dress of the bride, which represents the outward behavior, the display of a beautiful life.
( 叁) 細麻衣：這七位大天使所穿的。原文是 linon ，是舊約祭司供職時所穿的聖衣。不在供職的時候，一出了聖所，就要脫下來。進聖所前就要穿起來。是聖所裡面穿的聖衣。只在聖所里辦事的祭司纔可以穿( 結44) 。所以這裡實在是告訴我們，這七位天使是在執行祭司的任務。
(3) Shining linen: was what these seven angels were wearing. In the original text it is referred to as linon , which is the holy garment that the priests in the Old Testament wore only when performing their duties inside the sanctuary. When they were done serving in the sanctuary, they would take off those garments and leave them in the sacred rooms. Those were holy garments that were to be worn only inside the sanctuary (Ezekiel 44). Therefore, this passage is telling us that these seven angels were carrying out priestly duties.
(3) Shining linen: was what these seven angels were wearing. In the original text it is referred to as linon , which is the holy garment that the priests in the Old Testament wore only when performing their duties inside the sanctuary. When they were done serving in the sanctuary, they would take off those garments and leave them in the sacred rooms. Those were holy garments that were to be worn only inside the sanctuary (Ezekiel 44). Therefore, this passage is telling us that these seven angels were carrying out priestly duties.
他們任務是甚麽呢？是執行審判。因為他們的金腰帶，是束在胸前的，表示他們有審判官的身份。祭司在聖所裡面服事的時候，腰帶是在腰部。束腰表示服事。做審判工作的時候，束在胸前。這些祭司，是有｢君尊｣的祭司，是有王權的祭司。
What is their duty? Their duty is to carry out judgment, because when their golden sashes are worn around their chest, it shows their status as judges. When the priests perform their duties in the sanctuary, the sashes are worn on their waist; this shows that they are serving. When they act as judges the sashes are worn around their chest. These priests are highly respected and have royal authority.
What is their duty? Their duty is to carry out judgment, because when their golden sashes are worn around their chest, it shows their status as judges. When the priests perform their duties in the sanctuary, the sashes are worn on their waist; this shows that they are serving. When they act as judges the sashes are worn around their chest. These priests are highly respected and have royal authority.
這天上聖所裡的祭司，有兩方面的工作。大部份時間是代表人向神禱告，把人的禱告、把人的需要帶到神的施恩寶座面前。第二方面，主要在末世的時候，代表神施行審判，表示神聽了子民的禱告之後，為神的子民伸冤。那些使神兒女受苦的惡人都受到嚴重的報應。
These priests from the sanctuary in heaven have two kinds of duties. Most of the times they represent the people in prayer, they bring the prayers of the people to the throne of God. They also represent God carrying His judgment, after listening to the believers ' prayers they will avenge God's people. Those who make God's children suffer will be severely judged.
These priests from the sanctuary in heaven have two kinds of duties. Most of the times they represent the people in prayer, they bring the prayers of the people to the throne of God. They also represent God carrying His judgment, after listening to the believers ' prayers they will avenge God's people. Those who make God's children suffer will be severely judged.
這些天使是在執行審判，他們在服事神，也是在服事神的子民。
These angels were carrying out judgment; they served God and served God's people.
These angels were carrying out judgment; they served God and served God's people.
神表達祂的情
GOD EXPRESSES HIS FEELINGS
GOD EXPRESSES HIS FEELINGS
7 四活物中有一個把盛滿了活到永永遠遠神大怒的七個金碗給了那七位天使。
7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever.
7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever.
天使從寶座旁邊的四活物接過七個金碗，這七個金碗其實就是七個金香爐。在8:5 翻作｢香爐｣，是同一個字。天使拿著這七個香爐降災到地上，因為神聽了在香爐上的香，就是眾聖徒的禱告。祂吩咐天使的行動，就是回答祂兒女們的禱告。
The angels received seven golden bowls from the four living creatures that were beside the throne of God, these seven golden bowls were actually seven golden censers. In 8:5 they are translated into “censers” which is the same word. The angel took these seven censers filled with disasters and hurled it on the earth; this was done in answer to the prayers of the saints which is the incense from the censers. God commanded the angels to do that in reply to the prayers of His children.
The angels received seven golden bowls from the four living creatures that were beside the throne of God, these seven golden bowls were actually seven golden censers. In 8:5 they are translated into “censers” which is the same word. The angel took these seven censers filled with disasters and hurled it on the earth; this was done in answer to the prayers of the saints which is the incense from the censers. God commanded the angels to do that in reply to the prayers of His children.
這七個金香爐有杯子的形狀，可以稱為七個金杯。也就是像酒杯一樣，盛載著神大怒的酒。七個杯一個一個地倒下來，全地滿了可怕的災殃，神為祂的子民伸冤，表達祂的忿怒在那些殘害神子民的惡人身上。
These seven golden censers are shaped like cups; they can be called seven golden cups. Similar to cups of wine, filled with the wine of the wrath of God. The seven cups were hurled to the earth one after the other, the whole earth was filled with terrible disasters, God was avenging his people, and He was conveying His wrath on the wicked ones who slaughtered God's people.
These seven golden censers are shaped like cups; they can be called seven golden cups. Similar to cups of wine, filled with the wine of the wrath of God. The seven cups were hurled to the earth one after the other, the whole earth was filled with terrible disasters, God was avenging his people, and He was conveying His wrath on the wicked ones who slaughtered God's people.
有人說：聖經裡面提到神的審判、神的忿怒，多過提到神的愛、神的恩典。所以我們是不是要多講神的忿怒、神的審判呢？聽起來很有道理，不過要知道，神的忿怒是向那些不信的人，藐視神恩典的人而發。｢神的忿怒從天上顯明在一切不虔不義的人身上，就是那些行不義、阻擋真理的人。｣( 羅1:18)
Some people say that the Bible talks about God ' s judgment and His wrath more than His love and His grace. Therefore, should we should talk more about God's wrath and His judgment. It kind of makes sense, but we should note that God's wrath is directed towards the unbelievers, towards those who despise God's grace. “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” (Romans 1:18)
Some people say that the Bible talks about God ' s judgment and His wrath more than His love and His grace. Therefore, should we should talk more about God's wrath and His judgment. It kind of makes sense, but we should note that God's wrath is directed towards the unbelievers, towards those who despise God's grace. “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” (Romans 1:18)
這世上有很多人，每天在享受神的恩典、神的供應，但卻行不義、阻擋真理、敗壞人心。像一位中國留學生，得到星加坡政府幫助，給他多年讀書的獎學金，大學最後一年快畢業，卻在網上寫一些話侮辱星加坡的人，說星加坡的狗比人多。引起公憤，要求學校收回獎學金、取消他學分。他趕快到領使館求幫助。領使館也說只能盡人事向他們道歉。不懂感恩，就是罪人的特色。
There are many people in this world who enjoy God's grace and His provision but they do wicked acts, they are against the truth and corrupt the hearts of the people. Like a student from mainland China who was a given a scholarship to study in Singapore but during his last year at the University he posted on the internet an article insulting the people from Singapore saying that there were more dogs than people in Singapore. This led to public anger requesting to take back his scholarship money and to cancel his credits. This ungrateful student asked the Embassy for help but the only thing they could do was to apologize. Being ungrateful is a characteristic of a sinful person.
There are many people in this world who enjoy God's grace and His provision but they do wicked acts, they are against the truth and corrupt the hearts of the people. Like a student from mainland China who was a given a scholarship to study in Singapore but during his last year at the University he posted on the internet an article insulting the people from Singapore saying that there were more dogs than people in Singapore. This led to public anger requesting to take back his scholarship money and to cancel his credits. This ungrateful student asked the Embassy for help but the only thing they could do was to apologize. Being ungrateful is a characteristic of a sinful person.
這世界不懂感恩的人太多，神表達祂的忿怒在這些人身上。對於祂的子民，祂只有恩典、憐憫與愛。
There are many people in this world who are ungrateful; God shows His wrath towards these people. But for those who are His people God shows His grace, His mercy and His love.
There are many people in this world who are ungrateful; God shows His wrath towards these people. But for those who are His people God shows His grace, His mercy and His love.
神親自指揮行動
GOD HIMSELF COMMANDED THE ACTION
GOD HIMSELF COMMANDED THE ACTION
8 因神的榮耀和能力，殿中充滿了煙。
8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power.
8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power.
神出現的時候，必有煙雲，或叫雲彩。聖經多次的記載可以看見，雲彩的出現就是神的顯現。首次在出埃及記，摩西照神吩咐上西乃山，聽神對他頒佈律法。山上充滿雲彩。後來會幕建成，獻堂禮的時候，會幕充滿雲彩，甚至摩西也不能進去。再後來，所羅門王為神建好聖殿，在獻殿禮進行中，約櫃從會幕搬進至聖所時，聖殿也充滿了光雲，當時眾祭司全部出席，不能休班，但全部都不能進殿供職。這幾次光雲的出現，都是在聖所建成，在奉獻禮的時候發生。
Whenever God appears He is accompanied by smoke or clouds. This is seen many times in the Bible. In Exodus, when God commanded Moses to go up Mt. Sinai to give him the Commandments, the mountain was covered with clouds. Afterwards, when the tabernacle was built, and an inauguration ceremony was held for the new tent of meeting, a cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. The same thing happened during the offering of the temple during Solomon’s time. In all the instances the cloud fills the sanctuary during the offering ceremony.
Whenever God appears He is accompanied by smoke or clouds. This is seen many times in the Bible. In Exodus, when God commanded Moses to go up Mt. Sinai to give him the Commandments, the mountain was covered with clouds. Afterwards, when the tabernacle was built, and an inauguration ceremony was held for the new tent of meeting, a cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. The same thing happened during the offering of the temple during Solomon’s time. In all the instances the cloud fills the sanctuary during the offering ceremony.
神出現，顯示神對聖殿與敬拜的事奉非常重視。世人可能以為做禮拜是浪費時間，但在神心中，卻是與祂的兒女們最重要的約會。神期待常在聖殿裡見到我們。重視到祂親自在聖殿裡出現，殿裡滿了雲彩。
The presence of God shows that God regards highly the temple and the worship. People might think that worshiping God is a waste of time but in God's heart it is a most significant time where He can meet with His children. It is God's desire to see us often in the temple. It was of such importance for Him that He personally showed up and the temple was filled with His glory.
The presence of God shows that God regards highly the temple and the worship. People might think that worshiping God is a waste of time but in God's heart it is a most significant time where He can meet with His children. It is God's desire to see us often in the temple. It was of such importance for Him that He personally showed up and the temple was filled with His glory.
另一次記載神光雲出現時，是在可拉黨叛逆的時候。表示神非常看重祂的工人。當人不滿意神的設計，想學世界商業方法、玩政治手段，破壞教會合一，神會顯出祂忿怒來製止。凡在教會服事的人，都必須是神所揀選的人。神不單重視禮拜，也重視帶領禮拜的人。
Another time when the glory of God appeared was when Korah and his followers rebelled against Moses. This showed that God values His servant highly. When the people are dissatisfied with God's plans and want to do business the way the world does or use the game of politics to destroy the unity of the church, God will unveil His wrath to put a stop to it. The people who serve in the church must be chosen by God. God values not only the worship but those who lead the worship.
Another time when the glory of God appeared was when Korah and his followers rebelled against Moses. This showed that God values His servant highly. When the people are dissatisfied with God's plans and want to do business the way the world does or use the game of politics to destroy the unity of the church, God will unveil His wrath to put a stop to it. The people who serve in the church must be chosen by God. God values not only the worship but those who lead the worship.
另一次耶穌帶了叁個最親近的門徒上高山，改變形像身體發光。當時幾個門徒非常興奮，想不下山，就搭棚住在那裡。誰知神出現了，有云彩遮蓋祂，有聲音從雲彩裡出來說：｢這是我的愛子，你們要聽祂。｣他們叁個門徒是重要的人物，以後教會建立在他們的基礎上，神要更正他們的錯誤，免得他們離開塵世隱居，隔絕與世人來往。後來的教會，也曾走修道的路線，離開人群，躲在深山出家。這不是神要求的方式。神要我們活在世人中間，作祂的見證人。
On another occasion, Jesus took a few of His closest disciples up on a mountain and He was transfigured before them, His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. At that time His disciples were so excited that they did not want to go down the mountain and wanted to put up shelters to stay there. But God appeared unexpectedly in a bright cloud, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased . Listen to him! The three disciples who were with Jesus were very considered very important characters; the church would be established on their foundation. God wanted to correct their mistake so they would not be separated from the world and live in seclusion. In the past the church followed the way of seclusion, getting away from the people, hiding deep in the mountains living like hermits. That is not what God requires of us, God wants us to live among the people and be His witnesses.
On another occasion, Jesus took a few of His closest disciples up on a mountain and He was transfigured before them, His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. At that time His disciples were so excited that they did not want to go down the mountain and wanted to put up shelters to stay there. But God appeared unexpectedly in a bright cloud, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased . Listen to him! The three disciples who were with Jesus were very considered very important characters; the church would be established on their foundation. God wanted to correct their mistake so they would not be separated from the world and live in seclusion. In the past the church followed the way of seclusion, getting away from the people, hiding deep in the mountains living like hermits. That is not what God requires of us, God wants us to live among the people and be His witnesses.
神堅定祂的計劃
GOD IS FIRM REGARDING HIS PLAN
GOD IS FIRM REGARDING HIS PLAN
8 於是沒有人能以進殿，直等到那七位天使所降的七災完畢了。
8 and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
8 and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
神榮耀出現的時候，沒有任何服事的人能進到神的面前，這話出現了多次。摩西的時候、所羅門王的時候都一樣。以西結先知的異象，有多處地方也有同樣的話，祭司不能進去，百姓不能靠近。這雲彩出現，有一種威嚴可畏的氣氛。成了一種強力的氣流，擋住了人的行動。
When the glory of God appeared, no one could enter the temple. These words appeared a few times in the Bible. The same thing occurred during the times of Moses and King Solomon. It also happened during the vision of the prophet Ezekiel, when the glory of God appeared the priest could not perform their duties and the people had to keep their distance. When the cloud appeared it came with an astounding awe-inspiring atmosphere. People had to stop what they were doing because it was so overwhelming.
When the glory of God appeared, no one could enter the temple. These words appeared a few times in the Bible. The same thing occurred during the times of Moses and King Solomon. It also happened during the vision of the prophet Ezekiel, when the glory of God appeared the priest could not perform their duties and the people had to keep their distance. When the cloud appeared it came with an astounding awe-inspiring atmosphere. People had to stop what they were doing because it was so overwhelming.
這時候就算有祭司想為那些受罰者禱告，都辦不到了。對於不信的人，那是永遠的斷絕，永遠離開神和祂的恩典。這是最後的大災難。其實在大災難期間，人已經沒有機會悔改了。不要以為，現在我不做基督徒，到我看見最後的災難時，纔悔改信主也不晚。在災難期中信主的只有一種人，就是在額上受了聖靈印記的人。其他的人越受苦，越會咒罵褻瀆神，因為那時候，已經沒有人能為他們禱告了。
When the end time comes, even the priests would not be able to pray for those who are being punished. Regarding the unbelievers, they will be eternally cut off from God and from His grace. That is the last and greatest tribulation. Actually, during the great tribulation, people will not be given the opportunity to repent anymore. Don't think that it is alright if I do not repent and believe in Jesus now; I will wait until the last minute to do that. During times of the great tribulation only one kind of people will be able to repent and those are the ones who have the seal of the Holy Spirit on their foreheads. The rest of the people will continue to curse God even among their sufferings, because at that time there will not be anyone left to pray for them.
When the end time comes, even the priests would not be able to pray for those who are being punished. Regarding the unbelievers, they will be eternally cut off from God and from His grace. That is the last and greatest tribulation. Actually, during the great tribulation, people will not be given the opportunity to repent anymore. Don't think that it is alright if I do not repent and believe in Jesus now; I will wait until the last minute to do that. During times of the great tribulation only one kind of people will be able to repent and those are the ones who have the seal of the Holy Spirit on their foreheads. The rest of the people will continue to curse God even among their sufferings, because at that time there will not be anyone left to pray for them.
No comments:
Post a Comment