91 英翻中 (以賽亞第9 章) HOW GREAT THOU ART! 祢真偉大! 6/19/2025
CHAPTER NINE 第9 章 Isaiah 40—48 以賽亞 40—48 HOW GREAT THOU ART! 祢真偉大!
In your time we have the opportunity to move not only toward the rich society and the powerful society but upward to the Great Society.” President Lyndon B. Johnson spoke those words at the University of Michigan on May 22, 1964. Reading them over three decades later, I ask myself, “I wonder how the Jewish captives in Babylon would have responded to what the president said?” 在你們的時代，我們不僅有機會邁向富裕社會和強大社會，而且可以向上邁向偉大社會。 」1964 年 5 月 22 日，林登·B·約翰遜總統在密西根大學發表了這些話。三十多年後再讀到這些話，我不禁問自己：「我想知道被俘虜到巴比倫的猶太難民會如何回應總統的話 ?」
A rich society? They were refugees whose land and Holy City were in ruins. 富裕社會？他們是土地和聖城都已變成廢墟的難民。
A powerful society? Without king or army, they were weak and helpless before the nations around them. A great society? They had been guilty of great rebel lion against God and had suffered great humiliation and chastening. They faced a great challenge but lacked great human resources. 強大的社會？沒有國王或軍隊，他們在周圍列國面前軟弱無助。偉大的社會？他們犯下了大大的叛逆罪，遭受了巨大的羞辱和管教。他們面臨著巨大的挑戰，但缺乏強大的人力資源。
That is why the prophet told them to get their eyes off themselves and look by faith to the great God who loved them and promised to do great things for them. “Be not afraid!” he admonished them. “Behold your God!” (40:9). 這就是為什麼先知告訴他們只顧著他們只顧著他們、要靠上帝相信的信仰。看哪，你們的上帝！ 」 （40:9）。
Years ago, one of my radio listeners sent me a motto that has often encouraged me: “Look at others, and be distressed. Look at yourself, and be depressed. Look to God, and you’ll be blessed!” This may not be a piece of literature, but it certainly contains great practical theol ogy. When the outlook is bleak, we need the uplook. “Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things … for he is strong in power” (v. 26). 多年前，一位廣播聽眾給我發了一句箴言，經常鼓勵我：「看看別人， 你會感到苦惱。看看自己，你會感到沮喪。仰望上帝，你就會蒙福！ 」這或許算不上文學作品，但它確實蘊含著深刻的實用神學。當前景黯淡時，我們需要向上看。「你們舉目向上，看誰創造這一切……因為他大有能力」（26節）。
When, like Israel of old, you face a difficult task and an impossible tomorrow, do what they did and remind yourself of the greatness of God. In these nine chapters, the prophet described the greatness of God in three different areas of life. 當你像古時的以色列人一樣，面臨艱鉅的任務和不可能的明天時，要效仿他們，並提醒自己的偉大經文中所描述的偉大經文中。
God Is Greater than Our Circumstances (40:1–31) 上帝大於我們的處境（40:1-31） The circumstances behind us (vv. 1–11). As the rem nant in Babylon looked back, they saw failure and sin, and they needed encouragement. Four voices are heard, each with a special message for these needy people. 我們已身後的處境（1-11節）。當巴比倫的餘民回首往事時，他們看到了失敗和罪惡，他們需要鼓勵。經文中聽到了四種聲音，每個聲音都對這些貧窮的人們傳達了特殊的訊息。 (1) The voice of pardon (vv. 1–2). The nation had sinned greatly against the Lord, with their idolatry, injustice, immorality, and insensitivity to His messen gers (Jer. 7). But they were still His people, and He loved them. Though He would chasten them, He would not forsake them. “Speak tenderly” means “speak to the heart,” and “warfare” means “severe tri als.” “Double” does not suggest that God’s chastenings are unfair, for He is merciful even in His punishments (Ezra 9:13). God chastened them in an equivalent measure to what they had done (Jer. 16:18). We should not sin, but if we do, God is waiting to pardon (1 John 1:5—2:2). （1）赦免的聲音（1-2節）。這個國家犯下了極大的罪孽，他們拜偶像、不公義、不道德，並且……對他們的使者漠不關心（耶利米書7章）。但他們仍然是祂的子民，祂愛他們。雖然祂會管教他們，卻不會離棄他們。 “溫柔地說話”的意思是“說到心坎裡去”，而“爭戰”的意思是“嚴峻的考驗”。 「雙重」並不表示神的管教不公平，因為即使在懲罰中，祂也是慈悲的（以斯拉記 9:13）。神管教他們，與他們所行的相等（耶利米書 16:18）。我們不應該犯罪，但如果我們犯罪，神正等待著赦免（約翰一書 1:5-2:2）。
(2) The voice of providence (vv. 3–5). The Jews had a rough road ahead of them as they returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, but the Lord would go before them to open the way. The picture here is of an ambassador repairing the roads and removing obsta cles, preparing the way for the coming of a king. The image of the highway is frequent in Isaiah’s prophecy (see 11:16). Of course, the ultimate fulfillment here is in the ministry of John the Baptist as he prepared the way for the ministry of Jesus (Matt. 3:1–6). Spiritually speaking, Israel was in the wilderness when Jesus came, but when He came, God’s glory came (John 1:14). The way back may not be easy, but if we are trusting God, it will be easier. （2）天意的聲音（3-5節）。猶太人在返回重建耶路撒冷和聖殿的路上，前路坎坷，但主會走在他們前面，為他們開路。這裡的畫面是一位使者修路除障，為君王的到來預備道路。大路的意像在以賽亞的預言中屢見不鮮（參閱11:16）。當然，這裡最終的應驗是在施洗約翰的事工中，他為耶穌的事工預備了道路（太 3:1-6）。從屬靈的角度來說，以色列耶穌來的時候，以色列人在曠野；但當祂來的時候，神的榮耀就臨到他們（約翰福音1:14）。回歸的路或許不容易，但只要我們信靠神，就會更容易。
(3) The voice of promise (vv. 6–8). “All flesh is grass!” Assyria was gone, and now Babylon was gone. Like the grass, nations and their leaders fulfill their purposes and then fade away, but the Word of God abides for ever (Ps. 37:1–2; 90:1–6; 103:15–18; 1 Peter 1:24–25). As they began their long journey home, Israel could depend on God’s promises. Perhaps they were especially claiming 2 Chronicles 6:36–39. （3）應許的聲音（6-8節）。 「凡有血氣的，盡都如草！」亞述滅亡了，巴比倫也滅亡了。如同青草一樣，列國和他們的領袖實現了他們的目標，然後枯萎，但神的話語永遠長存（詩篇37:1-2；90:1-6；103:15-18；彼得前書1:24-25）。當以色列人踏上回家的漫漫長路時，可以依靠神的應許。或許他們特別宣告了歷代誌下 6:36-39。 (4) The voice of peace (vv. 9–11). Now the nation itself comes out of the valley and climbs the moun taintop to declare God’s victory over the enemy. To “bring good tidings” means “to preach the good news.” The good news in that day was the defeat of Babylon and the release of the captive Jews (52:7–9). The good news today is the defeat of sin and Satan by Jesus Christ and the salvation of all who will trust in Him (61:1–3; Luke 4:18–19). God’s arm is a mighty arm for winning the battle (Isa. 40:10), but it is also a loving arm for carrying His weary lambs (v. 11). “We are coming home!” would certainly be good news to the devastated cities of Judah （4）平安的聲音（9-11節）。如今，猶大國走出山谷，登上山頂，宣告上帝戰勝仇敵。 「傳揚好消息」的意思是「傳揚好消息」。當時的好消息是巴比倫被擊敗，被擄的猶太人得釋放（52:7-9）。今天的好消息是耶穌基督戰勝了罪惡和撒但，拯救了所有信靠祂的人（61:1-3；路加福音4:18-19）。上帝的膀臂是大能的膀臂，能贏得戰爭（賽40:10），也是慈愛的膀臂，能背負祂疲憊的羔羊（11節）。 「我們要回家了！」對被毀的猶大城來說無疑是個好消息。
The circumstances before us (vv. 12–26). 我們面臨的處境（12-26節）。 The Jews were few in number, only a remnant, and facing a long and difficult journey. The victories of Assyria, Babylon, and Persia made it look as though the false gods of the Gentiles were stronger than the God of Israel, but Isaiah reminded the people of the greatness of Jehovah. When you behold the greatness of God, then you will see everything else in life in its proper perspective. 猶太人人數稀少，只是剩下的少數，他們面臨著漫長而艱辛的旅程。亞述、巴比倫和波斯的勝利，使外邦人的假神看似比以色列的神更強大，但以賽亞提醒百姓耶和華的偉大。當你仰望上帝的偉大時，你就能以正確的眼光看待生活中的一切。
God is greater than anything on earth (vv. 12–20) or anything in heaven (vv. 21–26). Creation shows His wisdom, power, and immensity. He is greater than the nations and their gods. He founded the earth and sits on the throne of heaven, and nothing is equal to our God, let alone greater than our God. The next time you are tempted to think that the world is bigger than God, remember the “drop of a bucket” (v. 15) and the “grasshoppers” (v. 22; see Num. 13:33). And if you ever feel so small that you wonder if God really cares about you personally, remember that He knows the name of every star (Isa. 40:26) and your name as well! (See John 10:3, 27.) The same God who numbers and names the stars can heal your broken heart (Ps. 147:3–4). 上帝比地上萬物（12-20節）或天上萬物（21-26節）都大。萬物的創造彰顯了祂的智慧、權能和浩瀚。祂比列國和他們的神都大。祂建立了地球的根基，坐在天上的寶座上，沒有任何事物能與我們的神相比，更不用說比我們的神更偉大了。下次當你試著認為世界比神更大時，請記住「一滴水」（15節）和「蚱蜢」（22節；參考民數記13:33）。如果你曾經覺得自己如此渺小，甚至懷疑上帝是否真的關心你，請記住，祂知道每顆星星的名字（以賽亞書 40:26），也知道你的名字！ （參考約翰福音 10:3, 27）數算並命名眾星的上帝，也能醫治你破碎的心（詩篇 147:3-4）。
Someone has defined “circumstances” as “those nasty things you see when you get your eyes off of God.” If you look at God through your circumstances, He will seem small and very far away, but if by faith you look at your circumstances through God, He will draw very near and reveal His greatness to you. 有人將「境遇」定義為「當你將目光從上帝身上移開時，所看到的那些令人不快的事」。如果你透過自己的境遇來看上帝，祂會顯得渺小而遙遠；但如果你憑著信心透過上帝來看自己的境遇，祂就會靠近你，並向你彰顯祂的偉大。
The circumstances within us (vv. 27–31). Instead of praising the Lord, the nation was complaining to Him that He acted as though He did not know their situation or have any concern for their problems (v. 27; 49:14). Instead of seeing the open door, the Jews saw only the long road before them, and they complained that they did not have strength for the journey. God was asking them to do the impossible. 我們內心的境遇（27-31節）。國家不但沒有讚美耶和華，反而向祂抱怨，說祂好像不知道他們的處境，也不關心他們的問題（27節；49:14）。猶太人沒有看到敞開的門，卻只看到前方漫長的路，他們抱怨自己沒有力量走完這段旅程。上帝要求他們做不可能的事。
But God knows how we feel and how we fear, and He is adequate to meet our every need. We can never obey God in our own strength, but we can always trust Him to provide the strength we need (Phil. 4:13). If we trust ourselves, we will faint and fall, but if we wait on the Lord by faith, we will receive strength for the jour ney. The word wait does not suggest that we sit around and do nothing. It means “to hope,” to look to God for all that we need (Isa. 26:3; 30:15). This involves med itating on His character and His promises, praying, and seeking to glorify Him. 但上帝知道我們的感受和恐懼，祂足以滿足我們所有的需要。我們永遠無法憑藉自己的力量順服上帝，但我們可以始終信靠祂賜給我們所需的力量（腓立比書 4:13）。如果我們信靠自己，我們就會軟弱跌倒，但如果我們憑著信心等候主，我們就會獲得力量走完這段旅程。 「等候」一詞並不表示我們無所事事地坐著無所事事。它的意思是“盼望”，指仰望上帝賜給我們所需的一切（以賽亞書 26:3；30:15）。這包括默想祂的品格和祂的應許，禱告，並尋求榮耀祂。
The word renew means “to exchange,” as taking off old clothing and putting on new. We exchange our weakness for His power (2 Cor. 12:1–10). As we wait before Him, God enables us to soar when there is a cri sis, to run when the challenges are many, and to walk faithfully in the day-by-day demands of life. It is much harder to walk in the ordinary pressures of life than to fly like the eagle in a time of crisis. “更新”一詞的意思是“更換”，就像脫下舊衣服，穿上新衣服。我們用自己的軟弱換取祂的能力（哥林多後書 12:1-10）。當我們在祂面前等候時，上帝會賜給我們力量，使我們在危機中翱翔，在重重挑戰中奔跑，並在每日的人生需求中忠信地前行。在平凡的人生壓力中前行，遠比在危機時刻像雄鷹一樣展翅高飛要困難得多。
“I can plod,” said William Carey, the father of mod ern missions. “That is my only genius. I can persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I owe everything.” 「我能堅持不懈，」現代傳教之父威廉凱裡說。 “這是我唯一的天賦。我能在任何明確的追求中堅持不懈。我的一切都歸功於此。” The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. The greatest heroes of faith are not always those who seem to be soaring; often it is they who are patiently plodding. As we wait on the Lord, He enables us not only to fly higher and run faster, but also to walk longer. Blessed are the plodders, for they eventually arrive at their destination! 千里之行，始於足下。最偉大的信心英雄並非總是那些看似展翅高飛的人，往往是那些耐心耕耘的人。當我們等候主時，祂不但使我們飛得更高、跑得更快，也使我們走得更遠。辛勤耕耘的人有福了，因為他們最終會到達目的地！
God Is Greater than Our Fears (41:1—44:28) 上帝大於我們的恐懼（41:1—44:28） In this section of the book, the Lord seven times says, “Fear not!” to His people (41:10, 13, 14: 43:1, 5: 44:2, 8), and He says “Fear not!” to us today. As the Jewish remnant faced the challenge of the long journey home and the difficult task of rebuilding, they could think of many causes for fear. But there was one big reason not to be afraid: The Lord was with them and would give them success. 在本書的這一部分，主七次對祂的子民說「不要懼怕！」（41:10、13、14；43:1、5；44:2、8），今天祂也對我們說「不要懼怕！」。當猶太餘民面對漫長的返鄉之路和艱鉅的重建任務時，他們可以想到許多恐懼的原因。但有一個重要的原因讓他們不必懼怕：主與他們同在，並會賜給他們成功。
God seeks to calm their fears by assuring them that He is going before them and working on their behalf. The Lord explains a wonderful truth: He has three ser vants in His employ who will accomplish His will: Cyrus, king of Persia (41:1–7); the nation of Israel (vv. 8–29; 43:1–44:27); and the Messiah (42:1–25). 上帝試圖平息他們的恐懼，向他們保證，祂將在他們前面行走並為他們行事。主解釋了一個奇妙的真理：祂僱用了三個僕人來完成祂的旨意：波斯王居魯士（41：1-7）；以色列國（第8-29節；43：1-44：27）；以及彌賽亞（42：1-25）。
God’s servant Cyrus (41:1–7). God convenes the court and asks the nations to present their case against Him, if they can. At least seventeen times in his prophecy, Isaiah writes about “the islands” (kjv) or “the coastlands” (niv), referring to the most distant places from the holy land (11:11; 24:15; 41:1, 5; 42:4, 10, 12). “Produce your cause,” He challenges these nations (41:21); “present your case” (niv). 上帝的僕人居魯士（41：1-7）。上帝召集法庭，要求各國盡可能向他提出訴訟。以賽亞在他的預言中至少十七次寫到「島嶼」（kjv）或「沿海地區」（niv），指的是離聖地最遠的地方（11：11；24：15；41：1，5；42：4，10，12）。 “提出你們的案件”，他向這些國家發出挑戰（41：21）； “陳明你的事”（新國際版）。
God is not afraid of the nations because He is greater than the nations (40:12–17); He controls their rise and fall. He announced that He would raise up a ruler named Cyrus, who would do His righteous work on earth by defeating other nations for the sake of His people Israel. Cyrus would be a shepherd (44:28) anointed by God (45:1), a ravenous bird that could not be stopped (46:11). “He treads on rulers as if they were mortar, as if he were a potter treading the clay” (41:25 niv). 上帝不懼怕列國，因為祂比列國更大（40:12-17）；祂掌控著列國的興衰。祂宣告要興起一位名叫居魯士的君王，祂將在地上行祂的義，為祂的子民以色列擊敗列國。居魯士將是一位受上帝膏立的牧羊人（44:28），如同一隻無人能擋的猛禽（46:11）。 「祂踹掌權者，如同踹灰泥；如同陶工踹泥土」（41:25 新國際版）。
Isaiah called Cyrus by name over a century before he was born (590?–529), and while Isaiah nowhere calls Cyrus “God’s servant,” Cyrus did serve the Lord by fulfilling God’s purposes on earth. God handed the nations over to Cyrus and helped him conquer great kings (45:1–4). The enemy was blown away like chaff and dust because the eternal God was leading the army. 以賽亞在居魯士出生前一個多世紀就提到了他的名字（590？-529），雖然以賽亞從未稱居魯士為“上帝的僕人”，但居魯士確實通過成就上帝在地上的旨意來侍奉上帝。上帝將列國交託給居魯士，並幫助他征服了偉大的君王（45:1-4）。敵人像糠秕塵土一樣被吹散，因為永恆之上帝正率領著軍隊。
As Cyrus moved across the territory east and north of the Holy Land (41:25), the nations were afraid and turned to their idols for help. With keen satire, Isaiah described various workmen helping each other manu facture a god who cannot help them! After all, when the God of heaven is in charge of the conquest, how can men or gods oppose Him? 居魯士橫掃聖地以東和以北的領土（41:25），列國都驚恐不已，紛紛向他們的偶像求助。以賽亞以犀利的諷刺描述了各種工匠互相幫助，製造出一個無法幫助他們的神！畢竟，當在天的上帝掌管征服之時，凡人或諸神又怎能與祂對抗呢？ Cyrus may have thought that he was accomplish ing his own plans, but actually he was doing the pleasure of the Lord (44:28). By defeating Babylon, Cyrus made it possible for the Jewish captives to be released and allowed to return to their land to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple (Ezra 1:1–4). “I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways; he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives” (Isa. 45:13). 居魯士或許以為自己在完成自己的計劃，但實際上他是行耶和華所喜悅的事（44:28）。攻克巴比倫後，居魯士使被擄的猶太百姓得以釋放，並得以返回故土，重建耶路撒冷和聖殿（以斯拉記 1:1-4）。 「我憑公義興起他，也必修直他一切的道路；他必建造我的城，釋放我的被擄者」（以賽亞書 45:13）。
Sometimes we forget that God can use even uncon verted world leaders for the good of His people and the progress of His work. He raised up Pharaoh in Egypt that He might demonstrate His power (Rom. 9:17), and He even used wicked Herod and cowardly Pontius Pilate to accomplish His plan in the crucifixion of Christ (Acts 4:24–28). “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wher ever He wishes” (Prov. 21:1 nkjv). 有時我們會忘記，即使是未歸信的世界領袖，上帝也能使用他們來造福祂的子民，推進祂的事工。祂在埃及興起法老，是為了彰顯祂的大能（羅馬書 9:17），祂甚至使用邪惡的希律和懦弱的本丟彼拉多，將基督釘在十字架上，成就祂的計劃（使徒行傳 4:24-28）。 「王的心在耶和華手中，好像隴溝的水隨意流轉」（箴 21:1 新欽定版）。
God’s servant Israel (41:8–29; 43:1—44:28). The prophet presents four pictures to encourage the people. In contrast to the fear experienced by the Gentile nations is the confidence shown by Israel, God’s chosen servant (41:8–13), because God was working on their behalf. In spite of their past rebellion, Israel was not cast away by the Lord. The Jewish cap tives did not need to fear either Cyrus or Babylon, because Cyrus was working for God, and Babylon would be no more. As you read their paragraph, you sense God’s love for His people and His desire to encourage them to trust Him for the future. 上帝的僕人以色列（41:8-29；43:1-44:28）。先知提出了四幅圖畫來鼓勵人民。與外邦國家所經歷的恐懼形成鮮明對比的是，上帝所揀選的僕人以色列所表現的信心（41:8-13），因為上帝在為他們行事。儘管以色列過去曾反叛，但他們並沒有被主拋棄。被俘虜的猶太百姓不必害怕居魯士或巴比倫，因為居魯士在為上帝工作，巴比倫將不復存在。當你讀到這段話時，你會感受到上帝對祂子民的愛，以及祂希望鼓勵他們在未來信靠祂的願望。
The title “My servant” is an honorable one; it was given to great leaders like Moses (Num. 12:7), David (2 Sam. 3:18), the prophets (Jer. 7:25), and Messiah (Isa. 42:1). But is there any honor in being called a “worm” (41:14–16)? “Servant” defined what they were by God’s grace and calling, but “worm” described what they were in themselves. Imagine a worm getting teeth and threshing mountains into dust like chaff! As the nation marched ahead by faith, every mountain and hill would be made low (40:4), and the Lord would turn mountains into molehills! 「我的僕人」這個稱號是尊貴的；神賜給偉大的領袖，如摩西（民數記 12:7）、大衛（撒母耳記下 3:18）、先知（耶利米書 7:25）和彌賽亞（以賽亞書 42:1）。但被稱為「蟲」（41:14-16）有什麼榮耀嗎？ 「僕人」定義了他們蒙神的恩典和呼召成為怎樣的人，而「蟲子」則描述了他們本身的本性。想像一下，一隻蟲長出牙齒，把山打成灰塵，如同糠秕！隨著國家憑著信心前進，每座大山和小山都會被削平（40:4），主會把大山變成鼴鼠丘！
From the pictures of a servant and a worm, Isaiah turned to the picture of a desert becoming a garden (41:17–20). The image reminds us of Israel’s wander ings in the wilderness and God’s provision for their every need. Water and trees are important possessions in the East, and God will supply both to His people. Certainly Isaiah was also looking beyond the return from Babylon to the future kingdom when “the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the rose” (35:1). 從僕人和蟲子的畫面，以賽亞轉向沙漠變成花園的畫面（41:17-20）。這個畫面讓我們想起以色列在曠野的漂流，以及神對他們一切所需用的供應。水和樹木在東方是重要的財產，神會將兩者都供應給祂的子民。當然，以賽亞的眼光也超越了從巴比倫回歸未來王國的時期，那時「曠野必歡喜，又像玫瑰開花」（35:1）。
The final picture is that of the courtroom (41:21–29). “Produce your cause!” means “Present your case!” God challenged the idols of the nations to prove that they were really gods. Did any of their predictions come true? What have they predicted about the future? Did they announce that Cyrus would appear on the scene or that Jerusalem would be restored? “No one told of this, no one foretold it, no one heard any words from you,” taunted the Lord (v. 26 niv). Not only were the idols unable to make any valid predictions, they were not even able to speak! The judgment of the court was correct: “See, they are all false! Their deeds amount to nothing; their images are but wind and confusion” (v. 29 niv). 最後的畫面是法庭（41:21-29）。 「陳述你的案件！」的意思是「陳述你的案情！」上帝挑戰列國的偶像，要它們證明自己確實是神。它們的預言有哪一項成真了嗎？它們對未來有什麼預言？它們有沒有宣告居魯士會出現，或是耶路撒冷將會重建？ 「沒有人提及這事，沒有人預言這事，也沒有人聽見你說過什麼，」耶和華謳笑道（第26節，新國際版）。這些偶像不僅不能做出任何有效的預言，甚至連說話都不會！法庭的判決是正確的：「看哪，它們都是假的！它們的作為毫無意義；它們的偶像不過是風，是混亂。」（第29節，新國際版）
The theme of “Israel God’s Servant” is continued in Isaiah 43—44 with an emphasis on God the Redeemer of Israel (43:1–7). (Note also v. 14; 44:6, 22–24.) The word translated “redeem” or “Redeemer” is the Hebrew word for “a kinsman redeemer,” a near relative who could free family members and their property from bondage by paying their debts for them. (See Lev. 25:23–28 and the book of Ruth.) God gave Egypt, Ethiopia (Cush), and Seba to Cyrus as a ransom pay ment to redeem Israel from Babylon, because Israel was so precious to Him. And He gave His own Son as a ransom for lost sinners (Matt. 20:28; 1 Tim. 2:6). 「以色列是上帝的僕人」這一主題在以賽亞書43-44章中延續，強調上帝是以色列的救贖主（43:1-7）。 （另請注意第14節；44:6、22-24。）翻譯為“救贖”或“救贖主”的詞在希伯來語中意為“至親救贖者”，是指能夠替家人償還債務，使他們及其財產擺脫束縛的近親。 （參考利未記25:23-28和路得記。）上帝將埃及、衣索比亞（古實）和西巴賜給居魯士作為贖金，使以色列脫離巴比倫，因為以色列對上帝如此珍貴。祂也賜下自己的兒子作為迷失罪人的贖價（太20:28；提摩太前書2:6）。
Israel is God’s servant in the world and also God’s witness to the world (Isa. 43:8–13). This is another courtroom scene where God challenges the idols. “Let them bring in their witnesses!” says the Judge, but of course the idols are helpless and speechless. Twice the Lord says to Israel, “You are My witnesses” (vv. 10, 12 nkjv), for it is in the history of Israel that God has revealed Himself to the world. Frederick the Great asked the Marquis D’Argens, “Can you give me one single irrefutable proof of God?” The marquis replied, “Yes, your majesty, the Jews.” 以色列是神在世上的僕人，也是神在世上的見證人（賽43:8-13）。這又是神在法庭上挑戰偶像的場景。 「讓他們帶見證人來！」審判官說，但偶像當然無助無言。耶和華兩次對以色列說：「你們是我的見證人」（10-12節，新譯本），因為神在以色列的歷史中向世人啟示了祂自己。腓特烈大帝問達爾讓侯爵：「你能給我一個確鑿的證據來證明神的存在嗎？」侯爵回答說：「是的，陛下，猶太人。」
Along with Israel’s new freedom and new witness, Isaiah wrote about Israel’s new “exodus” (vv. 14–28). Just as God led His people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea (Ex. 12—15), so He will lead them out of Babylon and through the terrible wilderness to their home in the Holy Land. Just as He defeated Pharaoh’s army (14:28; 15:4), so He will defeat Israel’s enemies and snuff them out “like a wick” (Isa. 43:17 niv). 除了以色列獲得新的自由和新的見證之外，以賽亞還記述了以色列新的「出埃及記」（14-28節）。正如上帝帶領祂的子民出埃及，渡過紅海（出埃及記12-15章），祂也將帶領他們出巴比倫，穿越可怕的曠野，回到聖地的家園。正如祂擊敗法老的軍隊（14:28；15:4），祂也將擊敗以色列的敵人，將他們「像燈芯一樣」消滅（以賽亞書43:17，新國際版）。
When God forgives and restores His people, He wants them to forget the failures of the past, witness for Him in the present, and claim His promises for the future (vv. 18–21). Why should we remember that which God has forgotten? (v. 25) He forgave them, not because they brought Him sacrifices—for they had no altar in Babylon—but purely because of His mercy and grace. 當上帝赦免並復興祂的子民時，祂希望他們忘記過去的失敗，在當下為祂作見證，並領受祂對未來的應許（18-21節）。我們為什麼要記得上帝所忘記的呢？ （25節）祂赦免他們，並非因為他們向祂獻祭－因為在巴比倫他們沒有祭壇－而純粹是因為祂的憐憫和恩典。
God chose Israel and redeemed them, but He also formed them for Himself (44:1–20). In this chapter, Isaiah contrasts God’s forming of Israel (vv. 1–8) and the Gentiles forming their own gods (vv. 9–20). “I have formed thee” is a special theme in chapters 43—44 (43:1, 7, 21; 44:2, 24). Because God formed them, chose them, and redeemed them, they had nothing to fear. He will pour water on the land and His Spirit on the people (59:21; Ezek. 34:26; Joel 2:28–29; John 7:37–39), and both will prosper to the glory of the Lord. The final fulfillment of this will be in the future kingdom age when Messiah reigns. 上帝揀選了以色列，救贖了他們，祂也為自己塑造了他們（44:1-20）。在本章中，以賽亞將上帝創造以色列（1-8節）與外邦人塑造自己的神（9-20節）進行了對比。 「我造你」是43-44章的一個特殊主題（43:1、7、21；44:2、24）。因為上帝創造了他們，揀選了他們，救贖了他們，所以他們無所畏懼。祂將澆灌大地，將祂的靈澆灌人民（59:21；以西結書34:26；約珥書2:28-29；約翰福音7:37-39），兩者都將興旺發達，榮耀歸於耶和華。這最終的應驗將在未來彌賽亞統治的國度時代。
Isaiah 44:9–20 shows the folly of idolatry and should be compared with Psalm 115. Those who defend idols and worship them are just like them: blind and ignorant and nothing. God made people in His own image, and now they are making gods in their own image! Part of the tree becomes a god, and the rest of the tree becomes fuel for the fire. The worshipper is “feeding on ashes” and deriving no benefit at all from the worship experience. 以賽亞書44:9-20揭示了偶像崇拜的愚昧，應該與詩篇115篇作一比較。那些維護偶像、敬拜偶像的人，就像偶像一樣：瞎眼、無知、一無是處。上帝照著自己的形象造人，如今人卻照著自己的形象造神！樹的一部分成了神，其餘的部分則成了火的燃料。敬拜者“吃灰燼”，卻從敬拜中得不到任何益處。
But God formed Israel (Isa. 44:21, 24), forgave His people their sins (v. 22; see 43:25), and is glorified in them (44:23). He speaks to His people and is faithful to keep His Word (v. 26). May we never take for granted the privilege we have of knowing and worship ping the true and living God! 然而，上帝創造了以色列（賽44:21, 24），赦免了祂子民的罪（22節；參考43:25），並因他們得榮耀（44:23）。祂對祂的子民說話，並信守祂的話語（26節）。願我們永遠不要將認識和敬拜這位又真又活的上帝！
God’s Servant Messiah (chap. 42). Isaiah 42:1–7 is the first of four “Servant Songs” in Isaiah, referring to God’s Servant, the Messiah. The others are 49:1–6; 50:1–11; and 52:13—53:12. Contrast “Behold, they [the idols] are all vanity” (41:29) with “Behold my ser vant” (42:1). Matthew 12:14–21 applies these words to the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. He could have destroyed His enemies (the reed and flax), but He was patient and merciful. The Father delights in His Son (Matt. 3:17; 17:5). 上帝的僕人彌賽亞（42章）的特權視為理所當然。以賽亞書42:1-7是四首「僕人之歌」中的第一首，指的是上帝的僕人彌賽亞。其餘四首是49:1-6；50:1-11；以及52:13-53:12。請將「看哪，這些偶像都是虛空的」（41:29）與「看哪，我的僕人」（42:1）比較。馬太福音12:14-21將這些話應用於耶穌基督在世上的事工。祂本來可以毀滅祂的敵人（蘆葦和亞麻），但祂耐心且仁慈。天父喜悅祂的兒子（太3:17；17:5）。
It is through the ministry of the Servant that God will accomplish His great plan of salvation for this world. God chose Him, God upheld Him, and God enabled Him to succeed in His mission. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, one day there will be a glorious kingdom, and God will “bring justice to the nations” (Isa. 42:1 niv). Jesus Christ is “the light of the world” (John 8:12), and that includes the Gentiles (Isa. 42:6; Acts 13:47–48; Luke 1:79). Isaiah 42:7 refers to the nation’s deliverance from Babylon (29:18; 32:3; 35:5) as well as to the sinner’s deliverance from condemnation (61:1–3; Luke 4:18–19). 正是透過僕人的事工，上帝將完成祂對這個世界的偉大救贖計畫。上帝揀選了祂，上帝支持了祂，上帝使祂能夠完成祂的使命。因著耶穌基督的死和復活，有一天會有一個榮耀的國度，上帝會「在列國中施行公義」（以賽亞書 42:1）。耶穌基督是「世界的光」（約翰福音 8:12），這包括外邦人（以賽亞書 42:6；使徒行傳 13:47-48；路加福音 1:79）。以賽亞書 42:7 提到國家從巴比倫被拯救（29:18；32:3；35:5），也提到罪人從定罪中被拯救（61:1-3；路加福音 4:18-19）。 The closing section (Isa. 42:10–25) describes a singing nation (vv. 10–12), giving praise to the Lord, and a silent God who breaks that silence to become a shouting conqueror (vv. 13–17). God is longsuffering toward sinners, but when He begins to work, He wastes no time! The “servant” in verses 18–25 is the people of Israel, blind to their own sins and deaf to God’s voice (6:9–10); yet the Lord graciously forgave them and led them out of bondage. Now God says to the Babylonians, “Send them back!” (42:22 niv). 結尾部分（賽 42:10-25）描述了一個歌唱的國度（10-12 節），讚美耶和華，以及一位打破沉默、大聲呼喊的征服者（13-17 節）的神。神對罪人長久忍耐，但一旦祂開始動工，祂就毫不遲疑！ 18-25 節中的「僕人」指的是以色列人，他們對自己的罪視而不見，對神的聲音充耳不聞（6:9-10）；然而，耶和華卻仁慈地赦免了他們，帶領他們脫離了奴役。現在，神對巴比倫人說：「讓他們回去！」（42:22 新國際譯本）。
How sad it is when God disciplines us and we do not understand what He is doing or take it to heart (v. 25). Israel’s captivity in Babylon cured the nation of their idolatry, but it did not create within them a desire to please God and glorify Him. 當神管教我們，而我們卻不明白祂的作為，也不放在心上（25 節）時，這是多麼可悲啊。以色列被擄到巴比倫，雖然治好了他們的偶像崇拜，但這並沒有在他們心中激發出討上帝喜悅、榮耀祂的願望。
God Is Greater than Our Enemies (45:1—48:22) These chapters deal with the overthrow of Babylon, and one of the major themes is, “I am the Lord, and there is none else” (45:5–6, 14, 18, 21–22; 46:9). Jehovah again reveals Himself as the true and living God in contrast to the dumb and dead idols. 上帝比我們的敵人更大（45:1—48:22） 這些章節講述了巴比倫的覆滅，其中一個主要主題是「我是耶和華，再沒有別神」（45:5-6、14、18、21-22；46:9）。耶和華再次彰顯自己是又真又活的神，與那些啞巴和死氣沉沉的偶像形成鮮明對比。
The conqueror described (45:1–25). Just as prophets, priests, and kings were anointed for service, so Cyrus was anointed by God to perform his special service for Israel’s sake. In this sense, Cyrus was a “mes siah,” an “anointed one.” God called him by name over a century before he was born! Cyrus was the human instrument for the conquest, but it was Jehovah God who gave the victories. Anyone who opposed Cyrus was arguing with God, and that was like the clay com manding the potter or the child ordering his parents (vv. 9–10). God raised up Cyrus to do His specific will (v. 13), and nothing would prevent him from succeed ing. Note the emphasis on salvation. The idols cannot save Babylon (v. 20), but God is the Savior of Israel (vv. 15, 17). He is “a just God and a Savior” (v. 21), and He offers salvation to the whole world (v. 22). It was this verse that brought the light of salvation to the great English pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon when he was a youth seeking the Lord. 經文描述了征服者（45:1-25）。正如先知、祭司和君王受膏侍奉一樣，居魯士也受膏侍奉上帝，為以色列的緣故履行他的特殊職責。從這個意義上講，居魯士是一位“彌賽亞”，一位“受膏者”。上帝在他出生前一個多世紀就呼召了他！居魯士是征服的使者，但賜予勝利的是耶和華上帝。任何反對居魯士的人都是在與上帝爭論，就像泥土命令陶匠，孩子命令父母一樣（9-10節）。上帝興起居魯士去行祂特定的旨意（13節），沒有任何事物能阻止祂成功。請注意對救恩的強調。偶像不能拯救巴比倫（20節），但上帝是以色列的救主（15、17節）。祂是「公義的神，又是救主」（21節），祂為全世界提供救恩（22節）。正是這節經文為偉大的英國牧師查爾斯·哈登·司布真帶來了救恩的光芒，當時他還是尋求主的年輕人。
The false gods disgraced (46:1–13). Bel was the Babylonian sun god, and Nebo was his son, the god of writing and learning. But both of them together could not stop Cyrus! As the Babylonians fled from the enemy, they had to carry their gods, but their gods went into captivity with the prisoners of war! God assures His people that He will carry them from the womb to the tomb. Verse 4 is the basis for a stanza of the familiar song “How Firm a Foundation” that is usually omitted from our hymnals: 假神蒙羞（46:1-13）。彼勒是巴比倫的太陽神，尼波是他的兒子，是書寫和學習之神。但他們兩人聯手也無法阻止居魯士！巴比倫人逃離敵人時，不得不攜帶他們的神像，但他們的神像卻與戰俘一同被擄！上帝向祂的子民保證，祂必將他們從母腹帶到墳墓。第四節是那首我們耳熟能詳的詩歌《何等堅固的根基》中一段歌詞的基調，而這一段歌詞通常被我們的讚美詩本省略：
E’en down to old age, all My people shall prove, 直到年老，我的子民都要證明， My sovereign, eternal unchangeable love, 我至高無上、永恆不變的愛， And then when grey hairs shall their temples adorn, 直到他們鬢髮斑白， Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne. 他們仍要像羔羊一樣在我的懷抱中被孕育。 —RICHARD KEEN ——理查 . 基恩
How comforting it is to know that our God cares for us before we are born (Ps. 139:13–16), when we get old, and each moment in between! 知道我們的上帝在我們出生前（詩篇 139:13-16）、在我們年老時以及在這段期間的每一刻都關心我們，是多麼令人欣慰啊！
The city destroyed (47:1–15). Babylon, the proud queen, is now a humbled slave. “I will continue for ever—the eternal queen!” she boasted (v. 7 niv). But in a moment, the judgment for her sins caught up with her; and she became a widow. Neither her idols nor her occult practices (vv. 12–14) were able to warn her or prepare her for her destruction. But God knew that Babylon would fall, because He planned it ages ago! He called Cyrus, who swooped down on Babylon like a bird of prey. Babylon showed no mercy to the Jews, and God judged them accordingly. 那座城市被毀了（47:1-15）。巴比倫，那驕傲的女王，如今成了卑微的奴隸。 「我要永遠當女王－永遠的女王！」她自誇（第7節，新國際版）。但轉眼間，她罪孽的審判降臨到她頭上；她成了寡婦。無論是她的偶像還是她的秘術（第12-14節），都無法警告她，也無法讓她為毀滅做好準備。但上帝知道巴比倫必將傾覆，因為祂已經計劃好了！他呼召居魯士，他像猛禽一樣俯衝下來攻擊巴比倫。巴比倫對猶太人毫不留情，上帝也因此審判了他們。
The Jewish remnant delivered (48:1–22). The Jews had become comfortable and complacent in their captivity and did not want to leave. They had followed the counsel of Jeremiah (Jer. 29:4–7) and had houses, gardens, and families, but they had become so attached to those things that it would not be easy for them to pack up and go to the Holy Land. Nevertheless, the Holy Land was where they belonged and where God had a work for them to do. God told them that they were hypocritical in using His name and identifying with His city but not obeying His will (Isa. 48:1–2). They were stubborn (v. 4) and were not excited about the new things God was doing for them. 猶太餘民得蒙拯救（48:1-22）。猶太人在被擄期間安居樂業，不願離開。他們聽從了耶利米的勸告（耶29:4-7），擁有房屋、花園和家人，但他們對這些東西如此依戀，以至於很難收拾行裝前往聖地。然而，聖地是他們的歸屬地，也是上帝要他們完成的工作。上帝告訴他們，他們虛偽地使用祂的名，認同祂的城，卻不遵行祂的旨意（賽48:1-2）。他們固執己見（第4節），對上帝為他們所做的新事毫無熱情。
Had they obeyed the Lord in the first place, they would have experienced peace and not war (vv. 18–19), but it was not too late. He had put them into the furnace to refine them and prepare them for their future work (v. 10). “Go forth from Babylon; flee from the Chaldeans!” was God’s command (v. 20; see Jer. 50:8; 51:6; 45; Rev. 18:4). God would go before them and prepare the way, and they had nothing to fear. 如果他們一開始就順服耶和華，他們就會經歷和平而不是戰爭（18-19節），但現在還不算太晚。祂已將他們放進火爐，煉淨他們，預備他們為將來的工作做好準備（10節）。 「你們要離開巴比倫，逃避迦勒底人！」這是上帝的命令（20節；參考耶利米書50:8；51:6；45；啟18:4）。上帝會在他們前面開路，他們無需害怕。
One would think that the Jews would have been eager to leave their “prison” and return to their land to see God do new and great things for them. But they had grown accustomed to the security of bondage and had forgotten the challenges of freedom. The church today can easily grow complacent with its comfort and affluence. God may have to put us into the furnace to remind us that we are here to be servants and not con sumers or spectators. 人們或許會認為，猶太人渴望離開他們的“監獄”，回到故土，見證上帝為他們行新的大事。但他們已經習慣了奴役的安全感，忘記了自由帶來的挑戰。如今的教會很容易因舒適富足而自滿。上帝或許需要把我們放進火爐，來提醒我們，我們來到世上是要作僕人，而不是消費者或旁觀者。
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