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出埃及记生命读经 · 第93篇

灯台(二)

The Lampstand (2)
1读经: 出埃及记二十五章三十一至四十节;四十章四节,二十四至二十五节。
1Scripture Reading: Exo. 25:31-40; 40:4, 24-25
2我们对灯台有了一个概念,会帮助我们更详细地来看灯台。出埃及记二十五章三十一至三十二节说:“要用精金作一个灯台;灯台的座,和干,与杯、球、花,都要接连一块锤出来。灯台两旁要杈出六个枝子,这旁三个,那旁三个。”灯台包含一个座、一根干,和三对枝子。灯台的每一旁有三个枝子。在每一对枝子下面有一个球,托着干上的两个枝子。然后在每一个枝子上有三个杯,形状像杏花,有球,有花。我们已经看见,每一个杯是由两层组成的:底层叫作球,或花萼,就是花朵青绿的底部,还有顶层的花瓣,实际上构成了一朵花。底层叫作球,而顶层叫作花苞。整个花朵,包含花萼与花,乃是一个杯,形状像杏花。
2Before we consider more detailed points concerning the lampstand, it will be helpful to have a general view of the lampstand. Exodus 25:31 says, “And you shall make a lampstand of pure gold; of beaten work shall the lampstand be made: its base and its shaft; its cups, its knobs, and its blossoming buds shall be from it. And there shall be six branches going out from its sides, three branches of the lampstand from its one side, and three branches of the lampstand from its other side.” The lampstand consists of a base, a stalk, and three pairs of branches. There were three branches on each side of the lampstand. Underneath each pair of branches there was a knob holding the two branches at the stalk. Then on each branch there were three cups shaped like almond blossoms with knobs and blossoming buds. We have seen that each cup was composed of two layers: a bottom layer, called the knob, or the calyx, the leafy green bottom of the blossom, and a top layer of petals, which actually made up the blossom, the flower. The bottom layer is called the knob, and the top layer is called the blossoming bud. The whole flower, including calyx and blossom, is a cup shaped like an almond blossom.
3我们查考整个灯台,就会看见灯台上有二十五个球。每一个枝子上有三个,有三个各托住一对枝子。四个在灯台的干上,总共有二十五个。托住各对枝子的三个球没有花,所以灯台只有二十二朵花。这里神圣的思想乃是说,灯台实际上是一棵树,有花萼,也有花。
3As we consider the lampstand as a whole, we shall see that on it there are twenty-five knobs. There are three on each branch, three holding one pair of branches each, and four on the shaft of the lampstand, making a total of twenty-five. Since the three knobs which each hold one pair of branches do not have blossoms, the lampstand has a total of twenty-two blossoms. The divine thought here is that the lampstand is actually a tree with calyxes and blossoms.
4如果我们对整个灯台有了概念,就会晓得灯台看起来的确像一棵树。进一步说,这样来描述灯台,乃是要给人有长大的观念。这些经文说到枝子、花苞、杏花。开花表明长大。因此,我们必须牢记,灯台乃是一棵长大的树。
4If we have a general view of the entire lampstand, we shall realize that it does in fact look like a tree. Furthermore, the lampstand is described in such a way as to give the idea of growth. These verses speak of branches, buds, and almond blossoms. Blossoming indicates growth. Thus, we must be impressed that the lampstand is a growing tree.
5灯台既是一棵树,它就有一些特征。首先,它是一棵金树。金表征神的性情。我们在前一篇信息中指出,金灯台乃是三一神的彰显。三一神是一棵活的树,一直生长、 发芽并开花。
5As a tree, the lampstand has certain outstanding features. First, it is a golden tree. Gold signifies the nature of God. As we pointed out in the previous message, the golden lampstand is the expression of the Triune God. The Triune God is a living tree, growing, budding, and blossoming.
6我们已经看见,这棵金树有许多杏花,在豫表里,杏树表征复活的生命。亚伦的杖 结了熟杏,表征复活的生命。因此,灯台上的杏花表明它是一棵在复活里的树。复活乃是胜过死亡而且不被死亡毁坏、损伤的生命。死亡不能对复活的生命作甚么。死亡能彀把各样的损害加在别种的生命上,就是加在植物的生命、动物的生命以及人的生命上。惟有一种生命是死亡所损伤不了的,这就是复活的生命。复活乃是经过死亡,而且死亡绝对拘禁不了的生命。照圣经完全的启示来看,神就是这个复活的生命。
6We have seen that this golden tree has many almond blossoms. In typology almonds signify resurrection life. Aaron’s rod budding with almonds signifies resurrection life. Hence, the almonds on the lampstand indicate that it is a tree in resurrection. Resurrection is life that overcomes death without being damaged or injured by death. Death is powerless to do anything with resurrection life. Death can inflict all kinds of damage on other forms of life, plant life, animal life, and human life. Only one kind of life cannot be hurt by death, and this is resurrection life. Resurrection is life which passes through death and can never be held by it. According to the full revelation of the Scriptures, God Himself is this resurrection life.
7灯台当然是发光的。然而,灯台的头一个意义不是光,而是生命。光是在灯台的顶端,在这照耀的光底下乃是花。灯台是一种会长大的东西。每一对枝子下面的花萼,指明生命的长大,这些枝子是由生命的长大所产生的。因此,随着灯台我们还看见生命的分枝,这是在光的照耀之下产生的。生命生出光来,生命也长出光来。这意思是说,光实际上就是生命的开花。我们长大、开花的时候,光就照耀出来了。我们的开花就是我们的照耀。我们因生命而长大,但我们照耀出来的却是光。
7The lampstand, of course, gives light. However, the first significance of the lampstand is not light, but life. The light is at the top of the lampstand and underneath this shining light are the blossoms. The lampstand is something that grows. The calyx under each pair of branches indicates the growth of life. These branches are produced by the growing of life. Thus, with the lampstand we see the branching out of life which takes place under the shining of the light. Life grows out light and blossoms with light. This means that the light is actually the blossoming of life. When we grow and blossom, the light shines. Our blossoming is our shining. We grow with life, but we blossom out light.
8到目前为止,我们已经看见,随着灯台的还有神圣的性情、复活、生命和光。灯台上的七个灯盏(37)表征那灵。因此,随着灯台的还有五件重要的事:神圣的性情、复活、生命、那灵和光。圣经里的启示,尤其是新约里的启示,符合灯台的这五方面─神圣的性情、复活、生命、那灵、光。
8Thus far, we have seen that with the lampstand we have the divine nature, resurrection, life, and light. The seven lamps on the lampstand (v. 37) signify the Spirit. Therefore, with the lampstand there are five crucial matters: the divine nature, resurrection, life, the Spirit, and light. The revelation in the Bible, especially in the New Testament, corresponds to the lampstand in these five matters—the divine nature, resurrection, life, the Spirit, and light.
9现在我们必须看见,我们这些相信基督的人,乃是这棵奇妙之树的一部分。我知道我是这棵金树的一部分时,真是喜乐得忘形。赞美主,我们在复活里,我们还有神圣的性情、生命、那灵、照耀的光,我们乃是这棵树的一部分!
9Now we must see that as those who believe in Christ, we are a part of this wonderful tree. Realizing that I am part of this golden tree causes me to be beside myself with joy. Praise the Lord that we are parts of this tree in resurrection and with the divine nature, life, the Spirit, and the shining light!
10出埃及记二十五章里的灯台,表征具体表现在基督里的三一神。撒迦利亚书四章里的灯台,表征彰显在那灵里的三一神。最终,在启示录有灯台的复制与繁增。出埃及记二十五章和撒迦利亚书四章只有一个灯台,但启示录一章有七个灯台。一个灯台经过复制成了七个,这七个灯台就是教会。因着灯台成了教会,而我们是教会的一部分,我们就有理由说,我们乃是灯台的一部分。我有胆量证实说,我是灯台的一部分。 我盼望众圣徒都能宣告这个奇妙的事实。难道你没有神圣的性情?难道你没有复活、没有生命、没有那灵、没有照耀的光?我们这些在基督里的真信徒,以上这些东西我们全都有。
10The lampstand in Exodus 25 signifies the Triune God embodied in Christ. The lampstand in Zechariah 4 signifies the Triune God expressed in the Spirit. Finally, in Revelation we have the lampstand reproduced and multiplied. In both Exodus 25 and Zechariah 4 we have just one lampstand, but in Revelation 1 we have seven. The one lampstand has been reproduced to become seven lampstands. These seven lampstands are the church. Because the lampstand has become the church and because we are all parts of the church, we have the ground to say that we are parts of the lampstand. I have the boldness to testify that I am a part of the lampstand. I hope that all the saints can declare this marvelous fact. Do you not have the divine nature? Do you not also have resurrection, life, the Spirit, and the shining light? As true believers in Christ, we have all these things.
11我们已经看见,灯台是一棵树。它不是一个没有光的实体,也不是一个没有生命的实体。它是活的、生机的,并且是满了生命的。它是一个树台,就像一棵树生长的台。这棵活树一直在生长、分枝、发芽并开花。
11We have seen that the lampstand is a tree. It is not an entity without light, and neither is it inanimate. It is living, organic, and full of life. It is a tree-stand, a stand that grows like a tree. This living tree is growing, branching, budding, and blossoming.
12我们已经指出,开花就是光的照耀。因此,光乃是生命的开花。事实上光就是生命。约翰一章一节、四节说:“太初有话,…话就是神。…生命在祂里头;这生命就是人的光。”(直译。)这乃是基督─三一神的具体表现─成了生命之光照耀出来。
12As we have pointed out, the blossoming is the shining of the light. Thus, the light is the life blossoming. Actually the light is the life. John 1:1 and 4 say, “In the beginning was the Word...and the Word was God....In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” This is the shining of Christ, the embodiment of the Triune God, as the light of life.
13灯台是金的,这件事实表征作为神具体表现的基督,完全是神圣的。但灯台有两方面是指基督的人性说的。首先,灯台中央的干有四朵花,每一个枝子有三朵花。在圣经里,四这个数字不是由二加二组成的;而是由三加一或一加三组成的。三这个数字表征三一神和复活。事实上,我们已经题过,三一神就是复活。因此,照圣经来看,三这个数字表征在复活里的三一神。四这个数字在圣经里表征受造之物。譬如,四活物和四方的风。因此,四这个数字乃是表征受造。
13The fact that the lampstand is golden signifies that, as the embodiment of God, Christ is altogether divine. But two aspects of the lampstand point to the humanity of Christ. First, the central stalk of the lampstand has four blossoms, whereas each branch has just three blossoms. In the Bible the number four is not composed of two plus two; rather, it is composed of three plus one or one plus three. The number three signifies both the Triune God and resurrection. Actually, as we have mentioned, the Triune God is resurrection. Therefore, according to the Bible, the number three signifies the Triune God in resurrection. The number four in the Bible signifies creatures. For example, we have the four living creatures and the four winds. Thus, the number four signifies creation.
14基督是神,所以是创造者。但基督也是人,所以祂也是受造之物。有些基督徒听见基督是创造者,也是受造之物,也许会题出抗议。但圣经明确地说,基督穿上了属人的性情,祂有一个有血、有肉、有骨的身体。这些岂不是受造之物的成分么?不仅如此,歌罗西一章十五节还说,基督是一切受造之物的首生者。在灯台里,不但有三一神,也有受造之物,就如四这个数字所表征的。这是灯台指出基督人性的头一方面。
14As God, Christ is the Creator. But as a man, He is a creature. Some Christians may protest when they are told that Christ is both the Creator and a creature. But the Bible definitely says that Christ put on human nature, that He had a body with flesh, blood, and bones. Are these not the elements of a creature? Furthermore, Colossians 1:15 says that Christ is the Firstborn of all creation. In the lampstand we have not only the Triune God, but also the creature, as signified by the number four. This is the first aspect of the lampstand which points to Christ’s humanity.
15灯台关乎基督人性的第二方面乃是灯芯。灯芯是用纤维作的,主要是用棉花作的。灯点亮的时候,灯芯因着油就燃烧起来。祭司每天早晨必须整理这些灯,修剪燃尽、烧焦的灯芯。灯芯燃尽的部分叫作灯花。原文中灯花这个词也是动词,意思是剪掉灯芯燃焦的部分。出埃及记二十五章三十八节说到蜡剪和蜡花盘。蜡剪是用来剪灯芯,而蜡花盘是用来装灯芯燃焦的部分。祭司每天早晨整理灯时,要把燃焦的灯芯剪去,再添上新鲜的油。这就是祭司照顾灯台的工作。
15The second aspect of the lampstand related to the humanity of Christ is the wick. The wick was made of fibers, primarily of cotton. When the lamps on the stand were lighted, the wick burned with the oil. Every morning it was necessary for the priests to trim the lamps, that is, to snuff the charred, burnt wick. The charred portion of the wick is called snuff. The word snuff is also a verb meaning to cut off the burnt part of the wick. Exodus 25:38 speaks of the snuffers and the snuff dishes. The snuffers were used to cut the wick, and the snuff dishes were used to contain the burnt part of the wick. When the priest trimmed the lamps every morning, he cut off the charred wick and also added fresh oil. This was the priests’ work in caring for the lampstand.
16灯台中惟一不用金作的部分乃是灯芯。因此,灯芯不是表征神性,而是表征人性。再者,灯芯会被烧焦的事实,指明灯台不但表征基督自己,也表征我们。基督的人性绝不会产生烧焦的灯芯,惟有我们的人性才会被燃尽、被烧焦。当然基督无需蜡剪来整理、来对付。我们读四福音,就晓得基督从来不需要修剪,因为在祂的为人生活里绝没有燃焦的灯芯。然而,我们很容易被燃焦,而且我们天天需要修剪。
16The wick was the only part of the lampstand that was not made of gold. Thus, the wick signifies not divinity but humanity. Furthermore, the fact that the wick could become charred indicates that the lampstand not only signifies Christ Himself, but also us. Christ’s humanity could never produce a charred wick. Only our humanity is capable of becoming burnt and charred. Surely Christ had no need of a snuffer to trim Him, to deal with Him. As we read the four Gospels, we realize that it was never necessary for Christ to be snuffed, for there was never a charred wick in His human living. However, we easily become charred and need to be snuffed every day.
17晨更乃是经历主整理、修剪的最好时间。我能彀作见证说,我向主认罪,求祂赦免我一切的亏欠、失败、软弱、过犯的时候,我就经历了这样的修剪。如果我们想一想每天的光景,我们就会看见,总有一些燃焦的灯芯是需要修剪的。我们的人性与基督的人性相比实在太低了。祂的人性绝不会产生灯花,而我们的人性却天天产生灯花, 而且天天需要修剪。因此,在我们的经历中,我们需要蜡剪和蜡花盘。
17Morning watch is an excellent time to experience the Lord’s trimming, His snuffing. I can testify that this trimming takes place as I make confession to the Lord and ask Him to forgive me of all my defects, failures, weaknesses, and wrongdoings. If we consider our situation each day, we shall see that there is always some charred wick that needs to be snuffed. Our humanity is very low compared to Christ’s humanity. His humanity never produces any snuff, but ours produces snuff every day and requires a daily trimming. Thus, in our experience we need the snuffers and the snuff dishes.
18也许你不晓得谁来作这种整理或修剪的工作。常常我们早晨与基督交通的时候,祂会来修剪我们。有时候祂会用一位长老或一位圣徒来修剪我们。此外,话语的执事也会修剪修剪圣徒、整理整理圣徒。如果你在主里相当长大、成熟,你和别人交通的时候,不知不觉就会修剪别人。有些人告诉我,在与我交通的过程中,他们一直被我修剪。当然,我没有意思要修剪甚么人,可是不知不觉、无意之中就把别人修剪了。例如,一位弟兄对我说,我交通的时候所说的一件事情,帮助他解决了夫妻之间的难处。他告诉我说,这种切割、这种修剪,大大帮助了他。
18Perhaps you are wondering who performs this work of trimming, or snuffing. Often Christ Himself will snuff us during times of fellowship with Him in the morning. At other times He may use an elder or one of the saints to do this. Furthermore, the ministers of the Word also snuff the saints and trim them. If you are a Christian who is growing and maturing in the Lord, you will unconsciously snuff others as you have fellowship with them. Some have told me that, during the course of fellowship, they have been snuffed by me. Of course, I had no intention of trimming anyone. This happened unconsciously and unintentionally. For example, one brother told me that something I said in fellowship helped him with respect to a problem he had with his wife. He told me that this cutting, this snuffing, was very helpful to him.
19今天许多基督徒不再照耀,因为他们有一段长长的、燃焦的灯芯。他们燃焦的灯芯是在冒烟,而不是在照耀。在一些例子里面,灯芯也许不只十二吋长!我们要合式且 充分地照耀,就不能没有修剪。
19Many Christians today are not shining because they have a long, charred wick. Their charred wick is smoking rather than shining. In some cases, the wick may be more than twelve inches long! In order to shine properly and adequately, we need the snuffing.
十一 灯台上有四个杯,形状像杏花,有球,有花
XI. FOUR CUPS SHAPED LIKE ALMOND BLOSSOMS ON THE LAMPSTAND WITH ITS KNOBS AND ITS BLOSSOMING BUDS
20出埃及记二十五章三十四节说:“灯台上有四个杯,形状像杏花,有球,有花。”灯台中央的干上有四个杯,形状像杏花,有球,有花,表征基督的人性因着复活的生命而发光照耀。
20Exodus 25:34 says, “And on the lampstand four cups shaped like almond blossoms with its knobs and its blossoming buds.” The four cups shaped like almond blossoms on the central stalk of the lampstand with its knobs and its blossoming buds signify Christ’s humanity in His shining with the resurrection life.
十二 每两个枝子以下有球
XII. A KNOB UNDER EVERY TWO BRANCHES
21三十五节说:“灯台每两个枝子以下,有球,与枝子接连一块,灯台出的六个枝子,都是如此。”这三个球不是托着花,而是托着枝子。这表明枝子长大,是为着分枝的。球或花萼托着枝子,表征生命的长大。枝子藉着生命的长大而分枝。因此,这里有生命,有长大,也有分枝。表征复活生命的分枝,乃是为着照耀。生命长大而分枝,为着能彀照耀。
21Verse 35 says, “And a knob under two branches of it, and a knob under two branches of it, and a knob under two branches of it, for the six branches going out from the lampstand.” These three knobs do not hold blossoms but branches. This indicates that the branches are growing in order to branch out. The knob, or calyx, holding the branches signifies life growing. The branches are branching out through the growth of life. Thus, we have the life, the growth, and the branching out. This signifies the resurrection life’s branching out for the shining. Life is branching out by growing in order to produce the shining.
22这里虽然题到花,却没有说到果子。事实上,果子就是照耀的光。我们可以应用在日常和主交通的生活中。我们在复活的生命里长大,就会发芽、开花、结果。如果我们拿加拉太五章与以弗所五章相比,就会看见,这果子就是光。保罗在加拉太五章二十二节说到那灵的果子,而在以弗所五章九节说到光的果子。事实上,光就是果子。 我们长大、发芽、开花,就结出果子来。这果子乃是光的照耀。我们的亲戚、朋友、邻居、同事、同学怎么能看见光从我们里面照耀出来?惟有我们在基督徒的生活中结出果子来,他们才能彀看见光,因为这果子就是光。
22Although there is mention of blossoms, nothing is said of the fruit. Actually, the fruit is simply the shining light. This can be applied in our daily life with the Lord. As we grow in resurrection life, we shall bud, blossom, and bring forth fruit. If we compare Galatians 5 with Ephesians 5, we shall see that this fruit is the light. In Galatians 5:22 Paul speaks of the fruit of the Spirit, but in Ephesians 5:9 he speaks of the fruit of the light. Actually, the light is the fruit. As a result of growing, budding, and blossoming, we bring forth fruit. This fruit is the shining of the light. How is it possible for our relatives, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and schoolmates to see the light shining from us? They can see it only when fruit is brought forth in our Christian life, for this fruit will be the light.
23现在我们来看两位姊妹的例子,一位名叫马利亚,另一位名叫马大。马利亚在主里长大,还发芽、开花、结果子。然而,马大没有长大,反而留在肉体里面。当马大来 接触马利亚的时候,她就看见马利亚生活中的果子。这果子就是光。就马利亚本人来说,这是果子;但就马大来说,这果子成了照耀的光。马大看见了这光,就蒙了光照。然后才知道她是属肉体、属世界的,同时也是远离主的。这样她就被光的果子所光照,而这个果子是在马利亚里面一直生长、发芽并开花的。
23Let us consider as an example the case of two sisters, one called Mary and the other, Martha. Mary is growing in the Lord and is budding, blossoming, and bringing forth fruit. Martha, however, does not grow, but remains in the flesh. When Martha comes in contact with Mary, she sees fruit in Mary’s life. This fruit is the light. With Mary herself, it is fruit, but in relation to Martha this fruit becomes the shining light. Martha sees this light and is enlightened by it. Then she realizes that she is fleshly, worldly, and far away from the Lord. In this way she is enlightened by the fruit of the light which is growing, budding, and blossoming in Mary.
24圣徒们时常在教会的聚会中蒙光照。甚至信息还没有释放之前,我们也会经历这种照耀。例如,有些年轻的女子来参加聚会,穿著有点随便,不太合式。她们自然而然 就会有感觉,盼望完全遮盖起来。这种感觉是从教会中光的照耀来的。如果这些年轻女子坐在属世的娱乐场所中,就不会有同样的感觉。这就说出在教会的聚会中的确有光。我们在聚会中蒙光照,因我们在这里看见了果子,看见了照耀。所以,随着金灯台的,还有发芽、开花,以及光的照耀作为果子。
24Often the saints are enlightened in the meetings of the church. Even when no message is given, we may experience this shining. For example, certain young ladies may attend the meetings dressed in a way which is somewhat immodest or inappropriate. Spontaneously, they become conscious of the way they are dressed and desire to be fully covered. This consciousness comes from the shining of light in the church. These young ladies would not have the same realization if they were sitting in a place of worldly entertainment. This indicates that there is light in the church meetings. We are enlightened in the meetings because here we see the fruit, the shining. Therefore, with the lampstand we have the budding, the blossoming, and the shining of the light as the fruit.
十三 灯台以及球和枝子都是一块精金锤出来的
XIII. THE LAMPSTAND AND ITS KNOBS AND BRANCHES ALL BEING ONE BEATEN WORK OF PURE GOLD
25三十六节说:“球和枝子要接连一块,都是一块精金锤出来的。”灯台、球和枝子都是一块精金锤出来的,这件事实表征整个实体都纯粹是基督的神性,一点没有加上甚么。球和枝子不是灯台的附加物;而是灯台的一部分,是一块精金锤出来的一部分。这指明灯台中没有搀杂。我们基督徒生活中的搀杂会带进黑暗。但我们基督徒的生活藉着神圣性情得着炼净时,我们就会有亮光。
25Verse 36 says, “Their knobs and their branches shall be from it—all of it one beaten work of pure gold.” The fact that the lampstand and its knobs and branches are all of one beaten work of pure gold signifies that the entire entity is all purely of Christ’s divinity without anything added to it. The knobs and the branches were not added to the lampstand; they were part of the lampstand, part of one beaten work of pure gold. This indicates that in the lampstand there is no mixture. Mixture in our Christian life brings in darkness. But when our Christian life is purified through the divine nature, we have light.
十四 七个灯盏
XIV. SEVEN LAMPS
26出埃及记二十五章三十七节说:“要作灯台的七个灯盏。”七个灯盏表征神的七灵和羔羊的七眼,(亚四2,10,启四5,五6,)作为三一神的完满彰显。
26Exodus 25:37 says, “And you shall make its lamps, seven.” The seven lamps signify the seven Spirits of God and the seven eyes of the Lamb (Zech. 4:2, 10; Rev. 4:5; 5:6) as the full expression of the Triune God.
十五 灯台两旁各有三个灯盏使灯光对照
XV. THE LAMPSTAND GIVING LIGHT IN FRONT OF ITSELF THROUGH THE THREE LAMPS ON EACH OF ITS TWO SIDES
27三十七节下半说:“祭司要点这灯,使灯光对照。”灯台两旁各有三个灯盏,使灯光对照。灯台的两旁彼此对照。这个照耀乃是在灯台前面。希伯来文的“在灯台前面”,就是“面对灯台”的意思。灯台两旁的枝子面对自己发光对照。灯台每旁的三个灯盏,面对中央的干,也彼此相对。这表征基督在祂复活生命里的照耀,乃是为自己作见证,也是向自己作保证。在我们里面照耀的神圣之光,为自己作见证,也向自己作保证。灯台上的七个灯盏,只有中央干上的灯盏,向上照耀。其余六个面对中央的干照耀。最终,七个灯盏一同照耀,成为一种光。它们没有发出七种光,只发出一种光来。
27The latter part of verse 37 says, “And one shall light its lamps, and it shall give light in front of it.” The lampstand gives light in front of itself through the three lamps on each of its two sides. The two sides of the lampstand shine toward each other. The shining is in front of the lampstand. In Hebrew the words “in front of it” mean “facing it.” Through the branches on each side, the lampstand gives light facing itself. The three lamps on each side of the lampstand face the central stalk and also face each other. This signifies Christ’s shining in His resurrection life, bearing testimony for itself and giving confirmation to itself. The divine light which shines within us bears testimony to itself and gives confirmation to itself. Of the seven lamps on the lampstand, only one, the lamp on the central stalk, shines upward. The other six shine facing the central stalk. Eventually, the seven lamps shine together as one light. They do not give seven lights, but just one light.
十六 六个枝子成三对照耀,以灯台中央的干为目标
XVI. THE SHINING OF THE SIX BRANCHES IN THREE PAIRS TAKING THE CENTRAL STALK OF THE LAMPSTAND AS THE OBJECT
28六个枝子成三对照耀,以灯台中央的干为目标,表征基督乃是众教会、众圣徒藉着那灵、同着复活的生命而照耀的中心目标。众教会和众圣徒都以基督为照耀的目标。
28The shining of the six branches in three pairs, taking the central stalk of the lampstand as the object, signifies that Christ is the central object of the shining of all the churches and saints by the Spirit with the resurrection life. The churches and the saints all take Christ as the object of their shining.
十七 祭司点灯
XVII. A PRIEST LIGHTING THE LAMPS
29我们已经指出,点灯乃是祭司的责任。祭司点灯表征基督或以基督来事奉的祭司,使复活的生命照耀出去。(启一20,腓二15。)
29We have pointed out that it was the responsibility of the priests to light the lamps. A priest lighting the lamps signifies that Christ, or anyone who serves as a priest with Christ, keeps the resurrection life shining (Rev. 1:20; Phil. 2:15).
十八 蜡剪和蜡花盘为着修剪燃焦的灯芯
XVIII. THE SNUFFERS AND THE SNUFF DISHES FOR TRIMMING THE CHARRED WICKS
30三十八节说:“灯台的蜡剪,和蜡花盘,也是要精金的。”蜡剪和蜡花盘为着修剪燃焦的灯芯,表征对付老旧而燃焦的天然生命,使复活生命的照耀明亮、纯净。在我们的经历中,蜡剪不仅是一个东西,也是参与修剪的人。我们燃焦的天然生命需要修剪,好叫我们里面复活生命的照耀明亮、纯净。
30Verse 38 says, “And its snuffers and snuff dishes shall be of pure gold.” The snuffers and snuff dishes for trimming the charred wicks signify the dealing with the old and charred natural life so that the shining of the resurrection life may be bright and pure. In our experience the snuffers are not only things and matters but also the persons involved in the snuffing. Our charred natural life needs to be snuffed so that the shining of the resurrection life in us may be bright and pure.
十九 蜡剪和蜡花盘是用精金作的
XIX. THE SNUFFERS AND THE SNUFF DISHES MADE OF PURE GOLD
31照三十八节来看,蜡剪和蜡花盘必须是精金的。这表征修剪、炼净,必须完全出于神圣的性情。假如一位名叫卡罗的姊妹,拜访一位名叫凯撒琳的姊妹。卡罗知道凯撒琳燃焦的灯芯很长,就发了脾气责备了凯撒琳一顿。这种责备不但没有把凯撒琳燃焦的灯芯剪去,反而弄得更长了,因为这样修剪灯芯不是凭着神圣的性情。可是卡罗与 凯撒琳交通的时候,能运用她的灵,并仰望主的引导,凯撒琳的灯芯不知不觉、无意 之间就剪去了。在这样的例子里面,卡罗会照着神圣的性情而行,而神圣的性情就会来修剪、洁净并炼净。这就是蜡剪和蜡花盘是用精金作的意义。
31According to verse 38, both the snuffers and the snuff dishes were of pure gold. This signifies that the trimming, the purifying, must be altogether of the divine nature. Suppose a sister named Carol visits a sister called Catherine. Realizing that Catherine’s charred wick is very long, Carol becomes offended and rebukes Catherine. This rebuke will not trim Catherine’s charred wick, but instead will lengthen it, for this trimming of the wick is not by the divine nature. However, if Carol exercises her spirit and looks to the Lord for His leading as she fellowships with Catherine, Catherine’s wick will be snuffed unconsciously and unintentionally. In such a case Carol will conduct herself according to the divine nature, and the divine nature does the cutting, the cleansing, and the purifying. This is the significance of the snuffers and the snuff dishes being made of pure gold.
二十 灯台和一切的器具要用精金一他连得
XX. THE LAMPSTAND WITH ITS UTENSILS BEING OF ONE TALENT OF PURE GOLD
32三十九节说:“作灯台和这一切的器具,要用精金一他连得。”灯台和一切的器具要用精金一他连得。他连得是希伯来人所用最重的单位。一他连得约等于一百磅。这样巨大的单位,完整而完全的重量单位,表征基督作为灯台,在复活里照耀神圣的光,重量乃是完满且完全的。
32Verse 39 says, “Of a talent of pure gold it shall be made with all these utensils.” The lampstand with all its utensils was one talent of pure gold. The talent was the weightiest measure used by the Hebrews. A talent equals approximately one hundred pounds. Such a heavy unit, a whole and complete unit of weight, signifies that Christ as the lampstand shining the divine light in resurrection is perfectly and completely weighty.
二十一 在圣所里灯台对着陈设饼的桌子,还挨近约柜。
XXI. IN THE HOLY PLACE THE LAMPSTAND BEING OVER AGAINST THE TABLE OF THE BREAD OF THE PRESENCE CLOSE TO THE ARK
33灯台在圣所里,对着陈设饼的桌子,还挨近约柜。桌子有生命的供应,而灯台有生命的照耀。灯台与桌子、约柜的排列指明:在教会里,真理的光和生命的供应必须彼此相符,彼此平衡,为着扛抬基督作为神的见证。
33The lampstand was in the Holy Place, over against the table of the bread of the Presence and close to the ark. With the table we have the supply of life, and with the lampstand we have the shining of the life. The placement of the lampstand with respect to the table and the ark indicates that in the church the light of the truth and the supply of life must match and balance each other for the carrying on of Christ as the testimony of God.
二十二 制造并摆设帐幕的器具时,香坛总是随着灯台的
XXII. IN THE MAKING AND DISPLAY OF THE FURNITURE OF THE TABERNACLE, THE LAMPSTAND FOLLOWED BY THE INCENSE ALTAR
34制造并摆设帐幕的器具时,香坛总是随着灯台的。(出三七23~25,四十24~27。)照三十七章来看,香坛是在灯台之后作的。照四十章来看,香坛是随着灯台而摆设的。这表征基督在复活里作为神圣之光的照耀,在祷告的馨香之气里面,引导我们进入与神的交通里。在经历中,我们由桌子到灯台,再由灯台到香坛。基督是神圣之光在复活里照耀,自然而然就引导我们来祷告。每当我们被基督光照的时候,自然而然就引导我们进入祷告中来接触神。
34In the making and display of the furniture of the tabernacle, the lampstand was followed by the incense altar (Exo. 37:23-25; 40:24-27). According to chapter thirty-seven, the incense altar was made after the lampstand. According to chapter forty, the incense altar was displayed following the lampstand. This signifies that the shining of Christ in resurrection as the divine light leads us into contact with God in the sweet fragrance of prayer. In experience we go from the table to the lampstand, and from the lampstand to the incense altar. Spontaneously, the shining of Christ as the divine light in resurrection leads us to prayer. Whenever we are enlightened by Christ, we are spontaneously led into prayer to contact God.
二十三 帐幕三层不同的光
XXIII. THREE LAYERS OF DIFFERENT LIGHTS WITH THE TABERNACLE
(一)外院子的光
A. In the Outer Court
35帐幕有三层不同的光。首先,有外院子天然的光。外院子没有甚么遮盖。那里的光白天来自太阳,夜间来自月亮和众星。因此,这光乃是天然的光。因为今天许多基督徒在外院子,他们所有的光都是天然的。
35There were three layers of different lights with the tabernacle. First, there was the natural light in the outer court. The outer court did not have any covering. The light there came from the sun by day and from the moon and the stars by night. Hence, this light is a natural light. Because many Christians today are in the outer court, the light they have is natural.
(二)圣所里的光
B. In the Holy Place
36圣所里的光来自灯台的光。这光表征基督在复活里并在那灵里的照耀。这光驱尽人一切的思想、观念、看法。我们不该照着天然的光来行事。许多基督徒仍旧照着天然的哲学、文化背景、教育、见解来看事情。我们在主的恢复里看事情必须有所不同,我们必须经历圣所里灯台的照耀。我们惟有一直被基督光照,才能彀丢弃天然的思想、观念和见解。
36The light in the Holy Place came from the light of the lampstand. This light signifies the shining of Christ in resurrection and in the Spirit. This light excludes all human thoughts, concepts, and perspectives. We should not do things according to natural light. Many Christians still look at matters according to their natural philosophy, culture, background, education, and perspectives. We in the Lord’s recovery must view things differently. We need to experience the shining of the lampstand in the Holy Place. Only when we have been enlightened by Christ are we able to drop our natural thoughts, concepts, and perspectives.
(三)至圣所里的光
C. In the Holy of Holies
37至圣所里的光乃是神荣耀的光。因此,至圣所里的光就是最里面的光。外院子天然的光是外面的光,圣所里灯台的光是里面的光,而至圣所里神荣耀的光乃是最里面的光,就是神的荣耀显现在施恩座的基督上面。因此,神的荣耀乃是我们最里面的光。
37The light in the Holy of Holies is the light of God’s shekinah glory. Thus, the light in the Holy of Holies is the inmost light. The natural light in the outer court is the outer light, the light of the lampstand in the Holy Place is the inner light, and God’s shekinah glory in the Holy of Holies is the inmost light, God’s glory appearing on Christ as the propitiatory cover. Thus, the glory of God is our inmost light.
二十四 灯台成了教会,担负耶稣的见证;而七灯成了神的七灵,彰显三一神
XXIV. THE LAMPSTAND BECOMING THE CHURCH TO BEAR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS AND THE SEVEN LAMPS BECOMING THE SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD TO EXPRESS THE TRIUNE GOD
38照启示录一章二十节、四章五节、五章六节来看,最终灯台成了教会,担负耶稣的见证,而七灯成了神的七灵,彰显三一神。出埃及记二十五章里的一个灯台,经过复制成了启示录一章里的七个灯台。今天众教会乃是灯台,担负耶稣的见证,而神的七灵乃是七灯,彰显三一神。在主的恢复里,我们盼望每一位圣徒都活出照耀的生活,而每一个地方教会都是一个灯台,担负耶稣的见证。然后我们就有圣灵作为七灵,就是七倍加强的灵,在主恢复里的众教会中间,彰显三一神。
38According to Revelation 1:20; 4:5; and 5:6, eventually the lampstand becomes the church to bear the testimony of Jesus, and the seven lamps become the seven Spirits of God to express the Triune God. The one lampstand in Exodus 25 has been reproduced as the seven lampstands in Revelation 1. Today the churches are the lampstands bearing the testimony of Jesus, and the seven Spirits of God are the seven lamps expressing the Triune God. In the Lord’s recovery we hope that every saint will live a shining life and that every local church will be a lampstand bearing the testimony of Jesus. Then we shall have the Holy Spirit as the seven Spirits, the sevenfold intensified Spirit, expressing the Triune God among all the churches in the Lord’s recovery.