安息日 下午（10月18日）
记忆经文：
“从来没有这样的一日，无论是在那日以前或以后，耶和华听人的声音，因为耶和华为以色列争战。”（约书亚记10:14）
“And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.” KJV — Joshua 10:14
上帝并不喜悦任何人的灭亡。祂说：“主耶和华说：‘我指着我的永生起誓，我并不喜悦恶人死亡，惟喜悦恶人转离所行的道而活。你们转回吧！转回吧！离开恶道，何必死亡呢？’”（以西结书33:11）在整个人类蒙恩的时期中，祂的圣灵一直在恳求世人接受生命的恩赐。只有那些拒绝祂呼唤的人，才会被撇下灭亡。上帝已经宣告，罪必须被毁灭，因为它是宇宙的祸患。那些执意不放弃罪的人，将与罪一同被毁灭。
许多人认为上帝要求祂的子民与其他国家争战是残忍的，认为这与祂慈爱的品格不符。然而，造天造地、造人居住其上的主，对祂手中的一切工作拥有绝对的主权；祂有权照自己的意愿行事。人没有资格对自己的创造主说：“你为什么这样做？”上帝的性格中没有不公。祂是世界的统治者，但祂的许多臣民却背叛了祂的权柄，践踏了祂的律法。祂赐给他们丰富的祝福，让他们拥有一切所需，然而他们却跪拜自己手所造的木石金银偶像，并教导儿女，这些偶像就是赐给他们生命、健康、财富与荣耀的神明。他们藐视以色列的上帝，轻看祂的子民，因为他们的行为正直。上帝容忍他们，直到他们的罪恶满盈，祂才降下迅速的毁灭。祂使用祂的子民作为祂愤怒的工具，惩罚那些邪恶的国家——他们曾压迫祂的子民，并引诱他们陷入偶像崇拜之中。
“God does not desire the destruction of any. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” Ezekiel 33:11. Throughout the period of probationary time His Spirit is entreating men to accept the gift of life. It is only those who reject His pleading that will be left to perish. God has declared that sin must be destroyed as an evil ruinous to the universe. Those who cling to sin will perish in its destruction. Christ’s Object Lessons, page 123.3
“The Lord is regarded as cruel by many in requiring His people to make war with other nations. They say that it is contrary to His benevolent character. But He who made the world, and formed man to dwell upon the earth, has unlimited control over all the works of His hands, and it is His right to do as He pleases, and what He pleases with the work of His hands. Man has no right to say to his Maker, Why doest Thou thus? There is no injustice in His character. He is the Ruler of the world, and a large portion of His subjects have rebelled against His authority, and have trampled upon His law. He has bestowed upon them liberal blessings, and surrounded them with everything needful, yet they have bowed to images of wood and stone, silver and gold, which their own hands have made. They teach their children that these are the Gods that give them life and health, and make their lands fruitful, and give them riches and honor. They scorn the God of Israel. They despise His people, because their works are righteous. “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works” (Psalm 14:1). God has borne with them until they filled up the measure of their iniquity, and then He has brought upon them swift destruction. He has used His people as instruments of His wrath, to punish wicked nations, who have vexed them, and seduced them into idolatry.” Christ’s Object Lessons, page 333.1
星期日（10月19日）
主军的元帅
Read Joshua 5:13–15. What does this text say about the background of Canaan’s conquest?
那地最坚固的堡垒之一——富裕的大城耶利哥——就在以色列人面前，离他们在吉甲的营地不远。它位于肥沃的平原边缘，那里出产丰富多样，宫殿与庙宇成为奢华与罪恶的象征。那骄傲的城市，凭着高大坚固的城墙，向以色列的上帝发出挑战。耶利哥是偶像崇拜的主要中心之一，尤其奉献给月亮女神亚斯她录。在那里聚集着迦南宗教中最污秽、最堕落的部分。以色列人刚经历毗珥事件的教训，对这城只能感到厌恶与恐惧。
约书亚明白，攻取耶利哥是征服迦南的第一步。但他首先寻求上帝的引导，而这引导也得到了赐予。他离开营地，独自默想祷告，恳求上帝走在祂子民前面。这时，他看见一位威严的战士，手中拔着剑。约书亚问：“你是帮助我们，还是帮助我们的敌人？”那人回答说：“我来是作耶和华军队的元帅。”那神秘的命令“把你脚上的鞋脱下，因为你所站之地是圣的”揭示了祂的真实身份——那是基督，至高的主。约书亚俯伏敬拜，听见上帝的应许：“我已将耶利哥和耶利哥的王、并大能的勇士都交在你手中。”并得到攻城的详细指示。
One of the strongest fortresses in the land—the large and wealthy city of Jericho—lay just before them, but a little distance from their camp at Gilgal. On the border of a fertile plain abounding with the rich and varied productions of the tropics, its palaces and temples the abode of luxury and vice, this proud city, behind its massive battlements, offered defiance to the God of Israel. Jericho was one of the principal seats of idol worship, being especially devoted to Ashtaroth, the goddess of the moon. Here centered all that was vilest and most degrading in the religion of the Canaanites. The people of Israel, in whose minds were fresh the fearful results of their sin at Beth-peor, could look upon this heathen city only with disgust and horror. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 487.2
To reduce Jericho was seen by Joshua to be the first step in the conquest of Canaan. But first of all he sought an assurance of divine guidance, and it was granted him. Withdrawing from the encampment to meditate and to pray that the God of Israel would go before His people, he beheld an armed warrior, of lofty stature and commanding presence, “with his sword drawn in his hand.” To Joshua's challenge, “Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?” the answer was given, “As Captain of the host of the Lord am I now come.” The same command given to Moses in Horeb, “Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy,” revealed the true character of the mysterious stranger. It was Christ, the Exalted One, who stood before the leader of Israel. Awe-stricken, Joshua fell upon his face and worshiped, and heard the assurance, “I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor,” and he received instruction for the capture of the city. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 487.3
Compare Joshua 5:14, 15 with 2 Kings 6:8–17, Nehemiah 9:6, and Isaiah 37:16. What do you learn about the identity of the commander of the Lord’s army?
顺服上帝每一句话，是成功的秘诀。胜利不是靠仪式或外在的壮观，而是靠对至高统帅——天上的主——单纯的顺服。凡信靠这位元帅的人，必不知失败。失败来自依靠人的方法、人的计划，并把上帝放在次要地位。“主军的元帅”要教导以色列大军的功课，就是要顺服——即使在看不见希望的事上也要顺服。当我们听从领袖基督的声音时，祂会以令人惊讶的方式在地上最强大的势力面前争战并得胜。
Obedience to every word of God is another condition of success. Victories are not gained by ceremonies or display, but by simple obedience to the highest General, the Lord God of heaven. He who trusts in this Leader will never know defeat. Defeat comes in depending on human methods, human inventions, and placing the divine secondary. Obedience was the lesson that the Captain of the Lord's host sought to teach the vast armies of Israel..obedience in things in which they could see no success. When there is obedience to the voice of our Leader, Christ will conduct His battles in ways that will surprise the greatest powers of earth. Testimonies for the Church, Volume 6, page 140.1
星期一（10月20日）
天上的战争
约书亚明白，地上的战争只是更大冲突的一部分。那么关于上帝自己所参与的那场冲突，我们知道些什么呢？《圣经》记载，在天上曾有战争爆发。
Joshua understood that the battle was part of a larger conflict. What do we know about the conflict in which God Himself was involved? Read Rev. 12:7–9, Isa. 14:12–14, Ezek. 28:11–19, and Dan. 10:12–14.
路锡甫嫉妒并羡慕耶稣基督。当所有天使俯伏敬拜基督，承认祂的权柄时，路锡甫表面上也俯伏敬拜，但心中充满嫉妒与恨意。基督曾被邀请进入上帝的特别会议，而路锡甫却被排除在外。他不明白上帝的计划，却看到基督被承认为天上的元首，拥有与上帝同等的权能。路锡甫原本是众天使中最受尊荣的，但他并没有因此感恩，反而渴望与上帝平等。他骄傲于自己的地位与光荣，因天使们尊敬他，听从他的命令。他想：既然我也被光明围绕，衣袍荣耀，为什么基督要比我更受尊崇？
于是，他离开父神的面前，心中充满不满与嫉妒，暗中召集天使军团，煽动他们反叛。他向天使们诉说自己受到不公平对待，说上帝偏爱基督而忽视了他，从此天使的自由将被夺走，因为他们要服从新的统治者。他声称不会再屈服，要带领所有同意跟随他的天使，建立新的秩序，让自己成为他们的首领。
天上出现了纷争。路锡甫与他的同伙企图“改革”上帝的政府。他们因无法理解上帝的智慧与祂立基督为至高的旨意而愤怒与不安，最终他们反叛了上帝的儿子。
结果天上爆发了战争。上帝的儿子与忠诚的天使们与大叛逆撒但及其追随者交战。基督与忠心的天使得胜，撒但与他的众天使被逐出天庭。所有天使重新承认并敬拜公义的上帝，天上再没有叛逆的痕迹，一切恢复和平。天使们为堕落者的命运哀伤，他们失去了原本的幸福与荣耀。
先知以西结与以赛亚的预言揭示，地上的推罗王与巴比伦王象征着撒但，他们在地上执行与撒但在天上相同的邪恶使命。然而，撒但的败亡终将彻底而羞辱。
当撒但企图影响玛代波斯的王，使他敌视上帝的子民时，天使在流亡者的 behalf 上工作。这场冲突是整个天庭关注的焦点。通过先知但以理，我们得以窥见这场善恶势力之间的巨大斗争。加百列与黑暗的势力争战三周，试图抵消那些在居鲁士心中作工的邪恶影响，直到最后，基督亲自前来帮助他。
“Lucifer was envious and jealous of Jesus Christ. Yet when all the angels bowed to Jesus to acknowledge His supremacy and high authority and rightful rule, he bowed with them; but his heart was filled with envy and hatred. Christ had been taken into the special counsel of God in regard to His plans, while Lucifer was unacquainted with them. He did not understand, neither was he permitted to know, the purposes of God. But Christ was acknowledged sovereign of heaven, His power and authority to be the same as that of God Himself. Lucifer thought that he was himself a favorite in heaven among the angels. He had been highly exalted, but this did not call forth from him gratitude and praise to his Creator. He aspired to the height of God Himself. He gloried in his loftiness. He knew that he was honored by the angels. He had a special mission to execute. He had been near the great Creator, and the ceaseless beams of glorious light enshrouding the eternal God had shone especially upon him. He thought how angels had obeyed his command with pleasurable alacrity. Were not his garments light and beautiful? Why should Christ thus be honored before himself? The Story of Redemption, page14.1
“He left the immediate presence of the Father, dissatisfied and filled with envy against Jesus Christ. Concealing his real purposes, he assembled the angelic host. He introduced his subject, which was himself. As one aggrieved, he related the preference God had given Jesus to the neglect of himself. He told them that henceforth all the sweet liberty the angels had enjoyed was at an end. For had not a ruler been appointed over them, to whom they from henceforth must yield servile honor? He stated to them that he had called them together to assure them that he no longer would submit to this invasion of his rights and theirs; that never would he again bow down to Christ; that he would take the honor upon himself which should have been conferred upon him, and would be the commander of all who would submit to follow him and obey his voice. The Story of Redemption, page 14.2
“There was contention among the angels. Lucifer and his sympathizers were striving to reform the government of God. They were discontented and unhappy because they could not look into His unsearchable wisdom and ascertain His purposes in exalting His Son, and endowing Him with such unlimited power and command. They rebelled against the authority of the Son. The Story of Redemption, page 15.1
“Then there was war in heaven. The Son of God, the Prince of heaven, and His loyal angels engaged in conflict with the archrebel and those who united with him. The Son of God and true, loyal angels prevailed; and Satan and his sympathizers were expelled from heaven. All the heavenly host acknowledged and adored the God of justice. Not a taint of rebellion was left in heaven. All was again peaceful and harmonious as before. Angels in heaven mourned the fate of those who had been their companions in happiness and bliss. Their loss was felt in heaven.” The Story of Redemption, page 19.1
You recognize this description as being that of Lucifer; yet the prophecy is addressed to the prince of Tyrus just as Isaiah 14 associated the king of Babylon with Lucifer. By this we are to understand that both "Tyrus" and "Babylon" are instigated by Satan and are set up to do on earth the identical wicked work that Satan did originally in heaven. But we are here told that Satan's defeat in these endeavors will be complete and shameful.
“While Satan was striving to influence the highest powers in the kingdom of Medo-Persia to show disfavor to God’s people, angels worked in behalf of the exiles. The controversy was one in which all heaven was interested. Through the prophet Daniel we are given a glimpse of this mighty struggle between the forces of good and the forces of evil. For three weeks Gabriel wrestled with the powers of darkness, seeking to counteract the influences at work on the mind of Cyrus; and before the contest closed, Christ Himself came to Gabriel’s aid.” Prophets and Kings, page 571.2
星期二（10月21日）
耶和华是战士
请阅读《出埃及记》2:23–25，《出埃及记》12:12–13，以及《出埃及记》15:3–11。这些经文说明了什么是“上帝是战士”的含义？
Read Exodus 2:23–25; Exodus 12:12, 13; and Exodus 15:3–11. What does it mean that God is a warrior?
以色列人在出埃及时所唱的那首凯歌，以及它所纪念的伟大拯救，给以色列民族留下了永不磨灭的印象。世世代代，先知与诗人都吟唱这首歌，见证耶和华是信靠祂之人的力量与拯救者。这首歌不仅属于犹太民族，它也指向未来，预示所有义人的敌人最终的毁灭，以及上帝子民的最终胜利。启示录的先知约翰看到那身穿白衣、战胜了罪恶的人群，站在“与火搀杂的玻璃海”上，手拿上帝的琴，唱着“上帝仆人摩西的歌和羔羊的歌”。
为了保护那些忠诚的少数子民，使他们的幸福不被悖逆者的叛逆所腐蚀，上帝必须采取分离的行动。祂像慈父一般，必须惩戒祂那顽梗的儿女，同时将忠心的儿女带得更靠近自己。世人都会赞赏这位父亲明智而公义的作为，因为他维护了家庭的秩序和正义。同样，上帝对祂的儿女也是如此。
然而，人类在盲目中常常忽视恶人的可憎行为，轻视他们持续的悖逆与对上帝律法的藐视。他们甚至为这些罪恶辩护，并且喜爱那些引诱上帝子民离弃真道的诡计。人看不见问题的另一面——若任由恶人继续存在，公义与真理将被摧毁。因此，上帝以祂完美的智慧和慈爱，出于保护祂忠心子民的目的，出手施行公义的审判。
有些人只看见上帝毁灭恶人的一面，觉得那似乎无情而严厉。他们没有看到另一面——上帝的慈悲和公义若不执行，宇宙将陷入混乱。我们应当感谢上帝，因为冲动易变的人类，不能掌控世界的命运。《箴言》12:10说：“恶人的怜悯也是残忍。”若由人掌权，世间将更加残酷。
当太阳尚未落山时，上帝对约书亚的应许已完全实现——敌军全数被交在以色列人手中。这一天的经历将永远铭刻在以色列的记忆中。“从来没有这样的一日，无论是在那日以前或以后，耶和华听人的声音，因为耶和华为以色列争战。”正如先知哈巴谷所说：“日月都在本宫停住；你发箭光如光；你发枪闪如电。你发愤恨通行大地；发怒责打列国。你出来要拯救你的百姓。”（哈巴谷书3:11–13）
这场战争显示出上帝不仅是拯救者，祂也是公义的战士。当祂的百姓顺从祂、信靠祂的力量时，祂必亲自为他们争战。祂的胜利，不仅彰显了祂的权能，也证明了祂的爱与信实。
“This song and the great deliverance which it commemorates, made an impression never to be effaced from the memory of the Hebrew people. From age to age it was echoed by the prophets and singers of Israel, testifying that Jehovah is the strength and deliverance of those who trust in Him. That song does not belong to the Jewish people alone. It points forward to the destruction of all the foes of righteousness and the final victory of the Israel of God. The prophet of Patmos beholds the white-robed multitude that have “gotten the victory,” standing on the “sea of glass mingled with fire,” having “the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.” Revelation 15:2, 3.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 289.1
“For the sake of the few who are loyal, whose happiness was exposed to the seditious influence of the rebellious members of his household, he separates from his family his undutiful children, while at the same time he labors to bring closer to himself the remaining faithful and loyal ones. All would honor the wise and just course of such a parent, in punishing most severely his undutiful, rebellious children. Selected Messages, Book 2, page 334.2
“God has dealt thus with His children. But man, in his blindness, will overlook the abominations of the ungodly, and pass by unnoticed the continual ingratitude and rebellion and heaven-daring sins of those who trample upon God’s law and defy His authority. They do not stop here, but exult in subverting His people, and influencing them by their wiles to transgress and show open contempt for the wise requirements of Jehovah. Selected Messages, Book 2, page 334.3
“Some can see only the destruction of God’s enemies, which looks to them unmerciful and severe. They do not look upon the other side. But let everlasting thanks be given, that impulsive, changeable man, with all his boasted benevolence, is not the disposer and controller of events. “The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel” (Proverbs 12:10).—Spiritual Gifts 4a:49-52.” Selected Messages, Book 2, page 334.4
“Before the evening fell, God’s promise to Joshua had been fulfilled. The entire host of the enemy had been given into his hand. Long were the events of that day to remain in the memory of Israel. “There was no day like that before it or after it, that Jehovah hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel.” “The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of Thine arrows they went, and at the shining of Thy glittering spear. Thou didst march through the land in indignation, Thou didst thresh the heathen in anger. Thou wentest forth for the salvation of Thy people.” Habakkuk 3:11-13.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 508.3
星期三（10月22日）
耶和华必为你们争战
根据《出埃及记》14:13、14、25节，上帝原本对以色列人在战争中的参与有怎样的理想计划？
According to Exodus 14:13, 14, 25, what was God’s original and ideal plan concerning the involvement of the Israelites in warfare?
确实，若没有上帝亲自介入，他们绝无可能得救。但他们之所以被带到这种境地，完全是因为顺从上帝的命令。因此，摩西毫不惧怕即将发生的结果。他平静而坚定地对百姓说：“不要惧怕，只管站住，看耶和华今天向你们所要施行的拯救；因为你们今天所看见的埃及人，必永远不再看见了。耶和华必为你们争战，你们只管静默，不要作声。”
当埃及军队逼近，以为以色列人已无路可逃时，耶和华的云柱奇妙地升起，移到以色列人后方，成为他们与埃及军之间的屏障。这云柱在埃及人那边是黑暗的，却在以色列人这边成为大光，使整个营地如白昼般明亮。上帝亲自保护祂的子民，使他们在敌军面前安然无恙。
希望重新点燃在以色列人的心中。摩西向上帝呼求，耶和华回答说：“你为什么向我哀求呢？吩咐以色列人往前走。你举手向海伸杖，把水分开，使以色列人下到海中走干地。”于是，摩西照命行事。
诗篇的作者如此描写这奇妙的景象：“你的道在海中，你的路在大水中，你的脚踪无人知道。你曾借摩西、亚伦的手引导你的百姓，如同羊群一般。”（诗篇77:19–20）当摩西举杖时，海水立刻分开，水墙耸立在两边，以色列人走干地而过。上帝的火柱光照着那波涛翻腾的水墙，照亮了前路。那道路如巨大的沟壑穿过红海，直通向彼岸的黑暗。
埃及人不甘心放弃追击，他们驾着战车追入海中。到了清晨，耶和华从火柱和云柱中观看埃及军，使他们混乱不堪。雷声轰鸣，闪电闪烁，天空倾泻暴雨。诗人说：“云中倾倒大水，天空发出响声；你的箭也飞行四方。你的雷声在旋风中，电光照亮世界，大地震动摇撼。”（诗篇77:17–18）
埃及人惶恐万分，听见雷鸣电闪中上帝的怒声，惊慌失措地想要逃回原来的岸边。摩西再次举杖，积聚的水浪呼啸着回流，轰然坍塌，吞没了整个埃及军队。他们全军覆没，沉入海底的黑暗之中。
这场奇妙的胜利告诉以色列人：真正的胜利不是靠人的武力，而是靠上帝亲自的作为。祂的子民只需信靠与顺服，祂必为他们争战。耶和华的力量永不失败。
“True, there was no possibility of deliverance unless God Himself should interpose for their release; but having been brought into this position in obedience to the divine direction, Moses felt no fear of the consequences. His calm and assuring reply to the people was, ‘Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.’” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 284.1
“But now, as the Egyptian host approached them, expecting to make them an easy prey, the cloudy column rose majestically into the heavens, passed over the Israelites, and descended between them and the armies of Egypt. A wall of darkness interposed between the pursued and their pursuers. The Egyptians could no longer discern the camp of the Hebrews, and were forced to halt. But as the darkness of night deepened, the wall of cloud became a great light to the Hebrews, flooding the entire encampment with the radiance of day. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 284.3
“Then hope returned to the hearts of Israel. And Moses lifted up his voice unto the Lord. “And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto Me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward. But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 287.1
“The psalmist, describing the passage of the sea by Israel, sang, “Thy way was in the sea, and Thy paths in the great waters, and Thy footsteps were not known. Thou leddest Thy people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” Psalm 77:19, 20, R.V. As Moses stretched out his rod the waters parted, and Israel went into the midst of the sea, upon dry ground, while the waters stood like a wall upon each side. The light from God's pillar of fire shone upon the foam-capped billows, and lighted the road that was cut like a mighty furrow through the waters of the sea, and was lost in the obscurity of the farther shore. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 287.2
“‘The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians.’ The mysterious cloud changed to a pillar of fire before their astonished eyes. The thunders pealed and the lightnings flashed. “The clouds poured out water; the skies sent out a sound: Thine arrows also went abroad. The voice of Thy thunder was in the whirlwind; the lightning lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.” Psalm 77:17, 18, R.V. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 287.3
“The Egyptians were seized with confusion and dismay. Amid the wrath of the elements, in which they heard the voice of an angry God, they endeavored to retrace their steps and flee to the shore they had quitted. But Moses stretched out his rod, and the piled-up waters, hissing, roaring, and eager for their prey, rushed together and swallowed the Egyptian army in their black depths.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 287.4
星期四（10月23日）
次佳的选择
请阅读《出埃及记》17:7–13 和《约书亚记》6:15–20。这两场战争叙述中有哪些相似之处？它们又有何不同？
Read Exodus 17:7–13 and Joshua 6:15–20. What similarities do you find between these two war narratives? How do they differ?
当以色列人与亚玛力人交战时，摩西双手举向天，右手握着上帝的杖，向上帝恳求帮助。当摩西举手时，以色列人就得胜；当他疲乏放下手时，以色列人便被敌人击退。于是亚伦和户珥扶住他的手，一边一个，使他的手稳举到日落。结果，以色列人战胜了亚玛力人。
摩西举手向天的举动，是为了教导以色列人：只要他们信靠上帝，依靠祂的力量，尊崇祂的宝座，祂就会为他们争战，制服他们的敌人；但若他们放弃信靠，转而依靠自己的能力，他们就会软弱，甚至比那些不认识上帝的敌人还不如，必被打败。那天，约书亚用刀击败了亚玛力人。耶和华对摩西说：“将这事记在书上作纪念，念给约书亚听，因为我要将亚玛力的名号从天下全然涂抹。”摩西就筑了一座坛，起名叫“耶和华尼西”，意思是“耶和华是我的旌旗”。
如果以色列人当初没有向上帝发怨言，祂就不会允许敌人来攻击他们。战争从来不是上帝理想中的计划，而是人类悖逆后的结果，是祂用来教导信心与顺服的“次佳选择”。
同样地，在攻取耶利哥的战役中，上帝也要教导以色列人：胜利不是凭他们的能力，而是出于上帝的作为。耶和华军队的元帅亲自带领天上的军兵，参与攻城的征战。基督命令天上的天使推倒耶利哥的城墙，为约书亚和以色列军队打开通路。通过这一神奇的神迹，上帝不仅坚固了祂子民对祂大能的信心，也责备了他们从前的不信。
耶利哥人向以色列军队和天上的上帝发出挑战。当他们看见以色列的军队每日绕城一圈时，内心充满恐惧，却仍然倚仗自己坚固的城墙，认为无人能攻破。但在第七日，当号角吹响，他们的高墙突然倒塌，轰然坍塌的声音如雷鸣般震耳，整个城市陷入惊慌。耶利哥人瘫痪在恐惧中，毫无抵抗之力。
这两场战争虽然不同，但都揭示同一个真理：胜利的关键不在人的手中，而在上帝的手中。当祂的子民信靠祂、顺从祂时，祂必亲自为他们争战，成就奇迹。
“Moses held up his hands toward Heaven, with the rod of God in his right hand, entreating help from God. Then Israel prevailed, and drove back their enemies. When Moses let down his hands it was seen that Israel soon lost all that they had gained, and were being overcome by their enemies. Moses again held up his hands toward Heaven, and Israel prevailed, and the enemy was driven back. Spiritual Gifts, Volume 3, page 258.1
“This act of Moses, reaching up his hands toward God, was to teach Israel that while they made God their trust, and laid hold upon his strength, and exalted his throne, he would fight for them, and subdue their enemies. But when they should let go their hold upon his strength, and should trust to their own power, they would be even weaker than their enemies, who had not the knowledge of God, and their enemies would prevail over them. Then Joshua “discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua; for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi, for he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” If the children of Israel had not murmured against the Lord, he would not have suffered their enemies to make war with them.” Spiritual Gifts, Volume 3, page 258.2
“God intended to show the Israelites that the conquest of Canaan was not to be ascribed to them. The Captain of the Lord’s host overcame Jericho. He and his angels were engaged in the conquest. Christ commanded the armies of Heaven to throw down the walls of Jericho, and prepare an entrance for Joshua and the armies of Israel. God, in this wonderful miracle, not only strengthened the faith of his people in his power to subdue their enemies, but rebuked their former unbelief. Spiritual Gifts, Volume 4A, page 64.1
“Jericho had defied the armies of Israel, and the God of Heaven. And as they beheld the host of Israel marching around their city once each day, they were alarmed; but they looked at their strong defenses, their firm and high walls, and felt sure, that they could resist any attack. But when of a sudden their firm walls tottered and fell, with a stunning crash, like peals of loudest thunder, they were paralyzed with terror, and could offer no resistance.” Spiritual Gifts, Volume 4A, page 64.2
星期五（10月24日）
进一步思考
上帝宣布以色列人必须在旷野漂流四十年，不能进入迦南地，这对摩西、亚伦、迦勒和约书亚来说，是极大的打击。然而，他们没有发怨言，而是顺服地接受了上帝的决定。相反，那些曾抱怨上帝对待他们不公、嚷着要回埃及的人，当他们听见自己被拒绝进入应许之地的宣判时，却大声哀哭。过去他们为无故之事抱怨，如今上帝真的给了他们哭泣的理由。若他们在罪被揭露时真心为罪懊悔，这审判就不会临到他们；但他们的悲伤并非出于悔改，而是因为惧怕刑罚，他们的哭泣不能使上帝改变已定的决定。
整夜他们都在哀号，到了早晨，他们心中升起一线希望，决心弥补自己的胆怯与不信。当上帝命令他们前去攻取迦南时，他们拒绝；现在上帝命令他们退回旷野，他们又同样悖逆。他们决定强行上山，占领那地，希望上帝会因他们的热心而改变心意。
然而，上帝已经将那次进入迦南的特权收回，因为他们没有在祂指定的时间信靠祂、顺服祂。撒但成功地阻止他们进入应许之地，如今又诱使他们违抗上帝的命令，企图凭自己的力量达成目标。这样，大骗子再次得胜，使他们第二次陷入叛逆。
他们不信上帝会与他们同工，帮助他们征服迦南；而现在却妄自自信，以为靠自己就能完成上帝未命令的事。他们说：“我们得罪了耶和华，我们要上去争战，正如耶和华我们神所吩咐我们的。”（申命记1:41）他们以为只要这样行，就能补救过错。其实，上帝从未吩咐他们“上去争战”，因为祂的计划并不是让他们靠战争取地，而是要他们藉着完全的信心与顺服来得地为业。
这故事提醒我们：当上帝指示我们前行时，若因不信而退缩，就会错过祂的时机。若祂命令我们停下，而我们仍顽固前行，同样会遭受失败。上帝的旨意不容人随意改变，真正的顺服是信靠祂的时间与方法。
在这周的学习中，我们看到一条贯穿圣经的真理——上帝为祂的子民争战。祂不是残忍的征服者，而是慈爱的拯救者。祂的战争是为消灭罪恶、维护公义、保护忠心之人。祂的胜利不是靠武力，而是靠祂话语的权能和祂子民的信心。
真正的得胜，乃是顺服上帝。祂说：“你们要静默，耶和华必为你们争战。”
“The decree that Israel was not to enter Canaan for forty years was a bitter disappointment to Moses and Aaron, Caleb and Joshua; yet without a murmur they accepted the divine decision. But those who had been complaining of God's dealings with them, and declaring that they would return to Egypt, wept and mourned greatly when the blessings which they had despised were taken from them. They had complained at nothing, and now God gave them cause to weep. Had they mourned for their sin when it was faithfully laid before them, this sentence would not have been pronounced; but they mourned for the judgment; their sorrow was not repentance, and could not secure a reversing of their sentence. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 392.1
“The night was spent in lamentation, but with the morning came a hope. They resolved to redeem their cowardice. When God had bidden them go up and take the land, they had refused; and now when He directed them to retreat they were equally rebellious. They determined to seize upon the land and possess it; it might be that God would accept their work and change His purpose toward them. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 392.2
“God had made it their privilege and their duty to enter the land at the time of His appointment, but through their willful neglect that permission had been withdrawn. Satan had gained his object in preventing them from entering Canaan; and now he urged them on to do the very thing, in the face of the divine prohibition, which they had refused to do when God required it. Thus the great deceiver gained the victory by leading them to rebellion the second time. They had distrusted the power of God to work with their efforts in gaining possession of Canaan; yet now they presumed upon their own strength to accomplish the work independent of divine aid. “We have sinned against the Lord,” they cried; “we will go up and fight, according to all that the Lord our God commanded us.” Deuteronomy 1:41. So terribly blinded had they become by transgression. The Lord had never commanded them to “go up and fight.” It was not His purpose that they should gain the land by warfare, but by strict obedience to His commands.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 392.3