We shall continue the study of Exodus, the second book of the Old Testament. Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day:
(1) After nine consecutive plagues, how might you describe:
Ø How the Israelites look upon the impending freedom from slavery?
Ø How Moses and Aaron greet God’s command of this “final” request from Pharaoh?
(2) Reflect on verse 3. Of course, it was all God’s doing. But with all these plagues, would the Egyptians and Pharaoh not greet the Israelites and especially Moses like a plague? How come they are “favorably disposed toward the people” and even “highly regarded” Moses?
(3) What lesson can we learn from verse 3?
(4) In what way was the killing of the first born in Egypt a recompense of Pharaoh’s sin?
(5) Do you think God has given Pharaoh enough forewarning? (See Exod. 4:23).
(6) Pause for a moment to reflect on your own life. Is there a sin or a warning that God that repeatedly reminded you of that has been ignored by you till now? What should you do about it?
(7) Contrast this coming plague which would soon befall Egypt and what God said in v.7. What was the message being conveyed here?
(8) In comparison to the people of the world, how favored are those who belong to God today? How favored are you in the eyes of the Lord?
(9) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 經過或目睹了九個連續災難的神蹟，你可以用什麼來形容：
a. 以色列對快將從為奴得釋的心情？
b. 摩西和亞倫對神所吩咐向法老「最後一次」災害的警告？
(2) 請細思第三節的吩咐。當然，一切都是神的作為。經過九災後，難道法老和埃及人不視以色列人和摩西為瘟疫嗎？為何以色列人會在他們「眼前蒙恩」？甚至看摩西「為大」？
(3) 這一節給我們什麼教訓？
(4) 為什麼擊殺長子是法老自取的報應？
(5) 你認為神是否已給法老足夠的警告？(見4:23)
(6) 請停下來反思：你有否持續的不理會神在你生命中的提醒或警告？你今日應該怎樣向神作出回應？
(7) 試把這將臨埃及可怕的第十災，與神在第七節所說的作比較。這一節要表明的是什麼？
(8) 今日我們信主的人，在什麼方面確比世人蒙受神特別的恩惠？試列出來。
(9) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼?你可以怎樣應用在你的生命中?
“Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you—so that my wonders many be multiplied in Egypt.” (Exod. 11:9)
I used to read with only sympathy the story of Exodus—sympathy for the Egyptians. Sure, I know that Pharaoh and his officials had to be held responsible for their inhuman treatment of the Hebrews, not only for their slavery of the Hebrews, but also for the killing of innocent children. But, to read of plague after plague, I thought that they were really unfortunate to be so chosen to reveal the mighty hand of God; that was until I set foot on the soil of Egypt. All of a sudden, I realized that of all the peoples on earth, they had been privileged to witness the greatest physical miracles, both in numbers and in magnitude.
Imagine the same miracles being performed before the people of our days! Sure, there will still be many who seek to explain them away in scientific terms, and there will still be people who choose to cling to their own gods and idols, especially when they realize that this God of the universe demands nothing short of total surrender and obedience of His people.
Still, these plagues were meant not primarily as curses, but as a demonstration of both the mighty power and the mercy of God. That was why many of the plagues were preceded by warnings with the hope that Pharaoh and his people might fear the Lord.
While we do not necessarily attribute every natural disaster and disease as God's punishment of this sinful world, they still demonstrate the mighty power of our Creator God. Given the frequency and magnitude of recent natural disasters, they should be enough to humble us before Him unto belief and repentance.
「耶和華對摩西說：法老必不聽你們，使我的奇事在埃及地多起來。」 (出11:9)
當讀到出埃及記，我總有點兒同情法老王。我當然知道法老和他的臣僕該對他們向希伯來人所施不人道的待遇負責任—不單是奴役他們，更是殘殺他們的嬰孩。但讀到一災又一災的降下時，我為他們被神揀選成為祂大能彰顯的工具有點不值，直到我有機會踏足埃及的地土，我立時明白過來：其實他們是有幸在世人中有機會目睹和經歷到極大，又極多的神蹟！
如果這些神蹟行在今天的世人眼前，豈不叫人知道耶和華確是惟一的、又至大、又至高的神嗎！當然，一定有人試圖以科學的理論去解釋為自然的現象；更多人會像法老一樣硬著頸項，死抓著自己的偶像、自己的神，而不願意誠心、全然的信來信服這宇宙的主的。
其實，雖然神確是藉著這些災殃來懲罰埃及人，並顯出祂的大能，祂同時是先要顯出祂的憐憫的。因此原故，在很多的災殃之前，是先有足夠的警告向法老發出，好讓他悔改、順服。
今天，自然的災害頻生，我們當然不應把每一個災害都視為神對世人的審判，但它們都反映了神藉所造之物所彰顯的大能—如保羅所言，顯出神的永能和神性的一部份(羅1:20) 。其實，今天自然災害的發生頻率和威力，是足以叫我們謙卑在神面前，承認我們的渺小，並承認我們悖逆的罪。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
Note: The Jewish calendar was established at this time with its first month called “Abib” which eventually was called “Nisan” after their exile to Babylon. It corresponds to the latter part of March and the first part of April of our modern calendar (which is about the time of today’s assigned reading.)
(1) As we read these detailed instructions of the killing of the Passover Lamb, we cannot help but think of our Lord Jesus Christ,—The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Jn. 1:29). Let’s reflect on the significance of some of the details of the Passover feast so commanded by God:
a. A male lamb?
b. Without defect?
c. To be slaughtered?
d. Blood to be put on the sides and tops of the doorframe of the house?
e. The eating of bitter herb?
f. The eating of bread without yeast?
g. Nothing of the lamb should be left till morning—must be all burnt?
(2) In what manner should the Israelites eat the Passover feast? Why?
(3) Why then do the rabbis insist that the people of Israel eat their Passover feast (presumably since the first) in a reclined position? How theologically correct are they?
(4) Should they continue to observe their Passover today? Why or why not?
(5) Should Christians join their observance today?
(6) How do Christians remember the sacrifice of the Lamb of God today?
(7) Read v.12 carefully. Why is this a judgment on all the gods of Egypt?
(8) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
第93日
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。 (1) 當我們讀到有關逾越節羔羊宰殺的條例時，不禁想到基督耶穌—神的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的那位(約1:29) 。就讓我們在此逐一細思這些條例屬靈的意義：
a. 公羊羔
b. 無殘疾
c. 被宰殺
d. 血塗門框、門楣上
e. 與無酵餅、
f. 苦菜同吃
g. 不剩下一點—全都燒盡！
(2) 第11節的吩咐是什麼意思？
(3) 為何歷代的拉比要強調從此要卧下吃逾越節晚餐？從真理的角度，他們的領會是怎樣的正確？
(4) 今天猶太人應否繼續守逾越節？
(5) 今天基督徒應否守逾越節？主復活後，聖經有否記載使徒們繼續守逾越節呢？
(6) 今天，基督徒是怎樣記念神的羔羊、耶穌基督的捨命呢？
(7) 細思第12節。為何說：「又要敗壞埃及一切的神」？
(8) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼? 你可以怎樣應用在你的生命中?
“This is the day you are to commemorate for the generations to come…a lasting ordinance.” (Exod. 12:14)
I know that the issue of whether to continue to observe the Passover by Christians has been a hot issue since the 2nd century. Unlike circumcision, many Jewish Christians continue to celebrate Passover, not based on the mentality of work, but perhaps, out of reverence for traditions and consider it meaningful to observe, given the knowledge that Christ is the true Passover Lamb.
However, according the Scriptures, Christ has clearly instituted the Lord’s Supper at His last Passover feast replacing the old with the new. I suspect the early debate of Christians leaders like Polycarp’s was not just on the observance of Passover itself, but on the date on which Easter should be celebrated—whether it should be celebrated on a Sunday (the day of Resurrection) or on the 14th of the first Jewish month of Nisan (which was known at the beginning as Abib)—the day Passover is celebrated.
While we should not put the observance of one day as more important than another, it is important not to diminish the complete work of salvation accomplished by Christ on the cross. While Polycarp firmly insisted on the 14th of Nisan as what he believed to be biblical, I am afraid some non-Jewish Christians celebrate Passover more with a sense of novelty these days.
「你們要記念這日，守為耶和華的節，作為你們世世代代永遠的定例。」（出12:14）
自第二世紀以來，基督徒應否像以色列人昔日一樣守逾越節是教會中極具爭論性的問題。我知道今天不少信主的猶太人是繼續守逾越節的。他們守逾越節絕非像昔日初期教會的一部份人，像受割禮一樣，以行為得救為本之意。有些更覺得因信了耶穌，存著明白逾越節的羔羊就是耶穌，心存這領會，他們守逾越節就更有意義了。
但我們卻曉得，主耶穌清楚的在祂吃的最後逾越節的晚餐時，把餅和杯—預表祂的身體和血—以新取代了舊。讀到第二世紀在這方面的爭論，我覺得Polycarp主教的重點，是在乎反對在主日，而不再在猶太曆的一月十四日來記念基督的死和復活。
當然，我們不應以這日比那日強或更重要(羅14:5) ，但要明白基督耶穌在十架上一次過完成的救恩是極重要的。我們不論是否同意Polycarp對尼散月14日的堅持，總要明白他的出發點是單因希望謹守聖經之故。今天，一些基督徒要守逾越節，我恐怕是因「時髦」之故，與Polycarp的出發點就大有分別了。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) What was the purpose of holding two sacred assemblies?
(2) How strict was the order about eating bread without yeast and the removal of yeast?
(3) Why should this be the case? (See Lk. 12:1, 1 Co. 5:7)
(4) What was the message then? What is the message to us today?
(5) What was the importance of putting blood on the doors? What is the significance of blood? (see Lev. 17:11)
(6) As Moses announced the instructions of Passover to the elders of Israel, how did they respond to it? What does it signify?
(7) Imagine yourself
a. Observing this horrible night as an Israelite. How would you feel?
b. What if you were one of the Egyptians, how would you feel?
c. What if you were Pharaoh, how would you feel?
(8) Since our study coincides somewhat with Good Friday, time-wise, put yourself in God’s shoes, how would you feel as you heard the wailing of Jesus Christ on the cross?
(9) Why did He have to slay the firstborn of Egypt?
(10) Why did He have to slay His own Son?
(11) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
Note: Hyssop is likely hairy plants that are well suited to be used as brushes.
第94日
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 守兩個聖會的目的是什麼？
(2) 試逐一列出吃無酵餅和除酵極嚴緊的條例。
(3) 為何要如此嚴緊？(可參路12:1；林前5:7)
(4) 這條例當日的信息是什麼？今天又如何？
(5) 把血塗門的重要性何在？罪的重要性何在？(可參利17:11)
(6) 當摩西把這一切吩咐長老後，眾百姓的反應是什麼？這表明了什麼？
(7) 試把自己
a. 比作以色列人：你目擊、經歷那可怕的一夜，有何感受？
b. 比作埃及人：你又有何感受？
c. 比作法老：你有何感受？
(8) 今天的默想，按日期與受苦節相近。請同樣試想像神當日目擊和親耳聽到愛子在十架上的哀求，祂的感受又是什麼？
(9) 祂為何要殺埃及人的長子？
(10) 祂為何要殺自己的兒子？
(11) 今天對你主要的教訓是什麼？可以怎樣行出來？
“At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt…and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.” (Exod. 12:29-30)
Throughout the ages, one of the strongest objections or criticisms against the God of the Bible is His treatment of the enemies of His people. As I was preaching on the Book of Joshua, queries were made of the command to totally destroy the enemies who stood in the conquering path of the Israelites—men, women and children included. But the greatest criticism comes from the killing of every firstborn in Egypt, the last plague in Exodus.
Certainly, there is no easy answer to these objections. But one thing we should bear in mind and that is God does not need our defense, and we should not apologize on His behalf, nor should we try to sweep this valid question under the carpet. However, as valid as these questions are, I believe the starting point should always be about who God is!
Although who God is, in itself, is a vast, vast topic, I can think of three fundamental aspects about Him that are relevant in this respect, and they are: He is Holy, He is righteous and He is love!
- God is so holy that no human being can see His face or enter unto His presence. God makes it clear to Moses in Exodus 33:22 and the curtain that separates the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place in the tabernacle is another case in point. This is a fact just as the fact that although the closest the earth to the sun is already 91.2 million miles away, any closer will only eliminate all human lives on earth.
- God is so righteous that He will not allow sin to go unpunished (Exodus 34:7). With the current legal systems in most of the “civilized” world, we always bemoan that the punishments levied on criminals are often too lenient, and yet we fail to see the severity of our sin and rebellion against our Creator God.
These two attributes of God should help us realize the futility of “all” human lives—men, women and children! As sinful beings, our eternal destiny is a certainty, if not for His love. Irrespective of how long or short our lives might be, as sinners, we have to face death, eternal death as our wages (Rom. 6:23).
- God is love: as much as there are those who say that they cannot believe in a God who killed His Son, this is the most amazing of all attributes of God, as far as I am concerned. For one, no one can stand before the judgment seat of God and accuse God of killing them or their loved ones, because the sight of His holiness will definitely render us, sinners, speechless. But the sight of the cross at Calvary should leave us with no doubts of His love for all mankind!
I always remember that conversation I had with my dying niece who asked, “Why does God allow this to happen to me?” To this I really had no answer. She was 28 at the time. But I silently prayed in my heart and I felt led by the Holy Spirit to say, “This is why Jesus Christ chose to die such a horrible death on the cross, so that at times like this, we can still believe that He loves us.” She did.
「到了半夜，耶和華把埃及地所有的長子……在埃及有大哀號，無一家不死一個人的。」(出12:29-30)
一些人對舊約聖經最大的反對，是因神對以色列人的仇敵的嚴厲處理。在我講解「約書亞記」時，往往會有人問及神盡滅仇敵—男、女、老、少在內—的吩咐而感到困惑。在讀到出埃及記神所施的第十災—殺埃及人長子之災—所引起的困惑就更大了。
當然，這些問題是不容易解釋的。不過我總覺得，神不一定要我們替祂辯護的(羅9:20) ，我們也不用代神道歉的。然而，我們也不應避而不談。
要思想這類的問題，最重要的起點是要明白「神是誰」。
神是誰當然是一個很廣的題目，但我覺得與這些問題最有關的是神基本的屬性的幾方面，包括：神是聖潔的、神是公義的、神是慈愛的。
神是如此聖潔，到一個地步，是沒有人能看見祂的面，而存活的！前者藉神對摩西在出埃及記33:22所說的話表明；後者也藉分開至聖所和聖所的吩咐顯明出來。這是一個鐵一般的事實。就如地球距離太陽9120萬哩，若是距離稍近，地上的生物必然滅亡的事實一樣。
神是公義的，萬不以有罪的為無罪(出34:7) ，必要審判罪人。今天，我們常為文主社會的施法制度，特別是對重犯的輕判而感到困惑；卻輕看了人類對神所犯的悖逆之罪的嚴重，反而認為神的審判過重。
其實神的全然聖潔與公義的屬性，已足以叫我們看到「所有」人的生命的徒然—男、女、老、少在內。作為有罪的人，在全然聖潔與公義的神面前，我們永恆的結局是肯定的。不論我們生命是長或短，作為有罪的人—罪的工價乃是死(羅6:23) —死是人人的結局！
但神更是愛—雖然有人說他不信一位連自己的兒子也殺害的神—這正是神屬性最超奇之處！沒有人能在神的審判台前能以神取去自己或所愛的人的生命，以神為不公，因為那日面對全然聖潔的神的顯現，所有罪人只能默然不語。若然我們能先到各各他十架底下，仰望神在祂兒子身上向我們所顯的愛，所有有罪的人，也只能俯服敬拜！
我總不能忘卻我侄女臨終問我的一句話：「叔叔，為什麼神容許(我死亡) ？」她當時只有28歲。我當然不曉得怎樣回答她，於是默默的禱告神。我被聖靈感動的說：「這正是為什麼主耶穌基督要如此痛苦的死在十架的原因，好叫我們在像你這樣的情形下，仍然能相信祂是愛我們的。」我知道，她確實相信了。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) Mull over every word in vv. 31-32:
Ø During the night—what a “night” it was!
Ø Up!—i.e. right away!
Ø Leave my people!—you are a plague?
Ø Worship the LORD!—not just “your God”
Ø Take your flocks—nothing matters now!
Ø And also bless me—what does it mean?
(2) Reflect also on:
Ø How did the Israelites enter Egypt?
Ø How did they end up being treated?
Ø How were they leaving now?
Ø How long had they stayed in Egypt?
Ø How many people did they have when they entered Egypt? (Exod. 1:5)
Ø How many people were there when they left Egypt?
Ø How would you describe God’s dealing with His people?
Ø Were the Egyptians “blessed” or “cursed” by being such a tool for God in His dealing with His people? Why?
(3) Repeatedly the Bible mentions these Israelites as “the Lords’ division (i.e. army)”. Why is that and what is its implications?
(4) V. 42 refers that night as the night “the Lord kept vigil”. What does it mean?
(5) Did God forbid all foreigners to eat of the Passover Lamb?
(6) Why did God impose such a strict restriction on who could eat?
(7) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 請細讀第31至32節：
a. 夜間：這夜是難以忘記的一夜
b. 起來：即不可遲疑、急不及待之意
c. 從我民中出去：不要再回來
d. 去事奉耶和華：不是說去事奉你的神！
e. 並要為我祝福：是什麼意思呢？
(2) 在這夜的時刻，讓我們思想：
a. 以色列人是在什麼情形下進入埃及的？
b. 是因何故為奴的？
c. 以色列人現在是在什麼情形下出埃及的？
d. 他們在埃及有多久？
e. 初進埃及時，他們有多少人？(參1:5)
f. 離開時，又有多少人？
g. 你可以從以上看到神的手在運作和神的計劃嗎？
h. 埃及在神的計劃中是主要工具。這是福還是禍？
(3) 在出埃及記，為什麼聖經多次稱以色列人為「耶和華的軍隊」？用意何在？
(4) 第42節稱「這夜是耶和華的夜」。是什麼意思？
(5) 是否所有外邦人都不許吃逾越節？
(6) 為何神如此為吃逾越節作出這些限制？
(7) 今天對你主要的教訓是什麼？可以怎樣行出來？
“At the end of the 430 years to the very day, all the Lord's divisions left Egypt. Because The Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt...” (Exod. 12:41-42)
At the fulfillment of God’s promise to deliver His people, the Bible makes special mention of the fact that it was “to the very day”. This powerfully reminds us that
- God is absolutely sovereign
- He is in total control of history, and
- He will never forget His promise.
Being people of little faith and modern men and women “trained” to be impatient, we often lose faith or at least, waver in our faith as our prayers seem to fall on God’s silent ears. But this is a very good reminder to us that even if it takes as long as 430 years, God will come through for His people, and it is done exactly according to His timetable, not a day early, not a day too late—but “to the very day”.
But we should even be more encouraged to know that “The Lord kept vigil that night”. Indeed, if The Lord keeps vigil for us, what can go wrong? Nothing!
Certainly, that was a very special night—the deliverance of the people from the mighty hand of Pharaoh. But Psalm 121 tells us that The Lord always keeps vigil for those who belong to Him always. Let’s take this opportunity to savor this wonderful thought through the following rendering of Psalm 121 by John Campbell:
1. Unto the hills around do I lift up my longing eyes
O whence for me shall my salvation come, from whence arise?
From God, the Lord, doth come my certain aid,
From God, the Lord, Who heaven and earth hath made.
2. He will not suffer that thy foot be moved: safe shalt thou be.
No careless slumber shall His eyelids close, Who keepeth thee.
Behold, He sleepeth not, He slumbereth ne'er,
Who keepeth Israel in His holy care.
3. Jehovah is Himself thy Keeper true, thy changeless Shade;
Jehovah thy Defense on thy right hand Himself hath made.
And thee no sun by day shall ever smite;
No moon shall harm thee in the silent night.
4. From every evil shall He keep thy soul, from every sin;
Jehovah shall preserve thy going out, thy coming in.
Above thee watching, He Whom we adore
Shall keep thee henceforth, yea, forevermore.
John Campbell, 1845-1914
「正滿了四百三十年的那一天，耶和華的軍隊都從埃及地出來了。這夜是耶和華的夜；因耶和華領他們出了埃及地……」(出12: 41-42)
神按著祂的應許拯救祂的百姓出埃及。聖經特別說到「正滿了/to the very day」。這幾個字非常有力的告訴我們：
- 神是絕對有主權的；
- 祂全然掌管著歷史；
- 祂更是守信的神
我們這些小信又習慣了沒有耐性的文明人，總會因神遲遲尚未應允我們的禱告而失信，或信心有所搖動。這裡說要等430年以色列人才見神應許的實現，而且是不遲不早，剛滿了430年才發生！
聖經跟著說：「這夜是耶和華的夜」，英譯本NIV就說：耶和華為要領他們出埃及而「守夜」。這句話叫我深受感動。有耶和華親自為我們守夜，那裡會出錯呢！
詩篇121篇告訴我們，神是日夜的看守著我們的。讓我們就以這詩篇來默想這位「守夜」的神：
1 我要向山舉目；我的幫助從何而來？
2 我的幫助從造天地的耶和華而來。
3 他必不叫你的腳搖動；保護你的必不打盹！
4 保護以色列的，也不打盹也不睡覺。
5 保護你的是耶和華；耶和華在你右邊蔭庇你。
6 白日，太陽必不傷你；夜間，月亮必不害你。
7 耶和華要保護你，免受一切的災害；他要保護你的性命。
8 你出你入，耶和華要保護你，從今時直到永遠。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) What is the meaning of consecrating to the Lord?
(2) Why consecrate the firstborn, whether man or animal? (See Num. 3:13; 8:17)
(3) Beside the firstborn, do not the rest along belong to the Lord? (See Exod. 4:22)
(4) How should the people of God really “consecrate” themselves to the Lord? (See Num. 8:18) How should you really “consecrate” yourself to the Lord?
(5) Since Moses chose to reiterate the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread here, this must be of great significance. Let’s try to reflect on it as follows:
a. This observance coincided with the day they came out of Egypt (Passover’s observance began on the 14th day, Unleavened Bread on the 15th)—what is the significance of the timing?
b. It lasted for seven days ending with the holding of a sacred assembly—what was the duration of eating unleavened bread supposed to achieve?
c. It was emphasized that “nor shall any yeast be seen anywhere within your borders” (i.e. not just inside the house)—what was the emphasis about?
d. What is the significance of having to observe it generation after generation?
e. What might the message be to you?
(6) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 「分別為聖」歸神是什麼意思？
(2) 為何要把凡頭生的人或牲畜分別為聖？(可參民3:13；8:17)
(3) 這樣，是否不是頭生的就不用「分別為聖」歸神嗎？(見出4:22)
(4) 實質上，以色列的頭生是怎樣「分別為聖」歸神的？(見民8:18)
(5) 今天，我們該怎樣「分別為聖」歸神呢？
(6) 摩西既然在此重複吩咐他們怎樣守除酵節，這節的意義當然重大。讓我們繼續就此思想：
a. 這節與他們出埃及有關：逾越節在猶太曆一月十四日開始；除酵節在一月十五日開始。重要性何在？
b. 除酵節歷七天之久，以聖會為結束—七天都要吃無酵餅的意義何在？
c. 「四境之內不可見……發酵的物」。為何如此嚴緊？
d. 世代遵守的重要性又是什麼？
(7) 今天對你主要的教訓是什麼？可以怎樣行出來？
“Eat unleavened bread during those seven days; nothing with yeast in it to be seen among you, nor shall any yeast be seen anywhere within your borders.” (Exod. 13:7)
I am struck by the repeated instructions about the removal of yeast and the extent to which it must be carried out—even within their borders.
As we know, yeast is used a symbol of sin, and the reason why we need to remove and deal with sin is that even the smallest of sin can work like yeast and contaminate the whole dough. However, what is being emphasized here is “not to be seen anywhere”. It reminds us that we need to take sin seriously in every area of our life - work life, church life, family life, social life and personal life.
I find that we often live a double-life as a Christian. As a result, in order to know my people in the church, I love to visit them at their workplace, if possible, because it is the most telling of what kind of a person he or she really is. Even if my visit is pre-scheduled, while some are cad-carrying Christians genuinely respected by their colleagues, at times I still find some who swear at their subordinate, and some who behave lewdly toward the opposite sex,
Repeatedly too, the Bible cautions us that “nothing hidden will not be disclosed” (Lk. 8:17; Mk. 4:22 etc.). Therefore, we will be fooling ourselves that we can somehow hide certain sins from public view. For one, we can never hide our sins from God. The truth is, sooner or later, our hidden sin will infest every part of our life, just like yeast. The pity is, often we are the last ones to know that our sin is plain to see by others around us, and we are the last one to notice.
「這七日之久，要吃無酵餅；在你四境之內不可見有酵的餅，也不可見發酵的物。」(出13:7)
摩西在此不斷的重複除酵的吩咐，更說明「在四境之內也不可見有酵的餅」，是值得我們思想的。
我們知道酵是喻表罪的。我們必須全然的除罪，是因它像酵一樣，最小的罪也能發大，影響全團。這樣更說，在四境之內，連見到酵也不可。這就提醒我們，要嚴嚴的處理我們的罪，在生命任何的一部份，也不能忽略—包括在工作的環境、在教會的生活、在家庭的生活、在社交的場合、更是在個人的生活中。
作為基督徒我們很容易有雙重的面孔。故此，若是可行，我喜歡到弟兄姊妹的工作地方去探望他們，因為這是看到他們的本相的好機會。當然，在他們工作的地方，我看見不少美好的見證，看到表裡一致的生命。但有些時候，我卻看到在教會生活中看不到的壞見証—包括口出惡言對待下屬的，也有舌頭對異性不檢點的。
聖經有不同的經文都提醒我們，沒有掩藏的不被顯露的(參路8:17；可4:22等) 。故此，我們如果以為能長期掩蓋自己的罪，是自欺的。不單神是我們欺騙不來的，事實是，我們的罪會如酵一樣發大，遲早是眾目所能看見的。往往最可憐的是，當眾人都看見時，我們仍懵然不知！
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) How should the consecration of the firstborn to the Lord be worked out in reality?
(2) By so redeeming or breaking of the (animal’s) neck, what is the message being conveyed?
(3) How then should it apply to us spiritually as “totally” belonging to God?
(4) Both the observance of unleavened bread and the redemption of the firstborn are said to be like “a sign on your hand and a symbol (or band) on your forehead”. Later on, these have been taken literally by orthodox Jews who put key verses of Scriptures into small containers and onto leather bands.
a. Do you think v. 9 and v. 16 should be taken literally? Why or why not?
b. What is the true purpose of theses sayings?
c. What do you think is the best way for them to remember the mighty hand of God in the killing of Egypt’s firstborn and the sparing of their firstborn?
d. How best can you remember God’s sacrifice of His own Son in your place in order to accomplish your deliverance?
(5) What is the main message for you today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 頭生的歸耶和華為聖是怎樣實質的行出來呢？
(2) 代贖、甚至折驢的頸項的意義何在？
(3) 我們可以怎樣應用這屬靈的意義在我們身上？
(4) 摩西說：吃無酵餅和贖頭生的教訓是要他們「手上作記號、在額上作經文」。日後，敬虔的猶太人按字面來解釋這吩咐，把經文放在器皿，帶在身上：
a. 你認為這樣的解釋，有何好處和不好處？
b. 這吩咐的真意是在乎什麼呢？
c. 你認為他們不忘記神以大能的手擊殺埃及長子，並越過以色列的長子，最好的方法是什麼？
d. 我和你不忘記神為我們犧牲自己的兒子在十架上，來完成我們的拯救，最好的方法是什麼？
(5) 今天對你主要的教訓是什麼？可以怎樣行出來？
“And this will be like a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead that the Lord brought us out of Egypt with His mighty hand.” (Exod. 13:16)
We should not blame the literal interpretation of this verse as the orthodox Jews put verses in their containers, sew it on their garments and/or write them on their doorframes. It is their effort to be true to the instruction of the Lord here in Exodus 13 and in other places like Deuteronomy 6:8-9.
However, as we know, if this is mere external adherence, it will only stroke our own pious ego and do nothing to lead us to live a life that loves the Lord with all our heart, and with all our soul and with all our strength (Deut. 6:5)
If we read carefully this instruction in Exodus 13 and in Deuteronomy 6, it is always within the context of talking about Gods’ mighty works and His commandments with our children within the home setting.
The emphasis is not on going to the temple and be taught, as important and necessarily as it is. The emphasis is on teaching our next generation within the home setting.
These days, we find Christian parents put all their emphasis on finding a church with good youth and children programs so that they can teach their children. Not that the church should not have good, vibrant and biblical programs for youth and children, but such an emphasis is obviously misplaced. Even within such churches with vibrant youth and children ministry, the “casualty rate” of young people leaving their church and their faith during either their college years or post-graduation years is still very high. While, if you care to notice, those who have solid parental examples and teachings in godliness fare way better in their adult lives in Christ. Why? Because God has meant that the home is the anchor of faith, and thus the anchor of society as well.
「這要在你手上作記號，在你額上作經文，因為耶和華用大能的手將我們從埃及領出來。」(出13:16)
我們不應苛責那些猶太人按字面來解釋以上一節的經文，他們把經文放在器皿裡，並縫在衣裳上，是因為他們想忠於這節聖經和申命記6:8-9的話。
當然，這類的外表的遵從是很容易連於表面，叫我們自覺敬虔，反而忽略了內心真正的盡心、盡意、盡力的愛神(申6:5) 。
不論是出埃及記第13章這段，或是申命記第6章的那段，不論是談論神的律例，或是重述神的大能，都是以家庭的生活為背景的。所著重的不是到聖殿的聽道—雖然這是重要的；而是在家中，一代傳予一代的教導與榜樣。
今天的基督徒父母，多有只看重找個有好的青年和兒童事工的教會，讓教會去教導自己的兒女認識和跟從神。當然，教會能有好的青年和兒童事工是重要的，但是這種的看重不一定是正確的。我看見有很好的青年和兒童事工的教會，青年人在成長後的「流失率」仍然是高的。反觀那些有真正敬虔父母，在家有基督的榜樣和聖經的教導的，他們兒女的「流失率」是非常的低。為什麼呢？因為，在神的設計中，家庭不但是孩子信仰的根基，更是社會穩定的柱石。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) Why did God not lead them through a much shorter route by the Philistine country?
(2) If they were to face great enemies right away, would it not be an even better occasion to experience the mighty hand of God in battle?
(3) Why then should they be armed for battle?
(4) This, in fact, is how God chooses to treat new believers in Christ. Can you relate to similar treatments by the Lord in the early part of your Christian life?
(5) The Israelites were leaving in haste, and yet the bones of Joseph were not forgotten by them. What function might the bones of Joseph have played in the last several hundred years of sojourn and especially in slavery?
(6) How similar might the role be of the bread and wine during our Lord’s Supper remembrance?
(7) It may be helpful for you to look up the map at the back of your Bible (if there is one for the period of Exodus) to understand the route being taken by the Israelites:
a. What was the expressed purpose of the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire?
b. What other purposes do you think they served?
c. How does God guide His children today?
d. Which is a better way of God’s guidance—theirs or ours? Why?
(8) What is the main message for you today and how may you apply it in your life?
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
(1) 神為何不引領他們走較短的路出埃及呢？
(2) 如果他們一開始就要面對強敵，豈不是更能立刻的經歷到神更大的能力和拯救嗎？
(3) 既是這樣，為何要把他們武裝起來？
(4) 你有覺得神總是不帶領你走較短的路的感受嗎？這段經文有否給予你答案呢？
(5) 以色列人確是非常匆忙的出埃及，卻沒有忘記帶同約瑟的骸骨離去。你可以領會約瑟的骸骨這麼多年來對作為奴的以色列人有什麼意義？
(6) 今天，主的餅、主的杯對我們有什麼相似之處，卻有不同的意義？
(7) 如果你採用的聖經有出埃及的地圖，不妨稍作參閱：
a. 雲柱、火柱的實際作用是什麼？
b. 有沒有更深的屬靈意思？
c. 今天神主要是怎樣引領祂的兒女的？
d. 你認為神昔日引領以色列人的方法比今天引導我們的方法更好嗎？為什麼？
(8) 今天對你主要的教訓是什麼？可以怎樣行出來？
“When Pharaoh let he people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter…’” (Exodus 13:17)
John Calvin has some choice words to say about why God chose a longer way for the Israelites to start their journey, I would like to share with you the following passage:
“We know how great was the supineness and cowardice this people, as soon as any difficulty presented itself; and how quick they were to revolt from the divine government, as often as a heavier burden than they liked was imposed upon them. We know how often they repented of having followed God as their leader, and thus, were prepared to throw away by their ingratitude the grace offered to them. When, therefore, they were powerless in the use of arms, and were altogether without experience of military tactics, with what courage would they have engaged with an enemy, if any should have advanced against them within a few days of their coming out? Assuredly they would not have borne up against a single assault, but would have been willing rather to submit themselves to the Egyptians, with humble supplications for forgiveness. Lest, then, any desire of return should steal over their hearts, God was willing to set up a barrier behind them in the difficulty of the journey. Besides, if in their departure from Egypt they had immediately encountered the inhabitants of the land of Canaan in war, greater troubles would have awaited them; for the Egyptians would by no means let them alone, but, being aided by the subsidies and forces of so many peoples, would have endeavored to avenge themselves, and having entered into alliances on every side, would have hemmed in the unhappy Israelites. Wherefore, God provided excellently for them, by leading them through inaccessible paths, and by their very weariness shutting the door against their ever desiring to return to Egypt; while afterwards He gradually restored their confidence, before they came to fight, and had to sustain the attacks of their enemies. I admit, indeed, that God might have otherwise obviated all these evils; but since He is often wont to deal with His people on human principles, He chose to adopt the method which was most suited to their infirmity.”
(Calvin’s Commentary, Vol. II, 233)
「法老容百姓去的時候，非利士地的道路雖近，神卻不領他們從那裡走……」(出13:17)
加爾文對神不帶以色列人走較近的途徑出埃及有很精警的評論，下面是其摘譯：
「我們都知道這些百姓是何等的遲鈍和懦弱的。一遇到小小的困難時，或是要背負較重、不願背負的重擔時，就立刻的向神的管治反叛。我們知道他們常常後悔以神為他們的領導，很快的就帶著不感恩的心棄掉神的恩典。所以，當他們尚未曉得使用武器、也不懂得戰略時，如果敵人在他們出埃及數天後出現，他們何來勇氣迎敵呢？肯定他們會不堪一擊，立刻掉頭回到埃及，謙卑的求情、求饒恕了。為了他們的心不會有回頭之念，神就藉著難走的路來封(退)路。再者，如果他們一離開埃及就要面對迦南的居民，他們的麻煩就加倍了，因為埃及早已與這些迦南王結盟，一定會出兵追趕，把這些不快樂的以色列人圍困。所以，神引領他們走難走的路，是上策；難走的路所帶來的疲倦，足以攔阻他們思退！神等待他們的信心慢慢堅固之後，才讓他們面對仇敵持續的攻擊。我得承認，神不是不能除去他們這些的醜惡，但是祂往往是以我們人的層面來對待祂的百姓。故此，祂選擇那最適合他們輭弱的方法來引導他們。」(Calvin’s Commentary, Vol. II, 233)