出埃及记
Day 1
第1日
Scriptural Reflection
Exodus 28:15-30 (The Breast-Piece)
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) Why does God refer to the twelve tribes of Israel as the twelve “sons of Israel” when it comes to being a “memorial” before Him, whether they are engraved on the shoulder stones or on the breast-piece stones of the high priest?
(2) In both cases, why should the stones be precious stones, and in the case of the breast-piece, what might be the meaning of using 12 different types of precious stones for each of these names?
(3) What might be the significance of bearing these names by the high priest on his “breast” before the Lord?
(4) How significant is it to you to know that you are being born in the heart of your high priest (the Lord Jesus Christ) individually?
(5) What is its implication to those who serve as pastors or leaders of the flock in the church?
(6) No one knows exactly what Urim and Thummim are, or even what the words mean. But three things are sure
a. The words begin respectively with
the first and the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet;
b. They are used for decision making or for making judgment based likely on a yes or no answer, and
c. When such a judgment is made, it is made “over his heart before the Lord.”
We often think of making a decision based on the mind, and yet when it comes to the High Priest seeking to make a decision or judgment before the Lord, it is to be made over his “heart”. What does this tell you especially when it comes to the making of decision for the church?
(7) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
經文默想
出埃及記28:15-30 (胸牌)
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) 不論在祭司的肩帶上的寶石，或是胸牌上所鑲的寶石，都刻著「以色列十二個兒子」的名字，用意是作「記念/memorial」。作記念是什麼意思？
(2) 為何要刻他們的名字在寶石上，而且在胸牌上，不同名字還鑲在不同類別的寶石上？
(3) 祭司在耶和華面前把這些名字「帶在胸前」的用意何在？
(4) 今天我們既為新約的祭司(彼前2:9), 當如何學效配帶胸牌的事奉？
(5) 今天主耶穌已經成為我們各人的大祭司，你以為祂會照樣的承接了大祭司這帶胸牌在耶和華面前的聖職嗎？(參來7:25)
(6) 至今還沒有人肯定「烏陵和土明」是什麼，甚至其字義也不能絕對肯定；但我們知道：
a. 這兩個希伯來字，一個是以希伯來字母的第一個字作開始、另一個是以字母最後一個字作開始的；
b. 它們是用來作決定或判決的；似乎是等同以「是、否」來作答案；
c. 這些決斷的胸牌是要大祭司在耶和華面前「帶在胸前的」。我們通常以為作決斷是以頭腦作準，誰知大祭司為民在耶和華面前求問、作決定時，是以「心」作準的。這樣的定規對在作教會性的決定時，有什麼重要的提醒？
(7) 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?
Meditative Reflection
Decision of the Heart
“Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.” (Exod. 28:30)
Among the many speculations of what Urim and Thummim were, Robert Alter’s opinion seems quite sensible. Allow me to quote as follows:
“The precise character of this oracular device has eluded identification. One common conjecture is that they were two stones with different letters or words engraved on them, but unless someone actually digs up a pair, there is no way of proving the conjecture. Traditional interpretation associates the two words with roots that mean ‘light’ and ‘perfection,’ but if they are opposites, they could be linked etymologically with terms suggesting ‘curse’, and ‘innocence.’ It is probably not coincidental that these two words begin respectively with the first and the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In any case, most of the references to the Urim and Thummim in narrative passages invite the inference that the device generated a binary response to whatever question was posed: yes or no, guilty or innocent.” (Atler, 476).
To this may I add that it is most telling that such a device for making decisions is to be placed inside the breast-piece and not inside the turban of the High Priest. Before the Holy God, it is the heart that counts. As the Apostle Paul reminds us that knowledge puffs up while love builds (1 Co. 8:1). I do not think God cares so much about us making the wrong decision because we lack wisdom, but He certainly despises those who have discernment and make the so-called right decision out of a wicked heart.
靈修默想小篇
用「心」作決斷
「又要將烏陵和土明放在決斷的胸牌裡；亞倫進到耶和華面前的時候，要帶在胸前，在耶和華面前常將以色列人的決斷牌帶在胸前。」 (出28:30)
在眾多對烏陵和土明的猜測中，Robert Atler的見解是值得我們接受的:
「這作決斷的東西真正是什麼是不可而知的。一般的猜測是：它是兩塊石頭，各刻著不同的字或字母。(這一點)除非我們能發掘它出土，否則是無法證實的。傳統的解釋是根據兩字的字根之意，就是‘光’ 和‘完全’ 。但若然二者是相對的話，它們也可以與‘咒詛’ 和‘祝福’ 兩字的字義相連。這兩個字是以希伯來字母的第一和最後字母作開始，相信並非是偶然的。無論怎樣，(聖經中)提到(使用)烏陵和土明的事例時，多是顯示所得(的結果)是對問題給予兩者其一的答案：是或否；有罪或無罪。」(Atler, 476)
對我而言，這烏陵和土明被放置的地方是重要的：它不是放在大祭司的冠冕上，乃是放在大祭司的胸牌中。是的，在至聖的神面前，祂看重的是我們的胸懷。就如使徒保羅指出：「知識叫人自高自大，惟有愛心能造就人」(林前8:1) 。我相信神不喜悅我們用歪心所作對的決定，比用愚心所作錯的決定更甚。
Day 2
第2日
Scriptural Reflection
Exodus 28:31 –43 (Robe of the Ephod)
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
It appears that the ephod is kind of like a vest and now a longer robe is to be worn beneath it.
(1) The hem of the robe is adorned by pomegranates and bells. The former lends itself to many interpretations, and it appears most commentator settle on its fruitfulness and its many seeds. If this is the case, what does this symbol point to as the high priest wears the robe before the Lord?
(2) What is the reason given for the wearing of the bells in v. 35?
(3) Of course the sound of the bells is not meant for the Lord. Then it could only be meant either for the high priest or the people outside the Holy Place:
a. If this is meant for the high priest, how does it help him avoid death as he enters to serve before the Lord and when he leaves as well?
b. What might the sound of the bell mean for the people outside the Holy Place?
(4) What is to be fastened to the turban of the high priest? What does it mean?
(5) What does it take for the high priest to bear the guilt of the people? Can he really do so? How does this point to Jesus Christ?
(6) The garments of the priests have already conferred to them this awesome, holy role of serving on behalf of the people before the Lord, why does Moses still need to “consecrate” them by anointing and ordaining them?
(7) Of the garments of the priests, the last piece mentioned is the underwear. What significance is attached to it?
(8) What have you learned today especially in how we are expected to serve the Lord?
經文默想
出埃及記28:31-43 (外袍)
第142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。 按這裡的形容，看來「以弗得」是一件短背心，外袍是穿在背心之下的：
(1) 外袍的底邊要縫上一連串的石榴和金鈴鐺。對石榴的徵意眾說紛紜，但大多數的解經家似乎都以它代表果實纍纍、和多核的意思。若這是石榴的徵意，配在祭司的外袍上有什麼意思呢？
(2) 至於金鈴鐺，它的作用是什麼？（第35節）
(3) 當然金鈴鐺的響聲不可能是為神，只可能是為祭司，甚至是為會幕外等待的百姓：
a. 如果是為祭司，這些響聲怎樣使他在出、入聖所時不至於死亡呢？
b. 這些鈴聲對會幕外的百姓可有什麼意義？
(4) 亞倫的額上頭巾上要繫著什麼？為何要如此？
(5) 「這牌必在亞倫的額上，亞倫要擔當干犯聖物條例的罪孽」(28:38) 。亞倫果真能擔當罪孽嗎？他怎樣預表基督耶穌？
(6) 這些祭司的衣物豈不已給予亞倫和他兒子代表百姓侍立在神面前的神聖職事嗎？為何還要(在眾民面前)膏立，和把他們分別為聖呢？(利8:3)
(7) 在祭司的服飾中，最後提到的是內褲。它有什麼重要性？
(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?
Meditative Reflection
Priesthood—a Community Affair
“After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.” (Exod. 28:41)
It is more than obvious to the people that God has chosen Aaron as the High Priest and his sons will be assisting him as priests in the tabernacle that is to be erected. If Moses simply goes ahead, make them the garments and once the tabernacle is built, usher them into service, no one will object to it or dispute their sacred status and ministry. However, God wants their priesthood to be ordained and they themselves be consecrated through a seven-day ceremony, witnessed by the whole community.
On the one hand, the ceremony includes very essential rites of sin-offering, burnt offering, anointing of oil, purification by water and by blood, and fellowship offering together with wave-offering, each of which carries spiritual significance of its own, and without which Aaron and his sons would not be able to serve before the Lord.
On the other hand, the public nature of this ordination process denotes that the appointment of Aaron and his sons to priesthood is not just a private affair between the Lord and the priests. As they will be offering sacrifices and burning incense on behalf of the people to the Lord, the recognition and support of the people is paramount. As a result, the entire ceremony is to be carried out before the gathering of the “entire assembly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” (Lev. 8:3)
From time to time, I have come across cases where would-be missionaries or would-be pastors intend to go to the mission field or be called to a pastorate without the general support of their community of faith. Worse, some would even say that because they are called by the Lord, they do not need the endorsement of their community of faith.
But as Aaron humbled himself to go through this public ceremony, the Lord affirmed His choice as “Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell face down.” (Lev. 9:24)
How blessed are those servants of the Lord who are willing to submit their calling before the people they serve and not elevate their calling as beyond and above the comprehension of the people.
靈修默想小篇
祭司—是群體職份
「要把這些給你的哥哥亞倫和他的兒子穿戴，又要膏他們，將他們分別為聖，好給我供祭司的職分。 」 （出28:41）
每個百姓都知道神已揀選了亞倫和他的兒子在會幕中作祭司的職份。其實摩西在會幕建成之後，叫他們穿上祭司的服裝，便可進行祭司的職務了。但神卻鄭重吩咐摩西在全會眾面前，用七天的儀式，把他們分別成聖、按立他們作祭司(參利8) 。
一方面，這儀式包括了極重要的贖罪祭、火祭、膏油、洗淨、灑血、平安祭和搖祭等具屬靈和實質意義的步驟，是亞倫和他兒子成聖和擔任祭司職份所不可缺的。
另一方面，這在百姓面前進行的禮儀卻清楚表明，他們以祭司身份供奉神，不單單是他們與神之間個人的事。他們既然是代表百姓獻上各樣的祭物給耶和華，百姓的認同是必需的。所以，整個儀式是在會眾面前進行的(利8:3) 。
我間中接觸到一些準宣教士或準傳道，是沒有他們的會眾支持下踏上事奉的路的。甚至有些以為不需要會眾的認同，因為是神呼召他們，所以他們聲稱：「我單向神負責！」
但當亞倫謙卑自己，在會眾面前被分別為聖，神就加上祂的印證：「有火從耶和華面前出來，在壇上燒盡燔祭和脂油；眾民一見，就都歡呼，俯伏在地。」(利9:24)
神的僕人願意謙卑自己，接受所服侍的群羊對神呼召他的認同，遠比高抬自己，以為不用人的認同為有福的。
Day 3
第3日
Scriptural Reflection
Exodus 29:1-9a (Consecration of Priests)
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
The entire consecration and ordination ceremony is to be performed in public and includes
(a) The sacrifice of a young bull as a “sin offering”
(b) The sacrifice of ram(A) as a “burnt offering”,
(c) The sacrifice of ram (B) as a “peace offering”, with
(d) A “wave offering” of the loaves and the breast of ram (B)
We shall reflect on the commandment of this consecration ceremony, beginning with its introduction:
(1) The first emphasis of this ceremony is put on the fact that, whatever the nature of the offering, the animals (in this case, the bull and the rams) are to be without defect. Why is that? What is its implication to us today, as we seek to serve the Lord?
(2) The second emphasis is on the loaves. What is the command and again, what is its implication to us as we offer our service to the Lord today?
(3) Even before their consecration and service, Aaron and his sons are to be washed. What does this symbolize? (See Ps. 24:3-4 & Isa. 1:16)
(4) As Aaron puts on his spectacular garments, which give him a sense of “dignity and honor” (Exod. 28:2), he is then anointed with oil. Read Isaiah 61:1 to see the meaning of being anointed with oil. What then is the significance conveyed when it comes to serving the Lord?
(5) As much as the entire people of Israel is already a “kingdom of priests”, why does God still ordain Aaron and his sons to their priesthood and such an ordination is a “lasting ordinance” (29:9)?
(6) What might be the continuing spiritual principle from which we should learn as the church of Jesus Christ is also a “royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9)?
(7) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
經文默想
出埃及記29:1-9a(分別祭司為聖)
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
整個祭司的成聖(consecration) 及按立(ordination) 禮包括：
a. 獻公牛的贖罪祭
b. 獻第一只公綿羊的火祭
c. 獻第二只公綿羊的馨香火祭 及
d. 搖祭(第二只公綿羊的胸及無酵餅)
今天讓我們思想這分別為聖禮的引言：
(1) 這聖禮的第一個吩咐乃在乎所用作獻祭的牛羊，都要是「無殘疾」的。為什麼？這對今天我們事奉主的基礎有什麼重要的信息？
(2) 至於所獻上的餅，不但是要無酵的，所用的料「都要用細麥麵/fine flour」作成。這裡的信息又是什麼？
(3) 在禮儀開始之前，亞倫和他的兒子要用水洗身；這是像徵什麼？(參詩24:3-4; 賽1:16)
(4) 當亞倫穿上聖衣「為榮耀、為華美」(出28:2 —英譯為尊嚴與尊貴/NIV) ，再被油膏頭上。油的膏抹是代表什麼？(參賽61:1) 這對今天我們的事奉有什麼重要的信息？
(5) 你有否想過：既然神已揀選整個以色列民族為「祭司的國度」(19:6) ，為何仍要選立亞倫和他的兒子尊作祭司為永遠的定例(29:9) ？
(6) 以上問題的答案，可以怎樣應用於我們今天新約—祭司國度—的教會呢？(彼前2:9)
(7) 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?
Meditative Reflection
WhoCan Serve the Lord?
“This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without defect.” (Exod. 29:1)
As Moses begins the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons to the priesthood in the tabernacle, God has instructed Moses to begin with the steps that carry a very important message, not only to Aaron and his sons, but to all of us who have been called to serve the Lord:
(1) Without sin: First Moses is to take a young bull and two rams, and all of them have to be without defect. This is a clear message that God is so holy that his servants cannot approach him to present sacrifices that are marred by sin. We know that, even as born-again believers, we are not without sins. But as we serve, we have to constantly examine ourselves so that we may confess our sins and be forgiven, lest our service and offerings are still marred by sins.
(2) The finest: Together with the animals without defect, Moses is to bring loaves without yeast that are made from the finest wheat flour. Apart from the reiteration of the importance of purity from sin (signified by the lack of yeast), the emphasis is on bringing the finest wheat flour, that is only the best is worthy of the Lord. This echoes the words of that familiar song that we should “Give of your best to the Master”.
(3) Clean hands and pure heart: Before putting on the garments of the priesthood, Aaron and his sons are to be washed with water. This points to the rite of purification and it echoes what the Psalmist says when it comes to serving the Lord: “Who can ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His Holy Place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart…” (Ps. 24:3-4)
(4) Anointed: Upon putting on the garment of the priesthood, Aaron is to be anointed with oil. Both David and Saul were anointed with oil and the Spirit came upon them (1 Sam. 16:13 & 10:1ff). The Lord Jesus quotes from Isaiah 61:1 that “the Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me.” (Lk. 4:18) And so, the Lord’s servants need the anointing of the Holy Spirit without whom all services and ministries will be of the flesh.
May the Lord help us to take these pre-requisites of serving Him seriously: spending time for self-examination and confession often; bringing only what is our best to offer Him; seeking to serve only with pure motives; and serving not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit (Zech. 4:6).
靈修默想小篇
誰能服侍神?
「你使亞倫和他兒子成聖，給我供祭司的職分，要如此行：取一隻公牛犢，兩隻無殘疾的公綿羊。」(出29:1)
在把亞倫和他兒子在會幕前分別為聖，使他們能擔任祭司之職的開始，神吩咐摩西所作的每一步驟，都給予事奉祂的人極重要的信息：
(1) 要沒有罪：所取的祭牲是要無殘疾的。這清楚的指出，我們所事奉的神是如此聖潔的，沒有帶著罪的才可以近前來事奉祂。就是今天，我們雖已重生得救，但來到主跟前事奉時，還要不斷的認罪、悔改(約壹1:8-9) 才可以事奉祂。
(2) 最好的獻上：除了獻無殘疾的祭牲，摩西要取由細麥麵作成的無酵餅作祭物。這裡繼續以無酵指出無罪的要求，但也藉「細麵」表明所獻的須為上好之物的要求。這正是「將最好的獻與主」這詩歌所道出的勸勉。
(3) 手潔、心清：在穿上聖衣之前，亞倫和他兒子須用水洗身。這固然是潔淨禮，也正是詩人對到前事奉的人之提醒：「誰能登耶和華的山？誰能站在他的聖所？就是手潔心清、不向虛妄、起誓不懷詭詐的人」(詩24:3-4)
(4) 被油膏抹：在穿上聖衣之後，亞倫就被油膏頭。當大衛和掃羅被油所膏抹後，有聖靈降臨在他們身上(撒上16:13; 10:1ff) 。主耶穌在引用以賽亞書61:1時說：「主的靈在我身上，因為祂用膏膏我」(路4:18) 。所以事奉神的僕人，需要聖靈的膏抹，否則所作的，就單是出於肉體了。
願神幫助我們重視這些事奉的先決條件：多多在神面前，反省認罪；把最好的時間和精神獻上；手潔、心清的事奉；不是倚靠勢力、不是倚靠才能，乃是要倚靠神的靈(亞4:6) 。
Day 4
第4日
Scriptural Reflection
Exodus 29:9b-18 (Ordination-Sin Offering + Burnt Offering)
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
Now Aarons and his sons are to be presented to the front of the tabernacle to begin their priesthood within, the first sacrifice Moses is to make appears to be aimed at the altar (29:10-14):
(1) Whether it is this bull or the other two rams, the sacrifice will begin with Aaron and his sons laying their hands on its head. What is its meaning and its significance? (See Lev. 16:21)
(2) The sanctification of the altar is done through putting blood on its horns (the most upper part) and its base (the lowest part). By so doing, Moses will “purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it” (29:36). What is the significance that even the altar has to be purified by a sin offering, not just the priests?
(3) As a sin offering for both the altar and the priests, the fats are to be burnt on the altar, while the flesh, the hides and the intestines (a) are to be burnt outside the camp and (b) not to be eaten at all. The same practice is also mentioned on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:27). Read the interpretation by the author of Hebrews in Hebrews 13:11-14 in this respect.
The burnt offering (29:15-18)
(4) This first ram following the bull, is to have the priests’ hands laid upon it, slaughtered, blood splashed on all sides of the altar, cut up, washed and totally burnt on the altar.
As to its meaning, allow me to simply quote from Keil & Delitzsch for your reflection:
“The sin-offering, through which the priests and the altar had been expiated, and every disturbance of the fellowship existing between the holy God and His servants at that altar, in consequence of the sin of those who were to be consecrated (in this case, the priests themselves) had been taken away, was followed by a burnt-offering…, and served to set forth the priests, who had appointed it as their substitute through the laying on of hands, as a living, holy, and well-pleasing sacrifice to the Lord, and to sanctify them to the Lord with all the faculties of both body and soul.” (K&D, Leviticus, 547)
(5) With the sin offering already presented, this burnt offering can now be a “pleasing aroma, a food offering” presented to the Lord (v. 18). What might be the spiritual message here?
(6) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
經文默想
出埃及記29:9b-18 (按立禮的贖罪祭和火祭)
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
現在，亞倫及他的兒子被引到會幕前，行按立禮。摩西首先要作的是獻上第一個贖罪祭，使祭壇成聖。
29:10-14
(1) 不論所獻的是牛、是羊，亞倫和他兒子都要先按手在這些祭牲頭上，其用意何在？(見利16:21)
(2) 血是抹在壇的四角(即最高點) ，和倒在壇的腳(即最低點) ，使壇完全成聖(29:36) 。為何叫祭司分別為聖尚不夠，還要用獻贖罪祭來使「祭壇」也得成聖？
(3) 作為贖罪的祭牲，牛的脂油和內臟都燒在壇上，但牛的皮和肉卻要(a)燒在營外和(b) 不得吃用呢？這也是每年的「贖罪日」的定規(利16:27) 。請翻到希伯來書13:11-14，看看該處的解釋。
火祭(29:15-18)
(4) 這是繼公牛所獻的第一隻公綿羊：同樣先被祭司按手頭上、宰殺、血灑壇的周圍、切成塊子、洗淨、並全燒在壇上。請藉以下Keil & Delitzsch的分析思想個中(反映羅12:1-2) 的屬靈意義：
「這(公牛的)贖罪祭已為祭司和壇贖罪，並除去僕人和神在這祭壇前一切(因事奉的人之罪所帶來)相交的阻隔，現在繼而要獻上的是火祭—是要按立祭司的職份—以這火祭，藉他們的按手，以這祭牲為他們的代表，成為一個活祭、是聖潔的、是神所喜悅的祭獻給神，使他們全然—身體、靈魂的每一部份—成聖獻給神。」(D & K, 547)
(5) 這二祭的先後次序：先是贖罪祭、後是火祭，才能叫後者成為「馨香」的祭(29:18) 。何解？
(6) 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?
Meditative Reflection
All on the Altar
“Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord, a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord.” (Exod 29:18)
In the ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, after the bull is sacrificed as a sin offering, it is followed by the offering of the first ram as a burnt offing which is a “pleasing aroma” presented to the Lord (29:18). And for this to be a pleasing aroma to the Lord, the “entire” ram is to be burnt on the altar. The spiritual meaning is quite clear: if we are to please the Lord with our lives, we are, like the Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:1, to offer our bodies (the entire person) as a living sacrifice.
I invite you to reflect on this thought with the lyrics of the following hymn:
All on the Altar:
Verse
1:
You have longed for sweet peace,
and for faith to increase,
and have earnestly, fervently prayed;
but you cannot have rest,
or be perfectly blest,
until all on the altar is laid.
Chorus:
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice
laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
and have peace and sweet rest,
as you yield Him your body and soul.
Verse
2:
Would you walk with the Lord,
in the light of His Word,
and have peace and contentment always?
You must do His sweet will,
to be free from all ill,
on the altar your all you must lay.
Chorus
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice
laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
and have peace and sweet rest,
as you yield Him your body and soul.
Verse
3:
O we never can know
what the Lord will bestow,
of the blessings for which we have prayed,
'till our body and soul,
He doth fully control,
and our all on the altar is laid.
Chorus
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice
laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
and have peace and sweet rest,
as you yield Him your body and soul.
Verse
4:
Who can tell all the love
He will send from above,
and how happy our hearts will be made,
of the fellowship sweet
we shall share at His feet,
when our all on the altar is laid.
Chorus
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
and have peace and sweet rest,
as you yield Him your body and soul.
(Elisha A.
Hoffman, 1839-1929)
靈修默想小篇
是否將一切獻上?
「要把全羊燒在壇上，是給耶和華獻的燔祭，是獻給耶和華為馨香的火祭。」(出29:18)
在亞倫和他兒子被分別為聖的儀式中，在用公牛獻上贖罪祭後，那第一隻公綿羊是要被獻上作火祭。但是要把全羊燒在壇上，才能作馨香的火祭。這裡的屬靈意義是非常清楚的：我們若要獻討神喜悅的祭，需要把整個人完全的，像活祭一樣獻上(羅12:1-2) 。讓我們今天著以下的一首詩詞來默想我們「是否將一切獻上?」：
1. 你渴望有平安， 期望信心增長， 曾恆心的祈求與仰望， 但不能有安息， 亦無美滿福祉， 除非你將一切獻壇上。
副歌
你所有是否獻在壇上作活祭？ 你心是否聖靈管理？ 你若將身心靈 獻在神的手裡， 必蒙祂賜平安與福祉。
2. 你若願與主行， 在主道之光中， 時常得著滿足與平安， 就要遵主美旨， 遠離一切惡事， 你更要將一切獻壇上。
3. 我們曾向主求， 盼望主賜福佑， 但難測主賜恩何深厚， 直到將身心靈， 讓主親自管理， 全獻在祭壇上無保留。
4. 主慈愛無限量， 有誰能盡傳揚， 主的愛能使你心歡暢， 與主甜蜜交往， 主前福樂分享， 你只要將一切獻壇上。
Elisha A. Hoffman, 1839-1929
Day 5
第5日
Scriptural Reflection
Exodus 29:19-37 (Ordination Peace Offering)
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
After the consecration of the altar and the priests by the sin-offering of the bull, and the burnt offering of the first ram as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, the 2nd ram is to be offered based on a ritual known as peace or fellowship offering in Leviticus 3.
(1) As this follows the first two offerings (sin and burnt offerings), how might we understand the meaning of its name (i.e. peace or fellowship offering) in Lev. 3:1?
(2) Again, the ritual is similar to the first two sacrifices with the laying of hands on the sacrificial animal’s head and it being slaughtered. Now how is the treatment of blood different from the first two animals? What is its significance?
(3) How are the priests and their garments consecrated? (v. 21) and what do you understand by “consecration”, especially in light of this ritual?
(4) As the ram for ordination, the ritual that follows differ from the usual ritual of the peace offering: Moses is to take the ram’s fat and the right thigh, together with one each of the three kinds of unleavened pastry and put them in the hands of Aaron and his sons to perform a “wave offering”, after which all these will be burnt, again, as a pleasing aroma, food offering to the Lord. The thigh which normally goes back to the priest is now burnt after the wave offering (because in this ceremony, Moses acts as the high priest). Moses, however, gets the breast of the ram after he waves it before the Lord. While no specific explanation is offered for a “wave offering”, what can you infer from the up and down movements of the hands of the priests and the fact that part of it (in the normal fellowship offering) goes back to the priests?
(5) Vv. 27-30 should be bracketed, for they set out the treatment of the ram’s breast and thigh for future fellowship offerings, and the implication of this ordination on the priesthood:
a. What is the significance of the clarification that, in the future, the breast and the thigh will be the “perpetual share from the Israelites for Aaron and his sons”?
b. What is the significance now being attached to consecration of the garments?
(6) Vv. 31-34 return to the Ordination ceremony which has yet to be completed:
a. How does this sacred ceremony come to its end of completion according to vv. 32-33?
b. How special is this conclusion? What does this act (and its picture) convey?
c. However, at this joyous and “filling” conclusion, there are still some very strict rules attached to it. They include
i. Cooking in a sacred place
ii. The un-ordained cannot eat of it, and
iii. Any leftover is to be burnt up.
How do these instructions or prohibitions add to sacredness of the priesthood?
(7) What might be the spiritual and practical significance of having to repeat this ceremony (if not the entire thing, at least the bulk of it) for seven days?
(8) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
經文默想
出埃及記29:19-37 (按立禮的平安祭)
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
獻過為祭壇和祭司贖罪的公牛，和馨香火祭的第一隻公綿羊後，摩西現在要獻上第二隻公綿羊作(利未記第三章所稱為的) 平安祭：
(1) 這祭既是繼贖罪祭和火祭而獻上，它之被稱為「平安祭/peace or fellowship offering」有什麼特殊的意義？
(2) 除按手在祭牲頭上等步驟是相同外，這祭牲的血的處理卻與前兩祭不同。不同之處何在？其意義又是什麼？
(3) 按第21節的吩咐，祭司的衣服是怎樣被分別為聖的？從這儀式中，你可以對「成聖」有什麼了解？
(4) 這平安祭對祭牲的處理與一般的平安祭不同：摩西是要把公綿羊的脂油、右腿，並三種的無酵餅每樣一件，放在亞倫和他兒子手中，作為搖祭；然後把它們全燒在壇上，作為馨香祭獻給神。一般的平安祭是把右腿留給祭司的，現在卻是要燒掉。但獻祭的摩西(在這儀式中，他是佔了大祭司的身份) 則得羊胸為分。聖經沒有清楚交代「搖祭」的意義，但從一般的「搖祭」的手拿供物上下搖動的舉動，然後供物仍歸祭司吃用的安排，你對這「平安祭/Peace or Fellowship offering」有什麼領會？
(5) 29:27-30該是被括號分開，因為是對日後平安祭怎樣處理羊的胸與腿的吩咐，及這聖衣日後傳予後人的意義：
a. 這裡澄清將來搖祭的公羊胸和舉祭的腿「要作亞倫和他子孫從以色列人中永遠所得的分」的意義是什麼？
b. 亞倫的後人穿著這聖衣的意義是什麼？
(6) 29:31-34: 繼續這按立禮的最後一段吩咐：
a. 按29:32-33的吩咐，這儀式是以什麼作結束的？
b. 這結束的方式有何意義？
c. 為何這歡樂的結束尚有如此嚴謹的條例：
i. 要在聖處煮肉？
ii. 外人不能分吃？
iii. 燒掉餘剩的？
(7) 這儀式為何要重複的舉行七天？
(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?
Meditative Reflection
A LifeConsistent with Our Calling
“Slaughter it, take some of its blood and put it on the lobes of the right ears of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet.” (Exod. 29:20)
As part of the peace (or fellowship) offering to consecrate and ordain Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, the treatment of the blood of the 2nd ram is quite different from the sin offering and the burnt offering. Moses is to take some of the blood of the 2nd ram and put it on the lobes of their right ears, the thumbs of their right hands and the big toes of their right feet. The symbolism of this ritual is quite telling.
Although Aaron and his sons, by now, have been consecrated with their sins “transferred” to the animals so sacrificed, and their sins atoned for by the blood of the 1st ram as well. However, as they serve as priests, they still remain human. Therefore,
- Their ears will continue to pick up rumors, luring sounds and secular advice. Their ears need continuous consecration so that they may only listen to the words of the Lord;
- Their hands will continue do things that are displeasing and unclean to the Lord and need continuous consecration so that they may be fit to handle sacred things and perform sacred rituals without offending the Lord; and
- Their feet will continue to choose paths not according to the will of God and need continuous consecration so that they may walk the right path and lead the people on to God’s path.
In other words, once chosen by God, it is important that His servants do not serve by virtue of their ordination, but live a life that is worthy of his calling and ordination, especially in areas that might be hidden to the public.
靈修默想小篇
與蒙召的恩相稱
「你要宰這羊，取點血抹在亞倫的右耳垂上和他兒子的右耳垂上，又抹在他們右手的大拇指上和右腳的大拇指上；並要把血灑在壇的四圍。」 (出29:20)
在按立亞倫和他的兒子的典禮上，那作平安祭的公綿羊的血，是要被抹在亞倫的右耳垂上和他兒子的右耳垂上，又抹在他們右手的大拇指上和右腳的大拇指上。這是極具屬靈的意思的。
雖然經過了贖罪祭，又再因按手在祭牲的頭上，他們的罪已得贖了，可以就近神前來事奉祂；但他們仍會像普通人一樣，在生活中：
- 誤聽謠言、會聽到誘惑的聲音和不合神心意的說話；所以他們的耳朵要不斷的被潔淨，以能單聽神的話語；
- 他們的手會繼續沾到不潔、不討神喜悅的事物；所以他們的手要不斷的被潔淨，以至配拿聖物，能獻上討神喜悅的祭；
- 他們的腳會走歪路、誤踏罪人的道路；所以要得到不斷的潔淨，以至自己能走正路，也能引導百姓去走當行的路。
故此，就是我們是蒙神揀選的，也不能單靠被揀選的職份來事奉祂，更要過一個與所蒙的呼召相稱、聖潔的生活，才可以討神的喜悅。
Day 6
第6日
Scriptural Reflection
Exodus 29:38-46 (Regular Offering)
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
These regular offerings are mentioned at this point to Moses, perhaps these are sacrifices which shall commence immediately after the completion of the ordination of the priests:
(1) Why does God institute a twice daily ritual of sacrifices?
(2) What does this twice-a-day ritual consist of? What significance does each part play in making a pleasing aroma to the Lord?
(3) How does this twice-a-day stipulation speak to God’s desire for you today?
(4) God’s desire in setting up the tabernacle is being made plain in vv. 42 - 46.
a. What is His desire?
b. How significant is the change from singular to plural of “you” in v. 42 (according to MT)?
(5) What (and who) are those being mentioned as being consecrated (i.e. being set apart) by the Lord?
(6) How are they being consecrated?
(7) What is God’s desire for you and for His church today?
(8) God’s desire is that this will be perpetuated for “generations” to come for the Israelites? Did God fail or succeed?
(9) How is His desire being met in us through Jesus Christ?
(10) How then should you treat your relationship with God, especially through your own quiet time and your corporate worship on Sunday?
(11) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
經文默想
出埃及記29:38-46 (每日當獻之祭)
請慢慢細讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
這些常獻的祭在這時候吩咐摩西，可能是因為這些是禮成後，亞倫和他兒子要立即遵守，獻上的：
29:38-41
(1) 神為何要設立每日早、晚的祭？
(2) 這早、晚的祭包括些什麼東西？每樣東西代表什麼，以至合成「馨香的祭」獻給神？
(3) 這早、晚的祭的規定可以顯出神今日同樣向你有什麼心意？
第42-46節再一次把神設立會幕的心意表明：
(4) 這心意包括些什麼？
(5) 到了第42節，以上幾章的「你」，現在改為「你們」，有什麼重要性？
(6) 這小段論到神使誰(及什麼) 成聖？
(7) 祂怎樣叫會幕(其實包括其中一切及祭司) 成聖？
(8) 這小段的話可以怎樣應用在你和教會身上？
(9) 神對以色列人這(會幕所代表的)心意是「世世代代」的：神是否失敗了？為什麼？
(10) 祂的心意怎樣在基督身上得以成全？
(11) 既是這樣，你當如何回應神對你的心意(特別在個人的靈修，和每主日的敬拜上)？
(12) 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?
Meditative Reflection
God Desires to Meet with Us
“There I will meet you and speak to you; there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory.” (Exod. 29:42-43)
To think of God desiring to adopt the Israelites as His own and to meet with them on a regular basis is something incredible.
The Almighty, Creator God who is adored by Cherubim and Seraphim in heaven, the Most Holy God from whose presence even the angels have to hide their faces and feet, has gone in great length to design a tabernacle—not a palace or a grand temple, but a tent that resembles the meager dwelling of His people in the desert—so that He can meet with them as friends, speak to them with words of counsel, and reveal to them who He is in glory. And, His desire is also that through these regular meetings, the Israelites will truly worship Him as their only God and know that He is Yahweh!
He has also gone in great length to design the tabernacle in such a way that the people and their priests will learn to set apart themselves solely to serve Him.
How blessed are the Israelites of all the nations on earth!
But through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s own Son, we are even more blessed as this privilege has been granted to us—not only the privilege of meeting with Him, hearing His words of counsel and the revelation of His glory through His presence, but the privilege of being loved as He desires to meet with us just the same on a daily basis. The Almighty, Creator, Most Holy God desires to see us as His friends, as His children, and yes, even as His Beloved!
Why then should we desire anyone (or anything) on earth but Him? (Ps. 73:25)
靈修默想小篇
神渴望與我們會面
「這要在耶和華面前、會幕門口，作你們世世代代常獻的燔祭。我要在那裡與你們相會，和你們說話。我要在那裡與以色列人相會，會幕就要因我的榮耀成為聖。」(出29:42-43)
想到神竟然渴望把以色列領養為屬於自己的，更要與他們時常會面，這是希奇。
全能的神、創造的主宰、被天使在天上所敬拜的、至聖的神—連天使也要掩面、掩腳敬拜的耶和華—竟然用心思去設計一個帳幕—不是一所宮殿—是一個與百姓卑賤的居所相同的帳棚—以至要能與他們像朋友般的會面，用恩言教導他們，讓他們真的認識祂。祂更願藉著與他們經常的會面，叫百姓專一的以祂為神、認識獨一的耶和華神。
在會幕的詳盡的設計中，神更希望他們與祭司能把自己分別為聖，單單的屬於祂、事奉祂。
以色列人阿，你在地上的萬邦中，是何等的有福！
但是今天，藉著神的兒子耶穌基督十架上的救恩，我們豈不 是加倍的有福嗎？我們信主的人，豈不都有這個權柄，可以天天的、隨時的與祂會面，聽祂的訓言，仰視祂同在的榮美，亨受祂愛的甘甜嗎？全能的神、創造的主、 至聖的神竟然渴望天天的、常常的與我們會面，不但像朋友，更是以我們為祂的兒女、祂的新婦！
無怪詩人這樣說：「除祢以外，在天上我有誰呢？除祢以外，在地上我也沒有所愛慕的。」(詩73:25)
Day 7
第7日
Scriptural Reflection
Exodus 30:1-10 (The Altar of Incense)
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions that follow each day.
(1) It is interesting that the instructions concerning the building of tabernacle and its contents resume after the commands to consecrate and ordain Aaron and his sons with this last object, the altar of incense which is described as “most holy to the Lord” in v. 10. How does the design of this altar speak to its “most holy” status?
(2) Where is it situated? Why does Hebrews 9:4 even considers it as being part of the furnishing within the Holy of Holies?
(3) What does the burning of incense symbolize according to Psalm 141:2; Rev. 5:8; 8:3, 4?
(4) Why then is such a symbol so precious to the Lord that
a. It is to be burnt regularly every morning and every evening?
b. Only the prescribed incense is to be burnt?
c. No other sacrifice is permitted to be burnt on this altar, and
d. It is considered the “most holy” to Him?
(5) How then
a. Should we look upon our own prayers, and
b. Our corporate prayer as a people of God?
(6) What ties the atonement of this altar to the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16, using the same blood to make atonement on its horns?
(7) What is the main message for you today and how may you apply it in your life?
經文默想
出埃及記30:1-10 (香壇)
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) 這製造香壇的吩咐是放在會幕和其中主要的聖物的吩咐，和祭司的成聖、按立的吩咐之後，並稱這壇「在耶和華面前為至聖」(30:10) 。這香壇的製造怎樣表明它的「至聖」？
(2) 這香壇要被安放在什麼地方？
(3) 為何希伯來書卻把它列在至聖所中？(來9:4)
(4) 這香壇的香代表什麼？(參詩141:2；啟5:8; 8:3-4)
(5) 為何所像徵的對主如此寶貴，以至：
a. 每日早、晚必獻？
b. 不可奉上異樣的香？
c. 沒有其他祭可獻在其上？
d. 祂看這為「至聖」？
(6) 既是這樣，今天你當怎樣看
a. 你的禱告生活？
b. 教會的禱告聚會？
(7) 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?
Meditative Reflection
Prayers and Prayers Only
“Do not offer on this altar any other incense or any burnt offering or grain offering, and do not pour a drink offering on it.” (Exod. 30:9)
We know that the offering of incense on the altar of incense represents the offering of prayers:
“May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” (Ps. 141:2)
“And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” (Rev. 5:8)
“Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” (Rev. 8:3-4)
These days, we may not look upon our prayers as an offering, but God does, to the point that He says, “It is the most holy to the Lord.” (Exod. 30:10) In fact, it is so holy that the altar of incense cannot be mixed with or contaminated by any other burnt offering, or grain offering or even a drink offering. (Exod. 30:9)
I think the message is very clear. God does not really need our offering of money, our sacrifice of service or any outward appearance of devotion. All He wants is for us to draw close to Him—to the very heart of His presence (that is why the altar of incense is to be put in front of the curtain, closest to where the ark of covenant is— “where I will meet with you” (Exod. 30:6).
The author of Hebrews knows the heart of God and thus includes the altar of incense as within the Holy of Holies (Heb. 9:4).
No wonder when one of the great servants of the Lord of a former generation was asked if he could start over his Christian life again, what would he spend more time on—prayers or reading of the Bible? To the surprise of the interviewer, he replied, “Prayers”. He did understand the heart of the Lord!
靈修默想小篇
惟獨獻上禱告
「在這壇上不可奉上異樣的香，不可獻燔祭、素祭，也不可澆上奠祭。」
(出30:9)
我們都知道，會幕裡的香壇上所獻上的是禱告的代表。以下的經文可以為證：
「願我的禱告如香陳列在你面前！願我舉手祈求，如獻晚祭！」(詩141:2)
「祂(指羔羊)既拿了書卷，四活物和二十四位長老就俯伏在羔羊面前，各拿著琴和盛滿了香的金爐；這香就是眾聖徒的祈禱。」(啟5:8)
「另有一位天使，拿著金香爐來，站在祭壇旁邊。有許多香賜給他，要和眾聖徒的祈禱一同獻在寶座前的金壇上。那香的煙和眾聖徒的祈禱從天使的手中一同升到神面前。」(啟8: 3-4)
今天，我們或許沒有看我們的禱告是一個祭，但神是看為祭的，甚至說：「這(香)壇在耶和華面前為至聖」(出30:10) 。
這壇至聖到一個地步，不但異樣的香不能在其上獻上，就是燔祭、素祭、和澆奠的祭也不能在其上獻上。
這真是不可思議：原來神不需要我們獻上什麼、犧牲什麼—金錢、財物、才幹、時間或精力。祂所要的，是我們就近祂、到祂面前、靠近祂的心懷—這是香壇要放在施恩座、幔子之前，「我要與你相會的地方」的原因。(30:6)
希伯來書的作者就深知神的心意，所以他把香壇列入至聖所的範圍之內。(來9:4)
這叫我想起多年前，讀到一位上一代被神重用的僕人，在年老的時候所說的話：「如果我有機會重新再作基督徒，我會多用時間去禱告！」他確是領會神心意的人。