1. society
2. unrest and war

THEOCRATIC
MINISTRY SCHOOL
SCHEDULE FOR 2015
1
THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR 2015
one allotment? We are a numerous people, for
Jehovah has blessed us until now.” 15 Joshua
replied to them: “If you are such a numerous
people, go up to the forest and clear out a place for
yourself there in the land of the Per′iz·zites and the
Reph′a·im, since the mountainous region of
E′phra·im is too cramped for you.” 16 Then the
descendants of Joseph said: “The mountainous
region is not enough for us, and all the Ca′naan·ites
who are dwelling in the land of the valley have war
chariots with iron scythes, both those in Beth-she′an
and its dependent towns and those in the Valley of
Jez′re·el.” 17 So Joshua said this to the house of
Joseph, to E′phra·im and Ma·nas′seh: “You are a
numerous people, and you have great power. You
will not receive only one lot, 18 but the
mountainous region will also be yours. Although it
is a forest, you will clear it, and it will be the
extremity of your territory. For you will drive away
the Ca′naan·ites, even though they are strong and
have war chariots with iron scythes.”
Jan. 5 Bible reading: Joshua 16-20
No.1: Joshua 17:11-18
No.2: Who Is God? (nwt p. 6 ¶1-3)
No.3: King Ahab—Theme: There Can Be No
Peace for the Wicked (it-1 pp. 59-60)
Bible Highlights: Joshua 16-20
Talk No. 2: Who Is God? (nwt p. 6 ¶1-3)
QUESTION 1
Who is God?
*** nwt p. 6 Question 1: Who is God? ***
1. “May people know that you, whose name is
Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all
the earth.” Psalm 83:18 [Page 819]
Talk No. 1: Joshua 17:11-18
(Psalm 83:18) 18 May people know that you, whose
name is Jehovah, You alone are the Most High over
all the earth.
__________________________________________
(Joshua 17:11-18) In the territories of Is′sa·char
and Ash′er, Ma·nas′seh was given Beth-she′an and
its dependent towns, Ib′le·am and its dependent
towns, the inhabitants of Dor and its dependent
towns, the inhabitants of En-dor and its dependent
towns, the inhabitants of Ta′a·nach and its
dependent towns, and the inhabitants of Me·gid′do
and its dependent towns, three of the heights. 12 But
the descendants of Ma·nas′seh were not able to take
possession of these cities; the Ca′naan·ites persisted
in dwelling in this land. 13 When the Israelites grew
strong, they subjected the Ca′naan·ites to forced
labor, but they did not drive them out entirely.
14 The descendants of Joseph said to Joshua: “Why
have you given us as an inheritance only one lot and
2. “Know that Jehovah is God. He is the one
who made us, and we belong to him.” Psalm
100:3 [Page 831]
(Psalm 100:3) 3 Know that Jehovah is God. He is
the one who made us, and we belong to him. We are
his people and the sheep of his pasture.
_______________________________________
2
3. “I am Jehovah. That is my name; I give my
glory to no one else, nor my praise to graven
images.”
Talk No. 3: King Ahab—Theme: There Can Be
No Peace for the Wicked (it-1 pp. 59-60)
Isaiah 42:8 [Page 993]
(Isaiah 42:8) 8 I am Jehovah. That is my name; I
give my glory to no one else, Nor my praise to
graven images.
*** it-1 pp. 59-60 Ahab ***
AHAB
(A′hab) [Father’s Brother].
1. Son of Omri and a king of the northern
kingdom of Israel. He ruled in Samaria 22 years,
from about 940 B.C.E.—1Ki 16:28, 29.
Condones False Worship. Ahab’s record was
one of the worst as regards the vital area of true
worship. Not only did the corrupted worship of
Jehovah by means of Jeroboam’s golden calves
continue but Ahab also allowed Baal worship to
infect Israel on an unprecedented scale due to his
early marriage to Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal,
king of Sidon. Josephus, quoting ancient historian
Menander, refers to Ethbaal as Ithobal, and the
account (Against Apion, I, 123 [18]) relates that he
was the priest of Astarte before ascending the
throne by murdering the king.
Ahab allowed his pagan wife Jezebel to lead him
into Baal worship, to build a temple for Baal, and to
erect a sacred pole in honor of Ashtoreth (Astarte).
(1Ki 16:30-33) Before long there were 450 prophets
of Baal and 400 prophets of the sacred pole, all
being fed from Jezebel’s royal table. (1Ki 18:19)
True prophets of Jehovah were slain by the sword,
and only the action of Ahab’s house manager
Obadiah, a man of faith, preserved the lives of 100
of them by hiding them in caves, where they
subsisted on bread and water.—1Ki 18:3, 4, 13;
19:10.
As a result of his turning to Baal worship, Ahab
was informed by Elijah of the coming of a severe
drought that, according to Luke 4:25 and James
5:17, covered a period of three years and six
months. (1Ki 17:1; 18:1) The rains would return
only at Elijah’s word, and though Ahab searched for
him in all the surrounding nations and kingdoms,
Elijah stayed out of his reach until the due time.
(1Ki 17:8, 9; 18:2, 10) Ahab now endeavored to
place the blame on Elijah for the drought and
famine, an accusation that Elijah refuted, showing
the real cause to be the Baal worship patronized by
Ahab. A test held on top of Mount Carmel proved
Baal to be a nonentity and manifested Jehovah as
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the true God; the prophets of Baal were slain at
Elijah’s command, and shortly thereafter a
drenching downpour brought an end to the drought.
(1Ki 18:17-46) Ahab headed back to Jezreel and to
his wife, whom he informed of Elijah’s actions
against Baalism. Jezebel reacted with a violent
threat to Elijah, resulting in his flight to Mount
Horeb.—1Ki 19:1-8.
streets in Damascus would be assigned to Ahab,
evidently for the establishment of bazaars, or
markets, to promote Ahab’s commercial interests in
that Syrian capital. (1Ki 20:31-34) Similar to Saul,
Ahab was condemned by Jehovah for this, with
future calamity foretold for him and his people.—
1Ki 20:35-43.
Murder of Naboth, and Consequences. During
a three-year interval of peace, Ahab turned his
attention to the acquisition of the vineyard of
Naboth of Jezreel, a piece of land much desired by
Ahab because it bordered his residential palace
grounds there. When Naboth refused the request on
the basis of God’s law regarding the inviolability of
hereditary possessions, Ahab petulantly withdrew to
his house, where he lay on his couch with his face
to the wall, refusing to eat. Learning the cause of his
dejection, pagan Jezebel arranged the murder of
Naboth under guise of a trial for blasphemy, using
letters written in Ahab’s name. When Ahab went to
take possession of the coveted plot of ground, he
was met by Elijah, who scathingly denounced him
as a murderer and as one who sold himself to do
wickedness at the constant prodding of his pagan
wife. As the dogs had licked up Naboth’s blood so
dogs would lick up Ahab’s blood, and Jezebel
herself and Ahab’s descendants would become food
for dogs and scavenger birds. These words hit
home, and in deep grief Ahab fasted in sackcloth,
alternately sitting and pacing the floor in
despondence. On this basis a measure of mercy was
extended to him as regards the time when the
calamity would come on his house.—1Ki 21:1-29.
Capital Construction; Victories Over Syria. It
is believed that Ahab’s construction works included
the completing of Samaria’s fortifications, shown
by archaeology to have consisted of three
immensely strong walls of superior workmanship.
Excavations have revealed a rectangular palace
platform measuring about 90 m (295 ft) by 180 m
(590 ft), with an enclosing wall of fine ashlar
masonry. Numerous ivory panels for decorating
furniture and wall panels were found, perhaps
connected with Ahab’s “house of ivory” mentioned
at 1 Kings 22:39.—PICTURE, Vol. 1, p. 948; also
compare Am 3:15; 6:4.
The wealth of the city and the strength of its
position were soon put to the test by a siege set
against Samaria by Syrian Ben-hadad II at the head
of a coalition of 32 kings. At first meekly
acquiescing to the aggressor’s demands, Ahab then
balked at agreeing to allow the virtual plunder of his
palace voluntarily. Peace negotiations fell through,
and by divine direction Ahab employed a battle
stratagem that caught the enemy off guard and led
to their slaughter, though Ben-hadad escaped.—1Ki
20:1-21.
Convinced that Jehovah was a ‘mountain god’
only, Ben-hadad returned the following year with a
military force of equal size, but drew up for battle
on the generally flat tableland near Aphek in the
territory of Manasseh, rather than advancing into
the mountainous region of Samaria. (See APHEK
No. 5.) The Israelite forces advanced to the battle
site but looked like “two tiny flocks of goats”
compared to the massive Syrian encampment.
Reassured by Jehovah’s promise to demonstrate that
his power was not controlled by geography, Ahab’s
forces dealt a crushing defeat to the enemy. (1Ki
20:26-30) However, much like King Saul with
Agag the Amalekite, Ahab let Ben-hadad survive
and concluded a covenant with him by which
captured cities would be returned to Israel and
Ahab’s relations with Judah to the S were
strengthened through a marriage alliance in which
Ahab’s daughter Athaliah was married to King
Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram. (1Ki 22:44; 2Ki
8:18, 26; 2Ch 18:1) During a friendly visit by
Jehoshaphat to Samaria, Ahab induced him to
support him in an effort to retake Ramoth-gilead
from the Syrians, who evidently had not carried out
to the full the terms of the covenant made by Benhadad. While a body of false prophets chorused
their assurances of success, at Jehoshaphat’s
insistence the prophet Micaiah, hated by Ahab, was
called and predicted certain calamity. Ordering
Micaiah’s arrest, Ahab stubbornly went ahead with
the attack, though taking the precaution to disguise
himself, but he was hit by a random arrow so that he
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slowly died. His body was brought to Samaria for
burial and when “they began to wash off the war
chariot by the pool of Samaria . . . the dogs went
licking up his blood.” A large artificial basin has
been excavated in the NW corner of the spacious
palace courtyard in Samaria, and this may be the
location of this fulfillment of prophecy.—1Ki 22:138.
Jan.12 Bible reading: Joshua 21-24
No.1: Joshua 24:14-21
No.2: King Ahaz—Theme: Idolatry Brings
God’s Disfavor (it-1 pp. 61-62)
No.3: Jehovah Is the All-Powerful Creator
(nwt p. 6 ¶4–p. 7 ¶1)
Bible Highlights: Joshua 21-24
Moabite and Assyrian Inscriptions. Mention is
made of the rebuilding of Jericho during Ahab’s
reign, perhaps as part of a program for
strengthening Israel’s control over Moab. (1Ki
16:34; compare 2Ch 28:15.) The Moabite Stone by
King Mesha of Moab speaks of the domination of
Moab by King Omri and his son.
Assyrian inscriptions describing the battle waged
between Shalmaneser III and a coalition of 12 kings
at Karkar include the name A-ha-ab-bu as a member
of the coalition. This is generally accepted by most
scholars as a reference to King Ahab of Israel;
however, for evidence showing that such a claim is
subject to question, see the article on
SHALMANESER No. 1.
2. A false prophet among the exiles in Babylon;
son of Kolaiah. Jeremiah predicted that this
immoral and lying prophet and his associate would
be roasted in the fire by Nebuchadnezzar.—Jer
29:21-23.
Talk No. 1: Joshua 24:14-21
(Joshua 24:14-21) “Therefore, fear Jehovah and
serve him with integrity and faithfulness, and
remove the gods that your forefathers served on the
other side of the River and in Egypt, and serve
Jehovah. 15 Now if it seems bad to you to serve
Jehovah, choose for yourselves today whom you
will serve, whether the gods that your forefathers
served on the other side of the River or the gods of
the Am′or·ites in whose land you are dwelling. But
5
as for me and my household, we will serve
Jehovah.” 16 At this the people answered: “It is
unthinkable for us to abandon Jehovah and to serve
other gods. 17 It is Jehovah our God who brought us
and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of
the house of slavery, and who performed these great
signs before our eyes and who kept guarding us the
entire way in which we walked and among all the
peoples through whom we passed. 18 Jehovah drove
out all the peoples, including the Am′or·ites, who
lived in the land before us. Therefore, we too will
serve Jehovah, because he is our God.” 19 Then
Joshua said to the people: “You are not able to serve
Jehovah, for he is a holy God; he is a God who
requires exclusive devotion. He will not pardon
your transgressions and your sins. 20 If you abandon
Jehovah and serve foreign gods, he will also turn
against you and exterminate you after doing good
for you.” 21 But the people said to Joshua: “No, but
we will serve Jehovah!”
Septuagint at 2 Chronicles 28:1 give “twenty-five
years” as the age of Ahaz when beginning to reign.
Whatever his exact age, Ahaz died relatively
young and left a record of consistent delinquency.
Despite the fact that Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah all
actively prophesied during Ahaz’ time, rank
idolatry marked his reign. He not only allowed it
among his subjects but also personally and regularly
engaged in pagan sacrificing, to the extent of
offering up his own son(s) in fire in the Valley of
Hinnom. (2Ki 16:3, 4; 2Ch 28:3, 4) Because of this
abandonment to false worship, Ahaz’ rule was beset
by a flood of troubles. Syria and the northern
kingdom of Israel combined to attack Judah from
the N, the Edomites seized the opportunity to hit
from the SE, and the Philistines invaded from the
W. The valuable port of Elath on the Gulf of
ʽAqaba was lost. Zichri, a mighty Ephraimite, killed
a son of the king and two of Ahaz’ principal men
during the northern kingdom’s raid that resulted in
the slaughter of 120,000 in Judah and the taking
captive of some 200,000 Judeans. Only the
intervention of the prophet Oded, with the support
of certain leading men of Ephraim, caused these
captives to be released to return to Judah.—2Ch
28:5-15, 17-19; 2Ki 16:5, 6; Isa 7:1.
Talk No. 2 King Ahaz—Theme: Idolatry
Brings God’s Disfavor (it-1 pp. 61-62)
*** it-1 pp. 61-62 Ahaz ***
AHAZ
Ahaz’ ‘quivering heart’ should have been
strengthened by the prophet Isaiah’s message from
God assuring him that Jehovah would not allow the
Syro-Israelite combine to destroy Judah and place a
man not of the Davidic line upon the throne. But,
when invited to request a sign from God, idolatrous
Ahaz replied: “I shall not ask, neither shall I put
Jehovah to the test.” (Isa 7:2-12) Nevertheless, it
was foretold that, as a sign, a maiden would give
birth to a son, Immanuel (With Us Is God), and that
before the boy grew up the Syro-Israelite combine
would have ceased to pose a threat to Judah.—Isa
7:13-17; 8:5-8.
(A′haz) [shortened form of Jehoahaz, meaning
“May Jehovah Take Hold; Jehovah Has Taken
Hold”].
1. The son of King Jotham of Judah. Ahaz began
to reign at the age of 20 and continued for 16
years.—2Ki 16:2; 2Ch 28:1.
Since Ahaz’ son Hezekiah was 25 when he
began to reign, this would mean that Ahaz was less
than 12 years old when fathering him. (2Ki 18:1, 2)
Whereas puberty in males is usually reached
between the ages of 12 and 15 in temperate
climates, it may come earlier in warmer climates.
Marriage customs also vary. Zeitschrift für
Semitistik und verwandte Gebiete (edited by
E. Littmann, Leipzig, 1927, Vol. 5, p. 132) reported
that child marriage is frequent in the Promised Land
even in modern times, one case being cited of two
brothers aged 8 and 12 who were married, the wife
of the older attending school with her husband.
However, one Hebrew manuscript, the Syriac
Peshitta, and some manuscripts of the Greek
With regard to the “sixty-five years” at Isaiah
7:8, which Isaiah prophesied would be the period
within which Ephraim would be “shattered to
pieces,” the Commentary on the Whole Bible (by
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown) states: “One
deportation of Israel happened within one or two
years from this time [the time of Isaiah’s prophecy],
under Tiglath-pileser (2 Kings 15. 29). Another in
the reign of Hoshea, under Shalmaneser (2 Kings
6
17. 1-6), was about twenty years after. But the final
one which utterly ‘broke’ up Israel so as to be ‘not a
people,’ accompanied by a colonization of Samaria
with foreigners, was under Esar-haddon, who
carried away Manasseh, king of Judah, also, in the
twenty-second year of his reign, sixty-five years
from the utterance of this prophecy (cf. Ezra 4.2,
3, 10, with 2 Kings 17.24; 2 Chronicles 33.11).”
Talk No. 3: Jehovah Is the All-Powerful Creator
(nwt p. 6 ¶4–p. 7 ¶1)
*** nwt pp. 6-7 Question 1: Who is God? ***
4. “Everyone who calls on the name of
Jehovah will be saved.” Romans 10:13 [Page
1518]
(Romans 10:13) 13 For “everyone who calls on the
name of Jehovah will be saved.. . .
Vassalage to Assyria, and Death. Rather than
put faith in Jehovah, however, Ahaz, out of fear of
the Syro-Israelite conspiracy, chose the shortsighted
policy of bribing Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria to
come to his aid. (Isa 7:2-6; 8:12) Whatever relief
the ambitious Assyrian king now brought to Ahaz
by smashing Syria and Israel was only temporary.
In the end it “caused him distress, and did not
strengthen him” (2Ch 28:20), since Ahaz had now
brought the heavy yoke of Assyria on Judah.
5. “Of course, every house is constructed by
someone, but the one who constructed all things
is God.” Hebrews 3:4 [Page 1602]
(Hebrews 3:4) 4 Of course, every house is
constructed by someone, but the one who
constructed all things is God.
1. “Lift up your eyes to heaven and see. Who
has created these things? It is the One who
brings out their army by number; he calls them
all by name. Because of his vast dynamic energy
and his awe-inspiring power, not one of them is
missing.” Isaiah 40:26 [Page 990]
As a vassal king, Ahaz was apparently
summoned to Damascus to render homage to
Tiglath-pileser III and, while in that city, admired
the pagan altar there, copied its design, and had
priest Urijah build a duplicate to be placed before
the temple in Jerusalem. Ahaz then presumed to
offer sacrifices on this “great altar.” The original
copper altar was set to one side until the king should
decide what use to make of it. (2Ki 16:10-16)
Meanwhile he mutilated much of the copper temple
equipment and rearranged other features in the
temple area all “because of the king of Assyria,”
perhaps to pay the heavy tribute imposed on Judah
or possibly to conceal some of the temple wealth
from the greedy Assyrian’s eyes. The temple doors
were closed and Ahaz “made altars for himself at
every corner in Jerusalem.”—2Ki 16:17, 18; 2Ch
28:23-25.
(Isaiah 40:26, 27) 26 “Lift up your eyes to heaven
and see. Who has created these things? It is the One
who brings out their army by number; He calls them
all by name. Because of his vast dynamic energy
and his awe-inspiring power, Not one of them is
missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and why . . .
After 16 years of misrule and rank apostasy
Ahaz died, and though buried as his forefathers
were “in the City of David” (2Ki 16:20), his body
was not placed in the royal burial places of the
kings. (2Ch 28:27) His name is listed in the royal
genealogies.—1Ch 3:13; Mt 1:9.
The name of Ahaz appears in an inscription of
Tiglath-pileser III as Yauhazi.
2. A great-grandson of Jonathan, son of King
Saul.—1Ch 8:35, 36.
7
not experienced such things before): 3 the five lords
of the Phi·lis′tines, and all the Ca′naan·ites, the
Si·do′ni·ans, and the Hi′vites inhabiting Mount
Leb′a·non from Mount Ba′al-her′mon as far as
Le′bo-ha′math. 4 They served as a means of testing
Israel to determine whether Israel would obey
Jehovah’s commandments that he had given their
fathers through Moses. 5 So the Israelites lived
among the Ca′naan·ites, the Hit′tites, the
Am′or·ites, the Per′iz·zites, the Hi′vites, and the
Jeb′u·sites. 6 They would take their daughters as
wives, and their own daughters they gave to their
sons, and they began serving their gods. 7 So the
Israelites did what was bad in Jehovah’s eyes, and
they forgot Jehovah their God and were serving the
Ba′als and the sacred poles. 8 At this Jehovah’s
anger blazed against Israel, and he sold them into
the hand of Cu′shan-rish·a·tha′im the king of
Mes·o·po·ta′mi·a. The Israelites served Cu′shanrish·a·tha′im for eight years. 9 When the Israelites
called to Jehovah for help, Jehovah raised up a
savior to rescue the Israelites, Oth′ni·el the son of
Ke′naz, the younger brother of Ca′leb. 10 The spirit
of Jehovah came upon him, and he became the
judge of Israel. When he went out to battle, Jehovah
gave Cu′shan-rish·a·tha′im the king of
Mes·o·po·ta′mi·a into his hand so that he prevailed
over Cu′shan-rish·a·tha′im. 11 After that the land
had rest for 40 years. Then Oth′ni·el the son of
Ke′naz died.
Jan 19 Bible Reading: Judges 1-4
No.1: Judges 3:1-11
No.2: How Can You Learn About God?
(nwt p. 8 ¶1-4)
No.3: Ahithophel—Theme: Jehovah Thwarts the
Schemes of Traitors (it-1 pp. 65-66)
Bible Highlights: Judges 1-4
No. 2: How Can You Learn About God?
(nwt p. 8 ¶1-4)
*** nwt p. 8 Question 2: How can you learn
about God? ***
QUESTION 2
How can you learn about God?
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading
1. “This book of the Law should not depart
from your mouth, and you must read it in an
undertone day and night, in order to observe
carefully all that is written in it; for then your
way will be successful and then you will act
wisely.” Joshua 1:8 [Page 325]
Judges 3:1-11
(Judges 3:1-11) These are the nations that Jehovah
allowed to remain so that they could test all those of
Israel who had not experienced any of the wars of
Ca′naan 2 (this was so that succeeding generations
of Israelites would experience war, those who had
(Joshua 1:8) 8 This book of the Law should not
depart from your mouth, and you must read it in an
undertone day and night, in order to observe
8
carefully all that is written in it; for then your way
will be successful and then you will act wisely.
2. “They continued reading aloud from the
book, from the Law of the true God, clearly
explaining it and putting meaning into it; so they
helped the people to understand what was being
read.” Nehemiah 8:8 [Page 677]
(Nehemiah 8:7, 8) . . .. 8 And they continued
reading aloud from the book, from the Law of the
true God, clearly explaining it and putting meaning
into it; so they helped the people to understand what
was being read.
3. “Happy is the man who does not walk
according to the advice of the wicked . . . , but
his delight is in the law of Jehovah, and he reads
His law in an undertone day and night . . . .
Everything he does will succeed.” Psalm 1:1-3
[Page 753]
(Psalms 1-41) 1 Happy is the man who does not
walk according to the advice of the wicked
And does not stand on the path of sinners
And does not sit in the seat of scoffers.
2
But his delight is in the law of Jehovah,
And he reads His law in an undertone day and
night.
3
He will be like a tree planted by streams of water,
A tree that produces fruit in its season,
The foliage of which does not wither.
And everything he does will succeed.
4. “Philip ran alongside and heard him reading
aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: ‘Do you
actually know what you are reading?’ He said:
‘Really, how could I ever do so unless someone
guided me?’” Acts 8:30, 31 [Page 1473]
(Acts 8:30, 31) 30 Philip ran alongside and heard
him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said:
“Do you actually know what you are reading?”
31
He said: “Really, how could I ever do so unless
someone guided me?” So he urged Philip to get on
and sit down with him.
9
No. 3: Ahithophel—Theme: Jehovah Thwarts
the Schemes of Traitors (it-1 pp. 65-66)
*** it-1 pp. 65-66 Ahithophel ***
AHITHOPHEL
Jan. 26 Bible reading: Judges 5-7
No.1: Judges 7:12-25
No.2: Amnon—Theme: Selfish Erotic Love Is
Ruinous (it-1 p. 96)
No.3: Ways in Which We Can Learn About
Jehovah (nwt p. 9 _1-4)
(A·hith′o·phel).
A native of Giloh in the hills of Judah (2Sa
15:12), father of one of David’s mighty men named
Eliam, and possibly the grandfather of Bath-sheba.
(2Sa 11:3; 23:34) As David’s personal adviser,
Ahithophel’s sagacious counsel was esteemed as if
it were the direct word of Jehovah. (2Sa 16:23)
Later this once-close companion treacherously
turned traitor and joined David’s son Absalom in a
coup against the king. As a ringleader in the
rebellion, he advised Absalom to violate David’s
concubines, and he asked permission to raise an
army of 12,000 and immediately hunt down and kill
David while David was in a disorganized and
weakened state. (2Sa 15:31; 16:15, 21; 17:1-4)
When Jehovah thwarted this bold scheme, and the
counsel of Hushai was followed, Ahithophel
evidently realized that Absalom’s revolt would fail.
(2Sa 15:32-34; 17:5-14) He committed suicide and
was buried with his forefathers. (2Sa 17:23) Apart
from wartime, this is the only case of suicide
mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures. His traitorous
act is apparently recalled in Psalm 55:12-14.
Bible Highlights: Judges 5-7
10
the waters as far as Beth-bar′ah and the Jordan.” So
all the men of E′phra·im were gathered together,
and they captured the waters as far as Beth-bar′ah
and the Jordan. 25 They also captured the two
princes of Mid′i·an, O′reb and Ze′eb; they killed
O′reb on the rock of O′reb, and they killed Ze′eb at
the winepress of Ze′eb. They kept on pursuing
Mid′i·an, and they brought the heads of O′reb and
Ze′eb to Gid′e·on in the region of the Jordan.
Talk No. 2: Judges 7:12-25
*** it-1 p. 96 Amnon ***
AMNON
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading Judges 7:12-25
*** Bible Citations ***
(Judges 7:12-25) Now Mid′i·an and Am′a·lek and
all the Easterners covered the valley plain like a
swarm of locusts, and their camels were without
number, as many as the grains of sand on the
seashore. 13 Gid′e·on now came, and there was a
man relating a dream to his companion, and he said:
“This is the dream I had. There was a round loaf of
barley bread rolling into the camp of Mid′i·an. It
came to a tent and struck it so hard that it collapsed.
Yes, it turned the tent upside down, and the tent fell
flat.” 14 At this his companion said: “This can only
be the sword of Gid′e·on the son of Jo′ash, a man of
Israel. God has given Mid′i·an and all the camp into
his hand.” 15 As soon as Gid′e·on heard him relate
the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down to
worship. After that he returned to the camp of Israel
and said: “Get up, for Jehovah has given the camp
of Mid′i·an into your hand.” 16 Then he divided the
300 men into three bands and gave all of them horns
and large empty jars with torches inside the jars.
17
Then he said to them: “Watch me and do exactly
what I do. When I come to the edge of the camp,
you should do just as I do. 18 When I blow the horn,
I and all who are with me, you also must blow the
horns all around the camp and shout, ‘For Jehovah
and for Gid′e·on!’” 19 Gid′e·on and the 100 men
who were with him came to the edge of the camp at
the start of the middle night watch, just after the
sentries were posted. They blew the horns and
smashed the large water jars that were in their
hands. 20 So the three bands blew the horns and
shattered the large jars. They held the torches in
their left hands and blew the horns in their right
hands and they called out: “The sword of Jehovah
and of Gid′e·on!” 21 All the while each man stood in
his place all around the camp, and the whole army
ran away, shouting as they fled. 22 The 300
continued to blow the horns, and Jehovah turned the
sword of each one against the other throughout the
camp; and the army fled as far as Beth-shit′tah, on
to Zer′e·rah, as far as the outskirts of A′belme·ho′lah by Tab′bath. 23 And the men of Israel
were called together from Naph′ta·li, Ash′er, and all
of Ma·nas′seh, and they chased after Mid′i·an.
24
Gid′e·on sent messengers into all the
mountainous region of E′phra·im, saying: “Go
down to attack Mid′i·an, and capture the access to
(Am′non) [Trustworthy; Faithful; Long-Lasting].
1. David’s firstborn son by Ahinoam the
Jezreelitess, born at Hebron.—2Sa 3:2; 1Ch 3:1.
Amnon developed a passionate desire for lovely
Tamar, Absalom’s sister, to the point of
lovesickness. Following the advice of his cousin
Jehonadab, Amnon feigned illness and induced
King David to send Tamar to Amnon’s private
quarters to prepare “bread of consolation” in his
presence. He then used the opportunity to violate
his half sister forcibly, despite her pleading and
reasoning with him. His case illustrates how
extremely selfish erotic love can be, for, having
satisfied his desire, Amnon then had Tamar put out
into the street as someone repugnant to him,
someone whose very presence doubtless made him
feel unclean.—2Sa 13:1-19.
Tamar’s full brother, Absalom, nursed a hatred
of Amnon for this act, and two years later at a
sheepshearing festival Absalom had his servants
murder Amnon when he was “in a merry mood with
wine.” (2Sa 13:20-29) Since Amnon, as David’s
eldest son, was heir apparent to the throne, his death
may also have been viewed as desirable by
Absalom as a means to better his own possibilities
of gaining the kingship. With this event the
prophecy made by Nathan following David’s own
misconduct with the wife of Uriah began to undergo
fulfillment.—2Sa 12:10; see ABSALOM.
2. The first in the list of four sons of Shimon, of
the tribe of Judah.—1Ch 4:1, 20.
11
Talk No. 3 Ways in Which We Can Learn
About Jehovah (nwt p. 9 ¶1-4)
*** nwt p. 9 Question 2: How can you learn about
God? ***
1. “His invisible qualities are clearly seen from
the world’s creation onward, because they are
perceived by the things made, even his eternal
power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable.”
Romans 1:20 [Page 1507]
(Romans 1: 20) . . .. 20 For his invisible qualities are
clearly seen from the world’s creation onward,
because they are perceived by the things made, even
his eternal power and Godship, so that they are
inexcusable.
2. “Ponder over these things; be absorbed in
them, so that your advancement may be plainly seen
by all people.” 1 Timothy 4:15 [Page 1590]
(1 Timothy 4:15) 15 Ponder over these things; be
absorbed in them, so that your advancement may be
plainly seen by all people.
3. “Let us consider one another so as to incite to
love and fine works, not forsaking our meeting
together.” Hebrews 10:24, 25 [Page 1610]
(Hebrews 10:24, 25) 24 And let us consider one
another so as to incite to love and fine works, 25 not
forsaking our meeting together, as some have the
custom, but encouraging one another, and all the
more so as you see the day drawing near.
4. “If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him
keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and
without reproaching, and it will be given him.”
James 1:5 [Page 1616]
(James 1:5) 5 So if any one of you is lacking in
wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives
generously to all and without reproaching, and it
will be given him.
12
Feb. 2 Bible reading: Judges 8-10
No.1: Judges 8:13-27
No.2: Who Wrote the Bible? (nwt p.10 _1-5)
No.3: Andrew—Theme: Not Prominent, But
Approachable and Faithful (it-1 p.105)
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading Judges 8:13-27
*** Bible Citations ***
(Judges 8:13-27) Gid′e·on the son of Jo′ash then
returned from the war by way of the pass that goes
up to He′res. 14 En route he captured and
interrogated a young man from Suc′coth. So the
young man wrote out for him the names of the
princes and elders of Suc′coth, 77 men. 15 With that
he went to the men of Suc′coth and said: “Here are
Ze′bah and Zal·mun′na about whom you taunted
me, saying, ‘Are the palms of Ze′bah and
Zal·mun′na already in your hand so that we should
give bread to your exhausted men?’” 16 Then he
took the elders of the city and with thorns and briars
of the wilderness, he taught the men of Suc′coth a
lesson. 17 And he pulled down the tower of Pe·nu′el
and killed the men of the city. 18 He asked Ze′bah
and Zal·mun′na: “What sort of men did you kill in
Ta′bor?” To this they said: “They were like you,
each one looked like the son of a king.” 19 At that he
said: “They were my brothers, the sons of my
mother. As surely as Jehovah lives, if you had
spared their lives, I would not have to kill you.”
20
Then he said to Je′ther his firstborn: “Get up, kill
them.” But the young man did not draw his sword;
he was afraid, for he was still a young man. 21 So
Ze′bah and Zal·mun′na said: “Get up yourself and
slay us, for a man is judged by his mightiness.” So
Gid′e·on got up and killed Ze′bah and Zal·mun′na
and took the crescent-shaped ornaments that were
on the necks of their camels. 22 Later the men of
Israel said to Gid′e·on: “Rule over us, you and your
son and your grandson as well, for you saved us out
of the hand of Mid′i·an.” 23 But Gid′e·on said to
them: “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule
over you. Jehovah is the one who will rule over
you.” 24 Gid′e·on continued: “Let me make one
request of you: that each of you give me a nose ring
from his spoil.” (For they had gold nose rings
because they were Ish′ma·el·ites.) 25 They replied:
“We will surely give them.” With that they spread
out a robe and each man threw a nose ring from his
spoil on it. 26 The weight of the gold nose rings that
he had requested amounted to 1,700 gold shekels,
besides the crescent-shaped ornaments, the
pendants, the purple wool garments worn by the
kings of Mid′i·an, and the necklaces from the
camels. 27 Gid′e·on made it into an eph′od and
Bible Highlights: Judges 8-10
13
exhibited it in his city Oph′rah; and all Israel
committed spiritual prostitution with it there, and it
served as a snare to Gid′e·on and to his household.
5. “Prophecy was at no time brought by man’s
will, but men spoke from God as they were moved
by holy spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21 [Page 1627]
(2 Peter 1:21) 21 For prophecy was at no time
brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as
they were moved by holy spirit.
Talk No. 2: Who Wrote the Bible?
(nwt p.10 ¶1-5)
*** nwt p. 10 Question 3: Who wrote the Bible?
***
QUESTION 3
Who wrote the Bible?
1. “Moses wrote down all the words of Jehovah.”
Exodus 24:4 [Page 145]
(Exodus 24:4) 4 So Moses wrote down all the
words of Jehovah. Then he got up early in the
morning and built at the foot of the mountain an
altar and 12 pillars corresponding to the 12 tribes of
Israel.
2. “Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as
he lay on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream;
he recorded a complete account of the matters.”
Daniel 7:1 [Page 1217]
(Daniel 7:1) 7 In the first year of King Bel·shaz′zar
of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his
head as he lay on his bed. Then he wrote down the
dream; he recorded a complete account of the
matters.
3. “When you received God’s word, which you
heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of
men but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God.”
1 Thessalonians 2:13 [Page 1581]
(1 Thessalonians 2:13) 13 Indeed, that is why we
also thank God unceasingly, because when you
received God’s word, which you heard from us, you
accepted it not as the word of men but, just as it
truthfully is, as the word of God, which is also at
work in you believers.
4.
“All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial
for teaching.” 2 Timothy 3:16 [Page 1595]
(2 Timothy 3:16) 16 All Scripture is inspired of God
and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for
setting things straight, for disciplining in
righteousness,
14
conclusion of the existing system of things. (Mr
13:3) The final mention of Andrew by name is
shortly after Jesus’ ascension.—Ac 1:13.
No. 3: Andrew—Theme: Not Prominent, But
Approachable and Faithful (it-1 p.105)
*** it-1 p. 105 Andrew ***
ANDREW
(An′drew) [from a Gr. root meaning “man; male
person”; probably, Manly].
A brother of Simon Peter and son of Jonah
(John). (Mt 4:18; 16:17) While Andrew’s native
city was Bethsaida, he and Simon were living
together in Capernaum at the time Jesus called them
to become “fishers of men.” (Mr 1:16, 17, 21, 29;
Joh 1:44) Both cities were on the N shore of the Sea
of Galilee, where the two brothers engaged in the
fishing business in partnership with James and
John.—Mt 4:18; Mr 1:16; Lu 5:10.
Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptizer.
(Joh 1:35, 40) In the fall of 29 C.E. he was at
Bethany on the E side of the Jordan River and heard
John the Baptizer introduce Jesus as “the Lamb of
God.” (Joh 1:29) He, along with another disciple
(likely John), followed Jesus to his residence and
was soon convinced he had found the Messiah. He
then found and informed his brother Simon and led
him to Jesus. (Joh 1:36-41) The two brothers
returned to their fishing business, but between six
months and a year later, after the arrest of John the
Baptizer, they, along with James and John, were
invited by Jesus to become “fishers of men.” They
immediately abandoned their nets and began
accompanying Jesus. (Mt 4:18-20; Mr 1:14, 16-20)
In time these four became apostles, and it is notable
that Andrew is always listed as among the first four
in all the apostolic lists.—Mt 10:2; Mr 3:18; Lu
6:14.
Andrew thereafter receives but brief mention. He
and Philip discuss with Jesus the problem of feeding
a crowd of about 5,000 men, and Andrew offers a
suggestion that he himself considers of little
practical value about some available food. (Joh
6:8, 9) At the time of the last Passover festival that
they celebrated, Philip comes to Andrew for advice
about a request of some Greeks to see Jesus, and the
two then approach Jesus on the matter. (Joh 12:2022) He is among the four on the Mount of Olives
who ask Jesus for the sign that would mark the
15
Feb. 9 Bible reading: Judges 11-14
No.1: Judges 13:15-25
No.2: Annas—Theme: Hateful Opposition to the
Truth Is Futile (it-1 pp.112-113)
No.3: Is the Bible Scientifically Accurate? (nwt
p.11¶1-3)
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading Judges 13:15-25
*** Bible Citations ***
(Judges 13:15-25) Ma·no′ah now said to Jehovah’s
angel: “Please stay, and let us prepare a young goat
for you.” 16 But Jehovah’s angel said to Ma·no′ah:
“If I stay, I will not eat your food; but if you wish to
present a burnt offering to Jehovah, you may offer it
up.” Ma·no′ah did not know that he was Jehovah’s
angel. 17 Then Ma·no′ah said to Jehovah’s angel:
“What is your name, so that we may honor you
when your word comes true?” 18 However,
Jehovah’s angel said to him: “Why are you asking
about my name, seeing that it is a wonderful one?”
19
Then Ma·no′ah took the young goat and the grain
offering and offered them on the rock to Jehovah.
And He was doing something amazing while
Ma·no′ah and his wife were looking on. 20 As the
flame ascended from the altar heavenward,
Jehovah’s angel ascended in the flame from the
altar while Ma·no′ah and his wife were looking on.
At once they fell with their faces to the ground.
21
Jehovah’s angel did not appear again to Ma·no′ah
and his wife. Then Ma·no′ah realized that he was
Jehovah’s angel. 22 Ma·no′ah then said to his wife:
“We are sure to die, because it is God whom we
have seen.” 23 But his wife said to him: “If Jehovah
wanted to put us to death, he would not have
accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from
our hand, he would not have shown us all these
things, and he would not have told us any of these
things.” 24 The woman later gave birth to a son and
named him Samson; and as the boy grew, Jehovah
continued to bless him. 25 In time Jehovah’s spirit
started to impel him in Ma′ha·neh-dan, between
Zo′rah and Esh′ta·ol.
Bible Highlights: Judges 11-14
16
Talk No.2: Annas—Theme: Hateful Opposition
to the Truth Is Futile (it-1 pp.112-113)
Talk No. 3 Is the Bible Scientifically
Accurate? (nwt p.11¶1-3)
*** nwt p. 11 Question 4: Is the Bible
scientifically accurate? ***
QUESTION 4
Is the Bible scientifically accurate?
*** it-1 pp. 112-113 Annas ***
ANNAS
(An′nas) [from Heb., meaning “Showing Favor;
Gracious”].
1. “He stretches out the northern sky over
empty space, suspending the earth upon
nothing.” Job 26:7 [Page 727]
7
(Job 26:7) He stretches out the northern sky over
empty space, Suspending the earth upon nothing;
Appointed high priest about 6 or 7 C.E. by
Quirinius, the Roman governor of Syria, and
serving until about 15 C.E. (Lu 2:2) Annas was
therefore high priest when Jesus, at the age of 12,
amazed the rabbinic teachers at the temple. (Lu
2:42-49) For reportedly overstepping his Romanassigned jurisdiction, Annas was removed as high
priest by Procurator Valerius Gratus. Though he no
longer had the official title, it was quite evident that
he continued to exercise great power and influence
as high priest emeritus and predominant voice of the
Jewish hierarchy. Five of his sons, as well as his
son-in-law Caiaphas, each held the office of high
priest. Because of his prominent position, Annas is
rightly designated in the Scriptures as one of the
chief priests. (Mt 26:3; Lu 3:2) When Jesus was
arrested, he was first taken to Annas for questioning
and then was sent to Caiaphas for trial. (Joh 18:13)
The name of Annas heads the list of the foremost
opponents of the apostles of Jesus Christ.—Ac 4:6.
2. “All the streams flow into the sea, yet the sea
is not full. To the place from which the streams
flow, there they return so as to flow again.”
Ecclesiastes 1:7 [Page 916]
(Ecclesiastes 1:7) 7 All the streams flow into the
sea, yet the sea is not full. To the place from which
the streams flow, there they return so as to flow
again.
3.
“There is One who dwells above the circle
of the earth.” Isaiah 40:22 [Page 989]
(Isaiah 40:22) 22 There is One who dwells above
the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like
grasshoppers. He is stretching out the heavens like a
fine gauze, And he spreads them out like a tent to
dwell in.
The wealthy and powerful house of Annas was
of the tribe of Levi, and the sale of sacrifices within
the temple grounds was one of their chief sources of
income—reason enough why they sought to kill
Jesus, who twice cleansed the temple, which they
had made “a cave of robbers.” (Joh 2:13-16; Mt
21:12, 13; Mr 11:15-17; Lu 19:45, 46) An
additional reason for Annas’ hatred of Jesus and his
apostles was likely Jesus’ teaching of the
resurrection, the raising of Lazarus in living proof,
and the preaching and teaching of the same doctrine
by the apostles, for if Annas was indeed a
Sadducee, he did not believe in the resurrection.—
Ac 23:8; compare 5:17.
17
Feb.16 Bible reading: Judges 15-18
No.1: Judges 16:13-24
No.2: What Is the Bible’s Message?
(nwt p.12 _1-4)
No.3: Apollos—Theme: A Man of Humility,
Eloquence, and Zeal (it-1 pp.125-126)
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading Judges 16:13-24
(Judges 16:13-24) After that De·li′lah said to
Samson: “Up until now you have fooled me and
told me lies. Tell me what can be used to tie you.”
Then he said to her: “If you weave the seven braids
of my head with the warp thread.” 14 So she fixed
them with a pin and called out to him: “The
Phi·lis′tines are upon you, Samson!” So he woke up
from his sleep and pulled out the loom pin and the
warp thread. 15 She now said to him: “How can you
say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me?
These three times you have fooled me and have not
told me the source of your great power.” 16 Because
day after day she kept nagging him and pressuring
him, he was weary to the point of dying. 17 So he
finally opened his heart to her, saying: “A razor has
never touched my head, because I am a Naz′i·rite of
God from birth. If I am shaved, my power will leave
me and I will grow weak and become like all other
men.” 18 When De·li′lah saw that he had opened his
heart to her, she immediately summoned the
Phi·lis′tine lords, saying: “Come up this time, for he
has opened his heart to me.” So the Phi·lis′tine lords
came up to her, bringing the money with them.
19
She made him fall asleep on her knees; then she
called the man and had him shave off the seven
braids of his head. After that she began to have
control over him, for his power was leaving him.
20
Now she called out: “The Phi·lis′tines are upon
you, Samson!” He woke up from his sleep and said:
“I will go out as at other times and shake myself
free.” But he did not know that Jehovah had left
him. 21 So the Phi·lis′tines seized him and bored his
eyes out. Then they brought him down to Gaz′a and
bound him with two copper fetters, and he became a
grinder of grain in the prison. 22 But the hair of his
head started to grow back again after he had been
shaved. 23 The Phi·lis′tine lords gathered together to
offer a great sacrifice to Da′gon their god and to
celebrate, for they were saying: “Our god has given
Samson our enemy into our hand!” 24 When the
people saw him, they praised their god and said:
“Our god has given into our hand our enemy, the
one who devastated our land and killed so many of
us.”
Bible Highlights: Judges 15-18
18
Talk No. 2: What Is the Bible’s Message?
p.12 ¶1-4)
(nwt
*** nwt pp. 12-13 Question 5: What is the
Bible’s message? ***
QUESTION 5
What is the Bible’s message?
1. “I will put enmity between you and the
woman and between your offspring and her
offspring. He will crush your head, and you will
strike him in the heel.” Genesis 3:15 [Page 46]
(Genesis 3:15) . . .. 15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman and between your
offspring and her offspring. He will crush your
head, and you will strike him in the heel.”
2. “By means of your offspring all nations
of the earth will obtain a blessing for
themselves because you have listened to
my voice.” Genesis 22:18 [Page 68]
(Genesis 22:18) 18 And by means of your offspring
all nations of the earth will obtain a blessing for
themselves because you have listened to my
voice.’”
3. “Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take
place, as in heaven, also on earth.” Matthew
6:10 [Page 1312]
(Matthew 6:10) 10 Let your Kingdom come. Let
your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth.
4. “For his part, the God who gives peace will
crush Satan under your feet shortly.” Romans
16:20 [Page 1524]
(Romans 16:20) 20 For his part, the God who gives
peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. May
the undeserved kindness of our Lord Jesus be with
you.
19
Talk No. 3:Apollos—Theme: A Man of
Humility, Eloquence, and Zeal (it-1
pp.125-126) *** it-1 pp. 125-126 Apollos
APOLLOS
Feb. 23 Bible Reading: Judges 19-21
Theocratic Ministry School Review
Bible Highlights: Judges 19-21
(A·pol′los) [Destroyer; abbreviation of Apollonius].
A Jew of Alexandria, Egypt, possessed of
notable eloquence in speaking and a sound
knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures. He seems to
have been witnessed to by disciples of John the
Baptizer or else by Christian witnesses prior to
Pentecost, since he was “acquainted with only the
baptism of John.” (Ac 18:24, 25) Yet he was fired
with conviction, and on arriving in Ephesus about
52 C.E., he began witnessing in the local
synagogue. This brought him in contact with Aquila
and Priscilla, who filled in some of the gaps in his
understanding of Christian teaching. From Ephesus
he went over to Achaia, supplied with a letter of
introduction, and there he seems to have centered
his activity in Corinth, where Paul had preceded
him. His intensity and his powerful Scriptural
confutations of the arguments of the unbelieving
Jews proved of great aid to the brothers there. He
thus ‘watered what Paul had planted.’—Ac 18:2628; 19:1; 1Co 3:6.
Unfortunately, by the time Paul wrote his first
letter to the Corinthians (c. 55 C.E.), factions had
developed in the Corinth congregation, with some
viewing the eloquent Apollos as their leader, while
others favored Paul or Peter or held only to Christ.
(1Co 1:10-12) Paul’s letter corrected their wrong
thinking, showing the vital need for unity and the
relative unimportance of individuals as only
ministers serving under God and Christ. (1Co 3:4-9,
21-23; 4:6, 7) It appears that Apollos must then
have been in or near Ephesus, where Paul evidently
wrote First Corinthians, for Paul tells of his urging
Apollos to visit the Corinth congregation. (1Co
16:12) Apollos’ reluctance to go may have been due
to the improper attitudes existing in Corinth or
simply due to his having a field of activity that he
felt required his continued attention a while longer.
At any rate, Paul’s brief statement shows that these
two active missionaries had not allowed matters to
produce a breach in their own unity. The final
mention of Apollos is at Titus 3:13, where Paul asks
Titus, then in Crete, to supply Apollos’ needs for a
certain trip.
20
me, ‘Do not go empty-handed to your mother-inlaw.’” 18 At that she said: “Sit here, my daughter,
until you learn how the matter will turn out, for the
man will not rest until he settles the matter today.”
4 Now Bo′az went up to the city gate and sat there.
And look! the repurchaser whom Bo′az had
mentioned passed by. At that Bo′az said: “Come
here and sit down, So-and-so.” And he went over
and sat down. 2 Then Bo′az took ten of the city
elders and said: “Sit down here.” So they sat down.
3
Boaz now said to the repurchaser: “Na·o′mi, who
has returned from the fields of Mo′ab, must sell the
plot of land that belonged to our brother
E·lim′e·lech. 4 So I thought I should disclose it to
you and say, ‘Buy it in front of the inhabitants and
the elders of my people. If you will repurchase it,
repurchase it. But if you will not repurchase it, tell
me so that I will know, for you have the claim to
repurchase it, and I am next in line after you.’” He
replied: “I am willing to repurchase it.” 5 Then
Bo′az said: “On the day you buy the field from
Na·o′mi, you must also buy it from Ruth the
Mo′ab·i·tess, the wife of the dead man, in order to
restore the name of the dead man to his
inheritance.” 6 To this the repurchaser said: “I am
unable to repurchase it, for I may ruin my own
inheritance. Repurchase it for yourself with my
right of repurchase, because I am not able to
repurchase it.”
Mar. 2 Bible reading: Ruth1-4
No.1: Ruth 3:14–4:6
No.2: Aquila—Theme: Preach With Zeal and Be
Hospitable (it-1 p.138)
No.3: The Humility and Power of Christ the
King (nwt p.12 ¶5–p.13 ¶4)
Bible Highlights: Ruth1-4
Talk No. 2: Aquila—Theme: Preach With Zeal
and Be Hospitable (it-1 p.138)
*** it-1 p. 138 Aquila ***
AQUILA
(Aq′ui·la) [from Lat., meaning “Eagle”].
Talk No.1: Bible Reading: Ruth 3:14–4:6
(Ruth 3:14-4:6) So she lay at his feet until the
morning and then got up before it was light enough
for anyone to be recognized. He then said: “Do not
let it be known that a woman came to the threshing
floor.” 15 He also said: “Bring the cloak that you are
wearing, and hold it out.” So she held it out, and he
put six measures of barley in it and put it on her,
after which he went into the city. 16 She went her
way to her mother-in-law, who now said: “How did
it go for you, my daughter?” She told her everything
that the man had done for her. 17 She added: “He
gave me these six measures of barley and said to
A natural Jew and native of Pontus in northern
Asia Minor. Priscilla, his wife and loyal companion,
is always mentioned in association with him.
Banished from Rome by Emperor Claudius’ decree
against Jews sometime in the year 49 or early
50 C.E., they took up residence in Corinth. (Ac
18:1, 2) When Paul arrived there in the autumn of
50 C.E., Aquila and Priscilla kindly received him
into their home. A very close friendship developed
among them as they worked together at their
common trade of tentmaking and as Aquila and
Priscilla doubtless aided Paul in building up the new
congregation there.—Ac 18:3.
21
When Paul sailed for Syria at the end of his
second missionary tour in the spring of about
52 C.E., Aquila and Priscilla went as far as Ephesus
with him. (Ac 18:18, 19) They remained there at
least until Paul wrote to the Corinthians from there
about 55 C.E. Their home was used as the local
meeting place for the congregation, and there they
had the privilege of assisting the eloquent Apollos
to a more accurate understanding of the way of
God. (1Co 16:19; Ac 18:26) By the time Paul wrote
to the Romans, about 56 C.E., Claudius’ rule had
ended and Aquila and Priscilla had returned to
Rome, for Paul conveyed his greetings to them, his
“fellow workers.” (Ro 16:3) Here, also, the
congregation met in their house. (Ro 16:5)
Sometime during their relationship with Paul,
Aquila and Priscilla had “risked their own necks” in
behalf of Paul, thus meriting the thanks of all the
congregations. (Ro 16:4) Later they moved back to
Ephesus, for Paul, while in Rome just before
suffering martyrdom (c. 65 C.E.), asked Timothy to
convey his greetings to them there.—1Ti 1:3; 2Ti
4:19.
(Galatians 3:16) Now the promises were spoken to
Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “and
to your descendants,” in the sense of many. Rather,
it says, “and to your offspring,” in the sense of one,
who is Christ.
(Galatians 3:29) Moreover, if you belong to Christ,
you are really Abraham’s offspring, heirs with
reference to a promise.
b. “The kingdom of the world has become
the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,
and he will rule as king forever and ever.”
Revelation 11:15 [Page 1650]
(Revelation 11:15) The seventh angel blew his
trumpet. And there were loud voices in heaven,
saying: “The kingdom of the world has become the
Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will
rule as king forever and ever.”
c. “So down the great dragon was hurled, the
original serpent, the one called Devil and
Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited
earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and
his angels were hurled down with him.”
Talk No. 3: The Humility and Power of Christ
the King (nwt p.12 ¶5–p.13 ¶4)
Revelation 12:9 [Page 1650]
(Revelation 12:9) So down the great dragon was
*** nwt pp. 12-13 Question 5: What is the
Bible’s message? ***
hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil
and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited
earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his
angels were hurled down with him.
5. “When all things will have been subjected
to him, then the Son himself will also subject
himself to the One who subjected all things to
him, that God may be all things to everyone.”
d. “He seized the dragon, the original serpent,
who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him
for 1,000 years.”
1 Corinthians 15:28 [Page 1541]
Revelation 20:2 [Page 1658]
(1 Corinthians 15: 28) . . .. 28 But when all things
will have been subjected to him, then the Son
himself will also subject himself to the One who
subjected all things to him, that God may be all
things to everyone.
(Revelation 20:2) He seized the dragon, the
original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and
bound him for 1,000 years.
a. “Now the promises were spoken to
Abraham and to his offspring . . . , who is
Christ. Moreover, if you belong to Christ, you
are really Abraham’s offspring.”
Galatians 3:16, 29 [Pages 1559, 1560]
22
Mar. 9 Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 1-4
No.1: 1 Samuel 2:30-36
No.2: What Did the Bible Foretell About the
Messiah? (nwt p.14)
No.3: Asa (No.1)—Theme: Be Zealous for Pure
Worship (it-1 pp.183-185)
Bible Highlights: 1 Samuel 1-4
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading;
1 Samuel 2:30-36
(1 Samuel 2:30-36) “‘That is why the word of
Jehovah the God of Israel is: “I did indeed say that
your house and the house of your forefather would
always walk before me.” But now Jehovah declares:
“It is unthinkable, on my part, because those
23
honoring me I will honor, but those despising me
will be treated with contempt.” 31 Look! Days are
coming when I will cut off your strength and that of
your father’s house, so that no man in your house
will live to old age. 32 And you will look upon a
rival in my dwelling amid all the good that is done
to Israel, and never again will there be an old man
in your house. 33 The man of yours whom I do not
cut off from serving at my altar will cause your eyes
to fail and will bring you grief, but the greater
number of your house will die by the sword of men.
34
And what happens to your two sons, Hoph′ni and
Phin′e·has, will be the sign for you: On one day
both of them will die. 35 Then I will raise up for
myself a faithful priest. He will act in harmony with
what is my heart’s desire; and I will build for him a
lasting house, and he will walk before my anointed
one always. 36 Anyone who remains in your house
will come and bow down to him for the payment of
money and a loaf of bread, and will say: “Assign
me, please, to one of the priestly offices to eat a
piece of bread.”’”
Matthew 2:1 [Page 1307]
*** Bible Citations ***
(Matthew 2:1) After Jesus had been born in
Beth′le·hem of Ju·de′a in the days of Herod the
king, look! astrologers from the East came to
Jerusalem,
PROPHECY
“They divide my garments among
themselves, and they cast lots for my
clothing.”
Psalm 22:18 [Page 767]
*** Bible Citations ***
(Psalm 22:18) They divide my garments among
themselves, And they cast lots for my clothing.
FULFILLMENT
“Now when the soldiers had nailed Jesus to
the stake, they took his outer garments and
divided them into four parts . . . But the inner
garment was without a seam, being woven
from top to bottom. So they said to one
another: ‘Let us not tear it, but let us cast lots
over it to decide whose it will be.’”
Talk No. 2: What Did the Bible Foretell About
the Messiah? (nwt p.14)
*** nwt p. 14 Question 6: What did the Bible
foretell about the Messiah? ***
QUESTION 6
What did the Bible foretell about the Messiah?
John 19:23, 24 [Page 1455]
PROPHECY
“You, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, . . . from you
will come out for me the one to be ruler in
Israel.”
*** Bible Citations ***
(John 19:23, 24) Now when the soldiers had nailed
Jesus to the stake, they took his outer garments and
divided them into four parts, one for each soldier,
and they also took the inner garment. But the inner
garment was without a seam, being woven from top
to bottom. 24 So they said to one another: “Let us
not tear it, but let us cast lots over it to decide
whose it will be.” This was to fulfill the scripture:
“They divided my garments among themselves, and
they cast lots for my clothing.” So the soldiers
actually did these things.
Micah 5:2 [Page 1267]
*** Bible Citations ***
(Micah 5:2) And you, O Beth′le·hem Eph′ra·thah,
The one too little to be among the thousands of
Judah, From you will come out for me the one to be
ruler in Israel, Whose origin is from ancient times,
from the days of long ago.
FULFILLMENT
“After Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of
Judea in the days of Herod the king, look!
astrologers from the East came to Jerusalem.”
24
Talk No. 3: Asa (No.1)—Theme: Be Zealous for
Pure Worship (it-1 pp.183-185)
*** it-1 pp. 183-185 Asa ***
ASA
(A′sa).
1. The third king of Judah following the division
of the nation into two kingdoms. Asa was the son of
Abijam (Abijah) and the grandson of Rehoboam.
He reigned for 41 years (977-937 B.C.E.).—1Ki
15:8-10.
Asa’s Zeal for Pure Worship. Judah and
Benjamin had become steeped in apostasy during
the 20 years following the split of the nation into
two kingdoms. “Like David his forefather,” Asa
demonstrated a zeal for pure worship and
courageously set about cleaning the male temple
prostitutes and the idols out of the land. He removed
his grandmother, Maacah, from her position as a
sort of ‘first lady’ of the land because of her making
“a horrible idol” to the sacred pole, or Asherah, and
he burned the religious idol.—1Ki 15:11-13.
The record at 2 Chronicles 14:2-5 states that Asa
“removed the foreign altars and the high places and
broke up the sacred pillars and cut down the sacred
poles.” However, 1 Kings 15:14 and 2 Chronicles
15:17 indicate that “the high places he did not
remove.” It may be, therefore, that the high places
referred to in the earlier Chronicles account were
those of the adopted pagan worship that infected
Judah, while the Kings account refers to high places
at which the people engaged in worship of Jehovah.
Even after the setting up of the tabernacle and the
later establishment of the temple, occasional
sacrificing was done to Jehovah on high places,
which was acceptable to him under special
circumstances, as in the cases of Samuel, David,
and Elijah. (1Sa 9:11-19; 1Ch 21:26-30; 1Ki 18:3039) Nevertheless, the regular approved place for
sacrifice was that authorized by Jehovah. (Nu
33:52; De 12:2-14; Jos 22:29) Improper modes of
high-place worship may have continued in spite of
the removal of the pagan high places, perhaps
because the king did not pursue their elimination
with the same vigor as he did the removal of the
pagan sites. Or Asa may have effected a complete
removal of all high places; but if so, such cropped
25
up again in due time and had not been removed by
the time of the conclusion of his reign, allowing for
their being smashed by his successor Jehoshaphat.
work and brought a withdrawal of his forces from
Ramah. Asa now conscripted all the available
manpower from the entire kingdom of Judah and
carried off all Baasha’s supplies of building
materials, using them to build up the cities of Geba
and Mizpah.—1Ki 15:16-22; 2Ch 16:1-6.
Asa’s zeal for right worship brought blessings of
peace from Jehovah during the first ten years of his
reign. (2Ch 14:1, 6) Later Judah was subjected to
attack by a force of a million warriors under Zerah
the Ethiopian. Though greatly outnumbered, Asa
went out to meet the invasion at Mareshah about 38
km (23 mi) WSW of Jerusalem in the Judean
lowlands. His fervent prayer before the battle was
joined acknowledged God’s power to deliver and
pleaded for Jehovah’s help, saying: “Upon you we
do lean, and in your name we have come against
this crowd. O Jehovah, you are our God. Do not let
mortal man retain strength against you.” Total
victory resulted.—2Ch 14:8-15.
For this, Asa was confronted by Hanani the seer,
who pointed out Asa’s inconsistency in not leaning
upon the God who had delivered him from the vast
Ethiopian force, reminding Asa that “as regards
Jehovah, his eyes are roving about through all the
earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose
heart is complete toward him.” For his foolishness,
Asa would now face continued warfare. Resenting
correction, Asa unjustly jailed Hanani and showed
himself oppressive to others of the people.—2Ch
16:7-11.
Asa is thereafter met by the prophet Azariah,
who reminds him: “Jehovah is with you as long as
you prove to be with him,” and “if you leave him he
will leave you.” He calls to mind the destructive
strife the nation experienced when alienated from
Jehovah and urges Asa to continue his activity
courageously on behalf of pure worship. (2Ch 15:17) Asa’s ready response and strengthening of the
nation in true service to Jehovah results in a great
number of persons from the northern kingdom
abandoning that region to join in a grand assembly
at Jerusalem in Asa’s 15th year of rule
(963 B.C.E.), at which assembly a covenant is made
declaring the people’s determination to seek
Jehovah and providing the death penalty for those
not keeping this covenant.—2Ch 15:8-15.
The statement at 2 Chronicles 16:1 that Baasha
came up against Judah “in the thirty-sixth year of
the reign of Asa” has caused some question, since
Baasha’s rule, beginning in the third year of Asa
and lasting only 24 years, had terminated about 10
years prior to Asa’s 36th year of rule. (1Ki 15:33)
While some suggest a scribal error and believe the
reference is to the 16th or the 26th year of Asa’s
reign, the assumption of such error is not required to
harmonize the accounts. Jewish commentators
quote the Seder Olam, which suggests that the 36th
year was reckoned from the existence of the
separate kingdom of Judah (997 B.C.E.) and
corresponded to the 16th year of Asa (Rehoboam
ruling 17 years, Abijah 3 years, and Asa now in his
16th year). (Soncino Books of the Bible, London,
1952, ftn on 2Ch 16:1) This was also the view of
Archbishop Ussher. So, too, the apparent difference
between the statement at 2 Chronicles 15:19 to the
effect that, as for “war, it did not occur down to the
thirty-fifth [actually, the fifteenth] year of Asa’s
reign,” and the statement at 1 Kings 15:16 to the
effect that “warfare itself took place between Asa
and Baasha the king of Israel all their days,” may be
explained in that once conflicts began between the
two kings they were thereafter continuous, even as
Hanani had foretold.—2Ch 16:9.
Intrigue and Warfare Against Baasha. King
Baasha of Israel set out to block the path of any
inclining toward a return to Judah by fortifying the
frontier city of Ramah, located on the main road to
Jerusalem and only a short distance N of that city.
Asa, by some process of human reasoning or
because of heeding bad counsel, now failed to rely
solely on Jehovah and resorted to diplomacy and
conspiratorial maneuvering to remove this threat.
He took the temple treasures and those from the
royal house and sent them as a bribe to King Benhadad I of Syria to induce him to divert Baasha’s
attention through an attack on Israel’s northern
frontier. Ben-hadad I accepted, and his raid on
Israelite cities in the N disrupted Baasha’s building
Illness and Death. Asa’s last three years brought
suffering due to an illness of the feet (perhaps gout),
and he unwisely sought physical healing over
spiritual healing. At his death he was given an
26
honorable burial in his personally prepared tomb in
the City of David.—1Ki 15:23, 24; 2Ch 16:12-14.
March 16 Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 5-9
No.1: 1 Samuel 6:10-21
No.2: Athaliah (No.1)—Theme: Beware of the
Jezebel Influence (it-1 p. 209)
No.3: Messianic Prophecies That Jesus Fulfilled
(nwt p.15)
Despite the lack of wisdom and spiritual insight
he manifested at times, Asa’s good qualities and
freedom from apostasy evidently outweighed his
errors, and he is viewed as one of the faithful kings
of the line of Judah. (2Ch 15:17) The 41-year reign
of Asa touched or covered the reigns of eight kings
of Israel: Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri,
Omri, Tibni (who ruled a segment of Israel in
opposition to Omri), and Ahab. (1Ki 15:9, 25, 33;
16:8, 15, 16, 21, 23, 29) Upon Asa’s death his son
Jehoshaphat became king.—1Ki 15:24.
Bible Highlights: 1 Samuel 5-9
27
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading
1 Samuel 6:10-21
Talk No. 2: Athaliah (No.1)—Theme: Beware of
the Jezebel Influence (it-1 p. 209)
(1 Samuel 6:10-21) The men did accordingly. They
took two cows that had calves and hitched them to
the wagon, and the calves they penned up at home.
11
Then they put the Ark of Jehovah on the wagon,
as well as the box containing the golden mice and
the images of their piles. 12 And the cows went
straight ahead on the road to Beth-she′mesh. They
stayed on the one highway, mooing as they went;
they did not turn either to the right or to the left. All
the while the lords of the Phi·lis′tines were walking
behind them as far as the boundary of Bethshe′mesh. 13 The people of Beth-she′mesh were
reaping the wheat harvest in the valley plain. When
they raised their eyes and saw the Ark, they were
overjoyed at seeing it. 14 The wagon came into the
field of Joshua the Beth-she′mite and stopped there
near a large stone. So they chopped up the wood of
the wagon, and they offered the cows as a burnt
offering to Jehovah. 15 The Levites took down the
Ark of Jehovah and the box that was with it, which
contained the golden articles, and they put them on
the large stone. The men of Beth-she′mesh offered
up burnt offerings and made sacrifices on that day
to Jehovah. 16 When the five lords of the
Phi·lis′tines saw it, they returned to Ek′ron on that
day. 17 Now these are the golden piles that the
Phi·lis′tines sent as a guilt offering to Jehovah: one
for Ash′dod, one for Gaz′a, one for Ash′ke·lon, one
for Gath, one for Ek′ron. 18 And the number of the
golden mice corresponded to the number of all the
cities of the Phi·lis′tines that belonged to the five
lords—both the fortified cities and the villages in
the open country. And the large stone upon which
they rested the Ark of Jehovah serves as a witness
down to this day in the field of Joshua the Bethshe′mite. 19 But God struck down the men of Bethshe′mesh, because they had looked upon the Ark of
Jehovah. He struck down 50,070 among the people,
and the people began mourning because Jehovah
had struck them down with a great slaughter. 20 So
the men of Beth-she′mesh asked: “Who will be able
to stand before Jehovah, this holy God, and to
whom will he go away from us?” 21 So they sent
messengers to the inhabitants of Kir′i·ath-je′a·rim,
saying: “The Phi·lis′tines have returned the Ark of
Jehovah. Come down and take it up with you.”
*** it-1 p. 209 Athaliah ***
ATHALIAH
(Ath·a·li′ah).
1. Queen of Judah, daughter of King Ahab of
Israel and his wife Jezebel; granddaughter of Omri.
(2Ki 8:18, 26) She was the sister of Israel’s King
Jehoram, and sister or half sister of the other 70
sons of Ahab, all of whom Jehu ordered killed. (2Ki
3:1, 2; 10:1-9) Athaliah was given in a marriage of
political expediency to Jehoram, the eldest son of
Jehoshaphat of Judah. (2Ki 8:25-27; 2Ch 18:1) She
was the mother of Ahaziah, who in time became
king of Judah.
Like her mother Jezebel, Athaliah egged on her
husband, Jehoram, to do what was bad in Jehovah’s
eyes during his eight-year reign. (1Ki 21:25; 2Ch
21:4-6) And like her mother, Athaliah wantonly
shed the blood of the innocent. When her wicked
son Ahaziah died after a one-year reign, she killed
off all the others of the royal line, except the infant
Jehoash, who had been hidden by the high priest
and his wife, who was Jehoash’s aunt. Thereupon
Athaliah installed herself as queen for six years, c.
905-899 B.C.E. (2Ch 22:11, 12) Her sons robbed
Jehovah’s temple of the holy things and offered
them up to Baal.—2Ch 24:7.
When Jehoash reached seven years of age, Godfearing High Priest Jehoiada brought the lad out of
secrecy and crowned him rightful heir to the throne.
Hearing the tumult, Athaliah rushed to the temple
and, upon seeing what was happening, cried,
“Conspiracy! Conspiracy!” High Priest Jehoiada
ordered her taken outside the temple grounds to be
executed at the horse gate of the palace; she was
perhaps the last of Ahab’s abominable house. (2Ki
11:1-20; 2Ch 22:1–23:21) How true it proved to be:
“Nothing of Jehovah’s word will fall unfulfilled to
the earth that Jehovah has spoken against the house
of Ahab”!—2Ki 10:10, 11; 1Ki 21:20-24.
28
said to me: “Throw it into the treasury—the
magnificent value with which they valued
me.” So I took the 30 pieces of silver and
threw it into the treasury at the house of
Jehovah.
Talk No. 3: Messianic Prophecies That Jesus
Fulfilled (nwt p.15)
*** nwt p. 15 Question 6: What did the Bible
foretell about the Messiah? ***
PROPHECY
FULFILLMENT
1. “He is guarding all his bones; not one of
them has been broken.”
“Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas
Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said:
‘What will you give me to betray him to
you?’ They stipulated to him 30 silver
pieces.”
Psalm 34:20 [Page 777]
(Psalm 34:20) He is guarding all his bones;
Not one of them has been broken.
Matthew 26:14, 15; 27:5 [Pages 1342, 1345]
FULFILLMENT
*** Bible Citations ***
(Matthew 26:14, 15) Then one of the Twelve, the
one called Judas Is·car′i·ot, went to the chief priests
15
and said: “What will you give me to betray him to
you?” They stipulated to him 30 silver pieces.
(Matthew 27:5) So he threw the silver pieces into
the temple and departed. Then he went off and
hanged himself.
“On coming to Jesus, they saw that he was
already dead, so they did not break his legs.”
John 19:33 [Page 1456]
(John 19:33) But on coming to Jesus, they
saw that he was already dead, so they did not
break his legs.
PROPHECY
2. “He was pierced for our transgression.”
Isaiah 53:5 [Page 1011]
(Isaiah 53:5) But he was pierced for our
transgression; He was crushed for our errors.
He bore the punishment for our peace, And
because of his wounds we were healed.
FULFILLMENT
“One of the soldiers jabbed his side with a
spear, and immediately blood and water came
out.”
John 19:34 [Page 1456]
(John 19:34) But one of the soldiers jabbed
his side with a spear, and immediately blood
and water came out.
PROPHECY
3. “They paid my wages, 30 pieces of
silver.”
Zechariah 11:12, 13 [Page 1296]
(Zechariah 11:12, 13) Then I said to them:
“If it seems good to you, give me my wages;
but if not, withhold them.” And they paid my
wages, 30 pieces of silver. 13 Then Jehovah
29
time the messengers came to Gib′e·ah of Saul and
spoke these words in the hearing of the people, and
all the people wept at the top of their voice. 5 But
Saul was coming from the field behind the herd, and
Saul said: “What is the matter with the people?
Why are they weeping?” So they related to him the
words of the men of Ja′besh. 6 The spirit of God
empowered Saul when he heard these words, and he
burned with anger. 7 So he took a pair of bulls and
cut them into pieces, and he sent these into all the
territory of Israel by the hand of the messengers,
who said: “Whoever does not follow Saul and
Samuel should expect this to be done to his cattle!”
And the fear of Jehovah fell upon the people, so that
they came out with one accord. 8 Then he counted
them in Be′zek, and there were 300,000 Israelites
and 30,000 men of Judah. 9 They now said to the
messengers who had come: “This is what you
should say to the men of Ja′besh in Gil′e·ad,
‘Tomorrow when the sun gets hot, you will be
saved.’” With that the messengers came and told the
men of Ja′besh, and they were overjoyed. 10 So the
men of Ja′besh said: “Tomorrow we will surrender
to you, and you may do to us whatever seems good
to you.”
March 23 Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 10-13
No.1: 1 Samuel 11:1-10
No.2: What Does the Bible Foretell About Our
Day? (nwt p.16 ¶1-4)
No.3: Azariah (No. 21)—Theme: Strong in Faith
From Youth to Manhood (it-1 p. 225)
Bible Highlights:
1 Samuel 10-13
Talk No. 2: What Does the Bible Foretell About
Our Day? (nwt p.16 ¶1-4)
*** nwt p. 16 Question 7: What does the Bible
foretell about our day? ***
QUESTION 7
What does the Bible foretell about our day?
1. “Nation will rise against nation and
kingdom against kingdom . . . All these things
are a beginning of pangs of distress.”
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 11:1-10
Matthew 24:7, 8 [Page 1338]
(Matthew 24:7, 8) “For nation will rise against
nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there
will be food shortages and earthquakes in one
place after another. 8 All these things are a
beginning of pangs of distress.
(1 Samuel 11:1-10) Then Na′hash the Am′mon·ite
came up and camped against Ja′besh in Gil′e·ad. All
the men of Ja′besh said to Na′hash: “Make a
covenant with us, and we will serve you.” 2 Na′hash
the Am′mon·ite said to them: “I will make it with
you on this condition: that all your right eyes be
bored out. I will do this to humiliate all Israel.”
3
The elders of Ja′besh replied to him: “Give us
seven days’ time so that we can send messengers
into all the territory of Israel. Then, if there is no
one to rescue us, we will surrender to you.” 4 In
2. “Many false prophets will arise and
mislead many; and because of the increasing
of lawlessness, the love of the greater number
will grow cold.”
Matthew 24:11, 12 [Page 1339]
30
(Matthew 24:11, 12) Many false prophets will
arise and mislead many; 12 and because of the
increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater
number will grow cold.
Talk No. 3: Azariah (No. 21)—Theme: Strong in
Faith From Youth to Manhood (it-1 p. 225)
3. “When you hear of wars and reports of
wars, do not be alarmed; these things must
take place, but the end is not yet.”
21. One of the Hebrew youths taken captive to
Babylon in 617 B.C.E., whose name was changed to
Abednego, probably meaning “Servant of Nebo [a
Babylonian god].” (Da 1:3-7) After a special threeyear training course, Azariah and his companions
(Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael) were found to be “ten
times better than all the magic-practicing priests and
the conjurers” of Babylon. (Da 1:5, 14-20) First
threatened with death (Da 2:13-18), then promoted
to the office of administrator (Da 2:49), Azariah’s
supreme test of loyalty to Jehovah came when he
was thrown into a superheated furnace for refusing
to worship the image set up by Nebuchadnezzar.
(Da 3:12-30) Indeed a man of faith, he is alluded to
by the apostle Paul as one who “stayed the force of
fire.”—Heb 11:34.
*** it-1 p. 225 Azariah ***
Mark 13:7 [Page 1369]
(Mark 13:7) Moreover, when you hear of wars
and reports of wars, do not be alarmed; these
things must take place, but the end is not yet.
4. “There will be great earthquakes, and in
one place after another food shortages and
pestilences; and there will be fearful sights
and from heaven great signs.”
Luke 21:11 [Page 1416]
(Luke 21:11) There will be great earthquakes, and
in one place after another food shortages and
pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and from
heaven great signs.
31
today. 39 For as surely as Jehovah is alive, who
rescued Israel, even if it turns out to be Jon′a·than
my son, he must die.” But none of the people would
answer him. 40 Then he said to all Israel: “You will
be on one side, and my son Jon′a·than and I will be
on the other side.” At this the people said to Saul:
“Do whatever seems good in your eyes.” 41 Saul
then said to Jehovah: “O God of Israel, answer with
the Thum′mim!” Then Jon′a·than and Saul were
selected, and the people went free. 42 Saul now said:
“Cast lots to decide between me and my son
Jon′a·than.” And Jon′a·than was selected. 43 Then
Saul said to Jon′a·than: “Tell me, what have you
done?” So Jon′a·than told him: “I merely tasted a
little honey on the tip of the staff in my hand. Here I
am! I am ready to die!” 44 At this Saul said: “Thus
may God do and may he add to it if you do not die,
Jon′a·than.” 45 But the people said to Saul: “Should
Jon′a·than die—the one who brought this great
victory to Israel? It is unthinkable! As surely as
Jehovah is alive, not even a single hair of his head
should fall to the ground, for it was with God that
he acted this day.” With that the people rescued
Jon′a·than, and he did not die.
March 30 Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 14-15
No.1: 1 Samuel 14:36-45
No.2: Balaam—Theme :Greed Can Blind Us to a
Wrong Course (it-1 pp. 244-245)
No.3: The Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy About
the Last Days (nwt p.17 ¶1)
Bible Highlights: 1 Samuel 14-15
Talk No. 2: Balaam—Theme :Greed Can Blind
Us to a Wrong Course (it-1 pp. 244-245)
BALAAM
(Ba′laam) [possibly, One Swallowing Down].
Son of Beor, of the 15th century B.C.E. He lived
in the Aramaean town of Pethor in the upper
Euphrates Valley and near the Sajur River. Though
not an Israelite, Balaam had some knowledge and
recognition of Jehovah as the true God, speaking of
him on one occasion as “Jehovah my God.” (Nu
22:5, 18) This may have been because devout
worshipers of Jehovah (Abraham, Lot, and Jacob)
formerly lived in the vicinity of Haran, not far from
Pethor.—Ge 12:4, 5; 24:10; 28:5; 31:18, 38.
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Samuel 14:36-45
(1 Samuel 14:36-45) Saul later said: “Let us go
down after the Phi·lis′tines by night and plunder
them until the morning light. We will not leave a
single survivor.” To this they said: “Do whatever
seems good in your eyes.” Then the priest said: “Let
us approach the true God here.” 37 And Saul
inquired of God: “Should I go down after the
Phi·lis′tines? Will you give them into the hand of
Israel?” But God did not answer him on that day.
38
So Saul said: “Come here, all you chiefs of the
people, and find out what sin has been committed
Balaam turned down the offer of the first
delegation from the Moabite king Balak, who
brought with them “payments for divination,”
saying: “Jehovah has refused to let me go with
you.” (Nu 22:5-14) When “other princes in greater
number and more honorable” came (Nu 22:15), and
Balaam again sought God’s permission to go,
Jehovah said: “Get up, go with them. But only the
32
word that I shall speak to you is what you may
speak.”—Nu 22:16-21; Mic 6:5.
At this turn of events, “Balak’s anger blazed
against Balaam,” and, clapping his hands in a rage,
he exclaimed: “It was to execrate my enemies that I
called you, and, look! you have blessed them to the
limit these three times. And now run your way off
to your place. I had said to myself I was without fail
going to honor you, but, look! Jehovah has held you
back from honor.” (Nu 24:10, 11) Balaam tried to
excuse himself, blaming Jehovah for his failure at
cursing Israel, saying he was not “able to pass
beyond the order of Jehovah,” and that ‘whatever
Jehovah said is what he had to speak.’ So with a
few more proverbial pronouncements against
Israel’s enemies, “Balaam got up and went and
returned to his place.”—Nu 24:12-25.
On the way Jehovah’s angel three times stood in
the road, causing Balaam’s ass first to turn into a
field, then to squeeze Balaam’s foot against a wall,
and at last to lie down. Three times Balaam beat the
animal, which then miraculously uttered a spoken
protest. (Nu 22:22-30) Finally, Balaam himself saw
Jehovah’s angel, who announced: “I have come out
to offer resistance, because your way has been
headlong against my will.” Yet Jehovah once again
allowed Balaam to continue in his chosen course.—
Nu 22:31-35.
From start to finish God unalterably disapproved
any cursing of Israel, insisting that if Balaam went
he would have to bless, not curse. (Jos 24:9, 10)
However, God permitted him to go. It was as in the
case of Cain, when Jehovah expressed his
disapproval but at the same time allowed the
individual personal choice, either to abandon his
bad way or plunge ahead in his wicked course. (Ge
4:6-8) Balaam, then, like Cain, was headstrong in
disregarding Jehovah’s will in the matter, and was
determined to gain his own selfish objective. In
Balaam’s case it was greed of reward that blinded
him to the wrongness of his way, as Jude writes:
‘Balaam rushed into the erroneous course for
reward.’ The apostle Peter comments: “Balaam, the
son of Beor, . . . loved the reward of wrongdoing,
but got a reproof for his own violation of what was
right. A voiceless beast of burden, making utterance
with the voice of a man, hindered the prophet’s mad
course.”—Jude 11; 2Pe 2:15, 16.
When it says that Balaam “returned to his place”
it does not necessarily mean he actually reached his
home back in Pethor. The words themselves do not
imply that Balaam left more than the immediate
vicinity of Mount Peor. As Cook’s Commentary
observes on Numbers 24:25: “Returned to his own
place . . . Not to his own land, for he remained
amongst the Midianites to plot by new means
against the people of God, and to perish in his
sin. . . . The phrase, which is of frequent recurrence
(cf. e.g. Gen. xviii. 33, xxxi. 55; I S.xxvi. 25; 2
S. xix. 39), is idiomatic, meaning merely that
Balaam went away whither he would.”
Balaam still entertained hope of having that rich
reward for which he had come so far and for which
he had worked so hard. If he could not curse Israel,
he reasoned, perhaps God himself would curse his
own people, if only they could be seduced to engage
in sex worship of the Baal of Peor. So “Balaam . . .
went teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before
the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols
and to commit fornication.” (Re 2:14) “By
Balaam’s word,” the daughters of Moab and Midian
“served to induce the sons of Israel to commit
unfaithfulness toward Jehovah over the affair of
Peor, so that the scourge came upon the assembly of
Jehovah.” (Nu 31:16) The result: 24,000 men of
Israel died for their sin. (Nu 25:1-9) Neither Midian
nor Balaam escaped divine punishment. Jehovah
commanded that all the men, women, and boys of
Midian be executed; only virgins were spared. “And
they killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword.”
(Nu 25:16-18; 31:1-18) As for the Moabites, they
Upon reaching Moabite territory and meeting
King Balak on the bank of the Arnon, Balaam
wasted no time in going to work for these opposers
of Jehovah’s people the next day. Balaam together
with Balak offered up sacrifices, and then Balaam
withdrew, hoping to “come upon any unlucky
omens” (Nu 23:3; 24:1), but the only message
received was a blessing for Israel from Jehovah.
The same sacrificial procedure was again followed
atop Pisgah, and again there was “no unlucky spell
against Jacob,” only blessings. Finally, the
performance was repeated atop Peor, and again for
the third time “God changed the malediction into a
benediction.”—Nu 22:41–24:9; Ne 13:2.
33
were barred from the congregation of Jehovah “to
the tenth generation.”—De 23:3-6.
April 6 Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 16-18
No.1: 1 Samuel 18:17-24
No.2: Is God to Blame for Human Suffering?
(nwt p.18 ¶1-4)
No.3: Barak—Theme: Be Valiant and Do Not
Seek Glory From Men (it-1 p. 255)
Talk No. 3: The Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy
About the Last Days (nwt p.17 ¶1)
*** nwt p. 17 Question 7: What does the Bible
foretell about our day? ***
Bible Highlights: 1 Samuel 16-18
“In the last days critical times hard to deal
with will be here. For men will be lovers of
themselves, lovers of money, boastful,
haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,
unthankful, disloyal, having no natural
affection, not open to any agreement,
slanderers, without self-control, fierce,
without love of goodness, betrayers,
headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of
pleasures rather than lovers of God, having an
appearance of godliness but proving false to
its power.”
2 Timothy 3:1-5 [Page 1595]
*** Bible Citations ***
(2 Timothy 3:1-5) But know this, that in the last
days critical times hard to deal with will be here.
2
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of
money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient
to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural
affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers,
without self-control, fierce, without love of
goodness, 4 betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with
pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God,
5
having an appearance of godliness but proving
false to its power; and from these turn away.
34
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Samuel 18:17-24
(1 Samuel 18:17-24) Saul later said to David:
“Here is my oldest daughter Me′rab. I will give her
to you as a wife. However, you should continue to
display your courage for me and fight the wars of
Jehovah.” For Saul said to himself: ‘Do not let my
hand come against him. Let the hand of the
Phi·lis′tines strike him.’ 18 At this David said to
Saul: “Who am I and who are my relatives, my
father’s family in Israel, for me to become son-inlaw to the king?” 19 However, when the time came
to give Saul’s daughter Me′rab to David, she had
already been given to be the wife of A′dri·el the
Me·hol′ath·ite. 20 Now Saul’s daughter Mi′chal was
in love with David, and it was reported to Saul, and
this pleased him. 21 So Saul said: “I will give her to
him to serve as a snare to him, so that the hand of
the Phi·lis′tines may come upon him.” Saul then
said to David a second time: “You will form a
marriage alliance with me today.” 22 Further, Saul
ordered his servants: “Speak to David secretly and
say, ‘Look! The king is pleased with you, and all his
servants are fond of you. So now form a marriage
alliance with the king.’” 23 When Saul’s servants
told David these things, David said: “Is it a trivial
matter to you to form a marriage alliance with the
king when I am a man poor and lightly esteemed?”
24
Then Saul’s servants reported to him: “These are
the words that David spoke.”
*** Bible Citations ***
(James 1:13) When under trial, let no one say: “I
am being tried by God.” For with evil things God
cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone.
3. “Throw all your anxiety on him, because
he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7 [Page 1625]
(1 Peter 5:7) while you throw all your anxiety
on him, because he cares for you.
4. “Jehovah is not slow concerning his
promise, as some people consider slowness,
but he is patient with you because he does not
desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all
to attain to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 [Page 1629]
(2 Peter 3:9) Jehovah is not slow concerning his
promise, as some people consider slowness, but he
is patient with you because he does not desire
anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to
repentance.
Talk No. 2: Is God to Blame for Human
Suffering? (nwt p.18 ¶1-4)
*** nwt p. 18 Question 8: Is God to blame for
human suffering? ***
QUESTION 8
Is God to blame for human suffering?
1. “It is unthinkable for the true God to act
wickedly, for the Almighty to do wrong!”
Job 34:10 [Page 736]
(Job 34:10) So listen to me, you men of
understanding: It is unthinkable for the true God
to act wickedly, For the Almighty to do wrong!
2. “When under trial, let no one say: ‘I am
being tried by God.’ For with evil things God
cannot be tried, nor does he himself try
anyone.”
James 1:13 [Page 1616]
35
Sisera himself, having abandoned his chariot and
his beleaguered army, flees and finds refuge in the
tent of Jael, the wife of Heber, a Kenite who is at
peace with Jabin. Jael extends hospitality to Sisera,
but while he sleeps, she kills him by driving a tent
pin through his temples and into the earth. When
Barak comes along, Jael invites him into the tent,
where he sees that Jehovah’s word has come true;
Sisera has actually been sold into the hand of a
woman. (Jg 4:17-22; 5:24-27) Thereafter, the hand
of the victorious Israelites “went on getting harder
and harder against Jabin the king of Canaan, until
they had cut off Jabin.” Consequently, that area of
Israel “had no further disturbance for forty
years.”—Jg 4:23, 24; 5:31.
Talk No. 3: Barak—Theme: Be Valiant and Do
Not Seek Glory From Men (it-1 p. 255)
*** it-1 p. 255 Barak ***
BARAK
(Ba′rak) [Lightning].
Son of Abinoam of Kedesh in the territory of
Naphtali. During an early period in the time of the
judges the Israelites fell away from true worship,
and so for 20 years God permitted them to be
oppressed by Jabin, the king of Canaan. They cried
out to Jehovah for relief, and it was then that Barak
became their God-appointed leader. (Jg 4:1-3)
Whereas the Israelites’ Canaanite oppressors were
heavily armed, “a shield could not be seen, nor a
lance, among forty thousand in Israel.” (Jg 5:8)
However, in Barak’s day, Jehovah gave Israel
victory over their foes, a triumph that was not
forgotten. (Ps 83:9) The two accounts of these
matters in Judges (chapter 4, and in the exultant
song of Deborah and Barak in chapter 5)
complement each other and paint a vivid picture of
what occurred at that time.
Barak is cited as a faithful example among those
“who through faith defeated kingdoms in conflict,
. . . became valiant in war, routed the armies of
foreigners.”—Heb 11:32-34.
Barak may be the “Bedan” of 1 Samuel 12:11 (if
LXX and Sy are followed).—See BEDAN No. 1.
Apr.13 Bible reading: 1 Samuel19-22
The prophetess Deborah, who was then judging
Israel, spurs Barak to take the initiative in freeing
his people. Barak consents, but on the condition that
Deborah accompany him. She agrees, though telling
Barak that Jehovah will sell Sisera, chief of Jabin’s
forces, into the hand of a woman.—Jg 4:4-9.
Barak recruits 10,000 men from Naphtali,
Zebulun, and other tribes of Israel (Jg 4:6; 5:9-18)
and ascends Mount Tabor. Hearing of this, Sisera
and his forces, equipped with 900 chariots having
iron scythes, advance toward the Israelites along the
dry bed of the Kishon (in the Plain of Jezreel). With
Barak in the lead, the Israelite army, being only
lightly equipped, courageously descends from
Mount Tabor, ready for the fray with the fully
armored Canaanites. However, the Kishon became
an overwhelming torrent, immobilizing the enemy
chariots. Indeed, “from heaven did the stars fight,
from their orbits they fought against Sisera. The
torrent of Kishon washed them away.” Barak and
his men press their advantage, and the account
states: “All the camp of Sisera fell by the edge of
the sword. Not as much as one remained.”—Jg
5:20-22; 4:10-16.
36
they danced, saying, ‘Saul has struck down his
thousands, And David his tens of thousands’?”
12
David took these words to heart, and he became
very much afraid of King A′chish of Gath. 13 So he
disguised his sanity in their presence and acted
insane while among them. He was making marks on
the doors of the gate and letting his saliva run down
his beard. 14 Finally A′chish said to his servants:
“You see that this man is crazy! Why bring him to
me? 15 Do I have a shortage of crazy men that I
need to have this one acting crazy before me?
Should this man enter my house?”
22 So David went from there, escaping to the cave
of A·dul′lam. When his brothers and his father’s
entire house heard of it, they went down there to
him. 2 And all those who were in trouble and in debt
and who had a grievance gathered to him, and he
became their chief. There were about 400 men with
him. 3 David later went from there to Miz′peh in
Mo′ab and said to the king of Mo′ab: “Please let my
father and mother stay with you until I know what
God will do for me.” 4 So he left them with the king
of Mo′ab, and they stayed with him the whole time
that David was in the stronghold.
Apr.13 Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 19-22
No.1: 1 Samuel 21:10–22:4
No.2: Barnabas—Theme: Be Warmhearted and
Generous in Your Ministry (it-1 p. 257)
No.3: Why Do Humans Suffer? (nwt p.19 ¶1-4)
Bible Highlights: 1 Samuel 16-18
Talk No. 2: Barnabas—Theme: Be
Warmhearted and Generous in Your Ministry
(it-1 p. 257)
*** it-1 p. 257 Barnabas ***
BARNABAS
(Bar′na·bas) [Son of Comfort].
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading
This prominent figure of first-century
Christianity is first introduced to us in the Scriptures
by Luke in Acts 4:34-36. There we learn that this
devout man was a Levite and a native of the island
of Cyprus, but at the time of his being introduced,
he was in Jerusalem. Of the many believers who
shortly after Pentecost sold their fields and houses
and gave the price to the apostles for the
advancement of the Christian work, this man was
one mentioned by name. His given name was
Joseph, but the apostles surnamed him Barnabas,
meaning “Son of Comfort.” This practice of giving
surnames in keeping with one’s characteristics was
not uncommon.
1 Samuel 21:10–22:4
(1 Samuel 21:10-22:4) That day David rose up and
continued his flight from Saul, and he eventually
came to King A′chish of Gath. 11 The servants of
A′chish said to him: “Is this not David, the king of
the land? Is he not the one they sang about when
He was a very warmhearted and generous
person, one who did not hesitate to offer both
himself and his material possessions willingly for
37
the advancement of the Kingdom interests. He
gladly ‘came to the aid’ of his brothers (Ac 9:27),
and in the presence of newly interested persons “he
rejoiced and began to encourage them all to
continue in the Lord with hearty purpose.” Barnabas
“was a good man and full of holy spirit and of faith”
(Ac 11:23, 24), a prophet and teacher in Antioch.
(Ac 13:1) The apostles referred to Barnabas as
among their “loved ones” who had “delivered up
their souls for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(Ac 15:25, 26) Although he was not one of the 12
apostles, he was properly called an apostle (Ac
14:14), for, indeed, he was one “sent out by the holy
spirit.”—Ac 13:4, 43.
crowds from sacrificing to them” (thinking that
Barnabas was the god Zeus and Paul, “the one
taking the lead in speaking,” was Hermes, or
Mercury), than the Jews “persuaded the crowds, and
they stoned Paul and dragged him outside the
city.”—Ac 13:1-12; 14:1-20.
In about 49 C.E., Barnabas and Paul took the
burning question of circumcision of non-Jews up to
the governing body in Jerusalem, and with that
settled, they were soon back in Antioch preparing
for their next missionary tour. (Ac 15:2-36)
However, because they could come to no agreement
over taking John Mark along, they each departed for
separate territories. Barnabas took his cousin Mark
to Cyprus, and Paul took Silas through the districts
of Syria and Cilicia. (Ac 15:37-41) Thus ends the
record made of Barnabas in the Scriptures, except
for brief mention of him in some of Paul’s letters.—
1Co 9:6; Ga 2:1, 9, 13; Col 4:10.
The close association that Barnabas had with
Paul, and that extended over the years, had its
beginning about three years after Paul’s conversion
when he wanted to get in touch with the Jerusalem
congregation. How Barnabas first got to meet Paul
is not revealed. But it was Barnabas who had the
privilege of introducing Paul to Peter and to the
disciple James.—Ac 9:26, 27; Ga 1:18, 19.
Talk No. 3: Why Do Humans Suffer? (nwt p.19
¶1-4)
*** nwt p. 19 Question 9: Why do humans
suffer? ***
QUESTION 9
Why do humans suffer?
In the meantime a great deal of interest in
Christianity had been aroused in Antioch of Syria
by certain Greek-speaking Jews from Cyprus and
Cyrene. As a result, the governing body at
Jerusalem sent Barnabas down to Antioch to
encourage and build up these new believers further.
The choice of Barnabas for this work was a good
one, since he was a Greek-speaking Cypriot. When
“a considerable crowd was added to the Lord” in
Antioch, Barnabas hastened over to Tarsus and
persuaded Paul to come and help out in the
ministry. About that time divine warning of a
coming famine caused the brothers in Antioch to
gather many provisions that, in due time, were sent
to the Jerusalem congregation by the hands of
Barnabas and Paul.—Ac 11:22-24, 27-30; 12:25.
1. “The swift do not always win the race,
nor do the mighty win the battle, nor do the
wise always have the food, nor do the
intelligent always have the riches, nor do
those with knowledge always have success,
because time and unexpected events overtake
them all.”
Ecclesiastes 9:11 [Page 924]
(Ecclesiastes 9:11) I have seen something
further under the sun, that the swift do not
always win the race, nor do the mighty win the
battle, nor do the wise always have the food, nor
do the intelligent always have the riches, nor do
those with knowledge always have success,
because time and unexpected events overtake
them all.
This relief work accomplished, the two were
back in Antioch by about 47 C.E. and from there
left on a missionary assignment under the direction
of the holy spirit. This took Barnabas and Paul first
to Cyprus, where they were instrumental in bringing
God’s truth to the proconsul Sergius Paulus. From
there they traveled through the interior of Asia
Minor. At times they were severely persecuted by
mobs. Once, when they cured a lame man in Lystra,
they had no sooner succeeded in restraining “the
2. “Through one man sin entered into the
world and death through sin, and so death
spread to all men because they had all
sinned—.”
38
Romans 5:12 [Page 1512]
April 20 Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 23-25
No.1: 1 Samuel 23:13-23
No.2: What Does the Bible Promise for the
Future? (nwt p. 20 ¶1-3)
No.3: Baruch (No.1)—Theme: Serve Jehovah
Unselfishly (it-1 p. 259)
(Romans 5:12) That is why, just as through one
man sin entered into the world and death through
sin, and so death spread to all men because they
had all sinned—.
3. “For this purpose the Son of God was
made manifest, to break up the works of the
Devil.”
Bible Highlights: 1 Samuel 23-25
1 John 3:8 [Page 1632]
(1 John 3:8) The one who practices sin
originates with the Devil, because the Devil has
been sinning from the beginning. For this
purpose the Son of God was made manifest, to
break up the works of the Devil.
4. “The whole world is lying in the power of
the wicked one.”
1 John 5:19 [Page 1635]
(1 John 5:19) We know that we originate with God,
but the whole world is lying in the power of the
wicked one.
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading
1 Samuel 23:13-23
(1 Samuel 23:13-23) At once David rose up with
his men, about 600 in number, and they left Kei′lah
and moved about wherever they could. When Saul
was told that David had escaped from Kei′lah, he
did not go out after him. 14 David stayed in the
wilderness in places difficult to approach, in the
39
mountainous region of the wilderness of Ziph. Saul
searched for him constantly, but Jehovah did not
give him into his hand. 15 David was aware that
Saul had gone out to seek his life while David was
in the wilderness of Ziph at Ho′resh. 16 Jon′a·than
the son of Saul now went out to David at Ho′resh,
and he helped him find strength in Jehovah. 17 He
said to him: “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul
will not find you; you will be king over Israel, and I
will become second to you; and my father Saul also
knows that.” 18 Then the two of them made a
covenant before Jehovah, and David stayed in
Ho′resh, and Jon′a·than went to his home. 19 The
men of Ziph later went up to Saul at Gib′e·ah and
said: “Is not David hiding near us in the places
difficult to approach at Ho′resh, on the hill of
Hach·i′lah, which is south of Je·shi′mon?
20
Whenever it pleases you to come down, O king,
come, and we will surrender him into the hand of
the king.” 21 At this Saul said: “May you be blessed
by Jehovah, for you have shown compassion to me.
22
Please go and try to find out exactly where he is
and who saw him there, for I have been told that he
is very cunning. 23 Carefully ascertain where all his
hiding places are and return to me with the
evidence. I will then go with you, and if he is in the
land, I will search him out among all the thousands
of Judah.”
3. “He will swallow up death forever, and
the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away
the tears from all faces.”
Isaiah 25:8 [Page 968]
(Isaiah 25:8) He will swallow up death forever,
And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away
the tears from all faces. The reproach of his people
he will take away from all the earth, For Jehovah
himself has spoken it.
Talk No. 2 What Does the Bible Promise for the
Future? (nwt p. 20 ¶1-3)
*** nwt p. 20 Question 10: What does the Bible
promise for the future? ***
QUESTION 10
What does the Bible promise for the future?
1. “The righteous will possess the earth, and
they will live forever on it.”
Psalm 37:29 [Page 781]
(Psalm 37:29) The righteous will possess the
earth, And they will live forever on it.
2.
“The earth remains forever.”
Ecclesiastes 1:4 [Page 915]
(Ecclesiastes 1:4) A generation is going, and a
generation is coming, But the earth remains
forever.
40
Talk No. 3:
Baruch (No.1)—Theme: Serve
Jehovah Unselfishly (it-1 p. 259)
April 27 Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 26-31
Theocratic Ministry School Review
*** it-1 p. 259 Baruch ***
BARUCH
Bible Highlights: 1 Samuel 26-31
(Bar′uch) [Blessed].
1. The scribal secretary of Jeremiah. Baruch was
the son of Neriah and brother of Seraiah,
Zedekiah’s quartermaster who read Jeremiah’s
scroll alongside the Euphrates.—Jer 32:12; 51:5964.
In the fourth year of King Jehoiakim,
625 B.C.E., Baruch began writing in a scroll the
prophetic message of Jerusalem’s doom, dictated by
Jeremiah. In the late fall of the following year,
624 B.C.E., Baruch read the scroll aloud “in the
ears of all the people” at the entrance of Jehovah’s
house. He was then summoned to read it to an
assembly of the princes, who, moved by what they
heard and fearing the consequences when the word
got to the king’s ears, urged Baruch and Jeremiah to
hide. Jehoiakim, upon hearing the denunciation,
burned the scroll piece by piece and commanded
that Baruch and Jeremiah be brought before him,
“but Jehovah kept them concealed.” At Jeremiah’s
dictation, Baruch then wrote another scroll like the
first, but containing “many more words” from the
mouth of Jehovah.—Jer 36:1-32.
Sixteen years later, in the tenth year of Zedekiah,
only months before Jerusalem was sacked, Baruch
took the deeds for the property Jeremiah had
purchased from a cousin and put them in an
earthenware vessel for preservation and
safekeeping.—Jer 32:1, 9-16.
At one point during the writing of the first scroll,
when Baruch complained of his weariness, Jehovah
warned him: ‘Do not keep on seeking great things
for yourself.’ Nevertheless, because of his
faithfulness he was promised preservation and
safety ‘in all the places to which he might go,’ not
only during the terrible siege of Jerusalem but also
afterwards when the rebellious populace compelled
him and Jeremiah to go down to Egypt with
them.—Jer 45:1-5; 43:4-7.
41
Ben′ja·min·ites gathered together behind Ab′ner,
and they formed one company and made a stand on
the top of a certain hill. 26 Then Ab′ner called out to
Jo′ab: “Is the sword going to devour endlessly? Do
you not know that the outcome will only be
bitterness? How long, then, will it be before you tell
the people to turn back from pursuing their
brothers?” 27 At that Jo′ab said: “As surely as the
true God is living, if you had not spoken, then only
by the morning would the people have stopped
pursuing their brothers.” 28 Jo′ab now blew the horn,
and his men stopped chasing after Israel, and the
fighting ceased. 29 Ab′ner and his men then marched
through the Ar′a·bah all that night and crossed the
Jordan and marched through the entire ravine and
finally came to Ma·ha·na′im. 30 After Jo′ab turned
back from pursuing Ab′ner, he gathered all the
people together. Of David’s servants, 19 were
missing, in addition to As′a·hel. 31 But the servants
of David had defeated the Ben′ja·min·ites and the
men of Ab′ner, and 360 of their men had died.
32
They took As′a·hel and buried him in his father’s
tomb, which is at Beth′le·hem. Then Jo′ab and his
men marched all night long, and they reached
Heb′ron at daybreak.
May 4 Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 1-3
No.1: 2 Samuel 2:24-32
No.2: Bath-sheba—Theme: Repentant
Wrongdoers Can Receive God’s Favor
(it-1 pp. 263-264)
No.3: Bible Promises That Will Soon Be Fulfilled
(nwt p. 20 ¶4–p. 21 ¶1)
Bible Highlights: 2 Samuel 1-3
Talk No. 2: Bath-sheba—Theme: Repentant
Wrongdoers Can Receive God’s Favor
(it-1 pp. 263-264)
*** it-1 pp. 263-264 Bath-sheba ***
BATH-SHEBA
(Bath-she′ba) [Daughter of Plenty; possibly,
Daughter [Born on] the Seventh [Day]].
Daughter of Eliam (Ammiel, 1Ch 3:5); possibly
a granddaughter of Ahithophel. (2Sa 11:3; 23:34)
First the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of David’s
mighty men; later married to David after being
involved in one of the blackest episodes of David’s
life.—2Sa 23:39.
Late one spring day, Bath-sheba was bathing
herself, when a neighbor, King David, on the
rooftop of his palace, caught sight of this beautiful
woman, described as “very good in appearance.”
Upon learning that her husband was off to war, the
passion-aroused king had Bath-sheba brought to the
palace, where he had relations with her. “Later she
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 2 Samuel 2:24-32
*** Bible Citations ***
(2 Samuel 2:24-32) Then Jo′ab and A·bish′ai went
in pursuit of Ab′ner. As the sun was setting, they
came to the hill of Am′mah, which faces Gi′ah on
the way to the wilderness of Gib′e·on. 25 There the
42
returned to her house,” and after some time
informed David that she was pregnant. Thereupon
David plotted to have Uriah sleep with his wife as a
cover-up for the adultery, but when this scheme
failed, the king had Uriah killed in battle. As soon
as her mourning period was over, Bath-sheba
became David’s wife and bore the child.—2Sa
11:1-27.
Talk No. 3: Bible Promises That Will Soon Be
Fulfilled (nwt p. 20 ¶4–p. 21 ¶1)
*** nwt pp. 20-21 Question 10: What does the
Bible promise for the future? ***
4. “He will wipe out every tear from their
eyes, and death will be no more, neither will
mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.
The former things have passed away.”
“But the thing . . . appeared bad in the eyes of
Jehovah.” His prophet Nathan rebuked the king
with an illustration in which he represented Bathsheba as the “one female lamb” of the poor man,
Uriah, that the rich man, David, took to entertain a
visitor. In great sorrow David repented (Ps 51), but
the adulterine child, which remains nameless, died.
(See DAVID.) Years later, further distress came to
David for his sin, his own concubines being defiled
by his son Absalom.—2Sa 11:27–12:23; 16:21, 22.
Revelation 21:4 [Page 1659]
*** Bible Citations ***
(Revelation 21:4) And he will wipe out every tear
from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither
will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The
former things have passed away.”
1. “They will build houses and live in them,
and they will plant vineyards and eat their
fruitage. They will not build for someone else
to inhabit, nor will they plant for others to eat.
For the days of my people will be like the
days of a tree, and the work of their hands my
chosen ones will enjoy to the full.”
Bath-sheba found comfort in her repentant
husband, repeatedly addressed him as “my lord,” as
Sarah had done to her husband (1Ki 1:15-21; 1Pe
3:6), and in time she bore him a son named
Solomon, whom Jehovah loved and blessed. (2Sa
12:24, 25) She also had three other sons, Shimea,
Shobab, and Nathan, the latter being an ancestor of
Jesus’ mother Mary. Since Joseph descended from
Solomon, both of Jesus’ earthly parents traced their
ancestry to Bath-sheba as well as David.—1Ch 3:5;
Mt 1:6, 16; Lu 3:23, 31.
Isaiah 65:21, 22 [Page 1027]
*** Bible Citations ***
(Isaiah 65:21, 22) They will build houses and live
in them, And they will plant vineyards and eat their
fruitage. 22 They will not build for someone else to
inhabit, Nor will they plant for others to eat. For the
days of my people will be like the days of a tree,
And the work of their hands my chosen ones will
enjoy to the full.
Bath-sheba comes forward in the account again
toward the close of David’s 40-year reign. David
had sworn to her: “Solomon your son is the one that
will become king after me.” So when Solomon’s
older half brother Adonijah attempted to usurp the
throne just before David’s death, Bath-sheba, on the
suggestion of the prophet Nathan, reminded David
of his oath. Immediately David put Solomon on the
throne, and Bath-sheba thus became the queen
mother.—1Ki 1:5-37.
After Solomon’s throne was firmly established,
Bath-sheba appeared before him as an influential
intermediary with a request in behalf of Adonijah.
Solomon immediately “rose to meet her and bowed
down,” and ordered that a throne be placed for his
mother, “that she might sit at his right.” However,
her request only revealed Adonijah’s duplicity, so
Solomon had him put to death.—1Ki 2:13-25.
43
through the window and saw King David leaping
and dancing around before Jehovah; and she began
to despise him in her heart. 17 So they brought the
Ark of Jehovah in and set it in its place inside the
tent that David had pitched for it. Then David
offered up burnt offerings and communion
sacrifices before Jehovah. 18 When David finished
offering up the burnt offerings and the communion
sacrifices, he blessed the people in the name of
Jehovah of armies. 19 Further, he distributed to all
the people, to the whole multitude of Israel, to each
man and woman, a ring-shaped loaf of bread, a date
cake, and a raisin cake, and then all the people left,
each to his own house. 20 When David returned to
bless his own household, Saul’s daughter Mi′chal
came out to meet him. She said: “How glorious the
king of Israel made himself when he uncovered
himself today before the eyes of the slave girls of
his servants, just as an empty-headed man openly
uncovers himself!” 21 At this David said to Mi′chal:
“My celebration was before Jehovah, who chose me
rather than your father and all his household and
who appointed me as leader over Jehovah’s people,
Israel. Therefore, I will celebrate before Jehovah,
22
and I will humble myself even more than this and
become low even in my own eyes. But by the slave
girls whom you mentioned, I will be glorified.”
23
So Saul’s daughter Mi′chal had no children down
to the day of her death.
May 11 Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 4-8
No.1: 2 Samuel 6:14-23
No.2: What Happens When Someone Dies? (nwt
p. 22 ¶1-3)
No.3: Belshazzar—Theme: Learn Humility and
Avoid Disaster (it-1 pp. 282-284)
Bible Highlights: 2 Samuel 4-8
Talk No. 2: What Happens When Someone
Dies? (nwt p. 22 ¶1-3)
QUESTION 11
What happens when someone dies?
1. “His spirit goes out, he returns to the
ground; on that very day his thoughts perish.”
Psalm 146:4 [Page 869]
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 2 Samuel 6:14-23
*** Bible Citations ***
(2 Samuel 6:14-23) David was dancing around
before Jehovah with all his might; all the while
David wore a linen eph′od. 15 David and all the
house of Israel were bringing up the Ark of Jehovah
with joyful shouting and with the sound of the horn.
16
But when the Ark of Jehovah came into the City
of David, Saul’s daughter Mi′chal looked down
(Psalm 146:4) His spirit goes out, he returns to
the ground; On that very day his thoughts perish.
2. “The living know that they will die, but
the dead know nothing at all . . . Whatever
your hand finds to do, do with all your might,
for there is no work nor planning nor
knowledge nor wisdom in the Grave, where
you are going.”
44
Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 [Page 923]
(Ecclesiastes 9:5) For the living know that they will
die, but the dead know nothing at all, nor do they
have any more reward, because all memory of them
is forgotten.
(Ecclesiastes 9:10) Whatever your hand finds to do,
do with all your might, for there is no work nor
planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the Grave,
where you are going.
Talk No. 3:
Belshazzar—Theme: Learn
Humility and Avoid Disaster (it-1 pp. 282-284)
*** it-1 pp. 282-284 Belshazzar ***
BELSHAZZAR
(Bel·shaz′zar) [from Akkadian, meaning “Protect
His Life”; or, possibly, “[May] Bel Protect the
King”].
The firstborn son of Nabonidus, and coregent of
Nabonidus in the last years of the Babylonian
Empire. He is mentioned in the Bible account only
by the prophet Daniel, and for long his position as
“king of Babylon” was denied by Bible critics. (Da
5:1, 9; 7:1; 8:1) However, archaeological evidence
in the form of ancient texts has since demonstrated
the historicity of the Bible account.
3. “[Jesus] added: ‘Lazarus our friend has
fallen asleep, but I am traveling there to
awaken him.’ Jesus, however, had spoken
about his death. But they imagined he was
speaking about taking rest in sleep. Then
Jesus said to them plainly: ‘Lazarus has
died.’”
At Daniel 5:2, 11, 18, 22, Nebuchadnezzar is
referred to as the “father” of Belshazzar, and
Belshazzar as Nebuchadnezzar’s “son.” The book
Nabonidus and Belshazzar (by R. P. Dougherty,
1929) reasons that it is probable that Belshazzar’s
mother was Nitocris and that she was a daughter of
Nebuchadnezzar (II). If so, Nebuchadnezzar was the
grandfather of Belshazzar. (See Ge 28:10, 13 for a
comparable use of “father.”) However, not all
scholars find the evidence for such a relationship
completely satisfying. It may be that
Nebuchadnezzar was simply the “father” of
Belshazzar as to the throne, Nebuchadnezzar being
a royal predecessor. In a similar manner, the
Assyrians used the expression “son of Omri” to
denote a successor of Omri.—See OMRI No. 3.
John 11:11, 13, 14 [Pages 1442, 1443]
(John 11:11) After he said these things, he added:
“Laz′a·rus our friend has fallen asleep, but I am
traveling there to awaken him.”
(John 11:13, 14) Jesus, however, had spoken about
his death. But they imagined he was speaking about
taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus said to them
plainly: “Laz′a·rus has died,
Does secular history confirm the role of
Belshazzar as a ruler of Babylon?
A cuneiform tablet dated as from the accession
year of Neriglissar, who followed Awil-Marduk
(Evil-merodach) on the Babylonian throne, refers to
a certain “Belshazzar, the chief officer of the king,”
in connection with a money transaction. It is
possible, though not proved, that this refers to the
Belshazzar of the Bible. In 1924 publication was
made of the decipherment of an ancient cuneiform
text described as the “Verse Account of
Nabonidus,” and through it valuable information
was brought to light clearly corroborating
Belshazzar’s kingly position at Babylon and
explaining the manner of his becoming coregent
with Nabonidus. Concerning Nabonidus’ conquest
45
of Tema in his third year of rule, a portion of the
text says: “He entrusted the ‘Camp’ to his oldest
(son), the firstborn [Belshazzar], the troops
everywhere in the country he ordered under his
(command). He let (everything) go, entrusted the
kingship to him and, himself, he [Nabonidus]
started out for a long journey, the (military) forces
of Akkad marching with him; he turned towards
Tema (deep) in the west.” (Ancient Near Eastern
Texts, edited by J. Pritchard, 1974, p. 313) Thus,
Belshazzar definitely exercised royal authority from
Nabonidus’ third year on, and this event likely
corresponds with Daniel’s reference to “the first
year of Belshazzar the king of Babylon.”—Da 7:1.
Thus, archaeologist and language scholar Alan
Millard writes: “In the light of the Babylonian
sources and of the new texts on this statue, it may
have been considered quite in order for such
unofficial records as the Book of Daniel to call
Belshazzar ‘king.’ He acted as king, his father’s
agent, although he may not have been legally king.
The precise distinction would have been irrelevant
and confusing in the story as related in Daniel.”—
Biblical Archaeology Review, May/June 1985,
p. 77.
Those who wielded sovereign power in
Babylonia were expected to be exemplars in
reverencing the gods. There are six cuneiform texts
concerning events from the 5th to the 13th year of
Nabonidus’ reign that demonstrate Belshazzar’s
devotion to Babylonian deities. As acting king in
Nabonidus’ absence, Belshazzar is shown in the
documents to have offered gold, silver, and animals
to the temples in Erech and Sippar, thereby
comporting himself in a manner consistent with his
royal position.
In another document, the Nabonidus Chronicle, a
statement is found with regard to Nabonidus’
seventh, ninth, tenth, and eleventh regnal years. It
reads: “The king (was) in Tema (while) the prince,
the officers, and his army (were) in Akkad
[Babylonia].” (Assyrian and Babylonian
Chronicles, by A. Grayson, 1975, p. 108)
Apparently Nabonidus spent much of his reign
away from Babylon, and while not relinquishing his
position as supreme ruler, he entrusted
administrative authority to his son Belshazzar to act
during his absence. This is evident from a number
of texts recovered from the ancient archives proving
that Belshazzar exercised royal prerogatives, that he
issued orders and commands. Matters handled by
Belshazzar in certain documents and orders were
those that would normally have been handled by
Nabonidus, as supreme ruler, had he been present.
However, Belshazzar remained only second ruler of
the empire, and thus he could offer to make Daniel
only “the third one in the kingdom.”—Da 5:16.
The End of Belshazzar’s Rule. On the night of
October 5, 539 B.C.E. (Gregorian calendar, or
October 11, Julian calendar), Belshazzar celebrated
a great feast for a thousand of his grandees, as
chapter 5 of Daniel relates. (Da 5:1) Babylon was
then menaced by the besieging forces of Cyrus the
Persian and his ally Darius the Mede. According to
Jewish historian Josephus (who, in turn, quotes the
Babylonian Berossus), Nabonidus had holed up in
Borsippa after having been defeated by the MedoPersian forces in battle. (Against Apion, I, 150-152
[20]) If so, Belshazzar was the acting king in
Babylon itself. The holding of a feast when the city
was in state of siege is not so unusual when it is
remembered that the Babylonians confidently
regarded the city’s walls as impregnable. Historians
Herodotus and Xenophon also state that the city had
abundant supplies of necessary items and hence was
not concerned with shortages. Herodotus describes
the city as in a festive mood on that night, with
dancing and enjoyment.
It is true that official inscriptions give Belshazzar
the title “crown prince,” while in the book of Daniel
his title is “king.” (Da 5:1-30) An archaeological
discovery in northern Syria suggests why this may
be the case. In 1979, a life-sized statue of a ruler of
ancient Gozan was unearthed. On its skirt were two
inscriptions, one in Assyrian and the other in
Aramaic—the language of the Belshazzar account
in Daniel. The two almost identical inscriptions had
one outstanding difference. The text in the imperial
Assyrian language says that the statue was of “the
governor of Gozan.” The text in Aramaic, the
language of the local people, describes him as
“king.”
During the feast and under the influence of wine,
Belshazzar called for the vessels from the temple of
Jerusalem to be brought so that he and his guests
and his wives and concubines might drink from
them while praising the Babylonian gods.
46
Obviously, this request was due to no shortage of
drinking vessels, but, rather, it constituted a
deliberate act of contempt by this pagan king in
reproach of the God of the Israelites, Jehovah. (Da
5:2-4) He thereby expressed defiance of Jehovah,
who had inspired the prophecies foretelling
Babylon’s downfall. While Belshazzar seemed
lighthearted about the siege set by the enemy forces,
he was now severely shaken when a hand suddenly
appeared and began writing on the palace wall. His
knees knocking, he called upon all his wise men to
provide an interpretation of the written message, but
to no avail. The record shows that the queen now
gave him sound counsel, recommending Daniel as
the one able to give the interpretation. (Da 5:5-12)
Certain scholars consider “the queen” to be, not
Belshazzar’s wife, but his mother, believed to be
Nebuchadnezzar’s daughter, Nitocris. Daniel, by
inspiration, revealed the meaning of the miraculous
message, predicting the fall of Babylon to the
Medes and the Persians. Though the aged prophet
condemned Belshazzar’s blasphemous act in using
vessels of Jehovah’s worship in praising seenothing, hear-nothing, know-nothing gods,
Belshazzar held to his offer and proceeded to invest
Daniel with the position of third ruler in the doomed
kingdom.—Da 5:17-29.
May 18 Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 9-12
No.1: 2 Samuel 10:13–11:4
No.2: Benaiah (No.1)—Theme: Be Faithful and
Fearless (it-1 pp. 284-285)
No.3: What Hope Can We Have for the Dead?
(nwt p. 23 ¶1-3)
Bible Highlights: 2 Samuel 9-12
Belshazzar did not live out the night, being killed
as the city fell during the night of October 5,
539 B.C.E., when, according to the Nabonidus
Chronicle, “the army of Cyrus (II) entered Babylon
without a battle.” (Assyrian and Babylonian
Chronicles, pp. 109, 110; see also Da 5:30.) With
the death of Belshazzar and the apparent surrender
of Nabonidus to Cyrus, the Neo-Babylonian Empire
came to a close.—See CYRUS; NABONIDUS.
[Picture on page 283]
Babylonian temple cylinder that names King
Nabonidus and his son Belshazzar
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 10:13–11:4
(2 Samuel 10:13-11:4) Then Jo′ab and his men
advanced to meet the Syrians in battle, and they fled
from before him. 14 When the Am′mon·ites saw that
the Syrians had fled, they fled from A·bish′ai and
went into the city. After that Jo′ab returned from the
Am′mon·ites and came to Jerusalem. 15 When the
Syrians saw that they had been defeated by Israel,
they regrouped. 16 So Had·ad·e′zer sent for the
Syrians in the region of the River, and then they
came to He′lam, with Sho′bach the chief of the
47
army of Had·ad·e′zer leading them. 17 When the
report was made to David, he immediately gathered
all Israel and crossed the Jordan and came to
He′lam. The Syrians then drew up in battle
formation to meet David and fought against him.
18
But the Syrians fled from Israel; and David killed
700 charioteers and 40,000 horsemen of the
Syrians, and he struck down Sho′bach the chief of
their army, who died there. 19 When all the kings,
the servants of Had·ad·e′zer, saw that they had been
defeated by Israel, they promptly made peace with
Israel and became their subjects; and the Syrians
were afraid to help the Am′mon·ites anymore.
11 At the start of the year, at the time when kings
go on campaigns, David sent Jo′ab and his servants
and the entire army of Israel to bring the
Am′mon·ites to ruin, and they besieged Rab′bah,
while David stayed in Jerusalem. 2 One evening
David got up from his bed and walked around on
the rooftop of the king’s house. From the rooftop he
saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very
beautiful. 3 David sent someone to inquire about the
woman, and he reported: “Is this not Bath-she′ba
the daughter of E·li′am and the wife of U·ri′ah the
Hit′tite?” 4 Then David sent messengers to bring
her. So she came in to him, and he lay down with
her. (This happened while she was purifying herself
from her uncleanness.) Afterward, she returned to
her house.
man over his personal bodyguard. (1Ch 11:24, 25)
The Cherethites and Pelethites, headed by Benaiah,
remained loyal to the king during the rebellions of
Absalom and Adonijah. (2Sa 8:18; 15:18; 20:23;
1Ki 1:8, 10, 26; 1Ch 18:17) Additionally, Benaiah
was appointed over the third rotating division of the
army, a force of 24,000 men. (1Ch 27:5, 6) In
David’s old age Benaiah and the Cherethites and
Pelethites supported the coronation of Solomon.
(1Ki 1:32-40) Later, under Solomon’s reign
Benaiah was assigned to carry out the execution of
Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, and he was also put in
command of the army by Solomon.—1Ki 2:24, 25,
28-46; 4:4.
Talk No. 3: What Hope Can We Have for the
Dead? (nwt p. 23 ¶1-3)
QUESTION 12
What hope can we have for the dead?
1. “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is
coming in which all those in the memorial
tombs will hear his voice and come out.”
John 5:28, 29 [Page 1432]
(John 5:28, 29) Do not be amazed at this, for the
hour is coming in which all those in the
memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come
out, those who did good things to a resurrection
of life, and those who practiced vile things to a
resurrection of judgment.
Talk No. 2:
Benaiah (No.1)—Theme: Be
Faithful and Fearless (it-1 pp. 284-285)
BENAIAH
2. “There is going to be a resurrection of both
the righteous and the unrighteous.”
(Be·nai′ah) [Jehovah Has Built].
1. Son of a Levitical chief priest named Jehoiada,
and father of at least two sons, Ammizabad and
Jehoiada. (1Ch 27:5, 6, 34) Benaiah was a mighty
warrior of great valor and courage, “distinguished
even more than the thirty” mighty men of David’s
forces, though “to the rank of the three he did not
come.”—2Sa 23:20-23.
Acts 24:15 [Page 1499]
(Acts 24:15) And I have hope toward God,
which hope these men also look forward to, that
there is going to be a resurrection of both the
righteous and the unrighteous.
3. “I saw the dead, the great and the small,
standing before the throne, and scrolls
were opened. But another scroll was
opened; it is the scroll of life. The dead
were judged out of those things written in
the scrolls according to their deeds. And
the sea gave up the dead in it, and death
and the Grave gave up the dead in them,
Benaiah demonstrated his prowess in a threefold
way: by striking down two of Moab’s powerful
heroes, by fearlessly descending into a water pit and
killing a lion, and by overcoming exceptional odds
to slay an Egyptian giant with the victim’s own
spear. (1Ch 11:22-24) David put this courageous
48
and they were judged individually
according to their deeds.”
May 25 Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 13-15
No.1: 2 Samuel 13:34–14:7
No.2: What Does the Bible Say About Work?
(nwt p. 24 ¶1-3)
No.3: Bezalel (No.1)—Theme: Jehovah’s Spirit
Equips His Servants for Every Good Work
(it-1 p. 307)
Revelation 20:12, 13 [Page 1659]
(Revelation 20:12, 13) And I saw the dead, the
great and the small, standing before the throne, and
scrolls were opened. But another scroll was opened;
it is the scroll of life. The dead were judged out of
those things written in the scrolls according to their
deeds. 13 And the sea gave up the dead in it, and
death and the Grave gave up the dead in them, and
they were judged individually according to their
deeds.
Bible Highlights: 2 Samuel 13-15
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 2 Samuel 13:34–14:7
(2 Samuel 13:34-14:7) Meanwhile, Ab′sa·lom ran
away. Later the watchman raised his eyes and saw
that there were many people coming from the road
behind him next to the mountain. 35 At this
Je·hon′a·dab said to the king: “Look! The king’s
sons have returned. It is just as your servant said.”
36
As he finished speaking, the king’s sons came in,
weeping loudly; also the king and all his servants
49
wept very bitterly. 37 But Ab′sa·lom fled and went
to Tal′mai the son of Am·mi′hud the king of
Gesh′ur. David mourned his son for many days.
38
After Ab′sa·lom fled and went to Gesh′ur, he
stayed there for three years. 39 Finally King David
longed to go to Ab′sa·lom, for he had become
reconciled to the death of Am′non.
14 Now Jo′ab the son of Ze·ru′iah learned that the
king’s heart longed for Ab′sa·lom. 2 So Jo′ab sent to
Te·ko′a and summoned from there a clever woman
and told her: “Act like you are in mourning, please,
and put on garments of mourning, and do not rub
yourself with oil. Behave like a woman who has
been mourning over someone dead for a long time.
3
Then go in and speak to the king like this.” With
that Jo′ab put the words in her mouth. 4 The
Te·ko′ite woman went in to the king and fell with
her face to the ground and prostrated herself and
said: “Help me, O king!” 5 The king replied to her:
“What is the matter?” To this she said: “Alas, I am a
widow; my husband is dead. 6 And I, your servant,
had two sons, and the two of them fought with each
other in the field. There was no one to separate
them, and one struck the other down and killed him.
7
Now the whole family has risen up against me,
your servant, and they are saying, ‘Hand over the
one who struck his brother, so that we may put him
to death for the life of his brother whom he killed,
even if it means wiping out the heir!’ They would
extinguish the last glowing coal that I have left and
leave to my husband neither a name nor a survivor
on the surface of the earth.”
with his hands, so that he may have
something to share with someone in need.”
Ephesians 4:28 [Page 1567]
(Ephesians 4:28) Let the one who steals steal no
more; rather, let him do hard work, doing good
work with his hands, so that he may have
something to share with someone in need.
3. “Everyone should eat and drink and find
enjoyment for all his hard work. It is the gift
of God.”
Ecclesiastes 3:13 [Page 918]
(Ecclesiastes 3:13) also that everyone should eat
and drink and find enjoyment for all his hard work.
It is the gift of God.
Talk No. 2: What Does the Bible Say About
Work? (nwt p. 24 ¶1-3)
QUESTION 13
What does the Bible say about work?
1. “Have you seen a man skillful at his
work? He will stand before kings; he will not
stand before common men.”
Proverbs 22:29 [Page 902]
(Proverbs 22:29) Have you seen a man skillful
at his work? He will stand before kings; He will
not stand before common men.
2. “Let the one who steals steal no more;
rather, let him do hard work, doing good work
50
Talk No. 3: Bezalel (No.1)—Theme: Jehovah’s
Spirit Equips His Servants for Every Good
Work
(it-1 p. 307)
BEZALEL
June 1 Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 16-18
No.1: 2 Samuel 17:14-20
No.2: Boaz, I—Theme: Be Morally Clean and
Accept Scriptural Responsibility
(it-1 pp. 347-348)
(Bez′al·el) [Under God’s Shadow (Shelter)].
No.3: How Can You Manage Your Assets? (nwt
p. 25 ¶1-4)
1. Chief artisan and builder of the tabernacle,
“the son of Uri the son of Hur of the tribe of Judah.”
(Ex 31:1, 2; 1Ch 2:20) Jehovah himself appointed
Bezalel and promised to “fill him with the spirit of
God in wisdom and in understanding and in
knowledge and in every kind of craftsmanship, for
designing devices, for working in gold and silver
and copper, and in working of stones to set them
and in working of wood to make products of every
kind.” (Ex 31:3-5; 35:30-33) These costly materials
that Bezalel worked with were supplied by the
generous contributions of the “willing-hearted”
people, and they proved “more than enough.”—Ex
35:4-9, 20-29; 36:3-7.
Bible Highlights: 2 Samuel 16-18
Bezalel had as his chief assistant Oholiab (Ex
31:6), and there were many “wise-hearted” ones
who worked along with them, yet the responsibility
of directing the complicated work remained on
Bezalel. (Ex 35:10-19, 25, 26, 34; 36:1, 2) This is
evident by the interchange of the pronouns “he,”
referring to Bezalel, and “they,” referring to his
assistants. (Ex 36-39) The great diversity of
Bezalel’s skills and the fact that he was filled “with
the spirit of God” (Ex 35:31) enabled him to
oversee making the tent cloths and their
embroidery, gold and copper hooks, the outer
coverings of skins, wooden panel frames overlaid
with gold, the interior screen (Ex 36), the overlaid
ark of the covenant and its cherubs, the table and its
utensils, the golden lampstand and incense altar, the
prescribed anointing oil and incense (Ex 37), the
altar of burnt offering, the copper basin and stand,
the courtyard (Ex 38), the ephod and its breastpiece
set with precious stones, and the priestly robes (Ex
39). When Solomon came to the throne 475 years
later, the tabernacle tent, the ark of the covenant,
and the copper altar were still in use.—2Ch 1:1-6.
51
Of the widows of the two sons, one, Ruth, stuck by
Elimelech’s widow Naomi. It was harvesttime, and
Ruth was gleaning “by chance” in the field
belonging to Boaz. (Ru 2:3) Now Boaz was a true
Judean, a devout worshiper of Jehovah. Not only
did he greet his harvesters with “Jehovah be with
you,” but, after observing Ruth’s loyalty toward
Naomi, he also said to her, “May Jehovah reward
the way you act, and may there come to be a perfect
wage for you from Jehovah.” (Ru 2:4, 12) When
Ruth reported these things to her mother-in-law,
Naomi exclaimed: “Blessed be he of Jehovah . . .
He is one of our repurchasers.” (Ru 2:20)
Furthermore, when the harvest ended, Naomi
explained to Ruth the customary way of bringing
this matter to Boaz’ attention. As Boaz was sleeping
at his threshing floor, he awakened to find Ruth
lying down at his uncovered feet, asking that he
repurchase Elimelech’s estate by levirate marriage.
(See BROTHER-IN-LAW MARRIAGE.) Ruth was
to be the substitute for Naomi, who was beyond the
age of childbearing. Wasting no time, Boaz the next
morning summoned another kinsman more closely
related, but this person, referred to in the Bible only
as So-and-so, refused to comply with the divine
arrangement. Boaz, however, was quick to do so
and took Ruth as his wife, with the blessing of the
townspeople. She bore him a son named Obed, the
grandfather of King David.—Ru 3:1–4:17.
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 2 Samuel 17:14-20
(2 Samuel 17:14-20) Then Ab′sa·lom and all the
men of Israel said: “The advice of Hu′shai the
Ar′chite is better than the advice of A·hith′o·phel!”
For Jehovah had determined to frustrate the sound
advice of A·hith′o·phel, so that Jehovah could bring
disaster on Ab′sa·lom. 15 Hu′shai later said to
Za′dok and A·bi′a·thar the priests: “This is what
A·hith′o·phel has advised Ab′sa·lom and the elders
of Israel, and this is what I have advised. 16 Now
quickly send word to David and warn him: ‘Do not
stay at the fords of the wilderness tonight, but cross
over without fail, or the king and all the people with
him may be wiped out.’” 17 Jon′a·than and
A·him′a·az were staying at En-ro′gel; so a servant
girl went off and told them and they went to tell
King David, for they did not dare to be seen
entering the city. 18 However, a young man saw
them and told Ab′sa·lom. So the two of them
quickly went off and came to the house of a man in
Ba·hu′rim who had a well in his courtyard. They
went down into it, 19 and the man’s wife spread a
covering over the top of the well and covered it with
cracked grain; no one knew about it. 20 The servants
of Ab′sa·lom came to the woman at her house and
asked: “Where are A·him′a·az and Jon′a·than?” The
woman replied: “They passed by toward the water.”
Then the men searched for them but did not find
them, so they returned to Jerusalem.
Throughout the account, from his first kind
greeting to the workers to his acceptance of the
responsibility for preserving the family name of
Elimelech, Boaz is observed to be an outstanding
man—a man of action and authority yet having
good self-control, faith, and integrity, being
generous and kind, morally chaste, and fully
obedient to Jehovah’s commandments in all
respects.
Talk No. 2: Boaz, I—Theme: Be Morally Clean
and
Accept
Scriptural
Responsibility
(it-1 pp. 347-348)
BOAZ, I
(Bo′az) [possibly, In Strength].
A landowner of Bethlehem in Judah, “a man
mighty in wealth” of about the 14th century B.C.E.
(Ru 2:1) Boaz was the son of Salma (Salmon) and
Rahab, and he was the father of Obed. (Mt 1:5) He
was a link in the family line of the Messiah, the
seventh in line of descent from Judah. (1Ch 2:3-11;
Lu 3:32, 33) How this very unusual turn of events
came about, allowing Boaz to be included in the
genealogy of Jesus, is preserved for us in the book
of Ruth.
Talk No. 3: How Can You Manage Your Assets?
(nwt p. 25 ¶1-4)
QUESTION 14
How can you manage your assets?
1. “The one who loves having a good time
will come to poverty; the one who loves wine
and oil will not grow rich.”
Boaz had a close relative named Elimelech, who,
along with his two sons, died leaving no male heirs.
Proverbs 21:17 [Page 900]
52
(Proverbs 21:17) The one who loves having a
good time will come to poverty; The one who
loves wine and oil will not grow rich.
2.
June 8 Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 19-21
No.1: 2 Samuel 19:24-37
No.2: How Can You Find Happiness? (nwt p. 26
¶1-3)
No.3: Caiaphas—Theme: Blood guilty Opposers
of the Truth Will Never Prevail (it-1 pp. 385-386)
“The borrower is a slave to the lender.”
Proverbs 22:7 [Page 901]
(Proverbs 22:7) The rich one rules the poor,
And the borrower is a slave to the lender.
Bible Highlights: 2 Samuel 19-21
3. “Who of you wanting to build a tower
does not first sit down and calculate the
expense to see if he has enough to complete
it? Otherwise, he might lay its foundation but
not be able to finish it, and all the onlookers
would start to ridicule him, saying: ‘This man
started to build but was not able to finish.’”
Luke 14:28-30 [Page 1406]
(Luke 14:28-30) For example, who of you
wanting to build a tower does not first sit down
and calculate the expense to see if he has enough
to complete it? 29 Otherwise, he might lay its
foundation but not be able to finish it, and all the
onlookers would start to ridicule him, 30 saying:
‘This man started to build but was not able to
finish.’
4. “When they had eaten their fill, he said to
his disciples: ‘Gather together the fragments
left over, so that nothing is wasted.’”
John 6:12 [Page 1433]
(John 6:12) But when they had eaten their fill, he
said to his disciples: “Gather together the fragments
left over, so that nothing is wasted.”
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading
2 Samuel 19:24-37
(2 Samuel 19:24-37) Me·phib′o·sheth, the grandson
of Saul, also came down to meet the king. He had
not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or
washed his garments from the day the king left until
the day he returned in peace. 25 When he came to
53
Jerusalem to meet the king, the king said to him:
“Why did you not go with me, Me·phib′o·sheth?”
26
To this he said: “My lord the king, my servant
tricked me. For your servant had said, ‘Let me get
my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go
with the king,’ for your servant is crippled. 27 But he
slandered your servant to my lord the king.
However, my lord the king is like an angel of the
true God, so do whatever seems good to you. 28 All
the household of my father could have been doomed
to death by my lord the king, and yet you placed
your servant among those eating at your table. So
what right do I have to cry out further to the king?”
29
However, the king said to him: “Why keep on
speaking like this? I have decided that you and
Zi′ba should share the field.” 30 At this
Me·phib′o·sheth said to the king: “Let him take it
all, now that my lord the king has come to his house
in peace.” 31 Then Bar·zil′lai the Gil′e·ad·ite came
down from Ro·ge′lim to the Jordan to escort the
king to the Jordan. 32 Bar·zil′lai was very old, 80
years of age, and he supplied the king with food
while he was staying in Ma·ha·na′im, for he was a
very wealthy man. 33 So the king said to Bar·zil′lai:
“Cross over with me, and I will supply you with
food in Jerusalem.” 34 But Bar·zil′lai said to the
king: “How many days of my life are left that I
should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I am 80
years old today. Can I discern between good and
bad? Can I, your servant, taste what I eat and drink?
Can I still listen to the voice of male and female
singers? So why should your servant be an added
burden to my lord the king? 36 It is enough that your
servant could bring the king to the Jordan. Why
should the king repay me with this reward? 37 Let
your servant return, please, and let me die in my
city near the burial place of my father and my
mother. But here is your servant Chim′ham. Let him
cross over with my lord the king, and you may do
for him what seems good to you.”
Proverbs 15:17 [Page 892]
(Proverbs 15:17) Better is a dish of vegetables
where there is love Than a fattened bull where
there is hatred.
2. “I, Jehovah, am your God, the One
teaching you to benefit yourself, the One
guiding you in the way you should walk.”
Isaiah 48:17 [Page 1004]
(Isaiah 48:3) “The former things I told you long
ago. From my own mouth they went out, And I
made them known. Suddenly I took action, and
they came about.
3. “Happy are those conscious of their
spiritual need, since the Kingdom of the
heavens belongs to them.”
Matthew 5:3 [Page 1310]
(Matthew 5:3) “Happy are those conscious of their
spiritual need, since the Kingdom of the heavens
belongs to them.
Talk No. 2: How Can You Find Happiness? (nwt
p. 26 ¶1-3)
QUESTION 15
How can you find happiness?
1. “Better is a dish of vegetables where there
is love than a fattened bull where there is
hatred.”
54
Talk No. 3: Caiaphas—Theme: Blood guilty
Opposers of the Truth Will Never Prevail (it-1
pp. 385-386)
CAIAPHAS (Ca′ia·phas).
June 15 Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 22-24
No.1: 2 Samuel 22:21-32
No.2: Cain—Theme: How We React to Counsel
Tells Much About Us (it-1 pp. 386-387)
No.3: Love and Obedience Bring Happiness (nwt
p. 26 ¶4-6)
Joseph Caiaphas was the high priest during
Jesus’ earthly ministry. (Lu 3:2) He was the son-inlaw of High Priest Annas (Joh 18:13; see ANNAS)
and was appointed to office by the predecessor of
Pontius Pilate, Valerius Gratus, about the year
18 C.E., although some say as late as the year
26 C.E. He held the office until about the year
36 C.E., longer than any of his immediate
predecessors, this being due to his skillful
diplomacy and cooperation with Roman rule. He
and Pilate were reportedly good friends. Caiaphas
was a Sadducee.—Ac 5:17.
Bible Highlights: 2 Samuel 22-24
A ringleader in the plot to do away with Jesus,
Caiaphas prophesied, though not of his own
originality, that Jesus would shortly die for the
nation, and to that end he gave his wholehearted
support. (Joh 11:49-53; 18:12-14) At Jesus’ trial
before the Sanhedrin, Caiaphas ripped his garments
and said: “He has blasphemed!” (Mt 26:65) When
Jesus was before Pilate, Caiaphas was undoubtedly
there crying: “Impale him! Impale him!” (Joh
19:6, 11); he was there asking for the release of
Barabbas instead of Jesus (Mt 27:20, 21; Mr 15:11);
he was there shouting: “We have no king but
Caesar” (Joh 19:15); he was also there protesting
the sign over Jesus’ head: “The King of the Jews”
(Joh 19:21).
The death of Jesus did not mark the end of
Caiaphas’ role as a chief persecutor of infant
Christianity. The apostles were next haled before
this religious ruler; they were sternly commanded to
stop their preaching, were threatened, and were
even flogged, but to no avail. “Every day in the
temple and from house to house they continued
without letup,” Caiaphas notwithstanding. (Ac 4:57; 5:17, 18, 21, 27, 28, 40, 42) The blood of
righteous Stephen was soon added to Jesus’
bloodstains on the skirts of Caiaphas, who also
armed Saul of Tarsus with letters of introduction so
the murderous campaign could be extended to
Damascus. (Ac 7:1, 54-60; 9:1, 2) However, not
long thereafter Vitellius, a Roman official, removed
Caiaphas from office.
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 2 Samuel 22:21-32
(2 Samuel 22:21-32) Jehovah rewards me
according to my righteousness; He repays me
according to the innocence of my hands. 22 For I
have kept the ways of Jehovah, And I have not
wickedly abandoned my God. 23 All his judgments
55
are before me; I will not deviate from his statutes.
24
I will remain blameless before him, And I will
keep myself from error. 25 May Jehovah repay me
according to my righteousness, According to my
innocence before him. 26 With someone loyal you
act in loyalty; With the blameless, mighty man, you
deal blamelessly; 27 With the pure you show
yourself pure, But with the crooked you show
yourself shrewd. 28 For you save those who are
humble, But your eyes are against the haughty, and
you abase them. 29 For you are my lamp, O
Jehovah; It is Jehovah who lights up my darkness.
30
With your help I can charge against a marauder
band; By God’s power I can scale a wall. 31 The
way of the true God is perfect; The saying of
Jehovah is refined. He is a shield to all those taking
refuge in him. 32 For who is a God besides Jehovah?
And who is a rock except our God?
said to be of the choicest fruits whereas Abel’s
offering is specified to have been of the “firstlings
of his flock, even their fatty pieces,” the problem
was not in the quality of produce that Cain offered.
As Hebrews 11:4 points out, Cain’s offering lacked
the motivation of faith that made Abel’s sacrifice
acceptable. The fact that God did not view Cain’s
offering with favor may also have been because his
offering was bloodless, whereas Abel’s represented
a life poured out.
The manner in which the distinction between the
approved and the disapproved offerings was made
is not stated, but it was undoubtedly evident to both
Cain and Abel. Jehovah, who reads the heart of man
(1Sa 16:7; Ps 139:1-6), knew the wrong attitude of
Cain, and His rejection of Cain’s sacrifice resulted
in that wrong disposition being made clearly
manifest. “The works of the flesh” now began to be
openly produced by Cain: “enmities, strife,
jealousy, fits of anger.” (Ga 5:19, 20) Jehovah
showed the sullen man that exaltation could be his
if he would simply turn to doing good. He could
have humbled himself to imitate his brother’s
approved example, but he chose to ignore God’s
counsel to get the mastery over the sinful desire that
‘lurked at the door,’ craving to dominate him. (Ge
4:6, 7; compare Jas 1:14, 15.) This disrespectful
course was “the path of Cain.”—Jude 11.
Talk No. 2: Cain—Theme: How We React to
Counsel Tells Much About Us (it-1 pp. 386-387)
CAIN
[Something Produced].
The first child born on earth to the original
human pair, Adam and Eve.
Following the birth of Cain, Eve said: “I have
produced a man with the aid of Jehovah.” (Ge 4:1)
Did she have in mind that she might be the foretold
woman who would produce the seed by means of
which deliverance would come? (Ge 3:15) If so, she
was greatly mistaken. However, she could validly
say that Cain was produced “with the aid of
Jehovah” because God had not taken away the
reproductive powers of sinful Adam and Eve and
because, when passing judgment on her, God had
said that she would “bring forth children,” though it
would be with birth pangs.—Ge 3:16.
Subsequently, Cain said to his brother: “Let us
go over into the field.” (Ge 4:8) (Though these
words are not in the Masoretic text, a number of
Hebrew manuscripts have the sign of omission here,
while the Samaritan Pentateuch, the Greek
Septuagint, the Syriac Peshitta, and Old Latin texts
all include these words as spoken by Cain to Abel.)
In the field Cain attacked Abel, killing him, and
thereby becoming the first human murderer. As
such he could be said to have “originated with the
wicked one,” who is the father of manslayers as
well as of the lie. (1Jo 3:12; Joh 8:44) Cain’s
callous response to Jehovah’s inquiry as to Abel’s
whereabouts was further evidence of his attitude; it
was not an expression of repentance or remorse but
a lying retort: “I do not know. Am I my brother’s
guardian?”—Ge 4:9.
Cain became a cultivator of the ground and, “at
the expiration of some time,” he, as well as his
younger brother Abel, brought offerings to present
to Jehovah, feeling the need to gain God’s favor.
Cain’s offering of “some fruits of the ground,”
however, was not ‘looked upon with any favor’ by
God. (Ge 4:2-5; compare Nu 16:15; Am 5:22.)
While some point out that Cain’s offering is not
God’s sentencing of Cain to banishment from the
ground evidently meant his eviction from the
neighborhood of the garden of Eden, and the curse
56
already upon the earth would be increased in Cain’s
case, the earth not responding to his cultivation of
it. Cain expressed regret over the severity of his
punishment and showed anxiety as to the possibility
of Abel’s murder being avenged upon him, but still
no sincere repentance. Jehovah “set up a sign for
Cain” to prevent his being killed, but the record
does not say that this sign or mark was placed on
Cain’s person in any way. The “sign” likely
consisted of God’s solemn decree itself, known and
observed by others.—Ge 4:10-15; compare vs 24
where that decree is referred to by Lamech.
6. “Happy are those hearing the word of
God and keeping it!”
Luke 11:28 [Page 1400]
(Luke 11:28) But he said: “No, rather, happy
are those hearing the word of God and
keeping it!”
Cain went into banishment in “the land of
Fugitiveness to the east of Eden,” taking with him
his wife, an anonymous daughter of Adam and Eve.
(Ge 4:16, 17; compare 5:4, also the much later
example of Abraham’s marriage to his half sister
Sarah, Ge 20:12.) Following the birth of his son
Enoch, Cain “engaged in building a city,” naming it
for his son. Such city may have been but a fortified
village by present standards, and the record does not
state when it was completed. His descendants are
listed in part and include men who distinguished
themselves in nomadic stock raising, the playing of
musical instruments, and the forging of metal tools
as well as those who were known for their practice
of polygamy and their violence. (Ge 4:17-24)
Cain’s line ended with the global Flood of Noah’s
day.
Talk No. 3: Love and Obedience Bring
Happiness (nwt p. 26 ¶4-6)
“*** nwt p. 26 Question 15: How can you find
happiness? ***
4. “You must love your neighbor as
yourself.”
Matthew 22:39 [Page 1336]
(Matthew 22:39) The second, like it, is this:
‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’
5. “Just as you want men to do to you, do
the same way to them.”
Luke 6:31 [Page 1389]
(Luke 6:31) “Also, just as you want men to do
to you, do the same way to them.
57
June 22 Bible Reading: 1 Kings 1-2
No.1: 1 Kings 1:15-27
No.2: Why Genuine Christians Are Content and
Happy (nwt p. 27 ¶1-3)
No.3: Caleb (No. 2)—Theme: Jehovah Makes
Powerful Those Who Follow Him Fully (it-1 pp.
388-389)
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Kings 1:15-27
(1 Kings 1:15-27) So Bath-she′ba went in to the
king, into his private room. The king was very old,
and Ab′i·shag the Shu′nam·mite was waiting on the
king. 16 Then Bath-she′ba bowed low and prostrated
herself to the king, and the king said: “What is your
request?” 17 She replied: “My lord, it was you who
swore by Jehovah your God to your servant, ‘Your
son Sol′o·mon will become king after me, and he is
the one who will sit on my throne.’ 18 But look!
Ad·o·ni′jah has become king, and my lord the king
does not know anything about it. 19 He sacrificed
bulls, fattened animals, and sheep in great quantity
and invited all the sons of the king and A·bi′a·thar
the priest and Jo′ab the chief of the army; but he did
not invite your servant Sol′o·mon. 20 And now, my
lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are upon you to
tell them who will sit on the throne of my lord the
king after him. 21 Otherwise, as soon as my lord the
king is laid to rest with his forefathers, I and also
my son Sol′o·mon will be considered traitors.”
22
And while she was still speaking to the king,
Nathan the prophet came in. 23 At once the king was
told: “Here is Nathan the prophet!” He came in
before the king and prostrated himself to the king
with his face to the ground. 24 Then Nathan said:
“My lord the king, did you say, ‘Ad·o·ni′jah will
become king after me, and he is the one who will sit
on my throne’? 25 For today he has gone down to
sacrifice bulls, fattened animals, and sheep in great
quantity, and he has invited all the sons of the king
and the chiefs of the army and A·bi′a·thar the priest.
They are there eating and drinking with him, and
they keep saying, ‘Long live King Ad·o·ni′jah!’
26
But he did not invite me, your servant, or Za′dok
the priest, or Be·nai′ah the son of Je·hoi′a·da, or
your servant Sol′o·mon. 27 Has my lord the king
authorized this without telling your servant who
should sit on the throne of my lord the king after
him?”
Bible Highlights: 1 Kings 1-2
58
Talk No. 2: Why Genuine Christians Are
Content and Happy (nwt p. 27 ¶1-3)
Talk No. 3: Caleb (No. 2)—Theme: Jehovah
Makes Powerful Those Who Follow Him Fully
(it-1 pp. 388-389)
*** nwt p. 27 Question 15: How can you find
happiness? ***
*** it-1 pp. 388-389 Caleb ***
1. “When a person has an abundance, his
life does not result from the things he
possesses.”
2. Son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite of the tribe of
Judah, uncle of Othniel, and likely a descendant of
No. 1. (Nu 32:12; Jos 15:17; 1Ch 4:13, 15; see
OTHNIEL.) When 40 years old, Caleb was one of
the 12 spies sent out by Moses on a 40-day preview
of the land of Canaan, and upon returning, Caleb
together with Joshua stood up against the opposition
of all the others to give a favorable report, saying:
“Let us go up directly, and we are bound to take
possession of it.” (Nu 13:6, 30; 14:6-9) Because he
had ‘followed Jehovah his God fully,’ he was the
only one of that adult generation besides Joshua and
some Levites to enter the Promised Land in
1473 B.C.E. Six years later, when 85 years old,
Caleb declared: “Now here Jehovah has preserved
me alive, just as he promised, these forty-five years
since Jehovah made this promise to Moses when
Israel walked in the wilderness, and now here I am
today eighty-five years old. Yet I am today as
strong as on the day of Moses’ sending me out. As
my power was then, so my power is now for the
war, both to go out and to come in.”—Jos 14:6-11.
Luke 12:15 [Page 1402]
(Luke 12:15) Then he said to them: “Keep your
eyes open and guard against every sort of greed,
because even when a person has an abundance,
his life does not result from the things he
possesses.”
2. “So, having food and clothing, we will be
content with these things.”
1 Timothy 6:8 [Page 1591]
(1 Timothy 6:8) So, having food and clothing,
we will be content with these things.
3. “There is more happiness in giving than there
is in receiving.”
Acts 20:35 [Page 1493]
(Acts 20:35) I have shown you in all things that by
working hard in this way, you must assist those who
are weak and must keep in mind the words of the
Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more
happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”
The city of Hebron (the stronghold called
Kiriath-arba, which was held by the giant Anakim)
as well as its surrounding territory, including nearby
Debir, was assigned to Caleb for his possession. In
1 Samuel 30:13, 14, where it tells about the
Amalekites making a raid “upon the south of
Caleb,” it evidently does not refer to a city by that
name but, rather, to this area assigned to Caleb and
called by his name; hence the raid was ‘upon the
south of Caleb’s territory.’
Upon receiving this possession, Caleb declared:
“Whoever strikes Kiriath-sepher [also called Debir]
and does capture it, I shall certainly give him
Achsah my daughter as a wife.” Othniel his nephew
(the first judge of Israel after the death of Joshua)
captured the city and won the prize. Caleb then gave
his daughter, at her request, the Upper and the
Lower Gulloth as a wedding present, in addition to
the “piece of land to the south.”—Jos 15:13-19; Jg
1:11-15; 3:9-11.
59
Achsah is listed as the daughter of “Caleb the
brother of Jerahmeel” (No. 1 above) who lived
about a century and a half before “Caleb the son of
Jephunneh.” (1Ch 2:42, 49) Some commentators
say there was only one Caleb. But the great lapse of
time between Judah’s grandson Hezron and the
settlement of Canaan precludes such a conclusion.
Others say that both Calebs must have had
daughters by the same name. However, women are
mentioned in genealogies only when they have had
a major role in the history of God’s people. And
since there was only one famous Achsah, she must
have been the daughter of the second Caleb, the son
of Jephunneh. Still other commentators would drop
this statement about Achsah from the verse (1Ch
2:49) as a misplaced scribal addition, but they have
no textual authority. However, it is more reasonable
to think that the original writer intentionally
included this abrupt notice in verse 49 for a special
purpose, using “daughter” in its wider sense to
mean a descendant to call attention to the fact that
Achsah was not only the daughter of Caleb the son
of Jephunneh but also a direct descendant of Caleb
the son of Hezron.
June 29 Bible Reading: 1 Kings 3-6
Theocratic Ministry School Review
Bible Highlights: 1 Kings 3-6
60
you said, ‘My name will be there,’ to listen to the
prayer that your servant prays toward this place.
30
And listen to your servant’s request for favor and
to the request by your people Israel that they pray
toward this place, and may you hear from your
dwelling place in the heavens; yes, may you hear
and forgive. 31 “When a man sins against his fellow
man and is made to take an oath and is brought
under liability to the oath, and while under the oath
he comes before your altar in this house, 32 may you
then hear from the heavens and act and judge your
servants by pronouncing the wicked one guilty and
bringing what he did on his own head, and by
pronouncing the righteous one innocent and
rewarding him according to his own righteousness.
33
“When your people Israel are defeated by an
enemy because they kept sinning against you, and
they return to you and glorify your name and pray
and beg you for favor in this house, 34 may you then
hear from the heavens and forgive the sin of your
people Israel and bring them back to the land that
you gave to their forefathers.
July 6 Bible Reading: 1 Kings 7-8
No.1: 1 Kings 8:27-34
No.2: Cornelius—Theme: Jehovah God Is Not
Partial (it-1 p. 513)
No.3: How Can You Cope With Anxiety?
(nwt p. 28 ¶1-3)
Bible Highlights: 1 Kings 7-8
Talk No. 2 Cornelius—Theme: Jehovah God Is
Not Partial (it-1 p. 513)
*** it-1 p. 513 Cornelius ***
CORNELIUS
(Cor·ne′lius).
An army officer (centurion, KJ) in command of 100
soldiers of the Italian band. (See ARMY
OFFICER.) Stationed at Caesarea, he had his own
house. His Roman name suggests that he may have
belonged to a noble family in the imperial city. He
was “a devout man” who “made many gifts of
mercy to the people and made supplication to God
continually,” “a man righteous and fearing God and
well reported by the whole nation of the Jews.” It
was to this man that an angel appeared in a vision in
the fall of 36 C.E., saying: “Your prayers and gifts
of mercy have ascended as a remembrance before
God.” The angel also told Cornelius to send to
Joppa for Peter.—Ac 10:1-22.
When Peter arrived, Cornelius, in the presence of
“his relatives and intimate friends,” said to the
apostle: “We are all present before God to hear all
the things you have been commanded by Jehovah to
say.” (Ac 10:24, 33) “While Peter was yet speaking
. . . the holy spirit fell upon all those hearing the
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Kings 8:27-34
(1 Kings 8:27-34) “But will God really dwell on the
earth? Look! The heavens, yes, the heaven of the
heavens, cannot contain you; how much less, then,
this house that I have built! 28 Now pay attention to
the prayer of your servant and to his request for
favor, O Jehovah my God, and listen to the cry for
help and to the prayer that your servant is praying
before you today. 29 May your eyes be open toward
this house night and day, toward the place of which
61
word.” Thus this group of which Cornelius is
named as the most notable became the first
uncircumcised Gentiles or non-Jews to receive “the
free gift of the holy spirit.” (Ac 10:44, 45) Water
baptism immediately followed. Nothing more is
known of the life and activity of Cornelius after
this.
Why was the conversion of Cornelius a
particularly noteworthy event?
Cornelius was not a proselyte member of the Jewish
community as some contend, even though he was
acquainted with the writings of the prophets, gave
gifts of mercy to the Jews, feared God, prayed
continually, and used the name Jehovah. The
Scriptures prove conclusively that this army officer
was an uncircumcised Gentile in the fullest sense. If
Cornelius had been a proselyte, Peter would not
have said it was unlawful for him, a Jew, to
associate with this “man of another race,” in view of
what was written in the Law concerning an alien
resident. (Le 19:33, 34; Ac 10:28) If he had been a
proselyte, the six other Jews with Peter would not
have been “amazed” at seeing the holy spirit poured
out “upon people of the nations.” (Ac 10:45; 11:12)
If he had been a proselyte, why did “supporters of
circumcision” contend with Peter over this
matter?—Ac 11:2.
In reality, Cornelius was the firstfruits of the
uncircumcised non-Jews to become a Christian,
showing that by this time it was not necessary for
Gentiles to become Jewish proselytes like the
Ethiopian eunuch before being accepted into the
Christian congregation. “For a certainty,” Peter
exclaimed on that historic occasion, “I perceive that
God is not partial, but in every nation the man that
fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to
him.” (Ac 10:34, 35) As Peter was the first to open
up The Way to the Jews at Pentecost, so in this
instance he was the first to bring good news of
salvation to the uncircumcised Gentiles. James also
agreed that it was “the first time” that God turned
his attention to “the nations.”—Ac 15:7, 14.
Talk No. 3 How Can You Cope With Anxiety?
(nwt p. 28 ¶1-3)
*** nwt p. 28 Question 16: How can you cope
with anxiety? ***
QUESTION 16
How can you cope with anxiety?
1. “Throw your burden on Jehovah, and he will
sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one
to fall.”
Psalm 55:22 [Page 795]
(Psalm 55:22) Throw your burden on Jehovah, And
he will sustain you. Never will he allow the
righteous one to fall.
2. “The plans of the diligent surely lead to
success, but all who are hasty surely head for
poverty.”
Proverbs 21:5 [Page 899]
(Proverbs 21:5) The plans of the diligent surely
lead to success, But all who are hasty surely head
for poverty.
3. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be
anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I
will help you, I will really hold on to you with my
right hand of righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10 [Page 991]
(Isaiah 41:10) Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify
you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you
with my right hand of righteousness.’
62
July 13 Bible reading: 1 Kings 9-11
No.1: 1 Kings 9:24–10:3
No.2: Reduce Anxiety by Taking to Heart God’s
Word (nwt p. 28 ¶4–p. 29 ¶2)
No.3: Cyrus—Theme: God’s Word Always
Comes True (it-1 pp. 566-569)
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Kings 9:24–10:3
(1 Kings 9:24-10:3) But Phar′aoh’s daughter came
up from the City of David to her own house that he
had built for her; then he built the Mound. 25 Three
times a year Sol′o·mon offered up burnt sacrifices
and communion sacrifices on the altar that he had
built for Jehovah, also making sacrificial smoke on
the altar, which was before Jehovah, so he
completed the house. 26 King Sol′o·mon also made
a fleet of ships in E′zi·on-ge′ber, which is by E′loth,
on the shore of the Red Sea in the land of E′dom.
27
Hi′ram sent his own servants with the fleet of
ships, experienced seamen, to serve along with the
servants of Sol′o·mon. 28 They went to O′phir and
took from there 420 talents of gold and brought it to
King Sol′o·mon.
10 Now the queen of She′ba heard the report about
Sol′o·mon in connection with the name of Jehovah,
so she came to test him with perplexing questions.
2
She arrived in Jerusalem with a very impressive
entourage, with camels carrying balsam oil and
great quantities of gold and precious stones. She
went in to Sol′o·mon and spoke to him about
everything that was close to her heart. 3 Sol′o·mon
then answered all her questions. There was nothing
too difficult for the king to explain to her.
Bible Highlights: 1 Kings 9-11
Talk No. 2: Reduce Anxiety by Taking to Heart
God’s Word (nwt p. 28 ¶4–p. 29 ¶2)
*** nwt pp. 28-29 Question 16: How can you cope
with anxiety? ***
4. “So never be anxious about the next day,
for the next day will have its own anxieties.
Each day has enough of its own troubles.”
Matthew 6:34 [Page 1313]
(Matthew 6:34) So never be anxious about the
next day, for the next day will have its own
anxieties. Each day has enough of its own
troubles.
1. “Make sure of the more important
things.”
Philippians 1:10 [Page 1571]
(Philippians 1:10) that you may make sure of
the more important things, so that you may be
63
flawless and not stumbling others up to the day
of Christ;
Talk No. 3: Cyrus—Theme: God’s Word Always
Comes True (it-1 pp. 566-569)
2. “Do not be anxious over anything, but in
everything by prayer and supplication along
with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made
known to God; and the peace of God that
surpasses all understanding will guard your
hearts and your mental powers by means of
Christ Jesus.”
CYRUS
(Cy′rus).
The founder of the Persian Empire and the
conqueror of Babylon; called “Cyrus the Great,”
thereby distinguishing him from Cyrus I, his
grandfather.
Philippians 4:6, 7 [Page 1574]
(Philippians 4:6, 7) Do not be anxious over
anything, but in everything by prayer and
supplication along with thanksgiving, let your
petitions be made known to God; 7 and the peace of
God that surpasses all understanding will guard
your hearts and your mental powers by means of
Christ Jesus.
Following his conquest of the Babylonian
Empire, Cyrus is represented in the cuneiform
document known as the Cyrus Cylinder as saying:
“I am Cyrus, king of the world, great king,
legitimate king, king of Babylon, king of Sumer and
Akkad, king of the four rims (of the earth), son of
Cambyses (Ka-am-bu-zi-ia), great king, king of
Anshan, grandson of Cyrus [I], . . . descendant of
Teispes . . . of a family (which) always (exercised)
kingship.” (Ancient Near Eastern Texts, edited by
J. Pritchard, 1974, p. 316) Cyrus is thus shown to be
of the royal line of the kings of Anshan, a city or
district of rather uncertain location, placed by some
in the mountains to the N of Elam but generally
thought to have been to the E of Elam. This line of
kings is called the Achaemenian line after
Achaemenes the father of Teispes.
The early history of Cyrus II is somewhat
obscure, depending largely upon rather fanciful
accounts by Herodotus (Greek historian of the fifth
century B.C.E.) and Xenophon (another Greek
writer of about a half century later). However, both
present Cyrus as the son of the Persian ruler
Cambyses by his wife Mandane, the daughter of
Astyages, king of the Medes. (Herodotus, I, 107,
108; Xenophon’s Cyropaedia, I, ii, 1) This blood
relationship of Cyrus with the Medes is denied by
Ctesias, another Greek historian of the same period,
who claims instead that Cyrus became Astyages’
son-in-law by marrying his daughter Amytis.
Cyrus succeeded his father Cambyses I to the
throne of Anshan, which was then under the
suzerainty of the Median king Astyages. Diodorus
(first century B.C.E.) places the start of Cyrus’
reign in the first year of the 55th Olympiad, or
560/559 B.C.E. Herodotus relates that Cyrus
revolted against the Median rulership and, because
64
of the defection of Astyages’ troops, was able to
gain an easy victory and capture the capital of the
Medes, Ecbatana. According to the Nabonidus
Chronicle, King Ishtumegu (Astyages) “called up
his troops and marched against Cyrus, king of
Anshan, in order to me[et him in battle]. The army
of Ishtumegu revolted against him and in fetters
they de[livered him] to Cyrus.” (Ancient Near
Eastern Texts, p. 305) Cyrus was able to gain the
loyalty of the Medes, and thus Medes and Persians
thereafter fought unitedly under his leadership. In
the following years Cyrus moved to establish his
control over the western sector of the Median
Empire, advancing all the way to the eastern border
of the Lydian Empire at the Halys River in Asia
Minor.
Thus, unknown to King Cyrus, who was likely a
pagan devotee of Zoroastrianism, Jehovah God had
been figuratively ‘taking Cyrus’ right hand’ to lead
or strengthen him, girding him and preparing and
smoothing the way for his accomplishing the divine
purpose: the conquest of Babylon. (Isa 45:1, 2, 5)
As the One “telling from the beginning the finale,
and from long ago the things that have not been
done,” Almighty God had shaped the circumstances
in human affairs for fully carrying out his counsel.
He had called Cyrus “from the sunrising,” from
Persia (to the E of Babylon), where Cyrus’ favorite
capital of Pasargadae was built, and Cyrus was to be
like “a bird of prey” in swiftly pouncing upon
Babylon. (Isa 46:10, 11) It is of note that, according
to The Encyclopaedia Britannica (1910, Vol. X, p.
454), “the Persians bore an eagle fixed to the end of
a lance, and the sun, as their divinity, was also
represented upon their standards, which . . . were
guarded with the greatest jealousy by the bravest
men of the army.”
Next, Cyrus defeated wealthy King Croesus of
Lydia and captured Sardis. He then subdued the
Ionian cities and placed all Asia Minor within the
realm of the Persian Empire. Thus, in a matter of a
few years, Cyrus had become the major rival of
Babylon and its king, Nabonidus.
How did Cyrus divert the water of the Euphrates?
Conquest of Babylon. Cyrus now girded for a
confrontation with mighty Babylon, and from this
point forward, in particular, he figured in the
fulfillment of Bible prophecy. In Isaiah’s inspired
restoration prophecy concerning Jerusalem and its
temple, this Persian ruler had been named as the one
appointed by Jehovah God to effect the overthrow
of Babylon and the release of the Jews who would
be exiled there. (Isa 44:26–45:7) Although this
prophecy had been recorded well over one and a
half centuries before Cyrus’ rise to power and
though the desolation of Judah evidently took place
before Cyrus was even born, still Jehovah declared
that Cyrus would act as His “shepherd” on behalf of
the Jewish people. (Isa 44:28; compare Ro 4:17.)
By virtue of this advance appointment, Cyrus was
called Jehovah’s “anointed one” (a form of the
Hebrew ma·shi′ach, messiah, and the Greek
khri·stos′, christ). (Isa 45:1) God’s ‘calling him by
his name’ (Isa 45:4) at that early date does not
imply that He gave Cyrus his name at birth, but
means that Jehovah foreknew that such a man by
that name would arise and that Jehovah’s call to
him would be, not anonymous, but direct, specific,
by name.
The Bible prophecies relating to Cyrus’ conquest
of Babylon foretold that its rivers would be dried up
and its gates left unshut, that there would be a
sudden invasion of the city and a lack of resistance
on the part of Babylon’s soldiers. (Isa 44:27;
45:1, 2; Jer 50:35-38; 51:30-32) Herodotus
describes a deep, wide moat encompassing
Babylon, relating that numerous bronze (or copper)
gates provided entrance through the interior walls
along the Euphrates River, which bisected the city.
Laying siege to the city, according to Herodotus (I,
191, 192), Cyrus went “drawing off the river by a
canal into the lake [the artificial lake said to have
been made earlier by Queen Nitocris], which was
till now a marsh, he made the stream to sink till its
former channel could be forded. When this
happened, the Persians who were posted with this
intent made their way into Babylon by the channel
of the Euphrates, which had now sunk about to the
height of the middle of a man’s thigh. Now if the
Babylonians had known beforehand or learnt what
Cyrus was planning, they would have suffered the
Persians to enter the city and brought them to a
miserable end; for then they would have shut all the
gates that opened on the river and themselves
mounted up on to the walls that ran along the river
banks, and so caught their enemies as in a trap. But
65
as it was, the Persians were upon them unawares,
and by reason of the great size of the city—so say
those who dwell there—those in the outer parts of it
were overcome, yet the dwellers in the middle part
knew nothing of it; all this time they were dancing
and making merry at a festival . . . till they learnt
the truth but too well. [Compare Da 5:1-4, 30; Jer
50:24; 51:31, 32.] Thus was Babylon then for the
first time taken.”
account that Belshazzar, rather than Nabonidus, was
the king who was slain on the night of Babylon’s
fall.—See BELSHAZZAR.
The cuneiform tablets found by archaeologists,
though not giving details concerning the exact
manner of the conquest, do confirm the sudden fall
of Babylon to Cyrus. According to the Nabonidus
Chronicle, in what proved to be the final year of
Nabonidus’ reign (539 B.C.E.) in the month of
Tishri (September-October), Cyrus attacked the
Babylonian forces at Opis and defeated them. The
inscription continues: “The 14th day, Sippar was
seized without battle. Nabonidus fled. The 16th day,
Gobryas (Ugbaru), the governor of Gutium and the
army of Cyrus entered Babylon without battle.
Afterwards Nabonidus was arrested in Babylon
when he returned . . . In the month of Arahshamnu
[Marchesvan (October-November)], the 3rd day,
Cyrus entered Babylon.” (Ancient Near Eastern
Texts, p. 306) By means of this inscription, the date
of Babylon’s fall can be fixed as Tishri 16,
539 B.C.E., with Cyrus’ entry 17 days later,
occurring on Marchesvan 3.
Xenophon’s account differs somewhat as to
details but contains the same basic elements as that
of Herodotus. Xenophon describes Cyrus as
deeming it nearly impossible to storm Babylon’s
mighty walls and then goes on to relate his laying
siege to the city, diverting the waters of the
Euphrates into trenches and, while the city was in
festival celebration, sending his forces up the
riverbed past the city walls. The troops under the
command of Gobryas and Gadatas caught the
guards unawares and gained entrance through the
very gates of the palace. In one night “the city was
taken and the king slain,” and the Babylonian
soldiers occupying the various citadels surrendered
the following morning.—Cyropaedia, VII, v, 33;
compare Jer 51:30.
Aryan world domination begins. By this victory
Cyrus brought to an end the domination of
Mesopotamia and the Middle East by Semitic rulers
and produced the first dominant world power of
Aryan origin. The Cyrus Cylinder, a cuneiform
document historians consider to have been written
for publication in Babylon, is strongly religious, and
in it Cyrus is represented as ascribing the credit for
his victory to Marduk, the chief god of Babylon,
saying: “He [Marduk] scanned and looked (through)
all the countries, searching for a righteous ruler
willing to lead him . . . (in the annual procession).
(Then) he pronounced the name of Cyrus (Ku-raas), king of Anshan, declared him (lit.: pronounced
[his] name) to be(come) the ruler of all the
world. . . . Marduk, the great lord, a protector of his
people/worshipers, beheld with pleasure his (i.e.
Cyrus’) good deeds and his upright mind (lit.: heart)
(and therefore) ordered him to march against his
city Babylon (Ká.dingir.ra). He made him set out on
the road to Babylon (DIN.TIRki) going at his side
like a real friend. His widespread troops—their
number, like that of the water of a river, could not
be established—strolled along, their weapons
packed away. Without any battle, he made him
enter his town Babylon (Su.an.na), sparing Babylon
Jewish historian Josephus records an account of
Cyrus’ conquest written by the Babylonian priest
Berossus (of the third century B.C.E.) as follows:
“In the seventeenth year of his [Nabonidus’] reign
Cyrus advanced from Persia with a large army, and,
after subjugating the rest of the kingdom, marched
upon Babylonia. Apprised of his coming,
Nabonnedus [Nabonidus] led his army to meet him,
fought and was defeated, whereupon he fled with a
few followers and shut himself up in the town of
Borsippa [the twin city of Babylon]. Cyrus took
Babylon, and after giving orders to raze the outer
walls of the city, because it presented a very
redoubtable and formidable appearance, proceeded
to Borsippa to besiege Nabonnedus. The latter
surrendering, without waiting for investment, was
humanely treated by Cyrus, who dismissed him
from Babylonia, but gave him Carmania for his
residence. There Nabonnedus spent the remainder
of his life, and there he died.” (Against Apion, I,
150-153 [20]) This account is distinct from the
others primarily because of the statements made
concerning Nabonidus’ actions and Cyrus’ dealings
with him. However, it harmonizes with the Biblical
66
(Kádingir.raki) any calamity.”—Ancient Near
Eastern Texts, p. 315.
Babylon and “the first year of Cyrus” over Babylon.
If it did, this would mean that the writer was
perhaps viewing Cyrus’ first year as having begun
late in the year 538 B.C.E. However, if Darius’ rule
over Babylon were to be viewed as that of a
viceroy, so that his reign ran concurrent with that of
Cyrus, Babylonian custom would place Cyrus’ first
regnal year as running from Nisan of 538 to Nisan
of 537 B.C.E.
Why does the Cyrus Cylinder explain Babylon’s
fall in a manner different from the Bible?
Despite this pagan interpretation of events, the
Bible shows that, on making his proclamation
authorizing the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem
and rebuild the temple there, Cyrus acknowledged:
“All the kingdoms of the earth Jehovah the God of
the heavens has given me, and he himself has
commissioned me to build him a house in
Jerusalem, which is in Judah.” (Ezr 1:1, 2) This, of
course, does not mean that Cyrus became a Jewish
convert but simply that he knew the Biblical facts
regarding his victory. In view of the high
administrative position in which Daniel was placed,
both before and after the fall of Babylon (Da 5:29;
6:1-3, 28), it would be most unusual if Cyrus were
not informed of the prophecies that Jehovah’s
prophets had recorded and spoken, including
Isaiah’s prophecy containing Cyrus’ very name. As
regards the Cyrus Cylinder, already quoted, it is
acknowledged that others aside from the king may
have had a hand in the preparation of this cuneiform
document. The book Biblical Archaeology by
G. Ernest Wright (1963, p. 203) speaks of “the king,
or the bureau which framed the document”
(compare the similar case with Darius at Da 6:6-9),
while Dr. Emil G. Kraeling (Rand McNally Bible
Atlas, 1966, p. 328) calls the Cyrus Cylinder “a
propaganda document composed by the Babylonian
priests.” It may, indeed, have been drawn up under
the influence of the Babylonian clergy (Ancient
Near Eastern Texts, p. 315, ftn. 1), thereby serving
their purpose of explaining away the utter failure of
Marduk (also known as Bel) and the other
Babylonian gods to save the city, going even to the
extent of attributing to Marduk the very things that
Jehovah had done.—Compare Isa 46:1, 2; 47:11-15.
In view of the Bible record, Cyrus’ decree
freeing the Jews to return to Jerusalem likely was
made late in the year 538 or early in 537 B.C.E.
This would allow time for the Jewish exiles to
prepare to move out of Babylon and make the long
trek to Judah and Jerusalem (a trip that could take
about four months according to Ezr 7:9) and yet be
settled “in their cities” in Judah by “the seventh
month” (Tishri) of the year 537 B.C.E. (Ezr 3:1, 6)
This marked the end of the prophesied 70 years of
Judah’s desolation that began in the same month,
Tishri, of 607 B.C.E.—2Ki 25:22-26; 2Ch
36:20, 21.
Cyrus’ cooperation with the Jews was in notable
contrast with their treatment by earlier pagan rulers.
He restored the precious temple utensils that
Nebuchadnezzar II had carried off to Babylon, gave
royal permission for them to import cedar timbers
from Lebanon, and authorized the outlay of funds
from the king’s house to cover construction
expenses. (Ezr 1:7-11; 3:7; 6:3-5) According to the
Cyrus Cylinder (PICTURE, Vol. 2, p. 332), the
Persian ruler followed a generally humane and
tolerant policy toward the conquered peoples of his
domain. The inscription quotes him as saying: “I
returned to [certain previously named] sacred cities
on the other side of the Tigris, the sanctuaries of
which have been ruins for a long time, the images
which (used) to live therein and established for
them permanent sanctuaries. I (also) gathered all
their (former) inhabitants and returned (to them)
their habitations.”—Ancient Near Eastern Texts, p.
316.
Cyrus’ Decree for the Return of the Exiles. By
his decreeing the end of the Jewish exile, Cyrus
fulfilled his commission as Jehovah’s ‘anointed
shepherd’ for Israel. (2Ch 36:22, 23; Ezr 1:1-4) The
proclamation was made “in the first year of Cyrus
the king of Persia,” meaning his first year as ruler
toward conquered Babylon. The Bible record at
Daniel 9:1 refers to “the first year of Darius,” and
this may have intervened between the fall of
Aside from the royal proclamation quoted in
Ezra 1:1-4, the Biblical record speaks of another
document by Cyrus, a “memorandum,” which was
filed away in the house of the records at Ecbatana in
Media and was discovered there during the reign of
Darius the Persian. (Ezr 5:13-17; 6:1-5) Concerning
67
this second document, Professor G. Ernest Wright
says, “[it] is explicitly entitled a dikrona, an official
Aramaic term for a memorandum which recorded
an oral decision of the king or other official and
which initiated administrative action. It was never
intended for publication but solely for the eye of the
proper official, following which it was filed away in
government archives.”—Biblical Archaeology, p.
203.
July 20 Bible Reading: 1 Kings 12-14
No.1: 1 Kings 12:21-30
No.2: Daniel (No. 2)—Theme: Jehovah Blesses
Whole- Souled Devotion (it-1 pp. 576-577)
No.3: How Can the Bible Help Husbands and
Fathers? (nwt p. 30 ¶1-2)
Bible Highlights: 1 Kings 12-14
Death and Prophetic Significance. Cyrus is
believed to have fallen in battle in 530 B.C.E.,
though the details are somewhat obscure. Prior to
his death, his son Cambyses II evidently became
coregent with him, succeeding to the Persian throne
as sole ruler when his father died.
The prophecies concerning the sudden fall of
symbolic Babylon the Great as set forth in the book
of Revelation parallel in major respects the
description of Cyrus’ conquest of the literal city of
Babylon. (Compare Re 16:12; 18:7, 8 with Isa
44:27, 28; 47:8, 9.) The king at the head of the
mighty military forces described immediately after
the account of symbolic Babylon’s fall, however, is
no earthly king but the heavenly “Word of God,”
Jehovah’s true anointed Shepherd, Christ Jesus.—
Re 19:1-3, 11-16.
68
also young Daniel (2Ki 24:15), were taken into
captivity by Nebuchadnezzar.
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Kings 12:21-30
(1 Kings 12:21-30) When Re·ho·bo′am arrived in
Jerusalem, he immediately congregated all the
house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin, 180,000
trained warriors, to fight against the house of Israel
in order to restore the kingship to Re·ho·bo′am the
son of Sol′o·mon. 22 Then the word of the true God
came to She·mai′ah the man of the true God,
saying: 23 “Say to Re·ho·bo′am the son of
Sol′o·mon the king of Judah and to all the house of
Judah and Benjamin and the rest of the people,
24
‘This is what Jehovah says: “You must not go up
and fight against your Israelite brothers. Each one
of you must return to his house, for I have caused
this to happen.”’” So they obeyed the word of
Jehovah and went back home, as Jehovah had told
them. 25 Jer·o·bo′am then built up She′chem in the
mountainous region of E′phra·im and lived there.
From there he went out and built up Pe·nu′el.
26
Jer·o·bo′am said in his heart: “Now the kingdom
will return to the house of David. 27 If this people
continues to go up to offer sacrifices at the house of
Jehovah in Jerusalem, the heart of this people will
also return to their lord, King Re·ho·bo′am of
Judah. Yes, they will kill me and return to King
Re·ho·bo′am of Judah.” 28 After consultation, the
king made two golden calves and said to the people:
“It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here
is your God, O Israel, who brought you up out of
the land of Egypt.” 29 Then he placed one in Beth′el,
and the other he put in Dan. 30 And this caused them
to sin, and the people went as far as Dan to worship
the one there.
Under Babylonian Rule. While many of the
exiles were located by the river Chebar outside the
city of Babylon, Daniel and his three companions
were selected to receive special training in the
writing and the tongue of the Chaldeans to equip
them for governmental service. In accord with
custom, they were given Babylonian names,
Daniel’s being Belteshazzar, according to the name
of Nebuchadnezzar’s god. (Da 1:7; 4:8; see
BELTESHAZZAR.) Not wishing to pollute himself
with the foods allotted, which might include some
prohibited by the Mosaic Law or defiled by pagan
rituals, he made request that their diet be limited to
vegetables and water. Jehovah God gave them
“knowledge and insight in all writing and wisdom;
and Daniel himself had understanding in all sorts of
visions and dreams.” (Da 1:17) Examined by the
king at the end of three years, they were found to be
“ten times better than all the magic-practicing
priests and the conjurers that were in all his royal
realm.”—Da 1:20.
Daniel continued in court service until the fall of
Babylon. At Daniel chapter 1, verse 19, it is stated
that his three companions also “continued to stand
before the king” (of Babylon). Whether they lived
to hold this position until Babylon’s fall is not
stated, but Daniel did; and after this he was in the
Persian court until at least the third year of Cyrus.—
Da 10:1.
Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams. In
Nebuchadnezzar’s second year (probably dating
from Jerusalem’s overthrow in 607 B.C.E.), he has
a dream that ‘agitates his spirit.’ All the wise men
being unable to reveal it, Daniel comes before the
king and not only tells him the dream, by divine
revelation, but interprets it, thereby saving himself
and the other wise men from execution. This
prompts Nebuchadnezzar to make Daniel “ruler
over all the jurisdictional district of Babylon and the
chief prefect over all the wise men.” (Da 2:48) His
three companions receive high positions outside the
court, while Daniel serves in the court of the king.
Talk No. 2: Daniel (No. 2)—Theme:
Jehovah Blesses Whole- Souled Devotion
(it-1 pp. 576-577)
*** it-1 pp. 576-577 Daniel ***
2. An outstanding prophet of Jehovah of the tribe
of Judah. The writer of the book bearing his name.
Very little is known of his early life, but he tells of
being taken to Babylon, likely as a teenage prince,
along with other royal offspring and nobles. (Da
1:3-6) This was in Jehoiakim’s third year (as
tributary king to Babylon), which third year started
in the spring of 618 B.C.E. (Da 1:1) With
Jehoiakim’s inglorious death, Jehoiachin, his son,
ruled for a few months before surrendering. Early in
617 B.C.E., Jehoiachin and other “foremost men,”
Just why Daniel was not also involved in the
issue of integrity encountered by his companions,
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, when
commanded to worship the golden image set up in
69
the Plain of Dura, is not certain. (Da 3) The Bible is
silent on the matter. Daniel’s previous course as
well as his later loyalty to God even in danger of
death, as described in chapter 6, provides full
assurance that, if present, and whatever the
circumstances, Daniel did not compromise by
bowing before the image. Also, Jehovah’s Word
expresses his approval of Daniel as wholly devoted,
listing him alongside Noah and Job.—Eze
14:14, 20; Mt 24:15; Heb 11:32, 33.
be elevated over all the kingdom when envy and
jealousy caused the other officials to scheme for his
execution. The law that they induced the king to
enact would have to be in connection with Daniel’s
worship of God, as they could find no fault with
him otherwise. The king acted reluctantly to carry
out the law, which, according to custom, could not
be changed, but he did cast Daniel into the pit of the
lions. For Daniel’s firm integrity and faith, Jehovah
sent His angel to deliver him from the lions’
mouths. Darius then executed justice on the
conspirators, having them destroyed by the same
lions.—Da 6.
Later Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s
dream, regarding the immense tree that was cut
down and then allowed to sprout again, as
representing the great Babylonian monarch himself
(in the prophecy’s first fulfillment). (Da 4:20-22)
Nebuchadnezzar would be insane for seven years
and then would regain his sanity and his kingdom.
Nebuchadnezzar confirmed the fulfillment of the
divinely sent dream upon himself, for he saw fit to
publicize the occurrence throughout the realm.—Da
4:1, 2.
In the first year of Darius, Daniel discerned the
nearness of the end of the 70 years of desolation of
Jerusalem, according to the writings of Jeremiah.
(Jer 25:11, 12) Humbly Daniel acknowledged the
sins of his people and prayed that Jehovah would
cause His face to shine upon the desolated sanctuary
in Jerusalem. (Da 9:1, 2, 17) He was favored with a
revelation through Gabriel, who gave him the
prophecy of the 70 weeks, pinpointing the year of
Messiah’s arrival. Daniel happily lived to see the
return of the Jews under Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E.,
but it is not stated that he accompanied them.
During the third year of Cyrus (536 B.C.E.), Daniel
was given a vision by an angel who, in his mission
to visit Daniel, had to contend with the prince of
Persia. The angel spoke to reveal what was to
“befall [Daniel’s] people in the final part of the
days, because it is a vision yet for the days to
come.” (Da 10:14) Starting with the kings of Persia,
he recorded history in advance. The prophecy
revealed that the world scene would come to be
dominated by two main opposing political powers,
termed “the king of the north” and “the king of the
south,” which situation would prevail until the
standing up of Michael, with a great time of distress
to follow.—Da chaps 11, 12.
Visions. During the first and third years of
Belshazzar, Daniel received two visions (Da chaps
7, 8) in which various animals represented
successive world powers, leading to the time when
these would be forcefully broken up and the
heavenly rulership would be given to “someone like
a son of man.” (Da 7:11-14) Whether Daniel was
actually in Shushan when he received the vision
recorded in chapter 8, or saw himself there in
vision, is not certain. It appears that for many years
after Nebuchadnezzar’s death Daniel was used
little, if at all, as counselor, so that the queen (likely
the queen mother) found it necessary to bring him
to Belshazzar’s attention when none of the wise
men were able to interpret the ominous handwriting
on the palace wall at the time of Belshazzar’s
riotous and blasphemous feast. As promised, “they
heralded concerning [Daniel] that he was to become
the third ruler in the kingdom,” Nabonidus being
first ruler and his son Belshazzar being second. That
same night the city fell to the Medes and Persians,
and Belshazzar was slain.—Da 5:1, 10-31.
Daniel may not have lived much beyond the
third year of Cyrus. If he was a teenager at the time
of being brought to Babylon in 617 B.C.E., he
would be almost 100 years old when he received
that vision recorded in chapters 10 through 12. The
angel’s statement to Daniel, “As for you yourself,
go toward the end; and you will rest, but you will
stand up for your lot at the end of the days,” seems
to imply that his life was nearing its close, with
assurance of a resurrection for him.—Da 12:13.
Under Medo-Persian Rule. During the reign of
Darius the Mede, Daniel was one of the three high
officials appointed over the 120 satraps who were to
rule the kingdom. Excelling greatly in governmental
service because of divine favor, Daniel was about to
70
Daniel’s Writership. Daniel is referred to by
Christ (Mt 24:15) and alluded to at Hebrews 11:33.
It cannot be demonstrated successfully by the critics
that one or more later writers of Maccabean times
had to do with the writing of all or parts of the
canonical book of Daniel. However, three additions
called “The Song of the Three Holy Children,”
“Susanna and the Elders,” and “The Destruction of
Bel and the Dragon” are Apocryphal and are by a
later hand. These and other writings that claim
Daniel as the writer or that set forth unusual feats or
teachings by him are more in the realm of fable,
revolving around the great fame of Daniel, and are
not reliable.—See APOCRYPHA; also DANIEL,
BOOK OF.
(Ephesians 6:4) And fathers, do not be irritating
your children, but go on bringing them up in the
discipline and admonition of Jehovah.
Talk No. 3: How Can the Bible Help Husbands
and Fathers? (nwt p. 30 ¶1-2)
*** nwt p. 30 Question 17: How can the Bible
help your family? ***
QUESTION 17
How can the Bible help your family?
HUSBANDS/FATHERS
1. “In the same way husbands should love
their wives as their own bodies. A man who
loves his wife loves himself, for no man ever
hated his own body, but he feeds and
cherishes it . . . Each one of you must love his
wife as he does himself.”
Ephesians 5:28, 29, 33 [Page 1569]
(Ephesians 5:28, 29) In the same way husbands
should love their wives as their own bodies. A man
who loves his wife loves himself, 29 for no man ever
hated his own body, but he feeds and cherishes it,
just as the Christ does the congregation,
(Ephesians 5:33) Nevertheless, each one of you
must love his wife as he does himself; on the other
hand, the wife should have deep respect for her
husband.
2. “Fathers, do not be irritating your
children, but go on bringing them up in the
discipline and admonition of Jehovah.”
Ephesians 6:4 [Page 1569]
71
July 27 Bible Reading: 1 Kings 15-17
No.1: 1 Kings 15:16-24
No.2: How Can the Bible Help Wives? (nwt p. 30
¶3-4)
No.3: David—Theme: Youths, Prepare Now to
Serve Jehovah Courageously (it-1 pp. 585-591)
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Kings 15:16-24
(1 Kings 15:16-24) There was constant warfare
between A′sa and Ba′a·sha the king of Israel. 17 So
King Ba′a·sha of Israel came up against Judah and
began to build up Ra′mah to prevent anyone from
going out or coming in to King A′sa of Judah. 18 At
that A′sa took all the silver and the gold that were
left in the treasuries of the house of Jehovah and the
treasuries of the house of the king and handed them
over to his servants. King A′sa then sent them to
Ben-ha′dad the son of Tab·rim′mon the son of
He′zi·on, the king of Syria, who was dwelling in
Damascus, saying: 19 “There is a treaty between me
and you and between my father and your father. I
am sending you a gift of silver and gold. Come,
break your treaty with King Ba′a·sha of Israel, so
that he will withdraw from me.” 20 Ben-ha′dad
listened to King A′sa and sent the chiefs of his
armies against the cities of Israel, and they struck
down I′jon, Dan, A′bel-beth-ma′a·cah, all
Chin′ne·reth, and all the land of Naph′ta·li. 21 When
Ba′a·sha heard of it, he immediately quit building
Ra′mah and continued dwelling in Tir′zah. 22 King
A′sa then summoned all Judah—no one was
exempt—and they carried off the stones and timbers
of Ra′mah that Ba′a·sha had been building with, and
with them King A′sa built up Ge′ba in Benjamin,
and Miz′pah. 23 As for all the rest of the history of
A′sa, all his mightiness and all that he did and the
cities that he built, is it not written in the book of
the history of the times of the kings of Judah? But
in his old age he suffered from a disease in his feet.
24
Then A′sa was laid to rest with his forefathers and
was buried with them in the City of David his
forefather; and his son Je·hosh′a·phat became king
in his place.
Bible Highlights: 1 Kings15-17
72
Talk No. 3: David—Theme: Youths, Prepare
Now to Serve Jehovah Courageously (it-1 pp.
585-591)
*** it-1 p. 586 David ***
Talk No. 2: How Can the Bible Help Wives?
(nwt p. 30 ¶3-4)
*** nwt pp. 30-31 Question 17: How can the
Bible help your family? ***
As a Youth. We first meet up with David as he
is tending his father’s sheep in a field near
Bethlehem, reminding us that it was also in a field
near Bethlehem where shepherds more than a
millennium later were overawed at being chosen to
hear Jehovah’s angel announcing the birth of Jesus.
(Lu 2:8-14) Samuel, sent by God to the house of
Jesse to anoint one of his sons to be the future king,
turns down David’s seven older brothers, saying,
“Jehovah has not chosen these.” Finally David is
fetched from the field. There is an atmosphere of
suspense when he enters—“ruddy, a young man
with beautiful eyes and handsome in appearance”—
for until now no one knows why Samuel has come.
“Get up,” Samuel is commanded by Jehovah,
“anoint him, for this is he!” This is the one of whom
Jehovah says, “I have found David the son of Jesse,
a man agreeable to my heart, who will do all the
things I desire.”—1Sa 16:1-13; 13:14; Ac 13:22.
WIVES
3. “The wife should have deep respect for
her husband.”
Ephesians 5:33 [Page 1569]
(Ephesians 5:33) Nevertheless, each one of you
must love his wife as he does himself; on the other
hand, the wife should have deep respect for her
husband.
4. “You wives, be in subjection to your
husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord.”
Colossians 3:18 [Page 1579]
(Colossians 3:18) You wives, be in subjection to
your husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord.
David’s years spent as a shepherd lad had a
profound influence on the rest of his life. Outdoor
life prepared him to live as a fugitive when, in later
life, he fled the wrath of Saul. He also acquired skill
in throwing slingstones, and he developed
endurance, courage, and a willingness to pursue and
rescue sheep separated from the flock, not hesitating
to kill a bear or a lion when necessary.—1Sa 17:3436.
But for all of his valor as a warrior, David will
also be remembered as one skilled on the harp and
as a composer of song, abilities he perhaps acquired
during the long hours spent tending the sheep.
David also had a reputation for developing new
musical instruments. (2Ch 7:6; 29:26, 27; Am 6:5)
David’s love for Jehovah raised his lyrics far above
the common level of simple entertainment and
made them classical masterpieces dedicated to the
worship and praise of Jehovah. The superscriptions
of no less than 73 psalms indicate that David was
their composer, but still other psalms are elsewhere
attributed to David. (Compare Ps 2:1 with Ac 4:25;
Ps 95:7, 8 with Heb 4:7.) Some, for example Psalms
8, 19, 23, 29, quite likely reflect David’s
experiences as a shepherd.
73
All this training while caring for sheep prepared
David for the greater role of shepherding Jehovah’s
people, as it is written: “[Jehovah] chose David his
servant and took him from the pens of the flock.
From following the females giving suck he brought
him in to be a shepherd over Jacob his people and
over Israel his inheritance.” (Ps 78:70, 71; 2Sa 7:8)
However, when David first left his father’s sheep it
was not to take over the kingship. Instead, he served
as the court musician upon the recommendation of
an adviser of Saul, who described David not only as
“skilled at playing” but also as “a valiant, mighty
man and a man of war and an intelligent speaker
and a well-formed man, and Jehovah is with him.”
(1Sa 16:18) So David became the harpist to
troubled Saul, as well as his armor-bearer.—1Sa
16:19-23.
Aug. 3 Bible Reading: 1 Kings 18-20
No.1: 1 Kings 18:30-40
No.2: Deborah (No. 2)—Theme: Faithful Women
Praise Jehovah (it-1 p. 600)
No.3: How Can the Bible Help Children? (nwt p.
31 ¶1-2)
Bible Highlights: 1 Kings 18-20
Later, for reasons not disclosed, David returns to
his father’s house for an indeterminate period. Upon
bringing provisions to his brothers in Saul’s army,
which at the time is in a standoff position with the
Philistines, he is incensed at seeing and hearing
Goliath reproach Jehovah. “Who is this
uncircumcised Philistine that he has to taunt the
battle lines of the living God?” David asks. (1Sa
17:26) “Jehovah,” he adds, “who delivered me from
the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, he
it is who will deliver me from the hand of this
Philistine.” (1Sa 17:37) Granted permission, the
killer of the lion and the bear approaches Goliath
with the words: “I am coming to you with the name
of Jehovah of armies, the God of the battle lines of
Israel, whom you have taunted.” Suddenly David
hurls the stone in his sling and brings the enemy
champion down. Then with Goliath’s own sword
David decapitates him, and he returns to camp with
the trophies of war, the giant’s head and sword.—
1Sa 17:45-54; PICTURE, Vol. 1, p. 745.
It is noteworthy that the Septuagint, as it appears
in the fourth-century Greek manuscript Vatican
1209, omits 1 Samuel 17:55 through the word
“down” in 18:6a. Hence Moffatt marks all except
the last of these verses in double brackets, calling
them “either editorial additions or later
interpolations.” However, there is evidence favoring
the reading of the Masoretic text.—See SAMUEL,
BOOKS OF (Sections Missing in the Greek
Septuagint).
74
association of Deborah and Barak was purely
because of their common interest in liberating Israel
from Canaanite oppression. Deborah dwelt under a
palm tree located in the mountainous region of
Ephraim between Ramah and Bethel; “the sons of
Israel would go up to her for judgment.”—Jg 4:5.
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Kings 18:30-40
(1 Kings 18:30-40) At length E·li′jah said to all the
people: “Approach me.” So all the people
approached him. Then he repaired the altar of
Jehovah that had been torn down. 31 E·li′jah then
took 12 stones, corresponding to the number of the
tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom Jehovah’s word
had come, saying: “Israel will be your name.”
32
With the stones he built an altar in the name of
Jehovah. Then he made a trench all around the altar,
an area large enough to sow with two seah measures
of seed. 33 After that he put the pieces of wood in
order, cut the young bull into pieces, and placed it
on the wood. He now said: “Fill four large jars with
water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the
pieces of wood.” 34 Then he said: “Do it again.” So
they did it again. Once more he said: “Do it a third
time.” So they did it a third time. 35 And the water
ran all around the altar, and he also filled the trench
with water. 36 About the time when the evening
grain offering is presented, E·li′jah the prophet
stepped forward and said: “O Jehovah, the God of
Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today let it be known
that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant
and that it is by your word that I have done all these
things. 37 Answer me, O Jehovah! Answer me so
that this people may know that you, Jehovah, are
the true God and that you are turning their hearts
back to you.” 38 At that the fire of Jehovah fell from
above and consumed the burnt offering, the pieces
of wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up
the water from the trench. 39 When all the people
saw it, they immediately fell facedown and said:
“Jehovah is the true God! Jehovah is the true God!”
40
Then E·li′jah said to them: “Seize the prophets of
Ba′al! Do not let a single one of them escape!” At
once they seized them, and E·li′jah brought them
down to the stream of Ki′shon and slaughtered them
there.
Jehovah used Deborah to summon Barak from
Kedesh-naphtali and inform him of God’s purpose
to use 10,000 men in defeating the huge army of
Canaanite King Jabin under his army chief Sisera.
Barak had Jehovah’s promise that He would give
the enemy into his hand. But in addition, as he
gathered the troops and led them to Mount Tabor,
he insisted on the presence of Deborah as God’s
representative, even though Deborah was a woman.
Deborah proved willing to leave her place of greater
security and to join Barak. However, she prophesied
that “the beautifying thing” of the victory would go
to a woman. These words were fulfilled when the
woman Jael put Sisera to death.—Jg 4:6-10, 17-22.
Deborah and Barak joined in singing a song on
the day of victory. Part of the song is written in the
first person, indicating that Deborah was its
composer, in part, if not in its entirety. (Jg 5:7) It
was a custom for the women to celebrate victories
with song and dance. (Ex 15:20, 21; Jg 11:34; 1Sa
18:6, 7; Ps 68:11) The song gives all credit and
praise to Jehovah for the victory in behalf of his
people. It adds considerably to the narrative that
precedes it, and to get a full picture the two must be
viewed side by side. After describing Jehovah’s
might and majesty and recalling the condition of
Israel prior to Barak’s fight, it commends the tribes
who responded to the call and inquires about others
who did not. It graphically adds details concerning
the battle and the rout of the Canaanites, the
courageous act of Jael in killing Sisera, and the
disappointment of Sisera’s mother, who waited in
vain for spoils and slaves of Israel to be brought
back after the expected victory of her son Sisera.—
Jg 5.
Talk No. 2: Deborah (No. 2)—Theme: Faithful
Women Praise Jehovah (it-1 p. 600)
*** it-1 p. 600 Deborah ***
2. A prophetess in Israel; the wife of Lappidoth.
(Jg 4:4) There is no evidence that Lappidoth and
Barak were the same person, as some suggest. The
75
Talk No. 3: How Can the Bible Help Children?
(nwt p. 31 ¶1-2)
*** nwt p. 31 Question 17: How can the Bible
help your family? ***
Aug.10 Bible Reading: 1 Kings 21-22
No.1: 1 Kings 22:13-23
No.2: How Can You Draw Close to God? (nwt p.
32 ¶1-4)
No.3: Delilah—Theme: The Love of Money Can
Lead to Betrayal (it-1 pp. 608-609)
CHILDREN
1. “Children, be obedient to your parents in
union with the Lord, for this is righteous.
‘Honor your father and your mother’ is the
first command with a promise: ‘That it may
go well with you and you may remain a long
time on the earth.’”
Bible Highlights: 1 Kings 21-22
Ephesians 6:1-3 [Page 1569]
(Ephesians 6:1-3) Children, be obedient to your
parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous.
2
“Honor your father and your mother” is the first
command with a promise: 3 “That it may go well
with you and you may remain a long time on the
earth.”
2. “You children, be obedient to your parents
in everything, for this is well-pleasing to the
Lord.”
Colossians 3:20 [Page 1579]
(Colossians 3:20) You children, be obedient to your
parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing to the
Lord.
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Kings 22:13-23
(1 Kings 22:13-23) So the messenger who went to
call Mi·cai′ah said to him: “Look! The words of the
prophets are unanimously favorable to the king. Let
your word, please, become like their words, and
speak favorably.” 14 But Mi·cai′ah said: “As surely
as Jehovah is living, whatever Jehovah says to me is
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what I will speak.” 15 Then he came in to the king,
and the king asked him: “Mi·cai′ah, should we go to
war against Ra′moth-gil′e·ad, or should we
refrain?” At once he replied: “Go up and you will
be successful; Jehovah will give it into the king’s
hand.” 16 At that the king said to him: “How many
times must I put you under oath not to speak to me
anything but the truth in the name of Jehovah?”
17
So he said: “I see all the Israelites scattered on the
mountains, like sheep that have no shepherd.
Jehovah said: ‘These have no master. Let each one
go back to his house in peace.’” 18 Then the king of
Israel said to Je·hosh′a·phat: “Did I not tell you, ‘He
will not prophesy good things concerning me, only
bad’?” 19 Mi·cai′ah then said: “Therefore, hear the
word of Jehovah: I saw Jehovah sitting on his
throne and all the army of the heavens standing by
him, to his right and to his left. 20 Jehovah then said,
‘Who will fool A′hab, so that he will go up and fall
at Ra′moth-gil′e·ad?’ And one was saying one thing
while another said something else. 21 Then a spirit
came forward and stood before Jehovah and said, ‘I
will fool him.’ Jehovah asked him, ‘How will you
do it?’ 22 He replied, ‘I will go out and become a
deceptive spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ So
he said, ‘You will fool him, and what is more, you
will be successful. Go out and do that.’ 23 And now
Jehovah has put a deceptive spirit in the mouth of
all these prophets of yours, but Jehovah has
declared calamity for you.”
your ways take notice of him, and he will
make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5, 6 [Page 876]
(Proverbs 3:5, 6) Trust in Jehovah with all your
heart, And do not rely on your own understanding.
6
In all your ways take notice of him, And he will
make your paths straight.
3. “This means everlasting life, their coming
to know you, the only true God, and the one
whom you sent, Jesus Christ.”
John 17:3 [Page 1451]
(John 17:3) This means everlasting life, their
coming to know you, the only true God, and the one
whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
4. “In fact, [God] is not far off from each
one of us.”
Acts 17:27 [Page 1488]
(Acts 17:27) so that they would seek God, if they
might grope for him and really find him, although,
in fact, he is not far off from each one of us.
Talk No. 2: How Can You Draw Close to God?
(nwt p. 32 ¶1-4)
*** nwt p. 32 Question 18: How can you draw
close to God? ***
QUESTION 18
How can you draw close to God?
1. “O Hearer of prayer, to you people of all
sorts will come.”
Psalm 65:2 [Page 800]
2
O Hearer of prayer, to you people of all sorts
will come
2. “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and
do not rely on your own understanding. In all
77
Talk No. 3: Delilah—Theme: The Love of
Money Can Lead to Betrayal (it-1 pp. 608-609)
*** it-1 pp. 608-609 Delilah ***
DELILAH
Aug.17 Bible Reading: 2 Kings 1-4
No.1: 2 Kings 1:11-18
No.2: Dinah—Theme: Bad Associations Can
Lead to Tragedy (it-1 p. 627)
No.3: Things We Must Do to Draw Close to God
(nwt p. 32 ¶5–p. 33 ¶3)
(De·li′lah) [possibly, Dangling].
A woman living in the torrent valley of Sorek.
Delilah is introduced into the Bible account toward
the final part of Samson’s 20-year judgeship as the
object of his love.—Jg 16:31.
Bible Highlights: 2 Kings 1-4
The axis lords of the Philistines, anxious to
destroy Samson, each offered Delilah 1,100 pieces
of silver (if shekels, $2,422) to find out for them
wherein Samson’s great power lay. She cooperated
by questioning Samson as to what would render him
powerless. Each time Samson answered, she
notified the Philistines and hid in her house
Philistine warriors who were ready to take
advantage of Samson in the event he lost his
strength. After three misleading answers by
Samson, Delilah continued to pester him and
“pressured him with her words all the time and kept
urging him, [so that] his soul got to be impatient to
the point of dying.” Then he told her of his
Naziriteship and that no razor had ever touched his
head. Certain of having the truth this time, she sent
for the Philistine axis lords, and they came to bring
her the money. While Samson slept upon her knees,
an attendant cut off the seven braids of his hair.
Upon awakening, Samson found that this time his
divinely provided power was not there. The hiding
Philistines grabbed hold of him, blinded him, and
took him prisoner. (Jg 16:4-21) Delilah is
mentioned no more in the Bible account.
The Bible does not say that sexual relationship
took place between Delilah and Samson or that she
was a prostitute. The prostitute mentioned at Judges
16:1, 2 is not the same as Delilah. This prostitute
lived at Gaza, whereas Delilah lived in the torrent
valley of Sorek. Also, the following evidence
indicates Delilah possibly was an Israelitess, not a
Philistine: When the axis lords presented their
proposal it was based on an extravagant sum of
money and not on patriotic sentiment.—Jg 16:5.
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 2 Kings 1:11-18
(2 Kings 1:11-18) So the king sent again to him
another chief of 50 with his 50 men. He went and
said to him: “Man of the true God, this is what the
king says, ‘Come down quickly.’” 12 But E·li′jah
answered them: “If I am a man of the true God, let
78
fire come down from the heavens and consume you
and your 50 men.” And fire of God came down
from the heavens and consumed him and his 50
men. 13 Then the king sent again a third chief of 50
and his 50 men. But the third chief of 50 went up
and bowed down on his knees in front of E·li′jah
and began to beg for favor and say to him: “Man of
the true God, please, let my life and the lives of
these 50 servants of yours be precious in your eyes.
14
Fire has already come down from the heavens
and consumed the two former chiefs of 50 and their
groups of 50, but now let my life be precious in
your eyes.” 15 At that the angel of Jehovah told
E·li′jah: “Go down with him. Do not be afraid of
him.” So he rose and went down with him to the
king. 16 E·li′jah then said to the king, “This is what
Jehovah says: ‘You sent messengers to inquire of
Ba′al-ze′bub the god of Ek′ron. Is it because there is
no God in Israel? Why did you not inquire of his
word? Therefore, you will not leave the bed on
which you are lying, for you will certainly die.’”
17
So he died, according to the word of Jehovah that
E·li′jah had spoken; and because he did not have a
son, Je·ho′ram became king in his place, in the
second year of Je·ho′ram the son of Je·hosh′a·phat
the king of Judah. 18 As for the rest of the history of
A·ha·zi′ah, what he did, is it not written in the book
of the history of the times of the kings of Israel?
(Ge 34:1-31) Some contend that Dinah must have
been just a child when she was violated. However,
it must be borne in mind that before coming to
Shechem, Jacob built a house and booths at
Succoth, indicating that he resided there for some
time. (Ge 33:17) At Shechem he bought a tract of
land and apparently became established there for a
while. All of this, together with the fact that
Shechem fell in love with Dinah, the “young
woman,” would argue that Dinah, though still
young, was not a mere child at the time of her
association with Shechem.—Ge 33:18, 19; 34:12.
Years later, Dinah, with the rest of Jacob’s
household, came into Egypt at the invitation of
Joseph.—Ge 46:7, 15.
Talk No. 3: Things We Must Do to Draw Close
to God (nwt p. 32 ¶5–p. 33 ¶3)
*** nwt pp. 32-33 Question 18: How can you
draw close to God? ***
5. “This is what I continue praying, that
your love may abound still more and more
with accurate knowledge and full
discernment.”
Philippians 1:9 [Page 1571]
(Philippians 1:9) And this is what I continue
praying, that your love may abound still more
and more with accurate knowledge and full
discernment;
Talk No. 2: Dinah—Theme: Bad Associations
Can Lead to Tragedy (it-1 p. 627)
*** it-1 p. 627 Dinah ***
DINAH
1. “If any one of you is lacking in wisdom,
let him keep asking God, for he gives
generously to all and without reproaching,
and it will be given him.”
(Di′nah) [Judged [that is, acquitted; vindicated]].
Daughter of Jacob by Leah. Dinah may have
been about six years of age when Jacob returned to
Canaan and settled at Succoth, she having been
born at Haran when her father was residing there.—
Ge 30:21, 22, 25; 31:41.
James 1:5 [Page 1616]
(James 1:5) So if any one of you is lacking in
wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives
generously to all and without reproaching, and it
will be given him.
At the time Jacob and his family were tenting
outside the city of Shechem, young Dinah unwisely
made it a practice to visit the Canaanite girls there.
On one of these visits she was violated by Shechem
the son of the Hivite chieftain Hamor. Shechem fell
in love with her, and Dinah remained in his home
until avenged by her full brothers Simeon and Levi.
2. “Draw close to God, and he will draw
close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners,
and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones.”
James 4:8 [Page 1619]
79
(James 4:8) Draw close to God, and he will draw
close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and
purify your hearts, you indecisive ones.
Aug. 24 Bible Reading: 2 Kings 5-8
No.1: 2 Kings 6:20-31
No.2: What Is Contained in the Various Books of
the Hebrew Scriptures? (nwt p. 34)
No.3: Doeg—Theme: Beware of Those Who
Love What Is Bad (it-1 p. 644)
3. “This is what the love of God means, that
we observe his commandments; and yet his
commandments are not burdensome.”
Bible Highlights: 2 Kings 5-8
1 John 5:3 [Page 1634]
(1 John 5:3) For this is what the love of God
means, that we observe his commandments; and yet
his commandments are not burdensome,
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 2 Kings 6:20-31
(2 Kings 6:20-31) When they arrived in Sa·mar′i·a,
E·li′sha said: “O Jehovah, open their eyes so that
they may see.” So Jehovah opened their eyes, and
they saw that they were in the middle of Sa·mar′i·a.
21
When the king of Israel saw them, he said to
E·li′sha: “Should I strike them down, should I strike
them down, my father?” 22 But he said: “You must
not strike them down. Do you strike down those
whom you have taken captive with your sword and
with your bow? Give them bread and water so they
may eat and drink and return to their lord.” 23 So he
spread a great feast for them, and they ate and
80
drank, after which he sent them away to return to
their lord. And not once did the marauder bands of
the Syrians come again into the land of Israel.
24
Afterward Ben-ha′dad the king of Syria gathered
all his army together and went up and besieged
Sa·mar′i·a. 25 So there was a great famine in
Sa·mar′i·a, and they besieged it until a donkey’s
head was worth 80 silver pieces, and a fourth of a
cab measure of dove’s droppings was worth 5 silver
pieces. 26 As the king of Israel was passing by on
the wall, a woman cried out to him: “Help us, O my
lord the king!” 27 To this he said: “If Jehovah does
not help you, where can I get help for you? From
the threshing floor? Or from the wine or oil press?”
28
The king asked her: “What is the matter with
you?” She replied: “This woman said to me, ‘Hand
over your son, and we will eat him today, and we
will eat my son tomorrow.’ 29 So we boiled my son
and ate him. The next day I said to her, ‘Hand over
your son so that we may eat him.’ But she hid her
son.” 30 As soon as the king heard the woman’s
words, he ripped his garments apart. When he
passed by on the wall, the people saw that he was
wearing sackcloth under his clothes. 31 Then he
said: “So may God do to me and add to it if the
head of E·li′sha the son of Sha′phat remains on him
today!”
HISTORICAL BOOKS (12 BOOKS):
Joshua, Judges, Ruth
Israel’s entry into the Promised Land and
events thereafter
1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and
2 Chronicles
History of the nation of Israel down to the
destruction of Jerusalem
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
History of the Jews after returning from exile
in Babylon
POETIC BOOKS (5 BOOKS):
Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song
of Solomon
Collections of wise sayings and songs
PROPHETIC BOOKS (17 BOOKS):
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel,
Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah,
Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk,
Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
Prophecies, or predictions, concerning God’s
people
Talk No. 2: What Is Contained in the Various
Books of the Hebrew Scriptures? (nwt p. 34)
*** nwt pp. 34-35 Question 19: What is
contained in the various books of the Bible? ***
QUESTION 19
What is contained in the various books of the
Bible?
HEBREW SCRIPTURES (“OLD
TESTAMENT”)
PENTATEUCH (5 BOOKS):
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,
Deuteronomy
From creation to the founding of the ancient
nation of Israel
81
Talk No. 3: Doeg—Theme: Beware of Those
Who Love What Is Bad (it-1 p. 644)
*** it-1 p. 644 Doeg ***
DOEG
Aug. 31 Bible Reading: 2 Kings9-11
Theocratic Ministry School Review
Bible Highlights: 2 Kings9-11
(Do′eg) [possibly, Anxious; In Fright].
An Edomite serving as King Saul’s principal
shepherd, a responsible position of oversight. (1Sa
21:7; 22:9) Doeg evidently was a proselyte.
Because of being “detained before Jehovah” at Nob,
possibly on account of a vow, some uncleanness, or
suspected leprosy, Doeg witnessed High Priest
Ahimelech’s providing David with showbread and
the sword of Goliath. Later, when Saul, in
addressing his servants, voiced the opinion that they
were conspiring against him, Doeg revealed what he
had seen at Nob. After summoning the high priest
as well as the other priests of Nob and then
questioning Ahimelech, Saul ordered the runners to
put the priests to death. When these refused, Doeg,
at Saul’s command, unhesitatingly killed a total of
85 priests. After this wicked act, Doeg devoted Nob
to destruction, slaughtering all of its inhabitants,
young and old, as well as the livestock.—1Sa 22:620.
As indicated by the superscription of Psalm 52,
David wrote concerning Doeg: “Adversities your
tongue schemes up, sharpened like a razor, working
deceitfully. You have loved what is bad more than
what is good, falsehood more than speaking
righteousness. You have loved all devouring words,
O you deceitful tongue.”—Ps 52:2-4.
82
Je·ho′ash the king of Israel came down to him and
wept over him, saying: “My father, my father! The
chariot of Israel and his horsemen!” 15 E·li′sha then
said to him: “Take a bow and arrows.” So he took a
bow and arrows. 16 Then he said to the king of
Israel: “Put your hand to the bow.” So he put his
hand to it, after which E·li′sha laid his hands on the
king’s hands. 17 Then he said: “Open the window
toward the east.” So he opened it. E·li′sha said:
“Shoot!” So he shot. He now said: “Jehovah’s
arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria!
You will strike down Syria at A′phek until you
finish it off.” 18 He continued: “Take the arrows,”
and he took them. Then he said to the king of Israel:
“Strike the ground.” So he struck the ground three
times and stopped. 19 At that the man of the true
God grew indignant at him and said: “You should
have struck the ground five or six times! Then you
would have struck down Syria until you finished it
off, but now you will strike down Syria only three
times.”
Sept. 7 Bible Reading: 2 Kings 12-15
No.1: 2 Kings 13:12-19
No.2: Dorcas—Theme: Genuine Christians
Abound in Good Works (it-1 p. 646)
No.3: What Is Contained in the Various Books of
the Christian Greek Scriptures? (nwt p. 35)
Bible Highlights: 2 Kings 12-15
Talk No. 2: Dorcas—Theme: Genuine Christians
Abound in Good Works (it-1 p. 646)
DORCAS
(Dor′cas) [Gazelle].
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading
A Christian woman in the Joppa congregation
abounding in “good deeds and gifts of mercy,”
evidently including the making of inner and outer
garments for needy widows. (Ac 9:36, 39) “Dorcas”
corresponds to the Aramaic “Tabitha,” both names
meaning “Gazelle.” Possibly Dorcas was known by
both names, as it was not uncommon then for Jews,
especially those living in a seaport such as Joppa
with its mixed population of Jews and Gentiles, to
have a Hebrew name as well as a Greek or Latin
name. Or, Luke may have translated the name for
the benefit of Gentile readers. Dorcas is the only
woman mentioned in the Scriptures as having the
feminine form of the word “disciple” applied to her.
This, however, does not mean that she held a
special position in the congregation, for all
Christians were actually disciples of Jesus Christ.
(Mt 28:19, 20) Though her death in 36 C.E. caused
much weeping among the widows who had
apparently benefited greatly from her kindnesses,
2 Kings 13:12-19
(2 Kings 13:12-19) As for the rest of the history of
Je·ho′ash, all that he did and his mightiness and
how he fought against King Am·a·zi′ah of Judah, is
it not written in the book of the history of the times
of the kings of Israel? 13 Then Je·ho′ash was laid to
rest with his forefathers, and Jer·o·bo′am sat on his
throne. And Je·ho′ash was buried in Sa·mar′i·a with
the kings of Israel. 14 Now when E·li′sha became ill
with the sickness from which he eventually died,
83
the fact that no mention is made of sorrow on the
part of a husband suggests that Dorcas was
unmarried at the time.
Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and
3 John, Jude
General letters to Christians
At her death the disciples at Joppa prepared her
for burial and, on learning that Peter was in Lydda,
about 18 km (11 mi) SE of Joppa, sent for him.
Undoubtedly they had heard about Peter’s healing
the paralytic Aeneas there, and this may have given
them a basis for reasoning that the apostle might
resurrect Dorcas. On the other hand, they may have
turned to Peter simply for consolation.—Ac 9:3238.
REVELATION (1 BOOK):
Series of prophetic visions given to the
apostle John
Following a procedure similar to that used by
Jesus in resurrecting Jairus’ daughter (Mr 5:38-41;
Lu 8:51-55), Peter, after dismissing everyone from
the upper chamber, prayed and then said: “Tabitha,
rise!” Dorcas opened her eyes, sat up, and took
Peter’s hand to rise. This is the first reported
resurrection performed by an apostle, resulting in
many becoming believers throughout Joppa.—Ac
9:39-42.
Talk No. 3: What Is Contained in the Various
Books of the Christian Greek Scriptures? (nwt p.
35)
*** nwt p. 35 Question 19: What is contained in
the various books of the Bible? ***
CHRISTIAN GREEK SCRIPTURES (“NEW
TESTAMENT”)
THE FOUR GOSPELS (4 BOOKS):
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
History of Jesus’ life and ministry
ACTS OF APOSTLES (1 BOOK):
History of the start of the Christian
congregation and missionary activity
LETTERS (21 BOOKS):
Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians,
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and
2 Thessalonians
Letters to various Christian congregations
1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
Letters to individual Christians
84
Sept.14 Bible Reading: 2 Kings16-18
No.1: 2 Kings 17:12-18
No.2: How Can You Get the Most out of Your
Bible Reading? (nwt p. 36)
No.3: Ebed-melech—Theme: Be Fearless, and
Honor Jehovah’s Servants (it-1 pp. 672-673)
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading
2 Kings 17:12-18
(2 Kings 17:12-18) They continued to serve
disgusting idols, about which Jehovah had told
them: “You must not do this!” 13 Jehovah kept
warning Israel and Judah through all his prophets
and every visionary, saying: “Turn back from your
wicked ways! Keep my commandments and my
statutes according to all the law that I commanded
your forefathers and that I sent to you through my
servants the prophets.” 14 But they did not listen,
and they remained just as stubborn as their
forefathers who had not shown faith in Jehovah
their God. 15 They continued rejecting his
regulations and his covenant that he had made with
their forefathers and his reminders that he had given
to warn them, and they kept following worthless
idols and became worthless themselves, imitating
the nations all around them that Jehovah had
commanded them not to imitate. 16 They kept
leaving all the commandments of Jehovah their
God, and they made metal statues of two calves and
a sacred pole, and they bowed down to all the army
of the heavens and served Ba′al. 17 They also made
their sons and their daughters pass through the fire,
they practiced divination and looked for omens, and
they kept devoting themselves to do what was bad
in the eyes of Jehovah, to offend him. 18 So Jehovah
was very angry with Israel, so that he removed them
from his sight. He did not let any remain but the
tribe of Judah alone.
Bible Highlights: 2 Kings16-18
85
Talk No. 2: How Can You Get the Most out of
Your Bible Reading? (nwt p. 36)
Talk No. 3: Ebed-melech—Theme: Be Fearless,
and Honor Jehovah’s Servants (it-1 pp. 672-673)
QUESTION 20
How can you get the most out of your Bible
reading?
*** it-1 pp. 672-673 Ebed-melech ***
EBED-MELECH
ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS AS YOU
READ YOUR BIBLE:
An Ethiopian eunuch in the house of King
Zedekiah who, by his course of action,
demonstrated that he was in full agreement with the
work of Jehovah’s prophet Jeremiah. When the
princes of Judah falsely charged Jeremiah with
sedition, Zedekiah surrendered the prophet into
their hands. These princes then took Jeremiah and
threw him into the miry cistern of Malchijah in the
Courtyard of the Guard, there to die without food.
(Jer 38:4-6) Courageously, notwithstanding the
danger in which it placed him because of the
prevailing bitter hatred for Jeremiah and his
message, Ebed-melech publicly approached the
king seated in the Gate of Benjamin and there
presented an appeal in behalf of Jeremiah. Zedekiah
responded favorably. Then Ebed-melech, at the
king’s command, took 30 men to the cistern and let
down ropes with worn-out rags and pieces of cloth
for Jeremiah to place under his armpits in order to
bring him up out of the cistern. (Jer 38:7-13) Likely
Zedekiah directed Ebed-melech to take 30 men
along, not that so many men were needed to get
Jeremiah out of the cistern, but in order to effect a
successful deliverance despite any possible
interference on the part of the princes or the priests.
Because of this righteous act toward God’s prophet,
Ebed-melech was assured by Jehovah, through
Jeremiah, that he would not perish during the
Babylonian siege but would be furnished an
escape.—Jer 39:15-18; see EUNUCH.
(E′bed-mel′ech) [Servant of the King].
What does this tell me about Jehovah God?
How does this section of the Scriptures
contribute to the Bible’s message?
How can I apply this in my life?
How can I use these verses to help others?
“Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light
for my path.”
Psalm 119:105 [Page 853]
*** Bible Citations ***
(Psalm 119:105) Your word is a lamp to my foot,
And a light for my path.
86
Sept. 21 Bible Reading: 2 Kings 19-22
No.1: 2 Kings 20:12-21
No.2: Ehud (No. 2)—Theme: Jehovah Delivers
His People (it-1 p. 700)
No.3: What Does the Word “Amen” Mean?
(Glossary, nwt p.1692)
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 2 Kings 20:12-21
(2 Kings 20:12-21) At that time the king of
Babylon, Be·ro′dach-bal′a·dan son of Bal′a·dan,
sent letters and a gift to Hez·e·ki′ah, for he had
heard that Hez·e·ki′ah had been sick. 13 Hez·e·ki′ah
welcomed them and showed them his entire
treasure-house—the silver, the gold, the balsam oil
and other precious oil, his armory, and everything
that was to be found in his treasuries. There was
nothing that Hez·e·ki′ah did not show them in his
own house and in all his dominion. 14 After that
Isaiah the prophet came in to King Hez·e·ki′ah and
asked him: “What did these men say, and where did
they come from?” So Hez·e·ki′ah said: “They came
from a distant land, from Babylon.” 15 Next he
asked: “What did they see in your house?”
Hez·e·ki′ah replied: “They saw everything in my
house. There was nothing that I did not show them
in my treasuries.” 16 Isaiah now said to Hez·e·ki′ah:
“Hear the word of Jehovah, 17 ‘Look! Days are
coming, and all that is in your house and all that
your forefathers have stored up to this day will be
carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left,’ says
Jehovah. 18 ‘And some of your own sons to whom
you will become father will be taken and will
become court officials in the palace of the king of
Babylon.’” 19 At that Hez·e·ki′ah said to Isaiah:
“The word of Jehovah that you have spoken is
good.” Then he added: “It is good if there will be
peace and stability during my lifetime.” 20 As for
the rest of the history of Hez·e·ki′ah, all his
mightiness and how he made the pool and the
conduit and brought the water into the city, is it not
written in the book of the history of the times of the
kings of Judah? 21 Then Hez·e·ki′ah was laid to rest
with his forefathers; and his son Ma·nas′seh became
king in his place.
Bible Highlights: 2 Kings 19-22
Talk No. 2: Ehud (No. 2)—Theme: Jehovah
Delivers His People (it-1 p. 700)
*** it-1 p. 700 Ehud ***
2. Son of Gera of the tribe of Benjamin (Jg 3:15),
Ehud was chosen by God to deliver the nation from
an 18-year bondage to King Eglon of Moab, an
oppression God permitted because “they did what
was bad in Jehovah’s eyes.”—Jg 3:12-14.
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When the Israelites began to call to Jehovah for
aid, God raised up “a savior” in the person of Ehud.
In time, the Israelites sent tribute to Eglon by means
of Ehud, who had made a two-edged sword for
himself, “its length being a cubit [Heb., go′medh],”
actually a linear measurement about which there is
uncertainty in this particular case. Some believe it
was a short cubit of about 38 cm (15 in.). Ehud was
a left-handed man, or, literally, “a man closed
(impeded) of his right hand.” But this does not
mean that Ehud was crippled, as such Hebrew
phraseology is used in connection with 700
Benjamite warriors, who are not likely to have had a
physical defect but were “left-handed” and
evidently ambidextrous. (Jg 3:15, 16, ftn; 20:16;
compare 1Ch 12:2.) The Bible does not specifically
say Ehud was ambidextrous, though that is possible.
Nevertheless, being left-handed, he girded the
sword underneath his garment upon his right thigh.
Ehud’s leadership, “the land had no further
disturbance for eighty years.”—Jg 3:26-30.
Ehud is not specifically called “Judge Ehud”;
rather he is referred to as “a savior.” (Jg 3:15) But
Othniel was called both “a savior” and a “judge” (Jg
3:9, 10), and the period was the time of the Judges.
So Ehud was apparently considered not only “a
savior” but also a judge.
Talk No. 3: What Does the Word “Amen”
Mean? (Glossary, nwt p.1692)
*** nwt p. 1692 Glossary ***
Amen. “So be it,” or “surely.” The word comes
from the Hebrew root word ʼa·man′, which means
“to be faithful, trustworthy.” “Amen” was said in
agreement to an oath, a prayer, or a statement. In
Revelation, it is used as a title for Jesus.—De 27:26;
1Ch 16:36; Re 3:14.
After presentation of the tribute, Ehud sent the
tribute bearers away but turned back at the quarries
of Gilgal. Ehud then came to Eglon as the Moabite
king sat in his roof chamber, and he said to him: “A
word of God I have for you.” Interested, Eglon
arose from his throne. At that, Ehud “thrust in his
left hand and took the sword off his right thigh,”
plunging it into obese Eglon’s belly, with the result
that “the handle kept going in also after the blade so
that the fat closed in over the blade.” A righthanded man would likely draw his sword from his
left side, across his body. So it is not probable that
Eglon would expect Ehud to draw a sword from the
right thigh, using his left hand. The enemy ruler
now dead, Ehud escaped through the air hole, after
closing and locking the doors of the roof chamber
behind him. When Eglon’s servants finally opened
the doors, they discovered that “their lord was fallen
to the earth dead!”—Jg 3:15-25.
*** Bible Citations ***
(Deuteronomy 27:26) “‘Cursed is the one who will
not uphold the words of this Law by carrying them
out.’ (And all the people will say, ‘Amen!’)
(1 Chronicles 16:36) May Jehovah, the God of
Israel, be praised Throughout all eternity.’” And all
the people said, “Amen!” and they praised Jehovah.
(Revelation 3:14) “To the angel of the
congregation in La·o·di·ce′a write: These are the
things that the Amen says, the faithful and true
witness, the beginning of the creation by God:
Ehud, having escaped to the mountainous region
of Ephraim, marshaled an army of Israelites, saying
to them: “Follow me, because Jehovah has given
your enemies, the Moabites, into your hand.” After
capturing the fords of the Jordan, the Israelites cut
off the Moabites’ retreat to their homeland.
Doubtless already greatly demoralized by their
king’s death, 10,000 Moabites were struck down by
the Israelites, “every one robust and every one a
valiant man; and not a single one escaped.” Moab
having been subdued under Israel’s hand and
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brothers. 10 He also made unfit for worship
To′pheth, which is in the Valley of the Sons of
Hin′nom, so that no one could make his son or his
daughter pass through the fire to Mo′lech. 11 And he
prohibited the horses that the kings of Judah had
dedicated to the sun from entering the house of
Jehovah by the chamber of Na′than-mel′ech the
court official, which was in the porticoes; and he
burned the chariots of the sun in the fire. 12 The king
also tore down the altars that the kings of Judah had
set up on the roof of A′haz’s upper chamber, as well
as the altars that Ma·nas′seh had set up in two
courtyards of the house of Jehovah. He crushed
them and scattered their dust in the Kid′ron Valley.
13
And the king made unfit for worship the high
places in front of Jerusalem that were to the south of
the Mount of Ruination, which Sol′o·mon the king
of Israel had built to Ash′to·reth the disgusting
goddess of the Si·do′ni·ans; and to Che′mosh the
disgusting god of Mo′ab; and to Mil′com the
detestable god of the Am′mon·ites. 14 He broke the
sacred pillars to pieces and cut down the sacred
poles and filled their places with human bones.
15
He also tore down the altar in Beth′el, the high
place that Jer·o·bo′am the son of Ne′bat had made
that caused Israel to sin. After tearing down that
altar and the high place, he burned the high place,
ground it to dust, and burned the sacred pole.
Sept. 28 Bible reading: 2 Kings 23-25
No.1: 2 Kings 23:8-15
No.2: What Roles Do Angels Play in God’s
Purpose? (Glossary, nwt pp.1692-1693)
No.3: Eleazar (No.1)—Theme: Steadfastly Serve
Jehovah (it-1 p. 705)
Bible Highlights: 2 Kings 23-25
Talk No. 2: What Roles Do Angels Play in God’s
Purpose? (Glossary, nwt pp.1692-1693)
*** nwt pp. 1692-1693 Glossary ***
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading
Angels. From the Hebrew mal·ʼakh′ and the
Greek ag′ge·los. Both words literally mean
“messenger” but are rendered “angel” when
referring to spirit messengers. (Ge 16:7; 32:3; Jas
2:25; Re 22:8) Angels are powerful spirit creatures,
created by God long before the creation of mankind.
They are also referred to in the Bible as “holy
myriads,” “sons of God,” and “morning stars.” (De
33:2; Job 1:6; 38:7) They were not made with the
ability to reproduce their own kind but were created
individually. They number well over a hundred
million. (Da 7:10) The Bible indicates that they
have personal names and distinct personalities, yet
they humbly refuse to receive worship, and most
even avoid disclosing their names. (Ge 32:29; Lu
1:26; Re 22:8, 9) They have different ranks and are
assigned a variety of roles, including serving before
2 Kings 23:8-15
(2 Kings 23:8-15) Then he brought all the priests
out of the cities of Judah, and he made unfit for
worship the high places where the priests had been
making sacrificial smoke, from Ge′ba to Be′ershe′ba. He also tore down the high places of the
gates that were at the entrance of the gate of Joshua
the chief of the city, which were on the left as one
entered the city gate. 9 The priests of the high places
did not serve at the altar of Jehovah in Jerusalem,
but they did eat unleavened bread along with their
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Jehovah’s throne, conveying his messages,
intervening in behalf of Jehovah’s earthly servants,
executing God’s judgments, and supporting the
preaching of the good news. (2Ki 19:35; Ps 34:7;
Lu 1:30, 31; Re 5:11; 14:6) In the future they will
support Jesus in fighting the battle of
Armageddon.—Re 19:14, 15.
Ithamar, continued to carry on the priesthood. With
the division of duties in the care of the sanctuary,
Eleazar had oversight of the tabernacle with its
utensils, constant grain offering, oil, and incense.
(Nu 4:16) At Jehovah’s command Eleazar took up
the copper fire holders that Korah and the others
associated with him (none of whom were priests)
had used to offer up incense to Jehovah in a desire
to take over priestly duties. These were made into
thin metal plates with which the altar was overlaid.
(Nu 16:37-40) Eleazar officiated at the sin offering
of the red heifer that provided the ashes for
cleansing from certain uncleannesses.—Nu 19:2, 3;
Heb 9:13.
Talk No. 3: Eleazar (No.1)—Theme: Steadfastly
Serve Jehovah (it-1 p. 705)
*** it-1 p. 705 Eleazar ***
ELEAZAR
After the Israelites went to war to punish the
Midianites for the affair of Peor, Eleazar was on
hand to aid in dividing the spoils taken from the
Midianites and to declare God’s statute regarding
the things taken.—Nu 31:6, 21-41.
(El·e·a′zar) [God Has Helped].
1. The third-named son of High Priest Aaron by
his wife Elisheba. Eleazar was of the family of
Kohath the son of Levi. (Ex 6:16, 18, 20, 23; Nu
3:2) Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar,
and Ithamar, constituted the priesthood of Israel at
the time of its installation by Moses.—Le 8.
Phinehas, Eleazar’s son by one of the daughters
of Putiel, was rewarded by Jehovah with a covenant
of peace for his zealous action in behalf of pure
worship at the time Israel sinned in connection with
the Baal of Peor. This may be considered as added
to the covenant for the priesthood Jehovah had
made with the tribe of Levi.—Nu 25:1-13; Ex 6:25.
In the second year after leaving Egypt, when the
tabernacle had been set up, Eleazar is mentioned as
being chief of the Levites. (Nu 1:1; 3:32) He must
have been at least 30 years of age at the time,
inasmuch as he was performing priestly duties.—
Nu 4:3.
Eleazar was one of those above 20 years of age
who had left Egypt and who also entered the
Promised Land. Being of the tribe of Levi, he was
not included in God’s condemnation expressed
against the other 12 tribes, that none of them from
20 years old upward would enter the Promised
Land, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb. Levi
had no representative among the 12 spies, 10 of
whom brought back bad reports, and the Levites
apparently were not included in the faithless,
rebellious murmuring against Jehovah.—Nu 13:416; 14:26-30.
Becomes High Priest. In the 40th year of the
wilderness journey, upon Aaron’s death at the age
of 123 years, Eleazar, then about 70 years of age,
became high priest. (Nu 33:37-39) Eleazar,
therefore, was the first high priest of Israel to
officiate in the Promised Land when they entered
about eight months later. (Nu 20:25-28; De 10:6;
Jos 4:19) It was before Eleazar that Joshua was to
stand to be appointed as Moses’ successor, and
Eleazar was to continue to give support to Joshua in
the appointment and to transmit to him Jehovah’s
decisions on questions of importance according to
the judgment of the Urim and the Thummim. (Nu
27:18-23) Eleazar also worked together with Joshua
in the distribution of the Promised Land after the
conquest of Canaan.—Jos 14:1; 21:1-3.
Shortly after the dedication of the tabernacle and
the consecration of Aaron and his sons for the
priesthood (Le 8), Nadab and Abihu offered up
illegitimate fire to Jehovah and were killed by fire
proceeding from Jehovah. (Le 10:1, 2; Nu 3:2-4)
Aaron, with his two faithful sons Eleazar and
Head of Major Priestly House. The time of
Eleazar’s death is not stated in the Scriptures with
exactness, but it seems to have been near the time of
the death of Joshua. Eleazar was succeeded by his
son Phinehas. (Jos 24:29, 30, 33; Jg 20:27, 28)
Eleazar manifested the trait of zeal for Jehovah’s
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true worship and conducted the priesthood with
honor all his days. Jewish tradition holds that during
the time the tabernacle was in Shiloh, there were 16
courses of priests, 8 in the family of Eleazar and 8
in that of his brother Ithamar. However, in David’s
time there were more chief men in the family of
Eleazar than of Ithamar. Therefore David made 16
priestly divisions of the house of Eleazar and 8 of
the house of Ithamar, making a total of 24 divisions
that served in turn later at the temple.—1Ch 24:1-4.
Oct. 5 Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 1-4
No.1: 1 Chronicles 1:28-42
No.2: Eli, I—Theme: Permissiveness Dishonors
God (it-1 pp. 706-707)
No.3: To Whom Does the Term “Antichrist”
Refer? (Glossary, nwt p.1693)
Bible Highlights: 1 Chronicles 1-4
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Chronicles 1:28-42
(1 Chronicles 1:28-42) The sons of Abraham were
Isaac and Ish′ma·el. 29 These are their family
origins: Ish′ma·el’s firstborn Ne·ba′ioth, then
Ke′dar, Ad′be·el, Mib′sam, 30 Mish′ma, Du′mah,
Mas′sa, Ha′dad, Te′ma, 31 Je′tur, Na′phish, and
Ked′e·mah. These were the sons of Ish′ma·el. 32 The
sons that Ke·tu′rah, Abraham’s concubine, gave
birth to were Zim′ran, Jok′shan, Me′dan, Mid′i·an,
Ish′bak, and Shu′ah. The sons of Jok′shan were
She′ba and De′dan. 33 The sons of Mid′i·an were
E′phah, E′pher, Ha′noch, A·bi′da, and El·da′ah. All
of these were the sons of Ke·tu′rah. 34 Abraham
became father to Isaac. The sons of Isaac were
E′sau and Israel. 35 The sons of E′sau were
El′i·phaz, Reu′el, Je′ush, Ja′lam, and Kor′ah. 36 The
sons of El′i·phaz were Te′man, O′mar, Ze′pho,
Ga′tam, Ke′naz, Tim′na, and Am′a·lek. 37 The sons
of Reu′el were Na′hath, Ze′rah, Sham′mah, and
Miz′zah. 38 The sons of Se′ir were Lo′tan, Sho′bal,
Zib′e·on, A′nah, Di′shon, E′zer, and Di′shan. 39 The
sons of Lo′tan were Ho′ri and Ho′mam. Lo′tan’s
sister was Tim′na. 40 The sons of Sho′bal were
Al′van, Man′a·hath, E′bal, She′pho, and O′nam. The
sons of Zib′e·on were A′iah and A′nah. 41 The son
of A′nah was Di′shon. The sons of Di′shon were
Hem′dan, Esh′ban, Ith′ran, and Che′ran. 42 The sons
of E′zer were Bil′han, Za′a·van, and A′kan. The
sons of Di′shan were Uz and A′ran.
91
In the course of time a prophet of God comes
with a dire message of warning: The power and
influence of the house of Eli is to be chopped off, so
that there will not come to be an old man in his
house. His corrupt sons are appointed to die in one
day. (1Sa 2:27-36) Through none other than the
young boy Samuel, Jehovah reaffirms the adverse
judgment upon the house of Eli. (1Sa 3:11-14)
Samuel is afraid to relate the message, but does so
at Eli’s request. Eli then meekly submits, saying: “It
is Jehovah. What is good in his eyes let him do.”—
1Sa 3:15-18.
Talk No. 2: Eli, I—Theme: Permissiveness
Dishonors God (it-1 pp. 706-707)
*** it-1 pp. 706-707 Eli, I ***
ELI, I
(E′li) [Ascended; Gone Up].
A high priest of Israel; evidently a descendant of
Aaron’s fourth-named son Ithamar. (Compare 2Sa
8:17; 1Ki 2:27; 1Ch 24:3; Ex 6:23.) As high priest,
Eli judged Israel for 40 years. Samuel began to be a
prophet during his lifetime. (1Sa 4:18; 3:10-13, 1921) Eli’s day was one characterized by spiritual
famine in Israel, for “word from Jehovah had
become rare in those days; there was no vision
being spread abroad.”—1Sa 3:1.
Jehovah Judges His House. Retribution comes
according to God’s word. Israel loses about 4,000
men in battle with the Philistines. The Israelites
decide to get the Ark from Shiloh and to bring it
into the camp, thinking that this will result in
deliverance from their enemies. But the Philistines
step up their battle efforts. Thirty thousand Israelites
are slain. The Ark is captured. Hophni and
Phinehas, who are there with the Ark, die. A man
from Benjamin hurries from the battle lines to bring
the report to Eli. Blind and feeble, 98-year-old Eli is
sitting on a seat by the roadside, his heart atremble
concerning the Ark. Upon hearing that the Ark has
been captured, Eli falls over backward and dies of a
broken neck.—1Sa 4:2-18.
The first glimpse of Eli is given in chapter 1 of
First Samuel. Eli is seated outside by the doorpost
of the tabernacle and is rebuking righteous Hannah,
whom he judges to be drunk, when actually she has
been praying extendedly before Jehovah there in
front of the tabernacle. Upon Hannah’s reply that
she is not drunk but has spoken out of the
abundance of her concern and vexation, Eli
dismisses her in peace. Jehovah answers Hannah’s
prayer, and she gives birth to a son whom she
names Samuel. As soon as he is weaned she, in
keeping with her vow, turns him over for service at
the tabernacle.—1Sa 1:9-18, 20, 24, 28; 2:11, 18.
Further retribution against the house of Eli came
at the hands of King Saul, who ruthlessly ordered
the murder of the priests of Nob, the descendants of
Eli through Phinehas’ son Ahitub. (1Sa 14:3;
22:11, 18) Only Abiathar, a son of Ahimelech,
escaped the massacre and continued serving as
priest throughout David’s reign. (1Sa 22:20; 2Sa
19:11) However, Abiathar was removed as priest by
Solomon for having offered help to the rebellious
conspirator Adonijah. (1Ki 1:7; 2:26, 27) Thus the
judgment of Jehovah on Eli’s house was fulfilled,
and his descendants were ousted from the highpriestly office for all time.—1Sa 3:13, 14.
Lax in Disciplining Sons. As a father and high
priest in Israel, Eli is lax in applying Jehovah’s
discipline. His two sons, Hophni and Phinehas,
serve as officiating priests, but they are “good-fornothing men,” only interested in satisfying their
bellies and unclean sexual desires. They are not
content with the portion of the sacrifice assigned to
them by God’s law, and even serve themselves
ahead of Jehovah by having an attendant demand
raw meat from the offerer before making the fat
smoke upon the altar. Eli’s greedy, sensual sons use
their position at the tent of meeting to carry on vice
and theft at the expense of Jehovah’s pure worship.
Even when his corrupt sons have immoral
intercourse with the women who serve at the
entrance of the tabernacle, Eli does not oust them
from office but merely rebukes them mildly. Eli
keeps honoring his sons more than Jehovah.—1Sa
2:12-17, 22-25, 29.
Talk No. 3: To Whom Does the Term
“Antichrist” Refer? (Glossary, nwt p.1693)
*** nwt p. 1693 Glossary ***
Antichrist. The Greek term has a twofold
meaning. It refers to that which is anti, or opposed
to, Christ. It may also refer to a false Christ, one in
92
the place of Christ. All people, organizations, or
groups that falsely claim to represent Christ or
claim to be the Messiah or that oppose Christ and
his disciples can properly be called antichrists.—
1 Jo 2:22.
Oct.12 Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 5-7
No.1: 1 Chronicles 6:48-60
No.2: What Is Apostasy? (Glossary, nwt p.1693)
No.3: Elihu (No.1)—Theme: True Friends Speak
the Truth (it-1 p. 710)
(1 John 2:22) Who is the liar but the one who denies
that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one
who denies the Father and the Son.
Bible Highlights: 1 Chronicles 5-7
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Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Chronicles 6:48-60
Talk No. 2: What Is Apostasy? (Glossary, nwt
p.1693)
(1 Chronicles 6:48-60) Their brothers the Levites
were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle,
the house of the true God. 49 Aaron and his sons
made the sacrifices smoke on the altar of burnt
offering and on the altar of incense, performing the
duties connected with the most holy things, to make
atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the
servant of the true God had commanded. 50 These
were the descendants of Aaron: El·e·a′zar his son,
Phin′e·has his son, Ab·i·shu′a his son, 51 Buk′ki his
son, Uz′zi his son, Zer·a·hi′ah his son, 52 Me·ra′ioth
his son, Am·a·ri′ah his son, A·hi′tub his son,
53
Za′dok his son, and A·him′a·az his son. 54 These
were their settlements by their encampments in their
territory: for the descendants of Aaron belonging to
the family of the Ko′hath·ites, as the first lot fell to
them, 55 they gave them Heb′ron in the land of
Judah, with its surrounding pastures. 56 But the field
of the city and its settlements they gave to Ca′leb
the son of Je·phun′neh. 57 And to the descendants of
Aaron they gave the cities of refuge, Heb′ron, also
Lib′nah with its pastures, Jat′tir, Esh·te·mo′a with
its pastures, 58 Hi′len with its pastures, De′bir with
its pastures, 59 A′shan with its pastures, and Bethshe′mesh with its pastures; 60 and from the tribe of
Benjamin, Ge′ba with its pastures, Al′e·meth with
its pastures, and An′a·thoth with its pastures. All
their cities for their families were 13 cities.
*** nwt p. 1693 Glossary ***
Apostasy. This term in Greek (a·po·sta·si′a)
comes from a verb literally meaning “to stand away
from.” The noun has the sense of “desertion,
abandonment, or rebellion.” In the Christian Greek
Scriptures, “apostasy” is used primarily with regard
to those who defect from true worship.—Pr 11:9;
Ac 21:21; 2Th 2:3.
(Proverbs 11:9) By his mouth the apostate brings
his neighbor to ruin, But by knowledge the
righteous are rescued.
(Acts 21:21) But they have heard it rumored about
you that you have been teaching all the Jews among
the nations an apostasy from Moses, telling them
not to circumcise their children or to follow the
customary practices.
(2 Thessalonians 2:3) Let no one lead you astray in
any way, because it will not come unless the
apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness
gets revealed, the son of destruction.
Talk No. 3: Elihu (No.1)—Theme: True Friends
Speak the Truth (it-1 p. 710)
*** it-1 p. 710 Elihu ***
ELIHU
(E·li′hu) [My God Is He].
1. “The son of Barachel the Buzite of the family
of Ram.” As a descendant of Buz, Elihu was
evidently a distant relative of Abraham. (Job 32:1,
2, 6; Ge 22:20, 21) Likely Elihu listened carefully
to the entire debate between Job and his three
would-be comforters. But, out of due respect for
their age, he remained silent until all had finished
speaking. Though modern critics have labeled Elihu
as loquacious, saying that his speeches were longwinded, the statements of Elihu were not those of an
impertinent young man. He fully appreciated that
wisdom was not the exclusive possession of those
advanced in years, but that God’s spirit made one
truly wise. Elihu, therefore, leaned heavily on God’s
spirit. He was thus able to discern correctly that Job
had failed to appreciate that the vindication of
Jehovah God is far more important than the
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vindication of any man and that Job’s three friends
had actually pronounced God wicked.—Job 32:29, 18.
Oct.19 Bible reading: 1 Chronicles 8-11
No.1: 1 Chronicles 11:15-25
No.2: Elijah (No.1)—Theme: Never
Underestimate the Power of Prayer (it-1 pp. 710713)
No.3: Who Is the Archangel? (Glossary, nwt
p.1693)
Elihu was impartial, not bestowing a flattering
title on anyone. He recognized that he, like Job, was
made of clay and that the Almighty was his Creator.
Elihu had no intention of terrifying Job but spoke to
him as a true friend, addressing Job by name,
something that was not done by Eliphaz, Bildad, or
Zophar.—Job 32:21, 22; 33:6.
Bible Highlights: 1 Chronicles 8-11
In every respect Elihu exalted the position of the
true God: The Almighty is just, rewarding the
individual according to his conduct. He judges
without partiality and is fully aware of the course
taken by men. God hears the outcry of the afflicted.
He is a Teacher who makes men wiser than the
animal creation. Only untruth does God not hear,
and so Elihu encouraged Job to wait for Him.
Furthermore, Elihu assured Job that God was with
him and that He would not preserve the wicked
alive, but that those serving Him “will finish their
days in what is good.” (Job 36:11) Job was then
admonished to magnify the activity of God, the
great Provider, who gives food in abundance. Elihu
called Job’s attention to the great things done by
God and His control of natural forces, encouraging
Job to show himself “attentive to the wonderful
works of God.” (Job 37:14) Elihu concluded on a
lofty plane, saying concerning the Almighty: “He is
exalted in power, and justice and abundance of
righteousness he will not belittle. Therefore let men
fear him.”—Job 37:23, 24; chaps 34-37.
Only by God’s spirit was it possible for Elihu to
evaluate matters correctly and to speak the words
having a fulfillment upon Job when he was restored:
“Let him off from going down into the pit! I have
found a ransom! Let his flesh become fresher than
in youth; let him return to the days of his youthful
vigor.”—Job 33:24, 25.
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Chronicles 11:1525
(1 Chronicles 11:15-25) Three of the 30 headmen
went down to the rock, to David at the cave of
A·dul′lam, while a Phi·lis′tine army was camped in
the Valley of Reph′a·im. 16 David was then in the
stronghold, and a garrison of the Phi·lis′tines was in
Beth′le·hem. 17 Then David expressed his longing:
“If only I could have a drink of the water from the
cistern by the gate of Beth′le·hem!” 18 At that the
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three forced their way into the camp of the
Phi·lis′tines and drew water from the cistern by the
gate of Beth′le·hem and brought it to David; but
David refused to drink it and poured it out to
Jehovah. 19 He said: “It is unthinkable on my part
from the standpoint of my God to do this! Should I
drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?
For it was at the risk of their lives that they brought
it.” So he refused to drink it. These are the things
that his three mighty warriors did. 20 A·bish′ai the
brother of Jo′ab became head of another three; he
brandished his spear over 300 slain, and he had a
reputation like the three. 21 Of the other three, he
was more distinguished than two of them, and he
was their chief; yet he did not attain to the rank of
the first three. 22 Be·nai′ah the son of Je·hoi′a·da
was a courageous man who performed many
exploits in Kab′ze·el. He struck down the two sons
of Ar′i·el of Mo′ab, and he descended into a
waterpit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 23 He also
struck down an Egyptian man of extraordinary
size—five cubits tall. Though the Egyptian had a
spear in his hand like the beam of loom workers, he
went against him with a rod and snatched the spear
away from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with
his own spear. 24 These things Be·nai′ah the son of
Je·hoi′a·da did, and he had a reputation like that of
the three mighty warriors. 25 Although he was
distinguished even more than the thirty, he did not
attain to the rank of the three. However, David
appointed him over his own bodyguard.
King Jehoram of Judah, which rule started in
913 B.C.E.—2Ch 21:12-15; 2Ki 8:16.
Through Elijah, Jehovah provided a pillar of
strength for true worship in a time when Israel’s
spiritual and moral condition had fallen to an
alarmingly low state. King Ahab the son of Omri
had continued the calf worship established by
Jeroboam, but worse, he had married Jezebel the
daughter of the Sidonian king Ethbaal. Under her
influence, Ahab added greatly to his sins beyond all
Israel’s previous kings by introducing Baal worship
on a grand scale. Baal priests and prophets
multiplied, and corruption reached an extreme state.
Jezebel’s hatred of Jehovah caused persecution and
slaughter of the prophets; they were driven into
hiding in caves.—1Ki 16:30-33; 18:13.
Fed by Ravens. Elijah first appears in the record
when he is sent by Jehovah to announce
chastisement upon Israel for their sins. His first
reported words are: “As Jehovah the God of Israel
before whom I do stand is living.” Elijah points out
that Jehovah the living God of Israel has decreed
that no rain or dew will occur for a period of years,
except at Elijah’s word. This time period proves to
be three years and six months. (1Ki 17:1; Jas 5:17)
After this announcement Jehovah directs Elijah to
the torrent valley of Cherith to the E of the Jordan
in the territory of the tribe of Gad. Here,
miraculously, ravens bring food to him. He gets
water from the torrent valley, which in due time
dries up because of the drought. Jehovah continues
to guide him, sending him outside the territory of
Israel to Zarephath, a Phoenician town dependent
upon Sidon at that time. Here, near the city of
Sidon, where King Ahab’s father-in-law Ethbaal is
ruling (1Ki 16:31), Elijah meets a widow preparing
a final meal for herself and her son with their very
last bit of flour and oil. Elijah requests a cake, with
the promise of Jehovah’s provision for her during
the drought. Because she recognizes him as a man
of God, she complies and is blessed. (Compare Mt
10:41, 42.) During Elijah’s stay in her home her son
dies. Elijah prays to God, who brings him to life,
the first recorded resurrection and the third of
Elijah’s eight miracles.—1Ki 17.
Talk No. 2: Elijah (No.1)—Theme: Never
Underestimate the Power of Prayer (it-1 pp. 710713)
*** it-1 pp. 710-713 Elijah ***
ELIJAH
(E·li′jah) [My God Is Jehovah].
1. One of the foremost prophets of Israel.
Evidently his home was in Tishbeh, thought by
some to be a village in the land of Gilead, E of the
Jordan River. (1Ki 17:1) He started his long career
as prophet in Israel during the reign of King Ahab,
who began to rule about 940 B.C.E., and continued
during the reign of Ahab’s son Ahaziah (began c.
919 B.C.E.). (1Ki 22:51) The last time he is
mentioned as serving as a prophet (this time for
Judah) is toward the end of the eight-year reign of
How did Elijah impress upon Israel that Jehovah
is indeed the true God?
96
In the meantime Ahab has looked everywhere in
a fruitless search for Elijah, doubtless to put him to
death. (1Ki 18:10) Eventually God instructs Elijah
to show himself to Ahab. Elijah encounters Ahab
and requests a meeting with the 450 prophets of
Baal and the 400 prophets of the sacred pole
(Asherah). Ahab gathers the prophets to Mount
Carmel, not far from the Mediterranean Sea.
(PICTURE, Vol. 1, p. 950) Elijah now, before the
people, proposes a test to prove who is the true God
to be followed. The one that answers by consuming
a bull sacrificed to him is to be acknowledged by
all. Fair enough, the people agree. Baal is first
called on, but in vain. There is no fire, no proof that
Baal is a living god, although his prophets keep
praying to him, yes, even cutting themselves
according to their ritual. They limp about the altar
under a burning sun for the greater part of the day
while Elijah mercilessly mocks them, increasing
their frenzy.—1Ki 18:18-29.
then, he covers a distance of over 300 km (190 mi).
At Horeb, Jehovah speaks to him after an aweinspiring display of power in a wind, an earthquake,
and a fire. Jehovah is not in these manifestations; he
is not a nature god, or just natural forces that are
personified. These natural forces are merely
expressions of his active force, not Jehovah himself.
The Almighty shows Elijah that he still has work to
do as a prophet. Jehovah corrects Elijah’s thought
that he is the lone worshiper of the true God in
Israel by showing that there are 7,000 who have not
bowed to Baal. He sends Elijah back to his
assignment, naming three persons who are to be
anointed, or commissioned, to do a work for
Jehovah: Hazael as king over Syria, Jehu as king
over Israel, and his own successor Elisha.—1Ki
19:1-18.
Appoints Elisha as Successor. Elijah next
travels toward the hometown of Elisha, Abelmeholah. Finding Elisha plowing a field, Elijah
throws his official garment over him, indicating an
appointing, or anointing. Elisha follows Elijah
closely from that time on as his attendant. He is
doubtless with Elijah when another occasion arises
to prophesy against Ahab. The greedy Baalworshiping king has illegally seized a vineyard, the
hereditary possession of Naboth the Jezreelite, by
allowing his wife Jezebel to use false charges, false
witnesses, and unrighteous judges to have Naboth
murdered. Elijah meets Ahab at the vineyard and
tells Ahab that his blood will be licked up by the
dogs at the same place where they had licked up the
blood of Naboth. He also announces a similar fate
for Jezebel.—1Ki 19:19; 21:1-26.
Now it is Elijah’s turn. Using 12 stones, he
mends an altar that was torn down, probably at
Jezebel’s instance. Then he has the people soak the
offering and the altar in water three times; even the
trench around the altar, circumscribing an area
perhaps 32 m (103 ft) square, is filled with water.
(1Ki 18:30-35) About the time of the daily evening
grain offering, Elijah prays once to Jehovah, who
sends fire from the heavens to consume not just the
offering but also the wood, the stones of the altar,
and the water in the trench. (1Ki 18:36-38) The
people, seeing this, fall upon their faces and say:
“Jehovah is the true God! Jehovah is the true God!”
Then Elijah has all the 450 prophets of Baal
slaughtered at the torrent valley of Kishon.
Answering Elijah’s prayer, Jehovah breaks the
drought by a downpour of rain. By Jehovah’s power
Elijah then runs ahead of Ahab’s chariot, perhaps as
much as 30 km (19 mi), to Jezreel.—1Ki 18:39-46.
About three years later Ahab dies in battle. His
war chariot is washed by the pool of Samaria, and
the dogs lick up his blood. Jezebel’s execution,
however, awaits a time perhaps 15 years later. Ahab
was succeeded by his son Ahaziah. This king
follows in his wicked father’s footsteps, for when
he is injured in an accident he turns to the false god
Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, to inquire regarding
the outcome of his sickness. Elijah sends him
Jehovah’s word that because of this he will
positively die. When Ahaziah sends in succession
three groups to get Elijah, each group composed of
a chief with 50 men, the prophet calls down fire
from the heavens to annihilate the first two groups,
but on the plea of the third chief, he goes back with
Flees From Jezebel. On being informed of the
death of her Baal prophets, Queen Jezebel vows to
have Elijah put to death. In fear Elijah flees some
150 km (95 mi) southwestward to Beer-sheba, to
the W of the lower Dead Sea. (MAP, Vol. 1, p. 949)
Leaving his attendant there, he goes still farther into
the wilderness, praying to die. Here the angel of
Jehovah appears to him, to prepare him for a long
journey to “the mountain of the true God,” Horeb.
Sustained for the 40-day journey by what he eats
97
him to pronounce the judgment against Ahaziah in
person.—1Ki 22:1, 37, 38; 2Ki 1:1-17.
begun by him was carried on by Elisha, and the
execution of Jezebel and the destruction of unclean
Sidonian Baalism were accomplished by Jehu. In
Elijah’s day 7,000, including Obadiah, Ahab’s
household manager, were found to be faithful to
Jehovah; Elijah doubtless strengthened some of
them greatly. Elijah appointed Elisha as his
successor, but the anointing of Hazael and that of
Jehu were left for Elisha to carry out.
Elisha Succeeds Him. In harmony with Elijah’s
action in appointing Elisha years earlier, the time
comes when Elijah must transfer the mantle of this
prophetic office to Elisha, who has been well
trained. This takes place during the rule of
Ahaziah’s successor, his brother Jehoram of Israel.
At that time Elijah goes to Bethel, from there to
Jericho and down to the Jordan, Elisha sticking
close to him all the way. There Elisha is rewarded
for his faithfulness by seeing a fiery war chariot and
fiery horses and Elijah ascending in a windstorm to
the heavens. Elisha takes up Elijah’s official
garment that had fallen off him, and “two parts”
(like a firstborn son’s portion) in Elijah’s spirit, a
spirit of courage and of being “absolutely jealous
for Jehovah the God of armies,” come on him.—
2Ki 2:1-13; 1Ki 19:10, 14; compare De 21:17.
The apostle Paul undoubtedly refers to Elijah
when he speaks of “Samuel and the other prophets,
who through faith . . . effected righteousness . . .
Women received their dead by resurrection.” He is
therefore among the “cloud” of faithful witnesses of
old. (Heb 11:32-35; 12:1) The disciple James points
to Elijah as proof of the efficacy of prayers of “a
man with feelings like ours,” who righteously
serves God.—Jas 5:16-18.
Work Prophetic of Things to Come. About 450
years after Elijah’s time, Malachi prophesied that
Elijah the prophet would appear “before the coming
of the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah.”
(Mal 4:5, 6) The Jews of Jesus’ day were in
expectation of Elijah’s coming to fulfill this
prophecy. (Mt 17:10) Some thought that Jesus was
Elijah. (Mt 16:14) John the Baptizer, who wore a
hair garment and a leather girdle around his loins as
did Elijah, denied that he actually was Elijah in
person. (2Ki 1:8; Mt 3:4; Joh 1:21) The angel had
not told John’s father Zechariah that John would be
Elijah, but that he would have “Elijah’s spirit and
power . . . to get ready for Jehovah a prepared
people.” (Lu 1:17) Jesus indicated that John did that
work but was not recognized by the Jews. (Mt
17:11-13) After John’s death a visionary appearance
of Elijah along with Moses occurred at Jesus’
transfiguration, indicating that there was something
yet to take place as represented by the work that
Elijah had done.—Mr 9:1-8.
Elijah does not die at this time, nor does he go
into the invisible spirit realm, but he is transferred
to another prophetic assignment. (Joh 3:13) This is
shown by the fact that Elisha does not hold any
period of mourning for his master. A number of
years after his ascension in the windstorm Elijah is
still alive and active as a prophet, this time to the
king of Judah. Because of the wicked course taken
by King Jehoram of Judah, Elijah writes him a letter
expressing Jehovah’s condemnation, which is
fulfilled shortly thereafter.—2Ch 21:12-15; see
HEAVEN (Ascension to Heaven).
Miracles. Eight miracles are credited to Elijah in
the Bible account. They are: (1) shutting off rain
from heaven, (2) keeping the flour and oil supply of
the widow of Zarephath renewed, (3) resurrecting
the widow’s son, (4) having fire fall from heaven in
answer to prayer, (5) having rain break the drought
in answer to prayer, (6) calling down fire on King
Ahaziah’s captain and his 50 men, (7) calling down
fire on a second captain and his 50, and (8) parting
the Jordan River by smiting it with his official
garment. His ascension to the heavens was also
miraculous, but it was the direct act of God, not
something initiated by a prayer or proclamation
made by Elijah.
Talk No. 3: Who Is the Archangel? (Glossary,
nwt p.1693)
*** nwt p. 1693 Glossary ***
Archangel. Meaning “chief of the angels.” The
prefix “arch” means “chief” or “principal.” This
definition, coupled with the fact that “archangel” in
the Bible is used only in the singular, indicates that
there is just one archangel. The Bible gives the
Elijah was a powerful advocate of the true
worship of Jehovah. He did a tremendous
destructive work against Baalism in Israel; the work
98
name of the archangel, identifying him as
Michael.—Da 12:1; Jude 9; Re 12:7.
Oct. 26 Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 12-15
Theocratic Ministry School Review
(Daniel 12:1) “During that time Mi′cha·el will
stand up, the great prince who is standing in behalf
of your people. And there will occur a time of
distress such as has not occurred since there came to
be a nation until that time. And during that time
your people will escape, everyone who is found
written down in the book.
(Jude 9) But when Mi′cha·el the archangel had a
difference with the Devil and was disputing about
Moses’ body, he did not dare to bring a judgment
against him in abusive terms, but said: “May
Jehovah rebuke you.”
(Revelation 12:7) And war broke out in heaven:
Mi′cha·el and his angels battled with the dragon,
and the dragon and its angels battled
99
Nov. 2 Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 16-20
No.1: 1 Chronicles 17:15-27
No.2: What Was the Ark of the Covenant?
(Glossary, nwt p.1693)
No.3: Eliphaz (No. 2)—Theme: Jehovah Hates a
False Tongue (it-1 pp. 713-714)
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Chronicles 17:15-27
(1 Chronicles 17:15-27) Nathan told David all
these words and this entire vision. 16 At that King
David came in and sat down before Jehovah and
said: “Who am I, O Jehovah God? And what is my
house that you have brought me this far? 17 As if
this were not enough, O God, you also speak about
the house of your servant down to a distant future
time, and you have looked on me as if I were a man
who should be further exalted, O Jehovah God.
18
What more can your servant David say to you
about the honor given me when you know your
servant so well? 19 O Jehovah, for the sake of your
servant and in agreement with your heart you have
done all these great things by revealing your
greatness. 20 O Jehovah, there is no one like you,
and there is no God except you; everything we have
heard with our ears confirms this. 21 And what other
nation on earth is like your people Israel? The true
God went and redeemed them as his people. You
made a name for yourself by your great and aweinspiring deeds, driving out nations from before
your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt.
22
You made your people Israel your own people for
all time; and you, O Jehovah, became their God.
23
Now, O Jehovah, may the promise you have
made concerning your servant and his house prove
faithful for all time, and may you do just as you
have promised. 24 May your name endure and be
exalted forever, so that people may say, ‘Jehovah of
armies, the God of Israel, is God to Israel,’ and may
the house of your servant David be firmly
established before you. 25 For you, my God, have
revealed to your servant your purpose to build him a
house. That is why your servant has the confidence
to offer this prayer to you. 26 And now, O Jehovah,
you are the true God, and you have promised these
good things concerning your servant. 27 So may it
please you to bless the house of your servant, and
may it continue forever before you, for you, O
Jehovah, have blessed, and it is blessed forever.”
Bible Highlights: 1 Chronicles 16-20
Talk No. 2: What Was the Ark of the Covenant?
(Glossary, nwt p.1693)
*** nwt p. 1693 Glossary ***
Ark of the covenant. The chest made of acacia
wood and overlaid with gold, which was kept in the
100
Most Holy of the tabernacle and later in the Most
Holy of the temple built by Solomon. It had a solid
gold cover with two cherubs facing each other. Its
principal contents were the two tablets of the Ten
Commandments. (De 31:26; 1Ki 6:19; Heb 9:4)—
See App. B5 and B8.
deceit. (Job 15) Finally Eliphaz torments Job for the
third time, falsely accusing him of all sorts of
crimes—extortion, withholding water and bread
from the needy, and oppressing widows and
orphans.—Job 22.
Following Eliphaz’ second tirade Job answers
well: “All of you are troublesome comforters! Is
there an end to windy words?” (Job 16:2, 3) At the
conclusion of the debates Jehovah himself addresses
Eliphaz: “My anger has grown hot against you and
your two companions, for you men have not spoken
concerning me what is truthful as has my servant
Job.” Eliphaz is told that they should offer up a
sacrifice and that Job will then pray in their
behalf.—Job 42:7-9.
(Deuteronomy 31:26) “Take this book of the Law
and place it at the side of the ark of the covenant of
Jehovah your God, and it will serve as a witness
there against you.
(1 Kings 6:19) And he prepared the innermost room
inside the house to put there the ark of the covenant
of Jehovah.
(Hebrews 9:4) This had a golden censer and the ark
of the covenant completely overlaid with gold, in
which were the golden jar containing the manna and
Aaron’s rod that budded and the tablets of the
covenant;
Talk No. 3: Eliphaz (No. 2)—Theme: Jehovah
Hates a False Tongue (it-1 pp. 713-714)
*** it-1 pp. 713-714 Eliphaz ***
2. One of Job’s three companions. (Job 2:11) A
Temanite, he was likely a descendant of No. 1
above, therefore a descendant of Abraham and
distantly related to Job. He and his posterity boasted
of their wisdom. (Jer 49:7) Of the three
“comforters,” Eliphaz stands out as the most
important and influential, suggesting that he may
also have been the oldest. He speaks first in the
three rounds of the debate, and his speeches are
longer.
Eliphaz’ reasoning in his first speech went like
this: “Who that is innocent has ever perished? And
where have the upright ever been effaced?” Hence,
the conclusion he draws is that Job must have done
something wicked to receive God’s punishment.
(Job chaps 4, 5) In his second upbraiding Eliphaz
ridicules Job’s wisdom: “Will a wise person himself
answer with windy knowledge, or will he fill his
belly with the east wind? . . . What do you actually
know that we do not know?” “Over the Almighty,”
Eliphaz implies, Job “tries to show himself
superior.” Concluding his second smear of Job’s
virtues, the Edomite paints righteous Job as an
apostate, living in tents of bribery, a man full of
101
Nov. 9 Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 21-25
No.1: 1 Chronicles 23:1-11
No.2: Elisha—Theme: Have Deep Respect for
Jehovah’s Servants (it-1 pp. 714-718)
No.3: What Really Is Armageddon? (Glossary,
nwt p.1693)
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading
1 Chronicles 23:1-11
(1 Chronicles 23:1-11) When David had grown old
and was near the end of his life, he made his son
Sol′o·mon king over Israel. 2 He then gathered all
the princes of Israel, the priests, and the Levites.
3
The Levites who were 30 years old and up were
numbered; their number, their head count man by
man, was 38,000. 4 Of these, 24,000 served as
supervisors over the work of Jehovah’s house, and
there were 6,000 officers and judges, 5 and there
were 4,000 gatekeepers, and 4,000 gave praise to
Jehovah on the instruments about which David said,
“I made them for giving praise.” 6 Then David
organized them into divisions according to the sons
of Le′vi: Ger′shon, Ko′hath, and Me·rar′i. 7 Of the
Ger′shon·ites were La′dan and Shim′e·i. 8 The sons
of La′dan were Je·hi′el the headman, Ze′tham, and
Joel, three. 9 The sons of Shim′e·i were
She·lo′moth, Ha′zi·el, and Ha′ran, three. These were
the heads of the paternal houses for La′dan. 10 And
the sons of Shim′e·i were Ja′hath, Zi′na, Je′ush, and
Be·ri′ah. These four were the sons of Shim′e·i.
11
Ja′hath was the head and Zi′zah, the second. But
since Je′ush and Be·ri′ah did not have many sons,
they were counted as one paternal house with one
area of responsibility.
Bible Highlights: 1 Chronicles 21-25
Talk No. 2: Elisha—Theme: Have Deep Respect
for Jehovah’s Servants (it-1 pp. 714-718)
*** it-1 pp. 714-718 Elisha ***
ELISHA
(E·li′sha) [God Is Salvation].
The son of Shaphat and a prophet of Jehovah in
the tenth and ninth centuries B.C.E.; successor to
the prophet Elijah. Elijah was directed by Jehovah
to anoint Elisha from Abel-meholah. Finding Elisha
plowing, Elijah threw his official garment over him,
designating an appointment. (1Ki 19:16) Elisha was
plowing behind 12 spans of bulls, “and he with the
twelfth.” It is of interest that in the 19th century
William Thomson in The Land and the Book (1887,
p. 144) reported that it was a custom among the
Arabs to work together with their small plows, and
one sower could easily sow all that they plowed in a
day. Elisha, in the rear of the group, would be able
to stop without disrupting the work of the rest. The
102
fact that he sacrificed a span of the bulls and used
the implements as fuel speaks for Elisha’s
promptness, decisiveness, and appreciativeness for
Jehovah’s call. After preparing a meal, Elisha
immediately left to follow Elijah.—1Ki 19:19-21.
from him. Elisha picks it up, thereby identifying
himself as Elijah’s successor. At the shore of the
Jordan River, Jehovah shows that he is with Elisha
when he miraculously divides the Jordan waters as
Elisha strikes them with the garment.—2Ki 2:9-15.
For perhaps six years Elisha served as Elijah’s
attendant. Elijah served as head prophet, and Elisha
worked closely with him, being known as the one
who “poured out water upon the hands of Elijah”
when Elijah washed his hands.—2Ki 2:3-5; 3:11.
Crossing the Jordan, Elisha returns to the group
of the sons of the prophets at Jericho. Further
establishing Elisha as the head of God’s company of
prophets is his healing of the water supply of the
city of Jericho, which has been bad and has been
causing miscarriages. Going to the source of the
water, he throws salt from a small new bowl into it,
and “the water continues healed down to this
day.”—2Ki 2:19-22.
Elisha, from the time he joined Elijah, did
prophetic work in Israel during the reigns of Kings
Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram, Jehu, and on into the reign
of Jehoash. Ruling at this time in Judah were
Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Ahaziah, Athaliah, Jehoash,
and, likely, Amaziah. Elisha enjoyed about 60 years
of ministry by himself after Elijah’s departure.—
MAP, Vol. 1, p. 949.
From Jericho, Elisha climbs to Bethel, about 900
m (3,000 ft) above sea level, where he had
previously visited a group of the sons of the
prophets in company with Elijah. (2Ki 2:3) On the
way, a band of juvenile delinquents comes out and
shows great disrespect both to him and his office as
prophet. “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you
baldhead!” they jeer. They mean for him either to
keep on going up to Bethel or to get off the earth
just as his predecessor was supposed to have done.
(2Ki 2:11) To teach these boys and their parents
respect for the prophet of Jehovah, he turns and
calls down evil upon them in Jehovah’s name.
Suddenly two she-bears come out from the woods
and tear to pieces 42 of their number.—2Ki
2:23, 24.
The record of Elisha’s prophetic activity in
Second Kings does not appear to be altogether in
chronological order. For example, in chapter 5,
Gehazi is struck with leprosy, which would exclude
him from normal society. Yet, in chapter 8, he is
speaking in a friendly way to Jehoram of Israel.
Also, the death of King Jehoash of Israel is recorded
in chapter 13, but this is followed by a record of his
last interview with Elisha. (2Ki 13:12-21) In some
parts of the account the works and miracles of
Elisha seem to be grouped according to their nature
or likeness, for example: (1) those that were for the
good of the prophets and private persons (2Ki 4:1–
6:7), then (2) those that had to do with the nation
and the king.—2Ki 6:8–7:20.
King Jehoram of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of
Judah, and the king of Edom become trapped in a
waterless wilderness during an expedition to put
down a revolt by King Mesha of Moab (who
erected what has been called the Moabite Stone).
King Jehoshaphat calls for a prophet of God. Not
for Jehoram’s benefit, but out of respect for
Jehoshaphat, who is in Jehovah’s favor, Elisha calls
for a stringed instrument player, that under the
influence of music he may receive inspiration from
Jehovah. (Compare 1Sa 10:5, 6.) Elisha has the
people dig ditches. The next morning they are full
of water. As the early morning sun shines upon the
water in the ditches it appears to the Moabites to be
blood. Thinking that Israel and their allies have
been slaughtered in confused fighting among
themselves, the Moabites rush in to carry away the
booty. But to their surprise Israel rises up and
Succeeds Elijah. Elisha’s activity as successor
to Elijah commences about 917 B.C.E. or shortly
thereafter, at the time of Elijah’s ascension in a
windstorm to the heavens. (2Ki 1:17; 2:1, 11, 12)
Before Elijah leaves, Elisha asks him for “two parts
in [his] spirit,” that is, a double part, which was due
the firstborn son. This position he occupies because
of his official appointment as Elijah’s successor at
the time that Elijah threw his official garment over
him. (2Ki 2:9) Elijah, realizing that this is not his to
give, tells Elisha that, if he sees Elijah when taken
from him, his desire will be granted. Jehovah
confirms this by permitting Elisha to see Elijah
ascend in a windstorm to the heavens. As Elijah
departs, his rough mantle, his official garment, falls
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defeats them. (2Ki 3:4-27) This event takes place
between 917 and 913 B.C.E.
healed of his leprosy. This valiant man had,
although leprous, saved Syria. Evidently the leprous
condition of Naaman does not bar him from holding
such a high office in Syria, whereas it would have
removed him from holding such office in Israel. (Le
13:46) King Ben-hadad’s action in sending Naaman
comes about because of the testimony of a young
Israelite girl who is a captive and who is serving in
the house of Naaman. This young girl trusts in
Jehovah and tells her mistress of Jehovah’s prophet
Elisha of Israel. The king of Israel feels sure that
Ben-hadad is picking a fight with him, for, as he
says: “Am I God, to put to death and to preserve
alive?” Elisha, hearing of the king’s distress, tells
the king, “Let him come, please, to me that he may
know that there exists a prophet in Israel.”—2Ki
5:1-8.
A series of miracles of a domestic nature now
appear in Elisha’s record. A widow of one of the
former sons of the prophets is in dire need. Elisha
miraculously multiplies her meager oil supply and
saves her sons from being taken into slavery to her
creditor. (2Ki 4:1-7) This miracle is parallel to the
second miracle of Elijah, where he multiplied the
flour and oil of the widow of Zarephath.—1Ki 17:816.
At Shunem in the Valley of Jezreel a prominent
woman shows unusual hospitality to Elisha because
she recognizes him as “a holy man of God,” even
providing a room for him as he frequently passes by
her home. For her kindness Elisha promises her a
son, though her husband at that time is old. True to
his promise, a son is born about a year later, but he
dies while still a child. Elisha now performs his first
resurrection, bringing the boy back to life as Elijah
similarly raised the son of the widow in Zarephath.
(2Ki 4:8-37; 1Ki 17:17-24) For her kindness to a
prophet of God, she is richly rewarded.—Compare
Mt 10:41.
Elisha does not come out to see Naaman, but he
sends instructions through his attendant for Naaman
to bathe seven times in the Jordan River. At first
this enrages Naaman, but finally he humbles
himself to perform the simple procedure and
becomes clean. Naaman returns to Elisha and vows
that from now on he will serve Jehovah the God of
Israel faithfully. He takes back with him some
Israelite soil, “the load of a pair of mules,” upon
which he will sacrifice to Jehovah, without doubt
looking toward the temple of Jerusalem. As an
officer of the king of Syria he will carry on his
work, which includes going with the king into the
house of the false god Rimmon. As the king is
supported by him he will have to bow with the king,
but he says he will no longer worship Rimmon. He
will be performing, not a religious duty, but only his
duty in service of the king. He offers Elisha a gift,
which is refused. This harmonizes with the principle
that the miracle is by Jehovah’s power, not his, and
he will not profit from the office Jehovah has given
him.—2Ki 5:9-19; compare Mt 10:8.
Elisha returns to Gilgal, N of Bethel in the
mountains, to the sons of the prophets there. A
famine is on. As a stew is being prepared someone
unwittingly puts in some poisonous gourds.
Immediately upon tasting the stew, they shout:
“There is death in the pot, O man of the true God.”
Since it would not do to waste food during the
famine, Elisha calls for some flour, putting it into
the pot and making the stew edible so that “nothing
injurious [proves] to be in the pot.”—2Ki 4:38-41.
During the critical times of the famine, a faithful
remnant of Israelite worshipers who have not bent
down to Baal appreciate the efforts of Jehovah’s
prophets and supply material food to them. When a
man brings 20 barley loaves and some grain, Elisha
gives orders that this small supply be fed to all. But
there are 100 men of “the sons of the prophets” to
be fed. Despite the doubts of the one doing the
serving, all eat to satisfaction, after which there are
leftovers.—2Ki 4:42-44; compare Mr 6:35-44.
Elisha’s attendant Gehazi, greedy for selfish
gain, overtakes Naaman and asks for some of the
gifts that Elisha refused. Lyingly he tries to conceal
the matter from Elisha. As a due punishment, Elisha
tells him, “the leprosy of Naaman will stick to you
and your offspring to time indefinite.”—2Ki 5:2027.
Heals Naaman. During his reign, King Benhadad II of Syria sends his highly respected army
chief Naaman, a leper, to the king of Israel to be
It becomes necessary for the sons of the prophets
with whom Elisha is associated to move to more
104
spacious quarters. They are at the Jordan River
cutting beams for their new housing. One of the
prophets is using a borrowed ax, and the axhead
comes off and falls into the water. Elisha,
apparently concerned that no reproach come upon
the prophets, throws a piece of wood into the water
where the axhead had fallen, and the axhead floats
to the top. Jehovah thereby proves that he is backing
up his prophets.—2Ki 6:1-7.
vindictiveness when he prevents the king of Israel
from killing the Syrians, for, says he, they are like
captives of war. He instructs the king to feed them,
and they are feasted and sent home. The result is:
“Not once did the marauding bands of the Syrians
come again into the land of Israel.”—2Ki 6:20-23.
However, later on, Ben-hadad II invades, not
with sporadic marauding forays, but in force and
lays siege to Samaria. The siege is so severe that at
least one case is reported to the king in which a
woman eats her own son. As the offspring of Ahab,
the “son of a murderer,” King Jehoram swears to
kill Elisha. But the rash oath is not carried out.
Arriving at the prophet’s house with his adjutant,
Jehoram states that he has lost all hope of aid from
Jehovah. Elisha assures the king that food supplies
will be abundant the next day. The king’s adjutant
scoffs at this prediction, causing Elisha to tell him:
“Here you are seeing it with your own eyes, but
from it you will not eat.” By a noise that Jehovah
causes to be heard in the camp of the Syrians, they
are led to believe that a great army of combined
nations is advancing against them, and they flee,
leaving the camp intact with all its food supplies.
When the king finds out about the desertion of the
Syrians, he puts the adjutant in charge of guarding
the gate of Samaria, and there he is trampled to
death when the starving crowd of Israelites rush out
to plunder the camp. He sees the food but does not
eat from it.—2Ki 6:24–7:20.
Israel Delivered From Syria. During the reign
of King Jehoram of Israel, Syria plans a surprise
attack upon Israel. More than once maneuvers of
Ben-hadad II are frustrated by Elisha, who reveals
to King Jehoram every move of the Syrians. At first
Ben-hadad thinks that there is a traitor in his own
camp. But when he finds out the real source of his
difficulty, he sends a military force to Dothan,
surrounding it with horses and war chariots to get
Elisha. (PICTURE, Vol. 1, p. 950) Elisha’s
attendant is struck with fear, but Elisha prays to
God to open the attendant’s eyes, “and, look! the
mountainous region [is] full of horses and war
chariots of fire all around Elisha.” Now, as the
Syrian hosts close in, Elisha prays for the opposite
kind of miracle, “Please, strike this nation with
blindness.” Elisha says to the Syrians, “Follow me,”
but he does not have to lead them by the hand,
indicating that it is mental rather than physical
blindness. They do not recognize Elisha, whom they
came to take, nor do they know where he is taking
them.—2Ki 6:8-19.
Hazael, Jehu, Named as Kings. Our attention
now swings to Damascus in Syria, where King Benhadad II lies near death. The king’s envoy Hazael
meets Elisha and inquires if his master will revive.
Jehovah’s spirit becomes operative and enables
Elisha to see a bitter picture, saddening to Elisha:
Hazael as supplanter of Ben-hadad will in time mete
out unspeakable injury to Israel, although it is a just
punishment from Jehovah for their sins. He tells
Hazael to say to Ben-hadad: “‘You will positively
revive,’ and Jehovah has shown me that he will
positively die.” Hazael reports the first part in
words but the second part by actions, suffocating
the king under a wet coverlet and taking the throne
of Syria.—2Ki 8:7-15.
With what sort of blindness did Jehovah strike the
Syrians who tried to seize Elisha?
As to this form of blindness, William James, in
his Principles of Psychology (1981, Vol. 1, p. 59),
states: “A most interesting effect of cortical disorder
is mental blindness. This consists not so much in
insensibility to optical impressions, as in inability to
understand them. Psychologically it is interpretable
as loss of associations between optical sensations
and what they signify; and any interruption of the
paths between the optic centres and the centres for
other ideas ought to bring it about.”
Bringing the Syrians to Samaria, Elisha prays
that Jehovah open their eyes, and the Syrians find
themselves right in the middle of Samaria before
King Jehoram himself. Elisha manifests faith in
Jehovah’s power and shows complete lack of
There is yet an unfinished work of Elijah for
Elisha to carry out, namely, the anointing of Jehu as
God’s executioner against the wicked house of
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Ahab. (2Ki 9:1-10) He carries it out over 18 years
after Jehovah gave the command to Elijah. Elisha
gets to see the fulfillment of the prophecies at
1 Kings 19:15-17 and 21:21-24.
military help against the Syrians when he addresses
Elisha with the words: “My father, my father, the
war chariot of Israel and his horsemen!” Upon
Elisha’s request, Jehoash strikes the earth with his
arrows. But as he does this with lack of real zeal,
only three times, Elisha tells him that as a
consequence he will be granted only three victories
over Syria. This is fulfilled.—2Ki 13:14-19, 25.
At the time of Jehu’s anointing, Jehoram rules in
Israel and Ahaziah his nephew rules in Judah. The
Syrian Hazael afflicts Israel greatly during his rule,
wounding Jehoram in battle at Ramoth-gilead. (2Ki
9:15) Jehu wastes no time in carrying out his
commission to wipe out the evil house of Ahab,
letting no survivor remain. (2Ki 10:11) He goes first
after King Jehoram of Israel, who is recuperating in
Jezreel. In fulfillment of Elijah’s prophecy, Jehoram
is met outside the city and put to death and thrown
into the tract of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite.
(2Ki 9:16, 21-26) Entering Jezreel, Jehu kills
wicked Jezebel, mother of Jehoram of Israel and
grandmother of Ahaziah of Judah. Jehu would have
her buried, but Jehovah sees to it that the dogs eat
up her fleshy parts just as his prophet Elijah had
foretold, so that she can have no tomb to
memorialize her. (2Ki 9:30-37) Ahab’s 70 sons are
beheaded. Ahaziah, Ahab’s grandson, is killed (2Ki
10:1-9; 9:27, 28), and 42 brothers of Ahaziah are
slaughtered by Jehu’s executional sword.—2Ki
10:12-14; 1Ki 21:17-24.
Work Accomplished. Through God’s spirit
upon Elisha, he had performed 15 miracles up to
this point. But even after his death he is used by
Jehovah for a 16th miracle. Elisha had been faithful
till death, approved by God. The record relates that
after Elisha’s burial another man was being buried
when a marauding band of Moabites caused the
burial party to throw the man into Elisha’s burial
place and flee. Upon touching Elisha’s bones, the
dead man came to life and stood upon his feet.—
2Ki 13:20, 21.
Jesus calls Elisha a prophet at Luke 4:27, and he
is undoubtedly alluded to along with Elijah at
Hebrews 11:35, both having performed
resurrections. Elijah had come into his prophetic
work at a time when Israel was steeped in Baal
worship, and this required zeal for true worship. He
accomplished a great work in turning the hearts of
many back to Jehovah. Elisha took up where Elijah
left off, and while his ministry itself was more
peaceable, he saw to it that the work started by
Elijah was thoroughly carried out, and he lived to
see it done. He is credited with 16 miracles as
compared with Elijah’s 8. Like Elijah, he showed
great zeal for Jehovah’s name and true worship. He
manifested patience, love, and kindness and yet was
very firm when Jehovah’s name was involved; he
did not hesitate to express God’s judgment against
the wicked. He earned for himself a place among
the “so great a cloud of witnesses” mentioned at
Hebrews 12:1.
Baal Worship Destroyed. Continuing his ride
up to Samaria the capital city, Jehu meets
Jehonadab, who fully supports his execution of Baal
worship, and the two ride on to Samaria to see the
final stroke that will wipe Baalism entirely from
Israel. Through strategy Jehu has all the Baal
worshipers gather to the house of Baal and put on
their garments of identification. The house is filled
from end to end, and no worshipers of Jehovah are
among them. Jehu gives the command, and his men
slaughter every Baal worshiper, tearing down their
sacred pillars and pulling down Baal’s house,
setting the area aside for privies.—2Ki 10:15-27.
Elisha, therefore, completes the work started by
Elijah. Baal worship is annihilated out of Israel.
Elisha does not experience being carried in a
windstorm to the heavens to be taken to another
location before his death, as was Elijah. During the
reign of King Jehoash of Israel, Elisha dies a natural
death. While he is on his deathbed, trouble appears
for Israel again from Syria. King Jehoash
approaches Elisha and makes an apparent appeal for
Since the work that Elijah did was prophetic of
things to come in the time of Jesus’ earthly
ministry, and also at a later time, it is reasonable to
assume the same thing regarding Elisha’s work,
since he actually completed the work Elijah began,
carrying out his unfinished commission.
106
horse and against his army. 20 And the wild beast
was caught, and along with it the false prophet that
performed in front of it the signs with which he
misled those who received the mark of the wild
beast and those who worship its image. While still
alive, they both were hurled into the fiery lake that
burns with sulfur. 21 But the rest were killed off
with the long sword that proceeded out of the mouth
of the one seated on the horse. And all the birds
were filled with their flesh.
Talk No. 3: What Really Is Armageddon?
(Glossary, nwt p.1693)
*** nwt p. 1693 Glossary ***
Armageddon. From the Hebrew Har
Meghid·dohn′, meaning “Mountain of Megiddo.”
The word is associated with “the war of the great
day of God the Almighty” in which “the kings of
the entire inhabited earth” gather to wage war
against Jehovah. (Re 16:14, 16; 19:11-21)—See
GREAT TRIBULATION.
*** nwt pp. 1699-1700 Glossary ***
(Revelation 16:14) They are, in fact, expressions
inspired by demons and they perform signs, and
they go out to the kings of the entire inhabited earth,
to gather them together to the war of the great day
of God the Almighty.
(Revelation 16:16) And they gathered them
together to the place that is called in Hebrew
Armageddon.
(Revelation 19:11-21) I saw heaven opened, and
look! a white horse. And the one seated on it is
called Faithful and True, and he judges and carries
on war in righteousness. 12 His eyes are a fiery
flame, and on his head are many diadems. He has a
name written that no one knows but he himself,
13
and he is clothed with an outer garment stained
with blood, and he is called by the name The Word
of God. 14 Also, the armies in heaven were
following him on white horses, and they were
clothed in white, clean, fine linen. 15 And out of his
mouth protrudes a sharp, long sword with which to
strike the nations, and he will shepherd them with a
rod of iron. Moreover, he treads the winepress of
the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his
outer garment, yes, on his thigh, he has a name
written, King of kings and Lord of lords. 17 I saw
also an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out
with a loud voice and said to all the birds that fly in
midheaven: “Come here, be gathered together to the
great evening meal of God, 18 so that you may eat
the flesh of kings and the flesh of military
commanders and the flesh of strong men and the
flesh of horses and of those seated on them, and the
flesh of all, of freemen as well as of slaves and of
small ones and great.” 19 And I saw the wild beast
and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered
together to wage war against the one seated on the
Great tribulation. The Greek word for
“tribulation” conveys the idea of distress or
suffering resulting from the pressures of
circumstances. Jesus spoke of an unprecedented
“great tribulation” that would come upon Jerusalem
and especially of one that would later befall
mankind in connection with his future ‘coming with
glory.’ (Mt 24:21, 29-31) Paul described this
tribulation as a righteous act of God against “those
who do not know God and those who do not obey
the good news” about Jesus Christ. Revelation
chapter 19 shows Jesus as the one leading heavenly
armies against “the wild beast and the kings of the
earth and their armies.” (2Th 1:6-8; Re 19:11-21)
“A great crowd” is shown as surviving that
tribulation. (Re 7:9, 14)—See ARMAGEDDON.
107
Nov.16 Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 26-29
No.1: 1 Chronicles 29:20-30
No.2: What Does “Atonement” Mean?
(Glossary, nwt p.1694)
No.3: Elizabeth—Theme: Be God-Fearing and
Blameless (it-1 p. 719)
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 1 Chronicles 29:20-30
(1 Chronicles 29:20-30) David then said to all the
congregation: “Now praise Jehovah your God.”
And all the congregation praised Jehovah the God
of their forefathers and bowed low and prostrated
themselves to Jehovah and to the king. 21 And they
continued to offer sacrifices to Jehovah and to offer
up burnt offerings to Jehovah on the following day,
1,000 young bulls, 1,000 rams, 1,000 male lambs,
and their drink offerings; they offered sacrifices in
great number for all Israel. 22 They continued eating
and drinking before Jehovah on that day with great
rejoicing, and for a second time they made
Sol′o·mon the son of David king and anointed him
before Jehovah as leader, and also Za′dok as priest.
23
And Sol′o·mon sat on Jehovah’s throne as king in
place of David his father, and he was successful,
and all the Israelites were obedient to him. 24 All the
princes, the mighty warriors, and also all the sons of
King David submitted themselves to Sol′o·mon the
king. 25 And Jehovah made Sol′o·mon exceedingly
great before the eyes of all Israel and bestowed on
him royal majesty such as no king over Israel ever
had before. 26 Thus David the son of Jes′se reigned
over all Israel, 27 and the length of his reign over
Israel was 40 years. In Heb′ron he reigned for 7
years, and in Jerusalem he reigned for 33 years.
28
And he died at a good old age, satisfied with long
life, wealth, and glory; and his son Sol′o·mon
became king in his place. 29 As for the history of
King David, from beginning to end, it is written
among the words of Samuel the seer, Nathan the
prophet, and Gad the visionary, 30 together with all
his kingship, his mightiness, and the events of the
times involving him and Israel and all the
surrounding kingdoms.
Bible Highlights: 1 Chronicles 26-29
Talk No. 2: What Does “Atonement” Mean?
(Glossary, nwt p.1694)
*** nwt p. 1694 Glossary ***
Atonement. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the
concept was connected with sacrifices that were
made to allow people to approach God and worship
him. Under the Mosaic Law, sacrifices were made,
particularly on the annual Day of Atonement, in
order to effect reconciliation with God despite the
sins of individuals and of the whole nation. Those
108
sacrifices pointed to Jesus’ sacrifice, which
completely atoned for mankind’s sins once for all
time, giving people the opportunity to be reconciled
to Jehovah.—Le 5:10; 23:28; Col 1:20; Heb 9:12.
Nov. 23 Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 1-5
No.1: 2 Chronicles 3:14–4:6
No.2: Enoch (No. 2)—Theme: Walk With
Jehovah (it-1 p. 729)
No.3: What Kinds of Baptisms Are There?
(Glossary, nwt p.1694)
(Leviticus 5:10) He will handle the other one as a
burnt offering according to the regular procedure;
and the priest will make atonement for him for the
sin that he has committed, and it will be forgiven
him.
(Leviticus 23:28) You are not to do any sort of
work on this particular day because it is a day of
atonement to make atonement for you before
Jehovah your God.
(Colossians 1:20) and through him to reconcile to
himself all other things by making peace through
the blood he shed on the torture stake, whether the
things on the earth or the things in the heavens.
(Hebrews 9:12) He entered into the holy place, not
with the blood of goats and of young bulls, but with
his own blood, once for all time, and obtained an
everlasting deliverance for us.
Bible Highlights: 2 Chronicles 1-5
Talk No. 3: Elizabeth—Theme: Be God-Fearing
and Blameless (it-1 p. 719)
*** it-1 p. 719 Elizabeth ***
ELIZABETH
(E·liz′a·beth) [Gr., E·lei·sa′bet from Heb.,
ʼE·li·she′vaʽ, meaning “My God Is Plenty; God of
Plenty”].
The God-fearing wife of the priest Zechariah and
the mother of John the Baptizer. Elizabeth herself
was of the priestly family of Aaron the Levite. Both
she and her husband were well along in years when
the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah in the Holy
of the temple and announced that Elizabeth would
give birth to a son who was to be called John. Upon
becoming pregnant, Elizabeth kept herself secluded
for five months. In the sixth month of her pregnancy
she was visited by her relative Mary. On that
occasion the unborn John leaped in his mother’s
womb, and Elizabeth, filled with holy spirit, blessed
Mary and the fruit of her womb, calling her “the
mother of my Lord.”—Lu 1:5-7, 11-13, 24, 39-43.
109
brought against him because of his prophesying.
However, God did not permit the opposers to kill
Enoch. Instead, Jehovah “took him,” that is, cut
short his life at the age of 365, an age far below that
of most of his contemporaries. Enoch was
“transferred so as not to see death,” which may
mean that God put him in a prophetic trance and
then terminated Enoch’s life while he was in the
trance so that he did not experience the pangs of
death. (Ge 5:24; Heb 11:5, 13) However, he was not
taken to heaven, in view of Jesus’ clear statement at
John 3:13. It appears that, as in the case of Moses’
body, Jehovah disposed of Enoch’s body, for “he
was nowhere to be found.”—De 34:5, 6; Jude 9.
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 2 Chronicles 3:14–4:6
(2 Chronicles 3:14-4:6) He also made the curtain
of blue thread, purple wool, crimson, and fine
fabric, and incorporated cherub designs into it.
15
Then he made two pillars at the front of the
house, 35 cubits in length, and the capital on top of
each pillar was five cubits. 16 And he made chains,
like necklaces, and put them on the tops of the
pillars, and he made 100 pomegranates and put
them on the chains. 17 He set up the pillars in front
of the temple, one to the right and one to the left; he
named the one on the right Ja′chin and the one on
the left Bo′az.
4 Then he made the copper altar, 20 cubits long, 20
cubits wide, and 10 cubits high. 2 He made the Sea
of cast metal. It was circular in shape, 10 cubits
from brim to brim and 5 cubits high, and it took a
measuring line 30 cubits long to encircle it. 3 And
there were ornamental gourds under it, completely
encircling it, ten to a cubit all around the Sea. The
gourds were in two rows and were cast in one piece
with it. 4 It stood on 12 bulls, 3 facing north, 3
facing west, 3 facing south, and 3 facing east; and
the Sea rested on them, and all their hindquarters
were toward the center. 5 And its thickness was a
handbreadth; and its brim was made like the brim of
a cup, like a lily blossom. The reservoir could hold
3,000 bath measures. 6 Further, he made ten basins
for washing and put five to the right and five to the
left. They would rinse in them the things used for
the burnt offering. But the Sea was for the priests
for washing.
Enoch is not the writer of the “Book of Enoch.”
This is an uninspired, apocryphal book written
many centuries later, probably sometime during the
second and first centuries B.C.E.
3. The first city mentioned in the Bible. Cain
built this city in the land of Fugitiveness to the E of
Eden, calling it by the name of his son Enoch.—Ge
4:17.
Talk No. 3: What Kinds of Baptisms Are There?
(Glossary, nwt p.1694)
Baptism; Baptize. The verb means “to immerse,”
or dip under water. Jesus made baptism a
requirement for his followers. The Scriptures also
refer to John’s baptism, baptism with holy spirit,
and baptism with fire, among others.—Mt 3:11, 16;
28:19; Joh 3:23; 1Pe 3:21.
(Matthew 3:11) I, for my part, baptize you with
water because of your repentance, but the one
coming after me is stronger than I am, whose
sandals I am not worthy to take off. That one will
baptize you with holy spirit and with fire.
(Matthew 3:16) After being baptized, Jesus
immediately came up from the water; and look! the
heavens were opened up, and he saw God’s spirit
descending like a dove and coming upon him.
(Matthew 28:19) Go, therefore, and make disciples
of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy
spirit,
(John 3:23) But John too was baptizing in Ae′non
near Sa′lim, because there was a great quantity of
Talk No. 2: Enoch (No. 2)—Theme: Walk With
Jehovah (it-1 p. 729)
*** it-1 p. 729 Enoch ***
2. The son born to Jared at the age of 162; the
seventh man in the genealogical line from Adam. In
addition to Methuselah, who was born to him when
he was 65 years old, Enoch had other sons and
daughters. Enoch was one of the “so great a cloud
of witnesses” who were outstanding examples of
faith in ancient times. “Enoch kept walking with the
true God.” (Ge 5:18, 21-24; Heb 11:5; 12:1) As a
prophet of Jehovah, he foretold God’s coming with
His holy myriads to execute judgment against the
ungodly. (Jude 14, 15) Likely persecution was
110
water there, and people kept coming and were being
baptized;
(1 Peter 3:21) Baptism, which corresponds to this,
is also now saving you (not by the removing of the
filth of the flesh, but by the request to God for a
good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus
Christ.
Nov. 30 Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 6-9
No.1: 2 Chronicles 6:22-27
No.2: How Serious Is Brazen Conduct?
(Glossary, nwt p.1694)
No.3: Epaphras—Theme: Pray and Slave for
Your Brothers (it-1 p. 731)
Bible Highlights: 2 Chronicles 6-9
111
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 2 Chronicles 6:22-27
(2 Chronicles 6:22-27) “If a man sins against his
fellow man and is made to take an oath and is
brought under liability to the oath, and while under
the oath he comes before your altar in this house,
23
may you then hear from the heavens and act and
judge your servants by paying back the wicked one
and bringing what he did on his own head and by
pronouncing the righteous one innocent and
rewarding him according to his own righteousness.
24
“And if your people Israel are defeated by an
enemy because they kept sinning against you, and
they return and glorify your name and pray and beg
for favor before you in this house, 25 may you then
hear from the heavens and forgive the sin of your
people Israel and bring them back to the land that
you gave to them and their forefathers. 26 “When the
heavens are shut up and there is no rain because
they kept sinning against you, and they pray toward
this place and glorify your name and turn back from
their sin because you humbled them, 27 may you
then hear from the heavens and forgive the sin of
your servants, of your people Israel, for you will
instruct them about the good way in which they
should walk; and bring rain on your land that you
gave to your people as an inheritance.
Talk No. 3: Epaphras—Theme: Pray and Slave
for Your Brothers (it-1 p. 731)
*** it-1 p. 731 Epaphras ***
EPAPHRAS
(Ep′a·phras) [a contraction of Epaphroditus].
A faithful minister of Christ who, by preaching
the good news, acquainted the Colossians with the
undeserved kindness of God and thus very likely
was instrumental in establishing the congregation at
Colossae. At the time of Paul’s first imprisonment,
Epaphras came to Rome, bringing an encouraging
report in regard to the love and steadfastness of the
Colossian congregation. (Col 1:4-8) Evidently he
remained in Rome, at least for a time, since Paul, in
writing his letter to the Colossians, includes
Epaphras’ greetings and assures them that this slave
of Jesus Christ always exerts himself “in your
behalf in his prayers, that you may finally stand
complete and with firm conviction in all the will of
God.” As testified by Paul, this beloved fellow slave
also put forth great effort in behalf of the brothers in
Laodicea and Hierapolis. (Col 4:12, 13) Then, too,
in writing to Philemon, Paul conveys the greetings
of Epaphras and refers to him as “my fellow captive
in union with Christ.” (Phm 23) Epaphras is not to
be confused with Epaphroditus from Philippi.
Talk No. 2: How Serious Is Brazen Conduct?
(Glossary, nwt p.1694)
*** nwt p. 1694 Glossary ***
Brazen conduct. From the Greek a·sel′gei·a, a
phrase pertaining to acts that are serious violations
of God’s laws and that reflect a brazen or boldly
contemptuous attitude; a spirit that betrays
disrespect or even contempt for authority, laws, and
standards. The expression does not refer to wrong
conduct of a minor nature.—Ga 5:19; 2Pe 2:7.
(Galatians 5:19) Now the works of the flesh are
plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality,
uncleanness, brazen conduct,
(2 Peter 2:7) And he rescued righteous Lot, who
was greatly distressed by the brazen conduct of the
lawless people—
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Dec. 7 Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 10-14
No.1: 2 Chronicles 13:13-22
No.2: Epaphroditus —Theme: Have Respect for
Trustworthy Men (it-1 p. 731)
No.3: What Is the Meaning of “Caesar”?
(Glossary, nwt p.1694)
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 2 Chronicles 13:13-22
(2 Chronicles 13:13-22) But Jer·o·bo′am
dispatched an ambush to come from behind them,
so that they were in front of Judah and the ambush
was behind them. 14 When the men of Judah turned
around, they saw that they had to fight the battle
both in front and from behind. So they began to cry
out to Jehovah, while the priests were loudly
sounding the trumpets. 15 The men of Judah broke
out in a war cry, and when the men of Judah
shouted the war cry, the true God defeated
Jer·o·bo′am and all Israel before A·bi′jah and
Judah. 16 The Israelites fled before Judah, and God
gave them into their hand. 17 A·bi′jah and his people
inflicted a great slaughter on them, and the slain of
Israel kept falling, 500,000 trained men. 18 Thus the
men of Israel were humbled at that time, but the
men of Judah proved superior because they relied
on Jehovah the God of their forefathers. 19 A·bi′jah
kept chasing after Jer·o·bo′am and captured cities
from him, Beth′el and its dependent towns,
Jesh′a·nah and its dependent towns, and E′phra·in
and its dependent towns. 20 And Jer·o·bo′am never
regained his power during the time of A·bi′jah; then
Jehovah struck him down and he died. 21 But
A·bi′jah grew in strength. In time he took 14 wives,
and he became father to 22 sons and 16 daughters.
22
And the rest of A·bi′jah’s history, his deeds and
his words, is recorded in the writings of the prophet
Id′do.
Bible Highlights: 2 Chronicles 10-14
Talk No. 2: Epaphroditus —Theme: Have
Respect for Trustworthy Men (it-1 p. 731)
*** it-1 p. 731 Epaphroditus ***
EPAPHRODITUS
(E·paph·ro·di′tus) [from a root meaning “foam
up”].
A trustworthy member of the congregation at
Philippi, Macedonia, who was sent with a gift to
Paul, then a prisoner at Rome (c. 59-61 C.E.). (Php
2:25; 4:18) While in Rome, Epaphroditus “fell sick
nearly to the point of death; but God had mercy on
him.” News of his sickness reached the Philippians
and they, perhaps, anxiously made inquiry. Since
Epaphroditus was longing to see the Philippians and
was distressed that they had learned about his
illness, Paul considered it advisable to send
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Epaphroditus back quickly upon his recovery and
entrusted him with his letter to the Philippian
congregation. Paul encouraged the brothers to give
Epaphroditus “the customary welcome in the Lord”
and to “keep holding men of that sort dear.” For it
had been on account of the Lord’s work that
Epaphroditus had exposed himself to danger,
coming quite near to death. (Php 2:25-30)
Epaphroditus is not to be confused with the
Epaphras from Colossae.
Dec. 14 Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 15-19
No.1: 2 Chronicles 16:1-9
No.2: Where Was Chaldea, and Who Were the
Chaldeans? (Glossary, nwt p.1695)
No.3: Esau—Theme: Our Decisions Reveal
Whether We Appreciate Sacred Things (it-1 pp.
759-760)
Bible Highlights: 2 Chronicles 15-19
Talk No. 3: What Is the Meaning of “Caesar”?
(Glossary, nwt p.1694)
*** nwt p. 1694 Glossary ***
Caesar. A Roman family name that became a
title for the Roman emperors. Augustus, Tiberius,
and Claudius are mentioned by name in the Bible,
and though Nero is not mentioned by name, it
applies to him as well. “Caesar” is also used in the
Christian Greek Scriptures to represent civil
authority, or the State.—Mr 12:17; Ac 25:12.
(Mark 12:17) Jesus then said: “Pay back Caesar’s
things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” And
they were amazed at him.
(Acts 25:12) Then Festus, after speaking with the
assembly of counselors, replied: “To Caesar you
have appealed; to Caesar you will go.”
114
(Ezra 5:12) However, because our fathers angered
the God of the heavens, he gave them into the hand
of King Neb·u·chad·nez′zar of Babylon, the
Chal·de′an, who demolished this house and took the
people into exile to Babylon.
(Daniel 4:7) “At that time the magic-practicing
priests, the conjurers, the Chal·de′ans, and the
astrologers came in. When I told them what the
dream was, they could not make its interpretation
known to me.
(Acts 7:4) Then he went out of the land of the
Chal·de′ans and took up residence in Ha′ran. And
from there, after his father died, God caused him to
resettle in this land where you now dwell.
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 2 Chronicles 16:1-9
(2 Chronicles 16:1-9) In the 36th year of the reign
of A′sa, King Ba′a·sha of Israel came up against
Judah and began to build up Ra′mah to prevent
anyone from going out or coming in to King A′sa of
Judah. 2 At that A′sa brought out silver and gold
from the treasuries of Jehovah’s house and the
king’s house and sent them to King Ben-ha′dad of
Syria, who was dwelling in Damascus, saying:
3
“There is a treaty between me and you and
between my father and your father. I am sending
you silver and gold. Come, break your treaty with
King Ba′a·sha of Israel, so that he will withdraw
from me.” 4 Ben-ha′dad listened to King A′sa and
sent the chiefs of his armies against the cities of
Israel, and they struck down I′jon, Dan, A′belma′im, and all the storage places of the cities of
Naph′ta·li. 5 When Ba′a·sha heard of it, he
immediately quit building Ra′mah and abandoned
his work on it. 6 King A′sa then took all Judah, and
they carried off the stones and timbers of Ra′mah
that Ba′a·sha had been building with, and with them
he built up Ge′ba and Miz′pah. 7 At that time
Ha·na′ni the seer came to King A′sa of Judah and
said to him: “Because you relied on the king of
Syria and did not rely on Jehovah your God, the
army of the king of Syria has escaped out of your
hand. 8 Were not the E·thi·o′pi·ans and the
Lib′y·ans a very great army with many chariots and
horsemen? But because you relied on Jehovah, he
gave them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of Jehovah
are roving about through all the earth to show his
strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete
toward him. You have acted foolishly in this matter;
from now on there will be wars against you.”
Talk No. 3: Esau—Theme: Our Decisions Reveal
Whether We Appreciate Sacred Things (it-1 pp.
759-760
*** it-1 pp. 759-760 Esau ***
ESAU
(E′sau) [Hairy].
The firstborn of Isaac and Rebekah; the twin
brother of Jacob and the forefather of the Edomites.
He was given the name Esau because of his unusual
hairy appearance at birth, but he got the name Edom
(meaning “Red”) from the red lentil stew for which
he sold his birthright.—Ge 25:25, 26, 30.
Even before the birth of the twins in
1858 B.C.E., when Isaac was 60 years of age, the
infants struggled in their mother’s womb.
Answering Rebekah’s inquiry concerning the
meaning of this, Jehovah revealed to her that two
national groups would be separated from her inward
parts and that the older would serve the younger.—
Ge 25:22, 23.
Talk No. 2: Where Was Chaldea, and Who Were
the Chaldeans? (Glossary, nwt p.1695)
*** nwt p. 1695 Glossary ***
Chaldea; Chaldeans. Originally the land and
people occupying the delta area of the Tigris and
Euphrates rivers; in time the terms were used for all
of Babylonia and its people. “Chaldeans” also
referred to an educated class of people who studied
science, history, languages, and astronomy but who
practiced magic and astrology as well.—Ezr 5:12;
Da 4:7; Ac 7:4.
Disdain for Spiritual Matters. Esau became a
skilled and adventurous hunter, “a wild man.”
Unlike his brother, “blameless” Jacob, Esau was
fleshly-minded and materialistic. (Ge 25:27) But
Isaac loved Esau, “because it meant game in his
mouth.”—Ge 25:28.
One day Esau, tired and hungry, came along
from the field while Jacob was boiling up some
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stew. In response to Esau’s request, “Quick, please,
give me a swallow of the red—the red there,” Jacob
asked him to sell his birthright. Having no
appreciation for sacred things, namely, the promise
of Jehovah to Abraham respecting the seed through
whom all nations of the earth would bless
themselves, Esau impetuously, by sworn oath, sold
his birthright to Jacob for one meal of lentil stew
and bread. By thus despising the birthright, viewing
it as of little value, Esau showed a complete lack of
faith. He perhaps wanted no part in suffering the
fulfillment of God’s word concerning Abraham’s
seed: “Your seed will become an alien resident in a
land not theirs, and they will have to serve them,
and these will certainly afflict them for four
hundred years.”—Ge 15:13; 25:29-34; Heb 12:16.
and learning that Isaac had blessed Jacob, “Esau
began to cry out in an extremely loud and bitter
manner.” Earnestly, but with selfish motive, he
sought a blessing from his father, but even his
breaking out in tears did not change Isaac’s mind
and cause him to retract the blessing that he had
pronounced upon Jacob. Likely Isaac recognized
Jehovah’s leading in the matter. He then proceeded
to say to Esau: “Behold, away from the fertile soils
of the earth your dwelling will be found, and away
from the dew of the heavens above. And by your
sword you will live, and your brother you will
serve. But it will certainly occur that, when you
grow restless, you will indeed break his yoke off
your neck.”—Ge 25:33; 27:30-40; Heb 12:17.
Esau knew that Jacob was entitled to the blessing
because he had legally acquired the birthright.
(Archaeological testimony confirms that among
ancient peoples of the Middle East the practice
existed of exchanging a birthright for something
material. For example, a text from Nuzi tells of one
brother’s receiving three sheep in exchange for his
share of the inheritance.) But Esau, like Cain,
harbored animosity toward his brother Jacob and
was waiting for an opportunity to put him to death.
Therefore, Rebekah, on learning of this, advised
Jacob to run away to her brother Laban at Haran.
When seeking Isaac’s consent in this matter, she
kindly chose not to reveal to Isaac the murderous
intention of Esau but voiced her feelings as to how
she would be affected if Jacob ever took a wife like
the daughters of Heth. Isaac then called Jacob,
blessed him, and directed him to go to Paddan-aram
to Rebekah’s relatives to obtain a wife. When Esau
saw this, he was prompted to take a third wife,
Mahalath (Basemath?) the daughter of Abraham’s
son Ishmael.—Ge 27:41–28:9; 36:3; see
BASEMATH No. 2.
At the age of 40, Esau made his own
arrangements for marriage. By choice he became a
polygamist, and unlike his father Isaac, who had let
his father Abraham arrange for a wife from the
worshipers of Jehovah, Esau took two pagan Hittite
women, Judith (Oholibamah?) and Basemath
(Adah?), as wives. These women proved to be a
source of bitterness of spirit to both Isaac and
Rebekah.—Ge 26:34, 35; 36:2; 24:1-4, 50, 51; see
BASEMATH No. 1; JUDITH.
Bestowal of Jacob’s Blessing. When Isaac was
advanced in years he desired to give his blessing to
his older son Esau. First Isaac directed Esau to hunt
some venison and to make a tasty dish for him. This
Esau proceeded to do with a view to receiving the
blessing as firstborn, though he actually was no
longer entitled to that blessing by reason of his
having sold his birthright. Thus, he was willing to
break his oath-bound covenant made at the sale of
the birthright. Knowing what Jehovah had said to
her before the birth of her twins, Rebekah
intervened, advising Jacob to present himself before
his father as Esau and thus procure the blessing that
was rightfully his. When presenting himself before
his blind father, Jacob was dressed in Esau’s
garments, with the skins of kids on his hands and on
the hairless part of his neck. Hence, Isaac did not
recognize him.—Ge 25:23; 27:1-23.
Later Events. Sometime during the 20 years that
Jacob was away, Esau began to establish interests in
Seir, the field of Edom. (Ge 32:3; Jos 24:4) It
appears that it was years later that he made the
complete move, taking his family and all of his
possessions to Seir. (Ge 36:6-8) When Jacob
returned to Canaan, he became quite alarmed upon
receiving word from the messengers he had sent
that Esau, along with 400 men, was on his way to
meet him. Esau’s reason for coming with a band of
400 men may have been to impress his brother with
No sooner had Isaac finished blessing Jacob than
Esau came in from the hunt and proceeded to
prepare a tasty dish for his father. On coming in
before his father to receive the blessing dishonestly
116
his superior strength or possibly to show that he was
a mighty chieftain. Jacob, after praying to Jehovah,
sent ahead a generous gift of more than 550 head of
livestock. On seeing Esau, Jacob, in humility,
“proceeded to bow down to the earth seven times
until he got near to his brother.” Esau then went
running to meet him, embraced Jacob, fell upon his
neck, and kissed him. Both of them burst into tears.
Esau at first refused to accept Jacob’s gift of
livestock, saying: “I have a great many, my brother.
Let continue yours what is yours.” However, at
Jacob’s urging, Esau finally accepted the gift. He
then offered to accompany Jacob, but his brother
tactfully declined this as well as Esau’s later
proposal to place some of his men at Jacob’s
disposal, likely for protection. Esau and his men
then departed and returned to Seir. The Bible record
mentions that, about 23 years later, at the death of
Isaac, Esau and Jacob buried their father.—Ge 32:6,
7, 10-15; 33:1-3, 8, 9, 11-16; 35:29.
Dec. 21 Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 20-24
No.1: 2 Chronicles 20:13-20
No.2: Esther—Theme: How True Beauty Is
Made Manifest (it-1 pp. 761-762)
No.3: What Does “Chief Agent” Mean?
(Glossary, nwt p.1695)
Bible Highlights: 2 Chronicles 20-24
Divine Principles Illustrated. The personality
of Esau clearly shows that the choosing of Jacob as
a forefather of the promised Seed was no arbitrary
choice or unreasonable favoritism on the part of
Jehovah God. Esau’s lack of appreciation for
spiritual things, coupled with his strong tendency
toward satisfying fleshly desires, made Esau unfit to
be in the direct line of the promised Seed. Hence,
Jehovah’s words, through his prophet Malachi: “But
I loved Jacob, and Esau I have hated.” Esau is
excluded from among the faithful cloud of
witnesses listed in Hebrews, chapter 11, when Paul
says: “By faith Abraham . . . dwelt in tents with
Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the very same
promise.”—Mal 1:2, 3; Heb 11:8, 9; 12:1.
Jehovah’s selection of Jacob over Esau shows
that God’s choosing does not depend on man’s
dictates. The apostle Paul uses this incident as an
illustration of the fact that the true children of
Abraham are not necessarily those of fleshly
descent, nor those who depend on their own works,
but those of the faith of Abraham.—Ro 9:6-12.
Esau is set forth as a warning example to
Christians so that they will not be guilty, as was
Esau the materialist, of lack of appreciation for
sacred or spiritual things.—Heb 12:16; see EDOM,
EDOMITES.
117
one of “the king’s servants that were in the king’s
gate” of the palace at Shushan during the reign of
the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes I, in the fifth
century B.C.E.). (Es 2:7; 3:2) After Ahasuerus had
deposed his queen Vashti for disobedience, he
commanded the gathering of all the beautiful
virgins for a period of special massage and beauty
care, so that the king might select one to replace
Vashti as queen. Esther was among those taken to
the king’s house and entrusted to the care of Hegai
the guardian of the women. At Mordecai’s
direction, she kept secret the fact that she was a
Jewess. (Es 2:8, 10) Esther was selected as queen in
the seventh year of Ahasuerus’ reign. (Es 2:16, 17)
All along, she kept in touch with Mordecai,
following his counsel. She spoke in Mordecai’s
name to the king when Mordecai uncovered a plot
against the king.—Es 2:20, 22.
Talk No. 1: Bible Reading 2 Chronicles 20:13-20
(2 Chronicles 20:13-20) Meanwhile, all those of
Judah were standing before Jehovah, along with
their little ones, their wives, and their children.
14
Then in the middle of the congregation, the spirit
of Jehovah came upon Ja·ha·zi′el son of
Zech·a·ri′ah son of Be·nai′ah son of Je·i′el son of
Mat·ta·ni′ah the Levite of the sons of A′saph. 15 He
said: “Pay attention, all Judah and you inhabitants
of Jerusalem and King Je·hosh′a·phat! Here is what
Jehovah says to you, ‘Do not be afraid or be
terrified because of this large crowd, for the battle is
not yours but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against
them. They will be coming up by the pass of Ziz,
and you will find them at the end of the valley
before the wilderness of Je·ru′el. 17 You will not
need to fight this battle. Take your position, stand
still, and see the salvation of Jehovah in your
behalf. O Judah and Jerusalem, do not be afraid or
be terrified. Tomorrow go out against them, and
Jehovah will be with you.’” 18 At once
Je·hosh′a·phat bowed low with his face to the
ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of
Jerusalem fell down before Jehovah to worship
Jehovah. 19 Then the Levites who were descendants
of the Ko′hath·ites and the Kor′ah·ites rose up to
praise Jehovah the God of Israel with a very loud
voice. 20 They rose up early the next morning and
went out to the wilderness of Te·ko′a. As they went
out, Je·hosh′a·phat stood up and said: “Listen to me,
O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Put faith
in Jehovah your God so that you may be able to
stand firm. Put faith in his prophets, and you will be
successful.”
In the 12th year of Ahasuerus, Haman the
Agagite, who was prime minister, planned the
annihilation of all the Jews in the 127 jurisdictional
districts in the empire. He received authorization
from the king to issue a decree to carry this out. (Es
3:7-13) Acting on the information and advice of
Mordecai, Esther revealed to the king the wicked
intent of Haman’s plot. Haman’s reaction added to
the king’s rage, and Haman was hanged. (Es 4:7–
7:10) The king, at Esther’s request, issued a second
decree authorizing the Jews to fight for their lives
on the day set for their slaughter. (Es 8:3-14)
Because of the king’s edict and for fear of
Mordecai, who replaced Haman as prime minister,
the governors and officials of the empire helped the
Jews to gain a complete victory over their enemies.
(Es 9) Mordecai’s instructions, confirmed by
Esther, commanded the Jews to celebrate the
Festival of Purim annually, a custom kept down to
this day.—Es 9:20, 21, 29.
Talk No. 2: Esther—Theme: How True Beauty
Is Made Manifest (it-1 pp. 761-762)
*** it-1 pp. 761-762 Esther ***
ESTHER
While the book of Esther does not mention the
name of God, it is evident from the actions of
Mordecai and Esther that they were both faithful
servants of the true God Jehovah. Esther displayed
the qualities of one trusting in God’s law. She was
“pretty in form and beautiful in appearance” (Es
2:7), but more important is the fact that she
manifested the adornment of “the secret person of
the heart in the incorruptible apparel of the quiet
and mild spirit.” (1Pe 3:4) Thus she gained favor
before Hegai, the guardian of the women, as well as
(Es′ther).
A Jewish orphan girl of the tribe of Benjamin
whose Hebrew name was Hadassah (meaning
“Myrtle”); a descendant from among those deported
from Jerusalem along with King Jehoiachin
(Jeconiah) in 617 B.C.E. (Es 2:5-7) She was the
daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai. (Es
2:15) Her guardian was her older cousin Mordecai,
118
before the king himself. She did not count showy
adornment the important thing and, accordingly,
“did not request anything except what Hegai . . .
proceeded to mention.” (Es 2:15) She showed great
tact and self-control. She was submissive to her
husband Ahasuerus, approaching him in a tactful
and respectful way when her life and the lives of her
people were in danger. She kept silent when it was
wise to do so but spoke boldly and fearlessly when
it was necessary and at the right time. (Es 2:10; 7:36) She accepted counsel from her mature cousin
Mordecai, even when following it endangered her
life. (Es 4:12-16) Her love and loyalty toward her
people the Jews, who were also God’s covenant
people, were demonstrated when she acted in their
behalf.—See MORDECAI No. 2.
Dec. 28 Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 25-28
Theocratic Ministry School Review
Bible Highlights: 2 Chronicles 25-28
Talk No. 3: What Does “Chief Agent” Mean?
(Glossary, nwt p.1695)
*** nwt p. 1695 Glossary ***
Chief Agent. The Greek term basically means
“Chief Leader.” It refers to the essential role of
Jesus Christ in freeing faithful humans from the
deadly effects of sin and in leading them to
everlasting life.—Ac 3:15; 5:31; Heb 2:10; 12:2.
(Acts 3:15) whereas you killed the Chief Agent of
life. But God raised him up from the dead, of which
fact we are witnesses.
(Acts 5:31) God exalted this one as Chief Agent
and Savior to his right hand, to give repentance to
Israel and forgiveness of sins.
(Hebrews 2:10) For it was fitting that the one for
whom and through whom all things exist, in
bringing many sons to glory, should make the Chief
Agent of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
(Hebrews 12:2) as we look intently at the Chief
Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy
that was set before him he endured a torture stake,
despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand
of the throne of God.
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