Bible Flash Cards (Nwt)

Front 1

Zephaniah 3:9

Back 1

For then I shall give to peoples the change to a pure language, in order for them all to call upon the name of Jehovah, in order to serve him shoulder to shoulder.'

Front 2

Zephaniah 2:3

Back 2

seek Jehovah, all YOU meek ones of the earth, who have practiced His own judicial decision. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably YOU may be concealed in the day of Jehovah's anger.

Front 3

Zephaniah 2:2-3

Back 3

Before [the] statute gives birth to [anything], [before the] day has passed by just like chaff, before there comes upon YOU people the burning anger of Jehovah, before there comes upon YOU the day of Jehovah’s anger, 3 seek Jehovah, all YOU meek ones of the earth, who have practiced His own judicial decision. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably YOU may be concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger.

Front 4

Zephaniah 1:14

Back 4

"The great day of Jehovah is near. It is near, and there is a hurrying [of it] very much. The sound of the day of Jehovah is bitter. There a mighty man is letting out a cry.

Front 5

Zechariah 8:23

Back 5

"This is what Jehovah of armies has said, 'It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: "We will go with YOU people, for we have heard [that] God is with YOU people."'"

Front 6

You may be concealed

Back 6

Zeph. 2:3

Front 7

You are worthy, Jehovah

Back 7

Rev. 4:11

Front 8

Worship in spirit and truth

Back 8

John 4:23, 24

Front 9

Workers of lawlessness

Back 9

Matt. 7:21-23

Front 10

Will be refined

Back 10

Dan. 12:10

Front 11

What we ought to have done

Back 11

Luke 17:10

Front 12

We accuse or excuse ourselves

Back 12

Rom. 2:14, 15

Front 13

Was Jonah a false prophet
(No)

Back 13

Jonah 3:1-4

Front 14

Wages of sin

Back 14

Rom. 6:23

Front 15

Unreasoning animals

Back 15

2 Pet. 2:12, 13

Front 16

Tried by God or...

Back 16

James 1:13-15

Front 17

Tower fell

Back 17

Luke 13:4, 5

Front 18

Titus 1:16

Back 18

They publicly declare they know God, but they disown him by their works, because they are detestable and disobedient and not approved for good work of any sort.

Front 19

Time and unforeseen occurrence

Back 19

Eccl. 9:11, 12

Front 20

Those who left houses or brothers or....

Back 20

Matt. 19:29

Front 21

The number of the anointed given

Back 21

Rev. 14:1

Front 22

Table of demons

Back 22

1 Cor. 10:21

Front 23

Still in God's resting "day"

Back 23

Heb. 4:3-

Front 24

Sowing soil parable

Back 24

Matt. 13:3-9

Front 25

Soul that is sinning

Back 25

Ez. 18:4

Front 26

Song of Solomon 7:4—Why does Solomon liken the neck of the Shulammite maiden to "an ivory tower"?

Back 26

Earlier, the girl received this compliment: "Your neck is like the tower of David." (Song of Solomon 4:4) A tower is long and slender, and ivory is smooth. Solomon is impressed with the slenderness and the smoothness of the girl's neck.

Front 27

Song of Solomon 6:4, footnote—Does "Pleasant City" refer to Jerusalem?

Back 27

No. "Pleasant City" is "Tirzah." This Canaanite city was captured by Joshua, and after Solomon's time it became the first capital of the northern ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. (Joshua 12:7, 24; 1 Kings 16:5, 6, 8, 15) "It appears that the city must have been a very beautiful one," says one reference work, "which would account for its mention here."

Front 28

Song of Solomon 6:13, footnote—What is "the dance of two camps"?

Back 28

This expression can also be rendered the "dance of Mahanaim." The city bearing that name was located on the east side of the Jordan River near the torrent valley of Jabbok. (Genesis 32:2, 22; 2 Samuel 2:29) "The dance of two camps" may refer to a certain dance held at that city in connection with a festival.

Front 29

Song of Solomon 5:14, 15—Why are the shepherd's hands and legs described in this way?

Back 29

The maiden is apparently referring to the shepherd's fingers as gold cylinders and to his nails as chrysolite. She likens his legs to "pillars of marble" because they are strong and beautiful.

Front 30

Song of Solomon 5:12—What is the thought behind the expression "his eyes are like doves by the channels of water, which are bathing themselves in milk"?

Back 30

The maiden is speaking of her beloved's beautiful eyes. Perhaps she is poetically likening the dark iris surrounded by the white of his eyes to blue-gray doves bathing in milk.

Front 31

Song of Solomon 4:11—What is significant about the Shulammite's 'lips dripping with comb honey' and 'honey and milk being under her tongue'?

Back 31

Comb honey is more flavorful and sweeter than honey that has been exposed to air. This comparison, as well as the idea that honey and milk were under the maiden's tongue, emphasizes the goodness and pleasantness of the words spoken by the Shulammite.

Front 32

Song of Solomon 4:1; 6:5—Why is the maiden's hair compared to "a drove of goats"?

Back 32

The comparison suggests that her hair was shiny and luxuriant like the black hair of goats.

Front 33

Song of Solomon 2:7; 3:5—Why are the court ladies put under oath "by the female gazelles or by the hinds of the field"?

Back 33

Gazelles and hinds are noted for their gracefulness and beauty. In effect, the Shulammite maiden is obligating the court ladies by everything that is graceful and beautiful to refrain from trying to awaken love in her.

Front 34

Song of Solomon 1:5—Why does the country girl liken her swarthy appearance to "the tents of Kedar"?

Back 34

Goat's hair, made into fabric, had many uses. (Numbers 31:20) For example, "cloths of goat's hair" were used to make "the tent upon the tabernacle." (Exodus 26:7) As is true of Bedouin tents even today, the tents of Kedar may well have been made of black goat's hair.

Front 35

Song of Solomon 1:2, 3—Why is the remembrance of the shepherd boy's expressions of endearment like wine and his name like oil?

Back 35

Just as wine makes the heart of a man rejoice and the pouring of oil on the head is soothing, the memory of the boy's love and his name strengthened and comforted the maiden. (Psalm 23:5; 104:15) True Christians, particularly anointed ones, likewise find strength and encouragement in reflecting upon the love that Jesus Christ has shown toward them.

Front 36

Song of Solomon 1:15—What does the shepherd boy mean when he says: "Your eyes are those of doves"?

Back 36

The shepherd boy is saying that the eyes of his girl companion are soft and gentle in appearance, as are those of doves.

Front 37

Some of you WERE

Back 37

1 Cor. 6:11, 12

Front 38

Skin in behalf of skin

Back 38

Job 2:4, 5

Front 39

Sin entered the world

Back 39

Rom. 5:12

Front 40

Shibboleth test

Back 40

Judges 12:16

Front 41

Shake dust from feet

Back 41

Matt. 10:11-15

Front 42

Second favorite scriptures
(we walk by faith, not sight)

Back 42

2 Cor. 5:6-10

Front 43

Sayings of life

Back 43

John 6:68

Front 44

Ruth 4:6—In what way could a repurchaser "ruin" his inheritance by doing the repurchasing?

Back 44

First of all, if the one falling into poverty had sold his land inheritance, a repurchaser would have to put out money to buy the land at a price determined by the number of years remaining till the next Jubilee. (Leviticus 25:25-27) Doing so would reduce the value of his own estate. Moreover, should a son be born to Ruth, that son, rather than any of the repurchaser's current near relatives, would inherit the purchased field.

Front 45

Ruth 3:16—Why did Naomi ask Ruth: "Who are you, my daughter?" Did she not recognize her daughter-in-law?

Back 45

This could very well be, for when Ruth returned to Naomi, it may still have been dark. The question, though, may also mean that Naomi was inquiring about Ruth's possible new identity in connection with her being repurchased.

Front 46

Ruth 3:15—What was significant about Boaz' giving Ruth six measures of barley?

Back 46

This act perhaps signified that just as a day of rest followed six days of work, Ruth's day of rest was near. Boaz would see to it that she would have "a resting-place" in the house of her husband. (Ruth 1:9; 3:1) It may also be that six measures of barley is all that Ruth could carry on her head.

Front 47

Ruth 3:14—Why did Ruth and Boaz wake up before daybreak?

Back 47

This was not because something immoral had transpired during the night and they wanted to be secretive. Ruth's actions that night were apparently in line with what was customarily done by a woman seeking the right of brother-in-law marriage. She acted in harmony with Naomi's instruction. Moreover, Boaz' response clearly indicates that he did not see anything wrong in what Ruth did. (Ruth 3:2-13) Evidently, Ruth and Boaz got up early so that no one would have a reason for starting groundless rumors.

Front 48

Ruth 3:11—What gave Ruth the reputation of being "an excellent woman"?

Back 48

It was not "the external braiding of the hair" or "the putting on of gold ornaments or the wearing of outer garments" that caused others to admire Ruth. Rather, it was "the secret person of the heart"—her loyalty and love, her humility and meekness, her diligence and self-sacrificing spirit. Any God-fearing woman desiring a reputation like that of Ruth must strive to cultivate these qualities.—1 Peter 3:3, 4; Proverbs 31:28-31.

Front 49

Ruth 2:12—What "perfect wage" did Ruth receive from Jehovah?

Back 49

Ruth had a son and received the privilege of becoming a link in history's most important lineage—that of Jesus Christ.—Ruth 4:13-17; Matthew 1:5, 16.

Front 50

Ruth 1:8—Why did Naomi tell her daughters-in-law to return "each one to the house of her mother" instead of to the house of her father?

Back 50

Whether Orpah's father was alive at the time is not stated. However, Ruth's father was. (Ruth 2:11) Still, Naomi spoke of the mother's house, perhaps thinking that the reference to their mothers would bring to their mind the comfort of motherly affection. This would be particularly soothing to daughters overwhelmed by the sorrow of parting from their beloved mother-in-law. The comment may also reflect the thought that unlike Naomi, the mothers of Ruth and Orpah had well-established homes.

Front 51

Ruth 1:13, 21—Did Jehovah make life bitter for Naomi and cause her calamity?

Back 51

No, and Naomi did not charge God with any wrongdoing. In view of all that had happened to her, however, she thought that Jehovah was against her. She felt bitter and disillusioned. Moreover, in those days the fruitage of the belly was considered a divine blessing and barrenness, a curse. Lacking grandchildren and with two sons dead, Naomi might have felt justified in thinking that Jehovah had humiliated her.

Front 52

Ruler of this world

Back 52

John 14:30

Front 53

Romans 6:23

Back 53

For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.

Front 54

Romans 5:8

Back 54

But God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us

Front 55

Romans 5:18

Back 55

So, then, as through one trespass the result to men of all sorts was condemnation, likewise also through one act of justification the result to men of all sorts is a declaring of them righteous for life.

Front 56

Romans 5:14

Back 56

Nevertheless, death ruled as king from Adam down to Moses, even over those who had not sinned after the likeness of the transgression by Adam, who bears a resemblance to him that was to come.

Front 57

Romans 5:12

Back 57

That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned—.

Front 58

Romans 3:23

Back 58

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Front 59

Romans 15:4

Back 59

For all the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.

Front 60

Romans 13:1

Back 60

Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God.

Front 61

Romans 12:12

Back 61

Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer.

Front 62

Romans 12:1-2

Back 62

Consequently I entreat YOU by the compassions of God, brothers, to present YOUR bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with YOUR power of reason. 2 And quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making YOUR mind over, that YOU may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Front 63

Romans 11:33

Back 63

O the depth of God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments [are] and past tracing out his ways [are]!

Front 64

Romans 10:13

Back 64

For "everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved."

Front 65

Romans 10:11-13

Back 65

For the Scripture says: “None that rests his faith on him will be disappointed.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for there is the same Lord over all, who is rich to all those calling upon him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”

Front 66

Romans 10:10

Back 66

For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.

Front 67

Romans 1:28-32

Back 67

And just as they did not approve of holding God in accurate knowledge, God gave them up to a disapproved mental state, to do the things not fitting, 29 filled as they were with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, badness, being full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malicious disposition, being whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, insolent, haughty, self-assuming, inventors of injurious things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, false to agreements, having no natural affection, merciless. 32 Although these know full well the righteous decree of God, that those practicing such things are deserving of death, they not only keep on doing them but also consent with those practicing them.

Front 68

Romans 1:20

Back 68

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

Front 69

Road leading to life

Back 69

Matt. 7:13, 14

Front 70

Ridiculers
(last days)

Back 70

2 Pet. 3:3, 4

Front 71

Revelation 7:9-10

Back 71

After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. 10 And they keep on crying with a loud voice, saying: “Salvation [we owe] to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Front 72

Revelation 7:9

Back 72

After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands.

Front 73

Revelation 7:4

Back 73

And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel:

Front 74

Revelation 7:14

Back 74

So right away I said to him: “My lord, you are the one that knows.” And he said to me: “These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Front 75

Revelation 5:10

Back 75

You made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.

Front 76

Revelation 4:11

Back 76

You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created

Front 77

Revelation 3:14

Back 77

"And 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,

Front 78

Revelation 22:8-9

Back 78

Well, I John was the one hearing and seeing these things. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel that had been showing me these things. 9 But he tells me: “Be careful! Do not do that! All I am is a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who are prophets and of those who are observing the words of this scroll. Worship God.”

Front 79

Revelation 22:18-19

Back 79

"I am bearing witness to everyone that hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone makes an addition to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this scroll; 19 and if anyone takes anything away from the words of the scroll of this prophecy, God will take his portion away from the trees of life and out of the holy city, things which are written about in this scroll.

Front 80

Revelation 21:8

Back 80

But as for...those practicing spiritism..., their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulpher.

Front 81

Revelation 21:4

Back 81

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

Front 82

Revelation 21:3-5

Back 82

With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. 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.” 5 And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also, he says: “Write, because these words are faithful and true.”

Front 83

Revelation 21:3-4

Back 83

With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: "Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. 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."

Front 84

Revelation 20:6

Back 84

Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years.

Front 85

Revelation 20:2-3

Back 85

And he seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 And he hurled him into the abyss and shut [it] and sealed [it] over him, that he might not mislead the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After these things he must be let loose for a little while.

Front 86

Revelation 20:10

Back 86

And the Devil who was misleading them was hurled into the lake of fire and sulphur, where both the wild beast and the false prophet [already were]; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Front 87

Revelation 2:10

Back 87

Persecution

Front 88

Revelation 19:11-16

Back 88

And I saw the heaven opened, and, look! a white horse. And the one seated upon it is called Faithful and True, and he judges and carries on war in righteousness. 12 His eyes are a fiery flame, and upon his head are many diadems. He has a name written that no one knows but he himself, 13 and he is arrayed with an outer garment sprinkled with blood, and the name he is called is The Word of God. 14 Also, the armies that were in heaven were following him on white horses, and they were clothed in white, clean, fine linen. 15 And out of his mouth there protrudes a sharp long sword, that he may strike the nations with it, and he will shepherd them with a rod of iron. He treads too the winepress of the anger of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 And upon his outer garment, even upon his thigh, he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Front 89

Revelation 18:4

Back 89

And I heard another voice out of heaven say: "Get out of her, my people, if YOU do not want to share with her in her sins, and if YOU do not want to receive part of her plagues.

Front 90

Revelation 16:16

Back 90

And they gathered them together to the place that is called in Hebrew Har–Ma‧ged′on.

Front 91

Revelation 16:14

Back 91

They are, in fact, expressions inspired by demons and perform signs, and they go forth to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gather them together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty.

Front 92

Revelation 16:13-14

Back 92

And I saw three unclean inspired expressions [that looked] like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the wild beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 They are, in fact, expressions inspired by demons and perform signs, and they go forth to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gather them together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty.

Front 93

Revelation 15:4

Back 93

Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, and glorify your name, because you alone are loyal? For all the nations will come and worship before you, because your righteous decrees have been made manifest."

Front 94

Revelation 15:3

Back 94

Great and wonderful are your works, Jehovah God, the Almighty. Righteous and true are your ways, King of eternity.

Front 95

Revelation 14:1

Back 95

And I saw, and, look! The Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a 144,000 having his name and the name of his father...

Front 96

Revelation 12:9

Back 96

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.

Front 97

Revelation 12:6

Back 97

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and sixty days.

Front 98

Revelation 12:14

Back 98

But the two wings of the great eagle were given the woman, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place; there is where she is fed for a time and times and half a time away from the face of the serpent.

Front 99

Revelation 11:2-3

Back 99

But as for the courtyard that is outside the temple [sanctuary], cast it clear out and do not measure it, because it has been given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. 3 And I will cause my two witnesses to prophesy a thousand two hundred and sixty days dressed in sackcloth.”

Front 100

Revelation 11:18

Back 100

But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time for the dead to be judged, and to give [their] reward to your slaves the prophets and to the holy ones and to those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”

Front 101

Rev. 21:3 & 4

Back 101

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."

Front 102

Resurrection of righteous and unrighteous

Back 102

Acts 24:15

Front 103

Real life

Back 103

1 Tim. 6:17-19

Front 104

Read in an undertone

Back 104

Joshua 1:8

Front 105

Psalms 72:16

Back 105

There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth;
On the top of the mountains there will be an overflow.
His fruit will be as in Leb′a‧non,
And those who are from the city will blossom like the vegetation of the earth.

Front 106

Psalms 37:29

Back 106

The righteous themselves will possess the earth,
And they will reside forever upon it.

Front 107

Psalm 92:12—In what way do the righteous "blossom forth as a palm tree does"?

Back 107

The palm tree is noted for its productivity. A righteous person is like a palm tree in that he is upright in Jehovah's eyes and keeps bearing "fine fruit," which includes good works.—Matthew 7:17-20.

Front 108

Psalm 91:1, 2—What is "the secret place of the Most High," and how may we 'dwell' there?

Back 108

This is a figurative place of spiritual safety and security—a condition or state of protection from being harmed spiritually. The place is secret because it is unknown to those who do not trust in God. We make Jehovah our dwelling by looking to him as our refuge and stronghold, by lauding him as the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, and by preaching the good news of the Kingdom. We feel spiritually secure because we know that Jehovah is always ready to help us.—Psalm 90:1.

Front 109

Psalm 90:4

Back 109

For a thousand years are in your eyes but as yesterday when it is past, And as a watch during the night.

Front 110

Psalm 90:2

Back 110

Even from time indefinite to time indefinite [or, forever] you are God.

Front 111

Psalm 86:5

Back 111

He is "good and ready to forgive."

Front 112

Psalm 83:2—What does the 'raising of one's head' denote?

Back 112

The gesture signifies readiness to exercise power or to take action, usually to oppose, fight, or oppress.

Front 113

Psalm 83:18

Back 113

You, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Front 114

Psalm 82:1, 6—Who are called "gods" and "sons of the Most High"?

Back 114

Both expressions refer to human judges in Israel. This is appropriate, since they were to serve as God's spokesmen and representatives.—John 10:33-36.

Front 115

Psalm 78:24, 25; footnote—Why is manna called "the grain of heaven" and "the very bread of angels"?

Back 115

Neither expression means that manna was angels' food. It was "the grain of heaven" in that its source was heavenly. (Psalm 105:40) Since angels, or "powerful ones," dwell in heaven, the phrase "the very bread of angels" may simply mean that it was provided by God, who dwells in heaven. (Psalm 11:4) Jehovah may also have used angels to provide the manna for the Israelites.

Front 116

Psalm 77:12

Back 116

And I shall certainly meditate on all your activity,
And with your dealings I will concern myself.

Front 117

Psalm 76:10—How can "the very rage of man" laud Jehovah?

Back 117

When God allows humans to vent their rage against us because we are his servants, a positive outcome can follow. Any hardship we may experience can discipline us in some way. Jehovah permits suffering only to the extent that it provides such training. (1 Peter 5:10) 'The remainder of raging by man, God girds upon himself.' What if we suffer to the point of death? This too can laud Jehovah because those who see us faithfully endure may also begin to glorify God.

Front 118

Psalm 75:4, 5, 10—What is signified by the term "horn"?

Back 118

The horns of an animal are a powerful weapon. Hence, the term "horn" figuratively denotes power, or strength. Jehovah raises up the horns of his people, causing them to be exalted, whereas he 'cuts down the horns of the wicked ones.' We are warned against 'exalting our horn on high' in that we should not take on a proud or arrogant attitude. Since Jehovah does the exalting, assignments of responsibility in the congregation are to be viewed as coming from him.—Psalm 75:7.

Front 119

Psalm 74:13, 14—When did Jehovah 'break the heads of the sea monsters in the waters and crush to pieces the heads of Leviathan'?

Back 119

"Pharaoh, king of Egypt," is called "the great sea monster lying stretched out in the midst of his Nile canals." (Ezekiel 29:3) Leviathan may represent "the strong ones of Pharaoh." (Psalm 74:14, footnote) The crushing of their heads likely refers to the crushing defeat of Pharaoh and his army when Jehovah delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.

Front 120

Psalm 73:9—How is it that the wicked have "put their mouth in the very heavens, and their tongue itself walks about in the earth"?

Back 120

Since the wicked have no regard for anyone in heaven or on earth, they do not hesitate to blaspheme God with their mouth. They also slander humans with their tongue.

Front 121

Psalm 73:28

Back 121

But as for me, the drawing near to God is good for me.
In the Sovereign Lord Jehovah I have placed my refuge,
To declare all your works.

Front 122

Psalm 73:26

Back 122

My organism and my heart have failed.
God is the rock of my heart and my share to time indefinite.

Front 123

Psalm 72:7

Back 123

In his days the righteous one will sprout, And the abundance of peace until the moon is no more.

Front 124

Psalm 72:16

Back 124

There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth

Front 125

Psalm 69:23—What is the meaning of 'causing enemy hips to wobble'?

Back 125

The muscles in the hip area are essential for performing strenuous tasks, such as picking up and carrying heavy loads. Unsteady hips suggest a loss of power. David prayed that his foes be deprived of their power.

Front 126

Psalm 68:30—What does the request to "rebuke the wild beast of the reeds" mean?

Back 126

Speaking figuratively of the enemies of Jehovah's people as wild beasts, David asked God to rebuke them, or to keep in check their power to do harm.

Front 127

Psalm 68:18—Who were the "gifts in the form of men"?

Back 127

These were men from among those taken captive during the conquest of the Promised Land. Such men were later assigned to assist the Levites in their work.—Ezra 8:20.

Front 128

Psalm 68:13—How were "the wings of a dove covered with silver and its pinions with yellowish-green gold"?

Back 128

Certain doves of a blue-gray color have an iridescent brightness on some of their feathers. Their plumage takes on a metallic appearance in the golden sunlight. David was perhaps likening the victorious Israelite warriors coming forth from a battle to such a dove—strong of wing and brilliant in appearance. As some scholars suggest, the description may also fit a work of art, a trophy, taken as spoil. In any case, David was alluding to the victories Jehovah gave his people over their enemies.

Front 129

Psalm 58:7—How do the wicked "dissolve as into waters that go their way"?

Back 129

David may have been thinking of the waters of certain torrent valleys in the Promised Land. While a flash flood would swell water levels in such a valley, these waters quickly run off and disappear. David was praying for the speedy disappearance of the wicked.

Front 130

Psalm 58:3-5—In what way are the wicked like a snake?

Back 130

The lies they tell about others are like a serpent's venom. They poison the good reputation of their victims. "Like the cobra that stops up its ear," the wicked do not listen to direction or correction.

Front 131

Psalm 55:22

Back 131

Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself,
And he himself will sustain you.
Never will he allow the righteous one to totter.

Front 132

Psalm 53:1—How is the person who denies God's existence "senseless"?

Back 132

The senselessness here does not denote intellectual deficiency. That such a person is morally senseless can be seen from the resulting moral breakdown described at Psalm 53:1-4.

Front 133

Psalm 51:12—With whose "willing spirit" did David ask to be supported?

Back 133

This refers, neither to God's willingness to help David nor to Jehovah's holy spirit, but to David's own spirit—to his mental inclination. He is asking God to impart to him the desire to do what is right.

Front 134

Psalm 50:2—Why is Jerusalem called "the perfection of prettiness"?

Back 134

This was not because of the city's appearance. Rather, it was because Jehovah used it and bestowed splendor upon it by making it the site for his temple and the capital of his anointed kings.

Front 135

Psalm 46:9

Back 135

He is making wars to cease to the extremity of the earth. The bow he breaks apart and does cut the spear in pieces; The wagons he burns in the fire.

Front 136

Psalm 45:16—In what way will there come to be sons in place of the king's forefathers?

Back 136

When Jesus was born on earth, he had earthly forefathers. They will become his sons when he resurrects them from the dead during his Thousand Year Reign. Some of them will come to be among those appointed as "princes in all the earth."

Front 137

Psalm 45:14b, 15—Whom do "the virgins" represent?

Back 137

They are the "great crowd" of true worshippers, who join and support the anointed remnant. Since they "come out of the great tribulation" alive, they will be on earth when the marriage of the Messianic King is completed in heaven. (Revelation 7:9, 13, 14) On that occasion, they will be filled with "rejoicing and joyfulness."

Front 138

Psalm 45:13, 14a—Who is "the king's daughter" who "will be brought to the king"?

Back 138

She is the daughter of the "King of eternity," Jehovah God. (Revelation 15:3) She represents the glorified congregation of 144,000 Christians, whom Jehovah adopts as his children by anointing them with his spirit. (Romans 8:16) This "daughter" of Jehovah, "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband," will be brought to the bridegroom—the Messianic King.—Revelation 21:2.

Front 139

Psalm 44:19—What was "the place of jackals"?

Back 139

The psalmist was perhaps referring to a battlefield, where those slain become food for jackals.

Front 140

Psalm 37:9-11

Back 140

For evildoers themselves will be cut off, But those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth. And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; And you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be.
But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth,
And they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.

Front 141

Psalm 37:8

Back 141

Let anger alone and leave rage;
Do not show yourself heated up only to do evil.

Front 142

Psalm 37:4

Back 142

Also take exquisite delight in Jehovah,
And he will give you the requests of your heart.

Front 143

Psalm 37:29

Back 143

The righteous themselves will possess the earth, And they will reside forever upon it.

Front 144

Psalm 37:28

Back 144

For Jehovah is a lover of justice, And he will not leave his loyal ones. To time indefinite they will certainly be guarded;
But as for the offspring of the wicked ones, they will indeed be cut off.

Front 145

Psalm 37:10-11

Back 145

And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; And you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be. 11 But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, And they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.

Front 146

Psalm 36:9

Back 146

For with you is the source of life; By light from you we can see light.

Front 147

Psalm 35:19—What is the meaning of David's request not to let those hating him wink their eye?

Back 147

The winking of an eye would indicate that David's enemies were deriving pleasure from the success of their spiteful plans against him. David requested that this not happen.

Front 148

Psalm 33:6; footnote—What is "the spirit," or "breath," of Jehovah's mouth?

Back 148

This spirit is God's active force, or holy spirit, which he used in creating the material heavens. (Genesis 1:1, 2) It is called the spirit of his mouth because, like a powerful breath, it can be sent forth to accomplish things at a distance.

Front 149

Psalm 31:23—How is a haughty person rewarded exceedingly?

Back 149

The reward here is punishment. A righteous one receives his reward for his unintentional mistakes in the form of discipline from Jehovah. Since a haughty person does not turn back from his wrong course, he is rewarded exceedingly with severe punishment.—Proverbs 11:31; 1 Peter 4:18.

Front 150

Psalm 3:superscription—What is the purpose of the heading given to some of the psalms?

Back 150

The heading sometimes identifies the writer and/or provides information about the circumstances under which the psalm was composed, as is the case with Psalm 3. The superscription may also explain the purpose or use of the particular song (Psalms 4 and 5) as well as give musical instructions (Psalm 6).

Front 151

Psalm 3:2—What is "Selah"?

Back 151

This term is generally thought to represent a pause for silent meditation, either in the singing alone or in the singing and instrumental music. The pause was used to make the thought or emotion just expressed more impressive. There is no need to read the word aloud during public reading of the Psalms.

Front 152

Psalm 29:3-9—What is portrayed by likening the voice of Jehovah to a thunderstorm that inspires awe as it travels?

Back 152

Simply this: Jehovah's awesome power!

Front 153

Psalm 27:4

Back 153

One thing I have asked from Jehovah—It is what I shall look for,
That I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life,
To behold the pleasantness of Jehovah And to look with appreciation upon his temple.

Front 154

Psalm 26:6—How do we, like David, figuratively march around Jehovah's altar?

Back 154

The altar represents Jehovah's will in accepting the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the redemption of mankind. (Hebrews 8:5; 10:5-10) We march around Jehovah's altar by exercising faith in that sacrifice.

Front 155

Psalm 25:4,5

Back 155

Make me know your own ways, O Jehovah;
Teach me your own paths.
5 Make me walk in your truth and teach me,
For you are my God of salvation.

Front 156

Psalm 22:1, 2—Why might David have felt that Jehovah had left him?

Back 156

David was under such intense pressure from his enemies that his 'heart became like wax and melted deep in his inward parts.' (Psalm 22:14) It may have seemed to him that Jehovah had abandoned him. When impaled, Jesus also felt this way. (Matthew 27:46) David's words reflect his human reaction to his desperate situation. From his prayer recorded at Psalm 22:16-21, however, it is evident that David had not lost faith in God.

Front 157

Psalm 21:3—What is significant about "a crown of refined gold"?

Back 157

Whether the crown was literal or was symbolic of added glory because of David's many victories is not stated. However, this verse prophetically points to the crown of kingship that Jesus received from Jehovah in 1914. The fact that the crown is made of gold suggests that his reign is of the highest quality.

Front 158

Psalm 2:7—What is "the decree of Jehovah"?

Back 158

This decree is the covenant for a Kingdom, which Jehovah has made with his beloved Son, Jesus Christ.—Luke 22:28, 29.

Front 159

Psalm 2:12—In what way can the rulers of the nations "kiss the son"?

Back 159

In Bible times, kissing was an expression of friendship and faithfulness. It was a way to welcome guests. The kings of the earth are commanded to kiss the Son—that is, welcome him as the Messianic King.

Front 160

Psalm 2:1, 2—What "empty thing" do the nations keep muttering?

Back 160

The "empty thing" is the constant concern of human governments to keep perpetuating their own authority. This is empty because their purpose is doomed to failure. Can the national groups really hope to succeed when they take their stand "against Jehovah and against his anointed one"?

Front 161

Psalm 146:4

Back 161

His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; In that day his thoughts do perish.

Front 162

Psalm 146:3-4

Back 162

Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs.  4 His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; In that day his thoughts do perish.

Front 163

Psalm 146:3-4

Back 163

Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs.  4 His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; In that day his thoughts do perish.

Front 164

Psalm 146:3-4

Back 164

Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs.  4 His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; In that day his thoughts do perish.

Front 165

Psalm 139:14

Back 165

I shall laud you because in a fear-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, As my soul is very well aware.

Front 166

Psalm 131:1-3—How did David 'soothe and quiet his soul like a weanling upon his mother'?

Back 166

As a weaned child learns to find solace and satisfaction in his mother's arms, David learned to soothe and calm his soul "like a weanling upon his mother." How? By not being haughty at heart and lofty in eyes and by not going after things that were too great for him. Rather than seeking prominence, David usually recognized his limitations and manifested humility. We are wise to imitate his attitude, particularly when reaching out for privileges in the congregation.

Front 167

Psalm 123:2—What is the point of the illustration about the eyes of servants?

Back 167

Servants and maidservants look toward the hand of a master or a mistress for two reasons: to determine his or her wishes and to receive protection and life's necessities. Similarly, we look to Jehovah in order to discern his will and to gain his favor.

Front 168

Psalm 122:3—How was Jerusalem a city "joined together in oneness"?

Back 168

As was usually the case in cities of ancient times, houses in Jerusalem were built close together. The city was compact and therefore easy to defend. Moreover, the physical proximity of homes made it possible for city dwellers to rely upon one another for assistance and protection. This suggests the spiritual unity of the 12 tribes of Israel when they came together for worship.

Front 169

Psalm 119:96—What is meant by 'an end to all perfection'?

Back 169

The psalmist is speaking about perfection from a human viewpoint. He likely had in mind that man's concept of perfection is limited. In contrast, God's commandment has no such limit. Its guidance applies to all aspects of life. "To all perfection I see a limit," reads the New International Version, "but your commands are boundless."

Front 170

Psalm 119:71—What could be good about suffering affliction?

Back 170

Hardship can teach us to rely more fully on Jehovah, to pray to him more earnestly, and to be more diligent in studying the Bible and applying what it says. Moreover, our response to affliction can reveal personality flaws that can be corrected. Suffering will not make us bitter if we allow it to refine us.

Front 171

Psalm 119:164—What is significant about praising God "seven times in the day"?

Back 171

The number seven often denotes completeness. Therefore, the psalmist is stating that Jehovah is deserving of all praise.

Front 172

Psalm 119:105

Back 172

Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light to my roadway.

Front 173

Psalm 119:105

Back 173

Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light to my roadway.

Front 174

Psalm 119:105

Back 174

Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light to my roadway.

Front 175

Psalm 119:105

Back 175

Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light to my roadway.

Front 176

Psalm 116:15—How 'precious in Jehovah's eyes is the death of his loyal ones'?

Back 176

Jehovah's worshippers are so precious to him that he considers their death as a body, or a group, too costly to permit. If Jehovah were to allow that to happen, it would be as if his enemies were more powerful than he is. Moreover, no one would be left on the earth as a foundation for the new world.

Front 177

Psalm 115:17

Back 177

The dead themselves do not praise Jah, Nor do any going down into silence.

Front 178

Psalm 115:17

Back 178

The dead themselves do not praise Jah, Nor do any going down into silence.

Front 179

Psalm 115:17

Back 179

The dead themselves do not praise Jah, Nor do any going down into silence.

Front 180

Psalm 115:16

Back 180

As regards the heavens, to Jehovah the heavens belong, But the earth he has given to the sons of men.

Front 181

Psalm 113:3—In what way is Jehovah's name to be praised "from the rising of the sun until its setting"?

Back 181

This involves more than a group of individuals worshipping God every day. From the sun's rising in the east to its setting in the west, the rays of the sun illuminate the entire globe. Likewise, Jehovah is to be praised earth wide. This cannot be accomplished without an organized effort. As Jehovah's Witnesses, we have the cherished privilege to praise God and share zealously in the Kingdom proclamation work.

Front 182

Psalm 110:4—To what has Jehovah 'sworn without feeling regret'?

Back 182

This oath is the covenant that Jehovah made with Jesus Christ to serve as King and High Priest.—Luke 22:29.

Front 183

Psalm 110:1, 2—What did "[David's] Lord," Jesus Christ, do while sitting at God's right hand?

Back 183

Following his resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven and waited at God's right hand until 1914 to begin ruling as King. During that time, Jesus ruled over his anointed followers, guiding them in their preaching and disciple-making work as well as preparing them to rule with him in his Kingdom.—Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 22:28-30.

Front 184

Psalm 11:3—What foundations are torn down?

Back 184

These are the very foundations on which human society rests—law, order, and justice. When these are in disarray, social disorder prevails and there is no justice. Under such conditions, "anyone righteous" must fully trust in God.—Psalm 11:4-7.

Front 185

Psalm 109:23—What did David mean when he said: "Like a shadow when it declines, I am obliged to go away"?

Back 185

David was poetically saying that he felt that his death was very near.—Psalm 102:11.

Front 186

Psalm 104:5

Back 186

He has founded the earth upon its established places; It will not be made to totter to time indefinite, or forever.

Front 187

Psalm 103:14

Back 187

For he himself well knows the formation of us,
Remembering that we are dust.

Front 188

Psalm 103:13-14

Back 188

As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those fearing him. 14 For he himself well knows the formation of us, Remembering that we are dust.

Front 189

Psalm 101:3

Back 189

I shall not set in front of my eyes any good-for-nothing thing.
The doing of those who fall away I have hated;
It does not cling to me.

Front 190

Psalm 1:1-3

Back 190

Happy is the man that has not walked in the counsel of the wicked ones, And in the way of sinners has not stood, And in the seat of ridiculers has not sat. 2 But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, And in his law he reads in an undertone day and night. 3 And he will certainly become like a tree planted by streams of water, That gives its own fruit in its season And the foliage of which does not wither, And everything he does will succeed.

Front 191

Proverbs 9:17—What are "stolen waters," and why are they "sweet"?

Back 191

Since the Bible likens enjoying sexual intimacy within marriage to drinking refreshing water drawn out of a well, stolen waters represent secretive immoral sexual relations. (Proverbs 5:15-17) The idea of getting away with something gives such waters their apparent sweetness.

Front 192

Proverbs 9:10

Back 192

The fear of Jehovah is the start of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Most Holy One is what understanding is.

Front 193

Proverbs 8:30—Who is the "master worker"?

Back 193

Personified wisdom calls itself a master worker. More than serving as a literary device to explain the characteristics of wisdom, this personification figuratively refers to God's firstborn Son, Jesus Christ, in his prehuman existence. Long before his birth as a human on earth, he was 'produced as the beginning of God's way.' (Proverbs 8:22) As "a master worker," he actively worked with his Father during the creation of all things.—Colossians 1:15-17.

Front 194

Proverbs 8:22

Back 194

"Jehovah himself produced me as the beginning of his way, the earliest of his achievements of long ago.

Front 195

Proverbs 7:1, 2—What is included in "my sayings" and "my own commandments"?

Back 195

In addition to Bible teachings, these include family rules, or regulations, set by parents for the good of the family members. Young ones need to abide by these as well as by the Scriptural teachings they receive from their parents.

Front 196

Proverbs 5:3—Why is a prostitute called "a strange woman"?

Back 196

Proverbs 2:16, 17 describes a "strange woman" as someone "who has forgotten the very covenant of her God." Anyone who worshipped false gods or made himself or herself a stranger to the Mosaic Law, including a prostitute, was called a stranger.—Jeremiah 2:25; 3:13.

Front 197

Proverbs 3:5-6

Back 197

Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. 6 In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight.

Front 198

Proverbs 3:5-6

Back 198

Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. 6 In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight.

Front 199

Proverbs 3:5-6

Back 199

Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. 6 In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight.

Front 200

Proverbs 28:26

Back 200

He that is trusting in his own heart is stupid, but he that is walking in wisdom is the one that will escape.

Front 201

Proverbs 27:11

Back 201

Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me

Front 202

Proverbs 27:11

Back 202

Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me.

Front 203

Proverbs 26:11

Back 203

Just like a dog returning to its vomit, the stupid one is repeating his foolishness.

Front 204

Proverbs 25:11

Back 204

As apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it.

Front 205

Proverbs 22:6

Back 205

Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.

Front 206

Proverbs 21:18

Back 206

The wicked is a ransom for the righteous one; and the one dealing treacherously takes the place of the upright ones.

Front 207

Proverbs 21:18

Back 207

The wicked is a ransom for the righteous one; and the one dealing treacherously takes the place of the upright ones.

Front 208

Proverbs 21:18

Back 208

The wicked is a ransom for the righteous one; and the one dealing treacherously takes the place of the upright ones.

Front 209

Proverbs 2:21-22

Back 209

For the upright are the ones that will reside in the earth, and the blameless are the ones that will be left over in it. 22 As regards the wicked, they will be cut off from the very earth; and as for the treacherous, they will be torn away from it.

Front 210

Proverbs 2:1-5

Back 210

My son, if you will receive my sayings and treasure up my own commandments with yourself, 2 so as to pay attention to wisdom with your ear, that you may incline your heart to discernment; 3 if, moreover, you call out for understanding itself and you give forth your voice for discernment itself, 4 if you keep seeking for it as for silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, 5 in that case you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the very knowledge of God.

Front 211

Proverbs 18:19—How is 'a brother who is transgressed against more than a strong town'?

Back 211

Like a strong town under siege, such a person may rigidly refuse to make concessions. Contentions between him and the transgressor can easily become as much of a barrier as "the bar of a dwelling tower."

Front 212

Proverbs 18:10

Back 212

The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.

Front 213

Proverbs 14:17—In what way is 'the man of thinking abilities hated'?

Back 213

The Hebrew expression translated "thinking abilities" can mean either discernment or malicious thinking. A man of wicked ideas is, of course, hated. But so is the man of discernment who exercises his thinking abilities and chooses to be "no part of the world."—John 15:19.

Front 214

Proverbs 12:23—How does one 'cover knowledge'?

Back 214

Covering knowledge does not mean that one does not display it at all. Rather, it means that one displays knowledge discreetly, not making a showy display of it by bragging.

Front 215

Proverbs 11:31—Why should the wicked one be rewarded more than the righteous one?

Back 215

The reward here is measured in terms of the degree of chastisement each receives. When the righteous person errs, the reward he receives for his errors is discipline. The wicked one sins deliberately and refuses to turn to doing good. He therefore deserves and receives a severe punishment.

Front 216

Proverbs 10:6; footnote—How does 'the mouth of the wicked ones cover up violence'?

Back 216

This may be so in the sense that by sweet talk the wicked cover up their malicious intent to harm others. Or it could be that since the wicked are generally treated with animosity, the hostility they receive from others silences them.

Front 217

Proverbs 10:29—What is "the way of Jehovah"?

Back 217

The reference here is to the way Jehovah deals with mankind and not to the course of life we should follow. God's dealings with humans spell security for the blameless but ruin for the wicked.

Front 218

Proverbs 10:10—How does "the one winking his eye" cause pain?

Back 218

"A good-for-nothing man" may not only resort to "crookedness of speech" but also try to hide his motives with body language, such as "winking his eye." (Proverbs 6:12, 13) This kind of deception can become a source of much mental distress to his victim.

Front 219

Proverbs 1:7; 9:10—In what way is the fear of Jehovah "the beginning of knowledge" and "the start of wisdom"?

Back 219

Without the fear of Jehovah, there can be no knowledge, for he is the Creator of all things and the Author of the Scriptures. (Romans 1:20; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17) He is the very Source of all true knowledge. Hence, knowledge begins with the reverential fear of Jehovah. Godly fear is also the start of wisdom because there can be no wisdom without knowledge. Moreover, a person who lacks the fear of Jehovah will not use whatever knowledge he has to honor the Creator.

Front 220

Prophesying ends

Back 220

1 Cor. 13:8

Front 221

Priests and kings
(future job of anointed)

Back 221

Rev. 20:4-6

Front 222

Power of the wicked one

Back 222

1 John 5:19

Front 223

Power beyond normal

Back 223

2 Cor. 4:7

Front 224

Possible with God

Back 224

Luke 18:27

Front 225

Possess earth

Back 225

Ps. 37:10, 11

Front 226

Plant vineyards
(future blessings)

Back 226

Is. 65:21

Front 227

Philippians 4:6-8

Back 227

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 excels all thought will guard YOUR hearts and YOUR mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things.

Front 228

Philippians 4:5

Back 228

Let YOUR reasonableness become known to all men.

Front 229

Philippians 4:13

Back 229

For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me.

Front 230

Philippians 3:8

Back 230

Why, for that matter, I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. On account of him I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that I may gain Christ

Front 231

Philippians 3:16

Back 231

At any rate, to what extent we have made progress, let us go on walking orderly in this same routine.

Front 232

Philippians 2:5-7

Back 232

Keep this mental attitude in YOU that was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although he was existing in God's form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God. 7 No, but he emptied himself and took a slave's form and came to be in the likeness of men.

Front 233

Philippians 2:3

Back 233

doing nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with lowliness of mind considering that the others are superior to YOU,

Front 234

Philippians 1:10

Back 234

that YOU may make sure of the more important things, so that YOU may be flawless and not be stumbling others up to the day of Christ,

Front 235

Originality
(words of Jesus)

Back 235

John 7:16-18

Front 236

One day is as 1,000 years

Back 236

2 Peter 3:8, 9

Front 237

Obey law of land

Back 237

Rom. 13:1, 2

Front 238

Numbers 5:27—What is meant by the 'falling away of the thigh' of a wife guilty of adultery?

Back 238

The term "thigh" is used here to denote the procreative organs. (Genesis 46:26) The 'falling away' of it suggests the degeneration of these organs, so that conception would be impossible.

Front 239

Numbers 30:6-8—Can a Christian man set aside his wife's vows?

Back 239

With regard to vows, Jehovah now deals with his worshipers individually. For example, dedication to Jehovah is a personal vow. (Galatians 6:5) A husband does not have the authority to set aside or cancel such a vow. A wife, though, should avoid making a vow that conflicts with God's Word or her duties toward her husband.

Front 240

Numbers 22:20-22—Why did Jehovah's anger blaze against Balaam?

Back 240

Jehovah had told the prophet Balaam that he should not curse the Israelites. (Numbers 22:12) However, the prophet went with Balak's men with the full intention of cursing Israel. Balaam wanted to please the Moabite king and receive a reward from him. (2 Peter 2:15, 16; Jude 11) Even when Balaam was forced to bless rather than curse Israel, he sought the king's favor by suggesting that Baal-worshiping women be used to seduce Israelite men. (Numbers 31:15, 16) Thus, the reason for God's anger against Balaam was the prophet's unscrupulous greed.

Front 241

Numbers 21:14, 15—What was the book mentioned here?

Back 241

The Scriptures refer to various books that the Bible writers used as source material. (Joshua 10:12, 13; 1 Kings 11:41; 14:19, 29) "The book of the Wars of Jehovah" was such a writing. It contained a historical account of the wars of Jehovah's people.

Front 242

Numbers 2:1, 2—What were "the signs" around which the three-tribe divisions were to encamp in the wilderness?

Back 242

The Bible does not give a description of what these signs were. However, they were not regarded as sacred symbols or given religious significance. The signs were used for a practical purpose—to help a person find his proper place in the camp.

Front 243

Numbers 14:34

Back 243

By the number of the days that YOU spied out the land, forty days, a day for a year, a day for a year, YOU will answer for YOUR errors forty years, as YOU must know what my being estranged means.

Front 244

Numbers 14:34

Back 244

By the number of the days that YOU spied out the land, forty days, a day for a year, a day for a year, YOU will answer for YOUR errors forty years, as YOU must know what my being estranged means.

Front 245

Numbers 14:34

Back 245

By the number of the days that YOU spied out the land, forty days, a day for a year, a day for a year, YOU will answer for YOUR errors forty years, as YOU must know what my being estranged means.

Front 246

Numbers 12:9-11—Why was only Miriam stricken with leprosy?

Back 246

Very likely, she was the one who instigated the complaint and persuaded Aaron to join her. Aaron displayed a right attitude by confessing his wrong.

Front 247

Numbers 12:1—Why did Miriam and Aaron complain against Moses?

Back 247

The real reason for their complaint was apparently Miriam's desire for greater power. When Moses' wife, Zipporah, rejoined him in the wilderness, Miriam might have feared that she would no longer be viewed as leading lady in the camp.—Exodus 18:1-5.

Front 248

Not burdensome

Back 248

1 John 5:3

Front 249

No excuse
(for not believing in God)

Back 249

Rom. 1:20

Front 250

Nehemiah 7:6-67—Why does Nehemiah's list of the remnant who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel differ from Ezra's in individual figures for each household? (Ezra 2:1-65)

Back 250

The reason for these variations may be that Ezra and Nehemiah used different source material. For example, the number of those who registered to return may have been different from the number who actually did return. The two records may also have differed because some Jews who were unable to establish their genealogy at the outset did so in time. Both accounts, however, agree on one point: The number of initial returnees was 42,360, apart from slaves and singers.

Front 251

Nehemiah 6:5—Since confidential letters were usually placed in a sealed bag, why did Sanballat send "an open letter" to Nehemiah?

Back 251

Sanballat may have intended to make public the false charges brought forth by sending them in an open letter. Perhaps he hoped that this would anger Nehemiah so much that he would leave the building work and come to defend himself. Or Sanballat may have thought that the contents of the letter would cause such alarm among the Jews that they would stop their work altogether. Nehemiah refused to be intimidated and calmly continued in his God-assigned work.

Front 252

Nehemiah 5:7—In what sense did Nehemiah begin "finding fault with the nobles and the deputy rulers"?

Back 252

These men were exacting usury from their fellow Jews in violation of the Mosaic Law. (Leviticus 25:36; Deuteronomy 23:19) Moreover, the interest the lenders were demanding was high. If demanded monthly, "the hundredth" would be equivalent to 12 percent a year. (Nehemiah 5:11) It was cruel to impose this on people already heavily burdened with taxes and a food shortage. Nehemiah found fault with the rich in that, using God's Law, he reproved and rebuked them and thus exposed their wrongdoing.

Front 253

Nehemiah 4:17, 18—How could a man do the work of rebuilding with just one hand?

Back 253

For burden bearers this would not be a problem. Once the load was placed on their head or shoulders, they could easily balance it with one hand "while the other hand was holding the missile." The builders who needed both hands to do their work "were girded, each one with his sword upon his hip, while building." They were ready to go into action in case of an enemy attack.

Front 254

Nehemiah 13:6, footnote—How long was Nehemiah absent from Jerusalem?

Back 254

The Bible says only that "sometime later," or "at the end of days," Nehemiah asked for a leave of absence from the king to return to Jerusalem. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the length of his absence. Upon his return to Jerusalem, though, Nehemiah found that the priesthood was not being supported, nor was the Sabbath law being observed. Many had taken foreign wives, and their offspring did not even speak the language of the Jews. For conditions to deteriorate so much, Nehemiah must have been gone for a long time.

Front 255

Nehemiah 13:25, 28—In addition to 'finding fault' with the backsliding Jews, what other corrective measures did Nehemiah take?

Back 255

Nehemiah 'called down evil upon them' in that he recited against them the judgments found in God's Law. He 'struck some of them,' perhaps by ordering judicial action against them. As a symbol of his moral indignation, he 'pulled out some of their hair.' He also chased away the grandson of High Priest Eliashib, who had married a daughter of Sanballat the Horonite.

Front 256

Nehemiah 10:34—Why were the people required to supply wood?

Back 256

The wood offering was not commanded in the Mosaic Law. This requirement stemmed strictly from the need. Large quantities of wood were needed in order to burn the sacrifices on the altar. Apparently, there were not enough Nethinim, who served as non-Israelite temple slaves. Hence, lots were cast to ensure a continuous supply of wood.

Front 257

Nehemiah 1:1; 2:1—Is "the twentieth year" mentioned in these two verses counted from the same reference point?

Back 257

Yes, the 20th year is that of the reign of Artaxerxes the king. However, the method of counting used in these verses is different. Historical evidence points to 475 B.C.E. as the year of Artaxerxes' ascension to the throne. Since the Babylonian scribes customarily counted the years of the Persian kings' reign from Nisan (March/April) to Nisan, Artaxerxes' first regnal year began in Nisan of 474 B.C.E. Hence, the 20th year of rulership mentioned at Nehemiah 2:1 began in Nisan of 455 B.C.E. The month of Chislev (November/December) mentioned at Nehemiah 1:1 logically was the Chislev of the preceding year—456 B.C.E. Nehemiah refers to that month as also falling in the 20th year of Artaxerxes' reign. Perhaps in this case, he was counting the years from the accession date of the monarch. It could also be that Nehemiah was counting time by what the Jews today call a civil year, which begins in the month of Tishri, corresponding to September/October. In any case, the year in which the word went out to restore Jerusalem was 455 B.C.E.

Front 258

Micah 4:4

Back 258

And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making [them] tremble; for the very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken [it].

Front 259

Matthew 7:7

Back 259

"Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you.

Front 260

Matthew 7:6, 7

Back 260

"Do not give what is holy to dogs, neither throw YOUR pearls before swine, that they may never trample them under their feet and turn around and rip YOU open. 7 "Keep on asking, and it will be given YOU; keep on seeking, and YOU will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to YOU.

Front 261

Matthew 7:21-23

Back 261

"Not everyone saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 22 Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?' 23 And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU! Get away from me, YOU workers of lawlessness.

Front 262

Matthew 7:21-23

Back 262

"Not everyone saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 22 Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?' 23 And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU! Get away from me, YOU workers of lawlessness.

Front 263

Matthew 7:15-23

Back 263

“Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to YOU in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits YOU will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? 17 Likewise every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit; 18 a good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, neither can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. 19 Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Really, then, by their fruits YOU will recognize those [men]. 21 “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 22 Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ 23 And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU! Get away from me, YOU workers of lawlessness.

Front 264

Matthew 7:15-20

Back 264

"Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to YOU in sheep's covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits YOU will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? 17 Likewise every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit; 18 a good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, neither can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. 19 Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Really, then, by their fruits YOU will recognize those [men].

Front 265

Matthew 7:13, 14

Back 265

"Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.

Front 266

Matthew 7:13-14

Back 266

"Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.

Front 267

Matthew 7:12

Back 267

"All things, therefore, that YOU want men to do to YOU, YOU also must likewise do to them; this, in fact, is what the Law and the Prophets mean.

Front 268

Matthew 6:9-13

Back 268

"YOU must pray, then, this way: "'Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. 10 Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth. 11 Give us today our bread for this day; 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one.'

Front 269

Matthew 6:9-10

Back 269

“YOU must pray, then, this way: “‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. 10 Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.

Front 270

Matthew 6:9

Back 270

"YOU must pray, then, this way: "'Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.

Front 271

Matthew 6:7

Back 271

But when praying, do not say the same things over and over again, just as the people of the nations do, for they imagine they will get a hearing for their use of many words.

Front 272

Matthew 6:33

Back 272

"Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these [other] things will be added to YOU.

Front 273

Matthew 6:33

Back 273

"Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these [other] things will be added to YOU.

Front 274

Matthew 6:19, 20

Back 274

"Stop storing up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Front 275

Matthew 5:14-16

Back 275

"YOU are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when situated upon a mountain. 15 People light a lamp and set it, not under the measuring basket, but upon the lampstand, and it shines upon all those in the house. 16 Likewise let YOUR light shine before men, that they may see YOUR fine works and give glory to YOUR Father who is in the heavens.

Front 276

Matthew 4:4

Back 276

But in reply he said: "It is written, 'Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth.'"

Front 277

Matthew 4:4

Back 277

But in reply he said: "It is written, 'Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth.'"

Front 278

Matthew 4:11

Back 278

Then the Devil left him, and, look! angels came and began to minister to him.

Front 279

Matthew 4:11

Back 279

Then the Devil left him, and, look! angels came and began to minister to him.

Front 280

Matthew 4:10

Back 280

Then Jesus said to him: “Go away, Satan! For it is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’”

Front 281

Matthew 4:10

Back 281

Then Jesus said to him: “Go away, Satan! For it is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’”

Front 282

Matthew 4:10

Back 282

Then Jesus said to him: “Go away, Satan! For it is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’”

Front 283

Matthew 4:10

Back 283

Then Jesus said to him: “Go away, Satan! For it is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’”

Front 284

Matthew 4:10

Back 284

Then Jesus said to him: "Go away, Satan! For it is written, 'It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.'"

Front 285

Matthew 4:1

Back 285

Then Jesus was led by the spirit up into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil.

Front 286

Matthew 4:1

Back 286

Then Jesus was led by the spirit up into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil.

Front 287

Matthew 3:16, 17

Back 287

After being baptized Jesus immediately came up from the water; and, look! the heavens were opened up, and he saw descending like a dove God's spirit coming upon him. Look! Also, there was a voice from the heavens that said: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved

Front 288

Matthew 3:16-17

Back 288

After being baptized Jesus immediately came up from the water; and, look! the heavens were opened up, and he saw descending like a dove God's spirit coming upon him. 17 Look! Also, there was a voice from the heavens that said: "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved."

Front 289

Matthew 3:13-15

Back 289

Then Jesus came from Gal′i‧lee to the Jordan to John, in order to be baptized by him. 14 But the latter tried to prevent him, saying: “I am the one needing to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?” 15 In reply Jesus said to him: “Let it be, this time, for in that way it is suitable for us to carry out all that is righteous.” Then he quit preventing him.

Front 290

Matthew 3:13-15

Back 290

Then Jesus came from Gal′i‧lee to the Jordan to John, in order to be baptized by him. 14 But the latter tried to prevent him, saying: “I am the one needing to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?” 15 In reply Jesus said to him: “Let it be, this time, for in that way it is suitable for us to carry out all that is righteous.” Then he quit preventing him.

Front 291

Matthew 3:13-15

Back 291

Then Jesus came from Gal′i‧lee to the Jordan to John, in order to be baptized by him. 14 But the latter tried to prevent him, saying: “I am the one needing to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?” 15 In reply Jesus said to him: “Let it be, this time, for in that way it is suitable for us to carry out all that is righteous.” Then he quit preventing him.

Front 292

Matthew 28:19-20

Back 292

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, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”

Front 293

Matthew 28:19-20

Back 293

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, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”

Front 294

Matthew 28:19-20

Back 294

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, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”

Front 295

Matthew 28:19-20

Back 295

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, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things."

Front 296

Matthew 27:41-42

Back 296

In like manner also the chief priests with the scribes and older men began making fun of him and saying: 42 “Others he saved; himself he cannot save! He is King of Israel; let him now come down off the torture stake and we will believe on him.

Front 297

Matthew 25:41

Back 297

“Then he will say, in turn, to those on his left, ‘Be on YOUR way from me, YOU who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.

Front 298

Matthew 24:7

Back 298

"For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another.

Front 299

Matthew 24:45-47

Back 299

"Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. 47 Truly I say to YOU, He will appoint him over all his belongings.

Front 300

Matthew 24:37-39

Back 300

For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 38 For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; 39 and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be.

Front 301

Matthew 24:36-39

Back 301

"Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 38 For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; 39 and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be.

Front 302

Matthew 24:3

Back 302

While he was sitting upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying: "Tell us, When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?"

Front 303

Matthew 24:23-26

Back 303

“Then if anyone says to YOU, ‘Look! Here is the Christ,’ or, ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones. 25 Look! I have forewarned YOU. 26 Therefore, if people say to YOU, ‘Look! He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; ‘Look! He is in the inner chambers,’ do not believe it.

Front 304

Matthew 24:22

Back 304

In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short.

Front 305

Matthew 24:14

Back 305

And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.

Front 306

Matthew 24:14

Back 306

And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.

Front 307

Matthew 24:13

Back 307

But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.

Front 308

Matthew 24:13

Back 308

But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.

Front 309

Matthew 22:37

Back 309

He said to him: "'You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.'

Front 310

Matthew 22:21

Back 310

They said: "Caesar's." Then he said to them: "Pay back, therefore, Caesar's things to Caesar, but God's things to God."

Front 311

Matthew 20:28

Back 311

Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many."

Front 312

Matthew 20:28

Back 312

Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many."

Front 313

Matthew 20:28

Back 313

Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many."

Front 314

Matthew 18:21-35

Back 314

Then Peter came up and said to him: "Lord, how many times is my brother to sin against me and am I to forgive him? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him: "I say to you, not, Up to seven times, but, Up to seventy-seven times. 23 "That is why the kingdom of the heavens has become like a man, a king, that wanted to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he started to settle them, there was brought in a man who owed him ten thousand talents [=60,000,000 de•nar′i•i]. 25 But because he did not have the means to pay [it] back, his master ordered him and his wife and his children and all the things he had to be sold and payment to be made. 26 Therefore the slave fell down and began to do obeisance to him, saying, 'Be patient with me and I will pay back everything to you.' 27 Moved to pity at this, the master of that slave let him off and canceled his debt. 28 But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves that was owing him a hundred de•nar′i•i; and, grabbing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay back whatever you owe.' 29 Therefore his fellow slave fell down and began to entreat him, saying, 'Be patient with me and I will pay you back.' 30 However, he was not willing, but went off and had him thrown into prison until he should pay back what was owing. 31 When, therefore, his fellow slaves saw the things that had happened, they became very much grieved, and they went and made clear to their master all the things that had happened. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'Wicked slave, I canceled all that debt for you, when you entreated me. 33 Ought you not, in turn, to have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I also had mercy on you?' 34 With that his master, provoked to wrath, delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay back all that was owing. 35 In like manner my heavenly Father will also deal with YOU if YOU do not forgive each one his brother from YOUR hearts."

Front 315

Matthew 18:2-4

Back 315

So, calling a young child to him, he set it in their midst and said: "Truly I say to YOU, Unless YOU turn around and become as young children, YOU will by no means enter into the kingdom of the heavens. Therefore, whoever will humble himself like this young child is the one that is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens;

Front 316

Matthew 18:15

Back 316

"Moreover, if your brother commits a sin, go lay bare his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

Front 317

Matthew 16:24-25

Back 317

Then Jesus said to his disciples: "If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and continually follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his soul will lose it; but whoever loses his soul for my sake will find it.

Front 318

Matthew 16:24

Back 318

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and continually follow me.

Front 319

Matthew 16:24

Back 319

Then Jesus said to his disciples: "If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and continually follow me.

Front 320

Matthew 16:18

Back 320

Also, I say to you, You are Peter, and on this rock-mass I will build my congregation, and the gates of Ha′des will not overpower it.

Front 321

Matthew 15:9

Back 321

It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.'"

Front 322

Matthew 15:9

Back 322

It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.'"

Front 323

Matthew 15:14

Back 323

LET them be. Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit."

Front 324

Matthew 15:14

Back 324

LET them be. Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit."

Front 325

Matthew 12:31, 32

Back 325

"On this account I say to YOU, Every sort of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven. 32 For example, whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the holy spirit, it will not be forgiven him, no, not in this system of things nor in that to come.

Front 326

Matthew 11:29-30

Back 326

Take my yoke upon YOU and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and YOU will find refreshment for YOUR souls. 30 For my yoke is kindly and my load is light."

Front 327

Matthew 11:28-30

Back 327

Come to me, all YOU who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh YOU. 29 Take my yoke upon YOU and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and YOU will find refreshment for YOUR souls. 30 For my yoke is kindly and my load is light."

Front 328

Matthew 11:19

Back 328

the Son of man did come eating and drinking, still people say, 'Look! A man gluttonous and given to drinking wine, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' All the same, wisdom is proved righteous by its works."

Front 329

Matthew 11:11

Back 329

Truly I say to YOU people, Among those born of women there has not been raised up a greater than John the Baptist; but a person that is a lesser one in the kingdom of the heavens is greater than he is.

Front 330

Matthew 10:42

Back 330

And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water to drink because he is a disciple, I tell YOU truly, he will by no means lose his reward."

Front 331

Matthew 10:38

Back 331

And whoever does not accept his torture stake and follow after me is not worthy of me.

Front 332

Matthew 10:32-33

Back 332

"Everyone, then, that confesses union with me before men, I will also confess union with him before my Father who is in the heavens; 33 but whoever disowns me before men, I will also disown him before my Father who is in the heavens.

Front 333

Matthew 10:28

Back 333

And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be in fear of him that can destroy both soul and body in Ge·hen´na.

Front 334

Matthew 10:22

Back 334

And YOU will be objects of hatred by all people on account of my name; but he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.

Front 335

Matthew 10:16

Back 335

"Look! I am sending YOU forth as sheep amidst wolves; therefore prove yourselves cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves.

Front 336

Marking
(as a bad association)

Back 336

2 Thess. 3:14 15

Front 337

Mark 8:35-36

Back 337

For whoever wants to save his soul will lose it; but whoever loses his soul for the sake of me and the good news will save it. 36 Really, of what benefit is it for a man to gain the whole world and to forfeit his soul?

Front 338

Mark 13:32

Back 338

"Concerning that day or the hour nobody knows, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but the Father.

Front 339

Mark 12:33

Back 339

and this loving him with one’s whole heart and with one’s whole understanding and with one’s whole strength and this loving one’s neighbor as oneself is worth far more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

Front 340

Mark 12:30

Back 340

and you must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.'

Front 341

Mark 11:24

Back 341

This is why I tell YOU, All the things YOU pray and ask for have faith that YOU have practically received, and YOU will have them.

Front 342

Many gods and lords

Back 342

1 Cor. 8:4-6

Front 343

Manasseh's forgiveness

Back 343

2 Chron. 33:10-13

Front 344

Manasseh did TO offend God

Back 344

2 Chron. 33:6

Front 345

Man I am within

Back 345

Rom. 7:22

Front 346

Malachi 3:16

Back 346

At that time those in fear of Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance began to be written up before him for those in fear of Jehovah and for those thinking upon his name.

Front 347

Made sons pass through fire

Back 347

2 Ki. 21:2-6

Front 348

Luke 9:60

Back 348

But he said to him: "Let the dead bury their dead, but you go away and declare abroad the kingdom of God."

Front 349

Luke 9:23

Back 349

Then he went on to say to all: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake day after day and follow me continually.

Front 350

Luke 8:31

Back 350

And they kept entreating him not to order them to go away into the abyss.

Front 351

Luke 8:27-29

Back 351

But as he got out onto land a certain man from the city who had demons met him. And for a considerable time he had not worn clothing, and he was staying, not at home, but among the tombs. 28 At the sight of Jesus he cried aloud and fell down before him, and with a loud voice he said: “What have I to do with you, Jesus Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” 29 (For he had been ordering the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For over a long time it had held him fast, and he was repeatedly bound with chains and fetters under guard, but he would burst the bonds and be driven by the demon into the lonely places.)

Front 352

Luke 6:40

Back 352

A pupil is not above his teacher, but everyone that is perfectly instructed will be like his teacher.

Front 353

Luke 6:35

Back 353

To the contrary, continue to love YOUR enemies and to do good and to lend [without interest], not hoping for anything back; and YOUR reward will be great, and YOU will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind toward the unthankful and wicked.

Front 354

Luke 6:26

Back 354

“Woe, whenever all men speak well of YOU, for things like these are what their forefathers did to the false prophets.

Front 355

Luke 4:5,6

Back 355

So he brought him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth in an instant of time; and the Devil said to him: "I will give you all this authority and the glory of them, because it has been delivered to me, and to whomever I wish I give it.

Front 356

Luke 4:18

Back 356

“Jehovah’s spirit is upon me, because he anointed me to declare good news to the poor, he sent me forth to preach a release to the captives and a recovery of sight to the blind, to send the crushed ones away with a release,

Front 357

Luke 23:43

Back 357

And he said to him: "Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise."

Front 358

Luke 23:43

Back 358

And he said to him: "Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise."

Front 359

Luke 22:19-20

Back 359

Also, he took a loaf, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: "This means my body which is to be given in YOUR behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me." 20 Also, the cup in the same way after they had the evening meal, he saying: "This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in YOUR behalf.

Front 360

Luke 21:5-6

Back 360

Later, as certain ones were speaking concerning the temple, how it was adorned with fine stones and dedicated things, 6 he said: “As for these things that YOU are beholding, the days will come in which not a stone upon a stone will be left here and not be thrown down.”

Front 361

Luke 21:34-36

Back 361

"But pay attention to yourselves that YOUR hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon YOU 35 as a snare. For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth. 36 Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that YOU may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man."

Front 362

Luke 21:28

Back 362

But as these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift YOUR heads up, because YOUR deliverance is getting near."

Front 363

Luke 21:24

Back 363

and they will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the nations, until the appointed times of the nations are fulfilled.

Front 364

Luke 21:24

Back 364

and they will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the nations, until the appointed times of the nations are fulfilled.

Front 365

Luke 21:20-22

Back 365

“Furthermore, when YOU see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolating of her has drawn near. 21 Then let those in Ju‧de′a begin fleeing to the mountains, and let those in the midst of her withdraw, and let those in the country places not enter into her; 22 because these are days for meting out justice, that all the things written may be fulfilled.

Front 366

Luke 2:52

Back 366

And Jesus went on progressing in wisdom and in physical growth and in favor with God and men.

Front 367

Luke 19:12-16

Back 367

Therefore he said: "A certain man of noble birth traveled to a distant land to secure kingly power for himself and to return. 13 Calling ten slaves of his he gave them ten mi′nas and told them, 'Do business till I come.' 14 But his citizens hated him and sent out a body of ambassadors after him, to say, 'We do not want this [man] to become king over us.' 15 "Eventually when he got back after having secured the kingly power, he commanded to be called to him these slaves to whom he had given the silver money, in order to ascertain what they had gained by business activity. 16 Then the first one presented himself, saying, 'Lord, your mi′na gained ten mi′nas.'

Front 368

Luke 18:7-8

Back 368

Certainly, then, shall not God cause justice to be done for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, even though he is long-suffering toward them? 8 I tell YOU, He will cause justice to be done to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man arrives, will he really find the faith on the earth?”

Front 369

Luke 18:13-14

Back 369

But the tax collector standing at a distance was not willing even to raise his eyes heavenward, but kept beating his breast, saying, 'O God, be gracious to me a sinner.' 14 I tell YOU, This man went down to his home proved more righteous than that man; because everyone that exalts himself will be humiliated, but he that humbles himself will be exalted."

Front 370

Luke 18:1

Back 370

Then he went on to tell them an illustration with regard to the need for them always to pray and not to give up,

Front 371

Luke 17:32

Back 371

REMEMBER the wife of Lot.

Front 372

Luke 17:10

Back 372

So YOU, also, when YOU have done all the things assigned to YOU, say, 'We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.'"

Front 373

Luke 16:10

Back 373

The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much.

Front 374

Luke 15:11-13

Back 374

Then he said: "A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the part of the property that falls to my share.' Then he divided his means of living to them. 13 Later, after not many days, the younger son gathered all things together and traveled abroad into a distant country, and there squandered his property by living a debauched life

Front 375

Luke 14:11

Back 375

For everyone that exalts himself will be humbled and he that humbles himself will be exalted."

Front 376

Luke 13:24

Back 376

"Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door, because many, I tell YOU, will seek to get in but will not be able,

Front 377

Luke 11:13

Back 377

Therefore, if YOU, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to YOUR children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!"

Front 378

Luke 11:13

Back 378

Therefore, if YOU, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to YOUR children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him

Front 379

Loved lamb (pet) sacrificed

Back 379

2 Sam. 12:1-6

Front 380

Look to serpent and live

Back 380

Numb. 21:9
ties in to:
2 Ki. 18:4; John 3:13-15

Front 381

Live and die to Jehovah

Back 381

Rom. 14:7, 8

Front 382

Little faith

Back 382

Matt. 17:14-21

Front 383

Lion with lamb

Back 383

Is. 11:6-9

Front 384

Leviticus 9:9—What is significant about the pouring of blood at the base of the altar and the placing of it on various items?

Back 384

This demonstrated that Jehovah accepted blood for atonement purposes. The whole atonement arrangement was based on blood. "Nearly all things are cleansed with blood according to the Law," wrote the apostle Paul, "and unless blood is poured out no forgiveness takes place."—Hebrews 9:22.

Front 385

Leviticus 7:26-27

Back 385

“‘And YOU must not eat any blood in any places where YOU dwell, whether that of fowl or that of beast. 27 Any soul who eats any blood, that soul must be cut off from his people.’”

Front 386

Leviticus 7:26-27

Back 386

“‘And YOU must not eat any blood in any places where YOU dwell, whether that of fowl or that of beast. 27 Any soul who eats any blood, that soul must be cut off from his people.’”

Front 387

Leviticus 26:26—What is meant by 'ten women baking bread in one oven'?

Back 387

Normally, each woman would need a separate oven for all the baking she had to do. But these words pointed to such scarcity of food that one oven would be sufficient to handle all the baking done by ten women. This was one of the foretold consequences of failing to maintain holiness.

Front 388

Leviticus 26:19—How can 'the heavens become like iron and the earth like copper'?

Back 388

Because of a lack of rain, the heavens over the land of Canaan would become in appearance like hard, nonporous iron. Without rain, the earth would have a copper-colored, metallic brightness.

Front 389

Leviticus 25:35-37—Was it always wrong for the Israelites to charge interest?

Back 389

If the money was lent for business purposes, the lender could charge interest. However, the Law forbade the charging of interest on loans made to relieve poverty. Profiting from a destitute neighbor's economic reversals was wrong.—Exodus 22:25.

Front 390

Leviticus 2:13—Why did salt have to be presented "with every offering"?

Back 390

This was not done to enhance the flavor of the sacrifices. Around the world, salt is used as a preservative. It was likely presented with offerings because it represents freedom from corruption and decay.

Front 391

Leviticus 2:11, 12—Why was honey "as an offering made by fire" unacceptable to Jehovah?

Back 391

The honey meant here could not refer to that of bees. Though not allowed "as an offering made by fire," it was included among "the firstfruits of . . . the produce of the field." (2 Chronicles 31:5) This honey was evidently the juice, or syrup, of fruits. Since it could ferment, it was unacceptable as an offering upon the altar.

Front 392

Leviticus 19:31

Back 392

“‘Do not turn yourselves to the spirit mediums, and do not consult professional foretellers of events, so as to become unclean by them. I am Jehovah YOUR God.

Front 393

Leviticus 19:27—What is meant by the command not to "cut [the] sidelocks short around" or "destroy the extremity" of the beard?

Back 393

This law was evidently given to prevent the Jews from trimming their beards or hair in a way that would imitate certain pagan practices. (Jeremiah 9:25, 26; 25:23; 49:32) However, God's command did not mean that the Jews could not trim their beards or facial hair at all.—2 Samuel 19:24.

Front 394

Leviticus 17:14

Back 394

For the soul of every sort of flesh is its blood by the soul in it. Consequently I said to the sons of Israel: “YOU must not eat the blood of any sort of flesh, because the soul of every sort of flesh is its blood. Anyone eating it will be cut off.”

Front 395

Leviticus 16:29—In what way were the Israelites to 'afflict their souls'?

Back 395

This procedure, followed on Atonement Day, revolved around seeking forgiveness for sins. Fasting at that time was evidently associated with the acknowledgment of sinfulness. Most likely, then, 'afflicting the soul' referred to fasting.

Front 396

Leviticus 15:16-18—What is the "emission of semen" mentioned in these verses?

Back 396

This apparently refers to a nocturnal emission as well as to marital sexual relations.

Front 397

Leviticus 12:2, 5—Why did childbirth make a woman "unclean"?

Back 397

The reproductive organs were made to pass on perfect human life. However, because of the inherited effects of sin, imperfect and sinful life was passed on to the offspring. The temporary periods of 'uncleanness' associated with childbirth, as well as other matters, such as menstruation and seminal emissions, called this hereditary sinfulness to mind. (Leviticus 15:16-24; Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12) The required purification regulations would help the Israelites to appreciate the need for a ransom sacrifice to cover mankind's sinfulness and restore human perfection. Thus the Law became their "tutor leading to Christ."—Galatians 3:24.

Front 398

Leviticus 10:1, 2—What may have been involved in the sin of Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu?

Back 398

Soon after Nadab and Abihu took liberties in performing their priestly duties, Jehovah forbade priests to use wine or intoxicating liquor while serving at the tabernacle. (Leviticus 10:9) This suggests that Aaron's two sons may have been under the influence of alcohol on the occasion here under consideration. However, the actual reason for their death was their offering "illegitimate fire, which [Jehovah] had not prescribed for them."

Front 399

Lamentations 5:7—Does Jehovah hold people accountable for the errors of their forefathers?

Back 399

No, Jehovah does not directly punish people for the sins of their ancestors. "Each of us will render an account for himself to God," says the Bible. (Romans 14:12) However, consequences of errors can linger on and be experienced by later generations. For example, ancient Israel's turning to idolatry made it difficult even for the faithful Israelites of later times to adhere to the course of righteousness.—Exodus 20:5.

Front 400

Lamentations 4:3, 10—Why does Jeremiah compare "the daughter of [his] people" to "ostriches in the wilderness"?

Back 400

The ostrich "does treat her sons roughly, as if not hers," states Job 39:16. After the eggs are hatched, for example, the hen goes off with other hens while the male assumes the responsibility of caring for the young. And what happens when they come face-to-face with danger? Both male and female birds flee from the nest, abandoning their young. During the Babylonian siege, the famine in Jerusalem became so severe that mothers who would normally have been compassionate became cruel to their own offspring, like ostriches in the wilderness. This was in stark contrast to the maternal care exhibited by jackals.

Front 401

Lamentations 3:16—What is suggested by the expression: "With gravel he makes my teeth get broken"?

Back 401

One reference work states: "The Jews, on their way into exile, were compelled to bake their bread in pits dug in the ground, so that their bread was mixed with grit." Eating such bread could break off part of one's teeth.

Front 402

Lamentations 2:17—What particular "saying" did Jehovah accomplish in connection with Jerusalem?

Back 402

The reference here is apparently to Leviticus 26:17, which states: "I shall indeed set my face against you, and you will certainly be defeated before your enemies; and those who hate you will just tread down upon you, and you will actually flee when no one is pursuing you."

Front 403

Lamentations 2:16, 17—Should not the 16th verse begin with the Hebrew letter ayin and the 17th begin with pe to follow the order of the Hebrew alphabet?

Back 403

While composing poems in this style, inspired writers usually followed the alphabetical order. However, they did not do so at the cost of sounding artificial or unnatural. The matter of thought content was considered more important than the adherence to a literary device that merely served as a memory aid. The reversal of the same two characters is also found in songs 3 and 4 of Lamentations.—Lamentations 3:46, 49; 4:16, 17.

Front 404

Lamentations 2:1, 6—What is Jehovah's "footstool" and his "booth"?

Back 404

The psalmist sang: "Let us come into his grand tabernacle; let us bow down at his footstool." (Psalm 132:7) Hence, the "footstool" of Lamentations 2:1 refers to Jehovah's house of worship, or his temple. The Babylonians 'burned the house of Jehovah' as if it were a booth, or a mere hut, in a garden.—Jeremiah 52:12, 13.

Front 405

Lamentations 2:1—How was 'the beauty of Israel thrown down from heaven to earth'?

Back 405

Since "the heavens are higher than the earth," the abasement of exalted things is at times represented by their being "thrown down from heaven to earth." "The beauty of Israel"—the glory and power it enjoyed while Jehovah's blessing was upon it—was thrown down with the destruction of Jerusalem and the desolation of Judah.—Isaiah 55:9.

Front 406

Lamentations 1:15—How had Jehovah "trodden the very winepress belonging to the virgin daughter of Judah"?

Back 406

In destroying the city, described as a virgin, the Babylonians shed blood in such quantity that it was comparable to the squeezing of grapes in a winepress. Jehovah foretold this and allowed it to happen, so it can be said that he had 'trodden the winepress.'

Front 407

Kingdom never brought to ruin

Back 407

Dan. 2:44

Front 408

Keep proving

Back 408

2 Cor. 13:5, 6

Front 409

Keep abstaining from...

Back 409

Acts 15:29

Front 410

Judges 7:1-3; 8:10—Why did Jehovah say that Gideon's 32,000 men were too many against the enemy force of 135,000?

Back 410

This was because Jehovah was giving Gideon and his men the victory. God did not want them to think that they defeated the Midianites in their own strength.

Front 411

Judges 5:20—How did the stars fight from the heavens in behalf of Barak?

Back 411

The Bible does not say whether this involved angelic assistance, meteorite showers that were interpreted ominously by Sisera's wise men, or perhaps astrological predictions for Sisera that proved false. Undoubtedly, however, there was some type of divine intervention.

Front 412

Judges 4:8—Why did Barak insist that the prophetess Deborah go with him to the battlefield?

Back 412

Evidently, Barak felt inadequate to go up against Sisera's army by himself. Having the prophetess with him would reassure him and his men that they had God's guidance and would give them confidence. Barak's insistence that Deborah accompany him, then, was not a sign of weakness but of strong faith.

Front 413

Judges 20:17-48—Why did Jehovah let the Benjamites defeat the other tribes twice, even though the former needed to be punished?

Back 413

By allowing the faithful tribes to suffer great losses at first, Jehovah tested their determination to root out evil from Israel.

Front 414

Judges 17:6; 21:25—If 'each one was accustomed to do what was right in his own eyes,' did this foster anarchy?

Back 414

Not necessarily, for Jehovah made ample provisions to guide his people. He gave them the Law and the priesthood to educate them in his way. By means of the Urim and the Thummim, the high priest could consult God on important matters. (Exodus 28:30) Every city also had older men capable of providing sound counsel. When an Israelite availed himself of these provisions, he had a sound guide for his conscience. His doing "what was right in his own eyes" in this way resulted in good. On the other hand, if a person ignored the Law and made his own decisions about conduct and worship, the result was bad.

Front 415

Judges 11:30, 31—When making his vow, did Jephthah have a human sacrifice in mind?

Back 415

Such a thought would be far from Jephthah's mind, for the Law stipulated: "There should not be found in you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire." (Deuteronomy 18:10) However, Jephthah did have in mind a person and not an animal. Animals suitable for sacrifice were not likely kept in Israelite homes. And the offering of an animal would be nothing outstanding. Jephthah was aware that the one coming out of his house to meet him might well be his daughter. This one was to be offered up "as a burnt offering" in that the person would be devoted to Jehovah's exclusive service in connection with the sanctuary.

Front 416

Judges 1:6, 7—Why were the thumbs and the big toes of defeated kings cut off?

Back 416

A person who lost his thumbs and big toes apparently was incapacitated for military action. Without the thumbs, how could a soldier handle a sword or a spear? And the loss of the big toes would result in inability to maintain one's balance properly.

Front 417

Judges 1:2, 4—Why is Judah designated to be the first tribe to take possession of the land allotted to it?

Back 417

Normally, this privilege would go to the tribe of Reuben, Jacob's firstborn. But in his deathbed prophecy, Jacob foretold that Reuben was not to excel, having forfeited his right as the firstborn. Simeon and Levi, who had acted with cruelty, were to be scattered in Israel. (Genesis 49:3-5, 7) Hence, the next in line was Judah, the fourth son of Jacob. Simeon, who went up with Judah, received small areas of land scattered throughout the large territory of Judah.—Joshua 19:9.

Front 418

Jude 6

Back 418

And the angels that did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place he has reserved with eternal bonds under dense darkness for the judgment of the great day.

Front 419

Jude 6

Back 419

And the angels that did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place...

Front 420

Joshua 5:14, 15—Who is "the prince of the army of Jehovah"?

Back 420

The prince who comes to strengthen Joshua as the conquest of the Promised Land begins is likely none other than "the Word"—Jesus Christ in his prehuman existence. (John 1:1; Daniel 10:13) How strengthening it is to have the assurance that the glorified Jesus Christ is with God's people today as they engage in spiritual warfare!

Front 421

Joshua 24:2—Was Abraham's father, Terah, a worshiper of idols?

Back 421

Initially, Terah was not a worshiper of Jehovah God. He likely worshiped the moon-god named Sin—a popular deity in Ur. According to Jewish tradition, Terah might even have been a maker of idols. However, when Abraham leaves Ur at God's command, Terah goes with him to Haran.—Genesis 11:31.

Front 422

Joshua 2:4, 5—Why does Rahab mislead the king's men who are searching for the spies?

Back 422

Rahab protects the spies at the risk of her life because she has come to have faith in Jehovah. Therefore, she is under no obligation to divulge the spies' whereabouts to men who are seeking to harm God's people. (Matthew 7:6; 21:23-27; John 7:3-10) In fact, Rahab was "declared righteous by works," including the act of misdirecting the emissaries of the king.—James 2:24-26.

Front 423

Joshua 13:1—Does this not contradict what is stated at Joshua 11:23?

Back 423

No, for the conquest of the Promised Land consisted of two aspects: the national warfare that defeated 31 kings of the land of Canaan, which broke the power of the Canaanites, and the taking of full possession of the land by tribal and individual actions. (Joshua 17:14-18; 18:3) Though the sons of Israel failed to drive the Canaanites away from among them completely, the survivors were no real threat to Israel's security. (Joshua 16:10; 17:12) Joshua 21:44 states: "Jehovah gave them rest all around."

Front 424

Joshua 10:13—What is the book of Jashar?

Back 424

The book is mentioned again at 2 Samuel 1:18 with reference to a poem called "The Bow"—a song of grief about King Saul of Israel and his son Jonathan. The book was probably a collection of songs and poems on epical or historical subjects and was likely well-known among the Hebrews.

Front 425

Joshua 10:13—How is such a phenomenon possible?

Back 425

"Is anything too extraordinary for Jehovah," the Creator of the heavens and the earth? (Genesis 18:14) If he chooses to, Jehovah can manipulate the movement of the earth so that the sun and the moon would seem motionless to an earthly observer. Or he can let the movement of the earth and the moon remain undisturbed while refracting the rays from the sun and the moon in such a way that the light from these two luminaries continues to shine. Whatever the case, "no day has proved to be like that one" in human history.—Joshua 10:14.

Front 426

John 8:44

Back 426

YOU are from YOUR father the Devil, and YOU wish to do the desires of YOUR father. That one was a manslayer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of [the lie].

Front 427

John 8:28

Back 427

Therefore Jesus said: "When once YOU have lifted up the Son of man, then YOU will know that I am [he], and that I do nothing of my own initiative; but just as the Father taught me I speak these things.

Front 428

John 6:63

Back 428

It is the spirit that is life-giving; the flesh is of no use at all. The sayings that I have spoken to YOU are spirit and are life.

Front 429

John 6:15

Back 429

Therefore Jesus, knowing they were about to come and seize him to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain all alone.

Front 430

John 5:30

Back 430

I cannot do a single thing of my own initiative; just as I hear, I judge; and the judgment that I render is righteous, because I seek, not my own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Front 431

John 5:28, 29

Back 431

Do not marvel at this, because 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, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.

Front 432

John 5:28, 29

Back 432

Do not marvel at this, because 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, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment

Front 433

John 5:28, 29

Back 433

"All those in the memorial tombs will . . . come out.

Front 434

John 5:28-29

Back 434

Do not marvel at this, because 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, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.

Front 435

John 4:5-30

Back 435

Accordingly he came to a city of Sa•mar′i•a called Sy′char near the field that Jacob gave to Joseph his son. 6 In fact, Jacob's fountain was there. Now Jesus, tired out from the journey, was sitting at the fountain just as he was. The hour was about the sixth. 7 A woman of Sa•mar′i•a came to draw water. Jesus said to her: "Give me a drink." 8 (For his disciples had gone off into the city to buy foodstuffs.) 9 Therefore the Sa•mar′i•tan woman said to him: "How is it that you, despite being a Jew, ask me for a drink, when I am a Sa•mar′i•tan woman?" (For Jews have no dealings with Sa•mar′i•tans.) 10 In answer Jesus said to her: "If you had known the free gift of God and who it is that says to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." 11 She said to him: "Sir, you have not even a bucket for drawing water, and the well is deep. From what source, therefore, do you have this living water? 12 You are not greater than our forefather Jacob, who gave us the well and who himself together with his sons and his cattle drank out of it, are you?" 13 In answer Jesus said to her: "Everyone drinking from this water will get thirsty again. 14 Whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty at all, but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water bubbling up to impart everlasting life." 15 The woman said to him: "Sir, give me this water, so that I may neither thirst nor keep coming over to this place to draw water." 16 He said to her: "Go, call your husband and come to this place." 17 In answer the woman said: "I do not have a husband." Jesus said to her: "You said well, 'A husband I do not have.' 18 For you have had five husbands, and the [man] you now have is not your husband. This you have said truthfully." 19 The woman said to him: "Sir, I perceive you are a prophet. 20 Our forefathers worshiped in this mountain; but YOU people say that in Jerusalem is the place where persons ought to worship." 21 Jesus said to her: "Believe me, woman, The hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will YOU people worship the Father. 22 YOU worship what YOU do not know; we worship what we know, because salvation originates with the Jews. 23 Nevertheless, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for, indeed, the Father is looking for suchlike ones to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth." 25 The woman said to him: "I know that Mes•si′ah is coming, who is called Christ. Whenever that one arrives, he will declare all things to us openly." 26 Jesus said to her: "I who am speaking to you am he." 27 Now at this point his disciples arrived, and they began to wonder because he was speaking with a woman. Of course, no one said: "What are you looking for?" or, "Why do you talk with her?" 28 The woman, therefore, left her water jar and went off into the city and told the men: 29 "Come here, see a man that told me all the things I did. This is not perhaps the Christ, is it?" 30 They went out of the city and began coming to him.

Front 436

John 4:24

Back 436

God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.”

Front 437

John 4:24

Back 437

God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.

Front 438

John 4:24

Back 438

God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth."

Front 439

John 3:23

Back 439

But John also was baptizing in Ae′non near Sa′lim, because there was a great quantity of water there, and people kept coming and being baptized;

Front 440

John 3:23

Back 440

But John also was baptizing in Ae′non near Sa′lim, because there was a great quantity of water there, and people kept coming and being baptized;

Front 441

John 3:16

Back 441

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life

Front 442

John 3:16

Back 442

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.

Front 443

John 3:13

Back 443

Moreover, no man has ascended into heaven but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man.

Front 444

John 18:36

Back 444

Jesus answered: "My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source."

Front 445

John 18:36

Back 445

Jesus answered: "My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source."

Front 446

John 17:3

Back 446

This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.

Front 447

John 17:3

Back 447

This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.

Front 448

John 17:3

Back 448

This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.

Front 449

John 17:3

Back 449

This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.

Front 450

John 17:26

Back 450

And I have made your name known to them and will make it known, in order that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them."

Front 451

John 17:20, 21

Back 451

"I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word; 21 in order that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, in order that the world may believe that you sent me forth.

Front 452

John 17:16

Back 452

They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.

Front 453

John 16:33

Back 453

I have said these things to YOU that by means of me YOU may have peace. In the world YOU are having tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world."

Front 454

John 15:18-19

Back 454

If the world hates YOU, YOU know that it has hated me before it hated YOU. 19 If YOU were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because YOU are no part of the world, but I have chosen YOU out of the world, on this account the world hates YOU.

Front 455

John 15:17-25

Back 455

"These things I command YOU, that YOU love one another. 18 If the world hates YOU, YOU know that it has hated me before it hated YOU. 19 If YOU were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because YOU are no part of the world, but I have chosen YOU out of the world, on this account the world hates YOU. 20 Bear in mind the word I said to YOU, A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute YOU also; if they have observed my word, they will observe YOURS also. 21 But they will do all these things against YOU on account of my name, because they do not know him that sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He that hates me hates also my Father. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have both seen and hated me as well as my Father. 25 But it is that the word written in their Law may be fulfilled, 'They hated me without cause.'

Front 456

John 14:6

Back 456

Jesus said to him: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Front 457

John 14:6

Back 457

Jesus said to him: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me

Front 458

John 14:6

Back 458

Jesus said to him: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Front 459

John 14:28

Back 459

YOU heard that I said to YOU, I am going away and I am coming [back] to YOU. If YOU loved me, YOU would rejoice that I am going my way to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am.

Front 460

John 14:28

Back 460

YOU heard that I said to YOU, I am going away and I am coming [back] to YOU. If YOU loved me, YOU would rejoice that I am going my way to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am.

Front 461

John 13:35

Back 461

By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves."

Front 462

John 13:35

Back 462

By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves."

Front 463

John 13:34, 35

Back 463

I am giving YOU a new commandment, that YOU love one another; just as I have loved YOU, that YOU also love one another. By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves

Front 464

John 12:31

Back 464

Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.

Front 465

John 11:23-26

Back 465

Jesus said to her: “Your brother will rise.” 24 Martha said to him: “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life; 26 and everyone that is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all. Do you believe this?”

Front 466

John 11:11-14

Back 466

He said these things, and after this he said to them: “Laz′a‧rus our friend has gone to rest, but I am journeying there to awaken him from sleep.” 12 Therefore the disciples said to him: “Lord, if he has gone to rest, he will get well.” 13 Jesus had spoken, however, about his death. But they imagined he was speaking about taking rest in sleep. 14 At that time, therefore, Jesus said to them outspokenly: “Laz′a‧rus has died,

Front 467

John 10:30

Back 467

I and the Father are one."

Front 468

John 10:16

Back 468

"And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd.

Front 469

John 1:18

Back 469

No man has seen God at any time; the only-begotten god who is in the bosom [position] with the Father is the one that has explained him.

Front 470

John 1:18

Back 470

No man has seen God at any time; the only-begotten god who is in the bosom [position] with the Father is the one that has explained him.

Front 471

John 1:18

Back 471

No man has seen God at any time; the only-begotten god who is in the bosom [position] with the Father is the one that has explained him.

Front 472

John 1:1

Back 472

In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.

Front 473

Job 7:9, 10; 10:21; 16:22—Do these statements indicate that Job did not believe in the resurrection?

Back 473

These are comments about Job's immediate future. What, then, did he mean? One possibility is that if he should die, none of his contemporaries would see him. From their standpoint, he would neither return to his house nor get further acknowledgment until God's appointed time. Job might also have meant that no one can come back from Sheol on his own. That Job hoped in a future resurrection is clear from Job 14:13-15.

Front 474

Job 7:1; 14:14—What is meant by "compulsory labor" or "compulsory service"?

Back 474

Job's distress was so severe that he thought of life as hard, arduous compulsory labor. (Job 10:17, footnote) Since the time one spends in Sheol—from the time of one's death to the resurrection—is an enforced period, Job likened that time to compulsory service.

Front 475

Job 34:7—How was Job like a man "who drinks up derision like water"?

Back 475

In his distressed state, Job was inclined to take the ridicule of his three visitors as directed toward him, although they were really speaking against God. (Job 42:7) Thus, he was taking in derision like someone who drinks water with enjoyment.

Front 476

Job 34:10-12

Back 476

Therefore, YOU men of heart, listen to me.
Far be it from the [true] God to act wickedly,
And the Almighty to act unjustly! For [according to] the way earthling man acts he will reward him, And according to the path of man he will cause it to come upon him. Yes, for a fact, God himself does not act wickedly, And the Almighty himself does not pervert judgment.

Front 477

Job 33:25

Back 477

Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor.'

Front 478

Job 32:1-3—When did Elihu arrive?

Back 478

Since Elihu heard all the speeches, he must have taken a seat within hearing distance sometime before Job spoke and ended the seven-day silence of his three companions.—Job 3:1, 2.

Front 479

Job 26:7

Back 479

He is stretching out the north over the empty place,
Hanging the earth upon nothing

Front 480

Job 26:7

Back 480

He is stretching out the north over the empty place, Hanging the earth upon nothing;

Front 481

Job 2:9—What frame of mind might Job's wife have been in when she told her husband to curse God and die?

Back 481

Job's wife had suffered the same losses as her husband. It must have pained her to see her once active husband brought low by a loathsome disease. She had lost her beloved children. She may have been so distraught because of all of this that she lost sight of what was truly important—their relationship with God.

Front 482

Job 19:20—What did Job mean by the expression "I escape with the skin of my teeth"?

Back 482

By saying that he escaped with the skin of something that apparently has no skin, Job might have been saying that he escaped with practically nothing.

Front 483

Job 11:20

Back 483

And the very eyes of the wicked will fail; And a place for flight will certainly perish from them, And their hope will be an expiring of the soul.”

Front 484

Job 10:10—How did Jehovah 'pour Job out as milk and curdle him like cheese'?

Back 484

This is a poetic description of how Job was formed in his mother's womb.

Front 485

Job 1:7; 2:2—Did Jehovah speak to Satan directly?

Back 485

The Bible does not give much detail about how Jehovah communicates with spirit creatures. However, the prophet Micaiah had a vision in which he saw an angel communicate directly with Jehovah. (1 Kings 22:14, 19-23) It would seem, then, that Jehovah talked to Satan without an intermediary.

Front 486

Job 1:6; 2:1—Who were allowed to enter before Jehovah?

Back 486

Among those who took their stand before Jehovah were God's only-begotten Son, the Word; the faithful angels; and disobedient angelic 'sons of God,' including Satan the Devil. (John 1:1, 18) Satan and his demons were not ousted from heaven until shortly after the establishment of God's Kingdom in 1914. (Revelation 12:1-12) By permitting them to enter before him, Jehovah brought before all spirit creatures Satan's challenge and the issues it raised.

Front 487

Job 1:6

Back 487

Now it came to be the day when the sons of the [true] God entered to take their station before Jehovah, and even Satan proceeded to enter right among them.

Front 488

Job 1:4—Did Job's children observe birthdays?

Back 488

No, they did not. The original-language words for "day" and "birthday" are different, each having its own meaning. (Genesis 40:20) At Job 1:4, the word "day" is used, denoting an interval of time from sunrise to sunset. The seven sons of Job apparently held a seven-day family gathering once a year. As they made the circuit, each son was the host of the banquet held at his house on "his own day."

Front 489

Job 1:21—In what way could Job return to his "mother's belly"?

Back 489

Since Jehovah God formed man "out of dust from the ground," the term "mother" is here used figuratively to refer to the earth.—Genesis 2:7.

Front 490

Jesus' love for people

Back 490

Pro. 8:22-31

Front 491

Jesus' Kingdom not of this world

Back 491

John 18:36

Front 492

Jesus the "image" of God

Back 492

2 Cor. 4:4

Front 493

Jesus rejected in home town

Back 493

Mark 6:4-6

Front 494

Jesus not equal to God

Back 494

Phil. 2:5, 6

Front 495

Jeremiah 9:24

Back 495

"But let the one bragging about himself brag about himself because of this very thing, the having of insight and the having of knowledge of me, that I am Jehovah, the One exercising loving-kindness, justice and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I do take delight," is the utterance of Jehovah.

Front 496

Jeremiah 46:22—Why is the voice of Egypt likened to that of a serpent?

Back 496

This may refer either to a hissing retreat or to the lowness of her national voice because of experiencing disaster. The analogy also shows how futile it was for Egyptian Pharaohs to wear a representation of the sacred snake on their headdress for supposed protection by the serpent-goddess Uatchit.

Front 497

Jeremiah 4:3, 4—What is the meaning of this command?

Back 497

Unfaithful Jews needed to prepare, soften, and cleanse the soil of their hearts. They had to remove "the foreskins" of their hearts, that is, get rid of unclean thoughts, feelings, and motives. (Jeremiah 9:25, 26; Acts 7:51) This called for a change in lifestyle—from carrying on what was bad to doing what brought God's blessing.

Front 498

Jeremiah 4:10; 15:18—In what sense did Jehovah deceive his renegade people?

Back 498

In Jeremiah's day, there were prophets 'prophesying in falsehood.' (Jeremiah 5:31; 20:6; 23:16, 17, 25-28, 32) Jehovah did not prevent them from proclaiming misleading messages.

Front 499

Jeremiah 33:23, 24—What are "the two families" spoken of here?

Back 499

One is the royal family through the line of King David, and the other, the priestly family of the descendants of Aaron. With the destruction of Jerusalem and Jehovah's temple, it appeared that Jehovah had rejected these two families and would no longer have a kingdom over the earth or have his worship revived.

Front 500

Jeremiah 32:10-15—What was the purpose of making two deeds of the same transaction?

Back 500

The deed left open was for consultation. The sealed deed served as a backup to verify the accuracy of the open one if needed. By following reasonable legal procedures even when dealing with a relative and fellow believer, Jeremiah set an example for us.

Front 501

Jeremiah 31:33—How is God's law written in hearts?

Back 501

When a person loves God's law so much that he has a fervent desire to do Jehovah's will, it can be said that God's law is written in his heart.

Front 502

Jeremiah 3:11-22; 11:10-12, 17—Why did Jeremiah include the northern ten-tribe kingdom in his pronouncements, even though Samaria had fallen in 740 B.C.E.?

Back 502

This was because the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. was an expression of Jehovah's judgment on the entire nation of Israel, not on Judah alone. (Ezekiel 9:9, 10) Moreover, after its fall, the interests of the ten-tribe kingdom continued to be represented in Jerusalem, since the messages of God's prophets continued to include the Israelites.

Front 503

Jeremiah 23:33—What is "the burden of Jehovah"?

Back 503

In Jeremiah's day, the weighty pronouncements uttered by the prophet regarding Jerusalem's destruction were a burden to his fellow countrymen. In turn, the unresponsive people were such a burden to Jehovah that he would cast them off. Similarly, the Scriptural message regarding the coming destruction of Christendom is a burden to Christendom, and the people who give no heed are wearisome to God.

Front 504

Jeremiah 22:30—Did this decree annul Jesus Christ's right to ascend the throne of David? (Matthew 1:1, 11)

Back 504

No, it did not. The decree barred any descendant of Jehoiachin from "sitting upon the throne of David . . . in Judah." Jesus was to rule from the heavens, not from a throne in Judah.

Front 505

Jeremiah 20:7—In what way did Jehovah 'use his strength' against Jeremiah and fool him?

Back 505

Because of facing indifference, rejection, and persecution when declaring Jehovah's judgments, Jeremiah might have felt that he did not have the strength to continue. However, Jehovah used his strength against such inclinations, empowering Jeremiah to continue. Jehovah thus fooled Jeremiah by using him to accomplish what the prophet himself thought he could not do.

Front 506

Jeremiah 2:10, 11—What made the deeds of the unfaithful Israelites so unusual?

Back 506

While pagan nations westward to Kittim and eastward to Kedar might bring in deities of other nations to add to their own, the idea of totally replacing their gods with foreign ones was unheard of. However, the Israelites abandoned Jehovah, exchanging the glory of the living God for lifeless idols.

Front 507

Jeremiah 16:16—What is implied by Jehovah's "sending for many fishers" and "for many hunters"?

Back 507

This may refer to the sending forth of enemy forces to look for unfaithful Jews upon whom Jehovah would execute his judgment. In view of what Jeremiah 16:15 states, however, the verse could also allude to the searching out of the repentant Israelites.

Front 508

Jeremiah 10:3-5

Back 508

For the customs of the peoples are just an exhalation, because it is a mere tree out of the forest that one has cut down, the work of the hands of the craftsman with the billhook. 4 With silver and with gold one makes it pretty. With nails and with hammers they fasten them down, that none may reel. 5 They are like a scarecrow of a cucumber field, and cannot speak. Without fail they are carried, for they cannot take any steps. Do not be afraid because of them, for they can do nothing calamitous and, what is more, the doing of any good is not with them.”

Front 509

Jeremiah 10:23

Back 509

I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.

Front 510

Jeremiah 1:11, 12—Why is Jehovah's keeping awake concerning his word associated with "an offshoot of an almond tree"?

Back 510

The almond tree is "one of the first trees to bloom in the spring." (Verse 11, footnote) Jehovah figuratively kept "getting up early and sending [his prophets]" to warn his people about his judgments and was "keeping awake" until their fulfillment.—Jeremiah 7:25.

Front 511

James 5:19-20

Back 511

My brothers, if anyone among YOU is misled from the truth and another turns him back, 20 know that he who turns a sinner back from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Front 512

James 5:14-15

Back 512

Is there anyone sick among YOU? Let him call the older men of the congregation to [him], and let them pray over him, greasing [him] with oil in the name of Jehovah. 15 And the prayer of faith will make the indisposed one well, and Jehovah will raise him up. Also, if he has committed sins, it will be forgiven him.

Front 513

James 5:12

Back 513

Above all things, though, my brothers, stop swearing, yes, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath. But let YOUR Yes mean Yes, and YOUR No, No, so that YOU do not fall under judgment.

Front 514

James 4:8

Back 514

Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you

Front 515

James 4:7-8

Back 515

Subject yourselves, therefore, to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from YOU. 8 Draw close to God, and he will draw close to YOU. Cleanse YOUR hands, YOU sinners, and purify YOUR hearts, YOU indecisive ones.

Front 516

James 4:7

Back 516

Subject yourselves, therefore, to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.

Front 517

James 4:4

Back 517

Adulteresses, do YOU not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God.

Front 518

James 4:17

Back 518

Therefore, if one knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him.

Front 519

James 3:2

Back 519

For we all stumble many times. If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect man, able to bridle also [his] whole body.

Front 520

James 3:17

Back 520

But the wisdom from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, not making partial distinctions, not hypocritical.

Front 521

James 2:26

Back 521

Indeed, as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Front 522

James 2:23

Back 522

and the scripture was fulfilled which says: "Abraham put faith in Jehovah, and it was counted to him as righteousness," and he came to be called "Jehovah's friend."

Front 523

James 2:19

Back 523

You believe there is one God, do you? You are doing quite well. And yet the demons believe and shudder.

Front 524

James 2:17-18

Back 524

Thus, too, faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself. 18 Nevertheless, a certain one will say: "You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith apart from the works, and I shall show you my faith by my works."

Front 525

James 1:5

Back 525

So, if any one of YOU is lacking in wisdom, let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching; and it will be given him.

Front 526

James 1:25-27

Back 526

But he who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and who persists in [it], this [man], because he has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, will be happy in his doing [it]. 26 If any man seems to himself to be a formal worshiper and yet does not bridle his tongue, but goes on deceiving his own heart, this man's form of worship is futile. 27 The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.

Front 527

James 1:2-3

Back 527

Consider it all joy, my brothers, when YOU meet with various trials, 3 knowing as YOU do that this tested quality of YOUR faith works out endurance.

Front 528

James 1:19

Back 528

Know this, my beloved brothers. Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath;

Front 529

James 1:17

Back 529

Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, for it comes down from the Father of the [celestial] lights, and with him there is not a variation of the turning of the shadow.

Front 530

James 1:14, 15

Back 530

But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death

Front 531

James 1:13-15

Back 531

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. 14 But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death.

Front 532

James 1:13-15

Back 532

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. 14 But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death.

Front 533

James 1:13

Back 533

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

Front 534

James 1:13

Back 534

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.

Front 535

Isaiah 9:6-7

Back 535

For there has been a child born to us, there has been a son given to us; and the princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 To the abundance of the princely rule and to peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom in order to establish it firmly and to sustain it by means of justice and by means of righteousness, from now on and to time indefinite. The very zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this.

Front 536

Isaiah 9:6-7

Back 536

For there has been a child born to us, there has been a son given to us; and the princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 To the abundance of the princely rule and to peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom in order to establish it firmly and to sustain it by means of justice and by means of righteousness, from now on and to time indefinite. The very zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this.

Front 537

Isaiah 8:19

Back 537

And in case they should say to YOU people: “Apply to the spiritistic mediums or to those having a spirit of prediction who are chirping and making utterances in low tones,” is it not to its God that any people should apply? [Should there be application] to dead persons in behalf of living persons?

Front 538

Isaiah 7:8—How was Ephraim "shattered to pieces" within 65 years?

Back 538

The deportation of the people from the ten-tribe kingdom and the repopulation of the land with foreigners began "in the days of Pekah the king of Israel," shortly after Isaiah uttered this prophecy. (2 Kings 15:29) It continued long thereafter into the days of the Assyrian King Esar-haddon, a son and successor of Sennacherib. (2 Kings 17:6; Ezra 4:1, 2; Isaiah 37:37, 38) This ongoing Assyrian transplantation of people to and from Samaria allows for the period of 65 years mentioned at Isaiah 7:8.

Front 539

Isaiah 7:3, 4—Why did Jehovah extend salvation to wicked King Ahaz?

Back 539

The kings of Syria and Israel planned to dethrone King Ahaz of Judah and install in his place a puppet ruler, the son of Tabeel—a man who was not a descendant of David. This diabolical scheme would have the effect of interrupting the operation of the Kingdom covenant with David. Jehovah extended salvation to Ahaz in order to preserve the line through which the promised "Prince of Peace" would come.—Isaiah 9:6.

Front 540

Isaiah 65:21-25

Back 540

And they will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat [their] fruitage. 22 They will not build and someone else have occupancy; they will not plant and someone else do the eating. For like the days of a tree will the days of my people be; and the work of their own hands my chosen ones will use to the full. 23 They will not toil for nothing, nor will they bring to birth for disturbance; because they are the offspring made up of the blessed ones of Jehovah, and their descendants with them. 24 And it will actually occur that before they call out I myself shall answer; while they are yet speaking, I myself shall hear. 25 "The wolf and the lamb themselves will feed as one, and the lion will eat straw just like the bull; and as for the serpent, his food will be dust. They will do no harm nor cause any ruin in all my holy mountain," Jehovah has said.

Front 541

Isaiah 65:21

Back 541

And they will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat [their] fruitage.

Front 542

Isaiah 65:17

Back 542

"For here I am creating new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart.

Front 543

Isaiah 63:5—How does God's rage support him?

Back 543

God's rage is a controlled emotion—his righteous indignation. His rage supports and motivates him to execute his righteous judgments.

Front 544

Isaiah 61:8, 9—What is the "indefinitely lasting covenant," and who are the "offspring"?

Back 544

This is the new covenant that Jehovah has concluded with anointed Christians. The "offspring" are the "other sheep"—the millions who respond to their message.—John 10:16.

Front 545

Isaiah 6:8a—Why are the pronouns "I" and "us" used here?

Back 545

The pronoun "I" stands for Jehovah God. The plural pronoun "us" indicates that there is another person with Jehovah. This, of course, is his "only-begotten Son."—John 1:14; 3:16.

Front 546

Isaiah 6:3

Back 546

And this one called to that one and said: "Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of armies. The fullness of all the earth is his glory.

Front 547

Isaiah 6:11—What did Isaiah mean when he asked: "How long, O Jehovah?"

Back 547

Isaiah was not asking how long he would have to deliver Jehovah's message to unresponsive people. Rather, he wanted to know how long the spiritually sick condition of the people would continue to bring dishonor to God's name.

Front 548

Isaiah 6:10

Back 548

Make the heart of this people unreceptive, and make their very ears unresponsive, and paste their very eyes together, that they may not see with their eyes and with their ears they may not hear, and that their own heart may not understand and that they may not actually turn back and get healing for themselves.”

Front 549

Isaiah 56:6—Who are "the foreigners," and in what ways are they "laying hold of [Jehovah's] covenant"?

Back 549

"The foreigners" are Jesus' "other sheep." (John 10:16) They lay hold of the new covenant in that they obey the laws related to that covenant, cooperate fully with the arrangements made through it, partake of the same spiritual food as anointed Christians do, and support them in the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work.

Front 550

Isaiah 55:8-9

Back 550

"For the thoughts of YOU people are not my thoughts, nor are my ways YOUR ways," is the utterance of Jehovah. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than YOUR ways, and my thoughts than YOUR thoughts.

Front 551

Isaiah 55:11

Back 551

so my word that goes forth from my mouth will prove to be. It will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted, and it will have certain success in that for which I have sent it.

Front 552

Isaiah 55:11

Back 552

So my word that goes forth from my mouth will prove to be. It will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted, and it will have certain success in that for which I have sent it

Front 553

Isaiah 55:10-11

Back 553

For just as the pouring rain descends, and the snow, from the heavens and does not return to that place, unless it actually saturates the earth and makes it produce and sprout, and seed is actually given to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so my word that goes forth from my mouth will prove to be. It will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted, and it will have certain success in that for which I have sent it.

Front 554

Isaiah 53:12

Back 554

For that reason I shall deal him a portion among the many, and it will be with the mighty ones that he will apportion the spoil, due to the fact that he poured out his soul to the very death, and it was with the transgressors that he was counted in; and he himself carried the very sin of many people, and for the transgressors he proceeded to interpose.

Front 555

Isaiah 53:11—What is the knowledge by means of which the Messiah "will bring a righteous standing to many people"?

Back 555

This is the knowledge that Jesus acquired by coming to earth, becoming a man, and suffering unjustly as far as death. (Hebrews 4:15) He thus provided a ransom sacrifice, which was needed to help anointed Christians and the great crowd to acquire a righteous standing before God.—Romans 5:19; James 2:23, 25.

Front 556

Isaiah 53:10—In what sense did Jehovah take delight in crushing his Son?

Back 556

It must have pained Jehovah, the compassionate and empathetic God, to see his beloved Son suffer. Even so, He took delight in Jesus' willing obedience and all that his suffering and death would accomplish.—Proverbs 27:11; Isaiah 63:9.

Front 557

Isaiah 50:4

Back 557

The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself has given me the tongue of the taught ones, that I may know how to answer the tired one with a word. He awakens morning by morning; he awakens my ear to hear like the taught ones.

Front 558

Isaiah 49:6—How is the Messiah "a light of the nations," even though his earthly ministry was limited to the sons of Israel?

Back 558

This is so because of what happened after Jesus' death. The Bible applies Isaiah 49:6 to his disciples. (Acts 13:46, 47) Today, anointed Christians, aided by a great crowd of worshippers, serve as "a light of the nations," enlightening peoples "to the extremity of the earth."—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.

Front 559

Isaiah 48:17, 18

Back 559

17 This is what Jehovah has said, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: "I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit [yourself], the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk. 18 O if only you would actually pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea

Front 560

Isaiah 46:10-11

Back 560

the One telling from the beginning the finale, and from long ago the things that have not been done; the One saying, ‘My own counsel will stand, and everything that is my delight I shall do’; 11 the One calling from the sunrising a bird of prey, from a distant land the man to execute my counsel. I have even spoken [it]; I shall also bring it in. I have formed [it], I shall also do it.

Front 561

Isaiah 45:18

Back 561

For this is what Jehovah has said, the Creator of the heavens, He the [true] God, the Former of the earth and the Maker of it, He the One who firmly established it, who did not create it simply for nothing, who formed it even to be inhabited: “I am Jehovah, and there is no one else.

Front 562

Isaiah 45:18

Back 562

For this is what Jehovah has said, the Creator of the heavens, He the [true] God, the Former of the earth and the Maker of it, He the One who firmly established it, who did not create it simply for nothing, who formed it even to be inhabited: "I am Jehovah, and there is no one else.

Front 563

Isaiah 45:18

Back 563

For this is what Jehovah has said, the Creator of the heavens, He the [true] God, the Former of the earth and the Maker of it, He the One who firmly established it, who did not create it simply for nothing, who formed it even to be inhabited: "I am Jehovah, and there is no one else.

Front 564

Isaiah 45:1-4

Back 564

This is what Jehovah has said to his anointed one, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have taken hold of, to subdue before him nations, so that I may ungird even the hips of kings; to open before him the two-leaved doors, so that even the gates will not be shut: 2 “Before you I myself shall go, and the swells of land I shall straighten out. The copper doors I shall break in pieces, and the iron bars I shall cut down. 3 And I will give you the treasures in the darkness and the hidden treasures in the concealment places, in order that you may know that I am Jehovah, the One calling [you] by your name, the God of Israel. 4 For the sake of my servant Jacob and of Israel my chosen one, I even proceeded to call you by your name; I proceeded to give you a name of honor, although you did not know me.

Front 565

Isaiah 45:1

Back 565

This is what Jehovah has said to his anointed one, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have taken hold of, to subdue before him nations, so that I may ungird even the hips of kings; to open before him the two-leaved doors, so that even the gates will not be shut:

Front 566

Isaiah 43:18-21—Why were the returning exiles told 'not to remember the former things'?

Back 566

This was not in the sense that they should forget Jehovah's past deeds of deliverance. Rather, Jehovah wanted them to praise him on the basis of "something new" that they would experience themselves, such as their safe journey to Jerusalem, perhaps by a more direct desert route. "A great crowd" who come out of "the great tribulation" will also have new and personal reasons to glorify Jehovah.—Revelation 7:9, 14.

Front 567

Isaiah 43:10-12

Back 567

"YOU are my witnesses," is the utterance of Jehovah, "even my servant whom I have chosen, in order that YOU may know and have faith in me, and that YOU may understand that I am the same One. Before me there was no God formed, and after me there continued to be none. 11 I—I am Jehovah, and besides me there is no savior." 12 "I myself have told forth and have saved and have caused [it] to be heard, when there was among YOU no strange [god]. So YOU are my witnesses," is the utterance of Jehovah, "and I am God.

Front 568

Isaiah 40:27, 28—Why did Israel say: "My way has been concealed from Jehovah, and justice to me eludes my God"?

Back 568

Some Jews in Babylon may have felt that the injustices they were suffering were concealed from Jehovah or unseen by him. They were reminded that Babylon was not beyond the reach of the Creator of the earth, who does not tire out or grow weary.

Front 569

Isaiah 40:22

Back 569

There is One who is dwelling above the circle of the earth, the dwellers in which are as grasshoppers, the One who is stretching out the heavens just as a fine gauze, who spreads them out like a tent in which to dwell,

Front 570

Isaiah 40:22

Back 570

There is One who is dwelling above the circle of the earth, the dwellers in which are as grasshoppers, the One who is stretching out the heavens just as a fine gauze, who spreads them out like a tent in which to dwell,

Front 571

Isaiah 38:8—What were "the steps" on which the shadow was made to recede?

Back 571

Since sundials were in use both in Egypt and in Babylon by the eighth century B.C.E., these steps could refer to the degrees of a sundial that Hezekiah's father, Ahaz, might have acquired. Or there might have been a staircase inside the palace. A column alongside the stairs perhaps gradually cast a shadow on the steps, which could serve to measure time.

Front 572

Isaiah 38:18

Back 572

For it is not She′ol that can laud you; death itself cannot praise you. Those going down into the pit cannot look hopefully to your trueness.

Front 573

Isaiah 35:6

Back 573

"The lame one will climb up just as a stag does."

Front 574

Isaiah 35:5-7

Back 574

5 At that time the eyes of the blind ones will be opened, and the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped. 6 At that time the lame one will climb up just as a stag does, and the tongue of the speechless one will cry out in gladness. For in the wilderness waters will have burst out, and torrents in the desert plain. 7 And the heat-parched ground will have become as a reedy pool, and the thirsty ground as springs of water. In the abiding place of jackals, a resting-place for [them], there will be green grass with reeds and papyrus plants.

Front 575

Isaiah 35:5-6

Back 575

At that time the eyes of the blind ones will be opened, and the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped. 6 At that time the lame one will climb up just as a stag does, and the tongue of the speechless one will cry out in gladness. For in the wilderness waters will have burst out, and torrents in the desert plain.

Front 576

Isaiah 35:5

Back 576

The eyes of the blind ones will be opened."

Front 577

Isaiah 33:24

Back 577

And no resident will say: "I am sick." The people that are dwelling in [the land] will be those pardoned for their error.

Front 578

Isaiah 33:24

Back 578

No resident will say: 'I am sick

Front 579

Isaiah 33:24

Back 579

And no resident will say: "I am sick." The people that are dwelling in [the land] will be those pardoned for their error.

Front 580

Isaiah 33:2

Back 580

O Jehovah, show us favor. In you we have hoped. Become our arm every morning, yes, our salvation in the time of distress.

Front 581

Isaiah 32:2

Back 581

And each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land.

Front 582

Isaiah 30:21

Back 582

And your own ears will hear a word behind you saying: "This is the way. Walk in it, YOU people," in case YOU people should go to the right or in case YOU should go to the left.

Front 583

Isaiah 26:10

Back 583

Though the wicked one should be shown favor, he simply will not learn righteousness. In the land of straightforwardness he will act unjustly and will not see the eminence of Jehovah.

Front 584

Isaiah 25:8

Back 584

He will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces. And the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for Jehovah himself has spoken [it].

Front 585

Isaiah 25:7—What is "the envelopment that is enveloping over all the peoples, and the woven work that is interwoven upon all the nations"?

Back 585

This comparison draws attention to two great enemies of mankind—sin and death.

Front 586

Isaiah 24:21—Who are "the army of the height" and "the kings of the ground"?

Back 586

"The army of the height" could well refer to the wicked spirit forces. "The kings of the ground," then, are the earthly rulers, over whom the demons have powerful influence.—1 John 5:19.

Front 587

Isaiah 24:13-16—How would the Jews become "in among the peoples, like the beating off of the olive tree, like the gleaning when the grape gathering has come to an end"?

Back 587

Just as some fruit is left on a tree or a vine after the harvest, only a few would survive the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah. Wherever the survivors were deported, whether to "the region of light [Babylon in the East]" or to "the islands of the [Mediterranean] sea," they would glorify Jehovah.

Front 588

Isaiah 21:1—What region is called "the wilderness of the sea"?

Back 588

Even though Babylon was nowhere near the actual sea, it is referred to this way. This is because the overflowing waters of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers flooded the region annually, creating a marshy "sea."

Front 589

Isaiah 20:2-5—Did Isaiah really walk about completely naked for three years?

Back 589

Isaiah possibly took off his outer garment only and walked about "lightly clad."—1 Samuel 19:24, footnote.

Front 590

Isaiah 14:1, 2—How did Jehovah's people become "the captors of those holding them captive" and "have in subjection those who were driving them to work"?

Back 590

This was fulfilled in the case of such individuals as Daniel, who held a high office in Babylon under the Medes and the Persians; Esther, who became a Persian queen; and Mordecai, who was appointed prime minister of the Persian Empire.

Front 591

Isaiah 13:17—In what way did the Medes consider silver as nothing and take no delight in gold?

Back 591

The Medes and the Persians regarded the glory resulting from a conquest more highly than the spoils of war. This proved true in the case of Cyrus, who gave the returning exiles the gold and silver utensils that Nebuchadnezzar had looted from Jehovah's temple.

Front 592

Isaiah 11:6-9

Back 592

And the wolf will actually reside for a while with the male lamb, and with the kid the leopard itself will lie down, and the calf and the maned young lion and the well-fed animal all together; and a mere little boy will be leader over them. 7 And the cow and the bear themselves will feed; together their young ones will lie down. And even the lion will eat straw just like the bull. 8 And the sucking child will certainly play upon the hole of the cobra; and upon the light aperture of a poisonous snake will a weaned child actually put his own hand. 9 They will not do any harm or cause any ruin in all my holy mountain; because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea.

Front 593

Isaiah 11:1, 10—How can Jesus Christ be "a twig out of the stump of Jesse" as well as "the root of Jesse"? (Romans 15:12)

Back 593

Jesus was "out of the stump of Jesse" in a fleshly way. He was a descendant of Jesse through Jesse's son David. (Matthew 1:1-6; Luke 3:23-32) However, the receiving of the kingly power affects Jesus' relationship with his ancestors. By virtue of his having been given power and authority to grant obedient mankind everlasting life on earth, Jesus becomes their "Eternal Father." (Isaiah 9:6) Hence, he is also "the root" of his ancestors, including Jesse.

Front 594

Isaiah 1:8, 9—How is the daughter of Zion to be "left remaining like a booth in a vineyard, like a lookout hut in a field of cucumbers"?

Back 594

This means that during the Assyrian invasion, Jerusalem will look extremely vulnerable, like a mere booth in a vineyard or an easily collapsible hut in a cucumber field. But Jehovah comes to her aid and thus does not allow her to become like Sodom and Gomorrah.

Front 595

Isaiah 1:4-6

Back 595

Woe to the sinful nation, the people heavy with error, an evildoing seed, ruinous sons! They have left Jehovah, they have treated the Holy One of Israel with disrespect, they have turned backwards. 5 Where else will YOU be struck still more, in that YOU add more revolt? The whole head is in a sick condition, and the whole heart is feeble. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no sound spot in it. Wounds and bruises and fresh stripes—they have not been squeezed out or bound up, nor has there been a softening with oil.

Front 596

Isaiah 1:18—What is meant by the words: "Come, now, you people, and let us set matters straight between us"?

Back 596

This is not an invitation to talk things over and reach a mutual agreement by having give-and-take discussions. Instead, the verse refers to establishing a forum of justice in which the righteous Judge, Jehovah, gives Israel an opportunity to change and cleanse herself.

Front 597

Inherit the earth

Back 597

Ps. 37:9-11

Front 598

Indistinct call

Back 598

1 Cor. 14:8, 9

Front 599

Importance of preaching work

Back 599

Ez. 33:2-6

Front 600

Imparts power

Back 600

Phil. 4:13

Front 601

I have many things yet to say

Back 601

John 16:12

Front 602

How will they call on if not heard of

Back 602

Rom. 10:13-15

Front 603

Hosea 4:6

Back 603

My people will certainly be silenced, because there is no knowledge. Because the knowledge is what you yourself have rejected, I shall also reject you from serving as a priest to me; and [because] you keep forgetting the law of your God, I shall forget your sons, even I.

Front 604

Hidden truth

Back 604

1 Cor. 2:6-10

Front 605

Hell not in God's heart

Back 605

Jer. 7:31

Front 606

Hebrews 9:12

Back 606

he entered, no, not with the blood of goats and of young bulls, but with his own blood, once for all time into the holy place and obtained an everlasting deliverance [for us].

Front 607

Hebrews 8:10-11

Back 607

"'For this is the covenant that I shall covenant with the house of Israel after those days,' says Jehovah. 'I will put my laws in their mind, and in their hearts I shall write them. And I will become their God, and they themselves will become my people. 11 "'And they will by no means teach each one his fellow citizen and each one his brother, saying: "Know Jehovah!" For they will all know me, from [the] least one to [the] greatest one of them.

Front 608

Hebrews 6:6

Back 608

but who have fallen away, to revive them again to repentance, because they impale the Son of God afresh for themselves and expose him to public shame.

Front 609

Hebrews 6:10

Back 609

For God is not unrighteous so as to forget YOUR work and the love YOU showed for his name, in that YOU have ministered to the holy ones and continue ministering.

Front 610

Hebrews 5:14

Back 610

But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.

Front 611

Hebrews 4:15

Back 611

For we have as high priest, not one who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tested in all respects like ourselves, but without sin.

Front 612

Hebrews 4:12-13

Back 612

For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and [their] marrow, and [is] able to discern thoughts and intentions of [the] heart. 13 And there is not a creation that is not manifest to his sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of him with whom we have an accounting.

Front 613

Hebrews 4:12

Back 613

For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and [their] marrow, and [is] able to discern thoughts and intentions of [the] heart

Front 614

Hebrews 3:4

Back 614

Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but he that constructed all things is God.

Front 615

Hebrews 13:7

Back 615

Remember those who are taking the lead among YOU, who have spoken the word of God to YOU, and as YOU contemplate how [their] conduct turns out imitate [their] faith.

Front 616

Hebrews 13:4-5

Back 616

Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. 5 Let [YOUR] manner of life be free of the love of money, while YOU are content with the present things. For he has said: "I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you."

Front 617

Hebrews 13:4

Back 617

Let marriage bed be honorable...

Front 618

Hebrews 13:15-17

Back 618

Through him let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name. 16 Moreover, do not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among YOU and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over YOUR souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to YOU.

Front 619

Hebrews 12:5-6

Back 619

but YOU have entirely forgotten the exhortation which addresses YOU as sons: "My son, do not belittle [the] discipline from Jehovah, neither give out when you are corrected by him; 6 for whom Jehovah loves he disciplines; in fact, he scourges every one whom he receives as a son."

Front 620

Hebrews 12:11

Back 620

True, no discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but grievous; yet afterward to those who have been trained by it it yields peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness.

Front 621

Hebrews 12:1, 2

Back 621

Let us also put off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...

Front 622

Hebrews 12:1

Back 622

So, then, because we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also put off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Front 623

Hebrews 11:6

Back 623

Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please [him] well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.

Front 624

Hebrews 11:1

Back 624

Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.

Front 625

Hebrews 10:7

Back 625

Then I said, ‘Look! I am come (in the roll of the book it is written about me) to do your will, O God.’”

Front 626

Hebrews 10:38-39

Back 626

"But my righteous one will live by reason of faith," and, "if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him." 39 Now we are not the sort that shrink back to destruction, but the sort that have faith to the preserving alive of the soul.

Front 627

Hebrews 10:26

Back 627

For if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left....

Front 628

Hebrews 10:24-26

Back 628

And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, 25 not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as YOU behold the day drawing near. 26 For if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left,

Front 629

Hebrews 10:24

Back 629

And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together as some have the custom...

Front 630

Head of Christ is God

Back 630

1 Cor. 11:3

Front 631

Have your say in your heart

Back 631

Ps. 4:4

Front 632

Haggai 2:7

Back 632

"'And I will rock all the nations, and the desirable things of all the nations must come in; and I will fill this house with glory,' Jehovah of armies has said.

Front 633

God's attributes-
Power
Justice
Wisdom
Love

Back 633

Ps. 147:5
Dan. 4:37
Job 12:13
1 John 4:8, 16

Front 634

God is not unjust

Back 634

Rom. 3:5

Front 635

God is not partial

Back 635

Acts 10:34, 35

Front 636

God IS love

Back 636

1 John 4:8

Front 637

God is for the living

Back 637

Mark 12:27

Front 638

God chose the weak

Back 638

1 Cor. 1:27

Front 639

Girl predicts future

Back 639

Acts 16:16-18

Front 640

Genesis 9:4

Back 640

Only flesh with its soul—its blood—YOU must not eat.

Front 641

Genesis 9:3-4

Back 641

Every moving animal that is alive may serve as food for YOU. As in the case of green vegetation, I do give it all to YOU. 4 Only flesh with its soul—its blood—YOU must not eat.

Front 642

Genesis 9:20-25—Why did Noah curse Canaan?

Back 642

Very likely Canaan was guilty of some abuse or perversion against his grandfather Noah. Though Canaan's father, Ham, witnessed this, he did not interfere but appears to have spread the story. However, Noah's other two sons, Shem and Japheth, acted to cover their father. They were blessed for this reason, but Canaan was cursed, and Ham suffered as a result of the shame brought upon his offspring.

Front 643

Genesis 9:16

Back 643

And the rainbow must occur in the cloud, and I shall certainly see it to remember the covenant to time indefinite between God and every living soul among all flesh that is upon the earth.”

Front 644

Genesis 8:11—If the trees were ruined by the Flood, where did the dove get the olive leaf?

Back 644

There are two possibilities. Since the olive is quite a hardy tree, it might have remained alive under water for some months during the Deluge. With the abating of the floodwaters, an olive tree that had been submerged would again be on dry ground and could put forth leaves. The olive leaf carried to Noah by the dove could also have been taken from a fairly young sprout that came up after the floodwaters had abated.

Front 645

Genesis 7:23

Back 645

Thus he wiped out every existing thing that was on the surface of the ground, from man to beast, to moving animal and to flying creature of the heavens, and they were wiped off the earth; and only Noah and those who were with him in the ark kept on surviving.

Front 646

Genesis 7:2—What was used as a basis for making a distinction between clean and unclean animals?

Back 646

The basis of distinction evidently pertained to the use of sacrifices in worship and not to what could and could not be eaten. Animal flesh was not a part of man's diet prior to the Flood. The designations "clean" and "unclean" for food came into existence only with the Mosaic Law, and they ended when it was abolished. (Acts 10:9-16; Ephesians 2:15) Apparently, Noah knew what was suitable for sacrifice in the worship of Jehovah. As soon as he left the ark, he "began to build an altar to Jehovah and to take some of all the clean beasts and of all the clean flying creatures and to offer burnt offerings upon the altar."—Genesis 8:20.

Front 647

Genesis 7:11—Where did the water causing the global Flood come from?

Back 647

During the second creative period, or "day," when the earth's atmospheric "expanse" was formed, there were waters "beneath the expanse" and waters "above the expanse." (Genesis 1:6, 7) The waters "beneath" were those already on earth. The waters "above" were huge quantities of moisture suspended high above the earth, forming a "vast watery deep." These waters fell upon the earth in Noah's day.

Front 648

Genesis 6:6—In what sense can it be said that Jehovah "felt regrets" that he had made man?

Back 648

Here the Hebrew word translated "felt regrets" pertains to a change of attitude or intention. Jehovah is perfect and therefore did not make a mistake in creating man. However, he did have a change of mental attitude as regards the wicked pre-Flood generation. God turned from the attitude of the Creator of humans to that of a destroyer of them because of his displeasure with their wickedness. The fact that he preserved some humans shows that his regrets were confined to those who had become wicked.—2 Peter 2:5, 9.

Front 649

Genesis 6:5, 6

Back 649

Consequently Jehovah saw that the badness of man was abundant in the earth and every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only bad all the time. 6 And Jehovah felt regrets that he had made men in the earth, and he felt hurt at his heart.

Front 650

Genesis 6:5, 6

Back 650

Consequently Jehovah saw that the badness of man was abundant in the earth and every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only bad all the time. And Jehovah felt regrets that he had made men in the earth, and he felt hurt at his heart.

Front 651

Genesis 6:1-2

Back 651

Now it came about that when men started to grow in numbers on the surface of the ground and daughters were born to them, 2 then the sons of the [true] God began to notice the daughters of men, that they were good-looking; and they went taking wives for themselves, namely, all whom they chose.

Front 652

Genesis 5:24—In what way did God 'take Enoch'?

Back 652

Enoch was apparently in mortal danger, but God did not allow him to suffer at the hands of his enemies. "Enoch was transferred so as not to see death," wrote the apostle Paul. (Hebrews 11:5) This does not mean that God took him to heaven, where he kept on living. Jesus was the first one to ascend to heaven. (John 3:13; Hebrews 6:19, 20) Enoch's being "transferred so as not to see death" may mean that God put him in a prophetic trance and then terminated his life while he was in that state. Under such circumstances, Enoch did not suffer, or "see death," at the hands of his enemies.

Front 653

Genesis 49:10—What is the meaning of "the scepter" and "the commander's staff"?

Back 653

A scepter is a baton carried by a ruler as a symbol of royal authority. The commander's staff is a long rod denoting his power to command. Jacob's reference to these indicated that significant authority and power would reside with the tribe of Judah until the coming of Shiloh. This descendant of Judah is Jesus Christ, the one upon whom Jehovah has bestowed heavenly rulership. Christ holds royal authority and possesses the power to command.—Psalm 2:8, 9; Isaiah 55:4; Daniel 7:13, 14.

Front 654

Genesis 44:5—Did Joseph actually use a cup to read omens?

Back 654

The silver cup and what was said about it were evidently part of a subterfuge or stratagem. Joseph was a faithful worshiper of Jehovah. He did not really use the cup to read omens, even as Benjamin did not actually steal it.

Front 655

Genesis 43:32—Why was eating a meal with the Hebrews detestable to the Egyptians?

Back 655

This may largely have been because of religious prejudice or racial pride. The Egyptians also detested shepherds. (Genesis 46:34) Why? Sheepherders may simply have been near the bottom in the Egyptian caste system. Or it could be that since the land available for cultivation was limited, the Egyptians despised those seeking pasture for flocks.

Front 656

Genesis 4:17—Where did Cain get his wife?

Back 656

Adam "became father to sons and daughters." (Genesis 5:4) So Cain took one of his sisters or perhaps one of his nieces as a wife. Later, God's Law to the Israelites did not permit the marriage of a fleshly brother and sister.—Leviticus 18:9.

Front 657

Genesis 4:15—How did Jehovah "set up a sign for Cain"?

Back 657

The Bible does not say that a sign or a mark was placed on Cain's person in any way. The sign likely consisted of a solemn decree that was known and observed by others and that was intended to prevent his being killed out of revenge.

Front 658

Genesis 30:14, 15—Why did Rachel relinquish an opportunity to conceive in exchange for some mandrakes?

Back 658

In ancient times, the fruit of the mandrake plant was used in medicine as a narcotic and for preventing or relieving spasms. The fruit was also credited with the capacity to excite sexual desire and to increase human fertility or aid in conception. (Song of Solomon 7:13) While the Bible does not reveal Rachel's motive for the exchange, she may have thought that the mandrakes would help her conceive and end her reproach of being barren. However, it was some years before Jehovah "opened her womb."—Genesis 30:22-24.

Front 659

Genesis 3:8—Did Jehovah God speak to Adam directly?

Back 659

The Bible reveals that when God spoke to humans, it was often through an angel. (Genesis 16:7-11; 18:1-3, 22-26; 19:1; Judges 2:1-4; 6:11-16, 22; 13:15-22) God's chief spokesman was his only-begotten Son, called "the Word." (John 1:1) Very likely God spoke to Adam and Eve through "the Word."—Genesis 1:26-28; 2:16; 3:8-13.

Front 660

Genesis 3:19

Back 660

In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return.”

Front 661

Genesis 3:19

Back 661

In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return."

Front 662

Genesis 3:17—In what way was the ground cursed, and for how long?

Back 662

The curse pronounced on the ground meant that cultivating it would now become very difficult. The effects of the cursed ground, with its thorns and thistles, were so keenly felt by Adam's descendants that Noah's father, Lamech, spoke of "the pain of our hands resulting from the ground which Jehovah has cursed." (Genesis 5:29) After the Flood, Jehovah blessed Noah and his sons, stating His purpose that they fill the earth. (Genesis 9:1) God's curse on the ground was apparently lifted.—Genesis 13:10.

Front 663

Genesis 3:17

Back 663

And to Adam he said: “Because you listened to your wife’s voice and took to eating from the tree concerning which I gave you this command, ‘You must not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground on your account. In pain you will eat its produce all the days of your life.

Front 664

Genesis 3:15

Back 664

And I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel."

Front 665

Genesis 28:12, 13—What was the significance of Jacob's dream involving "a ladder"?

Back 665

This "ladder," which may have looked like a rising flight of stones, indicated that there is communication between earth and heaven. God's angels ascending and descending on it showed that angels minister in some important way between Jehovah and humans who have his approval.—John 1:51.

Front 666

Genesis 2:8-15

Back 666

Further, Jehovah God planted a garden in E′den, toward the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 Thus Jehovah God made to grow out of the ground every tree desirable to one’s sight and good for food and also the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. 10 Now there was a river issuing out of E′den to water the garden, and from there it began to be parted and it became, as it were, four heads. 11 The first one’s name is Pi′shon; it is the one encircling the entire land of Hav′i‧lah, where there is gold. 12 And the gold of that land is good. There also are the bdellium gum and the onyx stone. 13 And the name of the second river is Gi′hon; it is the one encircling the entire land of Cush. 14 And the name of the third river is Hid′de‧kel; it is the one going to the east of As‧syr′i‧a. And the fourth river is the Eu‧phra′tes. 15 And Jehovah God proceeded to take the man and settle him in the garden of E′den to cultivate it and to take care of it.

Front 667

Genesis 2:7

Back 667

And Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul.

Front 668

Genesis 2:7

Back 668

And Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul.

Front 669

Genesis 2:4

Back 669

This is a history of the heavens and the earth in the time of their being created, in the day that Jehovah God made earth and heaven.

Front 670

Genesis 2:16-17

Back 670

And Jehovah God also laid this command upon the man: “From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. 17 But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die.”

Front 671

Genesis 2:16-17

Back 671

And Jehovah God also laid this command upon the man: "From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. 17 But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die."

Front 672

Genesis 19:8—Was it not wrong for Lot to offer his daughters to the Sodomites?

Back 672

According to the Oriental code, it was a host's responsibility to protect the guests in his home, defending them even to the point of death if necessary. Lot was prepared to do that. He bravely went out to the mob, closed the door behind him, and faced them alone. By the time he offered his daughters, Lot likely realized that his guests were messengers from God, and he may have reasoned that God could protect his daughters as He had protected his aunt Sarah in Egypt. (Genesis 12:17-20) Indeed, as the matter turned out, Lot and his daughters were kept safe.

Front 673

Genesis 19:30-38—Did Jehovah condone Lot's getting drunk and fathering sons by his two daughters?

Back 673

Jehovah condones neither incest nor drunkenness. (Leviticus 18:6, 7, 29; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) Lot actually deplored the "lawless deeds" of Sodom's inhabitants. (2 Peter 2:6-8) The very fact that Lot's daughters got him intoxicated suggests that they realized that he would not consent to having sexual relations with them while he was sober. But as aliens in the land, his daughters felt that this was the only way to prevent the extinction of Lot's family. The account is in the Bible to reveal the relationship of the Moabites (through Moab) and the Ammonites (through Benammi) to Abraham's descendants, the Israelites.

Front 674

Genesis 16:2—Was it proper for Sarai to offer her maidservant Hagar as a wife to Abram?

Back 674

Sarai's offer was in line with the custom of the day—that a barren wife was obligated to provide her husband with a concubine in order to produce an heir. The practice of polygamy first appeared in the line of Cain. Eventually, it became a custom and was adopted by some worshipers of Jehovah. (Genesis 4:17-19; 16:1-3; 29:21-28) However, Jehovah never abandoned his original standard of monogamy. (Genesis 2:21, 22) Noah and his sons, to whom the command to 'be fruitful and fill the earth' was repeated, were evidently all monogamous. (Genesis 7:7; 9:1; 2 Peter 2:5) And this standard of monogamy was reasserted by Jesus Christ.—Matthew 19:4-8; 1 Timothy 3:2, 12.

Front 675

Genesis 15:13—When was the foretold 400-year affliction of Abram's offspring fulfilled?

Back 675

This period of affliction began in 1913 B.C.E. when Abraham's son Isaac was weaned at about 5 years of age and his 19-year-old half brother, Ishmael, was "poking fun" at him. (Genesis 21:8-14; Galatians 4:29) It ended with the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage in 1513 B.C.E.

Front 676

Genesis 12:1-3—When did the Abrahamic covenant go into effect, and for how long?

Back 676

Jehovah's covenant with Abram that "all the families of the ground will certainly bless themselves by means of [Abram]" apparently went into effect when Abram crossed the Euphrates on his way to Canaan. This must have been on Nisan 14, 1943 B.C.E.—430 years before Israel was delivered from Egypt. (Exodus 12:2, 6, 7, 40, 41) The Abrahamic covenant is "a covenant to time indefinite." It remains in effect until the blessing of the families of the earth and the destruction of all God's enemies have been accomplished.—Genesis 17:7; 1 Corinthians 15:23-26.

Front 677

Genesis 10:25—How was the earth "divided" in the days of Peleg?

Back 677

Peleg lived from 2269 to 2030 B.C.E. It was "in his days" that Jehovah caused a great division by confusing the language of Babel's builders and scattering them over all the surface of the earth. (Genesis 11:9) Thus, "the earth [or, the earth's population] was divided" in the days of Peleg.

Front 678

Genesis 1:31

Back 678

After that God saw everything he had made and, look! [it was] very good. And there came to be evening and there came to be morning, a sixth day.

Front 679

Genesis 1:28

Back 679

Further, God blessed them and God said to them: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.”

Front 680

Genesis 1:28

Back 680

Further, God blessed them and God said to them: "Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth."

Front 681

Genesis 1:27

Back 681

And God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God's image he created him; male and female he created them.

Front 682

Genesis 1:26

Back 682

And God went on to say: "Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and the domestic animals and all the earth and every moving animal that is moving upon the earth.

Front 683

Genesis 1:24-25

Back 683

And God went on to say: “Let the earth put forth living souls according to their kinds, domestic animal and moving animal and wild beast of the earth according to its kind.” And it came to be so. 25 And God proceeded to make the wild beast of the earth according to its kind and the domestic animal according to its kind and every moving animal of the ground according to its kind. And God got to see that [it was] good.

Front 684

Genesis 1:21

Back 684

And God proceeded to create the great sea monsters and every living soul that moves about, which the waters swarmed forth according to their kinds, and every winged flying creature according to its kind. And God got to see that [it was] good.

Front 685

Genesis 1:16—How could God produce light on the first day if the luminaries were not made until the fourth day?

Back 685

The Hebrew word rendered "make" in verse 16 is not the same as the word for "create" used in Genesis chapter 1, verses 1, 21, and 27. "The heavens" that included the luminaries were created long before the "first day" even began. But their light did not reach the surface of the earth. On the first day, "there came to be light" because diffused light penetrated the cloud layers and became visible on the earth. The rotating earth thus began to have alternating day and night. (Genesis 1:1-3, 5) The sources of that light still remained invisible from the earth. During the fourth creative period, however, a notable change took place. The sun, the moon, and the stars were now made "to shine upon the earth." (Genesis 1:17) "God proceeded to make" them in that they could now be seen from the earth.

Front 686

Genesis 1:11-12

Back 686

And God went on to say: “Let the earth cause grass to shoot forth, vegetation bearing seed, fruit trees yielding fruit according to their kinds, the seed of which is in it, upon the earth.” And it came to be so. 12 And the earth began to put forth grass, vegetation bearing seed according to its kind and trees yielding fruit, the seed of which is in it according to its kind. Then God saw that [it was] good.

Front 687

Genesis 1:11-12

Back 687

And God went on to say: “Let the earth cause grass to shoot forth, vegetation bearing seed, fruit trees yielding fruit according to their kinds, the seed of which is in it, upon the earth.” And it came to be so. 12 And the earth began to put forth grass, vegetation bearing seed according to its kind and trees yielding fruit, the seed of which is in it according to its kind. Then God saw that [it was] good.

Front 688

Genesis 1:11-12

Back 688

And God went on to say: “Let the earth cause grass to shoot forth, vegetation bearing seed, fruit trees yielding fruit according to their kinds, the seed of which is in it, upon the earth.” And it came to be so. 12 And the earth began to put forth grass, vegetation bearing seed according to its kind and trees yielding fruit, the seed of which is in it according to its kind. Then God saw that [it was] good.

Front 689

Genesis 1:1

Back 689

In [the] beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Front 690

Galatians 6:7-10

Back 690

Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap; 8 because he who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but he who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit. 9 So let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due season we shall reap if we do not tire out. 10 Really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to [us] in the faith.

Front 691

Galatians 6:4

Back 691

But let each one prove what his own work is, and then he will have cause for exultation in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person.

Front 692

Galatians 6:1

Back 692

Brothers, even though a man takes some false step before he is aware of it, YOU who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness, as you each keep an eye on yourself, for fear you also may be tempted.

Front 693

Galatians 5:19-23

Back 693

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, and they are fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, 20 idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions, sects, 21 envies, drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these. As to these things I am forewarning YOU, the same way as I did forewarn YOU, that those who practice such things will not inherit God's kingdom. 22 On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Front 694

Galatians 5:19-21

Back 694

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, and they are fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, 20 idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions, sects, 21 envies, drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these. As to these things I am forewarning YOU, the same way as I did forewarn YOU, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom.

Front 695

Galatians 3:28

Back 695

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female; for YOU are all one [person] in union with Christ Jesus.

Front 696

Galatians 3:24-25

Back 696

Consequently the Law has become our tutor leading to Christ, that we might be declared righteous due to faith. 25 But now that the faith has arrived, we are no longer under a tutor.

Front 697

Galatians 3:13

Back 697

Christ by purchase released us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse instead of us, because it is written: “Accursed is every man hanged upon a stake.”

Front 698

Galatians 3:13

Back 698

Christ by purchase released us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse instead of us, because it is written: "Accursed is every man hanged upon a stake."

Front 699

Formed to be inhabited

Back 699

Is. 45:18

Front 700

Fear not, I am with you

Back 700

Is. 41:10

Front 701

Ezra 9:1, 2—How serious a threat was intermarriage with the people of the land?

Back 701

The restored nation was to be the guardian of Jehovah's worship until the coming of the Messiah. Intermarriage with other inhabitants was a real threat to true worship. Because some had formed marriage alliances with the idol-worshipping people, the entire nation might eventually be assimilated into the pagan nations. Pure worship could have vanished from the face of the earth. To whom, then, would the Messiah come? No wonder Ezra was stunned at seeing what had taken place!

Front 702

Ezra 7:28-8:20—Why were many Jews in Babylon reluctant to go up to Jerusalem with Ezra?

Back 702

Even though more than 60 years had passed since the first group of Jews had returned to their homeland, Jerusalem was only sparsely settled. Returning to Jerusalem meant building a new life under uncomfortable and dangerous circumstances. The Jerusalem of the day did not hold out attractive material prospects to the Jews who might have been prospering in Babylon. Not to be overlooked was the dangerous journey. The returnees had to have strong faith in Jehovah, zeal for true worship, and courage to make the move. Even Ezra strengthened himself according to the hand of Jehovah upon him. With Ezra's encouragement, 1,500 families—perhaps numbering 6,000 people—responded. After Ezra took additional initiatives, 38 Levites and 220 Nethinim responded.

Front 703

Ezra 7:1, 7, 11—Do all these verses refer to the Artaxerxes who brought a halt to the building work?

Back 703

No. Artaxerxes is a name or title applied to two Persian kings. One was either Bardiya or Gaumata, who ordered the temple work stopped in 522 B.C.E. The Artaxerxes of the time when Ezra came to Jerusalem is Artaxerxes Longimanus.

Front 704

Ezra 4:8-6:18 (4:8, footnote)—Why were these verses written in Aramaic?

Back 704

This portion largely contains copies of letters from government officials to kings and their replies. Ezra copied them from public records written in Aramaic, the commercial and diplomatic language of the day. Other parts of the Bible written in this ancient Semitic language are Ezra 7:12-26, Jeremiah 10:11, and Daniel 2:4b-7:28.

Front 705

Ezra 3:8-10; 4:23, 24; 6:15, 16—How many years did it take to rebuild the temple?

Back 705

The foundation of the temple was laid in 536 B.C.E.—"in the second year of their coming." The building work stopped in the days of King Artaxerxes, in 522 B.C.E. The ban continued until 520 B.C.E., the second year of King Darius. The temple was completed in the sixth year of his reign, or 515 B.C.E. (See the box entitled "Persian Kings From 537 to 467 B.C.E.") Thus, the temple construction took about 20 years.

Front 706

Ezra 3:12—Why did "the old men that had seen the former house" of Jehovah weep?

Back 706

These men could remember how magnificent the temple built by Solomon was. The groundwork of the new temple that was before them was "as nothing in [their] eyes" in comparison. (Haggai 2:2, 3) Would their efforts bring back the glory of the former temple? They must have felt disheartened, and therefore they wept.

Front 707

Ezra 2:61-63—Were the Urim and the Thummim, which were used when an answer was needed from Jehovah, available to the returning exiles?

Back 707

The claimants to priestly descent who failed to establish their genealogy could have given legitimacy to their claim by using the Urim and the Thummim. Ezra mentions this only as a possibility. The Scriptures contain no record of the use of the Urim and the Thummim then or thereafter. Jewish tradition has it that the Urim and the Thummim disappeared with the destruction of the temple in 607 B.C.E.

Front 708

Ezra 2:55—Who were the sons of the servants of Solomon?

Back 708

These were non-Israelites who were given special privileges in Jehovah's service. They may have served as scribes or copyists at the temple or in some administrative capacity.

Front 709

Ezra 2:43—Who were the Nethinim?

Back 709

These were people of non-Israelite origin who served as temple slaves or ministers. Among them were the descendants of the Gibeonites of Joshua's day and others "whom David and the princes gave to the service of the Levites."—Ezra 8:20.

Front 710

Ezra 10:3, 44—Why were the children put away along with the wives?

Back 710

If the children had stayed behind, the likelihood that the dismissed wives would return on account of them would have increased. Moreover, little children generally require the care of their mother.

Front 711

Ezra 1:3-6—Were the Israelites who did not volunteer to return to their homeland weak in faith?

Back 711

Some may not have returned to Jerusalem because they were materialistic or lacked appreciation for true worship, but this was not true in every case. First of all, the 1,000-mile [1,600 km] journey to Jerusalem took four or five months. Moreover, settling in a land that had remained desolate for 70 years and doing the rebuilding work there would require much physical stamina. Therefore, unfavorable circumstances, such as physical ailments, advanced age, and family obligations, undoubtedly prevented some from returning.

Front 712

Ezekiel 7:19

Back 712

"'Into the streets they will throw their very silver, and an abhorrent thing their own gold will become. Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah's fury. Their souls they will not satisfy, and their intestines they will not fill, for it has become a stumbling block causing their error.

Front 713

Ezekiel 4:6

Back 713

And you must complete them. “And you must lie upon your right side in the second case, and you must carry the error of the house of Judah forty days. A day for a year, a day for a year, is what I have given you.

Front 714

Ezekiel 33:11

Back 714

Say to them, '"As I am alive," is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, "I take delight, not in the death of the wicked one, but in that someone wicked turns back from his way and actually keeps living. Turn back, turn back from YOUR bad ways, for why is it that YOU should die, O house of Israel?"'

Front 715

Ezekiel 3:20-21

Back 715

And when someone righteous turns back from his righteousness and actually does injustice and I must put a stumbling block before him, he himself will die because you did not warn him. For his sin he will die, and his righteous acts that he did will not be remembered, but his blood I shall ask back from your own hand. 21 And as for you, in case you have warned someone righteous that the righteous one should not sin, and he himself does not actually sin, he will without fail keep on living because he had been warned, and you yourself will have delivered your own soul."

Front 716

Ezekiel 21:25-27

Back 716

“And as for you, O deadly wounded, wicked chieftain of Israel, whose day has come in the time of the error of [the] end, 26 this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘Remove the turban, and lift off the crown. This will not be the same. Put on high even what is low, and bring low even the high one. 27 A ruin, a ruin, a ruin I shall make it. As for this also, it will certainly become no [one’s] until he comes who has the legal right, and I must give [it] to him.’

Front 717

Ezekiel 18:4

Back 717

Look! All the souls—to me they belong. As the soul of the father so likewise the soul of the son—to me they belong. The soul that is sinning—it itself will die.

Front 718

Ezekiel 18:4

Back 718

Look! All the souls—to me they belong. As the soul of the father so likewise the soul of the son—to me they belong. The soul that is sinning—it itself will die.

Front 719

Ezekiel 18:20

Back 719

The soul that is sinning—it itself will die. A son himself will bear nothing because of the error of the father, and a father himself will bear nothing because of the error of the son. Upon his own self the very righteousness of the righteous one will come to be, and upon his own self the very wickedness of a wicked one will come to be.

Front 720

Exodus 9:16

Back 720

But, in fact, for this cause I have kept you in existence, for the sake of showing you my power and in order to have my name declared in all the earth.

Front 721

Exodus 8:26, 27—Why did Moses say that Israel's sacrifices would be "detestable to the Egyptians"?

Back 721

Many different animals were venerated in Egypt. The mention of sacrifices thus added force and persuasiveness to Moses' insistence that Israel be allowed to go away to sacrifice to Jehovah.

Front 722

Exodus 7:22—Where did the Egyptian priests get water that had not been turned into blood?

Back 722

They could have used some water that had been taken from the Nile River before this plague. Unaffected water apparently could also be collected by digging wells in the moist soil round about the Nile River.—Exodus 7:24.

Front 723

Exodus 7:1—How was Moses made "God to Pharaoh"?

Back 723

Moses was given divine power and authority over Pharaoh. Hence, there was no need to be afraid of that king.

Front 724

Exodus 6:3—In what way had God's name not been made known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

Back 724

These patriarchs used the divine name and received promises from Jehovah. Yet, they did not know or experience Jehovah as the one who caused these promises to be fulfilled.—Genesis 12:1, 2; 15:7, 13-16; 26:24; 28:10-15.

Front 725

Exodus 4:16—How was Moses to "serve as God" to Aaron?

Back 725

Moses was a representative of God. Hence, Moses became "as God" to Aaron, who spoke representatively for Moses.

Front 726

Exodus 4:11—In what sense does Jehovah 'appoint the speechless, the deaf, and the blind'?

Back 726

Although Jehovah has on occasion caused blindness and muteness, he is not responsible for every case of such disabilities. (Genesis 19:11; Luke 1:20-22, 62-64) These are the result of inherited sin. (Job 14:4; Romans 5:12) Since God has allowed this situation to exist, however, he could speak of himself as 'appointing' the speechless, the deaf, and the blind.

Front 727

Exodus 34:6

Back 727

a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.

Front 728

Exodus 34:27

Back 728

And Jehovah went on to say to Moses: “Write down for yourself these words, because it is in accordance with these words that I do conclude a covenant with you and Israel.”

Front 729

Exodus 34:14

Back 729

For you must not prostrate yourself to another god, because Jehovah, whose name is Jealous, he is a jealous God;

Front 730

Exodus 33:20

Back 730

And he added: "You are not able to see my face, because no man may see me and yet live."

Front 731

Exodus 33:11, 20—How did God speak to Moses "face to face"?

Back 731

This expression denotes intimate two-way conversation. Moses talked with God's representative and orally received instruction from Jehovah through him. But Moses did not see Jehovah, since 'no man can see God and yet live.' In fact, Jehovah did not personally speak to Moses. The Law "was transmitted through angels by the hand of a mediator," states Galatians 3:19.

Front 732

Exodus 32:1-8, 25-35—Why was Aaron not punished for making the golden calf?

Back 732

Aaron was not in heartfelt sympathy with the idolatry. Later, he apparently joined fellow Levites in taking a stand for God and against those who resisted Moses. After the guilty were slain, Moses reminded the people that they had sinned greatly, indicating that others besides Aaron also received Jehovah's mercy.

Front 733

Exodus 3:15

Back 733

Then God said once more to Moses: "This is what you are to say to the sons of Israel, 'Jehovah the God of YOUR forefathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, has sent me to YOU.' This is my name to time indefinite, and this is the memorial of me to generation after generation.

Front 734

Exodus 3:1—What kind of priest was Jethro?

Back 734

In patriarchal times the family head served as a priest for his family. Jethro was evidently the patriarchal head of a tribe of Midianites. Since the Midianites were Abraham's descendants by Keturah, they were perhaps exposed to the worship of Jehovah.—Genesis 25:1, 2.

Front 735

Exodus 24:16

Back 735

And Jehovah’s glory continued to reside upon Mount Si′nai, and the cloud continued to cover it for six days. At length on the seventh day he called to Moses from the midst of the cloud.

Front 736

Exodus 24:12

Back 736

Jehovah now said to Moses: “Come up to me in the mountain and stay there, as I want to give you the stone tablets and the law and the commandment that I must write in order to teach them.”

Front 737

Exodus 23:20-23—Who was the angel mentioned here, and how was it that Jehovah's name was "within him"?

Back 737

Likely, this angel was Jesus in his prehuman form. He was used to guide the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land. (1 Corinthians 10:1-4) Jehovah's name is "within him" in that Jesus is the principal one who upholds and sanctifies his Father's name.

Front 738

Exodus 23:19; 34:26—What was the significance of the command not to boil a kid in its mother's milk?

Back 738

Boiling a kid (the young of a goat or other animal) in its mother's milk reportedly was a pagan ritual thought to produce rain. Moreover, since the mother's milk is for nourishing her young, boiling her offspring in it would be an act of cruelty. This law helped to show God's people that they should be compassionate.

Front 739

Exodus 20:5—How is it that Jehovah brings "punishment for the error of fathers" upon future generations?

Back 739

After reaching an age of responsibility, each individual is judged on the basis of his own conduct and attitude. But when the nation of Israel turned to idolatry, it suffered the consequences of this for generations thereafter. Even the faithful Israelites felt its effects in that the nation's religious delinquency made staying on a course of integrity difficult for them.

Front 740

Exodus 20:4-5

Back 740

“You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or that is on the earth underneath or that is in the waters under the earth. 5 You must not bow down to them nor be induced to serve them, because I Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion, bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation, in the case of those who hate me;

Front 741

Exodus 20:4

Back 741

"You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or that is on the earth underneath or that is in the waters under the earth.

Front 742

Exodus 17:14

Back 742

Jehovah now said to Moses: “Write this as a memorial in the book and propound it in Joshua’s ears, ‘I shall completely wipe out the remembrance of Am′a‧lek from under the heavens.’”

Front 743

Exodus 15:8—Were the "congealed" waters of the Red Sea actually frozen waters?

Back 743

The Hebrew verb translated "congealed" means to shrink or thicken. At Job 10:10, the expression is used with regard to curdling milk. Hence, the congealed waters do not necessarily suggest frozen waters, ice. If the "strong east wind" mentioned at Exodus 14:21 had been cold enough to freeze the waters, doubtless some reference would have been made to the extreme cold. Since nothing visible was holding back the waters, they had the appearance of being congealed, stiffened, or thickened.

Front 744

Exodus 12:40—How long did the Israelites dwell in the land of Egypt?

Back 744

The 430 years mentioned here includes the time the sons of Israel spent "in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan." (Reference Bible, footnote) Seventy-five-year-old Abraham crossed the Euphrates River in 1943 B.C.E. on his way to Canaan. (Genesis 12:4) From then until the time 130-year-old Jacob entered Egypt was 215 years. (Genesis 21:5; 25:26; 47:9) This means that the Israelites thereafter spent an equal period of 215 years in Egypt.

Front 745

Exodus 12:29—Who were reckoned as firstborn?

Back 745

The firstborn included only males. (Numbers 3:40-51) Pharaoh, himself a firstborn, was not killed. He had his own household. Not the family head but the firstborn son of the household died as a result of the tenth plague.

Front 746

Every house constructed

Back 746

Heb. 3:4

Front 747

Esther 9:10, 15, 16—Even though the decree authorized plundering of the spoil, why did the Jews refrain from doing so?

Back 747

Their refusal left no doubt that their purpose was self-preservation, not self-enrichment.

Front 748

Esther 8:17—In what way were 'many of the peoples of the land declaring themselves Jews'?

Back 748

Many of the Persians evidently became Jewish proselytes, thinking that the counterdecree was an indication of God's favor upon the Jews. The same principle is in operation in the fulfillment of a prophecy found in the book of Zechariah. It states: "Ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: 'We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.'"—Zechariah 8:23.

Front 749

Esther 7:8—Why did court officials cover Haman's face?

Back 749

This was likely to suggest shamefulness or impending doom. According to one reference work, "the ancients sometimes covered the heads of those about to be executed."

Front 750

Esther 7:4—How would an annihilation of the Jews bring "damage to the king"?

Back 750

By tactfully pointing out the possibility of selling the Jews as slaves, Esther brought to the fore the matter of damage to the king by their destruction. The 10,000 silver pieces that Haman had promised were far less profitable to the king's treasury than the wealth that could have been generated if Haman had schemed to sell the Jews as slaves. The execution of the plot would also have meant the loss of the queen.

Front 751

Esther 3:2; 5:9—Why did Mordecai refuse to bow down to Haman?

Back 751

It was not wrong for the Israelites to acknowledge the superior position of an exalted personage by prostrating themselves. However, in the case of Haman, more was involved. Haman was an Agagite, probably an Amalekite, and Jehovah had marked Amalek for extermination. (Deuteronomy 25:19) For Mordecai, bowing down to Haman was an issue of integrity to Jehovah. He flatly refused, stating that he was a Jew.—Esther 3:3, 4.

Front 752

Esther 2:14-17—Did Esther have immoral sexual relations with the king?

Back 752

The answer is no. The account says that in the morning the other women brought to the king were returned to the second house under the charge of the king's eunuch, "the guardian of the concubines." The women who spent the night with the king thus became his concubines, or secondary wives. However, Esther was not taken to the house of concubines after seeing the king. When Esther was brought before Ahasuerus, "the king came to love Esther more than all the other women, so that she gained more favor and loving-kindness before him than all the other virgins." (Esther 2:17) How did she gain Ahasuerus' "favor and loving-kindness"? The same way she had won the favor of others. "The young woman was pleasing in [Hegai's] eyes, so that she gained loving-kindness before him." (Esther 2:8, 9) Hegai favored her strictly on the basis of what he observed—her appearance and good qualities. In fact, "Esther was continually gaining favor in the eyes of everyone seeing her." (Esther 2:15) Similarly, the king was impressed with what he saw in Esther and therefore came to love her.

Front 753

Esther 1:8—In what way was there 'no one compelling as regards the time of drinking according to the law'?

Back 753

On this occasion, King Ahasuerus made an exception to what appears to have been a Persian custom of urging one another to drink a certain amount at such gatherings. "They could drink as much or as little as they desired," says one reference work.

Front 754

Esther 1:3-5—Did the banquet last for 180 days?

Back 754

The text does not state that the banquet lasted that long but that the king showed the officials the riches and the beauty of his glorious kingdom for 180 days. Perhaps the king used this lengthy event to show off the glory of his kingdom in order to impress the nobles and convince them of his ability to carry out his plans. In that case, verses 3 and 5 could refer to the 7-day banquet that took place at the end of the 180-day gathering.

Front 755

Esther 1:10-12—Why did Queen Vashti keep refusing to come to the king?

Back 755

Some scholars suggest that the queen refused to obey because she chose not to degrade herself before the king's drunken guests. Or perhaps this outwardly beautiful queen really was not submissive. While the Bible does not state her motive, the wise men of the day thought that obedience to the husband was definitely an issue and that Vashti's bad example would influence all the wives in the provinces of Persia.

Front 756

Ephesians 6:18

Back 756

while with every form of prayer and supplication YOU carry on prayer on every occasion

Front 757

Ephesians 6:17

Back 757

Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word,

Front 758

Ephesians 6:11-17

Back 758

Put on the complete suit of armor from God that YOU may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil; 12 because we have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. 13 On this account take up the complete suit of armor from God, that YOU may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after YOU have done all things thoroughly, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm, therefore, with YOUR loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and with YOUR feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace. 16 Above all things, take up the large shield of faith, with which YOU will be able to quench all the wicked one's burning missiles. 17 Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God's word,

Front 759

Ephesians 6:11-12

Back 759

Put on the complete suit of armor from God that YOU may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil; 12 because we have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.

Front 760

Ephesians 6:1-4

Back 760

Children, be obedient to YOUR parents in union with [the] Lord, for this is righteous: 2 "Honor your father and [your] mother"; which is the first command with a promise: 3 "That it may go well with you and you may endure a long time on the earth." 4 And YOU, fathers, do not be irritating YOUR children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.

Front 761

Ephesians 6:1-3

Back 761

Children, be obedient to YOUR parents in union with [the] Lord, for this is righteous: 2 “Honor your father and [your] mother”; which is the first command with a promise: 3 “That it may go well with you and you may endure a long time on the earth.”

Front 762

Ephesians 5:33

Back 762

Nevertheless, also, let each one of YOU individually so love his wife as he does himself; on the other hand, the wife should have deep respect for her husband.

Front 763

Ephesians 5:3-4

Back 763

Let fornication and uncleanness of every sort or greediness not even be mentioned among YOU, just as it befits holy people; 4 neither shameful conduct nor foolish talking nor obscene jesting, things which are not becoming, but rather the giving of thanks.

Front 764

Ephesians 5:15-17

Back 764

So keep strict watch that how YOU walk is not as unwise but as wise [persons], 16 buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked. 17 On this account cease becoming unreasonable, but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.

Front 765

Ephesians 5:10

Back 765

Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord;

Front 766

Ephesians 4:4-6

Back 766

One body there is, and one spirit, even as YOU were called in the one hope to which YOU were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all [persons], who is over all and through all and in all.

Front 767

Ephesians 4:32

Back 767

But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave YOU.

Front 768

Ephesians 4:29

Back 768

Let a rotten saying not proceed out of YOUR mouth, but whatever saying is good for building up as the need may be, that it may impart what is favorable to the hearers.

Front 769

Ephesians 4:26

Back 769

Be wrathful, and yet do not sin; let the sun not set with YOU in a provoked state,

Front 770

Ephesians 4:22-24

Back 770

that YOU should put away the old personality which conforms to YOUR former course of conduct and which is being corrupted according to his deceptive desires; 23 but that YOU should be made new in the force actuating YOUR mind, 24 and should put on the new personality which was created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty.

Front 771

Ephesians 2:20

Back 771

and YOU have been built up upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, while Christ Jesus himself is the foundation cornerstone.

Front 772

Ephesians 2:15

Back 772

By means of his flesh he abolished the enmity, the Law of commandments consisting in decrees, that he might create the two peoples in union with himself into one new man and make peace;

Front 773

Endure to the end

Back 773

Matt. 10:22

Front 774

Ecclesiastes 9:5

Back 774

For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages, because the remembrance of them has been forgotten.

Front 775

Ecclesiastes 9:5

Back 775

For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages, because the remembrance of them has been forgotten.

Front 776

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Back 776

All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in She′ol, the place to which you are going.

Front 777

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Back 777

All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in She´ol, the place to which you are going.

Front 778

Ecclesiastes 8:9

Back 778

All this I have seen, and there was an applying of my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, [during] the time that man has dominated man to his injury.

Front 779

Ecclesiastes 7:19—How is wisdom stronger than "ten men in power"?

Back 779

When used figuratively in the Bible, the number ten represents completeness. Solomon is saying that the protective value of wisdom is greater than a complete number of warriors guarding a city.

Front 780

Ecclesiastes 5:9—How is 'the profit of the earth among them all'?

Back 780

All inhabitants of the earth are dependent upon "the profit of the earth"—what the land produces. A king is no exception. To receive the produce of his field, the king has to be served by the hard work of his servants who cultivate the land.

Front 781

Ecclesiastes 3:19-20

Back 781

For there is an eventuality as respects the sons of mankind and an eventuality as respects the beast, and they have the same eventuality. As the one dies, so the other dies; and they all have but one spirit, so that there is no superiority of the man over the beast, for everything is vanity. 20 All are going to one place. They have all come to be from the dust, and they are all returning to the dust.

Front 782

Ecclesiastes 3:15b—How does 'the true God keep seeking what is pursued'?

Back 782

'What is pursued' may refer to what God purposes to do. While the repetitive cycles of birth and death and of war and peace may make man feel powerless and cause him to think that history keeps repeating itself, the true God can seek and accomplish all that He wants to. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-10, 15a) 'What is pursued' may also apply to the righteous, who are often pursued by the wicked. In this case, Jehovah keeps seeking righteous ones in order "to show his strength" in their behalf.—2 Chronicles 16:9.

Front 783

Ecclesiastes 3:11—What has God made "pretty in its time"?

Back 783

Some of the things that Jehovah God has made "pretty," or appropriate and good, at the proper time are the creation of Adam and Eve, the rainbow covenant, the covenant with Abraham, the Davidic covenant, the coming of the Messiah, and the enthronement of Jesus Christ as King of God's Kingdom. However, there is something else that Jehovah will make "pretty" in the near future. We can be confident that the righteous new world will become a reality at its right time.—2 Peter 3:13.

Front 784

Ecclesiastes 2:1, 2—Why is laughter spoken of as "insanity"?

Back 784

Laughter may help us to forget our troubles momentarily, and merrymaking can cause us to view our problems lightly. However, laughter does not make our difficulties disappear. Hence, the pursuit of happiness through laughter is spoken of as "insanity."

Front 785

Ecclesiastes 12:1

Back 785

Remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood, before the calamitous days proceed to come, or the years have arrived when you will say: "I have no delight in them";

Front 786

Ecclesiastes 11:7, 8—What is the meaning of the statement: "The light is also sweet, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun."

Back 786

The light and the sun are for the enjoyment of the living. Solomon is stating here that it is good to be alive and that we should "rejoice" before the days of darkness, or old age, rob us of vitality.

Front 787

Ecclesiastes 11:10—Why are "youth and the prime of life" vanity?

Back 787

If not used properly, these are vanity because, like vapor, the days of youthful vigor disappear quickly.

Front 788

Ecclesiastes 10:2—What does it mean that one's heart is "at his right hand" or "at his left hand"?

Back 788

Since the right hand often denotes the position of favor, a person's heart being at his right hand means that his heart motivates him to do good. If it moves an individual to pursue a wrong course, though, his heart is said to be at his left hand.

Front 789

Ecclesiastes 10:15—How does 'the hard work of the stupid ones make them weary'?

Back 789

If someone lacks good judgment, his hard work fails to produce anything really worthwhile. He gains no satisfaction from it. Such tireless striving only makes him weary.

Front 790

Ecclesiastes 1:4-10—What is there about the natural cycles that is "wearisome"?

Back 790

The congregator mentions only three of the basic operations that make life on earth possible—the sun, the wind pattern, and the water cycle. In reality, the natural cycles are many, and they are very complex. One can spend a lifetime studying them and still not fully understand them. That can indeed be "wearisome." It is also frustrating to compare our short life span with the unending repetition of these cycles. Even attempts to make new discoveries are wearisome. After all, new inventions are nothing more than applications of principles that the true God has established and has already used in creation.

Front 791

Ecclesiastes 1:4

Back 791

A generation is going, and a generation is coming; but the earth is standing even to time indefinite.

Front 792

Ears tickled

Back 792

2 Tim. 4:3

Front 793

Dueteronomy 8:3, 4—In what way did the Israelites' clothing not wear out and their feet not become swollen during the wilderness trek?

Back 793

This was a miraculous provision, as was the regular supply of manna. The Israelites used the same garments and footwear they started out with, likely passing them on to others as children grew up and adults died. Since the two censuses taken at the beginning and at the end of the wilderness trek revealed that the number of Israelites did not increase, the original supply of these items would have been sufficient.—Numbers 2:32; 26:51.

Front 794

Dueteronomy 4:15-20, 23, 24—Does the prohibition against making carved images mean that it is wrong to make representations of objects for artistic purposes?

Back 794

No. The prohibition here was against making images for worship—against 'bowing down to idols and serving them.' The Scriptures do not forbid carving sculptures or making paintings of objects for artistic purposes.—1 Kings 7:18, 25.

Front 795

Dueteronomy 33:1-29—Why was Simeon not specifically mentioned in the blessing with which Moses blessed the sons of Israel?

Back 795

This was because Simeon as well as Levi had acted "harshly," and their anger was "cruel." (Genesis 34:13-31; 49:5-7) Their inheritance was not quite the same as that of the other tribes. Levi received 48 cities, and Simeon's portion was within Judah's territory. (Joshua 19:9; 21:41, 42) Hence, Moses did not specifically bless Simeon. However, Simeon's blessing was included in the general blessing to Israel.

Front 796

Dueteronomy 32:13, 14—Since the Israelites were forbidden to eat any fat, what is meant by their eating "the fat of rams"?

Back 796

The expression is here used figuratively and denotes the best of the flock. Such poetic usage is indicated by the fact that the same verse speaks of "the kidney fat of wheat" and "the blood of the grape."

Front 797

Dueteronomy 25:9—What is significant about drawing the sandal off and spitting in the face of a man who refused to perform brother-in-law marriage?

Back 797

According to "the custom of former times in Israel concerning the right of repurchase . . . , a man had to draw his sandal off and give it to his fellow." (Ruth 4:7) Drawing the sandal off a man who refused to perform brother-in-law marriage therefore confirmed that he had renounced his position and right to produce an heir for his deceased brother. This was disgraceful. (Deuteronomy 25:10) Spitting in his face was an act of humiliation.—Numbers 12:14.

Front 798

Dueteronomy 24:6—Why was seizing "a hand mill or its upper grindstone as a pledge" likened to seizing "a soul"?

Back 798

A hand mill and its upper grindstone represented a person's "soul," or his means of life. Seizing either of these would deprive the entire family of its daily supply of bread.

Front 799

Dueteronomy 2:4-6, 9, 19, 24, 31-35; 3:1-6—Why did the Israelites annihilate some of the people who lived east of the Jordan but not others?

Back 799

Jehovah commanded Israel not to engage in strife with the sons of Esau. Why? Because they were the offspring of Jacob's brother. The Israelites were not to molest or war against the Moabites and the Ammonites, for they were descendants of Abraham's nephew Lot. However, the Amorite Kings Sihon and Og had no such claims to the land under their control. Hence, when Sihon refused to let the Israelites pass through and Og came to meet them in battle, Jehovah commanded the Israelites to demolish their cities, leaving no survivors.

Front 800

Dueteronomy 14:21—Why could the Israelites give to an alien resident or sell to a foreigner an unbled dead animal that they themselves would not eat?

Back 800

In the Bible, the term "alien resident" could refer to a non-Israelite who became a proselyte or to a settler who lived by basic laws of the land but who did not become a worshiper of Jehovah. A foreigner and an alien resident who did not become proselytes were not under the Law and could use unbled dead animals in various ways. The Israelites were permitted to give or sell such animals to them. The proselyte, on the other hand, was bound by the Law covenant. As indicated at Leviticus 17:10, such a person was forbidden to eat the blood of an animal.

Front 801

Dry bones to life

Back 801

Ez. 37:5

Front 802

Do NOT pray the same words

Back 802

Matt. 6:7

Front 803

Do not awake love in me

Back 803

Cant. 2:7
aka Song of Solomon

Front 804

Do everything for God's glory

Back 804

1 Cor. 10:31

Front 805

Distress wont come a second time

Back 805

Nahum 1:9

Front 806

Disfellowshipping
aka "excommunication"

Back 806

1 Cor. 5:9-13

Front 807

Deuteronomy 6:4

Back 807

"Listen, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.

Front 808

Deuteronomy 32:4

Back 808

The Rock, perfect is his activity, For all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; Righteous and upright is he.

Front 809

Deuteronomy 18:10-12

Back 809

There should not be found in you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, anyone who employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer, 11 or one who binds others with a spell or anyone who consults a spirit medium or a professional foreteller of events or anyone who inquires of the dead. 12 For everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah, and on account of these detestable things Jehovah your God is driving them away from before you.

Front 810

Deuteronomy 11:18

Back 810

And YOU must apply these words of mine to YOUR heart and YOUR soul and bind them as a sign upon YOUR hand, and they must serve as a frontlet band between YOUR eyes.

Front 811

Destroyed copper serpent idol

Back 811

2 Ki. 18:4
ties in to:
John 3:13; Numb. 21:9

Front 812

Desires none to be destroyed

Back 812

2 Pet. 3:9

Front 813

Desire becomes fertile

Back 813

James 1:14

Front 814

Death swallowed forever

Back 814

1 Cor. 15:54

Front 815

Dead are conscious of nothing

Back 815

Eccl. 9:5

Front 816

Daniel 8:5-6

Back 816

And I, for my part, kept on considering, and, look! there was a male of the goats coming from the sunset upon the surface of the whole earth, and it was not touching the earth. And as regards the he-goat, there was a conspicuous horn between its eyes. 6 And it kept coming all the way to the ram possessing the two horns, which I had seen standing before the watercourse; and it came running toward it in its powerful rage.

Front 817

Daniel 8:20-22

Back 817

“The ram that you saw possessing the two horns [stands for] the kings of Me′di‧a and Persia. 21 And the hairy he-goat [stands for] the king of Greece; and as for the great horn that was between its eyes, it [stands for] the first king. 22 And that one having been broken, so that there were four that finally stood up instead of it, there are four kingdoms from [his] nation that will stand up, but not with his power.

Front 818

Daniel 7:13-14

Back 818

“I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and, see there! with the clouds of the heavens someone like a son of man happened to be coming; and to the Ancient of Days he gained access, and they brought him up close even before that One. 14 And to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him. His rulership is an indefinitely lasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be brought to ruin.

Front 819

Daniel 4:32

Back 819

and from mankind they are driving even you away, and with the beasts of the field your dwelling will be. Vegetation they will give even to you to eat just like bulls, and seven times themselves will pass over you, until you know that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind, and that to the one whom he wants to he gives it.’”

Front 820

Daniel 4:16-17

Back 820

Let its heart be changed from that of mankind, and let the heart of a beast be given to it, and let seven times pass over it. 17 By the decree of watchers the thing is, and [by] the saying of holy ones the request is, to the intent that people living may know that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and that to the one whom he wants to, he gives it and he sets up over it even the lowliest one of mankind.”

Front 821

Daniel 2:44

Back 821

"And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite;

Front 822

Crown of Life

Back 822

Rev. 2:10

Front 823

Consider "these" things

Back 823

Phil. 4:8, 9

Front 824

Colossians 4:6

Back 824

Let YOUR utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how YOU ought to give an answer to each one.

Front 825

Colossians 3:8

Back 825

But now really put them all away from YOU, wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk out of YOUR mouth.

Front 826

Colossians 3:5

Back 826

Deaden, therefore, YOUR body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Front 827

Colossians 3:13-14

Back 827

Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave YOU, so do YOU also. 14 But, besides all these things, [clothe yourselves with] love, for it is a perfect bond of union.

Front 828

Colossians 2:8

Back 828

Look out: perhaps there may be someone who will carry YOU off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ;

Front 829

Colossians 2:14

Back 829

and blotted out the handwritten document against us, which consisted of decrees and which was in opposition to us; and He has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the torture stake.

Front 830

Colossians 1:15-17

Back 830

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 16 because by means of him all [other] things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All [other] things have been created through him and for him. 17 Also, he is before all [other] things and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist,

Front 831

Colossians 1:15

Back 831

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation;

Front 832

Christians no part of the world

Back 832

John 17:14

Front 833

Christ is a model to follow

Back 833

1 Pet. 2:21

Front 834

Christ hands Kingdom back to God

Back 834

1 Cor. 15:21-28

Front 835

Christ "serpent"

Back 835

John 3:13
ties in with:
2 Ki. 18:4; Numb. 21:9

Front 836

Christ "firstfruits"

Back 836

1 Cor. 15:20-28

Front 837

Call on Jehovah's name

Back 837

Rom. 10:13-15

Front 838

Burned books

Back 838

Acts 19:19

Front 839

Bring to ruin those ruining earth

Back 839

Rev. 11:18

Front 840

Bought from the earth

Back 840

Rev. 14:3-5

Front 841

Boast in Jehovah

Back 841

1 Cor. 1:31

Front 842

Birth to sin

Back 842

James 1:14

Front 843

Beyond what is normal

Back 843

2 Cor. 4:7

Front 844

As in Noah's day

Back 844

Luke 17:26

Front 845

Angels materialized

Back 845

Gen. 6:1, 2

Front 846

Acts 8:38-39

Back 846

With that he commanded the chariot to halt, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 When they had come up out of the water, Jehovah’s spirit quickly led Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him anymore, for he kept going on his way rejoicing.

Front 847

Acts 7:60

Back 847

Then, bending his knees, he cried out with a strong voice: “Jehovah, do not charge this sin against them.” And after saying this he fell asleep [in death].

Front 848

Acts 7:48

Back 848

Nevertheless, the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands; just as the prophet says,

Front 849

Acts 5:42

Back 849

And every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus.

Front 850

Acts 5:30

Back 850

The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, whom YOU slew, hanging him upon a stake.

Front 851

Acts 5:29

Back 851

In answer Peter and the [other] apostles said: "We must obey God as ruler rather than men.

Front 852

Acts 4:8-12

Back 852

Then Peter, filled with holy spirit, said to them: “Rulers of the people and older men, 9 if we are this day being examined, on the basis of a good deed to an ailing man, as to by whom this man has been made well, 10 let it be known to all of YOU and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ the Naz‧a‧rene′, whom YOU impaled but whom God raised up from the dead, by this one does this man stand here sound in front of YOU. 11 This is ‘the stone that was treated by YOU builders as of no account that has become the head of the corner.’ 12 Furthermore, there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.”

Front 853

Acts 3:19

Back 853

"Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get YOUR sins blotted out, that seasons of refreshing may come from the person of Jehovah

Front 854

Acts 21:25

Back 854

As for the believers from among the nations, we have sent out, rendering our decision that they should keep themselves from what is sacrificed to idols as well as from blood and what is strangled and from fornication.”

Front 855

Acts 20:20

Back 855

while I did not hold back from telling YOU any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching YOU publicly and from house to house.

Front 856

Acts 2:41

Back 856

Therefore those who embraced his word heartily were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.

Front 857

Acts 17:27

Back 857

for them to 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

Front 858

Acts 17:27

Back 858

In fact, he is not far off from each one of us.

Front 859

Acts 17:27

Back 859

for them to 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.

Front 860

Acts 17:24-25

Back 860

The God that made the world and all the things in it, being, as this One is, Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade temples, 25 neither is he attended to by human hands as if he needed anything, because he himself gives to all [persons] life and breath and all things.

Front 861

Acts 17:11.

Back 861

Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thes‧sa‧lo‧ni′ca, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so

Front 862

Acts 17:11

Back 862

Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thes·sa·lo·ni´ca, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.

Front 863

Acts 15:28-29

Back 863

For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to YOU, except these necessary things, 29 to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication. If YOU carefully keep yourselves from these things, YOU will prosper. Good health to YOU!”

Front 864

Acts 15:28-29

Back 864

For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to YOU, except these necessary things, 29 to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication. If YOU carefully keep yourselves from these things, YOU will prosper. Good health to YOU!"

Front 865

Acts 10:39

Back 865

And we are witnesses of all the things he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem; but they also did away with him by hanging him on a stake.

Front 866

Acts 10:34-35

Back 866

At this Peter opened his mouth and said: “For a certainty I perceive that God is not partial, 35 but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.

Front 867

Acts 10:25-26

Back 867

As Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet and did obeisance to him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying: “Rise; I myself am also a man.”

Front 868

2 Timothy 4:5

Back 868

You, though, keep your senses in all things, suffer evil, do [the] work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry.

Front 869

2 Timothy 4:2

Back 869

preach the word, be at it urgently in favorable season, in troublesome season, reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all long-suffering and [art of] teaching.

Front 870

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Back 870

All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

Front 871

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Back 871

All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

Front 872

2 Timothy 3:12

Back 872

In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.

Front 873

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Back 873

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, self-assuming, 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 a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power; and from these turn away.

Front 874

2 Timothy 2:26

Back 874

and they may come back to their proper senses out from the snare of the Devil, seeing that they have been caught alive by him for the will of that one.

Front 875

2 Timothy 2:23

Back 875

Further, turn down foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing they produce fights.

Front 876

2 Timothy 2:15

Back 876

Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright.

Front 877

2 Thessalonians 3:10

Back 877

In fact, also, when we were with YOU, we used to give YOU this order: "If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat."

Front 878

2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

Back 878

This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for YOU, 7 but, to YOU who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels 8 in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. 9 These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength,

Front 879

2 Samuel 8:2—How many Moabites were executed after Israel's conflict with them?

Back 879

The number may have been determined by measuring rather than by counting. It seems that David had the Moabites lie down side by side on the ground in a row. Next, he had the row measured with the length of a line, or a cord. Apparently, two line measures, or two thirds of the Moabites, were put to death, and one line measure, or one third of them, were spared.

Front 880

2 Samuel 5:1, 2—How long after Ish-bosheth's assassination was David made king over all Israel?

Back 880

It seems reasonable to conclude that Ish-bosheth began his two-year-long kingship shortly after Saul's death, about the same time David began his in Hebron. David ruled over Judah from Hebron for seven and a half years. Soon after being made king over all Israel, he shifted his capital to Jerusalem. Hence, about five years elapsed after Ish-bosheth's death before David became king over all Israel.—2 Samuel 2:3, 4, 8-11; 5:4, 5.

Front 881

2 Samuel 3:29—What is meant by "a man taking hold of the twirling spindle"?

Back 881

Women customarily did the weaving of cloth. Therefore, this expression may refer to men who were unfit for such activities as warfare and who were thus obliged to do the work usually done by a woman.

Front 882

2 Samuel 24:1—Why did taking a count of people constitute a serious sin for David?

Back 882

The taking of a census was not in itself forbidden in the Law. (Numbers 1:1-3; 26:1-4) The Bible does not say what objective moved David to number the people. However, 1 Chronicles 21:1 indicates that Satan incited him to do so. In any event, his military chief, Joab, knew that David's decision to register the people was wrong, and he tried to dissuade David from doing it.

Front 883

2 Samuel 21:9, 10—For how long did Rizpah keep up a vigil for her two sons and the five grandsons of Saul who were put to death by the Gibeonites?

Back 883

These seven were hanged "in the first days of harvest"—March or April. Their dead bodies were left exposed on a mountain. Rizpah guarded the seven bodies by day and by night until Jehovah showed by ending the drought that his anger had subsided. Any heavy downpour of rain would have been very unlikely before the completion of the harvest season in October. Hence, Rizpah may have kept up the vigil for as long as five or six months. Thereafter, David had the bones of the men buried.

Front 884

2 Samuel 21:8—How can it be said that Saul's daughter Michal had five sons, when 2 Samuel 6:23 states that she died childless?

Back 884

The most widely accepted explanation is that these were the sons of Michal's sister Merab, who married Adriel. Likely, Merab died early, and childless Michal brought up the boys.

Front 885

2 Samuel 2:18—Why were Joab and his two brothers identified as the three sons of Zeruiah, their mother?

Back 885

In the Hebrew Scriptures, genealogies were usually reckoned through the father. Zeruiah's husband may have died prematurely, or he could have been considered unsuitable for inclusion in the Sacred Record. It is possible that Zeruiah was listed because she was David's sister or half sister. (1 Chronicles 2:15, 16) The only reference to the father of the three brothers is in connection with his burial place at Bethlehem.—2 Samuel 2:32.

Front 886

2 Samuel 19:29—Why did David respond the way he did to Mephibosheth's explanation?

Back 886

Upon hearing Mephibosheth, David must have realized that he erred when he took Ziba's words at face value. (2 Samuel 16:1-4; 19:24-28) Very likely, this irritated David, and he did not want to hear anything further about the matter.

Front 887

2 Samuel 14:7—What is symbolized by "the glow of my charcoals"?

Back 887

The glow of slow-burning charcoal is used to denote a living offspring.

Front 888

2 Peter 3:9

Back 888

Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with YOU because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.

Front 889

2 Peter 3:8

Back 889

However, let this one fact not be escaping YOUR notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.

Front 890

2 Peter 3:7-11

Back 890

However, let this one fact not be escaping YOUR notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. 9 Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with YOU because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. 10 Yet Jehovah's day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a hissing noise, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be discovered. 11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought YOU to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion,

Front 891

2 Peter 3:5-7

Back 891

For, according to their wish, this fact escapes their notice, that there were heavens from of old and an earth standing compactly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; 6 and by those [means] the world of that time suffered destruction when it was deluged with water. 7 But by the same word the heavens and the earth that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men.

Front 892

2 Peter 3:3-7

Back 892

For YOU know this first, that in the last days there will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires 4 and saying: "Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep [in death], all things are continuing exactly as from creation's beginning." 5 For, according to their wish, this fact escapes their notice, that there were heavens from of old and an earth standing compactly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; 6 and by those [means] the world of that time suffered destruction when it was deluged with water. 7 But by the same word the heavens and the earth that are now are stored up for fire and are being reserved to the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men.

Front 893

2 Peter 3:15

Back 893

Furthermore, consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul according to the wisdom given him also wrote YOU,

Front 894

2 Peter 3:13-15

Back 894

But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell. 14 Hence, beloved ones, since YOU are awaiting these things, do YOUR utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace. 15 Furthermore, consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul according to the wisdom given him also wrote YOU,

Front 895

2 Peter 3:13

Back 895

But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.

Front 896

2 Peter 2:9

Back 896

Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people for the day of judgment to be cut off,

Front 897

2 Peter 2:4

Back 897

Certainly if God did not hold back from punishing the angels that sinned, but, by throwing them into Tar′ta‧rus, delivered them to pits of dense darkness to be reserved for judgment;

Front 898

2 Peter 1:5-8

Back 898

Yes, for this very reason, by YOUR contributing in response all earnest effort, supply to YOUR faith virtue, to [YOUR] virtue knowledge, 6 to [YOUR] knowledge self-control, to [YOUR] self-control endurance, to [YOUR] endurance godly devotion, 7 to [YOUR] godly devotion brotherly affection, to [YOUR] brotherly affection love. 8 For if these things exist in YOU and overflow, they will prevent YOU from being either inactive or unfruitful regarding the accurate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Front 899

2 Peter 1:21

Back 899

For prophecy was at no time brought by man's will, but men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit.

Front 900

2 Peter 1:20-21

Back 900

For YOU know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation. 21 For prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit.

Front 901

2 Peter 1:19-21

Back 901

Consequently we have the prophetic word [made] more sure; and YOU are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and a daystar rises, in YOUR hearts. 20 For YOU know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation. 21 For prophecy was at no time brought by man's will, but men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit.

Front 902

2 Peter 1:19

Back 902

Consequently we have the prophetic word [made] more sure; and YOU are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and a daystar rises, in YOUR hearts.

Front 903

2 Kings 5:18, 19—Was Naaman requesting forgiveness for having to participate in a religious act?

Back 903

The Syrian king evidently was old and weak and had to lean upon Naaman for support. When the king bowed down in worship to Rimmon, Naaman did also. For Naaman, though, it was a purely mechanical act, strictly for the purpose of supporting the body of the king and not for rendering worship. Naaman was asking Jehovah to forgive him for performing this civil duty. Believing Naaman, Elisha said to him: "Go in peace."

Front 904

2 Kings 5:15, 16—Why did Elisha not accept Naaman's gift?

Back 904

Elisha refused the gift because he recognized that the miracle of healing Naaman was performed by Jehovah's power, not his own. It would have been unthinkable on his part to profit from his God-appointed office. True worshippers today do not reach out for personal gain from Jehovah's service. They take to heart Jesus' admonition: "You received free, give free."—Matthew 10:8.

Front 905

2 Kings 2:9—Why did Elisha ask for 'two parts in Elijah's spirit'?

Back 905

To carry out the responsibility as a prophet to Israel, Elisha would need the same spirit that Elijah had shown, that of courage and fearlessness. Realizing this, Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Elisha was appointed by Elijah as his successor and had been his attendant for six years, so Elisha viewed Elijah as his spiritual father; Elisha was like the firstborn spiritual son of Elijah. (1 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 2:12) Hence, just as the literal firstborn received two parts of his father's inheritance, Elisha asked for and received two parts of spiritual inheritance from Elijah.

Front 906

2 Kings 2:11—What were "the heavens" to which "Elijah went ascending in the windstorm"?

Back 906

These were neither the distant parts of the physical universe nor the spiritual place where God and his angelic sons dwell. (Deuteronomy 4:19; Psalm 11:4; Matthew 6:9; 18:10) "The heavens" to which Elijah ascended were the atmospheric heavens. (Psalm 78:26; Matthew 6:26) Racing through earth's atmosphere, the fiery chariot evidently transferred Elijah to another part of the earth, where he continued living for a time. Years later, in fact, Elijah wrote a letter to Jehoram, the king of Judah.—2 Chronicles 21:1, 12-15.

Front 907

2 Kings 18:19-21, 25—Had Hezekiah made an alliance with Egypt?

Back 907

No. Rabshakeh's accusation was false, as was his claim to have come with "authorization from Jehovah." Faithful King Hezekiah relied solely on Jehovah

Front 908

2 Kings 15:1-6—Why did Jehovah plague Azariah (Uzziah, 15:6, footnote) with leprosy?

Back 908

"As soon as [Uzziah] was strong, his heart became haughty . . . , so that he acted unfaithfully against Jehovah his God and came into the temple of Jehovah to burn incense upon the altar of incense." When the priests "stood up against Uzziah" and told him to "go out from the sanctuary," he became enraged against the priests and was struck with leprosy.—2 Chronicles 26:16-20.

Front 909

2 Kings 13:20, 21—Does this miracle support the veneration of religious relics?

Back 909

No, it does not. The Bible does not show that the bones of Elisha were ever venerated. It was God's power that made this miracle possible, as was the case with all the miracles Elisha performed when he was still alive.

Front 910

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Back 910

But as to this, he that sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and he that sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Front 911

2 Corinthians 7:1

Back 911

Therefore, since we have these promises, beloved ones, let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God's fear.

Front 912

2 Corinthians 6:17

Back 912

"'Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,' says Jehovah, 'and quit touching the unclean thing'"; "'and I will take YOU in.'"

Front 913

2 Corinthians 6:14

Back 913

Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness?

Front 914

2 Corinthians 4:4

Back 914

among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.

Front 915

2 Corinthians 4:4

Back 915

among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.

Front 916

2 Corinthians 4:3,4

Back 916

If, now, the good news we declare is in fact veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through

Front 917

2 Corinthians 2:17

Back 917

for we are not peddlers of the word of God as many men are, but as out of sincerity, yes, as sent from God, under God's view, in company with Christ, we are speaking.

Front 918

2 Corinthians 13:5

Back 918

Keep testing whether YOU are in the faith, keep proving what YOU yourselves are. Or do YOU not recognize that Jesus Christ is in union with YOU? Unless YOU are disapproved.

Front 919

2 Corinthians 11:14-15

Back 919

And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. 15 It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness. But their end shall be according to their works.

Front 920

2 Chronicles 5:4, 5, 10—What furniture from the original tabernacle became part of Solomon's temple?

Back 920

The only item from the original tent of meeting that was kept in Solomon's temple was the Ark. After the construction of the temple, the tabernacle was taken from Gibeon to Jerusalem and was apparently stored there.—2 Chronicles 1:3, 4.

Front 921

2 Chronicles 4:5—What was the total capacity of the molten sea?

Back 921

When filled, the sea could hold three thousand bath measures, or about 17,400 gallons [66,000 L]. The normal level, however, was probably about two thirds of its capacity. First Kings 7:26 states: "Two thousand bath measures [11,600 gallons [44,000 L]] were what [the sea] would contain."

Front 922

2 Chronicles 4:2-4—Why was the representation of bulls used in the construction of the base of the molten sea?

Back 922

In the Scriptures, bulls are a symbol of strength. (Ezekiel 1:10; Revelation 4:6, 7) The choice of bulls as a representation was fitting because the 12 copper bulls supported the huge "sea," which weighed some 30 tons. The making of bulls for this purpose did not in any way violate the second commandment, which prohibited the making of objects for worship.—Exodus 20:4, 5.

Front 923

2 Chronicles 35:3—From where did Josiah have the holy Ark brought into the temple?

Back 923

Whether the Ark was removed earlier by one of the wicked kings or was relocated by Josiah for safekeeping during the extensive repair work of the temple, the Bible does not say. The only historical reference to the Ark after Solomon's day is when Josiah brought it into the temple.

Front 924

2 Chronicles 2:18; 8:10—These verses state that the number of deputies serving as overseers and as foremen over the labor force was 3,600 plus 250, whereas according to 1 Kings 5:16; 9:23, they numbered 3,300 plus 550. Why do the numbers differ?

Back 924

The difference seems to be in the way the deputies are classified. It may be that Second Chronicles differentiates between 3,600 non-Israelites and 250 Israelite deputies, while First Kings distinguishes 3,300 foremen from 550 chief supervisors of higher rank. In any case, the total number of those serving as deputies was 3,850.

Front 925

2 Chronicles 2:14—Why is the lineage of the craftsman described here different from the one found at 1 Kings 7:14?

Back 925

First Kings refers to the craftsman's mother as "a widowed woman from the tribe of Naphtali" because she had married a man of that tribe. She herself, though, was from the tribe of Dan. After her husband's death, she married a man of Tyre, and the artisan was an offspring of that marriage.

Front 926

2 Chronicles 16:13, 14—Was Asa cremated?

Back 926

No, the "extraordinarily great funeral burning" refers, not to the cremation of Asa, but to the burning of spices.—Footnote.

Front 927

2 Chronicles 15:9; 34:6—What was the standing of the tribe of Simeon with respect to the division of the kingdom of Israel?

Back 927

Having received as an inheritance various enclaves in Judah, the tribe of Simeon was geographically within the kingdom of Judah and Benjamin. (Joshua 19:1) Religiously and politically, however, the tribe aligned itself with the northern kingdom. (1 Kings 11:30-33; 12:20-24) Hence, Simeon was counted with the ten-tribe kingdom.

Front 928

2 Chronicles 14:2-5; 15:17—Did King Asa remove all "the high places"?

Back 928

Apparently, he did not. It may be that Asa removed only the high places associated with the worship of false gods but not those where people worshipped Jehovah. It could also be that high places were built again in the latter part of Asa's reign. These his son Jehoshaphat removed. Actually, the high places did not disappear completely, even during Jehoshaphat's reign.—2 Chronicles 17:5, 6; 20:31-33.

Front 929

2 Chronicles 13:5—What is meant by the expression "a covenant of salt"?

Back 929

Because of its preserving properties, salt became a symbol of permanence and immutability. "A covenant of salt," then, denotes a binding agreement.

Front 930

1 Timothy 6:8-10

Back 930

So, having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things. 9 However, those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.

Front 931

1 Timothy 6:20

Back 931

O Timothy, guard what is laid up in trust with you, turning away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from the contradictions of the falsely called “knowledge.”

Front 932

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Back 932

Give orders to those who are rich in the present system of things not to be high-minded, and to rest their hope, not on uncertain riches, but on God, who furnishes us all things richly for our enjoyment; 18 to work at good, to be rich in fine works, to be liberal, ready to share, 19 safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future, in order that they may get a firm hold on the real life.

Front 933

1 Timothy 6:12

Back 933

Fight the fine fight of the faith, get a firm hold on the everlasting life for which you were called and you offered the fine public declaration in front of many witnesses.

Front 934

1 Timothy 5:8

Back 934

Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.

Front 935

1 Timothy 5:17

Back 935

Let the older men who preside in a fine way be reckoned worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching.

Front 936

1 Timothy 5:17

Back 936

Let the older men who preside in a fine way be reckoned worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching.

Front 937

1 Timothy 5:1-2

Back 937

Do not severely criticize an older man. To the contrary, entreat him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters with all chasteness.

Front 938

1 Timothy 5:1-2

Back 938

Do not severely criticize an older man. To the contrary, entreat him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters with all chasteness.

Front 939

1 Timothy 4:8

Back 939

For bodily training is beneficial for a little; but godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.

Front 940

1 Timothy 4:3

Back 940

forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who have faith and accurately know the truth.

Front 941

1 Timothy 4:15-16

Back 941

Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, that your advancement may be manifest to all [persons]. 16 Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

Front 942

1 Timothy 3:8

Back 942

Ministerial servants should likewise be serious, not double-tongued, not giving themselves to a lot of wine, not greedy of dishonest gain,

Front 943

1 Timothy 3:2-4

Back 943

The overseer should therefore be irreprehensible, a husband of one wife, moderate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach, 3 not a drunken brawler, not a smiter, but reasonable, not belligerent, not a lover of money, 4 a man presiding over his own household in a fine manner, having children in subjection with all seriousness;

Front 944

1 Timothy 3:16

Back 944

Indeed, the sacred secret of this godly devotion is admittedly great: ‘He was made manifest in flesh, was declared righteous in spirit, appeared to angels, was preached about among nations, was believed upon in [the] world, was received up in glory.’

Front 945

1 Timothy 3:12

Back 945

Let ministerial servants be husbands of one wife, presiding in a fine manner over children and their own households.

Front 946

1 Timothy 2:5

Back 946

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all...

Front 947

1 Timothy 2:3-5

Back 947

This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, 4 whose will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus,

Front 948

1 Timothy 2:14

Back 948

Also, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and came to be in transgression.

Front 949

1 Timothy 1:17

Back 949

Now to the King of eternity, incorruptible, invisible, [the] only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Front 950

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3

Back 950

For YOU yourselves know quite well that Jehovah's day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. 3 Whenever it is that they are saying: "Peace and security!" then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them just as the pang of distress upon a pregnant woman; and they will by no means escape.

Front 951

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Back 951

Pray incessantly.

Front 952

1 Thessalonians 4:1

Back 952

Finally, brothers, we request YOU and exhort YOU by the Lord Jesus, just as YOU received [the instruction] from us on how YOU ought to walk and please God, just as YOU are in fact walking, that YOU would keep on doing it more fully.

Front 953

1 Thessalonians 2:13

Back 953

Indeed, that is why we also thank God incessantly, 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.

Front 954

1 Samuel 9:9—What is significant about the expression "the prophet of today used to be called a seer in former times"?

Back 954

These words may indicate that as the prophets became more prominent in the days of Samuel and during the era of the kings in Israel, the word "seer" came to be replaced by the term "prophet." Samuel is considered the first of the line of the prophets.—Acts 3:24.

Front 955

1 Samuel 7:7-9, 17—Why did Samuel offer up a burnt offering at Mizpah and set up an altar in Ramah, since sacrifices were to be offered on a regular basis only at the place of Jehovah's choosing? (Deuteronomy 12:4-7, 13, 14; Joshua 22:19)

Back 955

After the removal of the sacred Ark from the tabernacle at Shiloh, Jehovah's presence was no longer evident there. So as God's representative, Samuel offered a burnt offering at Mizpah and also set up an altar in Ramah. These actions were apparently approved by Jehovah.

Front 956

1 Samuel 3:3—Did Samuel actually sleep in the Most Holy?

Back 956

No, he did not. Samuel was a Levite of the nonpriestly family of the Kohathites. (1 Chronicles 6:33-38) As such, he was not permitted to "come in to see the holy things." (Numbers 4:17-20) The only part of the sanctuary that Samuel had access to was the tabernacle courtyard. That is where he must have slept. Apparently, Eli also slept somewhere in the courtyard. The expression "where the ark of God was" evidently refers to the tabernacle area.

Front 957

1 Samuel 2:10—Why did Hannah pray that Jehovah "give strength to his king" when there was no human king over Israel?

Back 957

That the Israelites would have a human king was foretold in the Mosaic Law. (Deuteronomy 17:14-18) In his deathbed prophecy, Jacob said: "The scepter [a symbol of royal authority] will not turn aside from Judah." (Genesis 49:10) Moreover, concerning Sarah—the ancestress of the Israelites—Jehovah said: "Kings of peoples will come from her." (Genesis 17:16) Hannah, then, was praying about a future king.

Front 958

1 Samuel 17:55-58—In view of 1 Samuel 16:17-23, why did Saul ask whose son David was?

Back 958

Saul's inquiry was not just about the name of David's father. Very likely, he wanted to know what kind of man fathered a boy who had just accomplished the amazing feat of slaying a giant.

Front 959

1 Samuel 16:14—What bad spirit terrorized Saul?

Back 959

The bad spirit that deprived Saul of his peace of mind was the bad inclination of his mind and heart—his inward urge to do wrong. When Jehovah withdrew his holy spirit, Saul lost its protection and came to be dominated by his own bad spirit. Since God permitted that spirit to replace His holy spirit, this bad spirit is termed "a bad spirit from Jehovah."

Front 960

1 Samuel 15:6—Why did the Kenites receive special consideration from Saul?

Back 960

The Kenites were the sons of Moses' father-in-law. They assisted the Israelites after these pulled away from Mount Sinai. (Numbers 10:29-32) In the land of Canaan, the Kenites also took up dwelling with the sons of Judah for a time. (Judges 1:16) Even though they later resided among the Amalekites and various other peoples, the Kenites remained on friendly terms with Israel. For good reason, then, Saul spared the Kenites.

Front 961

1 Samuel 15:22

Back 961

In turn Samuel said: “Does Jehovah have as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Look! To obey is better than a sacrifice, to pay attention than the fat of rams;

Front 962

1 Samuel 14:24-32, 44, 45—Did Jonathan lose God's favor for eating honey in violation of Saul's oath?

Back 962

This act does not seem to have placed Jonathan in God's disfavor. First of all, Jonathan did not know about his father's oath. Moreover, the oath, prompted either by false zeal or by a wrong view of kingly power, caused problems for the people. How could such an oath have God's approval? Although Jonathan was willing to accept the consequences of breaking the oath, his life was spared.

Front 963

1 Peter 5:8, 9

Back 963

Keep YOUR senses, be watchful. YOUR adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour [someone]. 9 But take YOUR stand against him, solid in the faith, knowing that the same things in the way of sufferings are being accomplished in the entire association of YOUR brothers in the world

Front 964

1 Peter 5:8

Back 964

Keep YOUR senses, be watchful. YOUR adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour [someone].

Front 965

1 Peter 5:7

Back 965

while YOU throw all YOUR anxiety upon him, because he cares for YOU

Front 966

1 Peter 5:5

Back 966

In like manner, YOU younger men, be in subjection to the older men. But all of YOU gird yourselves with lowliness of mind toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.

Front 967

1 Peter 5:2-3

Back 967

Shepherd the flock of God in YOUR care, not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; 3 neither as lording it over those who are God's inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.

Front 968

1 Peter 4:8

Back 968

Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Front 969

1 Peter 4:7-8

Back 969

But the end of all things has drawn close. Be sound in mind, therefore, and be vigilant with a view to prayers. 8 Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Front 970

1 Peter 4:4

Back 970

Because YOU do not continue running with them in this course to the same low sink of debauchery, they are puzzled and go on speaking abusively of YOU.

Front 971

1 Peter 4:18

Back 971

"And if the righteous [man] is being saved with difficulty, where will the ungodly [man] and the sinner make a showing?"

Front 972

1 Peter 3:7

Back 972

YOU husbands, continue dwelling in like manner with them according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one, since YOU are also heirs with them of the undeserved favor of life, in order for YOUR prayers not to be hindered.

Front 973

1 Peter 3:21

Back 973

That which corresponds to this is also now saving YOU, namely, baptism, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the request made to God for a good conscience,) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Front 974

1 Peter 3:19-20

Back 974

In this [state] also he went his way and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who had once been disobedient when the patience of God was waiting in Noah’s days, while the ark was being constructed, in which a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water.

Front 975

1 Peter 3:18

Back 975

Why, even Christ died once for all time concerning sins, a righteous [person] for unrighteous ones, that he might lead YOU to God, he being put to death in the flesh, but being made alive in the spirit.

Front 976

1 Peter 3:15

Back 976

But sanctify the Christ as Lord in YOUR hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of YOU a reason for the hope in YOU, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.

Front 977

1 Peter 3:1

Back 977

In like manner, YOU wives, be in subjection to YOUR own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of [their] wives,

Front 978

1 Peter 2:9

Back 978

But YOU are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that YOU should declare abroad the excellencies" of the one that called YOU out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Front 979

1 Peter 2:6-8

Back 979

For it is contained in Scripture: “Look! I am laying in Zion a stone, chosen, a foundation cornerstone, precious; and no one exercising faith in it will by any means come to disappointment.” 7 It is to YOU, therefore, that he is precious, because YOU are believers; but to those not believing, “the identical stone that the builders rejected has become [the] head of [the] corner,” 8 and “a stone of stumbling and a rock-mass of offense.” These are stumbling because they are disobedient to the word. To this very end they were also appointed.

Front 980

1 Peter 2:5-6

Back 980

YOU yourselves also as living stones are being built up a spiritual house for the purpose of a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it is contained in Scripture: “Look! I am laying in Zion a stone, chosen, a foundation cornerstone, precious; and no one exercising faith in it will by any means come to disappointment.”

Front 981

1 Peter 2:4

Back 981

Coming to him as to a living stone, rejected, it is true, by men, but chosen, precious, with God,

Front 982

1 Peter 2:22

Back 982

He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth.

Front 983

1 Peter 2:21-23

Back 983

In fact, to this [course] YOU were called, because even Christ suffered for YOU, leaving YOU a model for YOU to follow his steps closely. He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. When he was being reviled, he did not go reviling in return. When he was suffering, he did not go threatening, but kept on committing himself to the one who judges righteously

Front 984

1 Peter 2:20-21

Back 984

For what merit is there in it if, when YOU are sinning and being slapped, YOU endure it? But if, when YOU are doing good and YOU suffer, YOU endure it, this is a thing agreeable with God. 21 In fact, to this [course] YOU were called, because even Christ suffered for YOU, leaving YOU a model for YOU to follow his steps closely.

Front 985

1 Peter 2:2

Back 985

[and,] as newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word, that through it YOU may grow to salvation,

Front 986

1 Peter 2:17

Back 986

Honor [men] of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God, have honor for the king.

Front 987

1 Peter 2:12

Back 987

Maintain YOUR conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against YOU as evildoers, they may as a result of YOUR fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for [his] inspection.

Front 988

1 Kings 9:10-13—Was Solomon's gift of 20 cities in the land of Galilee to King Hiram of Tyre in harmony with the Mosaic Law?

Back 988

The Law as stated at Leviticus 25:23, 24 could have been regarded as applying only to an area occupied by the Israelites. It is possible that the cities Solomon gave to Hiram were inhabited by non-Israelites, although lying within the boundary of the Promised Land. (Exodus 23:31) Solomon's action could also have been an indication of his failure to comply completely with the Law, as when he 'increased horses for himself' and took many wives. (Deuteronomy 17:16, 17) Whatever the case, Hiram was dissatisfied with the gift. Perhaps the cities were not well-kept by their pagan inhabitants, or it may be that they were not ideally located.

Front 989

1 Kings 6:37-8:2—When was the temple inaugurated?

Back 989

The temple was completed in the eighth month of 1027 B.C.E., the 11th year of Solomon's reign. It seems that bringing in the furnishings and making other preparations took 11 months. The inauguration must have taken place in the seventh month of the year 1026 B.C.E. The narrative describes other construction projects after the temple's completion and before mentioning its inauguration, evidently to round out the discussion about the building operations.—2 Chronicles 5:1-3.

Front 990

1 Kings 20:34—After Jehovah gave Ahab victory over the Syrians, why did Ahab spare their king, Ben-hadad?

Back 990

Instead of striking Ben-hadad down, Ahab concluded a covenant with him by which streets in the Syrian capital, Damascus, would be assigned to Ahab, evidently for the establishment of bazaars, or markets. Earlier, Ben-hadad's father had similarly assigned himself streets in Samaria for commercial purposes. Hence, Ben-hadad was released so that Ahab could establish commercial interests in Damascus.

Front 991

1 Kings 18:21—Why were the people silent when Elijah asked them to follow either Jehovah or Baal?

Back 991

It could be that they recognized their failure to give Jehovah the exclusive devotion that he exacts and therefore felt guilty. Or perhaps their consciences were hardened to the extent that they saw nothing wrong with worshipping Baal while claiming to be worshippers of Jehovah. It was only after Jehovah demonstrated his power that they said: "Jehovah is the true God! Jehovah is the true God!"—1 Kings 18:39.

Front 992

1 Kings 11:4—Did senility cause Solomon to become unfaithful in his old age?

Back 992

This does not seem to be the case. Solomon was quite young when he began ruling, and although he reigned for 40 years, he did not reach an advanced old age. Moreover, he did not completely leave off following Jehovah. He apparently tried to practice some form of interfaith.

Front 993

1 Kings 1:5—Why did Adonijah try to seize the throne while David was still alive?

Back 993

The Bible does not say. However, it is reasonable to conclude that since Adonijah's older brothers Amnon and Absalom were already dead, as was probably David's son Chileab, Adonijah thought that he had the right to the throne as the eldest of David's remaining sons. (2 Samuel 3:2-4; 13:28, 29; 18:14-17) Having elicited the support of the powerful army chief Joab and the influential high priest Abiathar, Adonijah likely felt confident that his attempt would succeed. The Bible does not say whether he knew of David's intent to have Solomon inherit the throne. However, Adonijah did not invite Solomon and others loyal to David to "a sacrifice." (1 Kings 1:9, 10) This suggests that he viewed Solomon as a rival.

Front 994

1 Kings 1:49-53; 2:13-25—Why did Solomon put Adonijah to death after granting him a pardon?

Back 994

Even though Bath-sheba had failed to recognize it, Solomon discerned the true intention behind Adonijah's request that she ask the king to give him Abishag as a wife. Though David had not had relations with her, beautiful Abishag was considered David's concubine. According to the custom of the times, she would become the property only of David's legal heir. Adonijah might have thought that by taking Abishag as his wife, he could again make a bid for the throne. Interpreting Adonijah's request as a manifestation of ambition for the kingship, Solomon revoked the pardon.

Front 995

1 John 5:3

Back 995

For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome

Front 996

1 John 5:21

Back 996

Guard yourself from idols.

Front 997

1 John 5:19

Back 997

We know we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the [power of the] wicked one.

Front 998

1 John 4:8

Back 998

He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love

Front 999

1 John 4:8

Back 999

God is love.

Front 1000

1 John 4:8

Back 1000

He that does not love has not come to know God, because God is love.

Front 1001

1 John 4:20

Back 1001

If anyone makes the statement: "I love God," and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen.

Front 1002

1 John 4:20

Back 1002

If anyone makes the statement: "I love God," and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen.

Front 1003

1 John 4:18

Back 1003

There is no fear in love, but perfect love throws fear outside, because fear exercises a restraint. Indeed, he that is under fear has not been made perfect in love.

Front 1004

1 John 4:16

Back 1004

God is love.

Front 1005

1 John 4:1

Back 1005

Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world.

Front 1006

1 John 3:4

Back 1006

Everyone who practices sin is also practicing lawlessness, and so sin is lawlessness.

Front 1007

1 John 2:15, 16

Back 1007

Do not be loving the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him...

Front 1008

1 John 2:15-17

Back 1008

Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; 16 because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one's means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. 17 Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.

Front 1009

1 John 2:1-3

Back 1009

My little children, I am writing YOU these things that YOU may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one. 2 And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world's. 3 And by this we have the knowledge that we have come to know him, namely, if we continue observing his commandments.

Front 1010

1 John 1:7

Back 1010

However, if we are walking in the light as he himself is in the light, we do have a sharing with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Front 1011

1 Corinthians 9:27

Back 1011

but I pummel my body and lead it as a slave, that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow.

Front 1012

1 Corinthians 9:24

Back 1012

Do YOU not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that YOU may attain it.

Front 1013

1 Corinthians 7:39

Back 1013

A wife is bound during all the time her husband is alive. But if her husband should fall asleep [in death], she is free to be married to whom she wants, only in [the] Lord.

Front 1014

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Back 1014

What! Do YOU not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God's kingdom? Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, 10 nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God's kingdom. 11 And yet that is what some of YOU were. But YOU have been washed clean, but YOU have been sanctified, but YOU have been declared righteous in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God.

Front 1015

1 Corinthians 3:6

Back 1015

I planted, A·pol´los watered, but God kept making [it] grow;

Front 1016

1 Corinthians 15:58

Back 1016

Consequently, my beloved brothers, become steadfast, unmovable, always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that YOUR labor is not in vain in connection with [the] Lord.

Front 1017

1 Corinthians 15:50

Back 1017

However, this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit God's kingdom, neither does corruption inherit incorruption.

Front 1018

1 Corinthians 15:45

Back 1018

It is even so written: “The first man Adam became a living soul.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

Front 1019

1 Corinthians 15:33

Back 1019

Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.

Front 1020

1 Corinthians 15:28

Back 1020

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.

Front 1021

1 Corinthians 10:4

Back 1021

and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they used to drink from the spiritual rock-mass that followed them, and that rock-mass meant the Christ.

Front 1022

1 Corinthians 10:31

Back 1022

Therefore, whether YOU are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God's glory.

Front 1023

1 Corinthians 10:23

Back 1023

All things are lawful; but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful; but not all things build up.

Front 1024

1 Corinthians 10:21

Back 1024

YOU cannot be drinking the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons; YOU cannot be partaking of "the table of Jehovah" and the table of demons.

Front 1025

1 Corinthians 10:12-14

Back 1025

Consequently let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has taken YOU except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let YOU be tempted beyond what YOU can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for YOU to be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved ones, flee from idolatry.

Front 1026

1 Corinthians 1:3

Back 1026

May YOU have undeserved kindness and peace from God our Father and [the] Lord Jesus Christ.

Front 1027

1 Corinthians 1:25

Back 1027

Because a foolish thing of God is wiser than men, and a weak thing of God is stronger than men.

Front 1028

1 Corinthians 1:21

Back 1028

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not get to know God, God saw good through the foolishness of what is preached to save those believing.

Front 1029

1 Corinthians 1:10

Back 1029

Now I exhort YOU, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that YOU should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among YOU, but that YOU may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.

Front 1030

1 Chronicles 5:1, 2—What did receiving the right of the firstborn mean for Joseph?

Back 1030

It meant that Joseph received a double portion of the inheritance. (Deuteronomy 21:17) He thus became the father of two tribes—Ephraim and Manasseh. The other sons of Israel fathered only one tribe each.

Front 1031

1 Chronicles 3:17—Why does Luke 3:27 refer to Jeconiah's son Shealtiel as the son of Neri?

Back 1031

Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel. However, Neri apparently gave his daughter to Shealtiel as a wife. Luke referred to Neri's son-in-law as Neri's son just as he did in the case of Joseph, calling him the son of Mary's father, Heli.—Luke 3:23.

Front 1032

1 Chronicles 3:17-19—How were Zerubbabel, Pedaiah, and Shealtiel related?

Back 1032

Zerubbabel was a son of Pedaiah, who was a brother of Shealtiel. Yet, the Bible at times calls Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel. (Matthew 1:12; Luke 3:27) This could be because Pedaiah died and Shealtiel raised Zerubbabel. Or perhaps since Shealtiel died without having a child, Pedaiah performed brother-in-law marriage, and Zerubbabel was the firstborn of that union.—Deuteronomy 25:5-10.

Front 1033

1 Chronicles 2:15—Was David the seventh son of Jesse?

Back 1033

No. Jesse had eight sons, and David was the youngest. (1 Samuel 16:10, 11; 17:12) One of the sons of Jesse evidently died without having any children. Since that son would have no bearing on genealogical records, Ezra omitted his name.

Front 1034

1 Chronicles 16:30—What is the meaning of "severe pains" on account of Jehovah?

Back 1034

The expression "pains" is here used figuratively to denote reverential fear of and high regard for Jehovah.

Front 1035

1 Chronicles 16:1, 37-40; 21:29, 30; 22:19—What arrangement for worship remained operative in Israel from the time the Ark was brought to Jerusalem until the temple was built?

Back 1035

When David brought the Ark to Jerusalem and placed it inside the tent he had made, the Ark had not been in the tabernacle for many years. After the move, the Ark remained in that tent in Jerusalem. The tabernacle was in Gibeon, where High Priest Zadok and his brothers carried out sacrifices prescribed in the Law. This arrangement continued until the completion of the temple in Jerusalem. When the temple was ready, the tabernacle was brought from Gibeon to Jerusalem, and the Ark was housed in the Most Holy of the temple.—1 Kings 8:4, 6.

Front 1036

1 Chronicles 13:5—What is "the river of Egypt"?

Back 1036

Some have thought that this expression refers to a branch of the Nile River. However, it is generally understood that the reference is to "the torrent valley of Egypt"—a long ravine marking the southwest boundary of the Promised Land.—Numbers 34:2, 5; Genesis 15:18.

Front 1037

1 Chronicles 12:8—In what way were the faces of the Gadite warriors like "the faces of lions"?

Back 1037

These valiant men were at David's side in the wilderness. Their hair had grown long. Having a hairy mane gave them a fierce, lionlike appearance.

Front 1038

1 Chronicles 11:20, 21—What was Abishai's standing with respect to the three principal mighty men of David?

Back 1038

Abishai was not one of the three mightiest men who served David. However, as stated at 2 Samuel 23:18, 19, he was the head of 30 warriors and was more distinguished than any of them. Abishai's reputation rivaled that of the three principal mighty ones because he performed a mighty act similar to that of Jashobeam.

Front 1039

1 Chronicles 11:11—Why is the number of slain 300 and not 800 as in the parallel account at 2 Samuel 23:8?

Back 1039

The head of David's three most valiant men was Jashobeam, or Josheb-basshebeth. The other two mighty men were Eleazar and Shammah. (2 Samuel 23:8-11) The reason for the difference in the two accounts may well be that they refer to different deeds performed by the same man.

Front 1040

1 Chronicles 1:18—Who was Shelah's father—Cainan or Arpachshad? (Luke 3:35, 36)

Back 1040

Arpachshad was the father of Shelah. (Genesis 10:24; 11:12) The term "Cainan" at Luke 3:36 may well be a corruption of the term "Chaldeans." If this is so, the original text may have read, "the son of Chaldean Arpachshad." Or it may be that the names Cainan and Arpachshad refer to one and the same person. Not to be overlooked is the fact that the expression "son of Cainan" is not found in some manuscripts.—Luke 3:36, footnote.

Front 1041

"Wisdom" perishes

Back 1041

1 Cor. 1:18-21

Front 1042

"Ministers" of light

Back 1042

2 Cor. 11:14, 15

Front 1043

"House" abandoned

Back 1043

Matt. 23:37-39