References for Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook

© 2024 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

JULY 1-7

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 57-59

Jehovah Frustrates Those Who Oppose His People

bt 220-221 ¶14-15

“To the Most Distant Part of the Earth”

¹⁴ Stephen gave a bold witness before he met his death at enemy hands. (Acts 6:5; 7:54-60) In the “great persecution” that arose at that time, all the disciples except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. But that did not stop the work of bearing witness. Philip went to Samaria “to preach the Christ” and did so with excellent results. (Acts 8:1-8, 14, 15, 25) Moreover, we are told: “Those who had been scattered by the tribulation that arose over Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, but they spoke the word only to the Jews. However, some of the men among them from Cyprus and Cyrene came to Antioch and began talking to the Greek-speaking people, declaring the good news of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 11:19, 20) At that time, persecution spread the Kingdom message.

¹⁵ In our time, something similar occurred in the former Soviet Union. Especially in the 1950’s, thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses were exiled to Siberia. Because they were scattered in various settlements, the good news was constantly spreading in that vast land. In no way could so many Witnesses have found the money needed to travel perhaps as much as 6,000 miles (10,000 km) to proclaim the good news! However, the government itself sent them across the country. “As it turned out,” said one brother, “the authorities themselves enabled thousands of sincere people in Siberia to come to know the truth.”

Spiritual Gems

w23.07 18-19 ¶16-17

“Be Steadfast, Immovable”

¹⁶ Cultivate a steadfast heart. King David declared his unswerving love for Jehovah when he sang: “My heart is steadfast, O God.” (Ps. 57:7) We too can have a steadfast heart, trusting fully in Jehovah. (Read Psalm 112:7.) Consider how this helped Bob, mentioned earlier. When he was informed that blood would be kept on hand just in case it was needed, he instantly replied that if there was any chance of giving him blood, he would leave the hospital immediately. Later, Bob commented, “I had absolutely no hesitation and no worry.”

¹⁷ Bob was steadfast because he had made his decision to stand firm long before he went into the hospital. First, he desired to make Jehovah happy. Second, he carefully studied what the Bible and our Bible-based publications say about the sanctity of life and blood. Third, he was convinced that following Jehovah’s direction would bring lasting benefits. We too can have a steadfast heart no matter what trials we may face.

JULY 8-14

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 60-62

Jehovah Gives Us Security, Protection, and Stability

it-2 1118 ¶7

Tower

Figurative Use. Those who look in faith and obedience to Jehovah have great security, as David sang: “You [Jehovah] have proved to be a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy.” (Ps 61:3) Those who recognize what his name stands for, and who trust in and faithfully represent that name, have nothing to fear, for: “The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.”​—Pr 18:10; compare 1Sa 17:45-47.

it-2 1084 ¶8

Tent

A “tent” also served in another figurative way in a number of instances. The tent of an individual was a place of rest and protection from the elements. (Ge 18:1) In view of the customs regarding hospitality, visitors had reason to believe that they would be cared for and respected when welcomed into someone’s tent. Consequently, when Revelation 7:15 says about the great crowd that God “will spread his tent over them,” it suggests protective care and security. (Ps 61:3, 4) Isaiah speaks of the preparations that God’s wife, Zion, is to make for the sons she will produce. She is told to “make the place of your tent more spacious.” (Isa 54:2) Thus, she enlarges the protective place for her children.

w02 4/15 16 ¶14

Divine Laws Are for Our Benefit

¹⁴ God’s law is reassuringly unchangeable. In the turbulent times in which we live, Jehovah is a rock of stability, existing from everlasting to everlasting. (Psalm 90:2) He said of himself: “I am Jehovah; I have not changed.” (Malachi 3:6) God’s standards, as recorded in the Bible, are completely reliable​—unlike the quicksand of constantly changing human ideas. (James 1:17) For example, for years psychologists advocated permissive child rearing, but later some changed their minds and admitted that their advice was a mistake. Worldly standards and guidelines on this matter sway to and fro as though buffeted by winds. However, Jehovah’s Word is unwavering. For centuries the Bible has provided counsel on how to rear children with love. The apostle Paul wrote: “Fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.” (Ephesians 6:4) How reassuring it is to know that we can rely on Jehovah’s standards; they will not change!

Spiritual Gems

w06 6/1 11 ¶6

Highlights From Book Two of Psalms

62:11. God does not have to depend on any external source of energy. He is the very source of power. ‘Strength belongs to him.’

w22.02 4-5 ¶7-10

Trust In Jehovah When You Receive Direction

7 We no doubt wholeheartedly agree that Jehovah always does what is right. The challenge for us, however, might be to trust in his human representatives. We might wonder whether those with a measure of authority in Jehovah’s organization really act according to Jehovah’s direction or their own. That could have been the thinking of some who lived in Bible times. Consider the examples cited in paragraph 3. A relative of the man who broke the Sabbath law might have wondered whether Moses had really consulted Jehovah before the death sentence was pronounced. And a friend of Uriah the Hittite, whose wife committed adultery with David, might have concluded that David used his position as king to escape the punishment that he so well deserved. The plain truth is that we cannot say that we trust in Jehovah if we do not trust in his earthly representatives​—those whom Jehovah trusts.

8 Today Jehovah leads the earthly part of his organization by means of “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) Like the first-century governing body, this slave oversees God’s people worldwide and gives direction to congregation elders. (Read Acts 16:4, 5.) The elders, in turn, implement the direction in the congregations. We show that we trust in Jehovah’s way of doing things by heeding the direction we receive from the organization and the elders.

9 At times, we may find it challenging to cooperate with decisions made by the elders. For example, in recent years many congregations and circuits have been reorganized. In some cases, the elders have asked publishers to support a different congregation with a view to making the best use of the seating capacity in our Kingdom Halls. If we are asked to join a new congregation, we may find it difficult to leave friends and family. Do the elders receive divine direction that tells them where to assign each publisher? No. And that fact might make it challenging for us to follow the direction we receive. But Jehovah trusts the elders to make such decisions, and we too need to trust them.b

10 Why should we cooperate with the elders and support their decisions even when the decisions are not what we would have preferred? Because in doing so, we help preserve the unity among God’s people. (Eph. 4:2, 3) Congregations thrive when all humbly submit to the decisions reached by the body of elders. (Read Hebrews 13:17.) More important, we show Jehovah that we trust in him by cooperating with those whom he trusts to care for us.​—Acts 20:28.

b At times, there may be extenuating circumstances that require an individual or a family to stay in their current congregation. See Our Kingdom Ministry, November 2002, “Question Box.”

JULY 15-21

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 63-65

“Your Loyal Love Is Better Than Life”

w01 10/15 15-16 ¶17-18

Who Will Separate Us From God’s Love?

¹⁷ How important is God’s love to you? Do you feel as did David, who wrote: “Because your loving-kindness is better than life, my own lips will commend you. Thus I shall bless you during my lifetime; in your name I shall raise my palms”? (Psalm 63:3, 4) Truly, is there anything that life in this world has to offer that is better than enjoying God’s love and loyal friendship? For example, is pursuing a lucrative secular career better than having the peace of mind and happiness that result from a close relationship with God? (Luke 12:15) Some Christians have been confronted with the choice of renouncing Jehovah or facing death. That happened to many of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. With very few exceptions, our Christian brothers chose to remain in God’s love, being willing to face death if necessary. Those who loyally remain in his love can be confident of receiving from God an everlasting future, something that the world cannot give us. (Mark 8:34-36) But even more is involved than everlasting life.

¹⁸ Though it is not possible to live forever without Jehovah, try to imagine what an extremely long life would be like without our Creator. It would be empty, without true purpose. Jehovah has given his people satisfying work to do in these last days. So we can trust that when Jehovah, the Great Purposer, provides everlasting life, it will be filled with fascinating, worthwhile things for us to learn and to do. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Explore as we will in the millenniums ahead, we will never completely fathom “the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge.”​—Romans 11:33.

w19.12 28 ¶4

“Give Thanks for Everything”

It is especially appropriate to be grateful to God. No doubt, you have at times thought about the many spiritual and physical gifts he has provided and continues to provide. (Deut. 8:17, 18; Acts 14:17) But rather than give God’s goodness just a brief thought, why not take some time to ponder the many blessings that God has poured out on you and your loved ones. Meditating on your Creator’s generosity will intensify your appreciation for him and reinforce your sense of how much he loves and appreciates you.​—1 John 4:9.

w15 10/15 24 ¶7

Keep Meditating on Spiritual Things

⁷ While reading may be done with little effort, meditation requires concentration. That is why the imperfect human brain is inclined to switch to easier, less demanding tasks. Thus, the best time to meditate is when you are rested and in a stress-free environment with few distractions. The psalmist found that a good time to meditate was while he was awake in bed during the night. (Ps. 63:6) Jesus, who had perfect mental powers, knew the advantage of being in quiet places to meditate and pray.​—Luke 6:12.

w09 7/15 16 ¶6

Imitate Jesus​—Teach With Love

⁶ We enjoy talking about the things we love. When we speak about something dear to our heart, we become animated and our whole demeanor reflects enthusiasm and warmth. This is especially true when we talk about a person whom we love. Usually, we are eager to share with others what we know about that person. We praise, honor, and defend him. We do that because we want others to feel as attracted to that person and his qualities as we are.

Spiritual Gems

w07 11/15 15 ¶6

Are You Refreshing to Others?

It is much easier to destroy a building than to put up a new one. That same principle of tearing down and building up applies to our speech. As imperfect humans, all of us have faults and shortcomings. King Solomon said: “There is no man righteous in the earth that keeps doing good and does not sin.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) It does not take much to identify another person’s faults and tear him down with cutting remarks. (Psalm 64:2-4) On the other hand, keeping our speech positive requires skill.

JULY 22-28

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 66-68

Jehovah Daily Carries Our Load

w23.05 12 ¶15

How Jehovah Answers Our Prayers

¹⁵ Our prayers are not usually answered in spectacular ways. But the answers we do receive are just what we need to remain loyal to our heavenly Father. So be on the lookout for Jehovah’s answers to your prayers. A sister named Yoko felt that Jehovah was not answering her prayers, but then she began to keep a record of what she asked Jehovah for. After some time had gone by, she looked back through her notebook and realized that Jehovah had answered most of her prayers, even some that she had forgotten about. From time to time, we need to pause and reflect on how Jehovah is answering our prayers.​—Ps. 66:19, 20.

w10 12/1 23 ¶6

Show Consideration for Single Parents

Jehovah inspired the writing of sacred songs, or psalms, that the Israelites would sing during occasions for worship. Imagine the encouragement Israelite widows and fatherless boys received when singing the divinely inspired words that reminded them that Jehovah was “a father” and “a judge” for them and that he would provide them with relief. (Psalm 68:5; 146:9) We too can offer words of encouragement that can stay with a single parent for years to come. Although 20 years have passed, Ruth, a single parent, still fondly remembers the occasion when an experienced father told her: “You’re really doing a good job raising your two sons. Keep it up.” Ruth relates: “Hearing those words from him really had an impact on me.” Indeed, “kind words are good medicine” and can encourage a single parent more than we may ever know. (Proverbs 15:4, Contemporary English Version) Can you think of specific, genuine commendation that you can give to a single parent?

w09 4/1 31 ¶1

The Father of Fatherless Boys

“A FATHER of fatherless boys . . . is God in his holy dwelling.” (Psalm 68:5) Those inspired words convey a touching lesson about Jehovah God​—he is sensitive to the needs of disadvantaged ones. His concern for children who lose a parent in death was clearly evident in the Law he gave to Israel. Let us examine the Bible’s first reference to the “fatherless boy,” found at Exodus 22:22-24.

w23.01 19 ¶17

Jehovah Is Helping You to Succeed

¹⁷ Read Psalm 40:5. A mountain climber’s goal is to reach the summit. However, there are numerous points along the route where he can stop and take in the view. In a similar way, regularly take time to stop and think about how Jehovah is making you successful even while you are enduring a hardship. At the end of each day, ask yourself: ‘In what way did I see Jehovah’s blessing today? Although the trial is still running its course, how is Jehovah helping me to endure?’ See if you can identify at least one blessing from Jehovah that has made you successful.

Spiritual Gems

w06 6/1 10 ¶5

Highlights From Book Two of Psalms

68:18​—Who were the “gifts in the form of men”? 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.

JULY 29–AUGUST 4

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALM 69

How Events in Jesus’ Life Were Foretold in Psalm 69

w11 8/15 11 ¶17

They Waited for the Messiah

¹⁷ The Messiah would be hated without cause. (Ps. 69:4) The apostle John quotes Jesus as saying: “If I had not done among [the people] 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. But it is that the word written in their Law may be fulfilled, ‘They hated me without cause.’” (John 15:24, 25) Often the “Law” means the whole body of Scripture. (John 10:34; 12:34) The Gospel accounts prove that Jesus was hated, especially by the Jewish religious leaders. Moreover, Christ said: “The world has no reason to hate you, but it hates me, because I bear witness concerning it that its works are wicked.”​—John 7:7.

w10 12/15 8 ¶7-8

Be Zealous for True Worship

⁷ One event in Jesus’ life forcefully demonstrated what zeal he had. It was early in his ministry, in the Passover season of 30 C.E. Jesus and his disciples came to Jerusalem and saw in the temple “those selling cattle and sheep and doves and the money brokers in their seats.” What was Jesus’ response, and what impression did it make on his disciples?​—Read John 2:13-17.

⁸ What Jesus did and said on that occasion fittingly brought to the disciples’ mind the prophetic words of one psalm by David: “Sheer zeal for your house has eaten me up.” (Ps. 69:9) Why? Because what Jesus did involved a great deal of risk and danger. After all, the temple authorities​—the priests, the scribes, and others—​were behind the scandalous profit-making business taking place there. To expose and disrupt their scheme, Jesus was pitting himself against the religious establishment of the day. As the disciples correctly assessed the situation, ‘zeal for God’s house,’ or zeal for true worship, was clearly in evidence. What, though, is zeal? Is it different from urgency?

g95 10/22 31 ¶4

Can You Die of a Broken Heart?

Some say that a broken heart was a factor in the death of Jesus Christ, of whom it was prophesied: “Reproach itself has broken my heart, and the wound is incurable.” (Psalm 69:20) Are these words to be understood literally? Perhaps so, for the hours preceding Jesus’ death were agonizing​—not only physically but also emotionally. (Matthew 27:46; Luke 22:44; Hebrews 5:7) Furthermore, a broken heart may explain why “blood and water” flowed from a spear wound inflicted on Jesus just after his death. A rupture of the heart or a major blood vessel could discharge blood either into the chest cavity or into the pericardium​—a fluid-containing membrane that loosely encases the heart. In either location a puncture could cause the flow of what would appear to be “blood and water.”​—John 19:34.

it-2 650

Poisonous Plant

Concerning the Messiah, it was foretold that he would be given “a poisonous plant” for food. (Ps 69:21) This occurred when Jesus Christ, before his impalement, was offered wine mixed with gall but, upon tasting it, refused the stupefying drink that was probably intended to alleviate his sufferings. In recording the fulfillment of this prophecy, Matthew (27:34) employed the Greek word kho·leʹ (gall), the same term found in the Greek Septuagint at Psalm 69:21. However, Mark’s Gospel account mentions myrrh (Mr 15:23), and this has given rise to the view that in this case the “poisonous plant” or “gall” was “myrrh.” Another possibility is that the drugged drink contained both gall and myrrh.

Spiritual Gems

w99 1/15 18 ¶11

Lift Up Loyal Hands in Prayer

¹¹ Many people pray only to ask for something, but our love for Jehovah God should move us to give him thanks and praise in both private and public prayer. “Do not be anxious over anything,” wrote Paul, “but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6, 7) Yes, in addition to supplications and petitions, we should express thankfulness to Jehovah for spiritual and material blessings. (Proverbs 10:22) The psalmist sang: “Offer thanksgiving as your sacrifice to God, and pay to the Most High your vows.” (Psalm 50:14) And a prayerful melody of David included these touching words: “I will praise the name of God with song, and I will magnify him with thanksgiving.” (Psalm 69:30) Should we not do the same in public and private prayer?

AUGUST 5-11

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 70-72

“Tell the Next Generation” About God’s Power

w99 9/1 18 ¶17

Youths​—Train Your Perceptive Powers!

¹⁷ Avoiding Satan’s snares will require constant vigilance on your part​—and sometimes, great courage. Why, at times you may find yourself at odds, not simply with your peers, but with the whole world. The psalmist David prayed: “You are my hope, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah, my confidence from my youth. O God, you have taught me from my youth on, and until now I keep telling about your wonderful works.” (Psalm 71:5, 17) David is known for his courage. But when did he develop it? As a youth! Even before his famed confrontation with Goliath, David had shown extraordinary courage in protecting his father’s flocks​—killing both a lion and a bear. (1 Samuel 17:34-37) However, David gave Jehovah full credit for whatever bravery he displayed, calling him “my confidence from my youth.” David’s ability to lean on Jehovah made him equal to any trial that he faced. You too will find that if you lean upon Jehovah, he will give you the courage and strength to ‘conquer the world.’​—1 John 5:4.

g04 10/8 23 ¶3

How Should We Treat the Elderly?

The psalmist prayed: “Do not throw me away in the time of old age; just when my power is failing, do not leave me.” (Psalm 71:9) God does not ‘throw away’ his faithful servants even when they themselves may feel that they have outlived their time of usefulness. The psalmist did not feel abandoned by Jehovah; rather, he recognized his own need to rely on his Maker even more as he grew older. Jehovah responds to such loyalty by providing support throughout one’s life. (Psalm 18:25) Often such support comes by means of fellow Christians.

w14 1/15 23 ¶4-5

Serving Jehovah Before the Days of Distress Come

⁴ If you have acquired decades of experience as an adult, you have a key question to ask yourself, ‘What will I do with my life now while I still have some energy and strength?’ As an experienced Christian, you have opportunities that are not open to others. You can pass on to younger ones what you have learned from Jehovah. You can strengthen others by relating experiences you have enjoyed while serving God. King David prayed for opportunities to do so. He wrote: “O God, you have taught me from my youth . . . Even when I am old and gray, O God, do not abandon me. Let me tell the next generation about your power and about your mightiness to all those who are to come.”​—Ps. 71:17, 18.

⁵ How could you make known the wisdom you have acquired over the years? Could you invite younger servants of God to your home for some upbuilding association? Could you ask them to accompany you in the Christian ministry and show them the joy you experience in serving Jehovah? Elihu of ancient times said: “Let age speak, and let a multitude of years declare wisdom.” (Job 32:7) The apostle Paul urged experienced Christian women to encourage others by word and example. He wrote: “Let the older women be . . . teachers of what is good.”​—Titus 2:3.

Spiritual Gems

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Euphrates

Boundary of Israel’s Assigned Territory. In God’s statement to Abraham he covenanted to give Abraham’s seed the land “from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.” (Ge 15:18) This promise was restated to the nation of Israel. (Ex 23:31; De 1:7, 8; 11:24; Jos 1:4) First Chronicles 5:9 states that certain descendants of Reuben in the period prior to David’s reign extended their dwelling “as far as where one enters the wilderness at the river Euphrates.” However, since the Euphrates is some 800 km (500 mi) distant, when traveling “east of Gilead” (1Ch 5:10), this may mean simply that the Reubenites extended their territory E of Gilead into the edge of the Syrian Desert, which desert continues over to the Euphrates. (RS reads, “as far as the entrance of the desert this side of the Euphrates”; JB, “to the beginning of the desert that ends at the river Euphrates.”) It thus appears that Jehovah’s promise was first fully realized during the reigns of David and Solomon when the boundaries of Israel’s dominion extended to include the Aramaean kingdom of Zobah and thus reached to the banks of the Euphrates, evidently along the section traversing northern Syria. (2Sa 8:3; 1Ki 4:21; 1Ch 18:3-8; 2Ch 9:26) Because of its preeminence, it was often designated simply as “the River.”​—Jos 24:2, 15; Ps 72:8.

AUGUST 12-18

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 73-74

What if We Envy Those Not Serving God?

w20.12 19 ¶14

“Jehovah . . . Saves Those Who Are Discouraged”

¹⁴ The writer of Psalm 73 was a Levite. As such, he had the remarkable privilege of serving at Jehovah’s place of worship. Still, at one point in his life, even he got discouraged. Why? He began to envy the wicked and arrogant, not because of their badness, but because of their evident prosperity. (Ps. 73:2-9, 11-14) They seemed to have it all​—wealth, a good life, and no anxieties. Their apparent success so discouraged the psalmist that he said: “Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence.” Clearly, he was in grave spiritual danger.

w20.12 19-20 ¶15-16

“Jehovah . . . Saves Those Who Are Discouraged”

¹⁵ Read Psalm 73:16-19, 22-25. The Levite “entered the grand sanctuary of God.” There, likely among fellow worshippers, he was able to analyze his situation calmly, clearly, and prayerfully. As a result, he began to see that his thinking had become foolish, that he had started on a dangerous path that would separate him from Jehovah. He also discerned that the wicked are “on slippery ground” and will come to “a terrible end.” To be cured of envy and discouragement, the Levite psalmist needed to see things from Jehovah’s standpoint. On doing so, he was at peace once again, and he was happy. He said: “Besides [Jehovah] I desire nothing on earth.”

¹⁶ Lessons for us. Let us never envy wicked people who seem to prosper. Their happiness is superficial and temporary; they have no lasting future. (Eccl. 8:12, 13) To envy them is to invite discouragement as well as spiritual ruin. So if you find yourself envying the seeming success of the wicked, do what the Levite did. Heed God’s loving advice, and associate with others who do Jehovah’s will. When Jehovah is your greatest delight, you will find true happiness. And you will stay on the path to “the real life.”​—1 Tim. 6:19.

w14 4/15 4 ¶5

Imitate the Faith of Moses

⁵ How can you resist “the temporary enjoyment of sin”? Never forget that sinful pleasure is fleeting. With eyes of faith, see that “the world is passing away and so is its desire.” (1 John 2:15-17) Meditate on the future of unrepentant sinners. They are “on slippery ground . . . as they come to a terrible end!” (Ps. 73:18, 19) When tempted to engage in sinful conduct, ask, ‘What future do I want for myself?’

w13 2/15 25-26 ¶3-5

Let Nothing Hinder You From Taking Hold of Glory

³ The psalmist expressed confidence that Jehovah would take hold of him by the right hand and lead him to genuine glory. (Read Psalm 73:23, 24.) How does Jehovah do this? Jehovah leads his humble servants to glory by honoring them in numerous ways. He blesses them with an understanding of his will. (1 Cor. 2:7) He bestows upon those who listen to his word and obey him the honor of a close personal relationship with him.​—Jas. 4:8.

⁴ Jehovah also entrusts his servants with the glorious treasure of the Christian ministry. (2 Cor. 4:1, 7) And this ministry leads to glory. To those who use their privilege of service to his praise and to the benefit of others, Jehovah promises: “Those honoring me I shall honor.” (1 Sam. 2:30) Such ones are honored with a good name with Jehovah, and they are likely to be well spoken of by other servants of God.​—Prov. 11:16; 22:1.

⁵ What about the future of those who “hope in Jehovah and keep his way”? They are promised: “He [Jehovah] will exalt you to take possession of the earth. When the wicked ones are cut off, you will see it.” (Ps. 37:34) They look forward to experiencing the incomparable honor of receiving everlasting life.​—Ps. 37:29.

Spiritual Gems

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Leviathan

Psalm 74 describes God’s record of salvation for his people, and verses 13 and 14 refer symbolically to his deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Here the term “sea monsters [Heb., than·ni·nimʹ, plural of tan·ninʹ]” is used as a parallel expression to “Leviathan,” and the crushing of the heads of Leviathan may well refer to the crushing defeat administered to Pharaoh and his army at the time of the Exodus. The Aramaic Targums here give “the strong ones of Pharaoh” in place of “the heads of Leviathan.” (Compare Eze 29:3-5, where Pharaoh is likened to a “great sea monster” in the midst of the Nile canals; also Eze 32:2.) Isaiah 27:1 apparently employs Leviathan (LXX, “the dragon”) as a symbol of an empire, an organization that is international in scope and that is dominated by one who himself is referred to as “serpent” and “dragon.” (Re 12:9) The prophecy is one of restoration for Israel, and therefore Jehovah’s ‘turning attention’ to Leviathan must include Babylon. However, verses 12 and 13 consider Assyria and Egypt as well. So, Leviathan here evidently refers to an international organization or empire that is in opposition to Jehovah and his worshipers.

AUGUST 19-25

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 75-77

Do Not Be Boastful​—Why?

w18.01 28 ¶4-5

See the Difference in People

⁴ After stating that many would be lovers of themselves and of money, Paul wrote that people would also be boastful, haughty, and puffed up with pride, traits that often reflect a feeling of superiority because of one’s abilities, appearance, wealth, or rank. People with such traits crave to be admired and adored. One scholar wrote the following about the person who has an all-consuming pride: “In his heart there is a little altar where he bows down before himself.” Some have said that inordinate pride is so distasteful that even the proud dislike it in others.

⁵ Jehovah certainly detests pride. He hates “haughty eyes.” (Prov. 6:16, 17) Pride hinders approach to God. (Ps. 10:4) It is a characteristic of the Devil. (1 Tim. 3:6) Sadly, though, even some loyal servants of Jehovah have become infected with pride. Uzziah, a king of Judah, proved faithful for years. “However,” the Bible states, “as soon as he was strong, his heart became haughty to his own ruin, and he acted unfaithfully against Jehovah his God by entering the temple of Jehovah to burn incense on the altar of incense.” Later, King Hezekiah too fell prey to haughtiness, though only temporarily.​—2 Chron. 26:16; 32:25, 26.

w06 7/15 11 ¶2

Highlights From Books Three and Four of Psalms

75:4, 5, 10​—What is signified by the term “horn”? 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.

Spiritual Gems

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Highlights From Books Three and Four of Psalms

76:10​—How can “the very rage of man” laud Jehovah? 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.

AUGUST 26–SEPTEMBER 1

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALM 78

Israel’s Unfaithfulness​—A Warning Example

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“Remember the Days Gone By”​—Why?

Sadly, the Israelites often yielded to the sin of forgetfulness. With what result? “Again and again they would put God to the test, and they pained even the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember his hand, the day that he redeemed them from the adversary.” (Psalm 78:41, 42) Eventually, their forgetfulness of Jehovah’s commands resulted in their being rejected by him.​—Matthew 21:42, 43.

A fine example was set by the psalmist who wrote: “I shall remember the practices of Jah; for I will remember your marvelous doing of long ago. And I shall certainly meditate on all your activity, and with your dealings I will concern myself.” (Psalm 77:11, 12) Such meditative calling to mind of past loyal service and Jehovah’s loving acts will provide for us needed motivation, encouragement, and appreciation. Also, “remembering the former days” can serve to dispel tiredness and can spur us on to do all we can and to faithful endurance.

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‘Keep Free From Murmurings’

¹⁶ Murmuring focuses our mind on ourselves and our troubles and pushes into the background the blessings we enjoy as Witnesses of Jehovah. To overcome a tendency to complain, we need to keep these blessings uppermost in our mind. For instance, each of us has the wonderful privilege of bearing the personal name of Jehovah. (Isaiah 43:10) We can cultivate a close relationship with him, and we are able to speak to the “Hearer of prayer” at any time. (Psalm 65:2; James 4:8) Our life has real meaning because we understand the issue of universal sovereignty and remember that it is our privilege to maintain integrity to God. (Proverbs 27:11) We can have a regular share in preaching the good news of the Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14) Faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ enables us to have a clean conscience. (John 3:16) These are blessings we enjoy no matter what we have to endure.

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Does Jehovah Have Feelings?

The psalmist says: “How often they would rebel against him in the wilderness!” (Verse 40) The next verse adds: “Again and again they would put God to the test.” (Verse 41) Notice that the writer describes a pattern of rebellion. This ugly spirit surfaced early​—in the wilderness shortly after their deliverance from Egypt. The people began to murmur against God, questioning whether he was able and willing to care for them. (Numbers 14:1-4) A reference work for Bible translators says that the words “they would rebel against him” might be “rendered idiomatically as ‘they made their hearts hard against God’ or ‘they said “No” to God.’” Yet, in his mercy, Jehovah would forgive his people when they demonstrated repentance. But then they would return to their old ways and rebel again, and the pattern continued.​—Psalm 78:10-19, 38.

How did Jehovah feel each time his fickle people rebelled? “They would make him feel hurt,” says verse 40. Another translation says that they would “give him cause for grief.” One Bible reference work explains: “The meaning here is that the conduct of the Hebrews was such as was fitted to cause pain,​—as the conduct of a disobedient and rebellious child is.” Just as an unruly child can cause his parents much pain of heart, the rebellious Israelites “pained even the Holy One of Israel.”​—Verse 41.

Spiritual Gems

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Highlights From Books Three and Four of Psalms

78:24, 25; footnote​—Why is manna called “the grain of heaven” and “the very bread of angels”? 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.