CHAPTER SUBHEADINGS

WHY VALUABLE

The first subheading explains why the Bible book is of value to us today. It focuses on Jehovah as the Author of the Bible and explains why he provided this Bible book. We will learn how the book connects to the overall theme of the Bible and how it connects to other Bible books. Most important, this section draws attention to what the Bible book teaches us about Jehovah and his qualities.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE READING

The second subheading contains background information about the Bible book. For example, it includes details about the writer and when he completed the book; the original target audience and objective of the book; as well as the historical setting, main characters, major themes, writing style, and overall structure of the book.

SUMMARY

The third subheading contains a brief summary of the Bible book’s contents. In most cases, the summary presents material in the order in which it appears in the Bible book. In some cases, it may present the material by topic. The summary may also include helpful details about the historical context, when and where events occurred, and the writing style used.

This section complements the “Outline of Contents” found in the New World Translation. That outline presents the content of the Bible book chapter by chapter, which is helpful for locating Bible verses. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition) includes a detailed overview of each Bible book in the Christian Greek Scriptures, arranged under subheadings, which enables the reader to locate a specific Bible account.

BENEFIT FROM

The fourth subheading includes questions to help you benefit from the Bible book. These questions are designed to help you draw closer to Jehovah, to deepen your understanding of a Bible account, and to apply practical lessons from cited verses. To help you get more out of what you read, some questions refer to features in this handbook or in the New World Translation, such as tables, maps, timelines, charts, and diagrams.

CHAPTER FEATURES

KEY DETAILS

This box contains key facts about the Bible book. If the time or the place of writing is uncertain, a question mark (?) is used. Many dates are approximate. The abbreviation B.C.E. means “before the Common Era,” and C.E. means “Common Era.”

CHART OF BIBLE BOOKS

The books of the Bible were not completed in the order in which they appear in the Bible today. In each chapter about a Bible book, this chart will help you to understand which other Bible books had already been completed, had possibly been completed, or had not been completed. However, the completion dates for many Bible books are approximate. Therefore, it is impossible to say with certainty the exact order in which the 66 books of the Bible were completed.

OTHER FEATURES

TEACHING BOXES

These boxes are labeled by chapter number and a sequential letter. The boxes are labeled according to the order in which they appear in print, not according to the order in which they are referred to in the text or the order in which they appear in the digital version of this publication.

TIMELINES

Timelines can help you to grasp where events happened in the stream of time. When a span of time has been compressed to fit within the timeline artwork, the compressed time is indicated with folds. (See example.) In some cases, folds indicate an unknown length of time.

TABLES

These teaching boxes highlight the connections between Bible books. For example, some Bible writers may quote from or be quoted by other Bible writers. A prophecy recorded in one Bible book may have its fulfillment recorded in another book. And the principles, themes, and accounts that are found in one Bible book may be repeated in other Bible books.

MAPS

Maps can help you to understand the geographical references in the Bible book. All maps are oriented due north. They include a scale to help you estimate distances. In many cases, the exact location of places or roads is unknown. The following symbols are used to identify map elements.

FAMILY TREES

Family trees can help you to understand the family relationship between key Bible characters. This can add meaning to a Bible account.

Why Valuable

1-2. What does the book of Ezekiel reveal about Jehovah’s name?

“YOU will have to know that I am Jehovah.” (36:11) Jehovah inspired Ezekiel to express this thought more than 60 times in the book bearing his name. And the phrase “Sovereign Lord Jehovah” appears over 200 times. Jehovah uses this book​—more than any other—​to emphasize the importance of his name, or reputation. He also reveals his purpose to clear his name of reproach. (36:22; 39:7) When Jehovah sanctifies his name, his faithful worshippers will benefit greatly.​—34:25-28; 39:25.

² What does Jehovah mean when he says: “You will have to know that I am Jehovah”? This phrase means that people will have no choice but to recognize his sovereignty and what his name means. The disobedient Jews in Ezekiel’s day came to know one aspect of Jehovah’s personality when they experienced his discipline. (6:9, 10) In the future, the nations “will have to know” Jehovah as Judge when he executes vengeance on them. (25:17) However, true worshippers will also come to know Jehovah as the Fulfiller of promises when he rewards them with eternal peace and happiness.​—28:26.

3. What details about the promised Messiah are mentioned in Ezekiel?

³ The book of Ezekiel contains details about the promised Messiah, who would be a descendant of King David. For example, although David’s throne would sit empty for a long time, Jehovah swore that the Kingdom would eventually be given to the one with the legal right, the Messiah. (21:27) Jehovah also said that he would “raise up one shepherd . . . , my servant David.” (34:23, 24) Jesus, a descendant of David, fulfilled these prophecies. (Lu 1:32, 33; Joh 10:11) The book of Ezekiel includes many other prophecies that strengthen our faith.​—See Box 26-A.

4. What do Ezekiel’s visions reveal about the spirit realm?

⁴ By means of Ezekiel’s visions, Jehovah gives us a rare glimpse into heaven. For example, he showed the prophet an impressive celestial chariot that illustrates how awe-inspiring and organized the spirit realm is. (1:15-28) He also revealed details about the role of the angels, particularly the cherubs.​—1:4-14; 10:3-22; 11:22.

5. What does Ezekiel teach us about Jehovah?

⁵ In the book of Ezekiel, we see Jehovah’s kindness and mercy. He was rightfully angry with the nation of Israel for not living up to his clean standards. (22:26, 31) Nevertheless, he kindly warned the wayward Israelites about the consequences of their actions and promised to forgive them if they repented. (3:17; 33:14-16) And even when he allowed his people to be taken into exile, Jehovah still cared for them. In fact, he promised that he would punish the nations that mistreated them. (25:6, 7) Jehovah also promised to return his people to Jerusalem and bless them.​—36:37, 38.

6. What valuable lessons do we find in the book of Ezekiel?

⁶ In this book, Jehovah highlights key lessons for all his worshippers. Each human is personally responsible for his actions before Jehovah.a (18:30) Our actions affect him and his name. (6:9; 20:39) And our life depends on our honoring his name and giving him the clean worship that he deserves.​—18:5-9.

What to Know Before Reading

7. What do we know about the prophet Ezekiel?

⁷ Writer: The prophet Ezekiel wrote the book. His name means “God Strengthens.” Ezekiel was likely born about 643 B.C.E., and his father served as a priest in Jerusalem. (1:3) In 617 B.C.E., at about the age of 26, Ezekiel was taken to Babylon when King Jehoiachin surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar. (2Ki 24:11-15) In 613 B.C.E. when Ezekiel was about 30 years old, Jehovah commissioned him as a prophet. (1:1, 2; 2:3) Ezekiel’s prophetic work overlapped with that of Obadiah and Jeremiah, who served in Judah, and with that of Daniel, who served in Babylon.

8. Who was Ezekiel’s target audience?

⁸ Background: Ezekiel’s prophecies, which complement those of Jeremiah and Daniel, were addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. (3:4, 5; see Box 26-B.) Some of those exiles, including Ezekiel, arrived in Babylon before Jerusalem fell, while others arrived afterward.

9. How did Ezekiel’s messages benefit the Jewish exiles?

⁹ Jehovah commissioned Ezekiel to help the exiles accept their discipline. Through Ezekiel, Jehovah explained why they were in captivity, namely, for dishonoring His name with their apostate worship. They needed to understand that he deserved to be obeyed and worshipped in a way acceptable to him. At the beginning of Ezekiel’s prophetic career, Jehovah’s messages focused on denouncing the wickedness in Jerusalem. But as soon as Jerusalem fell, Jehovah changed his focus by providing messages of hope. Some Jews scoffed at the messages, but others listened.

10. How is the book of Ezekiel arranged?

¹⁰ Other details: The book of Ezekiel is arranged by topic and is written mostly in chronological order. After describing Ezekiel’s appointment as a prophet, the book goes on to present prophecies and visions that are grouped into three categories: (1) Jerusalem’s destruction, (2) judgments against surrounding nations, and (3) Israel’s restoration. Ezekiel dates his prophecies by year, month, and day, evidently starting from the exile of King Jehoiachin in 617 B.C.E.​—2Ch 36:9, 10, ftn.; Eze 1:2; see Box 26-C.

11. What symbolic actions was Ezekiel asked to perform, and why?

¹¹ Jehovah often asked Ezekiel to act out His prophetic messages. For example, on separate occasions, Ezekiel had to lie on his side in front of a brick, shave his head and beard, pack and carry luggage, and join two sticks together. (4:1-4; 5:1-4; 12:3-7; 37:15-17) No doubt, Ezekiel’s unusual actions would have drawn the exiles’ attention to his message.​—2:5.

Summary

12. What does Ezekiel see when he is commissioned as a prophet?

¹² Jehovah commissions Ezekiel as a prophet. (1:1–3:27) In 613 B.C.E., the heavens are opened and Ezekiel begins “to see visions of God.” (1:1) Ezekiel sees impressive living creatures, later identified as cherubs. (10:20) He sees a celestial chariot and a brilliant light like “the appearance of the glory of Jehovah.” (1:28) Jehovah then commissions Ezekiel as a watchman and as a prophet. (2:3) Whether others listen or not, Ezekiel must faithfully warn them; otherwise, he will die.​—3:17-19.

13. What prophetic messages does Ezekiel act out?

¹³ Ezekiel prophesies judgment against Jerusalem and its rebellious people. (4:1–24:27) Jehovah commands Ezekiel to act out the coming siege of Jerusalem and the famine its inhabitants will experience. (4:1-3, 10) He tells Ezekiel to shave his head and beard and instructs him on what to do with the hair. These actions portray the thorough destruction of Jerusalem and its people. (5:1, 2) Then he tells the prophet to denounce the Israelites for their idolatry.​—6:1-4.

14-15. What does Jehovah foretell regarding Jerusalem?

¹⁴ In 612 B.C.E., Ezekiel is taken to Jerusalem in a vision and sees the detestable worship taking place there. (8:1-3) A man goes through the city, putting a mark on those sighing and groaning over what is taking place. Executioners then kill off everyone without the mark. (9:1-6) Yes, Jehovah will punish the nation. (11:9, 10) However, some exiles will return to Jerusalem.​—11:17.

¹⁵ Jehovah has Ezekiel act out the exile of the Jews. (12:3-7) Then He commands Ezekiel to prophesy against Israel’s false prophets. (13:2) The Jewish elders in Babylon speak with Ezekiel, and he informs them that nothing can stop Jerusalem’s destruction from happening.​—14:1, 14.

16-18. What comparisons does Jehovah make?

¹⁶ Jehovah uses vivid illustrations to explain the reason for Jerusalem’s destruction. He compares Jerusalem to the wood of a vine that is fit only for burning and likens her to a beloved wife who becomes a brazen prostitute. (15:6; 16:3, 8, 28) In a riddle, he compares King Zedekiah to a vine that will dry up. (17:7, 9, 12) Yet, Jehovah assures Israel that each person will be judged for his own actions and that the righteous will keep living. (18:20-22) Ezekiel is then told to sing a dirge, or a song of mourning, about Israel’s rulers.​—19:1, ftn.

¹⁷ The elders speak to Ezekiel again in 611 B.C.E. (20:1) Jehovah has Ezekiel recite Israel’s long history of rebellion. Jehovah will destroy the wicked nation. But there is hope. When “the one who has the legal right comes,” Jehovah will give him the kingship. (21:27) After listing Jerusalem’s sins, Jehovah compares Samaria and Jerusalem to Oholah and Oholibah, two sisters who became prostitutes. Samaria, the capital of the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel, was already destroyed; Jerusalem will be next.​—Eze 23:4; compare Jer 3:6-8.

¹⁸ In 609 B.C.E., Jehovah tells Ezekiel that Jerusalem’s siege has begun. (24:1, 2) The city is like a rusty cooking pot that should be thrown into the fire. (24:6, 12) The day that the siege begins, Ezekiel’s wife dies and Jehovah tells him not to mourn her death.​—24:16, 18.

19-20. What nations does Jehovah denounce, and why?

¹⁹ Judgments against nations that rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem. (25:1–32:32) Jehovah promises to bring his vengeance on Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. Then in 607/606 B.C.E., Jehovah foretells the fall of Tyre and Sidon and asks Ezekiel to sing a dirge over Tyre.​—26:3; 27:1, 2; 28:22.

²⁰ Chapters 29-32 contain prophecies against Egypt. These are delivered between 607 and 591 B.C.E. Jehovah foretells that Babylon will invade Egypt.

21-22. What encouraging prophecies does Ezekiel relate?

²¹ Jerusalem is destroyed, but Ezekiel prophesies a restoration. (33:1–48:35) Jehovah reminds Ezekiel of his responsibilities as a watchman. (33:7) Possibly in 607 B.C.E., an escapee from Jerusalem informs Ezekiel that the city has fallen.b (33:21) Ezekiel tells the exiles that any thoughts of rescuing Judah are futile. Jehovah then rebukes Israel’s false shepherds. He promises to care for his sheep and to “raise up one shepherd over them, [his] servant David.”​—34:23.

²² Ezekiel prophesies desolation for Edom because of its hostility toward Israel. (35:5, 15) Jehovah promises that Israel will be restored. (36:8) Ezekiel sees a vision of a valley plain covered with bones that come back to life. (37:2, 10) Jehovah then asks Ezekiel to join two sticks together to illustrate how the two-tribe kingdom of Judah and Benjamin and the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) will be restored and become one nation.​—37:19.

23-24. How will Jehovah respond to Gog’s attack, and what vision does Ezekiel see?

²³ Ezekiel prophesies that Gog will invade Israel. (38:14-16) However, Jehovah will defend his people and destroy Gog and his army. By restoring Israel, Jehovah will sanctify his name.​—39:25.

²⁴ In 593 B.C.E., Jehovah transports Ezekiel to Israel in a vision. (40:1) He is shown a grand temple and its many details and measurements. Jehovah’s glory fills the temple. Ezekiel is given instructions about sacrifices, priests’ duties, and land allotment. He sees a stream flowing from the temple. Then the 12 tribes of Israel receive their inheritance, and Ezekiel learns the name of the city: “Jehovah Is There.” (48:35) By means of this vision, Jehovah emphasizes his righteous standards and reassures the exiles that pure worship will be restored.​—See Box 26-D.

Why Valuable

1. During what critical time did Jehovah commission the prophet Daniel?

JEHOVAH commissioned Daniel as His prophet during a critical time in history. The king who sat on Jehovah’s throne in Jerusalem had been deposed. That city and the temple bearing Jehovah’s name were in ruins. And God’s people were in exile. Jehovah chose this crucial period to reveal thrilling details about his universal sovereignty and had them recorded in the book of Daniel.​—2:20; 6:26, ftn.

2. What details does the book of Daniel reveal about (a) the Kingdom? (b) the Messiah?

² In this book, Jehovah reveals many new details about his eternal rulership. Jehovah tells Daniel what the Messianic Kingdom will accomplish, how extensive its rulership will be, where it will rule from, and who will rule in it. (2:35, 44; 7:13, 14, 18) He also reveals when the Messiah will appear, when he will be killed, and when he will begin ruling in heaven. In one remarkable prophecy, Jehovah discloses that the Messiah will arrive and then be killed toward the end of a period of “70 weeks” following which Jerusalem will be destroyed. (9:24-26; see Box 27-A.) Later, Nehemiah records the starting point of this period. (Ne 2:1, 5-8) Daniel also lays out a prophecy that states that the Messiah will begin ruling at the end of “seven times.” (4:16, 17; see Box 27-C.) When discussing the sign of his presence as heavenly King, Jesus refers to this period as “the appointed times of the nations.”​—Lu 21:20-24; Mt 24:1-3, 15.

3. What does the book of Daniel reveal about human rulership?

³ Jehovah also reveals details about the rise and fall of certain human governments. Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8, and 10-12 record history in advance, showing the succession of world powers from ancient Babylon until “the time of the end.” (12:4; nwt App. B9) Jehovah shows how human governments oppose his rule, harass his people, and are ultimately destroyed by his Kingdom. (7:23-26) In addition, the visions of beasts mentioned in this book help us identify the beasts of Revelation as political powers.​—Da 7:15-17; Re 13:1, 2; 17:3.

4. What do we learn from Daniel’s personal experiences?

⁴ By inspiring Daniel to write down some of his personal experiences, Jehovah provides us with valuable lessons. We learn about integrity as we read how Daniel and his Hebrew companions refused to break God’s laws. (1:8; 3:16-18; 6:10) We learn about humility when we read that Daniel turned to Jehovah in heartfelt prayer. (2:19-23; 9:3-19) And we learn about courage when we read that Daniel delivered God’s judgment messages to kings and that he ended up in a lions’ pit because he refused to stop praying to his God.​—4:27; 5:22, 23; 6:6-10, 16, 17.

5. What does Jehovah teach us about himself through the book of Daniel?

⁵ Jehovah provides marvelous insights into his personality through the book of Daniel. Jehovah shows himself to be a Revealer of secrets, kindly sharing with his servants knowledge about future events. (2:47) He becomes a Rescuer, not only saving his servants from death but also promising to resurrect those who die faithful. (6:27; 12:13) And he becomes a Rewarder, giving loyal ones insight, understanding, and strength. (1:17; 10:19) Most important, Jehovah proves that he is the Supreme Ruler. Daniel alone uses the expressions “Ruler in the kingdom of mankind” and “Supreme One” to describe Jehovah.a​—4:17; 7:18.

What to Know Before Reading

6. What do we know about Daniel?

⁶ Writer: Daniel, whose name means “My Judge Is God,” was from the tribe of Judah. He may have been of royal descent. As a young man, possibly in his teens, he was taken captive to Babylon in 617 B.C.E. (1:1-3, 6) There he served in the king’s palace under Babylonian rule and, later, as an official in the Medo-Persian government. (1:4; 6:1, 2) Daniel gained extraordinary wisdom and an excellent reputation, a fact alluded to by the prophet Ezekiel. (Eze 14:14, 20; 28:3; Da 1:17-20) Daniel began his prophetic career in about 606 B.C.E. (2:1, 19) He received his final vision in 536 B.C.E. (10:1) Thus, Daniel’s life may have spanned almost 100 years, including 78 years under Babylonian rule and extending into the third year of Medo-Persian rule. In about 536 B.C.E., Daniel compiled into a book the most significant events of his life, some of which he had written down earlier.​—7:1; see Box 27-B.

7. What background information helps us to understand the book of Daniel?

⁷ Background: In 620 B.C.E., Babylon began collecting tribute, a form of payment, from Judah. Eventually, Judah rebelled and Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem, subduing the city in 617 B.C.E. (2Ki 24:1, 10-12) He then took members of the royal family and “the foremost men of the land,” including Daniel, to Babylon as captives. (2Ki 24:15) Some years later, in 607 B.C.E., Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and brought many more Jewish captives to Babylon. In 539 B.C.E., Babylon was conquered by the Medes and the Persians under the command of Cyrus the Great. The Medo-Persians permitted Governor Zerubbabel, a contemporary of Daniel, to lead a remnant of Jews back to Judah.​—Ezr 1:1-8; 2:1, 2; Hag 1:1.

8. How is the book of Daniel organized, and in what two languages was it written?

⁸ Other details: The book of Daniel can be divided into two parts. Chapters 1-6 record experiences of Daniel and his companions as well as prophetic messages given to human rulers. These narratives are written in chronological order. Chapters 7-12 contain visions given directly to Daniel. After writing the introductory chapter in Hebrew, Daniel wrote in Aramaic about the future course of world powers. (2:4b–7:28) He wrote chapters 8-12 in Hebrew; these deal with the future of God’s people during the rule of the world powers.

Summary

9. What happens to Daniel and his companions soon after they arrive in Babylon?

⁹ Training in Babylon. (1:1-21) In 617 B.C.E., Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariahb arrive in Babylon and begin training for government service. After refusing to defile themselves with the king’s delicacies, they are blessed for their integrity and become famous for their wisdom.​—1:20.

10. What occurs about one year after the destruction of Jerusalem?

¹⁰ The immense image. (2:1-49) In about 606 B.C.E., Nebuchadnezzar has a disturbing dream of an immense image. He threatens to kill all the wise men of Babylon if they cannot tell him what he dreamed and what the dream means. When Daniel makes known the dream and its meaning, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges Jehovah as “a Revealer of secrets”; makes Daniel ruler over the province of Babylon; and appoints Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah as its administrators.

11. What test do the three Hebrews face, and what is the outcome?

¹¹ The fiery furnace. (3:1-30) During or after 606 B.C.E., Nebuchadnezzar inaugurates a huge golden statue. When Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah refuse to worship it, Nebuchadnezzar has them thrown into a fiery furnace. Jehovah sends his angel to rescue them. As a result, Nebuchadnezzar praises Jehovah, issues a decree safeguarding His worship, and promotes the three Hebrews in the province of Babylon.

12. What does Daniel chapter 4 contain?

¹² The enormous tree. (4:1-37) This chapter contains a copy of a letter written by Nebuchadnezzar, perhaps sometime after 600 B.C.E. In the letter, the king recounts his dream of a tree that was chopped down and banded for “seven times” and describes Daniel’s interpretation of it. (4:25; see Box 27-C.) The dream was fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar lost his sanity and his ability to rule but later regained both. He concludes by praising Jehovah and acknowledging His sovereignty.

13. What prophecy is fulfilled in 539 B.C.E.?

¹³ The writing on the wall. (5:1-31) On October 5, 539 B.C.E., Babylonian King Belshazzar sees a hand write a mysterious message on a wall, so he summons Daniel to read the writing and interpret its meaning. Daniel, who is probably in his 90’s, reveals that Babylon will fall to the Medo-Persian Empire. That night, Belshazzar is killed, Babylon is captured, and Darius the Mede becomes king.​—5:30, 31.

14. What test of loyalty does Daniel face in his old age?

¹⁴ The lions’ pit. (6:1-28) Soon after Babylon’s fall, Darius appoints Daniel as a high official in the government. However, jealous officials plot to have Daniel killed for praying to Jehovah. Daniel is thrown into a lions’ pit. Jehovah rescues Daniel, and Darius orders everyone in the empire to fear Jehovah.

15. In Daniel’s vision of the four beasts, from whom is rulership taken and to whom is it given?

¹⁵ The four beasts. (7:1-28) In 553 B.C.E., Daniel, who is in his late 70’s or early 80’s, recounts a vision of four beasts that represent four kingdoms, or governments. The fourth beast has ten horns, three of which are replaced by a small horn that “came up among them.” (7:8) Daniel sees someone like a son of man receive everlasting rulership. (7:13, 14) He learns that the small horn is to harass “the holy ones” for three and a half times. (7:21, 25) Jehovah takes rulership away from the horn, the beast is destroyed, and “the people who are the holy ones of the Supreme One” are given an everlasting kingdom.​—7:26, 27.

16. What happens to the ram and the male goat as prophesied in Daniel chapter 8?

¹⁶ The ram and the male goat. (8:1-27) In 551 B.C.E., a year before Cyrus unites the Medo-Persian Empire, Daniel sees a vision of a two-horned ram that is killed by a goat with a prominent horn. The ram represents the kings of Media and Persia. The goat represents Greece. The goat’s horn breaks and is replaced by four horns. From one of these appears a little horn that becomes an aggressive king. In the time of the end, that king exalts himself and brings desolation to the holy place. After 2,300 days, the holy place is restored to its right condition. Finally, the aggressive king is “broken without human hand.”​—8:25.

17. What does Daniel learn after supplicating Jehovah?

¹⁷ The 70 years and the 70 weeks. (9:1-27) Possibly as early as 539 B.C.E., well before Cyrus issues the command to release the Jews from captivity, Daniel discerns that Jerusalem’s 70-year desolation will end.c (2Ch 36:23; Ezr 1:1-11; 2:64) He supplicates Jehovah to restore worship at the temple. The angel Gabriel appears and informs Daniel about a time period of “70 weeks,” that is, 70 weeks of years. (9:24, ftn.) This prophecy describes many events: Sin will be atoned for; Jerusalem will be rebuilt; the Messiah will arrive and be cut off; “the city and the holy place” will be destroyed; the covenant will be kept in force until the end of the 70th week; and, halfway through that week, sacrifices will cease.​—9:26.

18. What does Daniel’s vision of the rival kings reveal about “the final part of the days”?

¹⁸ The rival kings. (10:1–12:13) In 536 B.C.E., Daniel, now about 100 years of age, receives his final vision​—one regarding “the final part of the days.” (10:14) Daniel finds out that the king of Persia “will rouse up everything against the kingdom of Greece.” (11:2) Eventually, the kingdom of a mighty king is broken into four. In time, the king of the north and the king of the south fight for supremacy. During that time, God’s sanctuary is profaned, the constant feature is removed, and “the disgusting thing that causes desolation” is set up. (11:29-31) During the time of the end, the rival kings ‘push’ each other. Later, the king of the north enters “the land of the Decoration.” (11:40-45) During a time of great distress, Michael stands up for God’s holy people. An angel asks: “How long will it be to the end of these marvelous things?” Another angel mentions a period of three and a half times. Later, two other time periods are mentioned​—1,290 days and 1,335 days. Daniel is told that he will rest and then stand up “at the end of the days.” (12:6, 7, 11-13) Soon after the vision ends, Daniel completes the book bearing his name.

Why Valuable

1. Which of Jehovah’s qualities especially stands out in the book of Hosea, and how is it illustrated?

IS JEHOVAH a loving Sovereign? Does he care about his worshippers? The book of Hosea answers these questions with a resounding yes by highlighting one of Jehovah’s qualities: his mercy. Jehovah uses Hosea’s relationship with his unfaithful wife to illustrate His own willingness to extend mercy even before seeing signs of repentance. (3:1) Jehovah could hardly have chosen a stronger comparison. Clearly, Jehovah loved his wayward people of his “own free will.”​—14:1-4.

2. What else does the book of Hosea reveal about Jehovah?

² Through the book of Hosea, Jehovah also demonstrates other aspects of his personality. He is faithful and patient. (2:19, 20) Although the Israelites repeatedly abandoned Jehovah to worship other gods, Jehovah “kept drawing them, with the cords of love.” (11:1-4) Nevertheless, Jehovah’s patience has limits; he will not tolerate wickedness forever. (10:9-12) Jehovah detests hypocrisy, and he values our worship when we have the right motive​—loyal love.​—6:4, 6; 10:1, 2.

3. What valuable lesson do we learn from the book of Hosea?

³ Throughout Hosea’s book, Jehovah teaches us an important lesson: We always benefit when we walk in “the ways of Jehovah.” (14:9) The people of Israela had put their faith in other nations and their gods, thinking that by doing so they would be better off. (7:11; 9:10; 12:1) But those nations were about to betray them, and those gods would be powerless to help the Israelites. (8:8, 9; 10:5) In contrast, Jehovah had always cared for his people, and he promised to bless them.​—2:8, 18.

4. What valuable information does the book of Hosea contain for Christians?

⁴ The book of Hosea contains valuable information for Christians. It is quoted by Jesus and by others in the Christian Greek Scriptures, and it includes prophecies that were fulfilled. (See Box 28-A.) For example, regarding the Messiah, Jehovah prophesied: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (11:1) This was fulfilled when Jesus was taken to Egypt and then later brought back to Israel after Herod’s death. (Mt 2:14, 15) And the apostle Paul explained that some prophecies found in Hosea meant that non-Israelites would be included among God’s people and called “sons of the living God.” (1:10; 2:23) This would result in their becoming corulers with Christ.​—Ro 9:25, 26; compare 1Pe 2:9, 10.

What to Know Before Reading

5. What do we know about the prophet Hosea?

⁵ Writer: Hosea’s name is a shortened form of Hoshaiah, which means “Saved by Jah; Jah Has Saved.” (1:1, ftn.) He was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel, although some of his prophecies related to the southern kingdom of Judah. He served as a prophet from at least 804 B.C.E. until after 745 B.C.E. This means that he served for at least 59 years. Hosea likely completed his book between 745 and 740 B.C.E.b His work overlapped with that of Amos and Oded in Israel and with that of Isaiah and Micah in Judah.

6. What were the circumstances in Israel during Hosea’s day?

⁶ Background: Hosea served faithfully for decades despite the difficult spiritual and political situation in Israel. When Hosea began prophesying, wicked King Jeroboam II ruled Israel. Still, the nation enjoyed military success and material prosperity. (2Ki 14:24-28) But Israel had completely rejected Jehovah. The people attributed their prosperity to Baal. As part of their worship of this false god, they got drunk and had sexual relations with temple prostitutes. (4:11-13) After Jeroboam’s death, Israel experienced political instability, including conspiracies and assassinations. (2Ki 15:8-20) The succeeding kings wanted to form alliances with Egypt and Assyria​—but none trusted in Jehovah.

7. How did Jehovah use the prophet Hosea?

⁷ Through Hosea, Jehovah presented His legal case against Israel. He enumerated the nation’s many sins and described the coming consequences. (4:1, 2, 9) However, Jehovah also used Hosea to remind the nation that He is merciful and willing to forgive. This was Jehovah’s last appeal to Israel before he allowed Assyria to conquer Samaria and take over the nation.

8. What can be said about Hosea’s writing style?

⁸ Other details: The majority of the book of Hosea is written in poetic style. The book contains strong expressions of rebuke as well as tender pleas for repentance. (10:1; 14:1, 2) Hosea uses many powerful figures of speech.​—4:16; 5:13, 14; 6:3, 4.

Summary

9. How does Jehovah use Hosea to illustrate His mercy?

⁹ Jehovah uses Hosea and his unfaithful wife to illustrate His mercy toward Israel. (1:1–3:5) Jehovah tells Hosea to marry a woman who will become “a woman of prostitution.” (1:2) Hosea marries Gomer, who bears him a son. Her next two children are evidently illegitimate.c The meanings of the names of the three children reveal that Jehovah will judge and reject Israel. As recorded in chapter 2, Jehovah foretells that after punishing unfaithful Israel, he will mercifully restore and bless the nation. To illustrate His willingness to forgive Israel, Jehovah tells Hosea to take back his adulterous wife.​—3:1.

10-11. How have the Israelites offended Jehovah?

¹⁰ Prophetic judgments. (4:1–13:16) Hosea presents Jehovah’s legal case against Israel, detailing the nation’s many sins. (4:1, 2) He also mentions Judah’s sins. (5:5) Hosea urges the nation of Israel to return to Jehovah. (6:1) But Israel seeks help from other nations. (7:11) Israel will reap the consequences. (8:7-10) Jehovah will punish and reject the nation.​—9:17; 10:15.

¹¹ Jehovah reminds the Israelites of the love he has always shown them. (11:1-3) They have not responded in kind. (11:7; 12:1) They are guilty of rebellion, and their capital city, Samaria, will fall.​—13:16.

12. How will the people benefit by returning to Jehovah?

¹² Concluding appeal to return to Jehovah. (14:1-9) Jehovah urges his people to return to him. If they respond, he promises to show them his mercy and love.

Why Valuable

1. What day does the book of Joel emphasize, and to what does it refer?

THROUGHOUT the book of Joel, Jehovah reveals details concerning an important subject that he wants everyone​—especially his worshippers—​to know about: “the day of Jehovah.” In fact, the book of Joel may be the first Bible book to mention that expression, doing so five times. (1:15; 2:1, 11, 31; 3:14) In the Scriptures, “the day of Jehovah” refers to various special periods of time when Jehovah glorifies his great name and executes judgment on those who oppose him.

2. How do other Bible books help us to understand Joel’s prophecy about “the day of Jehovah”?

² Other Bible books contain important information that helps us to understand Joel’s prophecy related to “the day of Jehovah.” (See Box 29-A.) For example, Joel prophetically describes a symbolic locust invasion. The land of Judah eventually experienced a locustlike invasion by the Babylonian (Chaldean) army that led to the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E., a fact confirmed by Jeremiah and Ezra. (Joe 1:6; 2:1, 8-11, 20, 25; compare 2Ch 36:17, 19; Jer 32:43.) Centuries later, Jesus used language similar to that of Joel to describe a future time of judgment. (Joe 2:31; Mt 24:29, 30) The apostle Peter applied a part of Joel’s prophecy to the outpouring of holy spirit at Pentecost 33 C.E. (Joe 2:28-32; Ac 2:16-21) That event occurred “in the last days” of the Jewish system of things, which ended with a “day of Jehovah” in 70 C.E. when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. In addition, the apostles Peter and Paul referred to a future “day of Jehovah,” indicating that Joel’s prophecy would have a greater fulfillment.​—2Pe 3:12, 13; 1Th 5:2-4.

3. Which nations did Jehovah judge, and why?

³ Joel declares that “the day of Jehovah is near” for the nations that mistreated God’s people. (3:2-6, 12, 14, 19) Joel records prophetic judgments against the Phoenician cities of Tyre and Sidon as well as Edom, Philistia (Ashdod, one of its principal cities), and Egypt. Joel’s prophecies are in harmony with other prophetic judgments against these nations. (Compare Eze 29:14-18; Am 1:8; Mal 1:3, 4.) Secular history proves that the prophecies were fulfilled, which strengthens our faith in the future fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy.

4. What key lesson about salvation does the book of Joel contain?

⁴ Through Joel, we discover the key to surviving “the day of Jehovah.” We learn that “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” (2:31, 32) In quoting Joel, Paul explained that Christians must call on Jehovah’s name in order to be saved and that doing so involves putting faith in Him.​—Ro 10:13, 14.

5. What does the book of Joel reveal about Jehovah?

⁵ The book of Joel reminds us that Jehovah is “merciful, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love.” (Joe 2:13; Ex 34:6) He warmly invites his worshippers who have strayed to return to him; he wants to forgive and bless them. (2:12-14, 21) However, he will not hold back from justly punishing unrepentant sinners and those who mistreat his people.​—1:15; 3:19.

What to Know Before Reading

6. Where and when does Joel seem to have prophesied?

⁶ Writer: We know little about the prophet Joel apart from his name, which means “Jehovah Is God.” Joel’s references to Judah, Jerusalem, and the temple may indicate that he lived in Jerusalem and prophesied in Judah. (1:9, 14; 2:17, 32; 3:1, 2, 16-20) In the Hebrew Bible, the book of Joel is placed between Hosea and Amos, which may suggest that Joel served around the same time as those prophets in the ninth century B.C.E. Joel may have been quoted by Amos, who completed writing his book about 804 B.C.E. (Joe 3:16; Am 1:1, 2) If so, this would mean that Joel wrote his prophecy before Amos wrote his, perhaps about 820 B.C.E. This dating would also allow for the possibility that Joel’s ministry overlapped with that of Jonah.

7. What can be said about Joel’s message and style of writing?

⁷ Background: In 820 B.C.E., Uzziah (also called Azariah) was king of Judah. He “continued to do what was right in Jehovah’s eyes,” and the nation enjoyed military success and prosperity. (2Ch 26:3-14) However, many of his subjects were involved in false worship. (2Ki 15:1-4) Joel’s message, therefore, was timely and urged them to repent and return to true worship. (2:1, 12) Joel writes in Hebrew poetry with a vivid and expressive style. He adds emphasis through repetition and striking similes, as seen in his description of the symbolic locust invasion. (1:4, 6; 2:7) Although Joel’s message could seem grim, it actually assures us that Jehovah protects His faithful worshippers when He executes judgment on those who oppose Him.

Summary

8. How devastating is a plague of locusts?

⁸ A symbolic locust invasion strips the land. (1:1–2:11) Joel describes a terrifying vision of locusts devastating the food supply. With no food left, even offerings at the house of Jehovah cease. The locusts are compared to a nation that is “mighty and without number” as well as to an army “carrying out [God’s] word” on “the day of Jehovah.”​—1:6; 2:11; see Box 29-B.

9. What does Jehovah ask of his wayward people?

⁹ Jehovah urges his people to repent and return to him. (2:12-32) If they repent, he will show compassion and reconsider the calamity he plans to bring on them. He will bless and forgive them, and he will pour out his spirit on them.

10. What will Jehovah do to those who mistreat his people?

¹⁰ Jehovah judges the nations for mistreating his people. (3:1-21) God will bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem. He will then gather the nations and execute judgment on them in “the Valley of Jehoshaphat,” also called “the valley of the decision.” (3:12, 14) The book concludes: “Jehovah will reside in Zion.” (3:21) Those words assure God’s people that he will bless and protect them.