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Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

1. When will all the anointed be in heaven?

YEARS ago, Jehovah’s people wondered, ‘When will the last of the anointed Christians be taken to heaven?’ We once thought that possibly some of the anointed might remain in the earthly Paradise for some time after the war of Armageddon. But in the July 15, 2013, issue of The Watchtower, we learned that all anointed ones who are still on earth will be raised to heaven before the outbreak of Armageddon.​—Matt. 24:31.

2. What question may arise, and what will we consider in this article?

² However, a question may arise: What will happen to Christ’s “other sheep” who will be serving Jehovah faithfully on earth during the “great tribulation”? (John 10:16; Matt. 24:21) Some today may worry that they will feel lost or abandoned when their beloved anointed brothers and sisters are taken to heaven. Let us examine two Scriptural accounts that might come to their mind. Then we will discuss reasons why there is no need to worry.

WHAT WILL NOT HAPPEN?

3-4. What may some wonder, and why?

³ Some might wonder if the other sheep will stray from the truth when they no longer have the anointed brothers of the Governing Body to guide them. Perhaps some Scriptural accounts bring such fears to mind. Let us consider two examples. The first involves High Priest Jehoiada. He was an outstanding man of God. He and his wife, Jehoshabeath, protected a young boy named Jehoash and helped him to become a good and faithful king. As long as elderly Jehoiada was alive, Jehoash did well. But after Jehoiada died, Jehoash soon turned bad. He listened to wicked princes and left Jehovah.​—2 Chron. 24:2, 15-19.

⁴ The next example is that of the second-century Christians. The apostle John, the last surviving apostle, was a good influence on many Christians, helping them to endure in their service to Jehovah. (3 John 4) Along with Jesus’ other faithful apostles, John had for some time been fighting hard against the apostasy that was spreading. (1 John 2:18; see study notes on 2 Thess. 2:7.) After John died, though, apostasy spread like wildfire. Within a few decades, the Christian congregation became thoroughly corrupted.

5. What conclusions should we not draw from those two accounts?

⁵ Do those two Scriptural accounts indicate that something similar will happen to Christ’s other sheep when the anointed are taken to heaven? At that time, will faithful Christians on earth stray from their training, as did Jehoash, or drift into apostasy, as did many Christians during the second century C.E.? The answer is absolutely not! We can be sure that when the anointed leave the earthly scene, the other sheep will be well cared for and will thrive spiritually. Why can we be confident?

PURE WORSHIP WILL NOT BE CORRUPTED

6. What three time periods will we briefly consider?

⁶ Why can we be confident that pure worship will not be corrupted, even during the difficult times that are ahead? Because of what we have learned from the Bible about the time period in which we live. This time period differs greatly from the time of ancient Israel and the time of the second-century Christians. So let us look more closely at these three time periods: (1) The time of ancient Israel, (2) the time period after the apostles died, and (3) our times, “the times of restoration of all things.”​—Acts 3:21.

7. In ancient Israel, why were faithful people not disheartened when the nation and its kings chose a wicked course?

⁷ The time of ancient Israel. Shortly before his death, Moses told the Israelites: “I well know that after my death you will surely act wickedly and turn aside from the way about which I have commanded you.” (Deut. 31:29) Moses also warned that if Israel rebelled, the nation would be sent into exile. (Deut. 28:35, 36) Did those words come true? Yes. Over the centuries, many kings chose a wicked course and led God’s people astray. This caused Jehovah to cast off his wicked people and to end the line of earthly kings. (Ezek. 21:25-27) But faithful Israelites took courage when they saw that God’s word had come true.​—Isa. 55:10, 11.

8. Should we be surprised that the second-century Christian congregation became corrupted? Explain.

⁸ The time period after the apostles died. Should we be surprised that the second-century Christian congregation became corrupted? Not at all. Jesus foretold that a great apostasy would take place. (Matt. 7:21-23; 13:24-30, 36-43) The apostles Paul, Peter, and John had all confirmed that Jesus’ prophecy was already beginning to be fulfilled in the first century C.E. (2 Thess. 2:3, 7; 2 Pet. 2:1; 1 John 2:18) In the second century C.E., the Christian congregation became corrupted. Apostate Christianity arose and became a prominent part of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion. Again, inspired prophecy was being fulfilled.

9. How does the time period we live in differ from the time of ancient Israel and from the time of the second-century Christian congregation?

⁹ “The times of restoration of all things.” Our time differs from the time of ancient Israel and from the time of the great apostasy that set in during the second century C.E. What is our time period called? We might initially refer to it as “the last days” of this wicked system of things. (2 Tim. 3:1) But the Bible shows that a greater and longer era began at the same time. It will continue until the Messianic Kingdom has restored mankind to perfection and has transformed the earth into a paradise. This era is called “the times of restoration of all things.” (Acts 3:21) This period began in 1914. What was then restored? Well, Jesus was enthroned as King in heaven. So Jehovah once again had a ruler to represent Him, an heir of faithful King David. However, that kingship is not all that Jehovah restored. Soon after that, pure worship began to be restored at last! (Isa. 2:2-4; Ezek. 11:17-20) Will it be corrupted again?

10. (a) What does the Bible foretell about pure worship in our time? (Isaiah 54:17) (b) Why are such prophecies reassuring?

¹⁰ Read Isaiah 54:17. Think about that prophecy: “No weapon formed against you will have any success”! Those inspired words are being fulfilled today. The following comforting words also apply to our time: “All your sons will be taught by Jehovah, and the peace of your sons will be abundant. You will be firmly established in righteousness. . . . You will fear nothing and have no cause for terror, for it will not come near you.” (Isa. 54:13, 14) Even “the god of this system of things,” Satan himself, is powerless to stop the educational work that Jehovah’s people are carrying out. (2 Cor. 4:4) Pure worship has been restored, and it will never be corrupted again. It is here to stay, for all eternity. No weapon formed against us will succeed!

WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

11. What convinces us that the great crowd will not be abandoned when the anointed go to heaven?

¹¹ What will happen when the anointed are taken to heaven? Remember, Jesus is our Shepherd. He is the head of the Christian congregation. Jesus clearly stated: “Your Leader is one, the Christ.” (Matt. 23:10) Our reigning King will never fail to do his job. With Christ in charge, his followers here on earth will have nothing to fear. Of course, we do not know every detail about how Christ will lead his people at that time. So let us consider some Bible examples that may reassure us.

12. How did Jehovah care for his people (a) after Moses died? (b) after Elijah received another assignment? (See also picture.)

¹² Before Israel entered the Promised Land, Moses died. What happened to God’s people? Without that faithful man, were they left in the lurch? No. As long as they were faithful, Jehovah provided for them. Before Moses died, Jehovah told him to commission Joshua to lead the people. Moses had been training Joshua for decades. (Ex. 33:11; Deut. 34:9) In addition, there were many other capable men taking the lead​—chiefs of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and even tens. (Deut. 1:15) God’s people were well cared for. We find a similar example in Elijah. He had been taking the lead in pure worship among the Israelites for decades. But the time came when Jehovah transferred him to a different assignment, down south in Judah. (2 Ki. 2:1; 2 Chron. 21:12) Were faithful people in the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel abandoned? No. Elijah had been training Elisha for years. There were also “the sons of the prophets,” who were evidently organized into schools of some kind. (2 Ki. 2:7) Thus, many faithful men were available to help lead God’s people. Jehovah’s purpose kept advancing, and he cared for his faithful worshippers.

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13. What reassurance can we find at Hebrews 13:5b? (See also picture.)

¹³ With those examples in mind, what do you think will happen when the last of the anointed are taken to heaven? We do not need to wonder. The Bible reveals a simple, reassuring truth: Jehovah will never abandon his people on earth. (Read Hebrews 13:5b.) Like Moses and Elijah, the small group of anointed Christians who take the lead today understand the importance of training others. For decades the brothers of the Governing Body have been training men from among the other sheep to take the lead. For example, they have organized many schools to train elders, traveling overseers, Branch Committee members, overseers at Bethel, and others. The Governing Body has personally been training helpers to the various committees of the Governing Body. These helpers are right now faithfully carrying a heavy load of responsibility. They are well-prepared to continue the work of caring for Christ’s sheep.

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14. What is the key point of this discussion?

¹⁴ Here is the key point of our discussion: When the last of the anointed are taken to heaven near the end of the great tribulation, pure worship will keep right on going here on earth. Thanks to the leadership of Jesus Christ, God’s worshippers will not miss a beat. True, at that time, we will be under attack by Gog of Magog, a hostile coalition of nations. (Ezek. 38:18-20) But that brief attack will fail; it will not stop God’s people from worshipping Jehovah. He will surely rescue them! In a vision, the apostle John saw the “great crowd” of Christ’s other sheep. John was told that this “great crowd” comes “out of the great tribulation.” (Rev. 7:9, 14) Yes, they will be kept safe!

15-16. According to Revelation 17:14, what will Christ’s anointed be doing during the battle of Armageddon, and why is that encouraging?

¹⁵ Still, some might wonder: ‘What about the anointed? What will they do after they depart from the earthly scene?’ The Bible answers that question directly. It reveals that the political elements of this world will “battle with the Lamb.” They will lose, of course. We read: “The Lamb will conquer them.” And who will help him? The verse answers. Those who are “called,” “chosen,” and “faithful.” (Read Revelation 17:14.) Who are these? The resurrected anointed ones! So when the last of the anointed on earth are taken to heaven near the end of the great tribulation, one of their first assignments will be to fight. What a remarkable assignment! Some anointed Christians were fighters before they became Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some even served in the armed forces of this world. But later they became true Christians and learned the way of peace. (Gal. 5:22; 2 Thess. 3:16) They put aside all physical warfare. However, after being raised to heaven, they will serve along with Christ and his holy angels, waging the final war against God’s enemies.

¹⁶ Think of it! On earth, some anointed Christians are elderly, even frail. But once resurrected to life in heaven, they will be mighty and immortal spirit creatures, assigned to fight alongside their Warrior-King, Jesus Christ. After the war of Armageddon has been fought, they will share in guiding mankind to perfection. Without a doubt, they will then do their beloved brothers and sisters on earth a lot more good in heaven than they ever could as mere imperfect humans!

17. How do we know that all of God’s servants will be safe during the war of Armageddon?

¹⁷ Are you of the other sheep? Then what will you need to do when the climactic war of Armageddon begins? Simply this: Trust in Jehovah, and follow his direction. What might that include? The Bible comfortingly says: “Enter your inner rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for a brief moment until the wrath has passed by.” (Isa. 26:20) All of God’s faithful servants, in heaven and on earth, will be safe during that time. Like the apostle Paul, we are convinced that neither “governments nor things now here nor things to come . . . will be able to separate us from God’s love.” (Rom. 8:38, 39) Always remember: Jehovah loves you, and he will never abandon you!

1-2. What can help us to understand how Jehovah feels about having his name slandered?

IMAGINE this: Someone you care about says something terrible about you. You know that it is a lie; yet, some believe it. Even worse, they begin repeating the lie, and many others believe it too. How would you feel? If you care about people and your good reputation, the slander would make you feel bad, would it not?​—Prov. 22:1.

² This scenario can help us understand how Jehovah felt when his reputation was tarnished. One of his spirit sons lied about him to the first woman, Eve. She believed the lie. That lie led our first parents to rebel against Jehovah. As a result, sin and death entered the human family. (Gen. 3:1-6; Rom. 5:12) All the problems we see in the world​—the deaths, the wars, the misery—​have come about because of the lies that Satan began to spread in the garden of Eden. Does Jehovah feel pain because of such slander and its results? Without a doubt. Yet, Jehovah is not bitter, or resentful. In fact, he remains “the happy God.”​—1 Tim. 1:11.

3. What privilege do we have?

³ We have the privilege of contributing to the vindication of Jehovah’s name by obeying this simple command: “Praise the name of Jehovah.” (Ps. 113:1) We do so by speaking well of the One represented by that holy name. Will you? Let us consider three powerful motives that will help us to praise the name of our God wholeheartedly.

WE PLEASE JEHOVAH WHEN WE PRAISE HIS NAME

4. Why does our praise please Jehovah? Illustrate. (See also picture.)

⁴ We please our heavenly Father when we praise his name. (Ps. 119:108) Does this mean, though, that the almighty God is like imperfect humans who crave praise because they are needy or insecure? No. Consider an illustration. A little girl affectionately throws her arms around her father’s neck and says, “You’re the best daddy in the whole world!” The father is pleased, even touched, by her spontaneous act. Why? Should we assume that he is an insecure man who craves, even depends on, praise from his child? No. Rather, we trust that he is a strong father who is delighted to see his daughter showing love and appreciation. He knows that such qualities will contribute to her happiness as she grows up. For similar reasons, Jehovah, the greatest Father, is pleased when we praise him.

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5. What lie can we help to refute by praising God’s name?

⁵ When we praise our heavenly Father, we help to refute a lie that involves us personally. Satan claims that no human will loyally defend God’s name. None of us have integrity, according to him. He says that all of us would turn against God if we thought that we would benefit by doing so. (Job 1:9-11; 2:4) But faithful Job proved Satan a liar. What about you? Each of us has the privilege of loyally standing up for our Father’s name and of pleasing him by serving him with integrity. (Prov. 27:11) It is truly an honor to do so.

6. How can we imitate King David and the Levites? (Nehemiah 9:5)

⁶ Love for God moves faithful people to praise his name wholeheartedly. King David wrote: “Let me praise Jehovah; let everything within me praise his holy name.” (Ps. 103:1) David understood that to praise Jehovah’s name is to praise Jehovah himself. Jehovah’s name involves his reputation, so it brings to mind all his beautiful qualities and his marvelous deeds. David wanted to treat his Father’s name as holy and to praise it. He wanted to do so with “everything within” him​—that is, wholeheartedly. Similarly, the Levites took the lead in praising Jehovah. They humbly admitted that their words could never fully express the praise that Jehovah’s sacred name deserves. (Read Nehemiah 9:5.) Without a doubt, such humble, heartfelt praise brought joy to Jehovah’s heart.

7. How can we praise Jehovah in our ministry and in our daily life?

⁷ Today we can please Jehovah by speaking about him with warmth, gratitude, and love. When we are in the ministry, we keep in mind that our main objective is to draw people to Jehovah, to help them to see our beloved Father as we do. (Jas. 4:8) We are delighted to show people how the Bible describes Jehovah, revealing his love, justice, wisdom, power, and other appealing qualities. We also praise Jehovah and please him by striving to imitate him. (Eph. 5:1) When we do so, we stand out in this wicked world. People may notice that we are different and may wonder why. (Matt. 5:14-16) As we interact with them in our day-to-day life, we may be able to explain why we act as we do. As a result, sincere ones feel drawn to our God. When we praise Jehovah in these ways, we bring delight to his heart.​—1 Tim. 2:3, 4.

WE PLEASE JESUS WHEN WE PRAISE JEHOVAH’S NAME

8. How has Jesus taken the lead in praising Jehovah’s name?

⁸ Of all the intelligent creatures in heaven and on earth, no one knows the Father better than the Son. (Matt. 11:27) Jesus loves his Father, and he has taken the lead in praising Jehovah’s name. (John 14:31) In a prayer to his Father on the night before he died, he summarized his ministry on earth in this way: “I have made your name known.” (John 17:26) What did he mean?

9. How did Jesus use a parable to explain his Father in the clearest possible way?

⁹ Jesus did more than just inform people that God’s name is Jehovah. The Jews whom Jesus taught already knew God’s name. But Jesus took the lead in being “the one who . . . explained Him.” (John 1:17, 18) For example, the Hebrew Scriptures reveal that Jehovah is merciful and compassionate. (Ex. 34:5-7) Jesus made that truth clearer than ever when he related the parable of the wayward son and his father. When we read about that father catching sight of his repentant son “while he was still a long way off,” running to meet him, embracing him, and forgiving him wholeheartedly, we see a most vivid picture of Jehovah’s mercy and compassion. (Luke 15:11-32) Jesus revealed his Father as He truly is.

10. (a) How do we know that Jesus used his Father’s personal name and wanted others to do the same? (Mark 5:19) (See also picture.) (b) What does Jesus want us to do today?

¹⁰ Did Jesus also want others to use his Father’s personal name? Certainly. Some pious religious leaders of the day may have held that God’s name was too sacred to pronounce, but Jesus never allowed such unscriptural traditions to prevent him from honoring his Father’s name. Consider the time when he cured a demonized man in the region of the Gerasenes. The people became fearful and begged Jesus to leave, so he did not stay in that region. (Mark 5:16, 17) Still, Jesus wanted Jehovah’s name to be known there. So he commissioned the man he had cured to tell people, not what Jesus had done, but what Jehovah had done. (Read Mark 5:19.)a He wants the same today​—that we make his Father’s name known throughout the whole world! (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) When we do our part, we please our King, Jesus.

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11. What did Jesus teach his followers to pray for, and why is that important? (Ezekiel 36:23)

¹¹ Jesus knew that Jehovah’s purpose is to sanctify His name, to clear it of all reproach. That is why our Master taught his followers to pray: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.” (Matt. 6:9) Jesus understood that this is the greatest issue facing all creation. (Read Ezekiel 36:23.) No intelligent creature in the universe has ever done more to sanctify Jehovah’s name than Jesus has. Yet, when Jesus was arrested, what sin did his enemies accuse him of? Blasphemy! Jesus surely felt that to abuse or to slander his Father’s holy name was the most repugnant of sins. He was deeply disturbed that he would be charged and convicted of this crime. That may have been the main reason why Jesus was “in such agony” in the hours leading up to his arrest.​—Luke 22:41-44.

12. How did Jesus sanctify his Father’s name in the greatest possible way?

¹² To sanctify his Father’s name, Jesus endured every torment, insult, and slander heaped on him. He knew that he had obeyed his Father in all things; he had nothing to be ashamed of. (Heb. 12:2) He also knew that Satan was directly attacking him in those dark hours. (Luke 22:2-4; 23:33, 34) Satan surely hoped to break Jesus’ integrity; yet, Satan failed miserably! Jesus proved conclusively that Satan is a vicious liar and that Jehovah does have loyal servants, who keep their integrity even under the most severe tests!

13. How can you please your reigning King?

¹³ Do you want to please your reigning King? Keep praising Jehovah’s name, helping others to know our God as he truly is. When you do, you are following in Jesus’ steps. (1 Pet. 2:21) Like Jesus, you are making Jehovah rejoice and are proving His adversary, Satan, to be a debased liar!

WE HELP TO SAVE LIVES WHEN WE PRAISE JEHOVAH’S NAME

14-15. What wonderful things may happen when we teach people about Jehovah?

¹⁴ When we praise Jehovah’s name, we help to save lives. How so? Well, Satan “has blinded the minds of the unbelievers.” (2 Cor. 4:4) As a result, they have come to believe such satanic lies as these: God does not exist, God is remote and does not care about mankind, God is cruel and tortures wrongdoers forever. Such lies only serve to obscure or to tarnish Jehovah’s name and reputation, so that people have no desire to draw close to him. But our work defeats Satan’s purpose. We teach people the truth about our Father, praising the holy name of our God. With what result?

¹⁵ The truths of God’s Word have enormous power. By teaching people about Jehovah and what he is truly like, we get to see something wonderful. The blindfold of satanic lies gradually comes off, and these individuals begin to see our beloved Father as we do. They are filled with awe at his limitless power. (Isa. 40:26) They are assured by his perfect justice. (Deut. 32:4) They are enlightened by his profound wisdom. (Isa. 55:9; Rom. 11:33) And they are comforted to learn that he is the personification of love. (1 John 4:8) As they draw close to Jehovah, their hope of living forever as his children becomes sure. What a marvelous privilege we have to help people draw close to their Father! When we do so, Jehovah considers us his “fellow workers.”​—1 Cor. 3:5, 9.

16. How are some affected when they learn God’s name? Give examples.

¹⁶ At the outset, we may simply teach people that God’s name is Jehovah. That in itself can have a lasting impact on an honesthearted person. For example, a young woman named Aaliyahb was raised in a non-Christian household. But she felt no real connection to her religion or to God. That changed after she began to study with the Witnesses. She started to see God as her Friend. And she was amazed to learn that God’s name has been removed from many Bibles and replaced with mere titles, such as Lord. Learning Jehovah’s name was a turning point in her life. She exclaimed: “My best Friend has a name!” The result? She says: “I have so much peace in my heart now. I feel very honored.” A man named Steve was a musician who came from a conservative Jewish background. He distanced himself from organized religion because he had seen so much hypocrisy. However, during a time of grief, he agreed to sit in on a Bible study conducted by one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was deeply touched to learn God’s name. He says: “I had never learned God’s name.” He adds: “For the first time, I understood that God is real! I saw him as a Person. I knew then that I had found a Friend.”

17. Why are you determined to continue praising Jehovah’s name? (See also picture.)

¹⁷ In your preaching and teaching work, do you share the sacred name, Jehovah, with people? Do you help them to see what our God is really like? In doing so, you praise God’s name. May you keep on praising Jehovah’s holy name by helping people to know the Person behind that name. In that way, you will save lives. You will follow the lead of your King, Christ Jesus. And above all, you will please your loving Father, Jehovah. May you “praise [his] name forever and ever”!​—Ps. 145:2.

1. What fine attitude have worshippers of Jehovah shown throughout history?

DO YOU treasure your relationship with Jehovah? No doubt you do! And you are not alone. Since ancient times, untold multitudes have felt the same way as you do. (Ps. 104:33, 34) Many have made sacrifices to worship Jehovah. That was certainly the case with those in ancient Israel known as Nazirites. Who were they, and what can we learn from their example?

2. (a) Who were the Nazirites? (Numbers 6:1, 2) (b) Why did some Israelites choose to take a Nazirite vow?

² The word “Nazirite” comes from the Hebrew term that means “One Singled Out,” “Separated One,” or “Dedicated One.” This term aptly describes the zealous Israelites who made certain personal sacrifices to serve Jehovah in a special way. The Mosaic Law allowed for a man or a woman to make a special vow to Jehovah by choosing to live as a Nazirite for a period of time.a (Read Numbers 6:1, 2.) That vow, or solemn promise, involved following guidelines that the rest of the Israelites did not have to observe. Why, then, would an Israelite choose to take the Nazirite vow? Such an Israelite was likely motivated by deep love for Jehovah and sincere gratitude for His rich blessing.​—Deut. 6:5; 16:17.

3. How are God’s people today similar to the Nazirites?

³ The Nazirite arrangement ended when the Mosaic Law was replaced by “the law of the Christ.” (Gal. 6:2; Rom. 10:4) However, like the Nazirites, Jehovah’s people today continue to show an intense desire to serve him with their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30) We willingly make a vow to do so when we dedicate ourselves to Jehovah. Living up to that vow involves submitting to Jehovah’s will and making sacrifices. As we examine how the Nazirites lived up to their vow, we can learn valuable lessons about how we can live up to ours.b (Matt. 16:24) Let us consider some examples.

BE SELF-SACRIFICING

4. According to Numbers 6:3, 4, how was a Nazirite’s self-sacrificing spirit tested?

⁴ Read Numbers 6:3, 4. Nazirites had to avoid all alcohol and products of the grapevine, such as grapes and raisins. People around them would have regularly enjoyed such foods and rightly so, since there was nothing wrong with these items. The Bible describes “wine that makes man’s heart rejoice” as a gift from God. (Ps. 104:14, 15) Yet, the Nazirites willingly sacrificed their right to enjoy such things.c

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5. What personal sacrifices did Madián and Marcela choose to make, and why?

⁵ Like the Nazirites, we too make sacrifices to worship Jehovah more fully. Consider the example of Madián and Marcela.d This Christian couple enjoyed a comfortable life. Madián had a good job that allowed them to live in a beautiful apartment. However, they wanted to do more in their service to Jehovah. To achieve that goal, they decided to make some adjustments. “We started reducing our expenses,” they say. “We moved to a smaller apartment and sold our car.” Madián and Marcela did not have to make these sacrifices​—they chose to make them because doing so allowed them to expand their ministry. They feel satisfied and happy about their decisions.

6. Why do Christians today make sacrifices? (See also picture.)

⁶ Christians today find joy in making personal sacrifices in order to dedicate more time to theocratic activities. (1 Cor. 9:3-6) Jehovah does not require us to make these sacrifices; nor are the things given up wrong in themselves. For example, some forgo a preferred job, a home, or even a pet. Many have decided to postpone getting married or starting a family. Others have chosen to serve where the need is greater, even though that means living far away from loved ones. Many of us willingly make such sacrifices because we want to give Jehovah our best. Be assured that Jehovah greatly values any sacrifice, large or small, that you choose to make in order to serve him.​—Heb. 6:10.

BE WILLING TO STAND OUT AS DIFFERENT

7. What challenge might a Nazirite have faced in sticking to his vow? (Numbers 6:5) (See also picture.)

⁷ Read Numbers 6:5. Nazirites vowed not to cut their hair. That was a way to show their complete submission to Jehovah. Depending on the length of his Naziriteship, an Israelite’s uncut hair may have become noticeable to others. If those around him supported his desire to stick to his Nazirite vow, this may not have posed a challenge. Sadly, however, there were times in Israel’s history when Nazirites were not appreciated or supported. During the time of the prophet Amos, apostate Israelites “kept giving the Nazirites wine to drink,” likely in an attempt to cause them to violate their vow to abstain from wine. (Amos 2:12) At times, it must have taken real courage for a Nazirite to stick to his vow and stand out as different.

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8. What do you find encouraging about young Benjamin’s experience?

⁸ With Jehovah’s help, we too can courageously stand out as different, even if we are shy, or timid, by nature. Consider the example of Benjamin, a ten-year-old Witness in Norway. His school held an event in support of war-torn Ukraine. The children were asked to sing a song while dressed in Ukraine’s national colors. Benjamin planned to avoid this nationalistic event by remaining a discreet distance away from where it would take place. However, a teacher saw him and loudly called out: “You must come and join us now. We are all waiting for you!” Benjamin courageously approached the teacher and said: “I am neutral, and I do not join in political demonstrations. In fact, many of Jehovah’s Witnesses are in prison because they refuse to go to war.” The teacher accepted this explanation and excused Benjamin from the event. However, his classmates began to ask why he did not join them. Benjamin was so nervous that he almost started to cry; yet, he bravely repeated to the whole class what he had said to the teacher. Afterward, Benjamin told his parents that he felt that Jehovah had helped him to stand up for his faith.

9. In what way can we make Jehovah’s heart rejoice?

⁹ Because we choose to submit to Jehovah’s will, we stand out as different from the people around us. We need courage to identify ourselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses at work or at school. And as this world’s attitudes and conduct go from bad to worse, we will likely find it more difficult to live according to Bible principles and share the good news with others. (2 Tim. 1:8; 3:13) Always remember, though, that we “make [Jehovah’s] heart rejoice” when we courageously stand out as different from those who do not serve him.​—Prov. 27:11; Mal. 3:18.

KEEP JEHOVAH FIRST IN YOUR LIFE

10. How might following the requirement mentioned at Numbers 6:6, 7 have been a test for Nazirites?

¹⁰ Read Numbers 6:6, 7. Nazirites could not go near a dead body. At first glance, this might not seem like a big sacrifice. In Bible times, though, a Nazirite would have found this requirement to be a real challenge when a close relative died. Funeral customs of the day involved being near the body of the deceased. (John 19:39, 40; Acts 9:36-40) A Nazirite’s vow would very much limit his ability to follow such customs. Even when dealing with family situations during times of great grief, Nazirites showed strong faith by sticking to their vow. Jehovah surely strengthened these devoted worshippers of his to deal with the challenges that they had to face.

11. What must a Christian be determined to do when dealing with family matters? (See also picture.)

¹¹ As Christians, we take our dedication vow to Jehovah seriously. This affects our decisions and actions regarding family matters. We diligently care for our Scriptural family responsibilities, but we never put the desires of our family members ahead of what Jehovah requires of us. (Matt. 10:35-37; 1 Tim. 5:8) Sometimes, that may mean sacrificing a measure of peace with relatives in order to please Jehovah.

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12. As he cared for a difficult family situation, what did Alexandru do and what did he not do?

¹² Consider the experience of Alexandru and his wife, Dorina. After the couple studied the Bible for a year, Dorina decided to stop, and she wanted Alexandru to stop too. However, he calmly and tactfully told her that he would continue. Dorina was not pleased and tried to force him to stop studying. Alexandru says that he tried to understand her reaction, but it was not easy for him. At times, when Dorina criticized him and replied harshly, he felt like giving up the Bible study. Still, Alexandru persevered in putting Jehovah first, all the while showing great love and respect for his wife. In the end, his fine example motivated her to resume her Bible study, and she eventually embraced the truth.​—See on jw.org the video Alexandru and Dorina Văcar: “Love Is Patient and Kind” in the series “Truth Transforms Lives.”

13. How can we show love for Jehovah and for our family?

¹³ Jehovah created the family arrangement, and he wants us to have a happy family. (Eph. 3:14, 15) If we want to be truly happy, we need to do things Jehovah’s way. Never doubt that Jehovah cherishes your self-sacrificing efforts to worship him as you care for your family and treat them with love and respect.​—Rom. 12:10.

ENCOURAGE A NAZIRITE-LIKE SPIRIT

14. Whom especially should we strive to encourage with our words?

¹⁴ All who choose to worship Jehovah today need to be willing to make sacrifices motivated by love. At times, doing so is not easy. How can we help one another to show such an attitude? By being encouraging with our words. (Job 16:5) Are there some in your congregation who are trying to simplify their life in order to have a greater share in theocratic activities? Do you know young ones who are bravely standing out as different from others in school, even though it is difficult for them to do so? What about Bible students and fellow believers who may be struggling to remain faithful because of family opposition? Let us seize every opportunity to speak reassuringly to such dear fellow worshippers, expressing our appreciation for their self-sacrificing spirit and courage.​—Philem. 4, 5, 7.

15. How have some supported those who are in full-time service?

¹⁵ Sometimes, we may be able to offer practical help to fellow Christians who are in full-time service. (Prov. 19:17; Heb. 13:16) This was the sincere desire of a faithful elderly sister who lives in Sri Lanka. She received an increase in her pension and wanted to help two young pioneer sisters to continue in their ministry despite economic difficulties. So she decided to contribute a specific amount each month toward their telephone expenses. What a beautiful spirit that sister shows!

16. What can we learn from the Nazirite arrangement of old?

¹⁶ We can certainly learn much from the fine example set by the volunteer Nazirites of old! However, this arrangement also reveals something about our heavenly Father, Jehovah. He is confident that we sincerely desire to please him and that we are willing to make sacrifices to live up to our dedication vow. He dignifies us by letting us express our love for him in a personal way. (Prov. 23:15, 16; Mark 10:28-30; 1 John 4:19) The Nazirite arrangement shows that Jehovah notices and treasures the sacrifices we make to serve him. May we, then, be determined to continue serving Jehovah, willingly offering him our very best.

1. Illustrate why we should follow Jehovah as our Guide.

IMAGINE that you are lost in a forest. Danger lurks around you: wild animals, disease-carrying insects, poisonous plants, and rocky terrain. How grateful you would be for an experienced guide who knows where the danger is and how to steer you away from it! This world is like that forest. It is filled with danger that especially threatens our spiritual health. But we have a perfect Guide​—Jehovah. He leads us away from the danger and toward our destination​—everlasting life in the new world.

2. How does Jehovah guide us?

² How does Jehovah guide us? Primarily, by means of his written Word, the Bible. However, he also uses human representatives. For example, he uses “the faithful and discreet slave” to provide spiritual food that helps us make wise decisions. (Matt. 24:45) Jehovah also uses other capable men to guide us. For example, circuit overseers and congregation elders provide encouragement and instruction that can help us get through difficult times. How grateful we are for reliable guidance during these critical last days! It helps us maintain Jehovah’s approval and keeps us on the road to life.

3. What will we consider in this article?

³ Even so, we might occasionally find it a challenge to follow Jehovah’s guidance, especially when it is conveyed by imperfect men. Why? The counsel may conflict with our likes or dislikes. Or we might feel that the direction we receive is unwise and conclude that the counsel must not be from Jehovah. At such times, we especially need confidence that Jehovah is the one leading his people and that following his guidance results in blessings. To help strengthen our confidence, this article will consider (1) how Jehovah guided his people in Bible times, (2) how he is guiding us today, and (3) how we benefit when we keep following his guidance.

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HOW JEHOVAH GUIDED THE NATION OF ISRAEL

4-5. How did Jehovah show that he was using Moses to guide Israel? (See picture.)

⁴ Jehovah appointed Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. And He gave the Israelites visible evidence that He was guiding them by means of Moses. For example, He provided a pillar of cloud by day and one of fire by night. (Ex. 13:21) Moses followed the pillar, which led him and the Israelites to the Red Sea. The people panicked when they thought that they were trapped between the sea and the pursuing Egyptian army. They concluded that Moses was mistaken in bringing them to the Red Sea. But it was no mistake. Jehovah had intentionally led his people there by means of Moses. (Ex. 14:2) God then delivered them in a most astonishing way.​—Ex. 14:26-28.

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⁵ For 40 years thereafter, Moses continued to depend on the pillar of cloud to guide God’s people through the wilderness.a For a time, Jehovah placed the pillar above Moses’ tent, where all Israel could see it. (Ex. 33:7, 9, 10) From the pillar Jehovah spoke to Moses, who in turn conveyed His instructions to the people. (Ps. 99:7) The Israelites had ample evidence that Jehovah was using Moses to guide them.

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6. How did the Israelites respond to Jehovah’s guidance? (Numbers 14:2, 10, 11)

⁶ Sadly, most of the Israelites rejected the clear proof that Jehovah was using Moses as His representative. (Read Numbers 14:2, 10, 11.) Repeatedly, they refused to recognize Moses’ role. As a result, that generation of Israelites was denied entry into the Promised Land.​—Num. 14:30.

7. Cite examples of those who followed Jehovah’s guidance. (Numbers 14:24) (See also picture.)

⁷ However, some Israelites did follow Jehovah’s guidance. For example, Jehovah noted: “Caleb . . . kept following after me wholeheartedly.” (Read Numbers 14:24.) God rewarded Caleb, even granting him his preferred choice of land in Canaan. (Josh. 14:12-14) The next generation of Israelites also set a good example in following Jehovah’s guidance. When Joshua succeeded Moses as the appointed leader of the Israelites, they “deeply respected him all the days of his life.” (Josh. 4:14) As a result, Jehovah blessed them by bringing them into the land that he had promised.​—Josh. 21:43, 44.

8. Explain how Jehovah guided his people during the time of the kings. (See also picture.)

⁸ Years later, Jehovah raised up judges to guide his people. Afterward, during the time of the kings, Jehovah appointed prophets to guide his people. Faithful kings heeded the counsel of the prophets. For example, King David humbly accepted correction from the prophet Nathan. (2 Sam. 12:7, 13; 1 Chron. 17:3, 4) King Jehoshaphat relied on the prophet Jahaziel for guidance and encouraged the people of Judah to “put faith in [God’s] prophets.” (2 Chron. 20:14, 15, 20) When in distress, King Hezekiah turned to the prophet Isaiah. (Isa. 37:1-6) Each time the kings followed Jehovah’s guidance, they were blessed and the nation was protected. (2 Chron. 20:29, 30; 32:22) It should have been obvious to all that Jehovah was using his prophets to guide his people. Yet, the majority of the kings as well as the people rejected Jehovah’s prophets.​—Jer. 35:12-15.

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HOW JEHOVAH GUIDED THE EARLY CHRISTIANS

9. Whom did Jehovah use to guide Christians in the first century? (See also picture.)

⁹ In the first century C.E., Jehovah formed the Christian congregation. How did he guide those early Christians? He appointed Jesus as head of the congregation. (Eph. 5:23) But Jesus did not personally direct each individual disciple. He used the apostles and the older men in Jerusalem to take the lead. (Acts 15:1, 2) Also, elders were appointed to guide the congregations.​—1 Thess. 5:12; Titus 1:5.

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10. (a) How did most first-century Christians respond to the guidance they received? (Acts 15:30, 31) (b) Why did some in Bible times fail to recognize Jehovah’s representatives? (See the box “Why Some Have Rejected Clear Evidence.”)

¹⁰ How did first-century Christians respond? The majority were glad to follow the instructions they received. In fact, “they rejoiced over the encouragement” they were given. (Read Acts 15:30, 31.) How, though, has Jehovah been guiding his people in more recent times?

HOW JEHOVAH GUIDES US TODAY

11. Give an example that shows how Jehovah has guided those taking the lead in recent times.

¹¹ Jehovah continues to lead his people today. He has been doing so by means of his Word and his Son, the head of the congregation. Can we see evidence that God has also continued to use human representatives? Yes. Consider, for example, certain developments that took place in the late 1800’s. Charles Taze Russell and his associates began to discern that the year 1914 would mark a turning point regarding the establishment of God’s Kingdom. (Dan. 4:25, 26) In reaching that conclusion, they depended on Bible prophecy. Was Jehovah guiding their Bible research? He clearly was. In 1914 world events confirmed that God’s Kingdom had begun to rule. World War I broke out, followed by pestilences, earthquakes, and food shortages. (Luke 21:10, 11) Jehovah was indeed using those sincere Christian men to help his people.

12-13. What arrangements for increased preaching and teaching activity were made during World War II?

¹² Consider, too, what happened during World War II. After a study of Revelation 17:8, responsible brothers at world headquarters discerned that the war would lead, not to Armageddon, but to a period of relative peace that would open opportunities for increased preaching activity. So even though the move may have seemed impractical at the time, the Watchtower Bible College (School) of Gilead was established by Jehovah’s organization to train missionaries to preach and teach in lands throughout the earth. Missionaries were sent out even during the war. Additionally, the faithful slave arranged for the Course in Theocratic Ministryb to train all in the congregations to become better preachers and teachers. In these ways, God’s people were being prepared for the work ahead.

¹³ Looking back, we can clearly see that Jehovah was guiding his people during that difficult time. Since World War II, Jehovah’s people in many lands have enjoyed a measure of peace and freedom while carrying out the preaching work. In fact, the work has flourished.

14. Why can we trust direction that comes from Jehovah’s organization and from appointed elders? (Revelation 2:1) (See also picture.)

¹⁴ Today the members of the Governing Body continue to look to Christ for guidance. They want the instructions they give to the brothers to reflect heaven’s view of matters. In turn, circuit overseers and elders provide direction to the congregations.c Anointed elders are in Christ’s “right hand.” (Read Revelation 2:1.) Of course, these elders are imperfect and make mistakes. Moses and Joshua erred at times, as did the apostles. (Num. 20:12; Josh. 9:14, 15; Rom. 3:23) Still, Christ is carefully guiding the faithful slave and the appointed elders, and he will continue to do so “all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matt. 28:20) We therefore have every reason to trust the guidance that he is providing through those appointed to take the lead.

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WE BENEFIT WHEN WE KEEP FOLLOWING JEHOVAH’S GUIDANCE

15-16. What do you learn from the experiences of those who followed Jehovah’s guidance?

¹⁵ When we keep following Jehovah’s guidance, we enjoy blessings even now. For example, Andy and Robyn heeded the encouragement to keep their life simple. (See study note on Matthew 6:22.) As a result, they were able to volunteer to work on theocratic construction projects. Robyn says: “We have lived in some very small spaces, often with no kitchen. And I had to sell a lot of equipment that I used for photography, a hobby I loved. That brought me to tears. But like Abraham’s wife, Sarah, I was determined to look ahead, not back.” (Heb. 11:15) What did this couple gain from their experience? Robyn says: “We have the deep satisfaction of knowing that we are giving Jehovah everything we have. When working on theocratic assignments, we get a glimpse of how life will be in the new world.” Andy agrees, saying: “We have the satisfaction of being completely spent in support of the Kingdom.”

¹⁶ How else do we benefit when we keep following Jehovah’s guidance? After graduating from high school, Marcia took to heart the encouragement to pursue a career in Jehovah’s service. (Matt. 6:33; Rom. 12:11) She says: “I was offered a four-year scholarship at a university. But I wanted to pursue spiritual goals. So I chose to attend a technical training school to learn a trade that would support me in my ministry. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I now enjoy regular pioneering, and my flexible work schedule has allowed me to serve as a commuter at Bethel and to enjoy other special privileges.”

17. What additional blessings result when we keep following Jehovah’s guidance? (Isaiah 48:17, 18)

¹⁷ At times, we receive counsel that safeguards us from such things as materialism and activities that can put us in danger of breaking God’s laws. Here, too, we are blessed by following the guidance Jehovah provides. We maintain a clean conscience and spare ourselves unnecessary stress. (1 Tim. 6:9, 10) As a result, we can wholeheartedly pursue the worship of Jehovah, which brings the deepest joy, peace, and satisfaction.​—Read Isaiah 48:17, 18.

18. Why are you determined to keep following Jehovah’s guidance?

¹⁸ No doubt Jehovah will continue to use human representatives to provide guidance during the great tribulation and on into the Thousand Year Reign. (Ps. 45:16) Will we keep following that direction even when doing so requires setting aside our personal preferences? Much may depend on how we respond to the guidance that Jehovah is providing now. Therefore, let us always follow Jehovah’s guidance, including that which is provided by the men who are appointed to watch over us. (Isa. 32:1, 2; Heb. 13:17) And as we do, we have every reason to trust in our Guide, Jehovah, who leads us away from spiritual danger and toward our destination​—everlasting life in the new world.

Still, Jehovah expects us to wait patiently for him to act at his appointed time. Why does he expect that of us? What can help us to be happy while we wait?

WHY DOES JEHOVAH EXPECT US TO WAIT?

The Bible says: “Jehovah is waiting patiently to show you favor, and he will rise up to show you mercy. For Jehovah is a God of justice. Happy are all those keeping in expectation of him.” (Isa. 30:18) These words of Isaiah were originally directed to the stubborn Jews. (Isa. 30:1) But there were some faithful ones among the Jews, and these words offered them hope. These same words offer hope to Jehovah’s faithful servants today.

So we must wait patiently because Jehovah is waiting patiently. He has an appointed time for when he will bring this system to an end, and he is waiting for that day and hour to arrive. (Matt. 24:36) At that time, it will be absolutely clear that the Devil’s charges against Jehovah and those who serve Him are false. He will then remove Satan and any who side with him, but He will “show [us] mercy.”

In the meantime, Jehovah may not remove our trials, but he assures us that we can be happy while waiting. As Isaiah stated, we can be happy while we long or hope for something good to happen. (Isa. 30:18)a How can we gain that happiness? Four steps can help us.

HOW TO BE HAPPY WHILE WAITING

Focus on the positive. King David had seen much wickedness throughout his life. (Ps. 37:35) Yet, he wrote: “Keep silent before Jehovah and wait expectantly for him. Do not be upset by the man who succeeds in carrying out his schemes.” (Ps. 37:7) David himself took that advice to heart by fixing his attention on his hope of salvation. He also took note of every blessing he received from Jehovah. (Ps. 40:5) If we too focus on the positive aspects of our situation without being consumed by the negative things that are happening around us, we will find it easier to wait for Jehovah.

Stay busy praising Jehovah. The writer of Psalm 71, apparently David, said to Jehovah: “I will continue to wait; I will add to your praise.” (Ps. 71:14) How would he praise Jehovah? He would tell others about Jehovah and sing praises to him. (Ps. 71:16, 23) Like David, we can find joy while waiting for Jehovah. We praise him through our ministry, our daily conversations, and our songs for worship. The next time you sing a Kingdom song, why not pay careful attention to its uplifting message?

Draw encouragement from your brothers and sisters. When David faced challenges, he said to Jehovah: “In the presence of your loyal ones, I will hope in your name.” (Ps. 52:9) We too can draw encouragement from loyal fellow worshippers, not only at our meetings and in the ministry but also during social occasions.​—Rom. 1:11, 12.

Strengthen your hope. Psalm 62:5 says: “I wait silently for God because my hope comes from him.” Strong hope includes confident expectation​—which is crucial if we have to endure this system longer than we imagined. We must be convinced that Jehovah’s promises will become realities no matter how long we may have to wait for them. We can strengthen our hope by studying God’s Word​—the prophecies, the internal harmony, and the details Jehovah reveals about himself. (Ps. 1:2, 3) Also, we need to continue to “pray with holy spirit” to keep our good relationship with Jehovah while we wait for his promise of everlasting life to be fulfilled.​—Jude 20, 21.

Like King David, be confident that Jehovah watches over those waiting for Him and expresses His loyal love to them. (Ps. 33:18, 22) Keep waiting patiently for Jehovah by focusing on the positive things in your life, by praising him, by drawing encouragement from fellow Witnesses, and by keeping your precious hope strong.

ON WEDNESDAY, January 18, 2023, a special announcement appeared on jw.org, stating that Brothers Gage Fleegle and Jeffrey Winder had been appointed to serve as members of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Both brothers have a long history of faithful service to Jehovah.

Brother Fleegle was raised in western Pennsylvania, U.S.A., by his God-fearing parents. When he was a teenager, his family moved to a small rural town where the need was greater. Shortly thereafter, he got baptized on November 20, 1988.

Brother Fleegle’s parents always encouraged him to enter the full-time service. They often hosted circuit overseers and Bethelites in their home, and Brother Fleegle could see how happy these brothers and sisters were. Not long after baptism, he began regular pioneering​—on September 1, 1989. Two years later, he fulfilled a goal that he had set at the age of 12​—the goal of serving at Bethel. He began his service at Brooklyn Bethel in October 1991.

At Bethel, Brother Fleegle worked in the Bindery for eight years, after which he was assigned to the Service Department. During that time, he served in a Russian-language congregation for a few years. In 2006 he married his wife, Nadia, who joined him in Bethel service. Together, they have served in the Portuguese field and for over ten years in the Spanish field. After many years in the Service Department, Brother Fleegle was assigned to work in the Teaching Committee Office and later the Service Committee Office. In March 2022 he was appointed as a helper to the Service Committee of the Governing Body.

Brother Winder was raised in Murrieta, California, U.S.A. He was brought up in the truth by his parents, and he got baptized on March 29, 1986. The very next month, he decided to auxiliary pioneer. He enjoyed it so much that he wanted to continue. After several months of auxiliary pioneering, he began regular pioneering on October 1, 1986.

As a teenager, Brother Winder visited his two older brothers who were serving at Bethel at the time. That visit kindled his desire to apply for Bethel service when he was older. And in May 1990, he was invited to serve at the Bethel facility in Wallkill.

At Bethel, Brother Winder worked in various departments, including the Cleaning Department, the Farm Department, and the Bethel Office. He married his wife, Angela, in 1997, and they have been serving together at Bethel ever since. In 2014 they transferred to Warwick, where Brother Winder assisted with the construction of the world headquarters facility. In 2016 they moved to the Watchtower Educational Center at Patterson, where Brother Winder worked in Audio/​Video Services. Four years later, they moved back to Warwick, and Brother Winder was assigned to work in the Personnel Committee Office. In March 2022 he was appointed as a helper to the Personnel Committee of the Governing Body.

We pray that Jehovah richly bless these “gifts in men” as they continue working hard for Kingdom interests.​—Eph. 4:8.

What does the Bible reveal about Jehovah’s ability to foretell the future?

The Bible makes clear that Jehovah can foretell the future. (Isa. 45:21) It does not spell out every detail about how or when he does so or even how much he chooses to know. So we cannot be dogmatic about such matters. Nonetheless, consider a few factors.

Jehovah has no limitations except those he sets for himself. With his infinite wisdom, he can foretell anything he chooses. (Rom. 11:33) Because he has perfect self-control, he can also choose not to know what will happen.​—Compare Isaiah 42:14.

Jehovah causes his will to be done. How does that fact relate to his ability to foretell the future? Isaiah 46:10 explains: “From the beginning I foretell the outcome, and from long ago the things that have not yet been done. I say, ‘My decision will stand, and I will do whatever I please.’”

So one reason why Jehovah can foretell the future is that he has the power to make things happen. He does not need to fast-forward, so to speak, to see what the future will bring​—as if all future events have already happened in some form and Jehovah merely reviews them in advance. Rather, Jehovah can decide that something will happen at a specific time and then cause it to happen when that time arrives.​—Ex. 9:5, 6; Matt. 24:36; Acts 17:31.

For this reason, the Bible uses such terms as “prepared,” “formed,” and “purposed” to describe what Jehovah does concerning some future events. (2 Ki. 19:25; ftn.; Isa. 46:11) These terms are translated from an original-language word that is related to a word meaning “potter.” (Jer. 18:4) Just as a skillful potter can shape a lump of clay into a beautiful vase, Jehovah can shape, or maneuver, things to accomplish his will.​—Eph. 1:11.

Jehovah respects the gift of free will. He does not set a destiny for each person; nor does he cause honesthearted people to do something that would lead to their destruction. He allows all to choose their own course, and he urges them to choose the right one.

Consider two examples. The first example involves the inhabitants of Nineveh. Jehovah foretold that the city would be overthrown because of its wickedness. But when its inhabitants repented, Jehovah “reconsidered the calamity that he said he would bring on them, and he did not bring it.” (Jonah 3:1-10) Jehovah changed his mind about what he had foretold because the Ninevites used their free will to respond with repentance to the warning message that Jehovah had sent them.

The second example is the prophecy about a conqueror named Cyrus, who would release the Jews from captivity and order the rebuilding of Jehovah’s temple. (Isa. 44:26–45:4) King Cyrus of Persia fulfilled that prophecy. (Ezra 1:1-4) However, Cyrus did not worship the true God. Jehovah used Cyrus to fulfill prophecy without interfering with Cyrus’ free will to choose whom he would worship.​—Prov. 21:1.

Of course, these are not all the factors involved in Jehovah’s use of foreknowledge. Realistically, no human can fully understand Jehovah’s ways. (Isa. 55:8, 9) Yet, what Jehovah has revealed strengthens our faith that he always does what is right​—including when he foretells the future.

Why does the Bible repeat itself?

BIBLE writers occasionally repeated the same phrases word for word. Consider three factors that might have influenced the writers to do so:

The time period when it was written. In ancient Israel, most people did not have personal copies of the Law. They primarily heard the Law read when the nation gathered together at the tabernacle. (Deut. 31:10-12) Very likely there were distractions as they listened and stood for several hours in the large crowd. (Neh. 8:2, 3, 7) On such occasions, repeating key phrases would have made it easier for the people to remember the scriptures and apply them. Repeating certain words would have especially helped them to remember detailed matters, such as God’s regulations and judicial decisions.​—Lev. 18:4-22; Deut. 5:1.

The type of writing. About 10 percent of the Bible is composed of songs​—including the books of Psalms, Song of Solomon, and Lamentations. Sometimes songs contained a refrain, which unified the composition and helped the listeners to memorize the words. For example, note the words found at Psalm 115:9-11: “O Israel, trust in Jehovah​—He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in Jehovah​—He is their help and their shield. You who fear Jehovah, trust in Jehovah​—He is their help and their shield.” Can you see how repeating those words would have helped to sound down precious truths into the mind and heart of the singers?

The need to emphasize important matters. Bible writers sometimes repeated crucial phrases. For example, when Jehovah instructed the Israelites not to eat blood, he had Moses repeat the reason multiple times. God wanted to emphasize that the life of the flesh is in the blood, that is, blood represents life. (Lev. 17:11, 14) Later when the apostles and the elders in Jerusalem listed the essential ways to avoid displeasing God, they emphasized again the need to abstain from blood.​—Acts 15:20, 29.

Jehovah did not intend for the repeating of Scriptural phrases to become a ritual. For instance, Jesus said: “When praying, do not say the same things over and over again.” (Matt. 6:7) He then went on to provide us with appropriate subjects for prayer that are in harmony with God’s will. (Matt. 6:9-13) So while we avoid repeating the same words over and over in our prayers, we are free to return to the same topics again and again.​—Matt. 7:7-11.

For good reason, God’s inspired Word repeats certain words and phrases. It is one of the many ways our Grand Instructor teaches us how to benefit ourselves.​—Isa. 48:17, 18.

When we read the Bible, we can look for spiritual gems by researching relevant facts. But how can we benefit more fully?

Dig deeper into the details of Bible accounts. For example, determine who wrote the passage, to whom, and when. What were the circumstances, what occurred before, and what happened afterward?

Discern the lessons by researching such questions as: ‘How did the people who were involved feel? What qualities did they display? Why should I either imitate those qualities or avoid developing them?’

Apply the lessons you learn, perhaps in your ministry or in your dealings with other people. By doing this, you show godly wisdom, as the Bible notes: “Whoever is wise will observe these things.”​—Ps. 107:43.

• Tip: Notice how the material found in the midweek meeting part Treasures From God’s Word helps us to focus on the application. This section regularly contains questions we can ask ourselves, points we can meditate on, and illustrations we can examine.