SPIRITUAL GEMS:Week of November 18-24, 2024, Psalm 107-108, Answers.

SPIRITUAL GEMS: November 18-24, 2024, Psalm 107 to 108, Answers.

Spiritual Gems (10 min.)

Ps 108:9. David said that Moab was the “vessel” in which God washed Himself. To what did he likely mean? (it-2 409 par. 6).

When David referred to Moab as the vessel in which God washed Himself, he was probably referring to Moab's complete humiliation and subjugation to Israel under his reign. During his rule, David defeated the Moabites in a decisive battle and forced them to pay tribute, which symbolized their subordination to Israel.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In this context, comparing Moab to a washing basin could symbolize how God used David to cleanse or purify the region of Moab by subduing this pagan people who often opposed Israel. Moab was thus left in a position of humiliation and contempt, which fulfilled the prophecy that Israel would dominate its enemies.

David called Moab the basin in which God washed Himself, which is probably a metaphor to show how Jehovah viewed Moab at that time, as something of no importance or a humiliating position. In David's time, the Moabites had been persistent enemies of Israel. After David defeated them, he subdued them and forced them to pay tribute. Jehovah showed that the Moabites were completely under the control of his people, fulfilling earlier prophecies.Books of Jehovah

The basin for washing is a powerful image. Think of how we use a basin for something as simple as washing our hands or feet; it is an object of practical use, and does not have a place of honor. To Jehovah, Moab, which had previously been a threat to Israel, had been reduced to a servile and inglorious position, displaying his power to accomplish his purposes.

This reminds us that Jehovah can humble the enemies of his people and reduce those who oppose him to nothing. It is an example of how his purpose is always fulfilled, even with powerful nations. For us, this can strengthen our confidence that Jehovah is always in control, no matter how big or threatening the problems or the people who oppose his will seem.

When David refers to Moab as the vessel in which Yahweh washed himself, he is using a metaphor that indicates Moab's humiliation and complete subjugation. In the context of the time, these vessels or washing basins were considered common and low-value objects, used to get rid of dirt and impurities. So by making this comparison, David is highlighting the fact that Moab, once a formidable enemy of Israel, has now been reduced to a condition of contempt, being defeated and of servitude by having to pay tribute.

David's victory over Moab fulfilled Balaam's prophecy. Meanwhile, the execution of two-thirds of the Moabite fighters and the imposition of tribute evidenced Moab's complete submission. Furthermore, David's reference to Moab as the vessel in which Jehovah washed himself highlights the idea that Moab was stripped of its power and dignity, symbolizing divine judgment on this nation.

What spiritual  pearls have you found in this week's  Bible reading ?

Psalm 107:6 teaches us that when we are in situations of distress or difficulties we can go to Jehovah in prayer. He does not ignore us, nor is He a distant or insensitive God. On the contrary, He is always close, listening and willing to offer us His help when we seek Him with sincerity and humility. This passage encourages us to approach Him in difficult times, trusting that He will answer our prayers with love and compassion.Books of Jehovah

Psalm 107:29. This verse shows that Jehovah can calm the storms and quiet the sea. This teaches me that Jehovah not only has the power over nature, but also to bring peace and calm in times of turmoil.

Psalm 107:9. This verse teaches that Jehovah can satisfy the thirsty and fill the hungry with good things. This highlights Jehovah's ability to meet the deepest needs of those who come to him and his desire to provide them not only with physical sustenance, but also with spiritual nourishment.

Psalm 107:6. This verse shows that the Israelites cried out to Jehovah in their distress, and he rescued them from their troubles. This gives us a lesson about the power of prayer, especially when we face difficulties. Here it is shown that Jehovah listened to them. This reflects Jehovah's willingness to rescue those who turn to him for help.

Psalm 107:1. This verse encourages us to give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good and his loyal love is everlasting. This teaches me to be thankful to Jehovah for his goodness and everlasting love toward his people.

Psalm 107:39-43. These verses teach that those who recognize Jehovah's wonders and consider his loyal love are wise people. Therefore, these texts are an invitation for us to meditate on how Jehovah works in favor of his loyal servants and how reflecting on his wonderful works can help us cultivate qualities such as wisdom and gratitude.

Psalm 107:33-38. These verses teach how Jehovah can transform the earth and bring prosperity to the righteous, as a demonstration of his sovereignty over creation and his ability to bless his people.

Psalm 107:23-32. These verses teach that just as sailors can be caught in a destructive storm, the Jews' wisdom proved useless during their captivity in Babylon, where all human means of deliverance failed. But by turning to Jehovah, they received Deliverance, as he calmed the symbolic storm to free them and bring them to the safe harbor of the land of Judah.

Psalm 107:17-22. These verses teach that fools suffer for their transgressions, since the consequences of their actions are what lead us to suffering. However, prayer and the recognition of Jehovah's mercy can bring healing and salvation.

Psalm 107:10-16. These verses highlight the deliverance that Jehovah offers to those who find themselves in spiritual darkness and slavery to sin. This should motivate us to have a very active ministry in order to bring these people into the light of Bible truth.

Psalm 107:1-3. This psalm begins with an invitation to praise Jehovah for his goodness, highlighting the importance of thanking him for his loyal love. Just as the Israelites had to trust that Jehovah would gather them together as a sign of his loyalty, we too should praise him for the privilege he has granted us to be part of his people and to be gathered together in a wonderful worldwide brotherhood.

Psalm 107:4-9. Here it is described how Jehovah, because of his loyal love, satisfied the hunger and thirst of the Israelites when they were going down the desert. I can use this text in the Ministry to illustrate how today many seek spiritual satisfaction and do not find it. But in response, Jehovah lovingly gives everyone the opportunity to satisfy their spiritual need, through the preaching and teaching of the good news of the Kingdom.

Psalm 107:23,24. This psalm teaches me of the power that Jehovah has over nature, and how, when people who have had to perish at sea have been brought back to life, they truly contemplate the wonderful works of Jehovah.

Psalm 107:26. This psalm teaches me that the term heaven in the physical sense is very encompassing. It can refer to the outermost areas of space in the universe or something that is simply higher and loftier than usual.

Psalm 107:27. This psalm teaches me that the wisdom of the world will be put to shame at the battle of Armageddon, for it will not be able to save anyone from destruction. Only those who take refuge in him will survive and be able to thank Jehovah for his loving-kindness.

Psalm 108:4. This psalm teaches me that Jehovah is loyal to his faithful servants, therefore I will strive to worship him in the best way.

Psalm 108:1. This psalm teaches me that singing to Jehovah with all my energy is an important part of my worship. Therefore, I must be punctual at the meetings to praise Jehovah with songs.

Psalm 108:6. This psalm teaches me that Jehovah is always faithful to his loyal servants, therefore, I will strive to be faithful to Jehovah.

Psalm 108:13. This psalm teaches me that there are no enemies so great that Jehovah cannot rescue me, as long as I remain faithful and loyal to Jehovah.

Psalm 107:29. This text speaks of how Jehovah calms the storm and here are the waves of the sea. This symbolizes God's power over the forces of nature and, by extension, over the storms that are the difficult situations we face. However, we can with the help of Jehovah God, even when the situations around us are chaotic.

Psalm 107:25. The storm can symbolize the trials and tribulations we face in life. Although these situations can be challenging, it is crucial to remember that Jehovah is present and can help us overcome them.

Psalm 107:19. Jehovah’s answer to our prayers not only saves us from a difficult situation, but also brings us much-needed peace and comfort. Trusting that Jehovah is watching over us can strengthen our faith and help us get through even the darkest times.

Psalm 107:19. When we find ourselves in times of distress, the first thing we should do is turn to Jehovah in prayer. There is no situation that is too small or too difficult for him. His desire is for us to turn to him, showing our complete trust in his power and love.

Psalm 107:17. This psalm reminds us that acting without thinking can bring pain. Rather than making hasty decisions or acting without considering the consequences, it is wise to seek Jehovah's guidance in prayer and to reflect on our decisions before acting.

Psalm 107:15. This verse reminds us of the importance of recognizing and thanking Jehovah's true love. His love is not temporary or changing, it is constant and firm. Jehovah remains faithful to his people despite the circumstances, and this loyal love is one of the greatest reasons why we should show gratitude.

Psalm 107:8. Sometimes in the midst of our daily routine, it is easy to overlook the good things that happen to us. Jehovah does wonderful things that benefit and protect us. Remembering and meditating on these works helps us appreciate all that Jehovah does for us, from creation to the small acts of kindness in our lives.

Psalm 107:43. This verse is an invitation to stop and reflect on Jehovah's love. Often, we are so busy that we do not notice the evidences of Jehovah's loyal love in our lives, such as the support of our brothers, the guidance given to us by the Bible, or even the comfort we feel in prayer. A good practice would be to take time regularly to meditate on how Jehovah has demonstrated his love for us, and this will strengthen us spiritually.

Psalm 107:29,30. Jehovah can calm the storms in our lives, that is, those that cause us stress, anxiety, or fear. Sometimes Jehovah’s solutions are not immediate, but he always guides us to a safe harbor. This could apply when we face situations that seem beyond our control, such as health problems or financial difficulties. This verse reminds us that by trusting in Jehovah, we can find peace even in the midst of our personal storms.

Psalm 107:20. Here we see how Jehovah's word, found in the Bible, has the power to heal our emotions and give us hope. Although this verse speaks of literal healing, we can also think of the spiritual relief we find by reading and applying the Bible's advice. For example, if we are going through a loss or a difficult time, reading Bible stories that reflect Jehovah's goodness can give us comfort. This verse encourages us to study the Bible regularly to keep our faith strong. 

Psalm 107:13,14. Here we see that Jehovah listens when we are in trouble and helps us out of the most difficult situations. What can we learn from this? That no matter how complicated our situation may seem, we are never alone. Jehovah has the power to free us, even if the solution is not always immediate. An example might be when we face temptations or struggle with habits that we want to change. By trusting in Jehovah and making an effort, we can break those chains and move toward a happier life.

Psalm 107:8,9. This passage reminds us that Jehovah always provides us with what we need, not only physically, but spiritually. It is easy to focus on what we lack, but this psalm encourages us to reflect on all the blessings we have received. A practical way to apply this could be to take a moment each day to express gratitude to Jehovah in prayer for what he has done for us. This helps us maintain a positive attitude and trust that he will always take care of us.

Psalm 107:6. This verse highlights the power of prayer. When we are in distress, Jehovah wants us to tell him what we are feeling, like a father listening to his child. Many times, we try to figure things out on our own and forget that Jehovah is always there to help us. A practical application would be to make prayer our first reaction, not the last resort. This can be as simple as saying a short prayer before facing a problem or making an important decision.

Psalm 107:7. It highlights how Jehovah guides his people on the right path, this means that he does not leave us alone or allow us to wander aimlessly. Jehovah, as a loving father, guides us to follow a path that will bring us true happiness and security, this motivates us to accept and follow his advice, certain that he seeks the best for us.

Psalm 107:8. This verse reminds us of the importance of expressing our gratitude to God, not only when we receive obvious blessings, but also in our daily lives. Being grateful helps us recognize that everything good comes from Jehovah and motivates us to get closer to him.

Psalm 107:1. We are shown that turning away from God and disobeying his will can lead us into difficult situations. When we choose to rebel, we turn away from his protection and guidance, leaving us vulnerable to the consequences of our own decisions. We are thus reminded that staying close to Jehovah and obeying his will is a source of true security and well-being.

Psalm 107:13. In verse 13 we see that when we are in distress and turn to Jehovah, he answers our supplications. This is a great example of his love and mercy. Even if we have strayed, Jehovah is willing to help us and rescue us when we approach him with one heart.

Psalm 107:15. We learn from this text that Jehovah not only shows his love in silence, but also through his works in nature and life, and the blessings we experience are a reflection of his wonderful works. This verse motivates us to look more closely at all those blessings that we sometimes take for granted and see in them the loving hand of Jehovah.

Psalm 107:17.Once we understand the suffering caused by foolish decisions, the next step is to learn from those mistakes and strive not to make them again.  The Bible encourages us to make changes and act wisely, and this also helps protect us from harsh suffering.

Psalm 107:19. Although we may sometimes face consequences for our decisions, Jehovah does not abandon us. In this passage the people were in a desperate situation, and instead of ignoring their suffering, Jehovah heard their pleas and rescued them, which shows his great compassion and mercy.

Psalm 107:31. We are instructed to give thanks to Jehovah, which means that gratitude is more than just a feeling, it is an action that we must express. Thanking Jehovah for his love and the blessings he gives us not only benefits us spiritually, but it also helps us maintain a positive outlook on life. Thus, gratitude is a practice that strengthens our bond with Jehovah and encourages us to live with more confidence and hope.

Psalm 108:1. This verse shows David's firm resolution to praise Jehovah with all his heart, using his voice and music as expressions of his devotion and gratitude. This teaches me the importance of washing Jehovah with songs in our Christian meetings. Hence the importance of doing it with a complete heart and arriving early to the meetings and staying until the end to be able to do so.

Psalm 108:3. Praise is also associated with joy and gratitude. This verse invites us to reflect on all the blessings that Jehovah has given us and to express them with joy.

Psalm 108:12. It mentions that salvation that comes from humans is of no use. It invites us to reflect on humanity's fragility and inability to provide lasting solutions to our deepest problems. This can lead us to reevaluate who or what we are placing our trust in.

Psalm 108:3. In this verse we see how David expresses his desire to praise Jehovah not only among his own people, but also among the nations. One way to imitate the psalmist is by commenting at our Christian meetings and preaching and teaching about Jehovah to all kinds of people.

Psalm 108:13. This verse shows how this chapter concludes with David's affirmation of confidence in Jehovah's protection. Like him, Jehovah's servants today must also have absolute confidence that Jehovah will protect us and give us victory over our enemies.

Psalm 108:5. Here the Psalmist asks that God's glory be recognized and exalted above all, both in heaven and on earth, inviting all creation to praise Him. This reminds me of the importance of including this request in our prayers and how we must strive in the Ministry to collaborate hard with that purpose.

Psalm 108:12,13. This passage teaches us to trust in Jehovah and not in our own abilities or human help. In difficult times, we might be tempted to rely only on material or human solutions, but this psalm reminds us that Jehovah has the power to give us true victory. One application might be to pray before making important decisions or to first seek Bible principles before acting.

Psalm 108:3,4. This psalm encourages us to joyfully proclaim Jehovah’s qualities, such as his loyal love and faithfulness. Sharing with others what Jehovah has done for us not only strengthens our faith, but can also motivate others to draw closer to him. A practical example might be talking to our coworkers, friends, or neighbors about something that struck us in a Bible passage or about how Jehovah has helped us in difficult times. This can be a simple way to publicly praise him.

Psalm 108:12 This verse reminds us that in times of distress, we should seek God's help rather than relying solely on human resources. Although people can offer support, their capacity is limited. Unlike Jehovah, who not only has the desire but the power to give us the help we need.