Watchtower Study, “Article 20,” Week of July 21-27, 2025, Seek Jehovah’s Comfort, Answers.

Watchtower Study, “Article 20,” July 21-27, 2025, Seek Jehovah’s Comfort, Answers.

“Praise be to [...] the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 COR. 1:3).

1. What was life like for the exiled Jews in Babylon?

The Jews' experience in Babylon was bitter and filled with nostalgia. Jerusalem, their holy city, had been destroyed, and with it the temple where they worshipped Jehovah. This not only caused them deep pain, but also a strong sense of guilt, as they understood that this misfortune was the consequence of years of disobedience.

The Bible records that Jehovah sent them messengers time and again, but they ignored them, which ultimately led to the punishment of exile. Although in Babylon they were able to marry, plant gardens, and earn a living from their labor, they were emotionally broken.

Psalm 137 reflects their sadness when it says, “They sat by the rivers, wept, and remembered Zion.” The expression was not only literal; it also represented their state of mind: dejected, uprooted, and hopeless.

2, 3. (a) What did Jehovah do for the exiled Jews?

Jehovah acted with tenderness and foresight when it came to the suffering of his people. Although the Jews were taken into exile as a result of their disobedience, Jehovah did not reject them forever. Instead of abandoning them, he prepared a message of comfort in advance.

More than a century earlier, through the prophet Isaiah, he had already sent them words like, “Comfort, comfort my people,” proving that this was not an impulsive or belated act. Furthermore, as 2 Corinthians 1:3 indicates, Jehovah is the source of all true emotional relief. His comfort is not limited to empty words, but has the power to restore faith and hope to those who are grieving.

2, 3. b) What will we see in this article?

This article is designed to help us better understand how Jehovah comforts his people, both in the past and today. Through the example of the Jewish exiles in Babylon, we will see three ways in which Jehovah acted as a truly compassionate Father.

First: He promised forgiveness. Isaiah 59:20 shows that Jehovah was willing to welcome back those who repented.

Second: He gave hope. Jehovah offered not only forgiveness, but also a positive vision for the future. Although the present was painful, they had the promise that they would be restored as a nation.

Third: He removed their fear. Jehovah knew that living in a foreign land, with a different lifestyle, among a pagan people could generate fear. That's why he assured them that he would be with them.

JEHOVAH IS MERCIFUL AND FORGIVES US

4. How did Jehovah show his mercy? (Isaiah 55:7)

Jehovah's mercy was manifested on several levels. First, He offered forgiveness to those willing to abandon their misconduct and return to Him.

Although the Jews were suffering for their mistakes, Jehovah extended his hand tenderly, like a father willing to welcome back his repentant child. Second, his promise of restoration was another act of mercy.

Isaiah 40:2 assured them that their punishment would not last forever. Despite the pain of exile, Jehovah kept alive the hope that they would return to their land and its pure worship.

Finally, Isaiah 54:8 reflects Jehovah’s heart: “I will show you compassion with everlasting lovingkindness.” So, despite the discipline, his love never ceased.

5. Why can we be even more certain than the Jews that Jehovah is merciful?

The reason we can be even more confident of Jehovah's mercy today than the exiled Jews is because we have clear evidence of how he has acted to forgive us. The Israelites relied on prophecies and promises, but we have the actual fulfillment of those promises in the life and death of Jesus Christ.

Jehovah not only promised to forgive; he demonstrated it visibly by sending his Son. As Acts 3:19 says: “When we repent, our sins are not only forgiven but are wiped out, as though they had never been.”

6. Why is it good for us to meditate on Jehovah's mercy? (See also the pictures.)

Meditating on Jehovah's mercy has a profound liberating effect. When a person struggles with guilt over past mistakes, even after repentance, they can feel unworthy of God's love.

However, texts like Isaiah 55:7 and Jeremiah 31:34 show us that Jehovah not only forgives, but chooses not to remember our sins again. This is a clear demonstration of his tenderness and understanding.

Ezekiel 33:14-16 is especially reassuring because it teaches us that if we do what is right now, Jehovah will no longer see us for our past mistakes. Furthermore, Jehovah will completely remove the consequences of sin, and that helps us move forward with confidence.

ILLUSTRATION

A brother walks smiling. Images contrast things he used to do with things he does now. Mistakes he made in the past: 1. Playing violent video games. 2. Drinking excessively and smoking. 3. Viewing inappropriate content on his computer. What he's doing now: 1. Cleaning the Kingdom Hall. 2. Talking to an older sister. 3. Preaching.

Jehovah doesn't consider the mistakes we made in the past, but what we are doing now. (See paragraph 6.)

7. What will make it easier for us to take the step of confessing a sin?

Fear, shame, or guilt can prevent someone from confessing a serious sin. But, as this paragraph shows, remembering Jehovah's love and mercy can make that step easier.

He doesn't seek to destroy us for our mistakes, but to help us rise again. That's why He has provided spiritual elders as shepherds who comfort, guide, and heal. James 5:14 and 15 tells us that elders can pray for us and help us spiritually when we are weak.

Arthur's example teaches us that, although the process may be difficult, the outcome is liberating. He struggled with guilt, but when he received the loving support of the elders, he understood that Jehovah still loved him.

JEHOVAH GIVES US HOPE

8. (a) What hope did Jehovah give to the exiles?

The hope Jehovah gave the exiles was not only realistic, but also secure. Although Babylon was a superpower with a reputation for not releasing its prisoners, Jehovah had a clear purpose: to free his people.

This hope was not based on politics, but on divine power. Isaiah, inspired by God, had already prophesied that Jerusalem would be rebuilt and that the people would return with joy.

Furthermore, Jehovah not only promised them deliverance, but also emotional and spiritual strength while they waited. Isaiah 40:29-31 assures us that Jehovah gives power to the weary and increases strength to those who have no power.

8. b) According to Isaiah 40:29-31, what effect would hope have on repentant Jews?

Isaiah 40:29-31 uses very powerful expressions to explain the effect of hope on God's servants. It speaks of receiving power and strength, even when one no longer has any.

This promise was very meaningful to the exiled Jews, who were likely feeling emotionally and spiritually exhausted. But Jehovah reminded them that He does not tire and that He could renew their strength.

The expression "they would soar as if on eagle's wings" represents an elevation above circumstances, as if Jehovah were lifting them above sadness and weariness. It also implies vision and direction, since eagles fly high and see clearly.

9. What powerful reason did the exiles have to trust in Jehovah and his promises?

Knowing Jehovah's record of faithfulness helped the exiled Jews to fully trust his promises. The fulfillment of previous prophecies not only demonstrated that Jehovah was powerful, but also that his word was completely trustworthy.

Furthermore, Isaiah 46:10 says that Jehovah declares the end from the beginning and what has not yet been done. This ability to announce events and then make them happen exactly as He said showed that the Jews were not believing empty promises, but words backed up by deeds. All of this gave them strong reasons to trust that they too would be delivered, just as Jehovah had promised.

10. What will help us keep our hope clear in mind during these last days?

The Bible, in Hebrews 6:19, compares hope to an anchor because it stabilizes our emotions when we go through storms. To keep that hope strong, we must nourish it.

The paragraph suggests concrete practices. For example, imagining life in the New World, reading publications from the Faithful and Prudent Slave, viewing spiritual content, and listening to songs that move us.

Furthermore, sincere prayer helps us connect our hope to our daily lives. When we tell Jehovah what we most desire, his spirit can strengthen us emotionally and spiritually, reminding us that his promise is not a dream, but a guaranteed future reality.

11. How does a sister who suffers from chronic health problems regain her strength?

Sister Joy's case illustrates well what many loyal servants experience when faced with ongoing suffering. The key is not to keep your feelings bottled up, but to express them openly to Jehovah.

Her example confirms what 2 Corinthians 4:7 says: that power comes from God, not from ourselves. Despite her physical weakness, Jehovah has given her the strength to continue serving him with joy.

Furthermore, meditating on the promise of Isaiah 33:24 strengthens your confidence that suffering's days are numbered. This example encourages us to turn to Jehovah without reservation and to keep hope alive, especially when our health fails.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Sister Joy regains strength through sincere prayer to Jehovah, who empowers her beyond her normal limits. She also imagines herself healed in the new world, which comforts her and encourages her to continue.

12. What powerful reason do we have to trust in Jehovah and his promises? (See also the pictures.)

We have a very powerful reason to trust in Jehovah. Today we are seeing with our own eyes how many of his prophecies are being fulfilled. For example, Daniel 2:42, 43 speaks of a divided world power, partly strong and partly fragile, which describes very well the current system, where powerful nations also have internal weaknesses.

Furthermore, as Jesus prophesied in Matthew 24:7, 14, there are earthquakes in various places, and the Kingdom message is being preached throughout the earth. These events are no coincidence. Rather, they confirm that Jehovah is acting and that everything He has promised will surely be fulfilled.

ILLUSTRATION

A sister reads some Bible prophecies and meditates on them. Series of images: 1. A couple preaches with their cart and talks to a man. 2. A father and son observe the damage caused by a natural disaster. 3. A stone strikes the feet of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, described in Daniel chapter 2. 4. A group of happy people in Paradise.

The prophecies we are seeing fulfilled today give us a powerful reason to trust Jehovah's promises. (See paragraph 12.)

JEHOVAH HELPS US NOT TO BE AFRAID

13. a) What difficulties would the Jews face when their liberation approached?

The situation the Jews would face shortly before their liberation could have seemed terrifying. They would see a foreign king attacking powerful powers and, later, Babylon itself, the place where they were held captive. Jehovah already knew this could cause them distress, so, more than a century earlier, he left them a comforting message through Isaiah.

This pattern is repeated in many parts of the Bible: Jehovah doesn't eliminate all difficulties, but he does guarantee his support and comfort. As with the Jews, today he also prepares us emotionally and spiritually for what lies ahead, reminding us that we are not alone.

13. b) According to Isaiah 41:10-13, How did Jehovah comfort the exiled Jews?

The comfort Jehovah gave the Jews was much more than just comforting words. In these verses, Jehovah speaks directly to them, both tenderly and firmly. He reminds them that they need not fear or be distressed, because He, their God, is at their side. Not only that, He also promises to strengthen, help, and sustain them.

Verse 13 is especially poignant, as the image of Jehovah taking the hand of his servant, as a father takes the hand of his young son, shows how emotionally involved he is with us.

14. What else did Jehovah do to help the exiled Jews not to be afraid?

In times of fear or uncertainty, it can be easy to think we are alone or that our difficulties are too great. But Jehovah, with deep love, reminded the exiled Jews who He is.

He told them to look up at the sky, at the stars He Himself had created, and to consider the fact that He knows the name of each one. This detail is impressive. There are billions of stars, and Jehovah calls them by name, which helps us understand that He is not a distant or indifferent God.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

Jehovah reminded the Jews that He had created all the stars and knew each one by name. This showed them that His power is immense and that He also knows and cares for each of His servants, so they had no reason to be afraid.

15. What did Jehovah do to help the exiled Jews be prepared?

In addition to giving them comfort and hope, Jehovah also took practical steps to prepare his people when the time of their deliverance came. He gave them direct and clear instruction: to take shelter in their homes during a time of danger. This advice is recorded in Isaiah 26:20 and shows that Jehovah knew what was coming and wanted to protect them.

During the conquest of Babylon, there was much chaos and violence in the streets. Syrus ordered his soldiers to kill anyone they found outside their homes. In this context, Jehovah's prior warning took on great value, since the Jews who obeyed were likely saved.

16. Why shouldn't we be afraid when we think about the Great Tribulation? (See also the image.)

Although the great tribulation is approaching, Jehovah's servants have no reason to fear, because we know that Jehovah loves us, cares for us, and has already warned us of what is coming. Luke 21:28 assures us that when we see these things begin to happen, we should lift up our heads with confidence, because our deliverance is near.

Furthermore, Jehovah will not leave us alone during the tribulation. He promises to protect us through his angels and will also give us instructions that could save our lives. Therefore, now is the time to strengthen our relationship with the congregation and the organization. We must fully trust that Jehovah is leading us, obey with faith, and stay close to our brothers. This way, we will be ready to act wisely and without fear.

ILLUSTRATION

During the Great Tribulation, several brothers read the Bible together in a room at night. They look out the window, and one of them points to heaven.

Thinking that Jehovah is powerful and can save us will help us avoid fear during the Great Tribulation. (See paragraph 16.)

17. What can you do to seek the comfort that Jehovah gives us?

Even when circumstances are difficult, as they were for the Jews in Babylon, Jehovah always gives comfort to those who seek him in faith. Therefore, for us to receive that comfort today, we must actively seek it.

Jehovah is merciful, and if we pray to him with humility, he will answer us with peace and strength. We must also strive to keep our hope alive and not let it fade away.

Furthermore, remembering that Jehovah is our God gives us great peace of mind. He is not a distant God, but a close, loving, and protective one. If we feel this way, we won't fear the future, because we will know that He will always be by our side.

HOW DO THE FOLLOWING VERSES COMFORT YOU?

Isaiah 55:7

He comforts us by reminding us that Jehovah is willing to forgive generously. If we turn from our wicked ways and return to Him with a sincere heart, Jehovah not only forgives us, but also completely blots out our sins. This gives us peace and hope, even when we feel deeply guilty.

Isaiah 40:29-31

This text comforts us because it shows that Jehovah gives strength to the weary and vigor to the weak. If we trust in Him, we can regain our courage and continue forward, as if soaring like eagles, without becoming weary or giving up.

Isaiah 41:10-13

We find comfort in the assurance that Jehovah is with us, giving us strength and helping us with his mighty hand. We need not be afraid, because He is our God and promises to sustain and deliver us, even in the most difficult situations.