Watchtower Study, Seek Jehovah's Comfort, Week of July 21-27, 2025, Comments and Answers.

Watchtower Study, Seek Jehovah's Comfort, July 21-27, 2025, Comments and 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 exiled in Babylon lived with emotional pain over the destruction of Jerusalem and their exile, due to their own sins and those of their ancestors. Although they had a degree of freedom and could lead a relatively normal life, it was not the life they desired, which led them to feel sad and weep when they remembered Zion.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Their feelings of displacement and sadness are reflected in Psalm 137:1: “We sat by the rivers of Babylon; we wept when we remembered Zion.” Clearly, this was not the life they would have chosen, and they desperately needed comfort.

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

Jehovah comforted the exiled Jews by using the book of Isaiah, written more than 100 years before their exile, to offer them comfort, knowing that some would accept his discipline and return to worship him properly.

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

We will look at three ways Jehovah comforted the exiles:

One: Promising to forgive those who repent.

Two: Giving them hope.

Three: Helping them not to be afraid.

We will also see how Jehovah comforts us today in the same ways.

JEHOVAH IS MERCIFUL AND FORGIVES US

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

Jehovah showed his mercy by promising to forgive the exiled Jews who repented, as Isaiah 55:7 indicates, assuring them of his eternal loyal love. Although they faced the consequences of their disobedience, he promised that their exile in Babylon would not be permanent, which brought great comfort to the repentant ones.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This passage teaches us that Jehovah's mercy knows no bounds. Despite our mistakes, He is willing to forgive us if we approach Him with a repentant heart. The promise made to the exiled Jews reflects how Jehovah continues to show compassion today.

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

We can be even more certain than the Jews that Jehovah is merciful, because we now understand all he has done to forgive us. He sent his own Son to give his life for us, and thanks to that sacrifice, our sins can be completely erased. This clearly demonstrates the immense mercy and love of our God.

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

It's good to meditate on Jehovah's mercy because it comforts us when we feel guilty about past mistakes, even if we have already confessed and repented of them. Jehovah assures us that, when he forgives us, he chooses to remember our sins no longer.

Meditating on His mercy helps us let go of guilt and trust that He will soon remove all the negative consequences of our mistakes.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This passage teaches us that Jehovah's mercy is a balm for our minds and hearts. It reminds us not to allow the guilt of the past to paralyze us, but to focus on the present and how we can continue serving Jehovah with joy.

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?

What can make it easier for us to take the step of confessing a sin is to remember that Jehovah and the elders are there to help us with love and mercy. Even if it's difficult, knowing that we won't be judged harshly, but rather comforted and supported, can give us the courage we need.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This story teaches us that confession is not an act of shame, but a step toward restoration and inner peace. Jehovah's mercy and the compassionate support of the elders can help us overcome guilt and negative thoughts.

JEHOVAH GIVES US HOPE

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

Jehovah gave the exiled Jews hope that they would be freed from Babylon, even though from a human perspective this seemed impossible. He assured them that nothing could prevent their return, because to Him that power was nothing but dust.

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

According to Isaiah 40:29-31, this hope would strengthen the repentant Jews and give them new strength, to the point of being compared to eagles taking flight. This hope would not only comfort them but also give them spiritual energy.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This passage teaches us that hope in Jehovah is not just a passive feeling, but a source of active strength that drives us forward.

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

The exiles had a powerful reason to trust in Jehovah, because they had seen his prophecies fulfilled: the conquest of Israel by Assyria, the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon, and the blinding and captive of King Zedekiah. These fulfillments demonstrated that Jehovah always fulfills what he predicts, giving them the certainty that he would also fulfill his promise to free them.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This analysis reminds us that Jehovah is a faithful God who always keeps his promises. The exiles trusted not only in words, but in proven deeds. Today, we too can fully trust Jehovah, knowing that all his prophecies and promises are fulfilled precisely.

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

To keep our hope clear in our minds during these final days, we need to constantly nourish it. We can do this by frequently imagining what life will be like in the new world, reading articles, watching videos, and listening to songs that speak of that promise.

Furthermore, speaking to Jehovah in prayer about the blessings we most desire will strengthen that hope and keep it alive in our hearts.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Keeping our hope alive protects us from discouragement and encourages us to move forward with joy.

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

Sister Joy finds strength in pouring out her heart to Jehovah in prayer, especially when she feels overwhelmed. She is convinced that He understands her and strengthens her with “power beyond the ordinary.”

Furthermore, he finds comfort in imagining himself in the new world, free from disease. His example encourages us to do the same to maintain our spirits and spiritual strength.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Her experience teaches us that telling Jehovah everything we feel and focusing on our hope are key to regaining strength, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

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. We are seeing his prophecies fulfilled in our day. The world situation, natural disasters, and worldwide preaching coincide exactly with what the Bible had foretold. This strengthens our faith and gives us the assurance that Jehovah will also fulfill all his other promises.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This analysis reminds us that we live in a unique time, where prophetic signs are being fulfilled before our eyes. Like the exiled Jews, who trusted in Jehovah's promises when they saw the fulfillment of His words, we too can have complete confidence in Him as we observe how His prophecies are being fulfilled today.

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 Jews would face difficult times as their deliverance drew near, as a powerful king would conquer several nations, including Babylon. These events could cause fear and uncertainty, but they were part of the fulfillment of Jehovah's purpose.

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

Jehovah comforted them through the words recorded in Isaiah 41:10–13, reminding them that they were not alone. He assured them that they should not be afraid or distressed, because he would be with them to sustain and help them. Knowing that Jehovah was their God and would not abandon them gave them courage and comfort.

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

Jehovah helped the exiled Jews not to be afraid by reminding them of his immense power and knowledge. He showed them that if he can create and name every star in the sky, he surely also knows each of his servants and has the power to help them. This comparison gave them confidence that they were not forgotten or alone, and that Jehovah was able to care for them.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This reminder of Jehovah's power and knowledge is deeply comforting. It teaches us that, although our circumstances may seem overwhelming, Jehovah—who created and controls everything—is fully aware of our situation and has the power to intervene on our behalf.

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

Jehovah helped the exiled Jews prepare by giving them clear and protective instructions. He commanded them to stay inside their homes while the fury passed. This advice likely protected them during the conquest of Babylon by King Syria, when, according to the historian Xenophon, soldiers killed those who were outside their homes.

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

We should not be afraid when we think about the Great Tribulation, because we know that Jehovah is our God and will protect us with his angels, giving us instructions that can save our lives. To be prepared, we must stay close to the congregation, obey the organization's instructions, and be convinced that Jehovah is leading it.

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?

To seek the comfort Jehovah gives us, we can approach Him with confidence, always remembering that He is a merciful God. We must also keep our hope alive in our hearts and fully trust that Jehovah is with us. If we do this, we can feel peace and strength no matter what trials we face.

HOW DO THE FOLLOWING VERSES COMFORT YOU?

Isaiah 55:7

This verse comforts me by reminding me that Jehovah is willing to forgive me if I sincerely repent. He doesn't hold a grudge or reject me for my past mistakes, but shows abundant mercy. Knowing this fills me with peace and encourages me to continue approaching Him with confidence.

Isaiah 40:29-31

It comforts us by highlighting that Jehovah strengthens the weary and gives power to the weak. It reminds us that those who trust in Him will renew their strength and be able to face their challenges with renewed vigor. This passage encourages us to depend on Jehovah when we feel exhausted or overwhelmed, knowing that He will give us the necessary vigor to continue.

Isaiah 41:10-13

It comforts us by assuring us that Jehovah is with us, telling us, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you." It reassures us by promising His protection and support in the face of difficulties, such as the Great Tribulation, reminding us that He is our God and will sustain us.