Watchtower Study, What Jacob's Last Words Teach Us (Part 1), Week of August 18-24, 2025. Comments and Responses.

Watchtower Study, What Jacob's Last Words Teach Us (Part 1), August 18-24, 2025. Comments and Responses.

“Gather together so that I may tell you what will happen to you in the last days” (GEN. 49:1).

1, 2. What did Jacob do when he had little time left to live, and why? (See also the image.)

Jacob, realizing that he had little time left to live, gathered his sons together to tell them something very important. At that time, it was customary for the head of the family, before dying, to give his final instructions and, in some cases, to designate who would take his place as patriarch or head of the entire family.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jacob gathered his sons, as was the custom at that time, to give them final instructions and, perhaps, also to name which of them would succeed him as patriarch.

Genesis 49:28 tells us that Jacob gathered his twelve sons and gave each one the blessing he deserved. This is what we'll analyze in this article.

Isaiah 38 shows that it was common for fathers to leave instructions for their household before they died. In this case, Hezekiah did not yet have any children, but Isaiah reminded him to give his family final instructions, which could include spiritual advice, practical instructions on daily life, matters related to inheritance, or household organization. This ensured the well-being of the family and, in the case of King Hezekiah, that of his people as well.

In the image, we see Jacob with all his sons around him, and that can lead us to imagine Jehovah with each of us, personally telling us what we should do.

At that time, it was customary for the head of a household to gather his family and give them his final instructions when he was about to die. Another example is found in Isaiah 38:1, which tells us that when Hezekiah became ill and was about to die, Jehovah told him to gather his household and give them instructions, because he was not going to recover.

In the image you can see that what Jacob had to tell them was something very important, because everyone is very attentive.

ILLUSTRATION

Jacob on his deathbed, addressing prophetic words to his 12 sons. (See paragraphs 1 and 2.)

3. According to Genesis 49:1, 2, what was special about Jacob's words?

According to Genesis 49:1, 2, Jacob's last words were special because they were not just fatherly advice, but prophecies. Jehovah used him to predict important events that would affect his children and their descendants, who would eventually form the nation of Israel.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jacob was a prophet, and through him Jehovah foretold important things that would happen to his children and their families in the future.

What is special is that these were not simple advice from a father on his deathbed to his children, but prophetic words inspired by God.

4. What will we discuss in this article? (See also the box “Jacob’s Family.”)

In this article, we'll examine what Jacob said to four of his sons—Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah—and see how his prophetic words were fulfilled. We'll also learn valuable lessons that will help us please Jehovah in our day.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Let's analyze the inspired words that Jacob spoke to four of his sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah.

These words Jacob spoke were prophetic. Now let's see how those prophecies were fulfilled by reviewing Israel's history.

After each case, we will also see very valuable lessons that will undoubtedly help us please Jehovah.

The box "Jacob's Family" will be of great help to us as we consider this article, because we will see the sons of each of the people we will analyze, their wives, and how this relates to some of the events that occurred during their lives, or even later, in the history of Israel. Keeping this in mind as we analyze the article will help us better understand it.

ILLUSTRATION

Chart with the family tree of Jacob, who had two wives—Leah and Rachel—and two concubines—Bilha and Zilpah. With Leah she bore Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah; by Rachel she had Joseph and Benjamin, by Bilhah she had Dan and Naphtali, and by Zilpah she had Gad and Asher.

Ruben

5. What responsibility might Ruben have expected to receive?

Reuben, as the firstborn son, may have expected to receive a double portion of his father Jacob's estate, as well as the responsibility of becoming the family patriarch, a role his descendants would inherit in the future.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Perhaps he hoped to receive a double inheritance and become the patriarch of the family after Jacob's death.

It was only natural for Reuben to expect to become the patriarch. If we go to the study guide and review the topic of primogeniture, it explains that, under the patriarchal system, the eldest son became the head of the family after his father's death.

Reuben was the eldest son, and not only was he to inherit his father's position as representative of the family before Jehovah, but he would also receive a special blessing. So it was only natural for Reuben to expect this.

We see the words Jacob addressed to him in Genesis 49:3, when he said, “You are my firstborn, my strength, and the firstfruits of my reproductive power. You are superior in dignity and strength.” With those words, the first thing Reuben might have thought was that he was entitled to a double inheritance, not only for himself but also for his descendants.

6. Why did Reuben lose his birthright? (Genesis 49:3, 4)

Reuben lost his birthright because he slept with Bilhah, his father's concubine. Perhaps he thought this would make Jacob lose his affection for her and love his mother, Leah, more. Another possibility is that he was attracted to Bilhah and couldn't control his desires. This act was very serious and greatly displeased both Jehovah and Jacob.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Because a few years earlier, he had slept with Bilhah, one of his father's concubines, who had been Rachel's servant. Rachel was the wife Jacob loved most. On the other hand, perhaps Reuben committed this act to please his mother, Leah, or simply couldn't contain his desire for Bilhah.

Reuben acted incorrectly from a human perspective, as both Jacob and Jehovah disliked his attitude. Attitude is something we must take care of, and he failed to do so.

Jacob felt this was a disgrace. It wasn't simply an act he shouldn't have committed, but one that somehow stained the family name and his father's.

7. What happened to Reuben and his descendants? (See also the box “Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy.”)

Reuben never rose to prominence, and none of his descendants became king, priest, or prophet. Thus Jacob's prophetic words were fulfilled when he said, "You shall not rise to prominence." However, Jacob did not reject him as a son, and his descendants formed one of the tribes of Israel.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

What Jacob had said came true. He told him, “You will not excel.” And those words were confirmed because there is no record of any descendant of Reuben becoming a priest or prophet. However, Jacob did not reject Reuben as a son, and his descendants became part of the nation of Israel.

The Insight gives further details about the history of the Reubenites. It highlights, for example, that they never stood out, as they were always one of the smaller tribes and were not numerous in the censuses taken.

The Reubenites, who were members of the tribe of Reuben, also did not have a predominant position in the order when the camp was dismantled, when advancing, or when the tabernacle was inaugurated and they made offerings.

This tribe didn't stand out in any particular way. In fact, when Korah rebelled against Moses, three of those who followed him were Reubenites: On, Dathan, and Abiram. So, at no point was it a tribe that distinguished itself in any special way.

The Bible says that Reuben repented and did not commit sexual immorality again, but the consequences remained. This teaches us that we should always consider the consequences of our actions.

Considering how righteous Jacob was, he took into account the good qualities Reuben had once displayed. In fact, when he says he had not rejected him as a son, it wasn't just on that occasion. What happened with Bilhah had happened quite some time before Jacob spoke to his sons, and yet Reuben still expected to receive the birthright. Therefore, Jacob must not have treated him badly throughout all those years.

We see how Jehovah always observes people's hearts. And, since we know that Jacob was giving prophetic messages, as shown in the book of Genesis, we notice that on other occasions Reuben helped his father. For example, when they wanted to kill Joseph, he said he didn't agree with what was being done. And in Genesis 42:37, he also stated that he would prefer his sons be killed if he couldn't bring Benjamin back. So we see that, in reality, Reuben's heart was not evil.

In Genesis 49:4, Jacob tells Reuben, “You shall not excel.” Indeed, this came to pass, as the tribe of Reuben was always one of the smallest of the twelve tribes that made up the nation of Israel.

8. What lessons can we learn from Ruben's example?

From Reuben's example, we learn the importance of self-control and rejecting sexual immorality. We also see that our actions always have consequences, and although Jehovah does not free us from them, if we repent and strive to do what is right, He is merciful and willing to bless us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It's important to consider the consequences of indulging in sexual immorality. The harm we can cause to Jehovah, to our families, the suffering the congregation will have, and even to ourselves. As Galatians says: "Whatever we sow, that we shall reap."

It teaches us that Jehovah is merciful and always cares for his servants. Although he won't free us from the consequences of our actions, if we act right afterward, he will forgive us and we will regain his friendship.

We must keep in mind, as Galatians 6:7 says, that no one can mock God. Therefore, when making our decisions, we must always consider what pleases Jehovah.

When you exercise self-control, you can consider the consequences and make wise decisions. You realize who you will offend or be harmed: yourself, your family, the congregation, and, most of all, Jehovah. This prevents you from carrying out the evil you were thinking of doing.

Self-control is an essential quality, especially when we're alone. When we're with others, it's easier to follow the trend of acting well and behaving correctly, because we're being watched. However, in life, we sometimes find ourselves alone, and if we have weaknesses and don't exercise control, it's easy to fall into them. Therefore, self-control is essential to staying spiritually strong.

Self-control is important because we are imperfect and will continue to be so in this system. Therefore, self-control is something we must constantly develop. Self-control is extremely important.

Self-control is a kind of barrier before reaching sexual immorality, because up until that point, there are usually many previous steps that can lead to that situation. But if one has self-control from the beginning and knows how to control their feelings, impulses, and desires, they will likely not even take the first step that leads to committing this sin. So, it is certainly very important.

SIMEON AND LEVI

9. Why did Jacob address Simeon and Levi with such disapproving words? (Genesis 49:5-7)

Jacob addressed disapproving words to Simeon and Levi because, in revenge for the abuse their sister Dinah had suffered years before, they had resorted to deception by telling the men of Shechem that they would live in peace with them if they were circumcised, and then to violence, because while they were still in pain they killed all the males of the city.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Because when the events involving their sister Dinah occurred, they used both deceit and violence to try to avenge those acts. We see that they took advantage of a situation of weakness among the men of Shechem, which they themselves had provoked, to use the sword and slaughter all the men of the city.

This rampant slaughter of the men living in Shechem was an excessive punishment. Therefore, Jacob's father condemned and cursed this expression of uncontrolled anger. Even if anger seems justified, as in this case, it can be dangerous and produce bad results if left unchecked.

It's true how bad they must have felt about what had happened to their sister. The point is the degree to which they reached, because Genesis 49:7 mentions their cruel and merciless anger. That is, they reached a level where, without a doubt, they should have let Jehovah intervene in what would happen to each of them.

The story in Genesis 34 explains very well everything they did. They acted in a devious manner, pretending they could reach an agreement with them and that Dinah would be Shechem's wife. But to seal that pact, they demanded that all the men be circumcised. When they did, on the third day they were so weak that they were surprised and killed them all. Not only that, but they also took everything, looted the city, and even took the women and children.

It's no wonder Jehovah and his father Jacob thought this way about these men when the Bible says they deliberately left the bulls lame. That is despicable animal cruelty. It would have been better to kill them, but leaving them lame was also condemning them to death, albeit with great suffering. This reveals the condition of their hearts, and we understand very well why Jacob's decision and prophecy applied to them in this way.

10. How were Jacob’s prophetic words about Simeon and Levi fulfilled? (See also the box “Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy.”)

Jacob's prophetic words, that Simeon and Levi would be "dispersed and scattered throughout Israel," were fulfilled more than 200 years later, when the nation of Israel entered the Promised Land. The tribe of Simeon received its inheritance in scattered territories within Judah, and the tribe of Levi received 48 cities scattered throughout Israel.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It was foretold that they would be dispersed and scattered throughout Israel. Joshua 19:1 shows that, about 200 years later, when they received their inheritance, the tribe of Simeon received scattered portions of land within the territory of the tribe of Judah. ​​As for the inheritance of Levi, they received 48 cities scattered throughout the territory of Israel. Thus Jacob's prophetic words were fulfilled.

11. What good things did the tribes of Simeon and Levi do?

The Levites supported pure worship, sided with Moses against the idolatry of the golden calf, and received the privilege of serving as priests. For their part, the men of the tribe of Simeon fought valiantly alongside Judah during the conquest of the Promised Land, thus fulfilling Jehovah's will.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

On the one hand, the tribe of Levi loyally supported the Israelites. When Moses received the Law, many Israelites began to worship a golden calf. However, the Levites sided with Moses and helped him put an end to that apostasy. For their part, the tribe of Simeon, along with the tribe of Judah, contributed to fulfilling Jehovah's will when they fought to conquer the Promised Land.

The Exodus account gives us some more details. For example, it mentions that all the Levites supported Moses and shows how difficult it was to do so at the time, because Moses instructed them to take up the sword and kill the guilty throughout the camp. That day, 3,000 people died. So taking the side of pure worship at that time was quite difficult, but they all did it.

Jehovah then gave the tribe of Levi the privilege of serving as priests in place of the firstborn of the rest of the tribes.

12. What lessons can we learn from the examples of Simeon and Levi?

From the examples of Simeon and Levi, we learn that we should not be driven by anger or respond violently to injustice. Rather, we should be guided by biblical principles so as not to hurt others. Furthermore, we understand that we are not condemned to repeat our family's mistakes; with Jehovah's help, we can do what is right and earn his approval.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Let us never be driven by anger if someone does something wrong to us or someone we love. Instead, let us be guided by biblical principles.

It's normal to feel hurt when we suffer or witness injustice. However, if we strive to put biblical principles into practice, such as those in Psalm 4:4, we can avoid falling into sin when we get upset. This way, we won't say or do things that only cause more harm to more people.

Another reason is found in James 1:20, which states that human anger does not produce God's righteousness. So it is an act that Jehovah clearly disapproves of.

Perhaps we might consider: If our parents are doing something wrong or acting inappropriately in Jehovah's sight, are we already condemned to follow their example? As we have seen in the case of descendants, this is not the case. This can help children and descendants understand that Jehovah sees us personally and that, individually, he will care for, help, and guide us.

Sometimes it's inevitable to feel anger or disgust about something that has happened to us. But Psalm 4:4 tells us: “When you are upset, do not sin. Consider in your hearts as you lie in bed and keep silent.” This encourages us to tell Jehovah things, because he understands us, knows what's in our hearts, and we can leave everything in his hands. That way, we behave as he wants, in a worthy manner.

We should always consider biblical principles when we face any circumstance, such as when someone does something to us. We can ask ourselves, "What principle can I apply here? What principle would be helpful?" Let us remember that we must leave vengeance in Jehovah's hands and not return evil for evil. If we keep these principles in mind, we will surely react well.

We must keep in mind the principle of doing for others what we would like them to do for us. If we always think about this, we will seek the well-being of others and not just our own.

Something we must keep in mind is not to return evil for evil or insult for insult, as that's the easiest way to react immediately. But we must control ourselves so as not to respond in that way.

We tend to return evil for evil, but the paragraph reminds us that we must strive to apply biblical principles. That effort is what helps us stay in control.

Oysters, when they perceive something as aggression or annoyance, add nacre to that discomfort and turn it into a pearl. From something annoying or irritating, they produce something precious. This is what 1 Peter 3:9 encourages us to do: if we receive an offense, we return a blessing. That is, to be kind and considerate, as already mentioned. This peaceful response is precious in the eyes of Jehovah and also in those of our brothers and sisters.

In Romans 12, we are reminded not to seek revenge. However, when someone is suffering injustice, in any situation, that can be very difficult. But that doesn't mean we should do nothing. Rather, we should leave things in Jehovah's hands, because vengeance belongs to Him. Jehovah sees all and, at the time and in the way He deems appropriate, will put things right.

For these circumstances, one of the best principles is forgiveness. Forgiveness is our ability and, moreover, a biblical principle. So, if we can do it, why not forgive?

JUDAH

13. Why might Judah have been worried when it was his turn to listen to Jacob?

When his turn came, Judah may have been worried because, like his older brothers, he had also made serious mistakes: he participated in the sacking of Shechem, in selling Joseph into slavery and deceiving his father, and he had relations with his daughter-in-law Tamar, thinking she was a prostitute.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Because he, too, had made serious mistakes. It's true that he didn't participate in the massacre carried out by his brothers, but he did plunder the city of Shechem with them. Furthermore, he participated in the sale of Joseph into slavery and later deceived his father.

14. What did Jacob say to Judah, and what good things had Judah done? (Genesis 49:8, 9)

Jacob praised Judah and prophesied good things about him. Judah had shown concern for his elderly father's well-being and compassion toward his younger brother Benjamin, trying to protect him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

He spoke words of praise and prophesied only good things. He also emphasized that he had been a person who cared deeply for his elderly father's well-being, who had compassion for his brother Benjamin and wanted to protect him. For this, his father praised him.

He showed that he was a new man, because in Genesis we see the feelings he expressed. He said that Benjamin's life was tied to his father's, and he knew that if he didn't return him, his father would die, and he wouldn't be able to bear it. So he not only showed repentance, but he was also a generous and considerate man.

15. In what ways was Jacob's prophecy about Judah fulfilled?

Jacob's prophecy about Judah was fulfilled in several ways: Judah led his brothers on their journey through the wilderness, the men of his tribe were the first to fight to conquer the Promised Land, and from his lineage came David, the first king of Israel, one of a long line of kings who came from the tribe of Judah.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

First, about 200 years later, the tribe of Judah led their brothers as the Israelites left Egypt and headed through the desert toward the promised land, guiding the people.

Because prophecy had foretold that the tribe of Judah would rule over all the others. Furthermore, they were the first to fight against the Canaanites during the conquest of the Promised Land, and since the time of King David, all the kings who ruled in Jerusalem came from the tribe of Judah.

16. How was the prophecy found in Genesis 49:10 fulfilled? (See also the box “Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy.”)

The prophecy of Genesis 49:10, in which Jacob revealed that a descendant of Judah would permanently rule humanity, was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whom he named Shiloh, who would receive David's throne and is called 'the Lion of the tribe of Judah'.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We see that it was fulfilled, because it says that the scepter would not depart from Judah until Shiloh came, who turned out to be Jesus Christ, a descendant of Judah and the promised King of the Kingdom of God.

Revelation 5:5 speaks of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, referring to Jesus, who later appears before the throne of Jehovah. In this way, the prophecy that had been spoken of him is fulfilled.

17. How can we imitate Jehovah?

Jehovah blessed Judah even though he made serious mistakes; he noticed his strengths and rewarded him for them. We can imitate Jehovah by noticing the good things in others. Instead of focusing on our brothers' mistakes, we should recognize their strengths and rejoice when they receive important responsibilities, just as Jehovah always notices the good in his servants.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

As we see, Jehovah blessed Judah despite the serious mistakes he had made, because he focused on his own virtues. Likewise, we should focus not on the imperfections of our brothers, but rather remember that Jehovah is very pleased with them because he sees their good qualities. Furthermore, we too can be better within the congregation if we focus on the brothers' good qualities.

We must treat others as we would like to be treated. Perhaps we have committed some serious sin in the past and are now working to improve, or have already improved, and we don't want to be judged for what we did before. Likewise, let us not do that to our brothers and sisters, especially when they have worked hard and changed many things to achieve certain privileges.

Imperfection leads us to focus on flaws rather than qualities. The example has always been that if someone puts a black dot on a sheet of white paper, the first thing we see is the dot, not all the white. Well, with our siblings, we must learn to see all the white and not focus on the dot, because we all have dots.

It must have been interesting to watch the scene: how Jacob spoke to each one and, suddenly, he came to Judah and blessed him. The others must have been thinking, "But he did the same thing I did, even sleeping with Tamar." Perhaps they were only thinking about that. But the question is: will we be like them, who only see the bad, or will we be like Jehovah? He focused on the good in Judah and also on the good qualities of our brothers.

Despite all Judah did, Jehovah not only didn't curse him, but blessed him for his good deeds. This teaches us that we should not only avoid treating our brothers badly because we don't like them or they do certain things, but we should also go further, like Jehovah, and do good things, helping our brothers.

18. Why do we have to be patient?

We must be patient because Jehovah always keeps his promises, even if he doesn't always do so at the time or in the way we expect. Like the tribe of Judah, which didn't immediately begin leading God's people but loyally supported the leaders Jehovah appointed, such as Moses, Joshua, and King Saul, we must support the leaders He chooses to guide His people today.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

To fulfill Jehovah's promise to his people, as we see in Genesis 17:7-9, Jehovah promised to maintain the covenant of descendants and land with Abraham's people. We must learn to have faith and trust in a just and caring God who always keeps his promises. Although some, like Simeon and Levi, broke the covenant, Jehovah was just and caring, keeping his promise. This teaches us to be patient with others and to imitate Jehovah.

We must learn to be patient, because, as a general rule, humans are impatient in everything. We must understand that Jehovah acts not according to what we think should be done, but when He sees the time is right.

In Judah's case, he didn't immediately begin leading the people; however, he supported what Jehovah had established, following those He placed in charge, such as Moses, Joshua, and Saul, even though they were not from his tribe. Therefore, it is necessary to cultivate patience, because sometimes we suffer from it, and it is not always easy. Patience is a very important quality.

It is true that the tribe of Judah did see the fulfillment of the first part of the prophecy at first, because they were the first to fight against the Canaanites. That part was fulfilled, but the descendants of Judah did not see the fulfillment of the second part of the prophecy until David arrived, and they showed great patience. They kept in mind Jehovah's promise.

Jehovah has also made many promises to us, and we are seeing many of them fulfilled. Seeing this first part of the prophecy come true encourages us to be patient and wait for the second part of the promises.

The case of King Saul is particularly striking. He was not of the tribe of Judah, but he was reigning, and his successor was David, who did belong to the tribe of Judah. ​​David couldn't simply wait his turn; he had to endure cruel persecution. His life was in danger several times, precisely at the hands of Saul, yet he knew how to exercise patience and trust that Jehovah saw everything and would make changes at the opportune time. This is an example we should also keep in mind.

As Hebrews 6:12 says, “Do not become lazy, but imitate faith and patience,” as we see in the tribe of Judah. ​​The prophecy about them wasn't fulfilled until 200 years later. Similarly, we await Jehovah's promises, but we must be patient and, as the paragraph indicates, not lazy. We must work to achieve those promises.

Hebrews 6:12 speaks of patience, but also of faith. We must be patient by exercising faith, so that we trust in Jehovah, knowing that He will bless us in His time. He is already blessing us with all the information and care He provides us each day. The combination of patience and faith makes us happy. In the case of the descendants, they had to wait a long time, but they surely maintained faith that Jehovah would fulfill His promise.

19. What does the prophecy Jacob gave shortly before his death teach us about Jehovah?

The prophecy Jacob gave shortly before his death teaches us that Jehovah does not see things as humans do. He is patient and forgiving. He does not approve of wrongdoing, but he does not expect us to be perfect. Furthermore, he blesses those who repent from their heart and strive to do what is right.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It teaches us, on the one hand, that God doesn't see things the way we do. We learn from Him that He is a patient and forgiving being. He doesn't allow wrongdoing, but He doesn't expect us to be perfect either. Therefore, if we repent from the heart, He will see it and be forgiving toward us as well.

To emphasize that God does not see things as man sees them, we find a very important lesson in the example of Jacob. Surely, many of his sons, when Jacob spoke to them, had different expectations. They thought things would turn out completely differently than they actually did. This teaches us that Jehovah sees things in a way we cannot fully understand.

We may have longings or hopes about how certain things should turn out, but we must trust in Jehovah, because if we act correctly and trust in Him completely, everything will turn out well in the end.

It's true that Jehovah is very loving and forgiving toward us. He blesses those who have made mistakes, but he also values ​​the effort we make, the desire to change and to do what's right. This is what Jehovah sees in each of us, and we should strive to reflect him.

We have also seen that some of Jacob's prophecies took more than 200 years to be fulfilled. We also know that Jehovah has given other prophecies for this end time, and although we do not know when they will be fulfilled, we do know that Jacob's prophecies and others were fulfilled.

We must have the assurance and certainty that the prophecies Jehovah has given us will also be fulfilled in the future. Therefore, we must be vigilant so that we can continue to do Jehovah's will and not be taken by surprise.

Recalling a talk in which it was said that even we, in prayer, can ask Jehovah to do us the favor of seeing ourselves as He sees us. We can also ask Him to help us see our brothers as He sees them, because surely that way everything will go much better.

WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM WHAT JACOB TOLD HIS FIRST FOUR SONS?

Ruben

We learn that we must exercise self-control and reject sexual immorality, remembering that our actions have consequences. Although Jehovah does not free us from them, he is merciful, and if we repent and strive to do what is right, he will continue to bless us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We learn that we must exercise self-control, reject sexual immorality, and remember that our actions have consequences. Even though Jehovah does not free us from them, we all know that He is a merciful God, and that if we repent and strive to do what is right, He will continue to bless us.

Simeon and Levi

We learn that we should never be driven by anger, and even if our actions seem justified, we should always follow biblical principles, avoiding harm to others.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

One of the things we learn is that we should not be driven by anger, because even if Jehovah understands how we feel, that anger will not produce His righteousness. Therefore, the most important thing is to focus on following Bible principles so that we avoid saying or doing anything that could hurt others.

Our past doesn't have to determine our future. That is, for example, in the case of young people, if their parents don't serve Jehovah or are doing wrong, they don't have to follow their example.

Judah

We learn that we should imitate Jehovah, recognizing the good in others and trusting that he rewards good qualities and efforts to do what is right. Furthermore, we should support the leaders he chooses and trust in their patience and justice.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Since Jehovah is the one who created the prophecies, we must be patient to see how he fulfills them. We cannot add or subtract anything; we must only trust and wait patiently, knowing with certainty that they will be fulfilled.

Jehovah always looks for the good in his servants, even when we make mistakes, and we should imitate him when dealing with our brothers.