Congregational Book Study, Lessons I Learn from the Bible. Week of October 20-26, 2025. Introduction to Section 6 and Lesson 29. Answers.

Congregational Book Study, Lessons I Learn from the Bible. October 20-26, 2025, Lesson 28, Introduction to Section 6, and Lesson 29. Answers.

Congregational Bible Study (30 mins.) lfb lesson 28, introduction to section 6 and lesson 29.

Introduction to section 6

In this section, we will see how, after reaching the Promised Land, the tabernacle became the center of true worship. The priests were responsible for teaching God's Law, and the judges led the nation.

It will be emphasized that individual decisions and actions can have a profound effect on others. It will also highlight the responsibility each Israelite had before Jehovah and his neighbor.

In addition, we will see the positive influence of people like Deborah, Naomi, Joshua, Hannah, Jephthah's daughter, and Samuel on their community, as well as examples of non-Israelites—such as Rahab, Ruth, Jael, and the Gibeonites—who joined God's people by recognizing that Jehovah was with them.

Analysis of lesson 28: A talking donkey

Why did Balaam go to Moab?

Balaam went to Moab because King Balak invited him twice to curse the Israelites, for he was afraid they would conquer his land. Although at first Balaam refused because Jehovah told him not to go, God later allowed him to go on the condition that he only say what He commanded. Balaam went on his donkey to Moab, toward the south, with the plan of cursing the Israelites, even though Jehovah had told him not to.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Balaam went to Moab because Jehovah finally allowed him to go, but with very clear instructions: he was to say only the words He instructed him to. However, although Balaam appeared outwardly obedient, his heart was not completely aligned with God's will. In reality, Balaam still desired the money, gifts, and recognition that King Balak had promised him if he would curse the people of Israel.

Balaam's journey to Moab was not out of faithfulness to God, but because he wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to benefit himself, even though he knew it did not please Jehovah. This shows that a person can appear obedient, but if his motivation is not pure, his path will end up being dangerous. Jehovah allowed Balaam to continue, not to support him, but to show him the consequences of acting with a divided heart.

What happened on the trip?

During the journey to Moab, Jehovah sent an angel to stop Balaam. The angel appeared three times along the way, but Balaam couldn't see him, although his donkey could.

First, the donkey strayed off the road and into a field. Then, it came so close to a stone wall that it crushed Balaam's foot. Finally, it lay down in the middle of the road and wouldn't go any further. Each time, Balaam hit the donkey with a stick.

Jehovah made the donkey speak. The donkey asked Balaam, “Why are you hitting me?” Afterward, Jehovah allowed Balaam to see the angel, who reminded him not to curse Israel. Although Balaam said he would return home, the angel allowed him to continue, but only to say what God commanded him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

During the journey, Jehovah intervened in a surprising way to correct Balaam. He sent an angel who appeared to him three times along the way. Although Balaam didn't see the angel who was blocking his path, his donkey did. The donkey swerved off the path, crushed Balaam's foot against a wall, and finally lay down.

Instead of understanding that something was wrong, Balaam reacted angrily and struck the animal. Then Jehovah did something extraordinary: He gave the donkey a voice, and it spoke to him, asking why he was beating her. This made Balaam stop, and it was at that moment that Jehovah opened his spiritual eyes to see the angel blocking his path.

The angel firmly explained to him that his attitude was against God's will and that he should only speak what Jehovah commanded him. This event showed that God can use any means—even an animal—to correct someone when they are straying, and that His purpose always prevails over human desires.

What does this teach us about Jehovah?

This story teaches us that Jehovah is a patient, just, and protective God of his people. Although Balaam had evil intentions motivated by greed, Jehovah intervened to prevent harm to Israel. He even used a donkey to make him see his error, demonstrating that he can use any means to accomplish his purpose.

We learn that Jehovah can use any means to make us see our error. Balaam didn't notice the angel, but Jehovah made the donkey see him. He warns, corrects, and protects, but he expects us to listen with humility before acting. Jehovah opposes the proud, but he helps the humble.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

It teaches us that Jehovah knows the intentions of the heart. Although Balaam appeared obedient, he actually wanted to curse in order to receive rewards. Jehovah knew what he was planning in his heart.

It teaches us that Jehovah protects his people. God did not allow Balaam to curse the Israelites. He even intervened directly to prevent that plan from being carried out.

It teaches us that Jehovah corrects and warns with patience. Before Balaam continued his misconduct, Jehovah sent an angel three times to stop him, giving him opportunities to correct his behavior.

It teaches us that Jehovah has absolute power. He made a donkey see the angel, behave in unusual ways, and even speak. This shows that Jehovah can use any means to accomplish his will.

It teaches us that Jehovah makes his instructions clear. Although he allowed Balaam to go, he firmly reminded him that he could only say what he commanded. Jehovah tells us clearly what we must do, and his commands are firm.

This story teaches us that Jehovah protects his people, knows people's motives, warns before acting, has unlimited power, makes his will clear, and expects us to be obedient.

What practical lessons can we learn?

From Balaam, we learn that ignoring God's voice for personal gain always has consequences. Balaam knew Jehovah's will, but his greed and desire to please men blinded him spiritually.

When we try to justify our decisions, knowing that they go against divine principles, we end up humiliated, just like Balaam before his own donkey. Jehovah teaches us to listen with our hearts before acting, not to insist on what we know he doesn't approve of, and to trust that his guidance always protects us from error.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We learn that it's not enough to simply listen to Jehovah: we must obey from the heart. Balaam knew God's instructions, but inwardly he desired to do the opposite. This teaches us that we must not obey merely for show, but with sincerity and loyalty.

We learn that evil intentions blind us. Balaam didn't see the angel, but the donkey did. When someone is driven by ambition or selfishness, they can become "blind" to God's warnings.

We learn that Jehovah corrects before allowing major consequences. God sent warnings three times before allowing Balaam to continue. This shows that Jehovah is patient and gives us opportunities to correct our path.

We learn that we shouldn't get angry when we receive correction. Instead of reflecting, Balaam beat his donkey. Pride often prevents us from recognizing mistakes. We must be willing to listen and change.

We learn that Jehovah can use unexpected means to teach us. God made a donkey speak to stop Balaam. This reminds us that Jehovah can use unexpected people, circumstances, or advice to make us reflect.

We learn that partial obedience is no substitute for complete obedience. Balaam agreed to go on the condition that he would only speak what God said, but his intentions were still misguided. True obedience involves aligning our actions and desires with God's will.

Analysis of Lesson 29: Jehovah chooses Joshua

When Moses died, who was the new leader of the Israelites?

The new leader was Joshua. Moses asked Jehovah to choose a new leader to care for the people. Jehovah told him to speak to Joshua because he was the chosen one. Moses announced to the entire nation that he would soon die and that Jehovah had chosen Joshua to lead them to the Promised Land.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

When Moses died, Jehovah chose Joshua as the new leader of the Israelites. Joshua had been a faithful assistant to Moses for many years and had demonstrated obedience, courage, and trust in God. Therefore, Jehovah considered him worthy to continue the mission and lead his people to the Promised Land.

Moses, following divine instructions, presented Joshua before the entire nation so that the people would know that he was God's chosen successor. On that occasion, he gave him words of encouragement and faith, saying, "Do not be afraid, Jehovah will help you."

The words Moses gave Joshua were not merely human advice, but a guarantee that God's presence would accompany him, just as it had been with Moses. In this way, Jehovah demonstrated that his guidance and power do not depend on a single man, but on his own faithfulness in fulfilling his promises.

What happened at the Jordan River?

When Joshua led the people toward Canaan, Jehovah commanded them to cross the Jordan River. The river was very high, but as soon as the priests carrying the ark of the covenant touched the water with their feet, the river stopped running and dried up. The priests walked on the dry bottom and stood in the middle of the river while all the people of Israel crossed to the other side. This miracle must have reminded them of what Jehovah did at the Red Sea.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

When the time came to cross the Jordan River, the river was completely flooded, making it impossible for the people to cross on their own. However, Jehovah gave Joshua specific instructions. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant, a symbol of God's presence, were to advance first and enter the water without fear.

As soon as the priests' feet touched the river, a miracle occurred. The water stopped upstream and the channel was completely dry, allowing the entire people of Israel to cross to the other side on solid ground. The priests remained in the middle of the riverbed until the last Israelite had safely crossed.

This powerful event was a visible confirmation that Jehovah was with Joshua, just as he had promised, and it reminded the nation of the miracle at the Red Sea, when Jehovah also opened a way where there was no way. It was an undeniable sign that God keeps his promises and always guides those who trust and obey.

What does this teach us about Jehovah?

It teaches us that Jehovah hears sincere prayers. Moses asked him to choose a leader to care for the people, and Jehovah responded clearly. Before Moses died, Jehovah chose Joshua as the people's leader and did not leave him without direction.

It teaches us that Jehovah keeps his promises even if they take time. He showed Moses the Promised Land and eventually allowed his people to enter it, just as he promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

It teaches us that Jehovah supports those he appoints. He told Joshua to be courageous, not to be afraid, and that he would help him as he helped Moses. Furthermore, Jehovah has power over nature. He stopped the Jordan River so the Israelites could cross, reminding them of his power at the Red Sea.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This account teaches us that Jehovah never abandons his people or leaves their work without direction. When Moses could no longer continue, Jehovah chose Joshua as the new leader, demonstrating that his purpose continues even when people change.

It teaches us that Jehovah guides those who trust in Him step by step. He told Joshua to be courageous, to read the law every day, and to obey without fear. That instruction remains vital today. God promises his constant guidance to those who are spiritually strengthened through His word.

This story teaches us that the miracle at the Jordan River demonstrates that, when we act in faith, Jehovah opens paths where we once saw only obstacles. He never fails to fulfill his promises.

What practical lessons can we learn?

From this story we learn that true faith is not just words, but is demonstrated through action and obedience. Joshua didn't ask for human proof or guarantees. When Jehovah told him, "Cross the Jordan," he acted with complete confidence, even in the face of a flooded river.

We learn that reading God's Word daily is essential for spiritual courage and clarity. Jehovah told Joshua, "Do not forget to read my law daily." This teaches us that strength comes not from human character, but from a constant connection with God.

We learn that every change or loss can be an opportunity to see Jehovah's faithfulness. When Moses died, the people may have felt fear, but Jehovah showed that his guidance never stops, even when circumstances change.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We can learn that we must trust in the arrangements Jehovah makes. Just as the people accepted Joshua's leadership, we must support those Jehovah uses today.

We can learn that faith is demonstrated by obeying, even when the challenge seems great. The priests entered the river before it dried up. Obedience came first, then the miracle.

We can learn that courage comes from remembering that Jehovah is with us. Joshua was told, “Do not be afraid.” That confidence is based on God’s help, not human abilities.

We can learn that reading and meditating on God's law strengthens and guides. Jehovah told Joshua that the law should always be on his lips and in his mind, as Joshua 1:8 says.

We can learn that remembering Jehovah's past works strengthens our present faith. Crossing the Jordan must have reminded them of crossing the Red Sea.

We can learn that Jehovah fulfills what he promises in his own time. Although they spent decades in the wilderness, they finally entered the land he had prepared for them.