Congregational Book Study, Week of November 3-9, 2025, Lessons I Learn from the Bible, Lessons 32 and 33, Answers.

Congregational Book Study, November 3-9, 2025, Lessons I Learn from the Bible, Lessons 32 and 33, Answers.

Congregation Bible Study (30 mins.) lfb lessons 32, 33.

Analysis of section 32: A new leader and two courageous women

How did Deborah help the Israelites?

Deborah helped the Israelites by conveying Jehovah’s message to Barak so that he could lead the people back to worshiping Jehovah. As a prophetess, she encouraged Barak to go into battle against Jabin’s army and accompanied him, giving him courage and reminding him that Jehovah would give them victory. Thanks to her faith and leadership, the Israelites defeated their enemies and were able to live in peace for many years.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Deborah helped the Israelites by acting as a prophetess and conveying Jehovah's message to Barak, giving him clear instructions on how to defeat Jabin's army. She also accompanied Barak into battle, strengthening his faith and reminding him that Jehovah would grant him victory. Thanks to her leadership and obedience, the Israelites were victorious.

Deborah helped the Israelites by guiding them spiritually and reminding them that Jehovah was the one who gave them victory. As a prophetess, she faithfully conveyed God’s messages and strengthened Barak’s resolve to fulfill his mission. Her leadership, faith, and willingness to act demonstrated great love for Jehovah and his people, helping Israel return to true worship.

Judges 4:4-5 states that Deborah was a prophetess and judged Israel at that time. This shows that Jehovah chose her to guide his people when many had strayed. Her spiritual role strengthened unity and helped the people remember that they needed to depend on Jehovah and not on men.

Judges 4:6-7 recounts how Deborah relayed Jehovah's instructions to Barak. She did not act on her own, but trusted fully in the divine message. Her example teaches that when we follow God's instructions in faith, he gives us the courage and guidance necessary to fulfill our responsibilities.

Judges 4:8-9 shows that Barak hesitated and asked Deborah to accompany him. Instead of being discouraged, she courageously agreed, demonstrating empathy and spiritual strength. Deborah was not seeking the limelight, but rather to support others in trusting Jehovah more, demonstrating a spirit of cooperation and faith.

Judges 5:1-2 tells us that after the victory, Deborah and Barak sang a song to praise Jehovah. Instead of taking credit for themselves, she directed the praise to God. This teaches us to always acknowledge divine help and show gratitude, especially after overcoming trials or achieving positive results.

How did Jael prove she was a courageous woman?

Jael proved herself a courageous woman by fearlessly confronting the mighty warrior Sisera. Although he was the leader of the enemy army, Jael seized the opportunity to defeat him when he took refuge in his tent. With determination and courage, she waited until he fell asleep and drove a tent peg through his head, thus fulfilling the prophecy that a woman would defeat Sisera.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jael demonstrated her courage by confronting the enemy Sisera. Although he was a powerful and dangerous warrior, she was not afraid. She seized the opportunity to kill him while he slept, driving a tent peg through his head. With this act, Jael fulfilled Deborah's prophecy and helped liberate Israel from its oppressors.

Jael showed great courage by acting fearlessly against Sisera, the enemy of Jehovah’s people. She seized the opportunity to do what was right and trusted that God would back up her decision. Her action fulfilled the prophecy spoken by Deborah and contributed to Israel’s overall victory, showing that a determined and faithful person can be used powerfully by Jehovah.

Judges 4:17-18 relates that Jael received Sisera in her tent with hospitality and calm. Although he was a powerful enemy, she showed no fear. Her composure in such a dangerous situation reveals unwavering faith and a strong sense of purpose, for she understood that she was defending Jehovah's interests.

Judges 4:21 explains that Jael took a tent peg and a hammer in her hand and acted decisively. This act was extremely risky, since she could have been punished if she failed. However, her courage demonstrates that trust in Jehovah can give us the strength to face even seemingly impossible situations.

Judges 4:22 shows that when Barak arrived, Jael showed him Sisera's dead body. Thus was fulfilled what Jehovah had announced through Deborah. This highlights that Jehovah always keeps his promises and that he can use any faithful person, even outside the army, to accomplish his purposes.

Judges 5:24-27 commends Jael as “blessed among women” for her actions. This recognition shows that Jehovah values ​​courage, loyalty, and active faith. Jael became an example of determination and a willingness to act in support of true worship, even when it involved great risks.

What does this story teach us about Jehovah?

The account teaches that Jehovah always listens to the pleas of his people and helps them when they repent and return to obeying him. It also shows that Jehovah can use anyone—regardless of gender or social standing—to accomplish his purposes and give victory to those who trust in him. Furthermore, it demonstrates that Jehovah is a just God who does not leave unpunished those who oppress his people.

What practical lessons can we learn?

We learn that we must trust in Jehovah even in difficult situations, because He can give us strength and help us overcome problems.

We learn that obedience and faith, like those of Deborah and Barak, bring blessings and peace. Furthermore, Jehovah can use anyone to accomplish his will, regardless of their position or gender.

Jael's courage and determination remind us that, with God's help, we can act courageously when necessary, in order to fulfill Jehovah's will.

Analysis of section 33: Ruth and Naomi

How did Ruth show that she loved Naomi very much?

Ruth demonstrated her deep love for Naomi by refusing to leave her alone and accompanying her to Israel, even though it meant abandoning her own land and family. She lovingly and loyally told her, “Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” Ruth showed genuine affection and great devotion to Naomi, remaining by her side at all times and helping her through her hardships.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Ruth demonstrated her love and loyalty to Naomi by staying with her when she returned to Israel. Despite being a foreigner, she chose to leave her homeland, her family, and her gods to accompany Naomi and worship the true God. Her love was more than just words; it was reflected in her willingness to sacrifice herself and faithfully care for her mother-in-law.

Ruth 1:16-17 records Ruth's words: “Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” With this declaration, Ruth expressed not only affection but also a firm spiritual decision. She chose to serve Jehovah and remain with Naomi, demonstrating a loyal love that transcended family ties.

Ruth 1:18 says that Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her. This determination revealed that her affection was sincere and not dependent on circumstances. Ruth was not seeking material gain, but rather to accompany and support Naomi at all times, demonstrating true friendship and loyalty.

Ruth 2:2 shows that Ruth went to the fields to gather grain to feed Naomi. She didn't wait for others to solve her problems, but took the initiative to care for her mother-in-law. Her example teaches that true love is demonstrated through actions and effort, not just words.

In Ruth 3:10, it says that Boaz commended Ruth for her kindness and loyalty to Naomi. This recognition shows that her conduct was evident to all. Ruth earned respect through her dedication, humility, and desire to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord.

What did Jehovah do to care for Ruth and Naomi?

Jehovah cared for Ruth and Naomi, guiding their steps and providing for their needs. He led Ruth to the field of Boaz, a kind man and relative of Naomi, who looked after them and allowed Ruth to gather enough food. Later, Boaz married Ruth, and Jehovah blessed them with a son named Obed, who brought joy and hope to Naomi. Thus, Jehovah demonstrated his love and care by rewarding Ruth’s loyalty and faith.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jehovah cared for Ruth and Naomi, guiding events so that both had safety, food, and a new family. He led Ruth to Boaz’s field, where he sheltered them and later married her. Furthermore, Jehovah blessed their union with a son, thus ensuring the well-being and happiness of both women.

Ruth 2:3 tells us that Ruth went to glean and, by chance, came to Boaz’s field. This “chance” was actually Jehovah’s guidance, directing her steps to someone who would treat her kindly. This teaches that God can care for us even in the simplest details of life.

Ruth 2:12 also shows how Boaz told Ruth, “May the Lord reward you for what you have done.” The Lord not only provided food, but He also rewarded her faithfulness. Through Boaz, God demonstrated that He always supports and blesses those who act with love and loyalty.

Ruth 3:9-11 recounts how Boaz agreed to marry Ruth and protect her. This act was part of Jehovah's care, who ensured a dignified future for both women. Ruth went from being a foreign widow to becoming part of God's people, demonstrating divine generosity.

Ruth 4:13-17 tells us that Jehovah allowed Ruth to have a son named Obed, who brought joy and stability to the household. Furthermore, that son was an ancestor of King David and of Jesus. Thus, Jehovah not only provided for their immediate needs but also included them in his eternal purpose, demonstrating that he abundantly blesses those who trust in him.

What does this story teach us about Jehovah?

This account teaches us that Jehovah lovingly cares for loyal and faithful people. He does not abandon those who trust in him, but blesses them and rewards their faithfulness. Jehovah guided Ruth and Naomi through difficult times, providing them with food, protection, and a new family. Furthermore, it shows that Jehovah values ​​kindness, loyalty, and faith, regardless of a person's background.

What practical lessons can we learn?

We learn that we must be loyal and compassionate, like Ruth, who remained faithful to Naomi even in times of difficulty. Furthermore, obedience and faith in Jehovah always bring blessings, even if we don't understand their purpose at first.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We learn that Jehovah can use our kind actions to accomplish his plans and bring blessings to others. Like Ruth, we can trust that Jehovah will care for us if we serve him with a sincere heart.