SPIRITUAL GEMS: Week of January 5-11, 2026, ISAIAH 17-20, Answers.

SPIRITUAL GEMS: 5-11-January-2026, ISAIAH 17-20, Answers.

Let's look for hidden gems (10 mins.)

Isaiah 20:2. Did Isaiah walk around completely naked for three years? (w06 1/12 11 par. 1).

It is possible that he only removed his outer garment and was “dressed in very little clothing.” According to 1 Samuel 19:24, the footnote mentions that the word “naked” means “dressed in very little clothing.” It does not mean that he was literally naked; it means that he was wearing very little clothing.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

No, Isaiah wasn't necessarily naked in the sense of being completely unclothed. The Hebrew word translated as "naked" can refer to someone who is partially or scantily clad. It's likely that Isaiah removed his outer garment, the sackcloth, and wore only the short tunic, which was typically worn close to the body.

According to biblical texts and the note, Isaiah did comply with the command to walk naked and barefoot for three years. However, the expression can be understood as stripped of his outer garments or dressed in very little clothing, and not necessarily as completely naked.

Isaiah's account clearly indicates that Jehovah commanded him to remove his sackcloth and sandals, and that he walked naked and barefoot for three years as a sign against Egypt and Ethiopia. However, as in 1 Samuel 19:24—where it is stated that Saul was naked—this expression can mean walking around with very little clothing or without an outer garment. Thus, Isaiah would have been left with minimal attire, more in a state of stripping and humiliation than total nakedness.

Isaiah did not walk around completely naked for three years, according to Isaiah 20:2; he removed his outer garment, so he was clothed with very little. Jehovah used that action as a visual sign to give a clear warning, not to shame the prophet.

This account teaches us that Jehovah always acts with dignity and respect. Although the message was strong, it did not contradict the principles of modesty. This helps us to trust that everything Jehovah asks has a right purpose and he never seeks to humiliate his servants.

We learn that Jehovah uses simple methods to teach important lessons. Isaiah obeyed, even though the instruction was unusual. This encourages us to obey Jehovah even when something is not easy to understand, trusting that he knows how to reach people's hearts.

It's possible he only removed his outer garment and was dressed in very little clothing. A practical lesson this teaches is the need to shed our old personality and put on our new one.

No, it is not reasonable to conclude that Isaiah walked around completely naked for three years. The biblical context itself and other scriptural references indicate that the expression used does not imply total nudity.

Isaiah 20:2 says that Isaiah removed his sackcloth and sandals, suggesting that he stripped himself of his outer garment, not all of his clothing. In the Bible, the term “naked” is often used loosely to describe someone who is poorly dressed or minimally clothed, not necessarily without any clothes at all.

What spiritual gems have you found in this week's Bible reading?

Isaiah 17:3. This is a powerful cautionary example for all who are devoted to Jehovah. He expects exclusive devotion and accepts only heartfelt sacred service. Furthermore, he hates those who turn against their own brothers.

Isaiah 17:12. In these last days, turbulent waves of violence and unrest are sweeping across the world. The sea of ​​restless and rebellious humanity breeds dissatisfaction and revolutions. Jehovah will rebuke this tumultuous multitude. His heavenly Kingdom will destroy every rebellious organization and individual. Let us not be in such a state, lest we incur Jehovah's wrath.

Isaiah 17:14. Many are preying on Jehovah’s servants, treating them harshly and disrespectfully, because they are not, and do not want to be, part of the world’s major religions. Critics, biased individuals, and fanatical opponents consider them easy prey. However, God’s people have full confidence that the “morning” when their tribulations will end is rapidly approaching.

Isaiah 18:7. Today, millions of modern-day Jehovah-fearing “Ethiopians” are giving “a gift” related to their worship. They are doing so by cooperating in the enormous task of preaching the good news of the Kingdom throughout the inhabited earth. What a magnificent gift to Jehovah!

Isaiah 19:1. Soon, Jehovah will take action against Satan’s organization. When that happens, it will become clear that the gods of this system of things are worthless. It is important not to belong to Satan’s organizations today or in the future so as not to receive his punishment.

Isaiah 19:2. Since God’s Kingdom was established in 1914, “the sign of Jesus’ presence” has been marked by nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom. Tribal massacres, bloody genocides, and so-called ethnic cleansings have claimed millions of lives in these last days. Such “pains of anguish” will only intensify as the end draws near. Therefore, we must ask Jehovah for endurance to withstand these last days.

Isaiah 19:3. Likewise, false religion will not be able to save this corrupt system on Judgment Day. In time, Egypt came under “a harsh master,” foreshadowing the grim future that awaits this system of things. Therefore, we must keep busy with Jehovah’s work while there is still time, before the end of this system of things comes.

Isaiah 19:11. Trusting human governments to be of any use on Judgment Day is utterly unreasonable. Even though they have access to all the knowledge in the world, they lack godly wisdom. They have rejected Jehovah and replaced him with other gods, such as so-called science, philosophy, money, or pleasure. Therefore, they do not know God’s purposes; they are deceived and bewildered, and their works are worthless. How vital it is not to fall for such so-called wisdom, so that Jehovah will protect us on his Judgment Day.

Isaiah 19:16. Jehovah’s anointed ones and their companions “publicly declare the excellencies of God” and do all they can to warn that the end of Satan’s organization is near. Let us do all we can to carry Jehovah’s message, so that it may serve as a witness when the time of the end arrives.

Isaiah 19:20. Throughout the world, the cries of the oppressed are heard, but human governments are powerless to come to their aid. However, Jehovah will send a magnificent Savior, King Jesus Christ, to deliver all the meek. At the culmination of these last days, during the war of Armageddon, he will relieve suffering and bestow eternal blessings upon God-fearing humans.

Isaiah 18:4. This passage reminds us that God has a purpose and a time for everything. Even when it seems He isn't doing anything, He is watching and waiting for the perfect moment to intervene. It is a reminder that we must have patience and trust in Him.

Isaiah 18:7. The text is clear: in the future, people from all over the world, regardless of their background or past, will come to worship God. It is as if God were saying, “My love and my salvation are for everyone,” without exception. This reminds us that Jehovah does not discriminate and that his message is universal.

Isaiah 19:1. This verse reminds us that, no matter how powerful the nations may be, God is in charge. His power is unmatched, and his authority is universal. This is a reminder that, in the midst of uncertainty and change, Jehovah is in absolute control.

Isaiah 19:2. The situation described is currently manifesting itself in political and social conflicts and divisions. However, it is important to remember that Jehovah is the only one who can bring true peace and resolve these situations.

Isaiah 19:3. This text reminds us that we shouldn't rely solely on our intelligence or resources, as many people do today, seeking answers on social media, from gurus, or in self-help books, ultimately feeling empty. Rather, we should focus on trusting our Creator, for that is the way to find true wisdom and peace.

Isaiah 17:1-6. Here it is foretold that Damascus and the cities of Aroer would be reduced to ruins, and that the glory of Israel would fade, leaving only a few remnants, like olives after beating. This powerful image teaches us that when a people trusts in its own power or political alliances instead of trusting in Jehovah, its glory and power prove to be temporary.

Isaiah 17:1-6. From these texts we learn that we should not seek security in the institutions of this system, for what today seems like a fortified city may be desolate tomorrow. We must be clear that our true strength lies in our God, Jehovah.

Isaiah 17:7, 8. This passage indicates that the day will come when man will turn his gaze to his Creator and cease looking to the altars and sacred poles he made with his own hands. This is a fundamental lesson on pure worship: humankind will find true hope only when it acknowledges Jehovah's sovereignty.

Isaiah 17:7, 8. From these texts we learn that we must cleanse our lives of any form of modern idolatry, such as materialism or trust in men, institutions, or governments. Therefore, we must remain focused on giving Jehovah pure worship.

Isaiah 17:10-14. Here it is explained that one of the causes of misfortune is forgetting the God of salvation. Even if beautiful plants are sown, the harvest will disappear on the day of sorrow. The roaring of the nations is also described as turbulent seas, but Jehovah rebukes them and they vanish like chaff before the wind. The lesson for us is clear: any project that excludes Jehovah is doomed to failure.

Isaiah 17:10-14. Here we are shown that although today's nations may seem noisy and threatening, to Jehovah they are like dry thistles before a whirlwind. This should give us peace of mind, especially since we live in the time of the end, when specific prophecies concerning God's people will be fulfilled. The text encourages us not to be afraid, but to trust fully in Jehovah.

Isaiah 18:1-7. This prophecy speaks of a nation of tall, smooth-skinned people to whom a message is sent. It shows Jehovah calmly observing from his appointed place before pruning the shoots, and how ultimately that people bring a gift to Jehovah on Mount Zion. This prophecy teaches us that Jehovah patiently observes the unfolding of world affairs and acts at the precise moment.

Isaiah 18:1-7. The lesson these texts teach us is that people of all nations, even the most “feared” or powerful, can come to recognize Jehovah and dedicate their lives to sacred service within his organization. This encourages us to avoid prejudice and favoritism and to welcome all who wish to join in pure worship.

Isaiah 19:1-15. Here Jehovah is shown entering Egypt on a swift cloud, causing its worthless gods to tremble and the Egyptians to turn against one another. It also describes how their advisors are put to shame and how their resources, such as the Nile River, dry up. From this we learn that human wisdom and economic stability are an illusion when Jehovah decides to call people to account.

Isaiah 19:1-15. These texts warn us that we should not be impressed by the experts of this world, because without Jehovah's guidance they only have a "spirit of confusion" that makes them falter and prove useless.

Isaiah 19:18-25. These texts offer us wonderful hope by mentioning that Egypt will come to know Jehovah and that there will even be a path of unity between Egypt, Assyria, and Israel under God's blessing. This is a moving teaching on divine mercy: Jehovah is willing to heal and bless even those who were formerly his enemies, as long as they turn back to him.

Isaiah 19:18-25. These passages foreshadow the worldwide unity of pure worship. Today, more and more people from formerly hostile backgrounds are now serving Jehovah in peace, becoming “a blessing in the midst of the earth.” This demonstrates that all of Jehovah’s promises are being fulfilled and assures us that the promises of the Kingdom will also be fulfilled.

Isaiah 20:1-6. This account relates how Isaiah had to walk naked and barefoot for three years as a sign of the captivity that Egypt and Ethiopia would suffer at the hands of Assyria. This resulted in the shame of those who had placed their hope in those powers. The same is true today: those who put their trust in human governments end up disappointed and disillusioned. Therefore, we must remain neutral and trust only in Jehovah.

Isaiah 20:1-6. These texts show us Isaiah's exemplary lesson in obedience. The prophet was willing to endure a humiliating situation to deliver Jehovah's message. In this way, he teaches us that we should not put our trust in human governments, even if they are great powers or empires. Just as happened to those who trusted in Egypt to escape Assyria, the result is always terror and disappointment, because only Jehovah is a safe haven.

Isaiah 17:7, 8. These verses show that when people face difficulties, they often stop relying on human things and turn back to Jehovah. In practice, this teaches us that problems can help us reflect and strengthen our faith. Instead of relying solely on our own abilities or material things, we learn to depend more on Jehovah and put him first.

Isaiah 17:10. This verse shows that the people gradually drifted away from Jehovah, trusting in other things rather than in him. In daily life, this teaches us that we can serve Jehovah and still risk neglecting our relationship with him if we are not careful. That is why it is important not to forget Jehovah in our daily decisions and to keep spiritual activities such as prayer and personal study alive.

Isaiah 18:4. Here we see that Jehovah calmly observes what is happening, even when it seems that the enemies are advancing. This teaches us that Jehovah never loses control. Sometimes we despair when we see injustice or problems, but this text reminds us that Jehovah acts at the exact moment, neither before nor after. That helps us to be patient and to trust in him.

Isaiah 19:22. This verse shows that Jehovah disciplines, but not cruelly. His aim is not to destroy, but to help people change. In daily life, this reminds us that when Jehovah allows correction, it is because he wants to help us improve and draw closer to him. His discipline is always accompanied by love.

Isaiah 19:23-25. It is mentioned here that peoples who were once enemies would come to live together in peace thanks to Jehovah. This gives us a clear idea of ​​what Jehovah can accomplish. Today we see this reflected in the Christian brotherhood, where people from different countries and cultures live together in unity. This strengthens my confidence that God’s Kingdom will bring true peace to all mankind.

Isaiah 20:2, 3. Jehovah asked Isaiah to do something unusual to convey an important message. This teaches me that sometimes Jehovah asks us to do things that are not easy or that may be uncomfortable, but they always have a good purpose. This encourages us to be obedient and humble, trusting that Jehovah knows what is best.

Isaiah 20:5, 6. This shows that those who trusted in Egypt were disappointed. This teaches me that putting our trust in human solutions, governments, or people can lead to frustration. In contrast, when we trust in Jehovah, we are never put to shame. This text encourages me to ask myself in whom I am truly trusting when I face problems.

Isaiah 17:7. It teaches us that, in the midst of difficulties, we should look to Jehovah God and his Son, Christ. They give us hope and direction in the midst of our storms.

Isaiah 17:10. It teaches us to remember what Jehovah has done for us. Some keep a daily gratitude journal, recording how God has helped them. Remembering his past faithfulness strengthens our faith for the present.

Isaiah 18:14. It teaches us to remember that Jehovah works in his perfect timing. It is important to learn to rest during times of waiting. God is not inactive when it seems that nothing is happening; he works like the sun that silently ripens the fruit.

Isaiah 18:7. It teaches us that our talents and resources are gifts to Jehovah. We can use them for his glory and in his service. However, there are people in the world who use their gifts for their own vanity.

Isaiah 19:22. It makes us reflect on Jehovah's discipline. His corrections are for our good, and we receive them with humility, knowing that they are intended to help us.

Isaiah 17:3. It teaches us about the false security of human strongholds. Sometimes we try to build our security on human structures, such as careers, possessions, or systems. However, our true strength is in Jehovah God.

Isaiah 17:6. They teach us a very interesting point: in times of scarcity or difficulty, Jehovah always preserves a faithful remnant. We are part of that remnant, and we appreciate what God has kept in our lives, however small it may seem.

Isaiah 17:10. This text speaks of sowing and makes us reflect on what we are sowing in our lives. Sometimes there are things that seem good, but they do not come from Jehovah. It is better to sow only what honors God in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Isaiah 17:12, 13. When the world seems to be in chaos, Jehovah God is still in control. Instead of becoming anxious about the news, we do what we saw in last Sunday’s Watchtower study: pray for our brothers and sisters and trust that Jehovah is aware of everything.

Isaiah 17:14. This text is very encouraging, because what seems like a night of terror can turn into a morning of liberation. When we face fears, let us remember that this too shall pass and that Jehovah will be with us throughout the entire process.

Isaiah 17:7. This verse shows that, after discipline, some people respond well. Israel had relied on alliances, fortified cities, and idols, but when all of that failed, those who remained learned an important lesson: to look back to Jehovah. Interestingly, it doesn't say they looked to new solutions, but rather that they turned their gaze to their Creator.

Isaiah 17:7. Sometimes, it is only when something in our lives becomes uncertain—such as our health, our job, or our personal plans—that we realize where we are truly placing our trust. This text encourages us not to wait until everything fails before looking to Jehovah, but to do so now, with complete trust and humility.

Isaiah 18:4. Here Jehovah says that even though the nations are agitated and very active, he remains calm and watching. This conveys great reassurance. Jehovah does not act on impulse or under human pressure; he is perfectly in control of the timing.

Isaiah 18:4. Even though human plans may seem to be moving forward unchecked, Jehovah is attentive and ready to act at the right moment. When we see the world in such turmoil, we may feel anxious, but this verse reminds us that Jehovah is not nervous or out of control. Knowing this helps us to remain calm and to trust that he will intervene when necessary.

Isaiah 19:14. Egypt was considered a wise and stable power, but Jehovah allowed its leaders to make bad decisions and become completely disoriented. The result was chaos and lack of direction. This shows that human wisdom, when it excludes Jehovah, ends up being useless, however sophisticated it may seem.

Isaiah 19:14. Today we see highly qualified leaders who, even so, do not know how to solve the world's problems. This text reinforces our conviction that only Jehovah's guidance brings true clarity and direction, both personally and globally.

Isaiah 20:6. This question reflects the desperation of those who had placed their hopes in Egypt and Ethiopia to be freed from Assyria. When those powers fell, they realized their trust had been misplaced. It was a harsh but very clear lesson.

Isaiah 20:6. This verse invites us to examine ourselves and ask what we are truly trusting in for the future. The system, money, or people may fail, but Jehovah never fails. If we put our hope in him now, we will not have to ask ourselves that question in anguish later.