APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY: Week of January 12-18, 2026, ISAIAH 21-23, Answers.

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY: January 12-18, 2026, ISAIAH 21-23, Answers.

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

Isaiah 21:1. Why is Babylon called “the wilderness of the sea” in this text? (w06 1/12 11 par. 2).

Although Babylon was not near the sea, the region depended on the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, which regularly overflowed and turned the plain into a kind of swampy sea. As the Watchtower of December 1, 2006, explains, this flooded landscape contrasted sharply with the image of dryness and desolation that would follow Jehovah's judgment.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In this text, Babylon is called "the desert of the sea" because, although it is not near the sea, every year the Euphrates and Tigris rivers overflowed and turned the region into a swampy "sea".

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

Isaiah 21:9. This verse foretells with absolute certainty the fall of Babylon, a power that seemed invincible both politically and religiously. It speaks not only of its military defeat but also of the humiliation of its gods, making it clear that Jehovah is superior to any false religious system. The repetition of the phrase “has fallen” underscores that the judgment is final and decided by Jehovah.

Isaiah 21:9. This verse reminds us that no system, however strong or influential it may seem, can stand if it opposes Jehovah. Babylon trusted in its gods and its power, but all of that collapsed. For us, it serves as a good warning today: do not put your trust in anything the world considers stable or powerful, but only in Jehovah, because in the end, only what he approves of remains.

Isaiah 22:11. Here Jehovah rebukes Jerusalem because, although it took many practical measures to defend itself, it overlooked the most important thing: seeking Jehovah. The problem was not a lack of preparation, but rather relying solely on human solutions and forgetting the true Protector.

Isaiah 22:11. This text makes us realize that sometimes we can be so busy resolving financial, family, or health problems that we inadvertently put Jehovah on the back burner. Jerusalem made many plans, but she didn't take him into account. For us, it's a reminder that before acting, we should always ask ourselves: Have I asked Jehovah for help? Am I truly relying on him?

Isaiah 23:9. This verse explains why Jehovah decided to act against Tyre. Its biggest problem was not just its wealth, but the pride it had developed because of its success and prestige. Jehovah makes it clear that he does not tolerate human pride or self-sufficiency.

Isaiah 23:9. What is most striking is that Jehovah did not act against Tyre simply because it was rich, but because of its pride. This reminds us that even when things are going well for us, we must be careful not to become complacent. This text encourages us to remain humble and to always recognize that everything good we have comes from Jehovah.

Isaiah 23:18. Although Tyre had been punished, Jehovah shows that he can redirect even economic activities so that they ultimately benefit his servants. This demonstrates that Jehovah not only destroys but can also put things that were previously misused to a positive use.

Isaiah 23:18. This verse encourages us because it shows that Jehovah can use even material resources to support those who serve him. It reminds us that money itself is not bad; it all depends on how it is used. For us, it is an encouragement to use what we have—whether time, energy, or resources—in a way that honors Jehovah and benefits others.