Congregation Bible Study (30 mins.) lfb lesson 56, introduction to section 10 and lesson 57.
Analysis of Lesson 56: Josiah Loves God's Law
After he learned what God's Law said, what did King Josiah do?
After King Josiah learned what God’s Law said, he recognized that the people had disobeyed Jehovah for many years. So he asked Hilkiah to consult Jehovah to find out what they should do. Jehovah told the prophetess Huldah: “The people of Judah have forsaken me. I am going to punish them, but not while Josiah is king, because he is humble.”
Upon hearing this message, King Josiah gathered the people at the temple. He read the Law of the Lord aloud and, together with the nation, promised to obey God wholeheartedly. Furthermore, upon reading in the Law that Passover was to be celebrated every year, he organized the celebration of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, just as the Law commanded.
What did Jehovah think of Josiah?
Jehovah considered Josiah a humble and faithful king who truly loved God’s Law. That is why he told the prophetess Huldah that he would not punish the people of Judah as long as Josiah was king, since he showed respect for God’s Law and desired to obey it completely.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah is a patient, just, and merciful God. Although the people of Judah had been disobedient for many years, Jehovah took into account Josiah’s humility and faithfulness. He valued Josiah’s sincere desire to do what was right and, out of love for him, decided to postpone the punishment of the people of Judah. This shows that Jehovah looks at people’s hearts and blesses those who desire to obey him.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We can learn the importance of knowing God's Word and putting it into practice. Josiah not only heard the Law, but he acted immediately: he corrected bad practices, restored true worship, and led the people to obey the Law of Jehovah.
We learn that true worship requires obedience, humility, and concrete actions. Furthermore, it shows that Jehovah is patient and that it is never too early or too late to begin serving him properly.
Introduction to section 10
In this section, we will analyze that Jehovah is the King of all that exists, that he has always been in control and always will be, and that he will not allow wickedness to last forever. The accounts in this section show us how Jehovah protects his people, as he did when he saved Jeremiah, who was about to die in a pit; when he rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from a fiery furnace; and when he saved Daniel from the lions’ den. He also protected Esther so that she could save her people. Furthermore, the prophecy of the great statue and the enormous tree assure us that Jehovah’s Kingdom will soon eliminate all wickedness and rule over the earth.
Analysis of Lesson 57: Jehovah Sends Jeremiah to Preach
What helped Jeremiah to be obedient from a young age?
Jeremiah was helped to be obedient by Jehovah's promise that he should not be afraid and that He would be with him, that He would help him and tell him everything he should preach. Because Jeremiah was just a boy and felt incapable of speaking in public.
Furthermore, he felt the need to preach, “Jehovah’s message was like a fire within him, and he could not stop preaching,” which motivated him to obey and continue preaching despite all the difficulties he faced.
Who tried to stop Jeremiah from preaching?
Several people tried to stop Jeremiah from preaching. Among them was the priest Pashhur, who beat him and bound his hands and feet to boards, so he couldn't move all night. The priests and false prophets also told the princes that Jeremiah deserved to die. However, Jeremiah continued preaching, and this time the princes asked the king to have him killed. The king told them to do as they pleased, and finally, they threw him into a pit to die.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah trusts his servants and supports them, even when they feel weak or helpless. Jehovah did not abandon Jeremiah despite the strong opposition he faced, but kept his promise to help and protect him. Furthermore, we see that Jehovah values obedience and courage, and he can use others, like Ebed-Melech, to rescue and care for those who serve him faithfully.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn that we should not let fear or opposition prevent us from obeying Jehovah. Although Jeremiah felt discouraged, he allowed Jehovah’s message to motivate him to keep preaching. This teaches us to trust in Jehovah’s help, to be courageous, and to persevere in doing what is right, even when we face rejection, ridicule, or difficulties.
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