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Congregation Bible Study (30 min.) lfb lessons 66, 67.
Analysis of Lesson 66: Ezra teaches the Law of God to the people
What did Ezra teach the Israelites who gathered in Jerusalem?
Ezra taught the Israelites who gathered in Jerusalem that they should obey the Law of Jehovah and acknowledge that He had done many good things for them, even though they had sinned against Him.
Although the people repented, they continued to do things that were wrong. So Ezra appointed elders and judges to investigate these matters, and within three months they expelled those who refused to worship Jehovah.
Thanks to his teaching, the people understood the importance of following Jehovah's commandments, prepared to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles properly, and renewed their promise to obey God.
What did the people promise?
When the Feast of Tabernacles ended, the people gathered together and promised that they would obey Jehovah, acknowledging that He had delivered them from slavery, given them food in the desert, and a beautiful land.
They were grateful for his patience, because even though they had disobeyed him many times and ignored the prophets' warnings, Jehovah never forgot the promise he had made to Abraham. Furthermore, the people wrote down the promise, and the princes, Levites, and priests sealed it.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah is patient, kind, and faithful to his promises. Even though the Israelites disobeyed many times and ignored the prophets’ warnings, he never forgot the promise he made to Abraham and continued to care for his people. It also shows us that Jehovah values people who acknowledge their mistakes, repent, and strive to obey him.
What practical lessons can we learn?
From this account we can learn the importance of obeying Jehovah's Law and taking his Word seriously. Ezra not only read it, but he also explained it so that the people could understand it and apply it.
We learn that when we make mistakes, we must humbly acknowledge them and sincerely repent, just as the people did when they heard the Law. Furthermore, it is necessary to take concrete steps to correct what is wrong; therefore, Ezra appointed elders and judges to investigate and resolve matters.
We learn to appreciate Jehovah’s patience and faithfulness, for he keeps his promises even when we fail. That is why it is important to renew our determination to obey Jehovah, just as the people did when they wrote and sealed their promise to follow his commandments.
Analysis of Lesson 67: The Walls of Jerusalem
Why did Nehemiah go to Jerusalem?
Nehemiah was saddened because the city walls and gates, which the Babylonians had destroyed, had not been repaired. For this reason, after praying to the Lord, he asked King Artaxerxes for permission to go to Jerusalem to rebuild them. The king granted his permission and provided him with the necessary support to ensure his safety during the long journey. He also appointed him governor of Judah and gave him timber to rebuild the city gates.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Nehemiah went to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls and gates, which the Babylonians had destroyed. One day, his brother arrived from Judah with the bad news that the Israelites who had returned to Jerusalem were not well protected because the city walls and gates had not been repaired. Nehemiah was saddened and, after praying, asked the king for permission to go to Jerusalem to rebuild them. The king granted his permission and provided him with the necessary assistance.
How many days did it take to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem?
Although many enemies from different places decided to attack Jerusalem, Nehemiah told the Israelites not to be afraid, because Jehovah was with them, and he posted guards to protect the workers and prevent the enemies from attacking them. Despite the circumstances, the wall and gates were completed in just 52 days.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah is a patient, merciful God who is faithful to his promises. Even though the people disobeyed him repeatedly, he did not abandon them. He fulfilled the promise he made to Abraham and allowed them to return to their land.
It also teaches us that Jehovah listens to sincere prayers. When Ezra and the people prayed with humility and repentance, he gave them the opportunity to correct their conduct. The account shows that Jehovah disciplines, but he does so with love and with the purpose of helping his people return to him.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn to value spiritual teaching. Just as Ezra taught and explained the Law, we need to read, study, and understand God's Word to remain faithful.
We learn that we must react with humility to our mistakes. When the people recognized their sin, they wept and repented. This teaches us not to justify our faults, but to accept correction.
We learn to take concrete steps to make changes. It wasn't enough to acknowledge that they were acting wrongly; judges were appointed and firm decisions were made. We too must act when we identify something that displeases Jehovah.
We learn to keep our promises to God. The people made a written commitment. This reminds us of the importance of taking our spiritual decisions seriously and standing firm in what we promise.
The story encourages us to trust in Jehovah's patience and faithfulness, to maintain a humble attitude, and to strive to obey him with joy and perseverance.
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