Congregation Bible Study (30 min.) lfb lessons 64, 65.
Analysis of Lesson 64: Daniel in the Lions' Den
What did Daniel do three times a day?
Daniel prayed three times a day. Even when he learned of the law that required only King Darius to pray and that anyone who did not would be thrown into the lions' den, Daniel went home, knelt down, and prayed to Jehovah in front of an open window, as he always did.
The men who envied Daniel saw him praying and ran to tell Darius. Darius liked Daniel and wanted to save him, but not even he could change a law that had already been signed. So he had no choice but to order that Daniel be thrown into the lions' den.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Daniel prayed to Jehovah three times a day with unwavering discipline. He did so kneeling in his home with the windows open, just as was his custom. He did not allow the new law to change his spiritual routine or diminish his trust in God. Even knowing the danger he faced, he chose to remain faithful and continue to publicly demonstrate his devotion.
Daniel 6:10 shows that Daniel “knelt down” and prayed three times a day, as was his custom. This indicates that his worship was not occasional, but an essential part of his life. His consistency reveals a strong relationship with God, based on spiritual discipline and deep conviction.
Daniel 6:10 also highlights that Daniel continued to pray even after learning of the new law. This demonstrates that his loyalty to God was above any human decree. His example teaches that true faith does not change due to external pressure.
Daniel 6:11 states that Daniel was found praying and pleading with his God. The text highlights that he wasn't just following a routine, but praying with sincerity and dependence. His attitude reflected complete trust in divine help.
Daniel 6:13 confirms that even his enemies recognized his consistent practice of prayer. Although they tried to use his faithfulness against him, they were actually highlighting his spiritual integrity. His reputation was based on visible and consistent actions.
What did Jehovah do to save Daniel?
Darius was worried about Daniel, and in the morning he ran to the pit, peered in, and shouted, “Daniel! Did your God save you?” Suddenly a voice was heard. It was Daniel, who said, “The angel of the Lord shut the lions’ mouths, and they did nothing to me.”
Then Darius, who was very pleased, ordered Daniel to be taken out of the pit, and he came out without a scratch. Afterward, Darius ordered that the men who had accused Daniel be thrown into the lions' den.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In this way, Jehovah sent his angel to shut the mouths of the lions so that they would not harm Daniel, who came out without a scratch after Darius ordered that he be taken out of the pit.
Jehovah sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths and completely protect Daniel inside the den. Thanks to this intervention, Daniel was unharmed. The deliverance was so evident that even the king acknowledged God’s power. This demonstrated that Jehovah can protect his faithful servants, even in extreme situations.
Daniel 6:22 states that God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths. This intervention was direct and supernatural, demonstrating that Jehovah has absolute power over creation. It was not a coincidence, but a deliberate action to protect his servant.
Daniel 6:23 emphasizes that no injury was found on him. This shows that the protection was complete, not partial. Jehovah not only kept him alive, but preserved him completely unharmed.
Daniel 6:26, 27 shows how the ransom led the king to publicly acknowledge the power of Daniel's God. The deliverance had a national impact, strengthening the testimony about Jehovah throughout the kingdom.
2 Peter 2:9 teaches that Jehovah knows how to rescue those who are devoted to him. Daniel's case is clear proof of this principle. His experience confirms that faithfulness to God never goes unnoticed and that he can intervene at the right time.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah is a powerful and faithful God who protects his loyal servants. He saw that Daniel was in danger for remaining faithful to him and did not abandon him at that moment. He sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths and save him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This account demonstrates that Jehovah is in control even when circumstances seem to be against his servants. Furthermore, it brought honor to his name, for King Darius himself publicly acknowledged that the God of Daniel had saved him.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn the importance of remaining steadfast in our worship, even when we face pressure or threats. Daniel did not stop praying or change his spiritual habits out of fear.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn that we should trust in Jehovah in difficult times, confident that he can give us protection and strength. Furthermore, this account teaches us that loyalty to Jehovah is always worthwhile and that he can use our trials to give a good witness and honor his name.
Analysis of Lesson 65: Esther Saves Her People
What was Haman's plan against the Jews?
Haman's plan against the Jews was to kill them because Mordecai refused to bow down to him. Therefore, when he learned that Mordecai was Jewish, he devised a plan to kill all the Jews in the land. He told King Ahasuerus that the Jews were dangerous and had to be eliminated. Ahasuerus gave him permission to make a law stating that on the 13th day of the month of Adar, the people should kill the Jews.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Haman plotted to exterminate all the Jews in the Persian Empire out of pride and resentment toward Mordecai. He persuaded the king to pass a law authorizing the killing of all Jews on a specific date. His goal was to completely eliminate the Jewish people throughout the kingdom.
Esther 3:5-6 shows that Haman's anger was not a momentary reaction, but a deep-seated hatred that led him to plot something disproportionate. Instead of seeking to punish only Mordecai, he decided to destroy his entire people. This demonstrates how pride and a lack of humility can lead to extremely cruel decisions.
Esther 3:8-9 reveals that Haman portrayed the Jews as a different and dangerous people, exaggerating the situation to manipulate the king. He used political arguments and offered money to secure the decree's approval. His strategy combined deception, influence, and power to carry out an unjust plan.
Esther 3:13 describes how the decree was sent to all the provinces with clear instructions to kill and exterminate the Jews in a single day. This demonstrates that the plan was systematic and well-organized, affecting men, women, and children. The magnitude of the decree made the situation seem humanly impossible to reverse.
Esther 4:3 shows the people's reaction: fasting, weeping, and deep mourning. This collective response reflects the seriousness of the threat. The widespread anguish demonstrates that the danger was real and that the only hope of deliverance depended on divine intervention.
How did Esther demonstrate that she trusted in Jehovah?
Esther demonstrated her trust in Jehovah when Mordecai sent her a copy of the Law and asked her to speak to the king. Although she knew that anyone who appeared before the king uninvited could be put to death, and that he had not summoned her for 30 days, she still decided to go. She said: “I will go. If he extends his scepter toward me, I will live. But if not, I will die.” With these words, she displayed courage and faith.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Esther demonstrated her trust in Jehovah by being willing to risk her life to save her people. She did not let fear paralyze her, but acted with confidence that Jehovah could help her and guide the circumstances. Thanks to her courage and faith in God, she was able to speak with the king, and the Jewish people were saved.
Esther demonstrated her faith by risking her life to appear before the king uninvited, knowing she could die. She acted with courage, prudence, and patience, waiting for the right moment to reveal Haman's plan and save her people.
Esther 4:14 records Mordecai's words about how she might have come to the kingdom by that time. Esther understood that her position was not a coincidence, but an opportunity to act purposefully. Recognizing this required faith in God's guidance.
Esther 4:16 shows her willingness to risk her life by saying that if she had to die, she would. This statement reflects courage based on spiritual conviction. She did not act impulsively, but with determination and confidence that Jehovah could support her.
Esther 5:1-2 recounts that the king extended his scepter toward her, something that was not guaranteed. This favorable gesture confirms that her courageous decision had a positive outcome. The scene shows how her faith was rewarded in the critical moment.
Esther 7:3-6 reveals that she spoke with prudence and wisdom, waiting for the right moment to present her request. She did not act rashly, but with strategy and calmness. This demonstrates that trusting in Jehovah does not mean acting without thinking, but rather combining faith with discernment.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah is always attentive to what is happening and does not allow his faithful servants to be destroyed. He directed events so that Esther became queen at the right time and, thanks to her courage, Haman's plan to eliminate her people was stopped.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This account shows that Jehovah can change seemingly impossible situations. Although the law could not be repealed, Jehovah arranged for measures to be taken to protect his people and give them victory over their enemies. This confirms that Jehovah cares for his people and can use even powerful rulers to accomplish his purpose.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn the importance of acting courageously when doing Jehovah’s will is at stake. Esther was afraid, but she did not let fear paralyze her. By putting her trust in Jehovah, she was willing to risk her life for her people.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn that we must trust that Jehovah can direct circumstances in his own time. Although at first there seemed to be no solution, Jehovah made a way and did not allow his people to be destroyed.
We learn that Jehovah can use faithful people to accomplish his will. If we trust in him and stand firm with courage and faith, he can bless our efforts and protect us.
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