Watchtower Study, Week of May 11-17, 2026, Let Us Trust in the Sovereign of the Universe, Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, May 11-17, 2026, Let Us Trust in the Sovereign of the Universe, Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Response

Celeste: Additional Points

“Jehovah, [...] you alone are the Most High over all the earth” (Ps. 83:18).

1. What are some of the misfortunes that Job suffered?

Job had lost almost everything: his children, his health, and his possessions. Furthermore, many people no longer respected him as they once had. On the other hand, the three supposed friends who had gone to comfort him actually crushed him with their words. And his beloved wife was so distressed that she said to him, “Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9; 15:4, 5; 19:1-3). All those misfortunes could have caused this faithful man to stop trusting that Jehovah, the true God, protects those who love and serve him.

2, 3. a) What might we ask ourselves when we suffer? b) What will we learn from the book of Job?

2 We are living in “critical and difficult times to endure” (2 Tim. 3:1). So, like Job, we may go through situations that test our trust in Jehovah. Especially if one problem after another comes our way, we might feel overwhelmed and think we won't be able to cope. Some have even wondered if Jehovah still cares about them.

3 If you have ever felt this way, don't be discouraged. Job learned that Jehovah never abandons those who are loyal to him. And we can all be fully convinced that our heavenly Father will always be by our side. To accomplish this, we will analyze the book of Job and focus on two main ideas. First, Jehovah alone is the Sovereign of the universe. And second, our almighty God can control world events so that his purpose is fulfilled and so that his servants do not suffer any irreparable spiritual or physical harm.

 SATAN APPEARED AMONG THEM

4. Who were present at the heavenly meeting mentioned in the book of Job?

4 One day, “the sons of the true God” gathered before Jehovah in heaven. The account adds that “Satan also appeared among them.”  (Job 1:6). The writer of the book of Job was the first to refer to God's chief enemy using the term Satan, which means "opponent". By that time, Satan was no longer a faithful son of God, but an enemy of Jehovah, the faithful angels, and faithful humans. In fact, when God spoke the words found in Genesis 3:15, he made it clear that Satan did not belong to his heavenly family, represented by “the woman” who would produce “offspring.”

5. What does what was said at that meeting in heaven teach us?

5 Jehovah had what was said at that meeting in heaven written in the Bible to teach us several lessons. On one hand, Satan's words prove that he is a cruel and twisted liar. (Job 1:9; compare with Revelation 12:10). On the other hand, this story teaches us a reassuring truth: Jehovah uses his supreme authority perfectly and justly. It also shows us that the Almighty sets limits on what others can do.

JEHOVAH SETS LIMITS

6. How did Jehovah demonstrate that he had everything under control at that heavenly meeting? (Job 1:7, 8)

6 (Job 1:7, 8). At that meeting, Jehovah had everything under control. He knew that Satan had his eyes on Job and wanted to attack him. That is why he asked him, “Have you considered my servant Job?” Let us see how Jehovah used his power to help Job.

7. According to Job 1:10, 11, what did Satan imply about human beings?

7 (Job 1:10, 11). Jehovah is the Sovereign of the universe and the Almighty, and he decides how to use his authority and power (Jer. 32:17; Dan. 4:35). Sin embargo, Satan claimed that Jehovah was misusing his power, that he was bribing humans, like Job, with good things to get them to serve him. He also implied that people only worship God out of self-interest, for what they can get from him.  How did Jehovah react?

8, 9. What limit did Jehovah set for Satan, and why? (Job 1:12; see also the picture.)

8 (See Job 1:12). Jehovah allowed Satan to try to prove that he was right about Job. But, in front of everyone present, he set a very clear condition: “Do not touch him.” Satan had no power to circumvent that limit; he had no choice but to obey that command. And that remains true today. As we see, Jehovah used his authority and power to protect both Job and his own reputation.

9 Satan's attack was a complete failure, for Job remained faithful to his Heavenly Father (Job 1:22). But Satan had not given up and had something else in mind.

ILLUSTRATION

Satan in heaven, speaking disrespectfully to Jehovah in front of the angels.

Jehovah allowed Satan to make his accusations in the presence of others. (See paragraphs 8 and 9.)

10. Why did Jehovah allow Satan to attack Job again? (Job 2:2-6)

10 (Read Job 2:2-6). Satan returned to the attack with even greater force. He said that Job would turn his back on God in order to save his life. To prove Satan wrong, Jehovah allowed him to attack Job directly. But again, he set a limit: “Do not take his life.” Satan was obligated to respect that command. So once again we see that the Most High had everything under control during Job's trial, because Satan could not go beyond the limits that Jehovah had set.

JEHOVAH ENDS JOB'S SUFFERING

11. According to Job 42:10-13, how did Jehovah reward Job after ending his suffering?

11 (Job 42:10-13). Once Job proved that he would always be loyal, Jehovah put an end to Satan's attacks and ended Job's suffering. Once again, Satan had no power to counter Jehovah's decision. He could no longer directly attack that beloved servant of God.

12. How has Jehovah helped some of his servants who trusted in his power?

12 During the last days, many of Jehovah's servants have seen how he used his power to save them. For example, in 1945 a group of 230 Jehovah's Witnesses who were in a Nazi concentration camp survived a terrible death march. Shortly afterward, they wrote the following about their dreadful experience: “A long and hard period of testing is behind us, and those who have been preserved, snatched, so to speak, from the fiery furnace, do not even have the smell of fire on them. [...] On the contrary, they are filled with strength and power from Jehovah.” They felt that Jehovah had saved them just as he had saved Daniel from the lions' den, and they added: “We have only one desire, [...] that we may be allowed to serve Jehovah [...] for all eternity. That would in itself be our greatest reward.” (compare with Daniel 3:27; 6:22).

13. When you are going through problems, what can you be sure of? (See also the images.)

13 We too may go through times in our lives when we feel we have been thrown into the lions' den (1 Peter 5:8-10). We may become discouraged and think that our problems will never end. In such circumstances, it is good to remember the case of Job. We can be fully convinced that Jehovah has the power to end our suffering, either now or in the new world. He has set the time to put an end to this system and will not allow it to last one second longer.

ILLUSTRATION

Images of Jehovah's servants experiencing various painful situations: 1. An older brother and a younger brother are in a cemetery, standing by a grave. The younger brother is comforting the older one. 2. In a hospital, distraught parents are sitting by their little girl's bed. 3. A brother who is imprisoned digs with a shovel under a scorching sun while being watched by an armed soldier.

Jehovah will put an end to the suffering of his loyal servants. (See paragraph 13.)

JEHOVAH LOVES HIS LOYAL SERVANTS

14, 15. What will Jehovah do for his loyal servants, and why? (Job 14:15; see also the picture.)

14 (Job 14:15). Our Heavenly Father has a special love for those who are loyal to Him. He loves them so much that, if they die, He will bring them back to life. He will exchange the pain of death for the immense joy of the resurrection. (Is. 65:17).

15 Although Job continued to live in a world dominated by Satan, the Bible account says that Jehovah restored his health and gave him even more blessings than he had before. These blessings were just a glimpse of what Jehovah would do for him in the future. Jehovah has shown that he wants his loyal servants to enjoy a completely happy life. In fact, he will give all who remain faithful the opportunity to attain perfection and live forever in the new world. (Rev. 21:3, 4). The Sovereign of the universe desires to do this. How comforting this thought is when we are going through trials!

ILLUSTRATION

Job, in good health and well dressed, enjoying the company of many friends who had come to his house to visit him and his wife.

After their trials, Job and his wife received many blessings from Jehovah. (See paragraphs 14 and 15.)

16. What other reason do we have to trust in the Sovereign Lord?

16 After a long life, Job eventually died. But, since Jehovah is the Sovereign Lord and the Almighty, He has power even over death. (Deut. 32:39). So no one can stop him from resurrecting those he loves. And that will happen at the time he has set. (Rom. 8:38, 39).

LET US TRUST COMPLETELY IN JEHOVAH

17. Why do we say that Satan has not succeeded in wiping Jehovah's people off the map?

17 The account of Job gives us compelling reasons to trust Jehovah completely. We are very grateful to him because he has not allowed Satan to wipe his people off the map. Today, some nine million faithful servants of Jehovah are living proof of the power of the Sovereign of the universe. Time and again, we have seen all the weapons forged against God's people fail. (Is. 54:17). Many governments and powerful religious leaders have tried to crush us, but they have not succeeded because Jehovah has defended us. And nothing can stop us from proclaiming that Jehovah is the true God and that Satan is a liar and a murderer. Not even death can stop us, because Jehovah will resurrect those who remain faithful to him. (Hos. 13:14).

18. Why shouldn't we be afraid no matter what happens in the future?

18 Meditating on the story of Job strengthens our faith that Jehovah will be with us no matter what happens in the future. So we should not be afraid. During the great tribulation, Satan and his armies will think that God's people are defenseless and will attack them. But, just as in the days of Job, Jehovah will have everything under control and will not allow Satan to cause any irreparable harm. Very soon the day will come when Jehovah will put an end to all the suffering that Satan has caused. Jesus will imprison the Devil and his demons in the abyss for 1,000 years (Luke 8:31; Revelation 20:1-3). In time, Satan and all his followers will receive their just deserts (Revelation 20:10). Just as Jehovah prophesied, Satan's head will be crushed: he will be completely and forever destroyed. (Gen. 3:15; Rom. 16:20).

19. How will Jehovah reward those who trust in him completely? (See also the picture.)

19 We are looking forward to the new world, where we will enjoy a perfect and completely happy life. Life there will be so much better than we can imagine. Jehovah promises: “Look! I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:5). What will that mean? For the first time in thousands of years, mankind will be free from the wicked, corrupting, and destructive influence of Satan and his demons. What a great relief we will feel! The worries of this old world will never again keep us awake at night. Those who survive Armageddon will witness unprecedented miraculous healings. And finally, our loved ones will be resurrected. We will enjoy the life that our Heavenly Father always intended for us.

ILLUSTRATION

The brothers in the previous images are enjoying life in Paradise. The older brother, now young again, walks with a resurrected loved one. The parents stroll happily with their daughter, who is now healthy. The brother who was imprisoned sits under a tree with a lion cub, reading the Bible.

Jehovah’s servants who remain faithful despite trials will receive many blessings. (See paragraph 19.)

20. What are you determined to do?

20 In the face of any trial we may have to endure in these last days, let us be courageous and determined to trust fully in Jehovah and support his sovereignty. We want to show that we love our Heavenly Father and that Satan's accusations are false. We know that a wonderful future awaits us, for Jehovah, the Sovereign of the universe, longs to use his immense power to reward his faithful servants.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

How does the book of Job show that Jehovah is the Most High?

The book of Job shows that Jehovah is the Most High because he is in absolute control of everything and uses his authority perfectly and justly. Jehovah allowed Satan to speak to and test Job, but he always set clear boundaries, and Satan had no power to overstep those boundaries.

How does the book of Job show that Jehovah longs to reward his loyal servants?

The book of Job shows that Jehovah longs to reward his loyal servants because he has a special affection for those who are faithful to him. He loves them so much that if they die, he will bring them back to life. He will exchange the pain of death for the immense joy of the resurrection.

Jehovah wants his loyal servants to enjoy a completely happy life. In fact, he will give all who remain faithful the opportunity to reach perfection and live forever in the new world.

How does the book of Job show that we can trust Jehovah, the Sovereign of the universe, completely?

The book of Job shows that we can have complete trust in Jehovah, the Sovereign of the universe, because he gives us compelling reasons to do so. For example, he has not allowed Satan to wipe out his people. This strengthens our faith that Jehovah will be with us no matter what happens in the future. So we should not be afraid.