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Post by Admin on Jan 19, 2024 9:29:15 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jan 19, 2024 9:29:48 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jan 19, 2024 10:51:17 GMT -5
05-11 FEV MW 1. In what sense are the wicked like “the chaff that the wind blows away”? ( Psalm 1:4) "The thin protective covering or husk on the kernels of cereal grains such as barley and wheat. Though the Biblical references to chaff are figurative, they reflect the threshing practices common in ancient times. After harvesting, this inedible membrane covering of the valuable grain was useless, and hence was an appropriate symbol of something light, worthless, and undesirable, something to be separated from the good and to be disposed of.
First, the threshing operation broke the chaff loose from the kernel. Then by winnowing, the light chaffy part was carried away like dust in the wind. (See WINNOWING.) This well illustrates how Jehovah God both removes the apostates from among his people and also disposes of wicked persons and opposing nations. (Job 21:18; Psalm 1:4; Psalm 35:5; Isa 17:13; 29:5; 41:15; Ho 13:3) God’s Kingdom will crush its enemies into such small particles that they will be easily blown away like the chaff.—Da 2:35.
The worthless chaff was often gathered and burned to prevent it from blowing back and contaminating the piles of grain. Similarly, John the Baptizer foretold the coming burning destruction of the wicked false religionists—the Thresher, Jesus Christ, will gather in the wheat, “but the chaff he will burn up with fire that cannot be put out.”—Mt 3:7-12; Lu 3:17; see THRESHING." [it-1 425] 12-18 FEV MW 2. In what way is the throat of the wicked an open grave? ( Psalm 5:9) "At Romans 3:13 the apostle Paul quotes Psalm 5:9, likening the throat of wicked and deceitful men to “an opened grave.” As an opened grave is to be filled with the dead and with corruption, their throat opens for speech that is deadly and corrupt.—Compare Mt 15:18-20" [it-1 995] 19-25 FEV MW 3. What did the psalmist mean when he referred to God’s fingers? ( Psalm 8:3) "Figuratively, God is spoken of as accomplishing work with his “finger(s),” such as writing the Ten Commandments on stone tablets (Ex 31:18; Deut 9:10), performing miracles (Ex 8:18, 19), and creating the heavens (Ps 8:3). That God’s “fingers” employed in creative activity have reference to his holy spirit, or active force, is indicated by the Genesis account of creation, where it is said that God’s active force (ruach, “spirit”) moved over the surface of the waters. (Ge 1:2) However, the Christian Greek Scriptures give the key to sure understanding of this symbolic usage, Matthew’s account explaining that Jesus expelled demons by ‘God’s holy spirit’ and Luke’s telling us that it was by “God’s finger.”— Mat 12:28; Luke 11:20" [it-1 832] 26-03 MAR MW 4. How might this text indicate a threat even for Christians? ( Psalm 14:1) "Sadly, we are surrounded by people in the world who fit Paul’s description. They likely think that it is old-fashioned or intolerant to insist on standards and principles. Many teachers and parents take a permissive approach and promote a “liberal” way of thinking. To them, everything is relative; nothing is absolute. Even many who claim to be religious feel that they are at liberty to do what they think is right, without any obligation to obey God and his commandments. (Ps. 14:1) This attitude may pose a real threat to true Christians. The unwary may adopt the same view of theocratic arrangements. They may be unwilling to go along with congregation procedures and may even complain about anything not to their liking. Or they may have reservations about Bible-based counsel on entertainment, use of the Internet, and the pursuit of higher education." [w13 9/15 19 par 12] |
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Post by Admin on Feb 3, 2024 16:31:31 GMT -5
04-10 MAR MW 5. What is the significance of the term “pupil of your eye”? ( Psalm 17:8) "David knew the secret to finding true friends. He found “great delight” in the company of those who loved Jehovah. Described as “holy ones,” they were morally clean, upright. Another psalmist felt the same way about his choice of friends. He wrote: “I am a friend of all who fear you and of those who keep your orders.” (Ps. 119:63) As we saw in the preceding article, you too can find many good friends among those who fear and obey Jehovah. That includes, of course, those of various ages." [it-2 714] 11-17 MAR MW 6. Why did the psalmist describe Jehovah as riding on a cherub? ( Psalm 18:10) "These were not grotesque figures fashioned after the monstrous winged images worshiped by pagan nations round about, as some contend. According to the unanimous testimony of ancient Jewish tradition (the Bible is silent on this matter), these cherubs had human form. They were finest works of art, representing angelic creatures of glorious beauty, and were made in every detail “according to . . . the pattern” Moses received from Jehovah himself. (Ex 25:9) The apostle Paul describes them as “glorious cherubs overshadowing the propitiatory cover.” (Heb 9:5) These cherubs were associated with the presence of Jehovah: “And I will present myself to you there and speak with you from above the cover, from between the two cherubs that are upon the ark of the testimony.” (Ex 25:22; Nu 7:89) Hence, Jehovah was said to be “sitting upon [or, between] the cherubs.” (1Sa 4:4; 2Sa 6:2; 2Ki 19:15; 1Ch 13:6; Ps 80:1; 99:1; Isa 37:16) In symbol, the cherubs served as “the representation of the chariot” of Jehovah upon which he rode (1Ch 28:18), and the wings of the cherubs offered both guarding protection and swiftness in travel. So David, in poetic song, described the speed with which Jehovah came to his aid, like one who “came riding upon a cherub and came flying” even “upon the wings of a spirit.”—2Sa 22:11; Ps 18:10." [it-1 432 par 2] 18-24 MAR MW 7. How are these poetic verses an example of synthetic parallelism? ( Psalm 19:7-9) "Then there is synthetic (or, formal, constructive) parallelism in which the second portion does not simply echo the same thought as the first or give a contrast. Rather, it enlarges and adds a new thought. Psalm 19:7-9 is an example of this:
The law of Jehovah is perfect,
bringing back the soul.
The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy,
making the inexperienced one wise.
The orders from Jehovah are upright,
causing the heart to rejoice;
The commandment of Jehovah is clean,
making the eyes shine.
The fear of Jehovah is pure,
standing forever.
The judicial decisions of Jehovah are true;
they have proved altogether righteous.
Notice that the second part of each sentence or clause completes the thought; the whole verse, therefore, is a synthesis, that is, the result of bringing together two elements. Only with the second half-lines, such as “bringing back the soul” and “making the inexperienced one wise,” does the reader learn how the ‘law is perfect’ and how the “reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy.” In such a series of synthetic parallels, this division between the first and second part serves as a rhythmic break. There is thus, along with the progression of thought, the preservation of a certain verse structure, a parallel of form. It is for this reason sometimes called formal or constructive parallelism." [it-1 1073] 25-31 MAR MW 8. In what two ways can we imitate the psalmist today? ( Psalm 22:22) "Today, as in earlier times, provisions are made for individual believers to express their faith “in the middle of the congregation.” One opportunity that is open to all is that of offering comments in response to questions posed to the audience at congregation meetings. Never underestimate the good that this can accomplish. For example, comments that demonstrate how to overcome or avoid problems strengthen the determination of our brothers to follow Bible principles. Comments that explain cited but not quoted Bible texts or that incorporate thoughts gleaned from personal research may encourage others to develop better study habits." [w06 11/1 29 par 7 ; w03 9/1 20 par 1] |
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Post by Admin on Mar 19, 2024 3:35:38 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Mar 19, 2024 3:45:00 GMT -5
01-07 APRIL MW 9. What are “the paths of righteousness,” and what will prevent us from deviating from them? ( Psalm 23:3) "2 What are “the tracks of righteousness”? A track is a narrow footpath or trail. These “tracks” are determined by Jehovah’s standard of righteousness. In Hebrew and Greek, “righteousness” refers to that which is “upright,” implying a strict adherence to moral principles. Since Jehovah is “the abiding place of righteousness,” his worshippers are happy to look to him to determine the morally upright path that they should follow.—Jer. 50:7.
3. How can we learn more about God’s righteousness?
3 Only by striving with all our heart to conform to God’s righteous standards will we be found fully pleasing to him. (Deut. 32:4) That begins with learning all we can about Jehovah God from his Word, the Bible. The more we learn about him, drawing closer to him every day, the more we will love his righteousness. (Jas. 4:8) We must also accept the guidance of God’s inspired Word when we are called upon to make important decisions in life" [w11 2/15 24 par 1-3] 08-14 APRIL MW 10. How can this verse comfort us when we feel abandoned by close friends? ( Psalm 27:10) "The psalmist David sang: “In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up.” (Psalm 27:10) How comforting to know that Jehovah’s love exceeds that of any human parent! As painful as rejection, mistreatment, or abandonment by a parent may be, it has no bearing on how much Jehovah cares for you. (Romans 8:38, 39) Remember that God draws those whom he loves. (John 3:16; John 6:44) Regardless of how you have been treated by humans, you are loved by your heavenly Father!" [w06 7/15 28 par 15] 15-21 APRIL MW 11. How is a haughty person repaid exceedingly by Jehovah ? ( Psalm 31:23) "The reward here is punishment. A righteous one receives his reward for his unintentional mistakes in the form of discipline from Jehovah. Since a haughty person does not turn back from his wrong course, he is rewarded exceedingly with severe punishment.—Proverbs 11:31; 1 Peter 4:18" [w06 5/15 19 par 13] 22-28 APRIL MW 12. What is “the spirit” of Jehovah’s mouth ? ( Psalm 33:6) "This spirit is God’s active force, or holy spirit, which he used in creating the material heavens. (Genesis 1:1, 2 ) It is called the spirit of his mouth because, like a powerful breath, it can be sent forth to accomplish things at a distance." [w06 5/15 20 par 1] 29-05 MAY MW 13. What is the meaning of David’s request not to let those hating him “wink their eyes” ? ( Psalm 35:19) "The winking of an eye would indicate that David’s enemies were deriving pleasure from the success of their spiteful plans against him. David requested that this not happen." [w06 5/15 20 par 2] |
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Post by Admin on Apr 1, 2024 16:54:02 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Apr 21, 2024 15:02:17 GMT -5
06-12 MAY MW 14. What may the psalmist have meant when he referred to Jehovah’s righteousness as being like “majestic mountains [or, “like mountains of God,” ftn.]” ? ( Psalm 36:6) "Stability, permanence, or loftiness. Stability and permanence are ascribed to the mountains. (Isa 54:10; Hab 3:6; compare Pssalm 46:2.) Therefore, when the psalmist spoke of Jehovah’s righteousness as being like “mountains of God” (Ps 36:6) he may have meant that Jehovah’s righteousness is immovable. Or, since mountains are lofty, this may point to the fact that God’s righteousness by far transcends that of man. (Compare Isa 55:8, 9.) In connection with the outpouring of the seventh bowl of God’s anger, Revelation 16:20 says: “Mountains were not found.” This suggests that not even things as lofty as mountains would escape the outpouring of God’s anger.—Compare Jer 4:23-26." [it-2 445] 13-19 MAY MW 15. In what situations may we need to apply the principle to “guard [our] mouth with a muzzle” ? ( Psalm 39:1) |
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Post by Admin on Apr 21, 2024 15:04:05 GMT -5
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