Congregation Bible Study (30 min.) lfb lessons 36, 37.
Analysis of Lesson 36: Jephthah's Promise
What did Jephthah promise?
Jephthah promised Jehovah that if He helped him win the battle against the Ammonites, he would give Him the first person who came out of his house to meet him when he returned. When he returned home, the person who came out to meet him, dancing and playing a tambourine, was his only daughter. Then he remembered his promise and told his daughter that he had made a vow to Jehovah and that, to fulfill it, he should send her to serve at the tabernacle in Shiloh.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Before going into battle, Jephthah promised Jehovah that if he was victorious, he would dedicate to Jehovah the first person who came out of his house to meet him upon his return. With this promise, Jephthah not only demonstrated his complete trust in Jehovah, but also expressed his desire to show his gratitude in a meaningful way.
Jephthah's promise was not impulsive or a sign of doubt regarding Jehovah's power, but a sincere expression of his desire to honor him. Despite the deep sorrow he later experienced in fulfilling that promise, Jephthah remained steadfast and kept his word.
What did Jephthah's daughter do when she learned of her father's promise?
When his daughter learned of the promise, she obediently accepted that her father had to keep it and said: “Dad, if you promised that to Jehovah, now you have to keep it.” She only asked to go to the mountains with her friends for two months, and then she went to serve at the tabernacle in Shiloh for the rest of her life.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When Jephthah’s daughter learned of the promise her father had made to Jehovah, she displayed truly admirable faith. She did not complain or try to avoid the circumstances; on the contrary, she accepted the situation and supported her father. She simply asked for some time to go to the mountains with her friends and reflect on what it meant to dedicate her life to service at the tabernacle.
Upon learning of the promise her father Jephthah had made to Jehovah, she demonstrated admirable spiritual maturity, telling him that he must fulfill his promise. She asked for only two months to go to the mountains with her friends. After that time, she returned so that the promise would be fulfilled and she could serve at the tabernacle for the rest of her life.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches that Jehovah listens to the sincere prayers of his people and gives them victory when they trust in him. It also shows that Jehovah values the fulfillment of promises and appreciates faithful obedience.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This account teaches us that Jehovah is a deeply compassionate God. Although the Israelites had turned away from him and fallen into idolatry, they acknowledged their error, sincerely repented, and removed the idols. Jehovah could not bear to see them suffer any longer because of their sins. This shows us Jehovah's mercy and how he is moved when he recognizes a sincerely repentant heart.
This account shows us that Jehovah listens to the prayers of his loyal servants, just as he listened to Jephthah’s promise and helped him win the battle. Jehovah values the loyalty, sincerity, and obedience of those who want to do his will and keep his promises.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We can learn that we must keep our promises to Jehovah, even when it is difficult, and that obedience and loyalty are very valuable qualities to him. Furthermore, we should trust that Jehovah will always help us when we act with faith and sincerity.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
From the attitude of Jephthah's daughter, we can also learn the importance of humbly accepting spiritual decisions based on Jehovah's will. She understood that her father's vow was sacred, and even though that vow directly affected her life, she accepted it without complaint.
This encourages us to have an obedient and determined attitude when life's circumstances or the decisions we make in serving Jehovah require sacrifices. Obedience brings peace and blessings, even when it involves giving up our own plans and dedicating our lives to Jehovah's service.
Analysis of Lesson 36: Jehovah Speaks to Samuel
Why was Samuel different from Hophni and Phinehas?
Samuel was different because he obeyed Jehovah's laws and did what was right, while Hophni and Phinehas disobeyed and mistreated people. Jehovah was very pleased with Samuel because of his good conduct and obedience.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Samuel was different because he consistently applied Jehovah’s principles. While Hophni and Phinehas despised Jehovah’s laws and took what did not belong to them, Samuel strove to obey God’s standards at all times.
Samuel had a heart willing to accept correction and fulfilled his responsibilities respectfully. That is why Jehovah was pleased with him. This contrast reminds us that no matter the environment we are in or the bad influences around us, if our heart is focused on Jehovah, we can remain upright like Samuel.
What message did Jehovah give to Samuel?
Jehovah told Samuel to inform Eli that He would punish him and his family, because Eli knew his sons were doing bad things in the tabernacle, but he had not corrected them. The next morning, Samuel was afraid to give Jehovah's message to the high priest, but Eli asked him what Jehovah had said, so Samuel told him everything.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The message Jehovah gave Samuel was that Eli's house would be punished because they had not respected true worship. Jehovah made it clear that Eli had failed as a father and as high priest by not correcting Hophni and Phinehas, and that this inaction had allowed sin to grow until it affected the tabernacle itself.
Jehovah used Samuel to convey that He takes spiritual purity very seriously and does not overlook injustice among His people. Eli knew that his sons Hophni and Phinehas were doing wrong at the tabernacle, but he had not corrected them, and for this reason, he and his family would be punished. The message taught that spiritual responsibility has consequences, especially when discipline is ignored.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches that Jehovah observes everything we do, that he rewards obedience and faithfulness, and that he also punishes bad behavior and disobedience when it is not corrected.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah is a just God who does not overlook wickedness, especially when it comes from those with spiritual responsibility. Although Eli knew his sons were committing serious acts at the tabernacle and did not correct them, Jehovah saw everything and decided to act. This shows that He cares deeply about the purity of His worship and the well-being of His people.
We learn that Jehovah observes and knows the heart of every person. While Hophni and Phinehas acted arrogantly and disobediently, Jehovah saw Samuel’s obedience, humility, and willingness, despite his young age. That is why he chose him to receive an important message.
This account teaches us that Jehovah can use even a young person to perform sacred tasks. He values sincere willingness more than age or position.
This account shows us that Jehovah is a faithful God, who continues to guide and support those who obey him. Samuel grew up with Jehovah’s blessing and friendship, demonstrating that Jehovah rewards those who serve him loyally.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We can learn that we must obey Jehovah at all times, even when others do not. We must also have the courage to speak the truth and fulfill the responsibilities Jehovah gives us, as Samuel did. Furthermore, parents should lovingly correct their children when they do something wrong, in order to please Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn the importance of correcting what is wrong. Eli knew his sons were acting wrongly, but he did not discipline them. This teaches us that ignoring wrong does not solve it; rather, it allows it to grow. In our responsibilities—whether in the family or in the congregation—we must have the courage to correct with love when necessary.
We learn that Jehovah observes our actions and motivations. Unlike Hophni and Phinehas, Samuel was obedient and faithful, and Jehovah valued his good conduct. This reminds us that Jehovah rewards integrity, even if others around us do not act well.
We learn that obedience and willingness matter more than age. Samuel was very young, but Jehovah chose him for an important task. This teaches us that Jehovah can use anyone who is willing to listen to him and obey him, regardless of age or experience.
We learn that we must be courageous to do what Jehovah asks of us. Samuel was afraid to deliver the message to Eli, but he did it anyway. Likewise, even though some tasks in the congregation may make us afraid or uncomfortable, Jehovah will help us to accomplish them.
We learn that Jehovah maintains a close friendship with those who obey him. Samuel grew up with Jehovah’s constant blessing and guidance. This encourages us to cultivate a strong relationship with him, knowing that he always rewards faithfulness.
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