Congregation Bible Study (30 mins.) lfb lesson 56, introduction to section 10 and lesson 57.
Analysis of Lesson 56: Josiah Loves God's Law
After he learned what God's Law said, what did King Josiah do?
After King Josiah learned what God’s Law said, he recognized that the people had disobeyed Jehovah for many years. So he asked Hilkiah to consult Jehovah to find out what they should do. Jehovah told the prophetess Huldah: “The people of Judah have forsaken me. I am going to punish them, but not while Josiah is king, because he is humble.”
Upon hearing this message, King Josiah gathered the people at the temple. He read the Law of the Lord aloud and, together with the nation, promised to obey God wholeheartedly. Furthermore, upon reading in the Law that Passover was to be celebrated every year, he organized the celebration of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, just as the Law commanded.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Josiah acted with humility and spiritual responsibility. He sought Jehovah's guidance, gathered the people, publicly read the Law, and promoted profound changes to restore true worship.
2 Kings 22:11-13. Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah reacted with deep respect and concern. He understood that the nation had seriously failed and did not treat the matter lightly. His reaction shows a sensitive heart, willing to correct the course, recognizing the authority of God's Word over his life and his government.
2 Kings 22:13-14. Josiah did not act impulsively or rely solely on his own judgment as king. He chose to consult Jehovah through his servants, demonstrating that he valued divine guidance above his own power. This reveals his sincere desire to do what was right and his dependence on Jehovah to make important decisions.
2 Kings 23:1-2. By gathering all the people and reading the Law aloud, Josiah showed that he did not want a superficial reform. He understood that change had to begin with knowing the will of the Lord. In this way, he helped everyone understand their personal responsibility before God.
2 Kings 23:3; 2 Chronicles 34:33. Josiah went beyond words and promoted concrete actions. He eliminated idolatry and led the people to actively commit to obeying Jehovah. His leadership helped to spiritually cleanse the nation and restore pure worship based on the Law.
What did Jehovah think of Josiah?
Jehovah considered Josiah a humble and faithful king who truly loved God’s Law. That is why he told the prophetess Huldah that he would not punish the people of Judah as long as Josiah was king, since he showed respect for God’s Law and desired to obey it completely.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah considered Josiah a humble, obedient, and sincere king, and because of this attitude, he decided to show him favor and delay the punishment on Judah.
2 Kings 22:19. Jehovah highlighted Josiah’s humility in listening to the words of the Law. He did not harden his heart or justify himself, but allowed God’s Word to touch his heart. This attitude was essential for Jehovah to view him with approval and affection.
2 Chronicles 34:27. Jehovah recognized that Josiah reacted with spiritual sensitivity and respect. His response to divine correction showed that his worship was not merely outward, but sprang from a sincere heart that desired to please Jehovah.
2 Kings 22:20. Although Jehovah had determined to punish Judah for its disobedience, he decided to delay that punishment because of Josiah. This shows that Jehovah deeply values individual faithfulness and that good conduct can bring blessings even in difficult times.
2 Kings 23:25. The Scriptures highlight that there was no other king like Josiah, who served Jehovah with all his heart and fully obeyed the Law. This recognition shows how Jehovah views and honors those who serve him with complete loyalty.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah is a patient, just, and merciful God. Although the people of Judah had been disobedient for many years, Jehovah took into account Josiah’s humility and faithfulness. He valued Josiah’s sincere desire to do what was right and, out of love for him, decided to postpone the punishment of the people of Judah. This shows that Jehovah looks at people’s hearts and blesses those who desire to obey him.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We can learn the importance of knowing God's Word and putting it into practice. Josiah not only heard the Law, but he acted immediately: he corrected bad practices, restored true worship, and led the people to obey the Law of Jehovah.
We learn that true worship requires obedience, humility, and concrete actions. Furthermore, it shows that Jehovah is patient and that it is never too early or too late to begin serving him properly.
Introduction to section 10
In this section, we will analyze that Jehovah is the King of all that exists, that he has always been in control and always will be, and that he will not allow wickedness to last forever. The accounts in this section show us how Jehovah protects his people, as he did when he saved Jeremiah, who was about to die in a pit; when he rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from a fiery furnace; and when he saved Daniel from the lions’ den. He also protected Esther so that she could save her people. Furthermore, the prophecy of the great statue and the enormous tree assure us that Jehovah’s Kingdom will soon eliminate all wickedness and rule over the earth.
Analysis of Lesson 57: Jehovah Sends Jeremiah to Preach
What helped Jeremiah to be obedient from a young age?
Jeremiah was helped to be obedient by Jehovah's promise that he should not be afraid and that He would be with him, that He would help him and tell him everything he should preach. Because Jeremiah was just a boy and felt incapable of speaking in public.
Furthermore, he felt the need to preach, “Jehovah’s message was like a fire within him, and he could not stop preaching,” which motivated him to obey and continue preaching despite all the difficulties he faced.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jeremiah was helped by his confidence in Jehovah's support, the certainty that Jehovah had chosen him, and the deep sense of responsibility he felt toward the message he had to convey.
Jeremiah 1:5-8. From a young age, Jeremiah understood that his assignment came directly from Jehovah. Although he felt inadequate and afraid, Jehovah assured him that he would not be alone. Knowing that Jehovah had chosen and supported him gave him courage to obey despite his insecurities.
Jeremiah 1:9-10. Jehovah made it clear that he would put his words in Jeremiah's mouth. This helped the prophet understand that he was not preaching his own ideas, but a divine message. This conviction strengthened his obedience and gave him the confidence to speak with authority.
Jeremiah 20:9. When Jeremiah considered giving up preaching, Jehovah’s message moved him to continue. He felt such a strong inner urgency that he could not remain silent. That love for the message and for Jehovah was key to his remaining faithful from a young age.
Jeremiah 1:17-19. Jehovah mentally prepared him to face opposition and rejection. Knowing that he would encounter resistance, but that Jehovah would be with him, Jeremiah was able to remain steadfast. This spiritual preparation helped him to obey even in very difficult circumstances.
Who tried to stop Jeremiah from preaching?
Several people tried to stop Jeremiah from preaching. Among them was the priest Pashhur, who beat him and bound his hands and feet to boards, so he couldn't move all night. The priests and false prophets also told the princes that Jeremiah deserved to die. However, Jeremiah continued preaching, and this time the princes asked the king to have him killed. The king told them to do as they pleased, and finally, they threw him into a pit to die.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Priests, false prophets, princes, and some rulers tried to intimidate, punish, and even kill Jeremiah to make him stop preaching.
Jeremiah 20:1-2. The priest Pashhur was one of the first to try to silence Jeremiah. He beat him and put him in stocks to publicly humiliate him. This shows that even people with religious responsibilities opposed the true message.
Jeremiah 26:7-11. Priests and false prophets accused Jeremiah before the princes and demanded his death. They could not bear his warning message because it exposed their hypocrisy and the poor spiritual condition of the people.
Jeremiah 26:12-16. Although some princes recognized that Jeremiah was speaking on behalf of Jehovah, the pressure against him was intense. This shows that opposition is not always unanimous, but it can still be dangerous and exhausting for a servant of God.
Jeremiah 38:1-6. The princes arranged for Jeremiah to be thrown into a pit to die. This extreme attempt to silence him reflects the lengths to which opposition can go when people reject Jehovah’s message.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah trusts his servants and supports them, even when they feel weak or helpless. Jehovah did not abandon Jeremiah despite the strong opposition he faced, but kept his promise to help and protect him. Furthermore, we see that Jehovah values obedience and courage, and he can use others, like Ebed-Melech, to rescue and care for those who serve him faithfully.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn that we should not let fear or opposition prevent us from obeying Jehovah. Although Jeremiah felt discouraged, he allowed Jehovah’s message to motivate him to keep preaching. This teaches us to trust in Jehovah’s help, to be courageous, and to persevere in doing what is right, even when we face rejection, ridicule, or difficulties.
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