Conclusion of Abigail and David

David and his men have been kind to Na'bal.  They have helped to protect his sheep. So one day David sends some of his men to ask Na'bal for a favor.  David's men come to Na'bal while he and his helpers are cutting the wool off the sheep. It is a feast day, and Na'bal has many good things to eat. So this is what David's men says:  'We have been kind to you. We have not stolen any of your sheep, but have helped took after them. Now, please, give us some food.'

'I won't give my food to men like you,' Na'bal says. He speaks in a very mean way, and says bad things about David.  When the men return and tell David about it, David is very angry. 'Put on your swords!' He tells his men. And they start on their way to kill Na'bal and his men.

One of Na'bal's men, who heard the mean words that Na'bal spoke, tells Ab'i-gail what happened. Right away Ab'i-gail gets some food ready. She loads it on some donkeys and starts on her way. When she meets David, she gets off her donkey, bows down and says:  'Please sir, pay no attention to my husband Na'bal. He is a fool, and he does these foolish things. Here is a gift. Please take it, and forgive us for what happened.'

'You are a wise woman,'David answers.  'You have kept me from killing Na'bal to pay him back for his meanness. God home now in peace.'  When Na'bal dies, Ab'i-gail becomes one  of David's wives. 

1 Samuel 22:1-4; 25:1-43.

Next time: David Is Made King

From the jw.org publications

Abigail and David

 There is a pretty woman coming to meet David?  Her name is Ab'i-gail.  She has good sense, and she keeps David from doing a bad thing.  But before learning about that, let's see what has been happening to David.

After David runs away from Saul, he hides in a cave.  His brothers and the rest of his family join him there.  About 400 men in all come to him, and David becomes their leader.  David then goes to the king of Mo'ab and says:  "Please let my father and mother stay with you until I see what happens to me.'  Later David and his men being hiding in the hills. 

It is after this that David meets Ab'i-gail.  Her husband Na'bal is a rich landowner. He has 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats. Na'bal is a mean man.  But his wife Ab'i-gail is very beautiful. Also, she know hos to do what is right.  Once she even saves her family. Let's see how. 

Next time: Conclusion of Abigail and David

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of Why David Must Run Away

One day Saul tells Jon'a-than and all his servants that he wants to kill David.  But Jon'a-than says to his father:  'Don't hurt David. He has never done anything wrong to you. Rather, everything he has done has been a great help to you. He risked his life when he killed Go-li'ath, and when you saw it, you were glad.'

Saul listens to his son, and he promises not to hurt David. David is brought  back, and he serves Saul in his house again just as he did before. One day, however, while David is playing music, Saul again throws his spear at David. David dodges, and the spear hits the wall.  This is the third time!  David knows, now that he run away! 

That night David goes to his own house. But Saul sends some men to kill him. Mi'chal knows what her father plans to do. So she tells her husband if you don't get away tonight, tomorrow you will  be dead.'  That night Mi'chal helps David to escape through a window. For about seven years David must hide in one place after another so that Saul cannot find him.

1 Samuel 18:1-30; 19:1-8.

Next time: Abigail and David

From the jw.org publications 

Why David Must Run Away

AFTER David kills Gl-li'ath, Israel's army chief Ab'ner brings him to Saul. Saul is very pleased with David. He makes him a chief in his army and takes him to live at the king's house.

Later, when the army returns from fighting the Phi-lis'tines, the women sing:  "Saul has killed thousands, but David has killed tens of thousands.'  This makes Saul jealous.  He loves David very much, and David loves Jon'a-than too.  So the two make a promise to each other that they will always be friends.

David is a very good player of the harp, and Saul likes the music that he plays.  But one day Saul's jealousy causes him to do a terrible thing.  While David is playing the harp, Saul takes his spear and throws it, saying:  'I will pin David to the wall!'  But David dodges, and the spear misses. Later Saul misses David again with his spear. So David knows now that he must be  very careful.

Do you remember that promised that Saul made?  He said that he would give his daughter to the wife of the man who killed Go-li'ath.  Saul at last tells David that he can have his daughter Mi'chal, but first he must kill 100 of the enemy Phi-lis'tines. Think of that!  Saul really hopes that the Phi-lis'tines will kill David. But they don't, and so Saul gives David his daughter to be David's wife. 

Note: They are summarizing this here, because David had to run away and hide in the mountains for fear of his life and Jon'a-than helps him to hide and doesn't tell anyone.  In my opinion, important information is left out here. To really get the whole story, you really need to go to the Bible and read the book of Samuel.  And if you don't understand it, then you need to ask Jehovah God to give you wisdom and discernment in order to understand it. And if he feels you are sincere and serious, he will allow you to do so. And if he feels you are not sincere-and he will know, then he won't allow you to understand what it is saying and meaning. Also, if you want to understand anything else, you must read the Bible itself,  page for page, just like you would a book, but take that slower, so you can get the understanding better. 

Next time: Conclusion of Why David Must Run Away

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of David and Goliath

Some soldiers go and tell King Saul that David wants to fight Go-li'ath.  But Saul tells David:  'You can't fight this Phi-lis'tine. You are just a boy, and he has been a soldier all his life.'  David answers:  'I killed a bear and and lion that carried off my father's sheep.  And this Phi-lis'tine will become like one of them.  Jehovah will help me.'  So Saul says:' Go, and may Jehovah be with you.' 

David goes down by a stream and gets five smooth stones, and puts them into his bag.  Then he takes his sling and goes out to meet the giant.  When  Go-li'ath sees him, he can't believe it.  He thinks it will be so easy to kill David.

'Just come to me,'  Go-li'ath says, 'and I will give your body to the birds and animals to eat.'  But David says: 'You come to me with a sword, a spear and a javelin, but I am coming to you with the name of Jehovah.  This day Jehovah will give you into my hands and I will strike you down.

At that David runs toward Go-li'ath. He takes a stone from his bag puts it into his sling, and throws it with all his might.  The stone flies into Go-li'ath's head, and he falls down dead! When the Phi-lis'tines see that their champion has fallen, they all turn and run.  The Israelites run after them and win the battle.

1 Samuel 17:1-54.

Next time: Why David Must Run Away

From the jw.org publications 

David and Goliath

THE Phi-lis'tines again come to fight against Israel.  David's three oldest brothers are now in Saul's army. So one day Jes'se tells David:  'Take some grain and loaves of bread to your brothers. Find out how hey are getting along.' 

When David arrives at the arm camp, he runs to the battle line to look for his brothers. He has been doing this every morning and evening for 40 days. He yells:  'Choose one of your men to fight me. If he wins and kills me, we will be your slaves. But If I win and kill him, you will be our slaves. I dare you to pick someone to fight me.'

David asks some of the soldiers: 'What will the man get for killing this Phil-lis'tine and frees Israel from this shame?

'Saul will give the man many riches,' the soldier says. 'And he will give him his own daughter to be his wife.'

But all the Israelites are afraid of Go-li'ath because he is so big. He is more than 9 feet (about 3 meters) tall, and he has another soldier carrying his shield for him. 

Next time: Conclusion of David and Goliath

From the jw.org publications

God Chooses David

DO you know what has happened?  This boy has saved this little lamb from the bear.  The bear came and carried off the lamb and was going to eat it.  But the boy ran after them, and saved the lamb from the bear's mouth. And when the bear rose up, the boy grabbed the bear and struck it down dead!  At another time he saved one of the sheep from a lion.  Isn't he a brave boy?  Do you know who he is? 

This is young David.  He lives in the town of Beth'le-hem.  His grandfather was O'bed, the son of Ruth and Bo'az.  Do you remember them?  And David's father is Jes'se. David takes care of his father's sheep.  David was born 10 years after Jehovah chose Saul to be king. 

The time comes when Jehovah says to Samuel: 'Take some special oil and go to the house of Jes'se in Beth'le-hem.  I have chosen one of his sons to be king.'  When Samuel sees Jes'se's oldest son E-li'ab, he says to himself:  'This is surely the one that Jehovah has chosen.'  But Jehovah tells him: 'Do not look kat how tall and handsome he is. I have not chosen him to be king.'

So Jes'se calls his son A-bin'a-dab and brings him to Samuel. But Samuel says: 'No, Jehovah hasn't chosen him either.'  Next Jes'se bring his son Sham'mah.  'No Jehovah has chosen him either,'  Samuel says.  Jes'se bring seven of his sons to Samuel, but Jehovah doesn't choose any of them.  'Are these all of the boys?' Samuel asks.

'There is still the youngest,'  Jes'se says. But he is out taking care of the sheep.'  When David is brought in, Samuel can see that he is a good-looking boy.  'This is the one,  Jehovah says. 'Pour the oil on him.'

Samuel 17:34 35; 16:1-13.

Next time: David and Goliath

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of Saul-Israel's First King

As the years go by, Saul leads the Israelites to many victories over their enemies.  Saul also has a brave son named Jon'a-than. And Jon'a-than  helps Israel to win many battles.  The Phi-lis'tines are still the Israelites worst enemy.  One day thousands and thousands of Phi-lis'tines come to fight against the Israelites. 

Samuel tells Saul to wait until he comes and makes a sacrifice, or gift, to Jehovah. But Samuel is slow in coming. Saul is afraid that the Phi-lis'tines will start the battle, so he goes ahead and makes the sacrifice himself.  When Samuel  finally comes, he tells Saul that he has been disobedient.  'Jehovah will choose another person to be king over Israel,' Samuel says. 

Later Saul disobeys again.  So Samuel tells him:  'It is better to obey Jehovah than to make a gift to him of the best sheep.  Because you have not obeyed Jehovah, Jehovah will not keep you as king of Israel.'

We can learn a good lesson from this. It shows us how important it is to obey Jehovah  always.  Also, it shows that a good person, as Saul had been, can change and become bad. We never want to become bad do we?

1 Samuel chapters 9-11, 135-14; 14:47-52; 15:1-35; 2 Samuel 1:23. 

Next time: God Chooses David

From the jw.org publications

Saul-Israel's First King

Samuel is pouring oil on the man's head. This is what they used to do to a person to show that he had been chosen as king.  Jehovah tells Samuel to pour the oil on Saul's head.  It is a special sweet-smelling oil.

Saul did not think that he was good enough to be king.  'I belong to the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest one in Israel,'  he tells Samuel. Why do you think that I will be king?'  Jehovah likes Saul because he does not pretend to be big and important. That is why he chooses him to be king.

But Saul is  not poor or a small man. He comes from a rich family, and he is a very handsome, tall man. He is about a foot taller than anyone else in Israel!  Saul is a very fast runner, and he is a very strong man.  The people are glad that Jehovah has chosen Saul to be king.  They all begin to shout:  'Long live the king!'

The enemies of Israel are as strong as ever.  They are still causing a lot of trouble for the Israelites.  Soon after Saul is made king, the Am'mon-ites come up to fight against them. But Saul gathers a big army, and he wins the victory  over the Am'mon-ites. This makes the people happy that Saul is king.



Next time: Conclusion of Saul-Israels First King

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of A Little Boy Serves God

'Samuel!'  The voice calls a third time.  So Samuel runs to E'li. 'Here I am, for you must have called me this time,' he says.  E'li knows now that it must be Jehovah who is calling.  So he tells Samuel: 'Go lie down once more, and if he calls again, you must say: "Speak Jehovah, for your servant is listening."'

This is what Samuel says when Jehovah calls again.  Jehovah then tells Samuel that he is going to punish E'li and his sons. Later Hoph'ni and Phin'e-has die in battle with the Phi-lis'tines, and when E'li hears what has happened he falls over, breaks his neck and dies too.  So Jehovah's word come true.

Samuel grows up, and becomes the last judge of Israel.  When he grows old, the people ask him: 'Choose a king to rule over us.'  Samuel does not want to do this, because really Jehovah is their king. But Jehovah tells him to listen to the people.

1 Samuel 1:1-28; 2:11-36; 4:16-18; 8:4-9.

Next time: Saul-Israel's First King

From the jw.org publications

Continue with A Little Boy Serves God

Young Samuel doesn't let any of the bad things going on at the tabernacle  cause him to stop serving Jehovah.  But because so few people really love Jehovah, it has been a long time since Jehovah has spoken to any human.  When Samuel grows a little older this is what happens.

Samuel is asleep in the tabernacle when a voice wakes him up. He answers.  'Here I am.' And he gets up and runs to E'li, and says:  'You called me, and here I am.'  But E'li answers:  'I did not call, my son. Lie down again.'  So Samuel returns to bed.

'Then there is a second call: 'Samuel!' So  Samuel gets up and again runs to E'li. 'You called me, and here I am,' he says.  But E'li answers:  'I did not call my son. Lie down again.' So Samuel returns to bed. 

Next time: Conclusion of A Little Boy Serves God

From the jw.org publications 

Continue with A Little Boy Serves God

Jehovah answered Han'nah's prayer, and months later she gave birth to Samuel.  Han'nah loved her little boy, and she began teaching him about Jehovah when he was still very little.  She told her husband:  'As soon as Samuel is old enough so he does not need to be nursed anymore, I will take him to the tabernacle to serve Jehovah there.'

 Han'nah and El-ka'nah are taking him to the tabernacle, and because Samuel has been taught so well by his parents, he is glad to be able to serve Jehovah here at Jehovah's tent. Each year Han'nah and El-ka'nah come to worship at this special tent, and to visit their little boy. And each year Han'nah brings a new sleeveless coat that she had made for Samuel. 

As the years go b y, Samuel keep serving at Jehovah's tabernacle, and both Jehovah and the people like him. But high priest E'li's sons Hoph'ni and Phin'e-has are no good.  They do many bad things, and get others to disobey Jehovah too. E'li should remove them from being priests, but he does not.

Next time: Continue with A Little Boy Serves God

From the jw.org publications

A Little Boy Serves God

THIS little boy's name is Samuel.  And a man has got his on Samuel's head and his name is Israel's high priest E'li.  E'li is Samuel's father El-ka'nah and his mother Han'nah who are bringing Samuel to E'li.

Samuel is only about four or five years old. But he will live here at Jehovah's tabernacl with E'li and the other priests. Why would El-ka'nah  and Han'nah give someone so young as Samuel to serve Jehovah at the tabernacle. Let us see.

It was just a few years before this that Han'nah was very sad.  The reason is that she would not have a baby, and she wanted one very much. So one day when Han'nah was visiting Jehovah's tabernacle, she prayed: 'O Jehovayh, do not forget me!  If you give me a son, I promise that I will give him to you so he can serve you all his life. 

Next time: Continue with A Little Boy Serves God

From the jw.org publications 

Conclusion of The Strongest Man

Finally, De-li'lah gets Samson to tell her the secret of his strength.  'My hair has never been cut,' He says.  'From the time that I was born, God chose me to be a special servant of his called a Naz'i-rite. If my hair was cut, I would lose my strength.

Well, when De-li'lah learns this, she has Samson go to sleep on her lap.  Then she calls a man to come in and cut his hair.  When Samson wakes up, he has lost his strength.  The Phi-lis'tines then come in and capture him.  They put out both his eyes, and make him their slave. 

One day the Phi-lis'tines have a big party to worship their god Dagon, and they bring Samson out of prison to make fun of him. In the meantime, Samson's hair   has grown again. Samsons ays to the boy is leading him by the hand: 'Let me touch the pillars that hold up the building.'  Then Samson prays to Jehovah for strength, and takes hold of the pillars. He cries out: 'Let me die with the Phi-lis'tines.'  There are 3,000 Phi-lis'tines at the party, and when Samson bends himself against the pillars the building falls down and kills all these bad people. 

Judges chapters 13-16.

Note:  Let me remind you of something. Remember Adam and Eve and the trouble they got into. Because, partly because of Eve  they got kicked out of the Garden of Eden.  Then Samson  got involve with a woman that he should not have gotten involved with. No offense here, just simple observation of then and now. You men won't admit it,  because he think you are so macho, but for most of the men I have met and seen-their sexual habits, you think with your penis. This is why you men get into trouble. Just a couple of examples. Adam and Eve, and Samson. You listen to a woman, because you are not thinking with the brain in your head most of the time. And it happens today as well.   That is all I am going to say for now, but think about it real good for awhile. 

Next time: A Little Boy Serves God

From the jw.org publications






   

The Strongest Man

DO YOU know the name of the strongest man who ever lived?  He is a judge named Samson.  It is Jehovah who give Samson his strength. Even before Samson is born, Jehovah tells his mother.'  Soon you will have a son. He will take lead in  saving Israel from the Phi-lis'tines.' 

The Phi-lis'tines are bad people who live in Ca'naan.  They have many fighting men, and the really hurt the Israelites.  Once, when Samson is on his way to where the Phi-lis'tines  live, a big lion come roaring out to meet him.  But Samons kills the lion with only his bear hands.  He also kills hundreds of bad Phi-lis'tines.

Later Samson falls in love with a woman named De-li'lah.  The Phi-lis'tine leaders promise that each if  them will give De-li'lah 1,100 pieces of silver  if she tells them what makes Samson so strong.  De-li'lah wants all that money. She is not a true friend of Samson, or of God's people. She she keeps asking Samson what it is that makes him so strong.

Next time: Conclusion of The Strongest Man

From the jw.org publications 

Conclusion of Jephthah's Promise

Jehovah listens to Jeph'thah's promise, and helps him win the victory. When Jeph'thah returns home, do you know who the first one is to come out to meet him? It is his daughter, who is his only child.  'Oh, my daughter! Jeph'thah cries. 'What sadness you are bringing me.  But I have made a promise to Jehovah, and I cannot take it back.'

When Jeph'thah's daughter learns about his promise, at first she is sad too.  For it means that she will have to leave her father and friends.  But she will spend the rest of her life serving Jehovah at his tabernacle in Shi'loh. She she tells her father.  'If you have a made a promise to Jehovah, you must keep it.'

So Jeph'thah's daughter goes to Shi'loh  and spends the rest of her life serving Jehovah at his tabernacle.  Four days out of every year the women of Israel must go to visit her there, and they have a happy time together.  The people love Jeph'thah's daughter because she is such a good servant of Jehovah.

Judges 10:6-18; 11:1-40.

Next time: The Strongest Man

From the jw.org publications

Jephthah's Promise

HAVE you ever made a promise and later found it hard to keep?  The man here did, and that is why he is so sad.  The man is a brave judge of Israel named Jeph'thah.

Jeph'thah lives at a time when the Israelites are no longer worshiping Jehovah. The are again doing what is bad. So Jehovah lets the people of Am'mon  hurt them.  The makes the Israelites cry out to Jehovah:  'We have sinned against you. Please save us!'

The people are sorry for the bad things that they have done. They show that they are sorry by worshiping Jehovah again. And so again Jehovah helps them.

Jeph'thah is chosen by the people to fight against the bad Am'mon-ites. Jeph'thah wants very much for Jehovah to help him in the fight. So he promises Jehovah:  'If you will give me victory over the Am'mon-ites, the first person that comes out of my house to meet me when I return from the victor I will give you.'

Next time: Conclusion of Jephthah's Promise

From the jw.org publications 

Conclusion of GIdeon and His 300 Men

It is because if Israel won the war, they might think that they won by themselves.  They might think that they didn't need Jehovah's help to win.  So Jehovah says to Gid'e-on: 'Tell all the men who are afraid to go back home.' When Gid'e-on does this 22,000 of his fighting men go home.  That leaves him only 10,000 men to fight against all those 135,000 soldiers. 

But listen! Jehovah says:  'You still have too many men.'  So he tells Gid'e-on to have the men drink at this stream and to send home who put their face down in the water to drink.' I will you the victory with the 300 men who kept watching while they drank,' Jehovah promises.

The time comes for the fight.  Gid'e-on puts his 300 men in three groups. He gives to each man a horn, and a jar with a torch in it.  When it is about midnight, they all gather around the camp of enemy soldiers.  Then, at the same time, they all blow their horns and break their jars, and shout:  'Jehovah's sword and Gid'e-ons!  'When the enemy soldiers wake up, they are confused and afraid.  They all begin to run, and the Israelites win the battle.

Judges chapters 6 to 8.

Next time: Jephthah's Promise

From the jw.org publications 

Gideon and HIs 300 Men

DO YOU know what is happening? These are all men fighting Israel.  Judge Gid'e-on is standing close to them. He is watching how they drink the water.

Some are putting their face right down to the water.  But one is taking the water up in his hands, so that he can watch what is going on around him. This is important, for Jehovah told Gid'e-on  to choose only the men who keep watching while they drink. The rest, God said, should be sent home. Let's see why.

The Israelites are in a lot of trouble again. The reason is that they have not obeyed Jehovah.  The people of Mid'i-an have gained power over them and are hurting them.  So the Israelites cry to Jehovah for help, and Jehovah listens to their cries.

Jehovah tells Gid'e-on to get an army, so Gid'e-on  gathers together 32,000 fighting men. But there is an army of 135,000 men against Israel. And yet Jehovah tells Gid'e-on: 'You have too many men.' Why did Jehovah say that?

Next time: Conclusion of Gideon and His 300 Men

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of Ruth and Naomi

Na'o-mi turns to her and says: 'Or'pah has left. You too go home with her.' But Ruth answers: 'Don't try to make me leave you!  Let me go with you. Where you go I will go, and where you live I will live. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God.  Where you die I will die, and that is where I will be buried.'  When Ruth says this, Na'o-mi doesn't try anymore to make her go home.

Finally the two women get to Israel. Here they settle down to live. But Ruth right away beings working in the fields, because it is time for gathering the barley. A man named Bo'az lets her gather barley in his fields. Do you know who the mother of Bo'az was?  She was Ra'hab of the city of Jer'i-cho.

One day Bo'az tells  Ruth:  'I have heard all about you, and how kind you have been to Na'o-mi. I know how you left your father and mother and your own country and yow you cam to live among a people  you had never know before. May Jehovah be good to you!'

Ruth answers: 'You are  very kind to me, sir. You have me feel better by the nice way you  have spoken to me.'  Bo'az likes Ruth very much, and it is not long before they get married. How happy this makes Na'o-mi!  But Na'o-mi is even happier when Ruth and Bo'az have their first son, named O'bed.  Later O'bed becomes the grandfather of David, about whom we will learn a lot later on.

The Bible book of Ruth. 

Next time: Gideon and His 300 Men

From the jw.org publications

Ruth and Naomi

IN THE BIBLE you will find a book called Ruth.  It is a story about a family that lived during the time when Israel had judges.  Ruth is a young woman from the land of Mo'ab; she does not belong to God's nation of Israel.  But when Ruth learns about the true God Jehovah, she comes to love him very much.  Na'o-mi is an older woman who helped Ruth to learn about Jehovah. 

Na'o-mi is an Israelite woman. She and her Israelite husband had two sons in the land of Mo'ab at the time when there was little food to eat in Israel.  Then one day Na'o-mi's husband died. Later Na'o-mi's sons married two Mo'ab girls named Ruth and Or'pah.  But after 10 years, Na'o-mi's two sons died. How sad Na'o-mi  and the two girls were!  What would Na'o-mi do now?

One day Na'o-mi decides to make the long trip back home to her people. Ruth and Or'pah want to stay with her, and they go along too.  But they have traveled awhile on the road, Na'o-mi  turns to the girls and says:  'Go back home and stay with your mothers.'


Na'o-mi kisses the girls good-bye.  At that they start to cry, because they love Na'o-mi very much .  They say: 'No!  We will go with you to your people.'  But Na'o-i answers:  'You must go back, my daughters. It will be better for you  at home. '  So Or'pah starts on her way home. But Ruth does not go.

Next time: Conclusion of Ruth and Naomi

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of Two Brave Women

Ba'rak tells Deb'0-rah:  'I will go if you will go with me.' Deb'o-rah goes along, but she says to Ba'rak: 'You won't get credit for the victory, because Jehovah will give Sis'e-ra into the hand of a woman.' And this is what happens. 

Ba'rak goes down from Mount Ta'bor to meet Sis'e-ra soldiers. Suddenly Jehovah causes a flood, and many of the enemy soldiers are drowned. But Sis'e-ra gets off his chariot and runs away.

After awhile Sis'e-ra comes to meet the ten of Ja'el.   She invites him in, and gives him some milk.  This makes him sleepy, and soon he is fast asleep.  Then Ja'el takes ten pin and drives it into the man's head. Later, when Ba'rak comes, she shows him the dead Sis'e-ra!  So you can see what Deb'o-rah said came true.

Judges 2:14-22; 4:1-24; 5:1-31.

Next time:  Ruth and Naomi

From the jw.org publications

Two Brave Women

WHEN the Israelites get into trouble, they cry out to Jehovah.  Jehovah answers them by giving brave leaders to help them.  The Bible  calls these leaders judges.  Joshua was the first judge, and some of the judges after him were named Oth'ni-el, E'hud and Sham'gar.  But two of the people who helped Israel are women named Deb'o-rah and Ja'el. 

Deb'0-rah isa prophetess. Jehovah gives her information about the future, and then she tells the people what Jehovah says. Deb'o-rah is also a judge. She sits under a certain palm tree in the  hill country and people come to her to get help with their problems.

At this time Ja'bin is the king of Ca'naan. He has  900 war chariots.  His army is so strong that many of the Israelites  have been forced to become servants of Ja'bin.  The chief of King Ja'bin's army si named Sis'e-ra. 

One day Deb'o-rah sends for Ba'rak, and tells him:  'Jehovah has said:  "Take 10,000 men and lead them to Mount Ta'bor. There I will bring Sis'e-ra to you. And I will give you victory over him and his army." '

Next time: Conclusion of Two Brave Women

From the jw.org publications 

Conclusion of The Sun Stands Still

Joshua can see that the sun will go down. It will be dark, and many of the soldiers of the five bad kings will get away. So that is why Joshua prays to Jehovah and then says: 'Sun stand still!'  And when the sun keeps shining, the Israelites are able to finish winning the fight.

There are many more bad kings in Ca'naan who hate God's people.  It takes Joshua and his army about six years to defeat 31 kings in the land.  When this is done, Joshua sees to it that the land of Ca'naan is divided out to those tribes yet needing territory.

Many years pass, and Joshua finally dies at 110 years of age. As long as he and his friends are alive, the people obey Jehovah. When these good men die, the people start doing bad things and get into trouble. This is when they really need God's help.

Joshua 10:6-15; 12:7-24; 14:1-5; Judges 2:8-13,

Next time: Two Brave Women

From the jw.org publications

The Sun Stands Still

Joshua is saying: 'Sun stand still!'  And the sun does stand still.  It stays right there in the middle of the sky for a whole day. Jehovah makes it happen!  But let's see why Joshua wants the sun to keep shining.

When the five bad kings in the land of Ca'naan start to fight against the Gib'e-on-ites, , the Gib'e-on-ites send  a man to ask Joshua for help 'Come quickly!' he says.  "Save ys !  all the kings in the hill country have come  up to fight against your servants.'

Right away Joshua and all his fighting men go. All night long they march.  Whey come to Gib'e-on, the soldiers of the five kings are afraid and begin to run away.  Then Jehovah  makes large hailstones fall from the sky, and more soldiers die for being hit by the hailstones than are killed by Joshua's fighting men.

Next time: Conclusion of The Sun Stands Still

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of The WIse Gibeonites

'Why did you tell us that you came from a distant land?' Joshua asks them.

The Gib'e-on-ites answer:  'We did so because we were told that your God Jehovah had promised to give all this land of Ca'naan to you. So we were afraid you would kill us.' But the Israelites keep their promise, and they do not kill the Gib'e-on-ites. Instead they make them their servants. 

The king of Jerusalem is angry because the Gib'e-on-ites have made peace with Israel. So he says to four other kings:  'Come and help me fight Gib'e-on. And that is what these five kings do.  Were the Gib'e-on-ites wise to make peace with Israel, which  now causes these kings to come fight against them?  We will see.

Joshua 9:1-27; 10:1-5.

Next time: The Sun Stands Still

From the jw.org publications

The Wise Gibeonites

MANY of the cities in Ca'naan get ready to fight against Israel. They think that they can win. But the people in the nearby city of Gib'eon do think so. They believe that God is helping the Israelites, and they do not want to fight against God. So do you know what the Gib'e-on-ites do?

They decide to make it look as if they live somewhere very far away.  So some of the men put on ragged clothes and worn-out sandals.  They load their donkeys with worn-out sacks, and take some old dry bread.  Then they go to Joshua and say: 'We have come from a very distant land, because we heard about your great God, Jehovah. We heard all the things he did for you in Egypt. So our leaders told us to get some food ready for a trip to go and say to you:  "We are your servants. Promise that you will not make war with us."  You can see  that our clothes are worn out from the long trip and that our bread had become old and dry .'

Joshua and the other leaders believe the Gib'e-on-ites. So they promise not to fight against them. But three days later they learn that the Gib'e-on-ites  really live nearby. 

Next time: Conclusion of The Wise Gibeonites

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of A Thief in Israel

Jehovah answers:  'Get up! Israel has sinned.  They have taken some things that were to be destroyed or to be given to Jehovah's tabernacle.  The stole a beautiful robe and kept it secret.  I will not bless you until you destroy it, and the one who has taken these things.'  Jehovah says that he will show Joshua who the bad  man is.

So Joshua gathers all the people together, and Jehovah picks out the bad man A'chan. A'chan says:  'I have sinned. I saw a beautiful robe, and the bar of gold and the silver pieces. I wanted them so much that I took them. You will them inside my tent.'

When these things are found and brought to Joshua, he says to A'chan:  'Why have you brought trouble on us?  Now Jehovah will bring trouble on you? At that all the people  stone A'chan and his family to death.  Doesn't that show that we should never take things that do not belong to us?

Afterward Israel goes out to fight against A'i again.  This time Jehovah helps his people , and they win the battle.

Joshua 7:1-26; 8:1-29.

Next time: The Wise Gibeonites

From the jw.org publications 

A Thief in Israel

There is a man burying something in his tent! what is it? It is a beautiful robe, and a gold bar and some pieces of silver.  He has taken them from the city of Jer'i-cho. But what should have been done with the things in Jer'i-cho?  Do you remember? 

They were supposed to have been destroyed, and the gold and silver were have been given to the treasury of Jehovah's tabernacle. So these people have disobeyed God.  They have stolen what belongs to God. The man's name is A'chan, and those with him are part of his family. Let's see what happens.

After A'chan steals these things, Joshua sends out some men to fight against the city of A'i. But they are beaten in battle. Some are killed, and the rest run away. Joshua is very sad.  He lies down with his face to the ground and prays to Jehovah. 'Why did you let this happen to us? 

Next time: Conclusion of A Thief in Israel

From the jw.org publications

The Walls of Jericho

WHAT'S making these walls of Jer'i-cho fall?  It is as if a big bomb has hit them. But in those days they didn't have bombs; they didn't even have guns. It is another miracle of Jehovah!  Let's learn how it happened.

Listen to what Jehovah tells Joshua:  'You and your fighting men are to march around the city. March around it each day for six days. Carry the ark of covenant with you. Seven priests should walk ahead of it and blow their horns.

On the seventh day you should march around the city seven times. Then give a long sound on the horns, and have everyone shout with a great war cry. And the walls falls fall down flat!'

Joshua and the people do what Jehovah says. While they  march everyone is silent. No one speaks a word. All that can be heard is the sound of the horns and the marching feet. The enemies of God's people in Jer'i-cho must have been afraid. Imagine the red cord that is hanging from a window?  What window is that?  Yes, Ra'hab has done what the two spies told her to do. All her family are inside watching with her.

Finally, on the seventh day,  after marching around the city seven times, the horns sound, the fighting men shout, and the walls fall.

Then Joshua says:  'Kill everyone in the city and burn it.  Burn everything. Save only the silver, gold, copper and iron, and them them to the treasure of Jehovah's tent.'

To the two spies, Joshua says: 'Go into the house of Ra'hab, and bring her and all her family out. '  Ra'hab and her family are saved, just as the spies had promised her. 

Joshua 6:1-25.

Next time: A Thief in Israel

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of Crossing the Jordan River

The priests who are carrying the ark of the covenant go right out into the middle of the dry river.  Can you imagine them in the river. As they stand there, all the Israelites walk across the Jordan River on dry land!

When everyone has dong across, Jehovah has Joshua tell 12 strong men: 'Go into the river where the priests are standing with the ark of the covenant. Pick up 12 stones, and stack them where you all stay tonight.  Then, in the future, when your children ask what these stones mean, you should tell them that the waters stopped  running when Jehovah's ark of the covenant crossed the Jordan.  The stones will remind you  of this miracle!'  Joshua also sets  up 12 stones where the priests had stood in the riverbed.

At last Joshua tells the priests carrying the ark of the covenant:  'Go up out of the Jordan.' And as soon as they do, the river begins running once more.

Joshua 3:1-17; 4:1-18.

Next time: The Walls of Jericho

From the jw.org publications

Crossing the Jordan River

The second blog that I typed out yesterday, I thought I published it. It was suppose to be for yesterday. I am so sorry.  My age is showing its fangs again.


LOOK! the Israelites are crossing the Jordan River!  But where is the water? Because lots of rain falls at that time of year, the river was very full just a few minutes  before. But now the water is all gone!  And the Israelites are going across on dry land just as they did at the Red Sea!  Where did all the water go? Let's see.

When the time came for the Israelites to cross the Jordan River, this is what Jehovah and Joshua tell the people:  'The priest should take the ark of the covenant  and go ahead of us.  When they put their feet into the waters of the Jordan River, then the waters stop running.'

So the priests pick up the ark of the covenant, and carry it ahead of the people.  When they come to the Jordan, the priest step right into the water. It is running  very strong and deep. But as soon as their feet touch the water, the water begins to stop running!  It is a miracle!  Upstream Jehovah has dammed up the waters.  So, soon there is  no more water in the river!

Next time: Conclusion of Crossing the Jordan River

From the jw.org publications

Rahab Hides the Spies

THESE men are in trouble. They must get away, or they will be killed. They are Israelite spies, and he woman helping them is Ra'hab.  Ra'hab lives here in a house on the wall of the city of Jer'i-cho.  Let's find out why these men are in trouble.

The Israelites are ready to cross the Jordan River into the land of Ca'naan. But before they do, Joshua sends out the two spies.  He tells them:  'Go take a look at the land and the city of Jericho.

When the spies come to Jer'i-cho, the go to the house of Ra'hab. But somebody tells the king of Jer'i-cho:  'Two Israelites came in here tonight to spy out the land.'  When he hears this, the kind sends men  to Ra'hab, and they command here: 'The men  that you have in your house, bring them out!  But Ra'hab has hidden the spies on her roof. So she says: 'Some men did come to my house, but I don't know where they were from. They just left as it was getting dark, before the city gate was closed. If you hurry, you can catch them!  And the men go chasing after them.

After they leave, Ra'hab hurries up to the roof.  'I know that Jehovah will give you this land,' she tells the spies.  'We heard how he died up the Red Sea when you were leaving Egypt, and how you killed the kings Si'hon and Og. I have been kind to you, so promise me, please, that you will be kind to me. Save my father and mother. and my brothers and sisters.'

The spies promise that they will, but Ra'hab must do something.'  Take this red cord and tie it in your window,' The spies say, 'and gather all your relatives into your house with you. And when we all return to  take Jer'i-cho, we will see this cord in your window and will not kill anyone in your house.'When the spies go back to Joshua, they tell him everything that happened. 

Joshua 2:1-24; Hebrews 11:31.

Next time:Crossing the Jordan River

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of Joshua Becomes Leader

Then Jehovah tells Joshua:  'Be strong, and do not be afraid. You will lead the Israelites into the land of Ca'naan that I have promised them, and I will be with you.

Later Jehovah tells Moses to climb high up to the top of Mount Ne'bo.  From up there Moses can look  across the Jordan River and see the beautiful land of Ca'naan. Jehovah says:  'This is the land that I promised to give to the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  I have let you see it, but I will not let you go into it.'

There on top of Mount Ne'bo Moses dies. He was 120 years of age. He was still strong, and his eyesight was still good.  The people are very sad and cry because Moses is dead.  But they are still happy to have Joshua as their new leader.

Numbers 27:12-23; Deuteronomy 3:23-29; 31:1-8, 14-23; 32:45-52; 34:1-12. 

Next time: Rahab Hides the Spies

From the jw.org publications

Joshua Becomes Leader

MOSES wants to go into Ca'naan with the Israelites. So he asks: 'Let me cross the Jordan River, Jehovah and see the good land.'  But Jehovah says:  'That's enough!  Don't mention this again!' Do you know why Jehovah said that?

It is because of what happened when Moses struck the rock. Remember, he and Aaron did not honor Jehovah.  They didn't tell the people that it was Jehovah who was bringing water from the rock. For this reason Jehovah said that he would not let them go into Ca'naan. 

So a few months after Aaron dies, Jehovah tells Moses:  'Take Joshua, and stand in front of E-le-a'zar the priest and the people. And there before them all, tell everybody that Joshua is the new leader.' Moses did just what Jehovah. 

Next time: Conclusion of Joshua Becomes Leader

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of A Donkey Talks

'You have made me look like a fool,' Ba'laam says.  'If I had a sword I would kill you!'

Have I treated you like this before?' the donkey asks.

'No,' Ba'laam answers. 

Then Jehovah lets Ba'laam see the angle with the sword standing on the road.'  The angel says:  'Why have you beaten your donkey?  I have come to block your way, because you should not be going to curse Israel. If  your donkey has not turned away from me, I would have struck you dead, but I would not have hurt your donkey.'

Ba'laam says:  'I have sinned. I did not know you were standing on the road.'  The angel lets Ba'laam go, and Ba'laam goes on to see Ba'lak.  He still tries to curse Israel, but, instead, Jehovah makes him bless Israel three times. 

Numbers  21:21-35; 22:1-40' 23:1-30; 24:1-25.

Next time: Joshua Becomes Leader

From the jw.org publications

A Donkey Talks

HAVE you ever heard of a donkey talking? 'No,' you may say.  'Animals don't talk.' But the Bible tells about a donkey that did.  Let's see how that happened.

The Israelites are almost ready to go into the land of Ca'naan. Ba'lak, the king of Moab, is afraid of the Israelites. So he sends for a smart  man named Ba'laam to come down to curse the Israelites. Ba'lak promises to give Ba'laam a lot of money, so Ba'laam gets on his donkey and starts on his way to see Ba'lak.

Jehovah does not want Ba'laam to curse His people. So he sends an angel with a long sword to stand in the road to stop Ba'laam. So Ba'laam can't see the angel, but his donkey does.  So the donkey keeps trying to turn away from the angel, and finally just lays down on the road. Ba'laam is very angry, and beats his donkey with a stick.

Then Jehovah causes Ba'laam to hear his donkey speak to him. 'What have I done to you so that you should beat me?' asks the donkey.

Note: The only talking donkey I ever heard of  besides this one, was an ex-husband who acted like an ass,(a bit of humor here.) and,  by the way, this word is in the Bible and is allowed, because these are God's Words.  


Next time: Conclusion of A Donkey Talks

From the jw.org publications 

Conclusion of The Copper Serpent

So Moses prays for the people.  And Jehovah tells Moses to make this copper snake. He says to put it on a pole, and that anyone who is bitten should look at it. Moses does just what God says. And the people who were bitten look at the copper snake and they get well again. 

There is a lesson to learn from this. All of us are, in a way, like those Israelites who were bitten by the snakes. We are all in a dying condition. Look around, and you will see that people grow old, get sick, and die.  This is because the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, turned away from Jehovah, and we are all their children.  But Jehovah has made a way so we can live forever.

Jehovah sends his Son, Jesus Christ, to earth. Jesus was hung on a stake (not cross), because many people thought he was bad.  But Jehovah gave Jesus to save us.  If we look to him, as we should, if we follow him, as we should have been doing, then we have everlasting life.  But we will learn more about this later.

Note: Those people who hung him were jealous of him. He was better than any of us sinful imperfect people. He was perfect. He had more good qualities than any of us could ever wish to have or have in any way what so ever.   He can be a true rock of comfort, guidance, protection etc, anytime, just call on him. Sometimes, you don't even have to call on him when you are so down and out. He will come and comfort you in His Words/The Bible. I know, he did it for me. 

Next time: A Donkey Talks

From the jw.org publications

The Copper Serpent

There is a snake wrapped around a pole? This snake is made of copper. Jehovah told Moses to put it up on the pole so that people could look at it and keep alive. But the other snakes on the ground are real. They have bitten people and made them sick. Do you know why?

It is because the Israelites have spoken against God and Moses. They complain:  'Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in this wilderness?  There is no food or water here, and we can't stand to eat this manna anymore.'

But the manna is good food.  By a miracle Jehovah has given it to them. And my a miracle he has given them water too. But the people aren't thankful for the way God has taken care of them. So Jehovah sends these poisonous snakes to punish the Israelites. The snakes bite them, and many of them die.

Finally the people come to Moses and say:  'We have sinned, because we have spoken against Jehovah and you. Now pray to Jehovah to take these snakes away.'

Next time: Conclusion of The Copper Serpent

From the jw.org publications

Conclusion of Moses Strikes the Rock

So Moses gathers the people, and says: 'Listen, you who have no trust in God Do Aaron and I have to get water out of this rock for you?' Then Moses strikes the rock twice with a stick, and a great stream of water comes pouring out of the rock. There is enough water for all the people and their animals to drink.

But Jehovah is angry with Moses and Aaron. Do you know why? It is because Moses and Aaron didn't tell the truth about this, Jehovah says that he is going to punish them.  'You will not lead my people into Ca'naan, he says. 

Soon the Israelites leave Ka'desh. After a short while they come to Mount Hor.  Here, up on top of the mountain Aaron dies. He is 123 years of age at the time of his death.  The Israelites are very sad, and so for 30 days, all the people weep for Aaron. His son E-le-a'zar becomes the next high priest of then nation of Israel.

Numbers 20:1-13, 22-29; Deuteronomy  29:5.

Next time: The Copper Serpent

From the jw.org publications

Moses Strikes the Rock

YEAR  after year passes-10 years, 20 years, 30 years, 39 years!  And the Israelites are still in the wilderness.  But all these years Jehovah takes care of his people.  He feeds them with manna. He leads them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire. And all during these years their clothes do not wear out and their feet do not get sore.

It is now the first month of the 40th year since leaving Egypt. The Israelites again camp at Ka'desh.  This is where they were when the 12 spies were sent out to spy the land of Ca'naan nearly 40 years before.  Moses' sister Mir'i-am dies at Ka'desh. And as before, there is trouble here.

The people can't find any water. So they complain to Moses: 'It would have been better if we had died. Why did you bring us out of Egypt into this terrible place where nothing will grow?  There are no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates. There isn't even any water to drink.'

When Moses and Aaron to to the tabernacle to pray, Jehovah tells Moses:  'Gather the people together.  Then  in front of them all speak to that rock over there. Enough water will come out of it for the people and all their animals.

Next time: Conclusion of Moses Strikes the Rock

From the Jw.org publications 

Conclusion of Aaron's Rod Grows Flowers

Ko'rah and his 250 f0llowers are still near the tabernacle.  So Jehovah send fire, and all of them are burned up.  Then Jehovah tells Aaron's son E-le-a'zar to take the fire holders of the dead men and to make a thin covering for the altar with them. This altar covering is to serve as a warning to the Israelites that no one besides Aaron and his sons should act as priests for Jehovah. 

But Jehovah wants to make very clear that it is Aaron and his sons whom he has chosen to be priest. So he tells Moses:'Have a leader of each tribe of Israel bring his rod.  For the tribe of Levi, have Aaron bring his rod. then put each of these rods in the tabernacle in front of the ark of covenant.  The rod of the man that I have chosen as priest will grow flowers.'

When Moses looks the next morning, why, Aaron's rod has these flowers and ripe almonds growing out of it! So you so see now why Jehovah caused Aaron's rod to grow flowers?

Numbers 16:1-49; 17:1-11; 26:10.

Next time: Moses Strikes the Rock

From the jw.org publications 

Continue with Aaron's Rod Grows Flowers

The next day Ko'rah and his 250 followers come to the tabernacle. Many others come along to support these men.   Jehovah is very angry.  'Get away from the tents of these bad men,' Moses says. 'Don't touch anything that belongs to them.'  The people listen, and move away from the tents of Ko'rah, Da'than, and A-bi'ram.  

Then Moses says:  'By this you will know whom Jehovah has choses.  The ground will open up and swallow these men.'

As soon as Moses stops talking, the ground opens.  Ko'rah's tent and belongings and Da'than and A-bi'ram and those with them go down and the ground closes over them.  When the people hear the cries of those falling into the ground, they shout:  'Run! The earth might swallow us too!~'

Note: If these people had kept their faith in Jehovah God, not complained about almost everything, they would not have had to walk in the desert for 40 years. What they went through, was their doing, and I do not blame God for doing what he did. He is our Creator and the biggest and most important boss we all have in this world and what he says is more important than man's words, because look at what's going in this world now! If man could fix anything for good in any way, to last forever, then this world would not be a mess. All these politicians know is lying, deceitfulness, greed, and how to be immoral. They wouldn't know the truth if it bit them in the butt.  You cannot trust them to be honest in anyway. They think they are above the law, man's law and God's. They aren't!

Next time: Conclusion of Aaron's Rod Grows Flowers

From the jw.org publications