KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON DOING GOD'S WILL

This and the last blog are for Saturday's post.

 As the great tribulation draw close, we realize more than ever how urgent it is to obey the command to share in the preaching work.  (Mark 13:10) We may, however, find it difficult to focus on our ministry if we have suffered a financial setback or if we are facing opposition to our preaching work. What can help us to put Kingdom interests first. Remaining confident that "Jehovah of armies" is on our side. He will support us if we continue to put the Kingdo interests ahead of our own. So we have nothing to fear. - Read HAGGAI 2:4.

Consider the example of Oleg and Irina, a married couple who serve as pioneers. After moving to assist a congregation in another area, they lost their source of income because of the worsening economic conditions in their country. Although they were without steady work for about a year, they constantly felt Jehovah's loving support and on occasion received help from their brothers and sisters. How did they cope with uncertainties? Oleg, who at first felt depressed states, "Keeping busy in the ministry helped us to focus on what is most important in life."  While he and his wife continue to look for work, they remained busy in their ministry. 

Next time: KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD'S WILL - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications 

HOW UNCERTAINTIES AFFECTED THE RETURNING JEWS -Conclusion

 Read Zechariah 4:6, 7. In addition to facing economic hardship and political instability the Jews had to deal with persecution. In 522 B.C.E., their enemies succeeded in having a ban placed on the building of Jehovah's temple. But Zechariah assured the Jews that Jehovah would use his powerful spirit to remove any obstacles. In 520 B.C.E., King Darius lifted the ban on the temple work and even provided the Jews with funds and official support. - EZRA 6:1, 6-10.

By means of Haggai and Zechariah, Jehovah promised his people that they would have his backing if they gave priority to rebuilding of the temple. (Haggai 1:8, 13, 14; Zechariah 1:3, 16) Encouraged by the prophets, the repatriated Jews resumed the temple work in 520 B.C. E.  and finished rebuilding it in less than five years. Because the Jews gave priority to doing God's will despite uncertainties, they received Jehovah's support not only materially but also spiritually. As a result, the worshipped Jehovah with Joy. - EZRA 6:14-16, 22. 

Next time: KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD'S WILL

From the jw.org publications

 

HOW UNCERTAINTIES AFFECTED THE RETURNING JEWS

When the returning Jews arrived in Jerusalem, they had much work to do. They quickly rebuilt Jehovah's altar and laid the foundation of the temple. (Ezra 3:1-3) But their initial enthusiasm soon waned. Why? In addition to the temple work, they had to build houses for themselves, plant fields, and feed their families. (Ezra 2:68:70) Moreover, they faced opposition from their enemies, who plotted to stop the temple rebuilding work. - EZRA 4:1-5. 

The returning exiles were also affected by unstable economic and political conditions.  Their land was now a part of the Persian Empire. After Persian King Cyrus died in 530 B.C.E., his successor Cambyses, embarked on a military campaign to conquer Egypt. While heading for Egypt, his soldiers likely demanded food, water, and shelter from the Israelites, which caused them further hardship.  The early reign of Cambyses' successor, Darius I, was marked by revolts and political instability.  These conditions no doubt caused many of the returned exiles to worry about how they would provide for their family.  Because of all the uncertainty they faced, some Jews felt that it was not the right time to build Jehovah's temple. - HAGGAI 1:2. 

Next time: HOW UNCERTAINTIES AFFECTED THE RETURNING JEWS -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

The Days of Haggai, Zechariah, and Ezra

 ALL DATES B.C.E.

537: First group of Jewish exiles returns to Jerusalem

520: Haggai and Zechariah prophesy in Jerusalem

515: Temple completed

484: Esther intervenes after Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) degrees the extermination of the Jews

468:  Ezra and a second group of exiles travel to Jerusalem

455: Jerusalem's walls completed

Just as the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah helped God's people in the past to continue to trust in Jehovah during opposition, they can help us today to remain confident in Jehovah's support despite life's uncertainties. (Read Proverbs 22:19) As we consider God's message delivered by Haggai and Zechariah and examine the example of Ezra, we will answer these questions:  How were the returning Jews affected by life's uncertainties? Why should we keep our focus on God's will during uncertain times?  And how can we build our confidence in Jehovah in times of crisis? 

Next time: HOW UNCERTAINTIES AFFECTED THE RETURNING JEWS

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You Can Remain Confident During Uncertain Times

 "Be strong, . . . for I am with you,' declares Jehovah of armies." - HAGGAI 2:4.

DO YOU at times worry about the future? Perhaps you have lost your job and you worry about providing for your family. You may be concerned about your family's safety because of unstable political conditions, persecution, or opposition to the preaching work. Are you facing any of these issues?  If so, you will benefit from considering how Jehovah helped the ancient Israelites when they were confronted with similar problems. 

It took faith on the part of the Jews who had lived in Babylon all their lives to leave behind a comfortable lifestyle and travel to a country that most of them knew very little about. When they arrived, it was not long before they were affected by unstable economic and political conditions as well as opposition. Some therefore found it hard to focus on rebuilding Jehovah's temple. Thus, about 520 B.C.E., Jehovah commissioned two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to rekindle the people's zeal.  (Haggai 1:1; Zechariah 1:1) As we will see, the encouragement given by these prophets proved to be very effective. Nearly 50 years later, however, the returning Jews again reached a low point. Ezra, a skilled copyist of the Law, then came from Babylon to Jerusalem to encourage God's people to give priority to true worship. - EZRA 7:1, 6. 

Next time: The Days of Haggai, Zechariah, and Ezra

From the jw.org publications

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB -Conclusion

 "Very Tender in Affection"

Jehovah was very tender in affection and merciful" with Job. (James 5:11) How so? Jehovah restored Job to health. Imagine how Job felt when he realized that his flesh had, indeed become "fresher than youth" as Elihu had foretold!  His family and friends rallied around him at last, extending sympathy and gifts. Jehovah restored Job's wealth, giving him twice the possessions he had before. and what of the deepest wounds-the loss of his children? Job and his wife felt a measure of comfort in become parents to ten more children! And Jehovah miraculously extended Job's life. Job lived for 140 more years, long enough to see four generations of his descendants thriving. "Finally," we read, "Job died, of a long and satisfying life." (Job 42:10-17) And in Paradise, Job and  his dear wife will be united with their family, including the ten children Satan took from them.  - JOB 5:28. 29. 

Why did Jehovah reward Job so richly? The Bible answers: "You have heard of the endurance of job." (James 5:11) Job endured more hardships than most of us can even imagine.  The word "endurance" tells us that Job did more than survive those trials. He endured them with his faith and love for Jehovah intact. Rather than turning hard and bitter, he remained willing to forgive even those who had deliberately hurt him. And he never let go of his precious hope or his own prized possession, his integrity.  - JOB27:5.

Each of us needs to endure. We can be sure that Satan will try to discourage us as his Job. But if we endure in faith, remaining humble, willing to forgive others, and determined to protect our integrity, we too may hold our precious hope.  (Hebrews 10:36) Nothing would frustrate Satan more or delight the loving heart of Jehovah more than if we were to imitate the faith of Job!

Next time: You Can Remain Confident During Uncertain Times

From the jw.org publications

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB -Continue

 "You Have Not Spoken the Truth About Me"

Jehovah now took action to comfort Job in his pain. Addressing Eliphaz, evidently the eldest of the three false comforters, Jehovah said: "My anger burns against you and your two companions, for you have not spoken the truth about me as my servant Job has." (Job 42:7) Think about those words. Was Jehovah saying that everything those three men had said was false or that every word that Job had uttered was correct? Of course not.  However, there was a vast difference between Job and his accusers. Job was brokenhearted, racked with grief, and stung by false accusations. Thus, it is understandable that he would speak rashly at times. However, Eliphaz and his two friends did not bear such burdens. Weak in their own faith, they spoke deliberately and arrogantly.  Not only did they attack an innocent man, but worse they misrepresented Jehovah himself, in effect painting him as a harsh, even wicked God.

 Little wonder, then, that Jehovah demanded a price from those men. They had to sacrifice seven bull and seven rams-no small matter, for the bull was designated in the Mosaic Law as the sacrifice that the high priest would have to offer if his sin brought guilt on the whole nation. (Leviticus 4:3) It was the costliest of the animals offered as a sacrifice under that Law. What is more, Jehovah said that he would accept the offering of Job's accusers only if Job first prayed in their behalf. (Job 42:8) How it must have soothed Job's heart to be vindicated by his God and see Jehovah's justice prevail!

Jehovah was confident that Job would do as he asked him to, forgiving those men who had hurt him so deeply. And Job did not disappoint his Father.  (Job 42:9) His obedience was the greatest proof of his integrity, far more powerful that words. And it paved the way for the greatest blessing of Job's life. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - Conclusion -"Very Tender in Affection"

From the jw.org publications

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB -Conclusion

 Teaching About Humility and Love

What was the point of all of this? Job urgently needed a dose of humility. By complaining of what the thought was mistreatment at Jehovah's hand, Job was only increasing his own pain, distancing himself from his loving Father. So Jehovah asked again and again where Job was when such marvel came into existence and whether Job could feed, control, or tame the creatures he had made. If Job could not master even the basic elements of Jehovah's creation, could presume to judge the Creator? Were not Jehovah's ways and thoughts far beyond the scope of Job's limited view? 

In all that Jehovah said, there was also a strong undercurrent of love. It is as though Jehovah were reasoning with Job: "My son, If I can create and care for all of these things, do you really think that I would fail to care for you? Would I really abandon you, rob you of your children, your security, your health? Am I not the only Oe who can restore your losses and heal your terrible pain.' 

Job spoke only twice in answer to Jehovah's probing questions.  He did not argue, justify himself, or make excuses. He humbly acknowledged how little he really knew, and he repented of his rash words. (Job 40:4, 5; 42:1-6) Here we see Job's faith in the finest light. After all that he had endured, he remained a man of great faith. He accepted Jehovah's correction and took it to heart.  We may thus be moved to ask ourselves a probing question, 'Am I humble enough to accept correction and counsel? We all need such help. When we accept it, we are imitating the faith of Job. 

Next time: "You Have Not Spoken the Truth About Me

From the jw.org publications

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - Continue

 "Out of the Windstorm"

Jehovah knew Job's pain. And he felt pity for the man, as he always does when his beloved children suffer. (Isaiah 63:9; Zechariah 2:8) But he knew, too, that Job had been "speaking without knowledge," making his own problems worse. So Jehovah corrected Job by questioning him extensively. "Where were you," he began, "when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you think you understand."  At the dawn of creation, "the morning stars," God's family of angels, shouted in applause over the wonders of creation.  (Job 38:2, 4) Job, of course, knew nothing of this. 

Jehovah went on to speak of his creative works. In a sense he gave Job a brief tour of what humans today might call the natural sciences, touching on subjects as astronomy, biology geology, and physics. In particular, Jehovah described a number of animals then found in Job's part of the world-the lion, the raven, the mountain goat, the wild donkey, the wild bull, the ostrich, the horse, the falcon, the eagle, Behemoth (evidently the hippopotamus), and finally Leviathan (likely the crocodile). Imagine the privilege of attending a lecture about the natural world delivered by the Creator of the universe!

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - Continue

From the jw.org publications

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - Continue

 "Out of the Windstorm"

As Elihu spoke, he often mentioned wind, clouds, thunder, and lightning. He said of Jehovah: "Listen carefully to the rumbling of his voice." Moments later Elihu referred to a "storm wind." (Job 37:2, 9) It seems that as he spoke, a storm was brewing, growing steadily more intense. Finally, it was an all-out windstorm.  And then something more dramatic happened. Jehovah spoke! - JOB 38:1.

When reading the book of Job, it is a wonderful relief to come to these marvelous chapters containing Jehovah's speech to Job.  It is as if a windstorm of truth were blowing away all the empty speeches, all the false words of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Jehovah did not even address those men until later. His focus was on Job alone; He firmly addressed his beloved servant as father would correct a son.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - "Out of the Windstorm - Continue

From the jw.org publications 

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB Continue

 Elihu Highlights Jehovah's Kindness

Above all, Elihu spoke in defense of Jehovah God.  Powerfully he summarized a profound truth: "It is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly, for the Almighty to do wrong! . . . The Almighty does not pervert justice." (Job 34:10, 11) As an example of Jehovah's merciful justice, Elihu reminded Job that Jehovah had not stepped in and punished Job for uttering rash and disrespect words. (Job 35:13-15) And rather than pretending to have all the answers, Elihu humbly acknowledged: "God is greater than we can know." - JOB 36:26. 

Though his counsel was frank, Elihu remained kind. He spoke of a wonderful hope, that Jehovah would one day restore Job's health. God would say of his loyal servant: "Let his flesh become fresher than in his youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor." Another instance of Elihu's kindness: Instead of simply lecturing Job, he kindly invited Job to speak, to answer him. "Speak," he said, "for I want to prove you right." (Job 35:25, 32) But Job did not answer. Perhaps he felt no need to defend himself again such kind, encouraging counsel. Perhaps he wept in relief.

We can learn a great deal from both of these faithful men. From Elihu we learn how to counsel and comfort those in need. A true friend will not hold back from pointing out a serious fault or dangerous course of action. (Proverbs 27:6) We want to be a friend like that, remaining kind and encouraging to those in need, even when they speak rashly. And when we counsel instead of dismissing it. All of us need counsel and correction. Accepting it can save our life. - PROVERBS 4:13. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB -"Out of the Windstorm" - Continue

From the jw.org publications   

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 A Wise and Kind Counselor

"I am young," he said, "and you men are aged. So I respectfully held back, and I dared not tell you what I know." But he could longer keep silent. He went on: "Age along does not make one wise, nor is it the only men who understand what is right. (Job 32:6, 9) Elihu then spoke at length, proving those words true. He took a very different approach from that of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Elihu reassured Job that he would not talk down to him or add to his pressures. He also dignified Job, addressing him by name and acknowledging that he had been treated with derision.  Respectfully, he said: "Now, Job, please hear my words." - JOB 33:1, 7; 34:7. 

Elihu offered Job some frank counsel: "You said in my hearing, . . .'I am pure, without transgression; I am clean, without error. But God finds reasons to oppose me."' Elihu went right to the heart of the problem, asking: "Are you so convinced that you are right that you would say, 'I am more righteous than God'?" He could not allow such reasoning to pass. "You ware not right in saying this," The young man said. (Job 33:8-12; 35:2) Elihu knew that Job was filled with anger over his terrible losses and his mistreatment at the hands of his false friends. But Elihu cautioned Job: "Take care that rage does not lead you into spitefulness." - JOB 36:18.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB -Elihu Highlights Jehovah's Kindness - Continue

From the jw.org publications

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 A Wise and Kind Counselor

The account of Job next reveals a surprise. There was another person nearby, a younger man named Elihu. He had been there all along, silently listening to the older men debating. And he was not happy at all with what he had heard,

Elihu was upset with Job. It pained him to see righteous Job to allow himself to be goaded into "trying to prove himself right rather than God." Yet, Elihu truly felt sympathy for Job-he could see the man's pain, his sincerity, and his desperate need for kind counsel and comfort. No wonder Elihu ran out of patience with the false comforters!  He had heard them attacking Jo, trying to undermine his faith, his dignity, and his integrity. Worse still, their twisted words declared God himself wicked. Elihu was fairly bursting with the urge to speak! - JOB 32:2-4, 18.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - A Wise and Kind Counselor - Continue

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 Jehovah Healed His Pain

At last, the small group of men fell silent. Perhaps the only sound left was the whisper of a warm wind from the Arabian desert. Job had run out of words, exhausted after a long debate. Picture him glaring at his three acquaintances, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar-almost daring them to continue. But they could only look down or away, frustrated from their clever arguments, their "blustery" words, and their hurtful insinuations had failed. (Job 16:3) If anything, Job was more determined than ever to defend his integrity. 

Job may have felt that integrity was all he had left. He had lost his wealth, all ten of his children, the support and respect of his friends and neighbors, and finally his own health. His skin was blackened with disease, encrusted with scabs, crawling with maggots. Even his breath was foul. (Job 7:5; 19:17; 30:30) Yet, the attacks of those three men had stirred up in Job a fierce indignation. He was bent on proving that he was not the corrupt sinner they said he was. Job's final speech had just silenced them. Their torrent of cruel words had finally run dry. However, Job's pain remained. He still needed help-desperately!

Job's thinking, understandably, was out of balance. He needed guidance and correction. He also needed genuine consolation and comfort, the very things that his three acquaintances should have provided but did not. Have  you ever felt in dire need of guidance and comfort? Have you ever been let down by people that you thought were your friends? Learning how Jehovah God helped his servant Job and how Job responded mat fill you with hope and give you practical help.

Next time:  IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB -A Wise and Kind Counselor -Continue

From the jw.org publications

Outdated or Ahead of Its Time? / SCIENCE

 Timing of circumcision.

God's Law stipulates that a male child should be circumcised on the eighth day of life. (Leviticus 12:3) In newborn babies, the blood's ability to clot is understood to reach normal levels after the first week. In Bible times, before advanced medical treatments were available, waiting for over a week before circumcision was a wise protection.

The link between emotional health and physical.

Medical researchers and scientists say that positive emotions such as joy, hope, gratitude and a willingness to forgive have some beneficial effects on health. The Bible say:   "a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit saps one's strength." - PROVERBS 17:22.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - Jehovah Healed His Pain

From the jw.org publications

Outdated or Ahead of Its Time? /SCIENCE

 MEDICINE

THE BIBLE, ALTHOUGH NOT A MEDICAL TEXTBOOK, CONTAINS SOME PRINCIPLES THAT REFLECT ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE OF HEALTH.

Isolating sick people.

The Mosaic Law prescribed keeping people with leprosy separate from others. Not until the plagues of the Middle Ages did medical doctors learn to apply this principle, which is still deemed effective. - LEVITICUS, chapters 13 and 14. 

Washing after touching a dead body.

 

Until late in the 19th century, physicians often worked on corpses and then on living patients-without washing their hands in between. That practice caused many deaths. Yet, the Mosaic Law stated that anyone who touched a dead body was ceremonially unclean. It even directed that water be used for ceremonial cleansing in such cases, those religious practices surely had health benefits as well. - NUMBERS 19:11, 19.

Waste disposal.

Each year, over half a million children die of diarrhea largely because of exposure to human waste that is not disposed of properly. The Mosaic Law said that human waste should be buried, disposed of away from human habitation. - DEUTERONOMY 23:13. 

Next time: Outdated or Ahead of Its Time? / SCIENCE - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

 

Outdated or Ahead of Its Time? / SCIENCE

 Are the physical heavens subject to decay?

Greek scientist Aristotle, of the fourth century B.C.E., taught that decay happens only on the earth, while the starry heavens could never change or decay. That view prevailed for many centuries. But in the 19th century, scientists formulated the concept of entropy. It suggests that all matter, whether heavenly or earthly, tends to decay. One of the scientists who helped to advance the concept, Lord Kelvin, noted that the Bible says about heaven and earth: "Just like a garment they will all wear out."  (Psalm 102:25, 26) Kelvin believed, as the Bible teaches, that God could choose to prevent such decay from destroying His creations. - ECCLESIASTES 1:4. 

What holds up planets such as our earth? 

Aristotle taught that all heavenly bodies were encased in crystalline spheres, each one nested tightly within the next, with earth innermost. By the 18th century C.E., scientists were accepting the idea that stars and planets might hang in a void.  But in the book of Job, of the 15th century B.C.E., we read that the Creator is "suspending the earth upon nothing." - JOB 26:7. 

Next time: Outdated or Ahead of Its Time? / Science - Continue

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Outdated or Ahead of Its Time? / SCIENCE

 THE BIBLE IS NOT A SCIENCE TEXTBOOK, YET IT CONTAINS STATEMENTS THAT WERE WAY AHEAD OF ITS TIME, CONSIDER A FEW EXAMPLES.

Did the physical universe have a beginning?

Leading scientists once felt strongly that the answer was no. Now they generally accept that there was a beginning to the universe. The Bible said that clearly all along. - GENESIS 1:1.

What is the shape of the earth?

In ancient times, many people thought that the earth was flat.  In the fifth century B.C.E., Greek scientists thought it was a sphere. But long before that-in the eighth century B.C.E-the Bible writer Isaiah referred to "the circle of the earth," using a word that may also be rendered "sphere." -  ISAIAH 40:22. footnote. 

Next time: Outdated or Ahead of Its Time? / SCIENCE

From the jw.org publications

Questions From Readers

 Who were the temple police? What were their duties?

One of the many duties cared for by nonpriestly members of the tribe of Levi was that of forming what may be likened to a police force. This was under the direction of the captain of the temple. Jewish writer Philo describes the duties of these officers:  '"Some of these [Levites] are stationed at the doors as gatekeepers at the very entrances some within [the temple area] in front of the sanctuary to prevent any unlawful person from setting foot thereon, either intentionally or unintentionally.  Some patrol around it by turn by turn in relays by appointment night and day, keeping watch.

This police force was at the disposal of the Sanhedrin. It was the only Jewish armed corps that the Romans permitted. 

According to scholar Joachim Jesus' words of reproach uttered at his arrest that day after day he was in the Temple teaching and was not taken.  (Matthew 26:55), become most clearly understood if it was the Temple police who came to arrest him." The same writer believed that those sent to arrest Jesus on a previous occasion were also temple policemen.  (John 7:32, 45, 46) Officers with their captain were later dispatched to bring Jesus' disciples before the Sanhedrin and were likely involved when the apostle Paul was dragged out of the temple. - ACTS 4:1-3; 5:17-27; 21:27-30. 

Next time: Outdated or Ahead of Its Time?/SCIENCE

From the jw.org publications

Did You Know?

 There is additional evidence from southern Egypt. A papyrus dated to the Middle Kingdom (c.2000-c. 1600 B.C.E.) contains name of slaves who worked in a household in southern Egypt. More than 40 of those names are Semitic. These slaves, or servants, worked as cooks, weavers, and laborers. Hoffmeier observes: " Since  over forty Semitic were attached to this single estate in the Thebaid [southern Egypt], the number across Egypt, especially in the Delta, was likely considerable." 

Archaeologist David Rohl writes that some of the names of the slaves on the list "leap straight out of the pages of the Bible." For instance, the fragments contain names that are similar to such names as Issachar, Asher, and Shiphrah.  (Exodus 1:3, 4, 15) "This is real evidence for the time when the Israelites were in Egypt as slaves," conclude Rohl. 

Dr. Bimson states: "The Biblical traditions of the bondage in Egypt and of the Exodus have a firm historical basis." 

Next time: Questions From Readers/Who were the Jewish temple police? What were their duities?

From the jw.org publications

Did You Know?

 What evidence exists outside the Bible that the Israelites were slaves in Egypt? 

 The Bible reports that after the Midianites took Joseph to Egypt, the patriarch Jacob and his family moved from Canaan to Egypt. They settled in the region of Egypt called Goshen, in the Nile Delta. (Genesis 47:1, 6) The Israelites "kept on multiplying and growing mightier."  So the Egyptians grew fearful of the Israelites and forced them into slavery. - EXODUS 2:7-14. 

Some modern critics have mocked the Bible account, calling it a myth. Still, evidence does exist that Semites lived as slaves in ancient Egypt.

For instance, archaeologists have unearthed ancient settlements in northern Egypt. Dr. John Bimson reports that there is evidence of 20 or more Semitic settlements in that area of northern Egypt. Moreover, Egyptologist James K. Hoffmeier says:  "For a period roughly from 1800 to 1540 B.C., Egypt was an attractive place for the Semitic-speaking people of western Asia to migrate."  He adds: "This span of time coincides with the traditional 'Patriarch Period' and therefore fits the period, and circumstances describe in Genesis." 

Next time: Did You Know?/What evidence outside the Bible that the Israelites were slaves in Egypt? - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications 

Bible Questions Answered

What makes marriage last?

Married couples can stay together if they love each other.  God teaches us how to love, He and his Son, Jesus, are perfect examples of self-sacrificing love. - Read 1 JOHN 4:7, 8, 19. 

When husbands and wives respect marriage as an arrangement by God, they will stay together. God created marriage to be a permanent union between a man and a woman so that families would be secure. Marriage can last because God made men and women to complement each other physically and emotionally. He also made them in his image, with the ability to imitate his love. - Read GENESIS 1:27; 2:18, 24.

Next time: Did You Know?/What Evidence exists outside the Bible that the Israelites were slaves in Egypt?

From the jw.org publications

Bible Questions Answered/Can Marriage Be Happy?

 How can marriage be happy? 

The Bible's advice on building a happy marriage works because it comes from the Originator of marriage, Jehovah God. It teaches us to build personal qualities that can make marriage happy and warns about attitudes that can ruin marriage. It also teaches communication skills that enhance happiness in marriage. - Read COLOSSIANS 3:8-10, 12-14.

Husbands and wives should honor and respect each other. When both accept the roles that God has assigned them in marriage, they can be happy. - Read COLOSSIANS 3:18, 19.

Next time: What Makes a Marriage Last?

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God Can Feel Hurt - How We Can Bring Him Joy - Conclusion

 Do you remember the snake, or serpent that spoke to Eve? Just as a person can make a puppet appear to speak, some one made a puppet appear to speak, someone made that snake to speak. Whose voice as coming from the serpent? It was the voice of the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan." 

Do you know how you can make Jehovah happy?-You can do so by always trying to please him. Satan says he can everyone to do what he wants them to do. So Jehovah urges us: "Be wise, my son [or daughter], and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me." Satan taunts, or mocks, Jehovah. He says that he can turn everyone away from serving Him. So make Jehovah happy by obeying him and serving him! Will you try hard to do that?  

Next time: Bible Questions Answered/Can Marriage be Happy?

From the jw.org publications

God Can Feel Hurt - How We Can Bring Him Joy - Continue

 The angel caused a snake, or serpent, to appear to speak. Eve like what she heard-the serpent said she would become like God." So she did what the serpent told her to do. Do you k now what that was? Eve ate from the tree that Jehovah had told Adam they should not eat from. Before God created Eve, he had told Adam: "From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad you must not eat from it you will positively die." 

Eve knew that law. However, she kept looking at that tree, and she saw that it "was good for food and that it was something to be longed for to the eyes . . . so she began eating it." Later she gave the fruit to Adam, and he "began eating it." Why, do you think, did do that? -It was because Adam had come to love Eve more than he did Jehovah. He chose to please her rather than please God. But obeying Jehovah is more important than obeying anyone or else!

Next time: God Can Feel Hurt - How We Can Bring Him Joy -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

God Can Feel Hurt -How We Can Bring Him Joy - Continue

 The first two people created on earth caused him to feel a lot of pain. These two were put in the Paradise on earth called "the garden of Eden." Who were these two? - Yes, Adam and then, sometime later, Eve. Let's see what they did that caused Jehovah pain.

After Jehovah put them in that garden, he told them to take care of it. He also told them that they could have children and could live together in the garden without dying. But before Adam and Eve had children, a terrible thing happened. Do you know what that was? - An angel a a bad angel, moved Eve and then Adam to rebel against Jehovah.  Let see how this happened. 

Next time: God Can Feel Hurt-How We Can Bring Him Joy-Continue

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TEACH YOUR CHILDREN/God Can Feel Hurt\How We Can Bring Him Joy

 Have you ever been hurt so badly that you cried? -All of us probably have. At times, though, the pain may not be in our body. Someone may say bad things about us that are not true. That can hurt, can't it? God too can feel hut when lies are told about him. Let's talk about this and see how we can bring God joy rather than pain.

The Bible says that some people who said they loved God made "him feel hurt." Yes, "they pained" God! No one, of course, can hurt the body of Jehovah God. He is almighty. Let's see, then, why Jehovah feels hurt when we don't do what he says.

Next time: God Can Feel Hurt-How We Can Bring Him  Joy- Continue

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"God Loves a Cheerful Giver" - Conclusion

 "God loves a cheerful giver." Once a Christian decides to give, he should do so cheerfully, or with joy, says Paul. Indeed, happiness is a by-product of giving that is properly motivated. (Acts 20:35) The cheerful giver can hardly hide his joy. In fact, the term "cheerful" could very well describe both the inward feeling and outward expression of the giver. A cheerful giver touches our heart.  It also warms God's heart. Another translation says: "Gove loves people who give." - Contemporary English Edition. 

The inspired words of the apostle Paul are a guiding principle for Christian giving. Whether we are giving of our time, energy, or material possessions, let us do so of our own free will and because we find genuine pleasure in being generous to others, especially those in need. Such giving will not only make us happy but also endear us to God, for he "loves a cheerful giver." 

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God Loves a Cheerful Giver" -Continue

 "Just as he resolved in his heart." A genuine Christian gives because he has decided "in his heart" to do so, notes Paul. At the same time, a Christian devotes more than passing attention to the needs of fellow worshippers.  The original-language word rendered "resolved" has of predetermination," says one scholar. So a Christian ponders the needs of fellow believers and asks himself what he can do to fill those needs. - 1 JOHN 3:17. 

"Not grudgingly or under compulsion." Paul notes two types of giving that have no place among true Christians-reluctant and forced.  The Greek expression rendered "grudgingly " literally means "out of sadness (or, grief)." A grudging, or reluctant, giver gives "from a heart made sorrowful at the thought of parting with money," explains one reference work. A forced giver give because he feels pressured to do so.  Who of us really want to receive a gift from a reluctant or forced giver? 

Next time: "God Loves a Cheerful Giver" - Conclusion

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DRAW CLOSE TO GOD/ "God Loves a Cheerful Giver"

 What kind of gift would make you truly appreciative? No doubt most of us would be happy to receive a gift from a giver who is motivated by love rather than by a sense of duty or obligation.  When it comes to giving, motive matters. It matters to us, And more important, it matters to God.  Consider the inspired words of the apostle Paul recorded at 2 CORINTHIANS 9:7. 

Why did Paul write those words? He wanted to encourage the Corinthian Christians to support the relief work for their needy fellow believers in Judea.  Did he try to force the Corinthians to give? On the contrary, he wrote: "Let each one do just has he had resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Let us take a closer look at that admonition. 

Next time: "God Loves a Cheerful Giver" - Continue

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LEGENDS THAT ECHO THE BIBLE'S ACCOUNT

 "Once upon a time all the people lived in one large village and spoke one tongue," according to a story told by a hill tribe in Myanmar. While building a great tower, the builders "gradually acquired different manners, customs, and ways of speech, [eventually] being scattered all over the land." Similar legends are found among indigenous peoples of Africa, East Asia, Mexico, and elsewhere.

If the Bible account had been an invention by Moses, the Hebrew writer of Genesis, would it have cropped up; in the legends of such far-flung national and languages groups? That is very unlikely. Thus, the existence of such diverse legends and tales testifies to the credibility of the Babel account in the Bible.

Next time: DRAW CLOSE TO GOD/"God Loves a Cheerful Giver"

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THE FUTURE OF LANGUAGE

After reviewing the age and location of linguistic "fossils," the fundamental differences between language groups, and the complexity of ancient languages, what reasonable conclusion could we draw? Many conclude that the Bible's account of what took place at Babel is a full credible explanation.

The Bible tells us that Jehovah God confused the people's language at Babel because they rebelled against him. (Genesis 11:4-7) However, he promised that he would "give to peoples the change to a pure language, in order for them to call upon the name of Jehovah, in order to serve him shoulder to shoulder." (Zephaniah 3:9) This "pure language," the truth from God's Word, draws together people from around the world today. It seems logical that in the future God would unite mankind further by giving them one common language, undoing the confusion at Babel. 

Next time: LEGENDS THAT ECHO THE BIBLE'S ACCOUNT

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GRUNTS OR COMPLEX SPEECH?

 What was mankind's original language like? The Bible reports that the first man, Adam, was able to coin words when he named all the animals and flying creatures.  (Genesis 2:20) Adam also composed poetry to express his feelings for his wife, and she clearly described what God had commanded and the consequences of disobeying Him. (Genesis 2:23; 3:1-3) The first language, then, enabled humans to communicate fully and to express themselves creatively. 

The confusion of languages a Babel hindered mankind's ability to combine their intellectual and physical powers. Yet, their languages, like the first language, were complex. Within a few centuries, men built bustling cities, assembled powerful armies, and engaged in international trade. (Genesis 13:12; 14:1-11; 37:25) Could they have made such progress without the use of an extensive vocabulary and grammar? According to the Bible, the original human tongue and the tongues introduced at Babel were, no primitive grunts and growls, but complex languages.

Modern research supports this conclusion.  The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language states: "Every culture which has been investigated, no matter how 'primitive' it may be in cultural terms, turns out to have a fully developed language, what a complexity comparable to those of the so-called 'civilized' nations." Similarly, in his book, The Language Instinct, Harvard College Professor Steven Pinker states: "There is no such thing as Stone Age language." 

Next time: THE FUTURE OF LANGUAGE

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DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, DIFFERENT THINKING

 The Bible says that at Babel, God acted to "confuse their language that they may not listen to ["understand," footnote] one another's" language." (Genesis 11:7) As a result, the workers "left off building the city "of Babel and were scattered "over all the surface of the earth." (Genesis 11:8, 9) Thus, the Bible does not say that all modern languages can be traced to a single "mother tongue." Rather, it describes the sudden appearance of several apparently fully developed new languages, each capable of expressing the range of human feeling and thought and each different and distinct from the others.

What the language groups of the world today? Are they fundamentally similar or different? Cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky wrote: "As linguist probed deeper into the world's languages (7,00- or so, only a fraction of them analyzed), innumerable unpredictable difference emerged." Yes, although tongues and dialects of one language family, such as Cantonese and Hakka in southern China, may be similar to one another, they are fundamentally different from those of another language family, say West Catalan or Valencian in Spain.

Languages shape the way people think about and describe the world around them-color, quantity, location, direction. For example, in one language a person says, "There is bug on your right hand." But in another language, one would say, "There is a bug on your southwest hand." Such differences would be confusing, to say the least.  No wonder the builders at Babel found it impossible to continue their project.

Next time: GRUNTS OR COMPLEX SPEECH?

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WHERE AND WHEN DID IT HAPPEN?

 The Bible states that the confusion of language and dispersion of the people too place "in the land of Shinar," later called Babylonia. (Genesis 11:2) When did it happen? The earth ["earth's population," footnote] was divided," says the Bible, in the days of Peleg, who was born about 250 years before Abraham. So, the events of Babel evidently took place some 4,200 years ago. - GENESIS 10:25; 11:18-26.

Some scholars theorize those modern languages stem from one original language-the so-called mother tongue that they thought humans spoke nearly 100,000 years ago. Others claim that today's languages are related to several root languages spoken at least 6,000 years ago. But how do linguists reconstruct the development of extinct languages?  "That is tricky," says the Economist magazine. "Unlike biologists, linguists do not have fossils to guide them through the past." The magazine adds that one evolutionary liguist arrives at his conclusions by "mathematically informed guesswork." 

Nevertheless, "linguistic fossils" do exist. What are these fossils, and what do they reveal regarding the origin of human languages? The New Encyclopedia Britannica explains: "The earliest records of written language, the only linguistic fossils man can hope to have, go back no more than about 4,000 or 5,000 years." Where did archaeologists discover these "linguistic fossils," or records of written language."? In lower Mesopotamia-the site of ancient Shinar." Hence, the available physical evidence is in agreement with the facts stated in the Bible.   

Next time: DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, DIFFERENT THINKING

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