References for “Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook”

References for Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook

JANUARY 5-11

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | ISAIAH 17-20

“The Share of Those Pillaging Us”

ip-1 198 ¶20

Jehovah’s Counsel Against the Nations

²⁰ The result? Isaiah says: “At evening time, why, look! there is sudden terror. Before morning—it is no more. This is the share of those pillaging us, and the lot belonging to those plundering us.” (Isaiah 17:14) Many are plundering Jehovah’s people, treating them harshly and disrespectfully. Because they are not—and do not wish to be—a part of the world’s mainstream religions, true Christians are viewed as easy prey by biased critics and fanatic opponents. But God’s people are confident that the “morning” when their tribulations will end is fast approaching.—2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:6-11.

FEBRUARY 16-22

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | ISAIAH 36-37

“Do Not Be Afraid Because of the Words That You Heard”

ip-1 387 ¶10

A King’s Faith Is Rewarded

¹⁰ Next Rabshakeh reminds the Jews that militarily they are hopelessly outclassed. He issues this arrogant challenge: “Let me give you two thousand horses to see whether you are able, on your part, to put riders upon them.” (Isaiah 36:8) In reality, though, does it matter whether Judah’s trained cavalry are many or few? No, for Judah’s salvation does not depend upon superior military strength. Proverbs 21:31 explains matters this way: “The horse is something prepared for the day of battle, but salvation belongs to Jehovah.” Then Rabshakeh claims that Jehovah’s blessing is with the Assyrians, not the Jews. Otherwise, he argues, the Assyrians could never have penetrated so far into Judah’s territory.—Isaiah 36:9, 10.

ip-1 388 ¶13-14

A King’s Faith Is Rewarded

¹³ From his arsenal of arguments, Rabshakeh draws another verbal weapon. He warns the Jews against believing Hezekiah should he say: “Jehovah himself will deliver us.” Rabshakeh reminds the Jews that the gods of Samaria were unable to prevent the ten tribes from being overcome by the Assyrians. And what of the gods of the other nations Assyria has conquered? “Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad?” he demands. “Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? And have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?”—Isaiah 36:18-20.

¹⁴ Of course, Rabshakeh, a worshiper of false gods, does not understand that there is a big difference between apostate Samaria and Jerusalem under Hezekiah. Samaria’s false gods had no power to save the ten-tribe kingdom. (2 Kings 17:7, 17, 18) On the other hand, Jerusalem under Hezekiah has turned its back on false gods and has returned to serving Jehovah. However, the three Judean representatives do not try to explain this to Rabshakeh. “They continued to keep silent and did not answer him a word, for the commandment of the king was, saying: ‘You must not answer him.’” (Isaiah 36:21) Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah return to Hezekiah and make an official report of the words of Rabshakeh.—Isaiah 36:22.