20. How has Jerusalem been blessed with “a flooding torrent,” both in ancient and in modern times?

²⁰ The prophecy continues: “This is what Jehovah has said: ‘Here I am extending to her peace just like a river and the glory of nations just like a flooding torrent, and you will certainly suck. Upon the flank you will be carried, and upon the knees you will be fondled.’” (Isaiah 66:12)

21. In an appealing word picture, what kind of comfort is foretold?

²¹ Isaiah 66:12 also speaks of expressions of maternal love​—fondling a child upon the knees and carrying him upon the flank. In the next verse, a similar thought is expressed with an interesting shift in perspective. “Like a man whom his own mother keeps comforting, so I myself shall keep comforting you people; and in the case of Jerusalem you will be comforted.” (Isaiah 66:13) The child is now “a man,” an adult. But his mother has not lost her desire to comfort him in a time of distress.

22. How does Jehovah show the tenderness and strength of his love?

²² In this appealing way, Jehovah illustrates the strength and tenderness of his love for his people. Even the strongest maternal love is but a dim reflection of Jehovah’s deep love for his faithful people. (Isaiah 49:15) How vital it is that all Christians reflect this quality of their heavenly Father! The apostle Paul did, and thus left a fine example for elders in the Christian congregation. (1 Thessalonians 2:7) Jesus said that brotherly love would be the chief identifying mark of his followers.​—John 13:34, 35.