MWBR17 02 Laif ahn Minischri Meetin Werkbuk Risaach Infamayshan
FEBIWERI 6-12
CHREZHAZ FAHN DI WERD A GAAD | ISAIAH 47-51
“Jehoava Bles Wi Wen Wi Obay Ahn“
(Isaiah 48:17) This is what Jehovah says, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God, The One teaching you to benefit yourself, The One guiding you in the way you should walk.
ip-2-E 131 ¶18
Jehovah Teaches Us for Our Good
“Pay Attention to My Commandments!”
18 Empowered by Jehovah’s spirit, the prophet declares: “The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself has sent me, even his spirit. This is what Jehovah has said, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk.’” (Isaiah 48:16b, 17) This loving expression of Jehovah’s care should reassure the nation of Israel that God is going to deliver them from Babylon. He is their Repurchaser. (Isaiah 54:5) Jehovah’s heartfelt desire is that the Israelites restore their relationship with him and pay attention to his commandments. True worship is based upon obeying divine instructions. The Israelites are unable to walk in the right way unless they are taught ‘the way in which to walk.’
(Isaiah 48:18) If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
ip-2-E 131 ¶19
Jehovah Teaches Us for Our Good
19 Jehovah’s desire that his people avoid calamity and enjoy life is beautifully expressed: “O if only you would actually pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” (Isaiah 48:18) What a heartfelt appeal from the almighty Creator! (Deuteronomy 5:29; Psalm 81:13) Instead of going into captivity, the Israelites can enjoy peace that will be as bountiful as the water flowing in a river. (Psalm 119:165) Their deeds of righteousness can be as innumerable as the waves of the sea. (Amos 5:24) As the one really interested in them, Jehovah appeals to the Israelites, lovingly showing them the way in which they should walk. Oh, if only they will listen!
(Isaiah 48:19) Your offspring would be as many as the sand And your descendants as its grains. Their name would never be cut off or annihilated from before me.”
ip-2-E 132 ¶20-21
Jehovah Teaches Us for Our Good
20 What blessings would come if Israel would repent? Jehovah says: “Your offspring would become just like the sand, and the descendants from your inward parts like the grains of it. One’s name would not be cut off or be annihilated from before me.” (Isaiah 48:19) Jehovah reminds the people of his promise that Abraham’s seed would become many, “like the stars of the heavens and like the grains of sand that are on the seashore.” (Genesis 22:17; 32:12) However, these descendants of Abraham have been rebellious, and they do not have the right to receive the fulfillment of the promise. Really, their record has been so bad that by Jehovah’s own Law, they deserve to have their name as a nation cut off. (Deuteronomy 28:45) Still, Jehovah does not desire the annihilation of his people, and he does not want to forsake them utterly.
21 The principles embodied in this powerful passage apply to Jehovah’s worshipers today. Jehovah is the Source of life, and he knows better than anyone how we should use our lives. (Psalm 36:9) He has given us guidelines, not to rob us of enjoyment, but to benefit us. True Christians respond by seeking to be instructed by Jehovah. (Micah 4:2) His directives protect our spirituality and our relationship with him, and they shield us from Satan’s corrupting influence. When we appreciate the principles behind God’s laws, we see that Jehovah teaches us for our good. We realize that “his commandments are not burdensome.” And we will not be cut off.—1 John 2:17; 5:3.
Saach fi Spirichwal Chrezhaz
(Isaiah 49:6) And he said: “It is not enough that you are my servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob And to bring back those who were preserved of Israel. I have also given you as a light of nations, So that my salvation may reach the ends of the earth.”
w07-E 1/15 9 ¶8
Highlights From the Book of Isaiah—II
49:6—How is the Messiah “a light of the nations,” even though his earthly ministry was limited to the sons of Israel? This is so because of what happened after Jesus’ death. The Bible applies Isaiah 49:6 to his disciples. (Acts 13:46, 47) Today, anointed Christians, aided by a great crowd of worshippers, serve as “a light of the nations,” enlightening peoples “to the extremity of the earth.”—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.
(Isaiah 50:1) This is what Jehovah says: “Where is the divorce certificate of your mother, whom I sent away? Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? Look! It was because of your own errors you were sold, And because of your own transgressions your mother was sent away.
it-1-E 643 ¶4-5
Divorce
Figurative Divorce. The marriage relationship is used symbolically in the Scriptures. (Isa 54:1, 5, 6; 62:1-6) Reference is also made to symbolic divorcing, or the sending away of a wife.—Jer 3:8.
The kingdom of Judah was overthrown and Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 B.C.E., the inhabitants of the land being taken into Babylonian exile. Years earlier Jehovah had said prophetically to Jews who would then be in exile: “Where, then, is the divorce certificate of the mother of you people, whom I sent away?” (Isa 50:1) Their “mother,” or national organization, had been put away with just cause, not because Jehovah broke his covenant and started divorce proceedings, but because of her wrongdoing against the Law covenant. But a remnant of Israelites repented and prayed for a renewal of Jehovah’s husbandly relationship with them in their homeland. Jehovah, for his own name’s sake, restored his people to their homeland as promised, in 537 B.C.E., at the end of the 70-year desolation.—Ps 137:1-9; see MARRIAGE.
Baibl Reedin
(Isaiah 51:12-23) “Mee miself da di Wan weh di komfert unu. Wai yoo shuda frayd fi wahn man weh wahn ded Ahn fi wahn son a man weh wahn fayd weh laik green graas? 13 Wai yoo faget Jehoava, di Wan weh mek yu, Di Wan weh schrech owt di hevnz ahn put dong di fongdayshan fi di ert? Ahn fi di hoal day yu mi frayd frayd fi di wan weh di opres yu, Laik if hihn mi deh eena wahn pozishan fi dischrai yu. Wehpaat ih deh now; di anga a di wan weh di opres yu? 14 Di wan weh ben oava eena chayn wahn soon geh rilees; Hihn noh wahn ded ahn goh dong eena di grayv, Ih noh wahn deh widowt food. 15 Bot Ai da Jehoava yu Gaad, Hoo ster op di see ahn mek di wayv dehn geh rof —Jehoava a aamiz da fi hihn naym. 16 Ai wahn put mi werd dehn eena yu mowt, An Ah wahn mek di shado fahn mi han kova yu, Soh dat Ah ku fiks op di hevnz dehn ahn set dong di fongdayshan fi di ert Ahn fi seh tu Zaiyan, ‘Yoo da mai peepl.’ 17 Wayk op! Wayk op! Get op, Oa Jeroosalem, Yoo weh don jrink fahn owta di kop a Jehoava raat. Yoo don jrink evriting owta di kop; Yoo don jrayn owt di kop weh di mek yu staga. 18 Nat wan owta aala di son dehn weh ih baan dehdeh fi gaid ahn, Ahn nat wan owta aala di son dehn weh ih rayz op hoal aan tu ih han. 19 Dehnya too tingz da weh hapm tu yu. Hoo wahn feel sari fi yu? Dischrokshan ahn rooin, staavayshan ahn soad! Hoo wahn komfert yu? 20 Yu son dehn faynt weh. Dehn lidong pahn evri schreet kaana Laik wail sheep eena wahn net. Dehn ful op a Jehoava anga, di disiplin fahn fi yoo Gaad.” 21 Soh pleez lisn tu dis, Oa uman weh ga lata chroblz ahn weh jronk; ahn da noh sayka wain. 22 Dis da wat yu Laad Jehoava seh, yu Gaad weh difen ih peepl: “Luk ya! Ai wahn tek fahn owta yu han di kop weh di mek yu staga, Di kop, mai kop a raat; Yoo wahn neva jrink it agen. 23 Ai wahn put it eena di han a dehn wan weh taament yu, Dehn wan weh mi tel yu, ‘Bow dong soh dat wi ku waak oava yu!’ Soh yu mi mek yu bak jos laik di grong, Laik wahn schreet fi mek dehn waak pan.”
FEBIWERI 13-19
CHREZHAZ FAHN DI WERD A GAAD | ISAIAH 52-57
“Krais Mi Sofa fi Wi”
(Isaiah 53:3-5) He was despised and was avoided by men, A man who was meant for pains and was familiar with sickness. It was as if his face were hidden from us. He was despised, and we held him as of no account. 4 Truly he himself carried our sicknesses, And he bore our pains. But we considered him as plagued, stricken by God and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgression; He was crushed for our errors. He bore the punishment for our peace, And because of his wounds we were healed.
w09-E 1/15 26 ¶3-5
Jehovah’s Servant—“Pierced for Our Transgression”
“Despised” and Held “as of No Account”
3 Read Isaiah 53:3. Just imagine what it must have meant for the only-begotten Son of God to forgo the joy of serving at his Father’s side and come to earth to give his life in sacrifice to save mankind from sin and death! (Phil. 2:5-8) His sacrifice was to accomplish real forgiveness of sins, which the offering of animal sacrifices under the Mosaic Law only foreshadowed. (Heb. 10:1-4) Should he not have been welcomed and honored, at least by the Jews, who were awaiting the promised Messiah? (John 6:14) Instead, the Christ was “despised” by the Jews, and they “held him as of no account,” as Isaiah had prophesied. The apostle John wrote: “He came to his own home, but his own people did not take him in.” (John 1:11) The apostle Peter told the Jews: “The God of our forefathers . . . has glorified his Servant, Jesus, whom you, for your part, delivered up and disowned before Pilate’s face, when he had decided to release him. Yes, you disowned that holy and righteous one.”—Acts 3:13, 14.
4 Isaiah also prophesied that Jesus was meant to have “acquaintance with sickness.” During his ministry, Jesus certainly got tired on occasion, but there is no indication that he got sick. (John 4:6) He did, however, become acquainted with the sicknesses of those to whom he preached. He felt pity for them and healed many. (Mark 1:32-34) Jesus thus fulfilled the prophecy that states: “Truly our sicknesses were what he himself carried; and as for our pains, he bore them.”—Isa. 53:4a; Matt. 8:16, 17.
As if “Stricken by God”
5 Read Isaiah 53:4b. Many of Jesus’ contemporaries did not understand the reason for his suffering and death. They believed that God was punishing him, as if plaguing him with a loathsome disease. (Matt. 27:38-44) The Jews charged Jesus with blasphemy. (Mark 14:61-64; John 10:33) Of course, Jesus was neither a sinner nor a blasphemer. But in view of his great love for his Father, the very idea that he was to die accused of blasphemy must have added to his suffering as Jehovah’s Servant. Nevertheless, he was willing to submit to Jehovah’s will.—Matt. 26:39.
(Isaiah 53:7, 8) He was oppressed and he let himself be afflicted, But he would not open his mouth. He was brought like a sheep to the slaughter, Like a ewe that is silent before its shearers, And he would not open his mouth. 8 Because of restraint and judgment he was taken away; And who will concern himself with the details of his generation? For he was cut off from the land of the living; Because of the transgression of my people he received the stroke.
w09-E 1/15 27 ¶10
Jehovah’s Servant—“Pierced for Our Transgression”
“Brought Just Like a Lamb to the Slaughtering”
10 Read Isaiah 53:7, 8. When John the Baptizer saw Jesus approaching, he exclaimed: “See, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) In speaking of Jesus as a Lamb, John may have had in mind the words of Isaiah: “He was being brought just like a lamb to the slaughtering.” (Isa. 53:7, ftn.) “He poured out his soul to the very death,” prophesied Isaiah. (Isa. 53:12) Interestingly, on the night when Jesus instituted the Memorial of his death, he gave a cup of wine to the 11 faithful apostles and stated: “This means my ‘blood of the covenant,’ which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins.”—Matt. 26:28.
(Isaiah 53:11, 12) Because of his anguish, he will see and be satisfied. By means of his knowledge the righteous one, my servant, Will bring a righteous standing to many people, And their errors he will bear. 12 For that reason I will assign him a portion among the many, And he will apportion the spoil with the mighty, Because he poured out his life even to death And was counted among the transgressors; He carried the sin of many people, And he interceded for the transgressors.
w09-E 1/15 28 ¶13
Jehovah’s Servant—“Pierced for Our Transgression”
The Servant Brings “a Righteous Standing to Many”
13 Read Isaiah 53:11, 12. Of his chosen Servant, Jehovah stated: “The righteous one, my servant, will bring a righteous standing to many people.” In what way? The end of verse 12 gives us a clue to the answer. “And for the transgressors he [the Servant] proceeded to interpose.” All of Adam’s descendants are born sinners, “transgressors,” and therefore receive “the wages sin pays,” namely, death. (Rom. 5:12; 6:23) Reconciliation between Jehovah and sinful man is necessary. Chapter 53 of Isaiah’s prophecy describes beautifully how Jesus ‘interposed,’ or interceded, on behalf of sinful mankind, stating: “The chastisement meant for our peace was upon him, and because of his wounds there has been a healing for us.”—Isa. 53:5.
Saach fi Spirichwal Chrezhaz
(Isaiah 54:1) “Shout joyfully, you barren woman who has not given birth! Become cheerful and cry out for joy, you who never had birth pains, For the sons of the desolate one are more numerous Than the sons of the woman with a husband,” says Jehovah.
w06-E 3/15 11 ¶2
“A Symbolic Drama” of Value to Us
Whom, then, did “the free woman” Sarah and her son, Isaac, represent? Paul indicated that Sarah, the “barren woman,” symbolized God’s wife, the heavenly part of his organization. This heavenly woman was barren in that before Jesus came she had no spirit-anointed “children” on the earth. (Galatians 4:27; Isaiah 54:1-6) However, at Pentecost 33 C.E., holy spirit was poured out on a group of men and women who were thus born again as children of this heavenly woman. The children produced by this organization were adopted as sons of God and became joint heirs with Jesus Christ under a new covenant relationship. (Romans 8:15-17) One of these children, the apostle Paul, could write: “The Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.”—Galatians 4:26.
(Isaiah 57:15) For this is what the High and Lofty One says, Who lives forever and whose name is holy: “I reside in the high and holy place, But also with those crushed and lowly in spirit, To revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of those being crushed.
w05-E 10/15 26 ¶3
Cultivate Genuine Humility
The Greatest Example of Humility
3 Jehovah is unsearchably great and lofty, yet “his eyes are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9) And what does Jehovah do when he finds lowly worshippers who are crushed in spirit as a result of various trials? In a sense, he “is residing” with such ones by means of his holy spirit “to revive the spirit of the lowly ones and to revive the heart of the ones being crushed.” (Isaiah 57:15) Thus, his revived worshippers are better able to resume serving him with rejoicing. What humility on God’s part!
Baibl Reedin
(Isaiah 57:1-11) Di wan weh raichos don ded, Bot nobadi tek it tu haat. Di laayal man dehn ded tu, Ahn nobadi figa owt dat di raichos wan don paas weh Bikaaz a di kalamiti. 2 Ih deh eena pees. Dehn res eena dehn grayv, aal hoo waak eena wahn raichos way. 3 “Bot az fi unu, kohn kloasa, Unu hoofa ma da wahn wich, Di pikni dehn a sohnbadi weh komit adolchri ahn da wahn prastichoot: 4 Da hoo unu di tek mek papishoh? Da hoo unu di oapm unu mowt ahn lang owt unu tong aata? Unu da noh chiljren weh kohn fahn sin, Di chiljren weh kohn fahn loan lai, 5 Dehn wan weh di bos wid los monks sohn big chree, Anda evri chree weh di leef dehn green green, Weh slaata di chiljren eena di vali dehn, Eena di shado a di rak dehn weh split? 6 Lang wid di smood stoan fahn di vali da yu shayr. Yes, dehnya da yu shayr. Yu eevn poar owt yu jrink aafrin ahn aafa sohn gif tu dehn. Ai shuda bee satisfai wid dehnya tingz? 7 Pan di tap a wahn big ahn hai mongtin yu spred yu bed, Ahn yu gaan op deh fi aafa sakrifais. 8 Bihain di doa ahn di doapoas yu set op yu memoaryal. Yu lef mi ahn ekspoaz yuself; Yu gaan op ahn mek spays pan yu bed. Ahn yu mek wahn kovenant wid dehn. Yu laik di shayr bed wid dehn, Ahn laik di stayr pan di mayl praivit paat. 9 Yu gaan dong tu Melek wid ail Ahn wid wahn lata perfyoom. Yu sen weh yu mesinja dehn faar fahn yu, Soh dat yu ku goh dong eena di Grayv. 10 Yoo weh werk haad di fala eena aala yu wayz, Bot yu neva did seh, ‘No hoap deh!’ Yu mi fain nyoo schrent. Dat da wai yu noh giv op. 11 Hoo yoo mi frayd ahn fraitn fa Soh dat yoo mi staat tu lai? Yu neva memba mi. Yu neva tek notn tu haat. Ai neva kip kwaiyet ahn noh seh notn? Soh yu shoa mi dat yu neva frayd fi mi.
FEBIWERI 20-26
CHREZHAZ FAHN DI WERD A GAAD | ISAIAH 58-62
“Anonks di Yaa a Jehoava Gudwil”
(Isaiah 61:1, 2) The spirit of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah is upon me, Because Jehovah anointed me to declare good news to the meek. He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And the wide opening of the eyes to the prisoners, 2 To proclaim the year of Jehovah’s goodwill And the day of vengeance of our God, To comfort all who mourn,
ip-2-E 322 ¶4
Righteousness Sprouts in Zion
“The Year of Goodwill”
4 Isaiah writes: “The spirit of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah is upon me, for the reason that Jehovah has anointed me to tell good news to the meek ones. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to those taken captive and the wide opening of the eyes even to the prisoners.” (Isaiah 61:1) Who is the one commissioned to tell good news? Likely, in the first instance it is Isaiah, who is inspired by God to record good news for the captives in Babylon. However, Jesus pointed to the most important fulfillment when he applied Isaiah’s words to himself. (Luke 4:16-21) Yes, Jesus was sent forth to tell good news to the meek, and to this end he was anointed with holy spirit at his baptism.—Matthew 3:16, 17.
(Isaiah 61:3, 4) To provide for those mourning over Zion, To give them a headdress instead of ashes, The oil of exultation instead of mourning, The garment of praise instead of a despondent spirit. And they will be called big trees of righteousness, The planting of Jehovah, in order to glorify him. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins; They will raise up the desolated places of the past, And they will restore the devastated cities, The places that lay desolate for generation after generation.
ip-2-E 326-327 ¶13-15
Righteousness Sprouts in Zion
13 From Pentecost 33 C.E. onward, God planted similar “big trees of righteousness”—courageous anointed Christians—in the spiritual estate of his new nation, “the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16) Over the centuries, these “trees” have come to number 144,000, producing righteous fruitage to beautify, or bring glory to, Jehovah God. (Revelation 14:3) The final ones of these stately “trees” have flourished in the years since 1919, when Jehovah revived the remaining ones of the Israel of God from their temporary state of inactivity. By supplying them with an abundant supply of spiritual waters, Jehovah has produced a virtual forest of righteous, fruit-bearing trees.—Isaiah 27:6.
14 Highlighting the work of these “trees,” Isaiah continues: “They must rebuild the long-standing devastated places; they will raise up even the desolated places of former times, and they will certainly make anew the devastated cities, the places desolate for generation after generation.” (Isaiah 61:4) Under the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, faithful Jews who returned from Babylon rebuilt Jerusalem and its temple, which had been left in a devastated condition for so long. Restoration projects would also mark the years following 33 C.E. and 1919.
15 In 33 C.E., Jesus’ disciples were greatly saddened by his arrest, trial, and death. (Matthew 26:31) However, their outlook changed when he appeared to them after his resurrection. And once holy spirit was poured out on them, they got busy with the work of preaching the good news, “both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Thus they began to restore pure worship. In a similar way, from 1919 onward Jesus Christ caused the remnant of his anointed brothers to rebuild “places desolate for generation after generation.” For centuries the clergy of Christendom had failed to impart the knowledge of Jehovah, replacing it with man-made traditions and unscriptural doctrines. The anointed Christians cleaned out of their congregations practices that were tainted by false religion so that the restoration of true worship could go forward. And they began what would prove to be the greatest witnessing campaign that the world has ever known.—Mark 13:10.
(Isaiah 61:5, 6) “Strangers will stand and shepherd your flocks, And foreigners will be your farmers and your vinedressers. 6 As for you, you will be called the priests of Jehovah; They will call you the ministers of our God. You will eat the resources of the nations, And about their glory you will boast.
w12-E 12/15 25 ¶5-6
“Temporary Residents” United in True Worship
5 On the other hand, someone may point to chapter 61 of the book of Isaiah, which contains a prophecy finding fulfillment in the Christian congregation. Verse 6 of that chapter mentions those who will serve as “priests of Jehovah.” Verse 5, though, mentions “foreigners” who would cooperate with and work with those “priests.” How is this to be understood?
6 We understand those “priests of Jehovah” to be anointed Christians who have a share “in the first resurrection” and who “will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years.” (Rev. 20:6) In addition, there are many loyal Christians who have an earthly hope. These, though working with and associating closely with those who will serve in heaven, are foreigners, figuratively speaking. They happily support and work along with “the priests of Jehovah,” serving as their “farmers” and “vinedressers,” as it were. Yes, they help cultivate spiritual fruitage to God’s glory, nurturing and harvesting people. Indeed, both the anointed and the “other sheep” find and then lovingly shepherd honest individuals who are desirous of serving God forever.—John 10:16.
Saach fi Spirichwal Chrezhaz
(Isaiah 60:17) Instead of the copper I will bring in gold, And instead of the iron I will bring in silver, Instead of the wood, copper, And instead of the stones, iron; And I will appoint peace as your overseers And righteousness as your task assigners.
w15-E 7/15 9-10 ¶14-17
Work to Enhance the Spiritual Paradise
14 Over the years, the older ones in our midst have personally experienced some of the organizational adjustments that have increased the beauty of the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization. They remember when congregations had a congregation servant rather than a body of elders, when countries had a branch servant rather than a Branch Committee, and when direction was given by the president of the Watch Tower Society rather than by a clearly established Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Although all these devoted brothers were supported by faithful assistants, one person was basically responsible for making decisions in the congregations, at the branch offices, and at world headquarters. During the 1970’s, adjustments were made to put the responsibility for oversight on groups of elders rather than on individuals.
15 Have these adjustments proved beneficial? Yes, and logically so. Why? Because the adjustments were based on increased knowledge about the pattern set in the Scriptures. Instead of having the influence of one individual dominate, the composite good qualities of all the “gifts in men” whom Jehovah has provided benefit the organization.—Eph. 4:8; Prov. 24:6.
16 Think, too, of more recent adjustments, such as the changes in appearance, contents, and methods of distribution of our publications. What a pleasure it is to offer practical, appealing, and attractive literature in the ministry! And when we use the latest technology to spread the truth, such as by means of the jw.org website, we reflect Jehovah’s interest in providing people everywhere with the guidance most of them lack but so desperately need.
17 Not to be overlooked is the wisdom behind the adjustment that allowed us to have a Family Worship evening or more time for personal study. We also appreciate advances made in assembly and convention programs. We often say that they get better every year! And we certainly rejoice over the increased training being provided by our many theocratic schools. In all these adjustments, Jehovah’s hand is clearly seen. He progressively enhances the beauty of his organization and of the spiritual paradise that we enjoy even now!
(Isaiah 61:8, 9) For I, Jehovah, love justice; I hate robbery and unrighteousness. I will faithfully give them their wages, And I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their offspring will be known among the nations And their descendants among the peoples. All who see them will recognize them, That they are the offspring whom Jehovah has blessed.”
w07-E 1/15 11 ¶5
Highlights From the Book of Isaiah—II
Scriptural Questions Answered:
61:8, 9—What is the “indefinitely lasting covenant,” and who are the “offspring”? This is the new covenant that Jehovah has concluded with anointed Christians. The “offspring” are the “other sheep”—the millions who respond to their message.—John 10:16.
Baibl Reedin
(Isaiah 62:1-12) Fi di sayka Zaiyan Ai noh wahn kip kwaiyet, Ahn fi di sayka Jeroosalem Ai noh wahn kip stil Til fi shee raichosnis shain laik wahn brait lait Ahn ih salvayshan bon laik wahn toach. 2 “Di nayshan dehn wahn si yu raichosnis, Oa uman, An aala di king dehn wahn si yu gloari. Ahn dehn wahn gi yu wahn nyoo naym, Weh Jehoava oan mowt wahn gi yu. 3 Yu wahn bee wahn krong a byooti eena Jehoava han, Wahn raayal terban eena Gaad han. 4 Dehn noh wahn kaal yu wahn uman weh geh lef wan said nohmoh, Ahn yu lan noh wahn deh emti nohmoh. Bot dehn wahn kaal yu Mai Hapinis Kohn Fahn Shee, Ahn dehn wahn kaal yu lan Di Wan Weh Marid. Bikaaz Jehoava wahn tek plezha eena yu, Ahn yu lan wahn bee laik sohnbadi weh marid. 5 Jos laik wen wahn yong man marid wahn verjin, Yu son dehn wahn geh marid tu yu. Jos laik how wahn groom di rijais oava ih braid, Yu Gaad wahn rijais oava yoo. 6 Pahn di tap a yu waal dehn, Oa Jeroosalem, Ai sen owt sohn wachman. Oava ahn oava, hoal day ahn hoal nait, dehn noh fi kip kwaiyet. Unu weh taak bowt Jehoava, Noh res ataal, 7 Noh mek ih res til ih set op Jeroosalem schrang,
Yes, til ih mek evribadi fahn eena di ert prayz ahn.” 8 Jehoava mi swayr wahn oat wid ih rait han, wid ih schrang han: “Ai noh wahn gi yu grayn tu yu enimi dehn fi eet nohmoh, No farina noh wahn jrink yu nyoo wain, weh yu werk haad fa. 9 Bot dehn wan weh di gyada it wahn eet it ahn dehn wahn prayz Jehoava; Ahn dehn wan weh di kalek it wahn jrink it eena mi hoali koatyaad dehn.” 10 Paas chroo, paas chroo di gayt dehn. Klayr di way fi di peepl. Bil op, bil op di haiway. Geh rid a di stoan dehn. Put op wahn sain fi di peepl. 11 Luk! Jehoava don anonks tu di hoal ert: “Tel di daata a Zaiyan, ‘Luk! Yu salvayshan di kohn. Luk! Ih riwaad deh wid ahn, Ahn di moni weh ih pay owt deh fronta ahn.’” 12 Dehn wahn kaal dehn di hoali peepl, dehn wan weh Jehoava don bai bak, Ahn dehn wahn kaal yu Di Wan Dehn di Luk Fa, Wahn Siti Weh Noh Geh Lef Wan Said.
FEBIWERI 27–MARCH 5
CHREZHAZ FAHN DI WERD A GAAD | ISAIAH 63-66
“Di Nyoo Hevnz ahn di Nyoo Ert Wahn Kaaz Lata Rijaisin”
(Isaiah 65:17) For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart.
ip-2-E 383 ¶23
“Be Joyful Forever in What I Am Creating”
23 The book of Revelation describes a vision the apostle John saw of the coming day of Jehovah, when this system of things will be removed. After that, Satan will be abyssed. (Revelation 19:11–20:3) Following that description, John echoes the prophetic words of Isaiah, writing: “I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” The subsequent verses of the account of this glorious vision tell of the time when Jehovah God will radically change conditions on this earth for the better. (Revelation 21:1, 3-5) Clearly, Isaiah’s promise of “new heavens and a new earth” will have a wonderful fulfillment in God’s new world! Under the new governmental heavens, a new earthly society will enjoy a paradise that is both spiritual and physical. Comforting indeed is the promise that “the former things [sicknesses, suffering, and the many other woes humans face] will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart.” Whatever we may remember at that time will not cause us the deep hurt, or pain, that now burdens the hearts of many.
(Isaiah 65:18, 19) So exult and be joyful forever in what I am creating. For look! I am creating Jerusalem a cause for joy And her people a cause for exultation. 19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people; No more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.”
ip-2-E 384 ¶25
“Be Joyful Forever in What I Am Creating”
25 Today, too, Jehovah makes Jerusalem “a cause for joyfulness.” How? As we have already seen, the new heavens that came into existence in 1914 will eventually include 144,000 corulers, who have a share in the heavenly government. These are prophetically described as “New Jerusalem.” (Revelation 21:2) It is with regard to New Jerusalem that God says: “Here I am creating Jerusalem a cause for joyfulness and her people a cause for exultation.” New Jerusalem will be used by God to shower untold blessings on obedient mankind. No more will be heard the sound of weeping or a plaintive cry, for Jehovah will satisfy “the requests of [our] heart.”—Psalm 37:3, 4.
(Isaiah 65:21-23) They will build houses and live in them, And they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. 22 They will not build for someone else to inhabit, Nor will they plant for others to eat. For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, And the work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full. 23 They will not toil for nothing, Nor will they bear children for distress, Because they are the offspring made up of those blessed by Jehovah, And their descendants with them.
w12-E 9/15 9 ¶4-5
Peace for a Thousand Years—And Beyond!
‘THEY WILL BUILD HOUSES AND PLANT VINEYARDS’
4 Who would not like to have a home of his own, a place where he and his family could feel safe and secure? In today’s world, however, adequate housing is a serious problem. People are packed into crowded cities. Many have to manage with makeshift dwellings in shantytowns and city slums. Having a house of their own remains a mere dream for them.
5 Under Kingdom rule, the desire of every resident to have his own home will be fulfilled, for it was prophesied through Isaiah: “They will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat their fruitage.” (Isa. 65:21) Yet, having a home of their own is not the only prospect. After all, some today live in their own home, a few even in a mansion or on a grand estate. But there is always the worry that the home can be lost through some financial reverses or that burglars—or worse—will break in. How different everything will be under Kingdom rule! The prophet Micah wrote: “They will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble.”—Mic. 4:4.
Saach fi Spirichwal Chrezhaz
(Isaiah 63:5) I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one offered support. So my arm brought me salvation, And my own wrath supported me.
w07-E 1/15 11 ¶6
Highlights From the Book of Isaiah—II
63:5—How does God’s rage support him? God’s rage is a controlled emotion—his righteous indignation. His rage supports and motivates him to execute his righteous judgments.
(Isaiah 64:8) But now, O Jehovah, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are our Potter; We are all the work of your hand.
w13-E 6/15 25 ¶3-5
Let Jehovah’s Discipline Mold You
HOW THE POTTER EXERCISES HIS AUTHORITY
3 Describing Jehovah’s authority over individuals and nations in an illustrative way, Isaiah 64:8 states: “O Jehovah, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are our Potter; and all of us are the work of your hand.” A potter has full authority to mold the clay into the type of vessel he wants to make. The clay has no control over the matter. So it is with man and God. The man cannot rightly dispute with God any more than the clay can with the potter whose hands are giving it a form.—Read Jeremiah 18:1-6.
4 With ancient Israel, Jehovah demonstrated his ability to do what the potter does to clay. But there is a marked difference. A potter can make any sort of vessel he is capable of making from a lump of clay. Does Jehovah arbitrarily mold people or nations, making some good and others bad? The Bible’s answer is no. Jehovah has given mankind a very precious gift—the gift of free will. He does not exercise his sovereign authority in a way that nullifies his gift. Humans must choose to be molded by the Creator, Jehovah.—Read Jeremiah 18:7-10.
5 What if humans stubbornly refuse to be molded by the Great Potter? How, then, does he exercise his divine authority? Think about what happens to the clay if it becomes unsuited for the intended purpose. Why, the potter can make another type of vessel out of it or simply discard it! When the clay is useless, though, generally the potter is at fault. This is never the case with our Potter. (Deut. 32:4) When a person does not yield to Jehovah’s molding, the fault always lies with that person. Jehovah exercises his potterlike authority over humans by adjusting his dealings with them depending on their response to his molding. Those who respond properly are fashioned in a beneficial way. For example, anointed Christians are “vessels of mercy” who have been molded into ‘vessels for an honorable use.’ On the other hand, those who stubbornly oppose God end up as “vessels of wrath made fit for destruction.”—Rom. 9:19-23.
Baibl Reedin
(Isaiah 63:1-10) Da hoo dis weh di kohn fahn Eedom, Fahn Bozra weh gat aan brait-kala kloaz, Dis wan wid byootiful kloaz, Di maach eena ih grayt powa? “Da mee, di Wan weh di taak eena raichosnis, Di Wan wid grayt powa fi sayv.” 2 Da wai yu kloaz red, Ahn wai yu kloaz luk laik sohnbadi kloaz weh mi-di werk eena di wainpres? 3 “Ai don mash op di wain eena di kantayna bai miself. Nobadi fahn di peepl mi deh wid mi. Ah mi kip di mash dehn op eena mi anga, An Ah mi kip di chrampl dehn op eena mi raat. Mi kloaz dehn geh splash op wid dehn blod, An Ai don stayn op aala mi kloaz. 4 Di day a venjans deh eena mi haat, Ahn di yaa don kohn fi dehn wan weh Ah bai bak. 5 Ah luk, bot nobadi mi dehdeh fi help; Ai mi geh shak dat nobadi aafa fi sopoat mi. Soh da mi oan han sayv mi, Ahn mi oan raat sopoat mi. 6 Ah mi chrampl peepl eena mi anga, Ah mi mek dehn geh jronk wid mi raat Ahn poar owt dehn blod pahn di grong.” 7 Ah wahn taak bowt Jehoava laayal lov, Di tingz weh Jehoava du weh dizerv prayz, Bikaaz a evriting weh Jehoava don du fi wi, Di lata gud tingz weh hihn don du fi di hows a Izrel, Akaadn tu fi hihn mersi ahn ih grayt laayal lov. 8 Hihn mi seh: “Fi shoar dehn da mai peepl, mi son dehn weh wahn bee laayal.” Hihn da dehn Sayvya now. 9 Joorin aala dehn chroblz ih mi feel lata payn. Ahn fi hihn oan mesinja mi sayv dehn. Sayka ih lov ahn mersi ih mi bai dehn bak, An ih mi lif dehn op ahn kehr dehn fahn way bak eena di dayz. 10 Bot dehn mi ribel ahn hert ih hoali spirit. Soh ih mi ton dehn enimi, An ih mi fait gens dehn.