house of Jehovah and bring in false worship.—2 Chron. 28:24, 25.

19. Why did those in Jerusalem under Hezekiah receive blessings?

¹⁹ But there were a few rulers who showed appreciation for Jehovah. One of such was Hezekiah, who reopened the doors of the temple, reorganized the priests and Levites and caused temple sacrifices to Jehovah to be offered according to Jehovah’s laws. All of Israel and Judah were sent messages inviting them to comply with Jehovah’s instructions and celebrate the Passover. Many other acts of appreciation for sacred things were performed by Hezekiah, and Jehovah showed his thoughts toward his people by blessing them with plenty. (2 Chron. 31:10) When enemies threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah showed appreciation for prayer, in faith asking Jehovah to intervene. In response, Jehovah preserved his people, striking down the enemy army who were set to attack Jerusalem.—2 Ki. 19:15, 35.

20. Why was Jerusalem not delivered in Zedekiah’s day?

²⁰ Such deliverance did not occur in the days of Zedekiah, however, for he was not one to show proper appreciation of Jehovah or to see that pure worship was maintained at the temple. Suffering, not prosperity, was the lot of the people then. Priests and people were unfaithful to God, defiling the house of Jehovah. Therefore, as Jehovah had warned Solomon after the dedication of the temple, Jehovah permitted the destruction of the temple and the city.—2 Chron. 36:11-21.

21. How can we show that we appreciate Jehovah?

²¹ So there is great value to men in appreciating the privilege of sacred worship of Jehovah. Worship of Jehovah and obeying his laws are ways of demonstrating that we appreciate Jehovah. The Bible reveals how life and prosperity are involved with the appreciation we show.

Appreciating Sacred Things

1, 2. (a) Why is prophecy to be appreciated? (b) Why should the ransom be highly regarded?

JEHOVAH’S wonderful works and thoughts toward us and the things he has done for the world of mankind are indeed numerous. As soon as the human family came into difficulty and under condemnation because of Adam’s sin, hope for the future was revealed. Thus today we find among the sacred things of Jehovah his first prophecy recorded in the Bible: “And I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.” (Gen. 3:15) In his loving-kindness Jehovah later enlarged upon this subject, providing more than three hundred prophecies concerning the “seed” who was to come so there would be no doubt about who was meant. Down through history Jehovah God directed the course of events to cause an accurate fulfillment in Christ Jesus, by whom deliverance was to come. It was an outstanding thing that Jehovah did, and it is explained this way