Questions From Readers

● Is there any objection to celebrating wedding anniversaries?—I.S., United States.

In ancient times birthday celebrations were associated with astrology. No doubt this is why the Scriptures tell only of pagans celebrating them. However, there is nothing in the Scriptures in support of the celebration of one’s wedding anniversary, to make it obligatory. Marriage is something for couples to remember every day as to its obligations. Of course, the day of marriage is a joyful occasion—a fact that Jesus recognized by his presence at the wedding feast at Cana. Where the marriage turns out successfully, it would be but natural for a couple to take note of such a happy event annually. In fact, this may be conducive to strengthening the marriage relationship.—John 2:1-11.

Just what arrangements should be made to mark the anniversary and how extensive these would be is for those involved to decide, although it is well to note that here also the rule applies: “Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.”—1 Cor. 10:31.

● Habakkuk 3:3 reads: “God himself proceeded to come from Teman, even a Holy One from Mount Paran.” This has been used as an argument to show where God came from. Is this the right understanding of this text?—J. F., United States.

No, it is not. Jehovah God is not shown as coming from Teman in the sense of his originating from there or as if this was his place of abode. Jehovah God is without any origin, either on earth or in heaven. He is “from time indefinite to time indefinite.” His abode, however, is in the heavens: “The heavens are my throne.”—Ps. 90:2; Isa. 66:1.

The prophecy here foretells the coming of God with destructive fury at the battle of Armageddon, which the prophet compares to God’s acts in days of old. In vision the prophet sees God coming from Teman, or, as the footnote “e” shows in the New World Translation, God is coming from the south. Actually Jehovah in the past did lead his people triumphantly from Mount Sinai to Jerusalem through the land of Teman. Moses’ blessing at Deuteronomy 33:2, and Deborah’s song at Judges 5:4, 5, refer to the same thing: “Jehovah came from Sinai and flashed forth from Seir [of which Teman is a part] upon them. He beamed forth from the mountainous region of Paran.” “Jehovah, at your going forth from Seir, at your marching out of the field of Edom, earth rocked, heavens also dripped, clouds also dripped with water. Mountains quaked at the face of God, this Sinai at the face of Jehovah, Israel’s God.”

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

“How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” exclaimed the psalmist. (Ps. 133:1) This godly unity will be promoted by Jehovah’s witnesses during July as they offer to all people the Bible-study aid Your Will Be Done on Earth” and a booklet, on a contribution of 50c.

WHAT FATE FOR MANKIND?

Never has there been such need to take stock of world events. The peace of the world hangs on the turn of events in remote parts of the earth. Where will developments end? Will modern weapons of mass destruction be tested on the battlefield? Will East meet West in an all-out struggle for survival? The answers are bound up in a rivalry that is thousands of years old. Read the fascinating history behind our century’s climactic controversy. Send for the hard-bound book “Your Will Be Done on Earth” and receive free the booklet Healing of the Nations Has Drawn Near. Only 50c.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

August 6: Right Associations Lead to Life. Page 393.

August 13: Watch Your Associations in the Time of the End. Page 399.