and security, the Jehovah we must know, fear and worship.

HOW THE NAME PROVIDES SAFETY

10. How do we know Paul and the Lord Jesus had confidence in the Father’s name? Explain.

¹⁰ The foregoing information has clearly shown Jehovah is able to perform all his purposes. Then accept this as a fact and make progress with assurance, having the same conviction as Paul, who said: “He who is calling you is faithful, and he will also do it.” “But the Lord is faithful, and he will make you firm and keep you from the wicked one.” “Let us hold fast the public declaration of our hope without wavering, for he is faithful that promised.” (1 Thess. 5:24; 2 Thess. 3:3; Heb. 10:23, NW) He will never fail those who put their trust in him. “Blessed be Jehovah; for he hath showed me his marvellous lovingkindness in a strong city. Oh love Jehovah, all ye his saints: Jehovah preserveth the faithful, . . . Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all ye that hope in Jehovah.” (Ps. 31:21, 23, 24, AS) Our Leader always trusted completely in Jehovah. He knew the Father’s name, and of his great trial when he was before Pilate the following is recorded: “Pilate said to him: ‘Are you not speaking to me? Do you not know I have authority to release you and I have authority to impale you?’ Jesus answered him: ‘You would have no authority at all against me unless it had been granted to you from above.’” Trust was also complete when he said to Peter in the garden of Gethsemane: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father to supply me at this moment more than twelve legions of angels?” Even his tormentors and cruel murderers testified to his trust, for when he was hanging on the tree they spoke abusively many things, as for example: “He has put his trust in God; let Him now rescue him if He wants him, for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” (John 19:10, 11; Matt. 26:52, 53; 27:43, NW) It had been prophesied that he would so trust. “Commit thyself unto Jehovah; let him deliver him: let him rescue him, seeing he delighteth in him.” (Ps. 22:8, AS) Jesus Christ trusted, knowing his Father’s name, and note the wonderful result: “It is according to the operation of the mightiness of his strength, with which he has operated in the case of the Christ when he raised him up from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above every government and authority and power and lordship and every name named, not only in this system of things, but also in that to come.”—Eph. 1:19-21, NW.

11. Does having trust in Jehovah’s name mean we shall be free of persecution or physical hurt? What was Paul’s testimony, and how was he secure?

¹¹ How, then, does the protective quality of the name operate, seeing that the faithful servants of Jehovah have had to endure so much persecution and physical suffering? Paul said: “We are pressed in every way, but not cramped beyond movement; we are perplexed, but not absolutely with no way out; we are persecuted, but not left in the lurch; we are thrown down, but not destroyed. Always we endure everywhere in our body the death-dealing treatment given to Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be made manifest in our body.” “In every way we recommend ourselves as God’s ministers, by the endurance of much, by tribulations, by cases of need, by difficulties, by beatings, by prisons.” (2 Cor. 4:8-10; 2 Cor. 6:4, 5, NW) But Paul was secure. He had an upright, faithful conduct toward Jehovah, and the Lord Jesus, and all men, and also he had a living faith in Jehovah’s promises. He was faithful and dependable in the ministry entrusted to him, and had great love for the Lord and the brothers. He was patient under suffering and mild-mannered amidst injuries and provocation. He was maintaining a firm stand against the forces of the Devil’s organization, invisible and visible.

12. Explain Paul’s safety, and why was he confident?

¹² Hence he well said, “I have fought the right fight, I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith. From this time on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me as a reward in that day.” (2 Tim. 4:7, 8, NW) He was meeting with God’s approval, and felt completely safe. “For this very cause I am also suffering these things, but I am not ashamed. For I know the one whom I have believed, and I am confident he is able to guard what I have laid up in trust with him until that day.” (2 Tim. 1:12, NW) Paul was not safe from fleshly hurt, but he trusted God, to whom he had committed all, “because we have rested our hope on a living God, who is a Savior of all kinds of men, especially of faithful ones.” (1 Tim. 4:10, NW) “I continue mentioning you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the accurate knowledge of him, the eyes of your heart having been enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he called you, what the glorious riches are which he holds as an inheritance for the holy ones.” (Eph. 1:16-18, NW) He knew that all who trusted and were faithful would be saved to inherit these great promises. Paul knew what the name stood for, and could exercise confidence in all his experiences.

13. What experience came upon Israel from Amalek which taught confidence in Jehovah’s name?

¹³ Sometimes it is in accordance with God’s will for his servants to be protected from physical hurt, and sometimes he permits it to come, but at all times, if we understand all the name stands for, it will be a “strong tower” and to it we may go for safety. If we trust, then the eventual results are always right. Moses knew the name of Jehovah, and went to it for defense. Hardly had the great multitudes of Israel miraculously escaped the armies of Pharaoh when the Amalekites attacked them without provocation. This was done in a most treacherous and dastardly manner, coming upon them at the rear of the camp, to smite the feeble and those faint and weary. (Deut. 25:17, 18) It was then decided by Moses to fight Amalek, and Joshua led the army while Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of a hill. There Moses, the great mediator, lifted up his hand with the rod, a clear indication he was depending upon Jehovah for victory. As long as Moses held up his hands Israel prevailed, but when his hands dropped Amalek prevailed. Therefore proper assistance was given so his hands were held up, till the sun went down, and by then Joshua had gained the victory. Then “Jehovah said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: . . . Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi”. That is, “Jehovah is my banner.” (Ex. 17:14-16, AS, margin) It was Jehovah who had fought for Israel and the glory was due him. No pillar was here set up for Joshua, but an altar to Jehovah, for he had been Israel’s defense and strong tower. Moses knew the mercy and loving-kindness of the Eternal One.

14. Show how the battle between David and Goliath clearly demonstrates safety in the name.

¹⁴ There is the thrilling encounter of David with Goliath. The Philistines had defied Israel and their God, Jehovah, and caused their giant Goliath to parade the field for forty days, waiting for the fearful Israelites to take up his boastful challenge. David came on the scene, and immediately saw this uncircumcised Philistine defying the armies of the living God. He accepted the challenge, and as they met for mortal combat, Goliath cursed David by his god and said: “Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?” Here this great mass of flesh armed to the teeth bellowed threats at young David, enough to strike terror to the heart of any man. But David moved in to the fight courageously, fearlessly, in full confidence that he would be victorious. Never doubting nor hesitating, he answers this hulking bully in these words: “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I come to thee in the name of Jehovah of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will Jehovah deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite thee, and take thy head from off thee; . . . for the battle is Jehovah’s, and he will give you into our hand.” (1 Sam. 17:43-47, AS) David placed all his confidence in the name of Jehovah, depending wholly upon it for success. To those watching it would seem David was throwing himself into the mouth of destruction, but David knew in whom he was trusting and that Jehovah would be as good as his name. He trusted in the “strong tower” and was safe. There David stood (without sword or shield or armor-bearer) before the giant warrior and all the hosts of the Philistines, but he was safe and secure in the name of Jehovah. “I come to thee in the name of Jehovah” was his defense. The almighty God of purpose did not fail him.

15. What experience did Jehoshaphat have with Ahab which teaches the need for care on our part to learn first Jehovah’s will?

¹⁵ Another servant who trusted in the name of Jehovah was Jehoshaphat. “His heart was lifted up in the ways of Jehovah.” (2 Chron. 17:6, AS) He never moved out against the enemy without Jehovah’s approval. On one occasion Ahab, king of Israel, requested Jehoshaphat to join him in battle against the Syrians, which warfare had been going on three years. Ahab’s daughter had married Jehoshaphat’s son, so there was a family connection, and in spirit the king of Judah joined Ahab, but said: “Inquire first, I pray thee, for the word of Jehovah.” So Ahab brought about 400 of his own prophets and they told the king to go and fight, for a victory would be given. But Jehoshaphat was not satisfied. “Is there not here a prophet of Jehovah besides, that we may inquire of him?” Ahab replied, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of Jehovah: but I hate him; for he never prophesieth good concerning me, but always evil: . . . Micaiah the son of Imla.” Micaiah was brought in, probably from prison, to deliver his message, and he did it fearlessly in spite of the threats from the king’s messengers. “As Jehovah liveth, what my God saith, that will I speak.” It was favorable to Jehoshaphat but against Ahab. (2 Ki. 8:18; 2 Chron. 18:1-34, AS) Those who go forward trusting in Jehovah’s name must know they are doing his will and not their own, as was the case with Jehoshaphat. He knew his name. He is all-wise and true to his promise.

16. How did Jehovah demonstrate his protection to Jehoshaphat and Judah against the armies of Moab, Ammon and Mount Seir?

¹⁶ Later on Jehoshaphat is besieged by the combined forces of Moab, Ammon and Mount Seir, a tremendous multitude. What would the good king do? He immediately flees to the “strong tower”, Jehovah. “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek unto Jehovah; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” (2 Chron. 20:1-4, AS) Note the prayer he offers exalting Jehovah, in its composition and expression one of the most remarkable ever recorded in Hebrew Scripture. Jehovah is acknowledged as supreme with irresistible power extending over every creature in heaven and in earth, the universal Sovereign. Being in covenant relationship with Him, they should go to Jehovah when in danger. He appeals to His justice and uses it to the full to point out that they were not permitted to invade their enemies and now these have attacked Judah, and finally says: “Neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” (2 Chron. 20:12, AS) They had no might of their own, therefore dependence was entirely on Jehovah. This king knew the name of Jehovah and that it was a strong tower, and in it he was safe. Jehovah destroyed the organized forces of Moab, Ammon and Mount Seir with one blow, by causing these wicked opposers of God’s people to be instruments of destruction to one another. Jehoshaphat, a servant of God, ran into the name of Jehovah and was safe.

17, 18. (a) Does faithfulness to God mean the enemy will never attack, and what does the record show? (b) How was trust and confidence in Jehovah’s name recorded?

¹⁷ Then there was the time when the arrogant Assyrian monarch purposed to destroy Jerusalem. Hezekiah was king. The record states: “He wrought that which was good and right and faithful before Jehovah his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered. After these things, and this faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fortified cities, and thought to win them for himself.” (2 Chron. 31:20, 21; 32:1, AS) Hezekiah prepared the best he could to withstand this terrible enemy, but his trust was the name of Jehovah. He spoke to the captains, saying, “Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him; for there is a greater with us than with him: with him is an arm of flesh; but with us is Jehovah our God to help us, and to fight our battles.” (2 Chron. 32:7, 8, AS) The believing, trusting confidence of Hezekiah had raised him above the enemy. The Assyrian defied Jehovah, saying: “Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in Jehovah, saying, Jehovah will surely deliver us.”—2 Ki. 18:30, AS.

¹⁸ The Assyrian monarch through his captain compared Jehovah to the gods of the nations he had conquered, and sent an arrogant letter to Hezekiah, wherein he used profanity, falsehood and blasphemy. When the letter was received Hezekiah went up into the house of Jehovah and spread it before the Lord and prayed: “O Jehovah our God, save thou us, I beseech thee, out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou Jehovah art God alone.” (2 Ki. 19:19, AS) Jehovah proved himself a defense and strong tower by protecting his people and destroying 185,000 soldiers of the Assyrian, and chasing great Sennacherib back to his own land and to his doom. So, “Jehovah preserveth all them that love him; but all the wicked will he destroy.”—Ps. 145:20, AS.

A Strong Refuge Today

1, 2. Why must we have the same confidence in Jehovah’s name today as his servants did in times past? And what circumstances are we likely to encounter?

THE forceful and telling experiences brought to our attention in the foregoing article show clearly how faithful servants of God in times past took refuge in the name of Jehovah as a “strong tower”. We do exactly the same today. The same Jehovah in whom they had confidence is the One we believe and trust in today. We must have strong confidence in Jehovah, both individually and collectively, and whether it be individuals, or local groups, or international organizations that try to harm us, the course to take is clearly marked out for us.

² In these last days loud-mouthed bullies and braggarts threaten Jehovah’s people with bodily injury, and we know that in ourselves we cannot withstand their attacks. A certain course may have to be taken in faithfulness to the truth and in obedience to the Lord’s commandments, but in doing so evil is threatened. Or, it may be that one’s position in the commercial world has been threatened because of association with the Lord’s people. Or perhaps home conditions have become very precarious resulting from faithfulness to the truth and there are threats of brutality and other forms of opposition unless the right course is abandoned. Or maybe a mob has gathered to beat up or run faithful witnesses out of town and there is no way of escape. What would we do in these circumstances?

3. What must we do in time of need so that we can take refuge in His name?

³ First of all, remember just who you are, that you are a child of God, a faithful follower of Christ, that these things would not come unless you had been doing your best to serve Jehovah.They have not come to you from your own foolishness or wrongdoing. Remember too that your God is the Almighty Creator of the universe, he is the Most High and his Son is the King of the new world, and is now enthroned; that Jehovah has made many promises to care for his faithful ones, and when there is need he should be called upon to come to our rescue. He will be as good as his word. You will find it difficult in certain circumstances to be immediately convinced about this, but trust in Him and find it is true. In trusting you must have complete confidence, not merely hoping that God may do something to aid you but being absolutely sure he will. And how can we be so sure? Simply because he has promised. His name means so much. It means everything and is sufficient for all our needs. Can we remember? Are we assured? Can we trust?

4. How do we encourage ourselves in Jehovah, and why is this necessary?

⁴ Encourage yourself in his name by calling to mind what it means and what is involved in it. It is very necessary to encourage and strengthen ourselves. Of King David it is written: “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, . . . but David strengthened himself in Jehovah his God.” (1 Sam. 30:6, AS) He would call to mind that he had asked Jehovah whether he should go and smite the Philistines, and had been told to go, and now the Amalekites had made their raid and wrought much havoc; so he strengthened himself. (See Psalm 42:6-8.) We must do the same thing. It is so necessary to call to mind the course we have taken, how it was tested to the best of our ability to make sure it was in harmony with God’s will, and, being assured, we stand firm. Then trust, be confident, do not doubt, realize fully the name Jehovah can be relied upon as a strong tower, and in it we are safe.

5. Mention some of the promises Jehovah has made in which we must have confidence. Why must our trust be complete?

⁵ Remember how the name stands for the Eternal One. He who does whatever he pleases, the all-powerful, all-wise, ever-loving Supreme Sovereign. This God is our God, our protector at all times. His eye never sleeps, his ear is always open and he can never be caught off guard. Recall some of his promises, such as: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust. For thou, O Jehovah, art my refuge! Thou hast made the Most High thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, . . . He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him, and honor him.” (Ps. 91:1, 2, 9, 10, 15, AS) These true, Jehovah-given promises are to encourage his people in all extremities, pressures, troubles, assaults, and dangers. So, they may have assurance to put confidence in him. The name is an invisible fortress, and by relying completely on what the name means we are thereby putting ourselves in the strong tower. But our trust must be entire. His mercy and faithfulness will be our portion if we claim it.

6. What are some of the scriptures showing opposition to God’s people from the nations? and how has this been fulfilled in a measure?

⁶ Opposition to us is national and international, for this world hates Jehovah and his people. This is described in the Psalms: “Why do the nations rage, and the peoples meditate a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against Jehovah, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” “Forget not the voice of thine adversaries: the tumult of those that rise up against thee ascendeth continually.” “For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult; and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They take crafty counsel against thy people, and consult together against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.” (Ps. 2:1-3; 74:23; 83:2-4, AS) The enemies of Jehovah have tried more than once to cut God’s people off, one recent attempt being 1917-1918. It failed, for Jehovah heard the cry of those trusting in him and rescued them from the pit of death. Again, in 1933, when the sadistic demonized boasters, with the infamous, abominable Nazi organization, broke into the ranks of Jehovah’s people, they did their utmost to destroy them. They failed miserably, for those in Jehovah’s organization trusted in the name, and these enemies were cut off. Then again in 1939, and during World War II, the enemies of God’s kingdom tried to cut them off by their inhuman persecution, prisons, bans, tortures and deaths. Again they failed to cut off the holy nation, which was strictly holding to the truth. This nation had come to know the name and what it meant, and was trusting in it.

7. To make Jehovah’s purposes our purposes involves what?

⁷ Some of Jehovah’s people suffered bitterly, and some were put to death by their enemies, but the purpose of Jehovah has not been hindered and the destiny of the faithful is sure—just as sure as Abraham’s, David’s, Daniel’s, and many others’. They all died in faith, knowing his name. We all must understand as these did that our interests must be completely submerged in Jehovah’s purposes. As long as these prosper we are happy, whether we live or die, for our everlasting life is assured to us if faithful. No promise has been made that we shall never on any account be persecuted or hurt mentally or physically. Indeed, all the faithful before this time have suffered, and Paul’s warning is: “In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” (2 Tim. 3:12, NW) But we have been definitely promised protection if we trust in Jehovah with all our heart.

8. Is Jehovah demonstrating his power on behalf of his people today? What does this lead our enemies to conclude?

⁸ Now at the end of this present evil system of things Jehovah is going to perform a marvelous work, for he is going to exhibit his wondrous strength on behalf of his faithful ones. They will be overwhelmed with gratitude as they witness his power in operation to defend them and destroy the opposers. To those outside, terror will strike them as they see Jehovah’s terrible acts. Today we are subject to reproach and all kinds of hurt, and therefore obedience and faithfulness have to be exercised. In fact, we are an easy target for the enemies. Our enemies say, “They cannot defend themselves. Their God is not able to save them. If he could, why has he not done so already?” True it is, Jehovah is not aggressively fighting our battles at present, and at times it seems that we have been left to the enemy attacks without much protection—just enough to see the work through, and from time to time some evidence is granted us of his strength on our behalf.

9. Will Jehovah rise up and fight for his people? When, and what will happen then?

⁹ Jehovah has promised it will not always be like this, for the tables will be turned. Then our many foes will be the targets for Jehovah’s displeasure. Today Jehovah lets them go a long way in hurting us, but when he rises up to fight, their hateful persecution will come to a dead stop, and their dead bodies will litter the ground. How futile then will be the mighty organization of Satan, for Jehovah will blow on it and it will disappear! We have only to wait until Jehovah really fights for us, and then there will be complete and absolute safety in every way. Jehovah will defend his people from all physical harm, to demonstrate that his word is true. The many experiences describing Jehovah’s power over his people with the destruction of their enemies will then be fulfilled on a much larger scale than ever before. There will be no question as to who our God is, for they will know it by what they see and experience. He is Jehovah, and will do what he pleases. “Therefore, wait ye for me, saith Jehovah, until the day that I rise up to the prey; for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger; for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.” “Then shall Jehovah go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from Jehovah shall be among them.”—Zeph. 3:8; Zech. 14:3, 13, AS.

HATING JEHOVAH’S ENEMIES

10. Explain the difference between loving our enemies and hating God’s enemies.

¹⁰ The Lord Jesus said, “Continue to love your enemies.” (Matt. 5:44, NW) And he also said, “Every kind of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven. For example, whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against