Ekete ra Rionbọrhọ Uvuẹn Ọbe Owian Akpenyerẹn Ọwan Ọrhẹ Iruo Uvie Na
© 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
MAY 1-7
EFE RI NẸ ẸMRO OSOLOBRUGWẸ RHE | 2 CHRONICLES 17-19
“Wa Mẹrẹn Awọrọ Jerẹ Oborẹ i Jehova ọ Mẹrẹn Aye Rhọ?”
Wu na ha Oborẹ a ya rhẹ i Baibol na Ruiruo?
7 Me yẹ ọwan i yono nẹ udje ọmọ Asa rẹ odẹ ye orhiẹ Jehoshaphat? Ọye o vwo omamọ iruemru irhorhomu. Nime ọ hẹroso i Jehova, no ru ekwakwa irhorhomu buebun. Udabọ ọrana, o ji brorhiẹn ri sọre. Jerẹ udje, dedevwo Ahab ohworho rọ sẹrerhumuji ogame i Jehova, Jehoshaphat o ru ẹkwaphiẹrhotọre nẹ ọmọyen ọhworhare ọ rọnmọ ọmọ ọgbọtọ Ahab ro rhiẹ Orodje Israel. Udabọ orhetio rẹ ọmẹraro Micaiah ọ yẹ Orodje Jehoshaphat, o ji kwomakugbe Ahab haso agbamwa Syria. Jehoshaphat ọ joma hwu rhẹ uvweri ọrana. Ọke oru, nọ ghwẹrioma riẹ Jerusalem. (2 Chron. 18:1-32) Omarana, ọmẹraro Jehu nọ nọriẹn: “Evwọkon yo fori ne wu ha userhumu riẹn? Habaye, ihworho ri vwo utuoma kpahen i Jehova yo fori ne wu vwo ẹguọlọ kpahen? Fọkiẹ ọnana, Jehova ọ tuekwẹre kpahuọn?”—Se 2 Chronicles 19:1-3.
Meditate on Jehovah’s Enduring Love
8 Jehovah wants us to know him as someone who loves us and looks beyond our imperfection. He searches for the good in us. (2 Chron. 16:9) For instance, he did so in the case of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. On one occasion, Jehoshaphat unwisely agreed to accompany King Ahab of Israel in a military venture to recover Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians. Although 400 false prophets assured wicked Ahab of success, Jehovah’s true prophet Micaiah foretold certain defeat. Ahab died in battle, and Jehoshaphat barely escaped with his life. Upon returning to Jerusalem, he was reproved for allying himself with Ahab. Even so, Jehu, the son of Hanani the visionary, told Jehoshaphat: “There are good things that have been found in you.”—2 Chron. 18:4, 5, 18-22, 33, 34; 19:1-3.
9 Early in his reign, Jehoshaphat had directed that princes, Levites, and priests travel through all the cities of Judah to teach his subjects Jehovah’s Law. The campaign was so effective that people of the surrounding nations began to fear Jehovah. (2 Chron. 17:3-10) Yes, Jehoshaphat committed a foolish act, but Jehovah was not blind to the good things he had done. This Bible account provides a reminder that despite our human imperfection, Jehovah will have enduring love for us if we wholeheartedly seek to please him.
Efe erẹ Ẹhẹn
Ga i Jehova rhẹ Ọsoso Ọmudu ọnọ!
10 Ọmọ Asa re se Jehoshaphat, ọ hẹrokele udje ọsẹ ye. (2 Chron. 20:31, 32) Izede ọgo? Jehoshaphat ọ hẹrokele ọsẹ ye nyoma ọ ha userhumu rẹn ihworho na, nẹ aye i yono kpahen i Jehova. O ru ọnana nyoma ọ ha ihworho mwu nẹ aye i yono ihworho na kpahen irhi Jehova nẹ ekete owu riẹ ọreva uvuẹn ẹkwotọre na. (2 Chron. 17:7-10) Ọ tobọ ji yono ihworho ri ha uvuẹn agbamwa Israel ọrhẹ Ephraim, neneyo aye i sabu rharhumu mọ ga i Jehova. (2 Chron. 19:4) Jehoshaphat ọ ghini ga i Jehova rhẹ ọsoso ọmudu ọnẹyen.”—2 Chron. 22:9.
11 Ọwan ephian ina sabu vwobọrhọ owian aghwoghwo na inyenana. Wu vwo omwemẹ wu ne yono awọrọ Ẹmro Osolobrugwẹ kibiamo kibiamo, neneyo aye sabu mọ ga i Jehova? Wu na sabu ru omaran nyoma wu na homakpahontọre wian owian na jeghwai nekpẹn ebrurhọ Osolobrugwẹ. Ọnana oborẹ wa nẹrhomo kpahan? Wu vwo omwemẹ wu ne vwobọrhọ owian ọnana tobọ te erhirhiẹ wu na ha ọke omeronmo ọnọ ba ruie? Jerẹ oborẹ Jehoshaphat o riẹ ẹkwotọre Ephraim ya ha userhumu rẹn ihworho na ghwẹrioma rhiẹ ogame urhomẹmro, ọwan ina sabu ha userhumu rẹn ihworho rẹ onyerẹnkugbe aye rhẹ i Jehova o seriotọre. Habaye, ekpako ukoko i ru ẹkwaphiẹrhotọre rẹ aye ina kọn bru jeghwai ha userhumu rẹn ihworho re le nẹ ukoko, ri ghwẹriẹ nẹ ọdandan aye ne.
MAY 8-14
EFE RI NẸ ẸMRO OSOLOBRUGWẸ RHE | 2 CHRONICLES 20-21
“Vwo Esegburhomẹmro Kpahen i Jehova Osolobrugwẹ Ọnọ”
w14 12/15 23 ¶8
Facing the End of This Old World Together
8 In King Jehoshaphat’s day, God’s people faced a formidable enemy, “a large crowd” from surrounding areas. (2 Chron. 20:1, 2) Commendably, God’s servants did not try to conquer the enemy in their own strength. Instead, they turned to Jehovah. (Read 2 Chronicles 20:3, 4.) And they did not do so independently, each as he saw fit or felt inclined. The Bible record tells us: “All those of Judah were standing before Jehovah, along with their little ones, their wives, and their children.” (2 Chron. 20:13) Whether young or old, they strove together in faith to follow Jehovah’s direction, and Jehovah protected them against their enemy. (2 Chron. 20:20-27) Is this not a fine example of how to face challenges as God’s people?
Jenẹ Eri Rọnmọren Obọ ha Ogame i Jehova Karo Uvuẹn Akpenyerẹn Aye
7 Jehova nọ nyoma i Jahaziel ro rhiẹ onyẹ i Levi tẹmro rẹn Jehoshaphat. Jehova nọ tare: “Are i mwuegbe, are i mevigbanhon, nẹ are i mẹrẹn oborẹ i Jehova ono simi are lele.” (2 Chron. 20:13-17) Ọrana ọ vẹnẹ oborẹ e fiuvweri lele! Ọrẹn, ọkpọvi ọrana o nẹ obẹ onyakpọ rhe-e; obẹ i Jehova yo nurhe. Fọkime i Jehoshaphat ọ dabu hẹroso Osolobrugwẹ ye, no ru oborẹ a ta riẹn. Ọke ọye ọrhẹ ihworho yi a ya vwa evwreghrẹn aye, nọ ha egba ijoro ri vwa kpare ekwakwa uvweri karo rẹn isodja ri dabu tẹn ona uvweri. Jehovah nọ nyamwu ive ro ve rẹn i Jehoshaphat; no fi evwreghrẹn aye kparobọ.—2 Chron. 20:18-23.
Efe erẹ Ẹhẹn
it-1 1271 ¶1-2
Jehoram
At least partially because of the bad influence of his wife Athaliah, Jehoram did not pursue the righteous ways of his father Jehoshaphat. (2Ki 8:18) Not only did Jehoram murder his six brothers and some of the princes of Judah but he also turned his subjects away from Jehovah to false gods. (2Ch 21:1-6, 11-14) His whole reign was marred by both internal trouble and external strife. First, Edom rebelled; then Libnah revolted against Judah. (2Ki 8:20-22) In a letter to Jehoram, the prophet Elijah warned: “Look! Jehovah is dealing a great blow to your people and to your sons and to your wives and to all your goods.” Moreover, you, King Jehoram, “will be with many sicknesses, with a malady of your intestines, until your intestines have come out because of the sickness day by day.”—2Ch 21:12-15.
It all occurred just that way. Jehovah allowed Arabs and Philistines to overrun the land and take Jehoram’s wives and sons captive. God permitted only Jehoram’s youngest son, Jehoahaz (also called Ahaziah), to escape, a concession made, however, only for the sake of the Kingdom covenant made with David. “After all this Jehovah plagued [Jehoram] in his intestines with a sickness for which there was no healing.” Two years later “his intestines came out” and he gradually died. So ended the life of this wicked man, who “went away without being desired.” He was buried in the City of David, “but not in the burial places of the kings.” Ahaziah his son became king in his stead.—2Ch 21:7, 16-20; 22:1; 1Ch 3:10, 11.
MAY 15-21
EFE RI NẸ ẸMRO OSOLOBRUGWẸ RHE | 2 CHRONICLES 22-24
“Jehova ọ ha Ebrurhọ Rhẹ Ewian Uduefigbere”
w09 4/1 24 ¶1-2
Jehoash Left Jehovah Because of Bad Association
IT WAS a terrible time in Jerusalem, the city where God’s temple stood. King Ahaziah had just been killed. It is hard even to imagine what Ahaziah’s mother, Athaliah, then did. She had Ahaziah’s sons—her own grandchildren—murdered! Do you know why?— So that she could become the ruler instead of any one of them.
However, one of Athaliah’s grandsons, the baby Jehoash, was saved, and his grandmother did not even know about it. Would you like to know how?— Well, the baby had an aunt named Jehosheba, who hid Jehoash in God’s temple. She could do this because her husband was High Priest Jehoiada. So together they made sure that Jehoash was kept safe.
w09 4/1 24 ¶3-5
Jehoash Left Jehovah Because of Bad Association
For six years, Jehoash was secretly kept in the temple. There he was taught all about Jehovah God and his laws. Finally, when Jehoash reached seven years of age, Jehoiada took action to make Jehoash king. Would you like to hear how Jehoiada did this and what happened to Jehoash’s grandmother, wicked Queen Athaliah?—
Well, Jehoiada secretly called together the special bodyguards that kings in Jerusalem had at that time. He told them how he and his wife had saved the baby son of King Ahaziah. Then Jehoiada showed Jehoash to those bodyguards, who realized that he was the rightful ruler. And a plan was made.
Jehoiada brought Jehoash out and crowned him. At that, the people “began to clap their hands and say: ‘Let the king live!’” The bodyguards surrounded Jehoash to protect him. Well, when Athaliah heard all this rejoicing, she ran out and objected. But at Jehoiada’s command, the bodyguards put Athaliah to death.—2 Kings 11:1-16.
it-1 379 ¶5
Burial, Burial Places
Righteous High Priest Jehoiada was accorded the honor of a burial in “the City of David along with the kings,” the only person not of the royal line mentioned as having received such distinction.—2Ch 24:15, 16.
Efe erẹ Ẹhẹn
it-2 1223 ¶13
Zechariah
12. Son of High Priest Jehoiada. After Jehoiada’s death, King Jehoash turned away from true worship, listening to wrong counsel rather than to Jehovah’s prophets. Zechariah, Jehoash’s cousin (2Ch 22:11), sternly warned the people about this, but instead of repenting, they stoned him in the temple courtyard. Zechariah’s dying words were: “Let Jehovah see to it and ask it back.” This prophetic request was granted, for not only did Syria do great damage to Judah but also Jehoash was killed by two of his servants “because of the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest.” The Greek Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate say that Jehoash was killed to avenge the blood of the “son” of Jehoiada. The Masoretic text and the Syriac Peshitta, however, read “sons,” possibly using the plural number to denote the excellence and worth of Jehoiada’s son Zechariah the prophet-priest.—2Ch 24:17-22, 25.
MAY 22-28
EFE RI NẸ ẸMRO OSOLOBRUGWẸ RHE | 2 CHRONICLES 25-27
“Jehova o Vwo Izede rọ nọ Kwosa Wẹn Bun Ghwẹ Erana”
it-1 1266 ¶6
Jehoash
Jehoash also hired out a hundred thousand of his troops to the king of Judah to fight against the Edomites. However, on the advice of a “man of the true God” they were dismissed, and although they had been paid a hundred silver talents ($660,600) in advance, they were angered at being sent home, probably because of losing out on their anticipated share of the booty. So after their return N they plundered towns of the southern kingdom, from Samaria (perhaps their base of operations) as far as Beth-horon.—2Ch 25:6-10, 13.
Marhẹ Ene ru Mẹrẹn Orhorhomu i Jehova Vwrurhe?
16 Ze izobo rẹn Jehova. O fo na kpariroro vrẹn kemru kemru ra merhen ọwan oma, na ki ga i Jehova-a. (Eccl. 5:19, 20) Ọrẹn, erhe tirierhumu re ne ru rhọ uvuẹn ogame i Jehova, ana sabu họhọ ọhworhare rọ ha udje i Jesu ro ruẹ oborẹ ọsọre, fọkime ọ guọlọ riakpọ vuọnvuọn, ọrẹn ọdamerhọ Osolobrugwẹ-ẹ. (Se Luke 12:16-21.) Omizu ọhworhare owu re se Christian, ro rhirhiẹ France, nọ tare, “Mi vwe tiobọnu ọke ọrhẹ omẹdamu ro fori rẹn Jehova ọrhẹ ekrun mẹ-ẹ.” Omarana, ọye ọrhẹ aniẹ ni brorhiẹn aye ine vwobọrhọ owian ọkobaro. Ọrẹn, nẹ aye i sabu nyamwu ẹkẹ ọnana, aye ni nyaji iruo aye vwo. Nẹ aye i sabu hẹrote oma aye, aye ni tuẹn owian re ruẹ ekwakwa fuan rhọ, ji vwo ẹhẹn otemẹ kpahen ibiẹ igho aye a mẹrẹn. Aye i mẹrẹn erere nẹ orhienbro aye? Christian nọ tare, “Ame na riamerhen owian aghwoghwo na vwana, oma ọ ji merhen ame ọke ame a mẹrẹn ẹrharhumu bru ọrhẹ ihworho ame a ha i Baibol yono, re yono kpahen Jehova.”
Efe erẹ Ẹhẹn
w07 12/15 10 ¶1-2
Do You Have a Spiritual Mentor?
AT THE tender age of 16, Uzziah became king of the southern kingdom of Judah. He reigned for over 50 years, from the late ninth to the early eighth century B.C.E. From a young age, Uzziah “kept doing what was right in Jehovah’s eyes.” What influenced him to take an upright course? The historical record states: “[Uzziah] continually tended to search for God in the days of Zechariah, the instructor in the fear of the true God; and, in the days of his searching for Jehovah, the true God made him prosperous.”—2 Chronicles 26:1, 4, 5.
Not much is known about Zechariah, the adviser to the king, apart from this account in the Bible. Yet, as “the instructor in the fear of the true God,” Zechariah exercised a fine influence on the young ruler to do what was right. The Expositor’s Bible observes that Zechariah was obviously “a man versed in sacred learning, rich in spiritual experience, and able to communicate his knowledge.” One Bible scholar concluded about Zechariah: “He was well versed in prophecy and . . . was an intelligent, devout, good man; and, it seems, had great influence with Uzziah.”
MAY 29–JUNE 4
EFE RI NẸ ẸMRO OSOLOBRUGWẸ RHE | 2 CHRONICLES 28-29
“Wu na Sabu ga i Jehova Udabọ Orharhere Udje Eri Vwiẹruọ
w16.02 14 ¶8
Imitate Jehovah’s Close Friends
8 Unlike Ruth, young Hezekiah was born into a nation that was dedicated to Jehovah. But not all Israelites lived up to that dedication. Hezekiah’s father, King Ahaz, is a case in point. That wicked man led the kingdom of Judah into idolatry, even desecrating Jehovah’s temple in Jerusalem. It is hard to imagine Hezekiah’s childhood, for some of his brothers met a horrible death, being burned alive as sacrifices to a false god!—2 Ki. 16:2-4, 10-17; 2 Chron. 28:1-3.
w16.02 14 ¶9-11
Imitate Jehovah’s Close Friends
9 Hezekiah might easily have grown up to be a bitter, angry man who turned against God. Others who have endured far less hardship have thought that they had valid reason to become “enraged against Jehovah” or embittered toward his organization. (Prov. 19:3) And some people are convinced that their unwholesome family background dooms them to lead a bad life, perhaps to repeat their parents’ mistakes. (Ezek. 18:2, 3) Are such notions correct?
10 Hezekiah’s life record gives us a resounding answer: Absolutely not! There is never a valid reason to become embittered against Jehovah, for he is not the source of the evils that befall people in this wicked world. (Job 34:10) True, parents can exert a strong influence on their children for good or for bad. (Prov. 22:6; Col. 3:21) But this does not mean that a person’s family background determines his course in life. On the contrary, Jehovah has given all of us a precious gift—the ability to choose what we will do and who we will be. (Deut. 30:19) How did Hezekiah use that gift?
11 Although Hezekiah was the son of one of Judah’s worst kings, he grew up to be one of the very best. (Read 2 Kings 18:5, 6.) Yes, his father was a terrible influence, but there were other influences to choose from. Isaiah served as a prophet in those days, as did Micah and Hosea. We can imagine King Hezekiah deeply absorbed in the inspired declarations of such faithful men, allowing Jehovah’s counsel and correction to sink into his heart. So Hezekiah set about righting the terrible wrongs that his father had committed. He did so by cleansing the temple, atoning for the people’s sins, and destroying pagan idols in a vigorous and far-reaching campaign. (2 Chron. 29:1-11, 18-24; 31:1) When he faced daunting challenges, such as the threat of attack on Jerusalem by the Assyrian king Sennacherib, Hezekiah showed profound courage and faith. He relied on God for salvation and strengthened his people by word and example. (2 Chron. 32:7, 8) Later, when Hezekiah needed correction for showing a haughty attitude, he humbled himself and repented. (2 Chron. 32:24-26) Clearly, Hezekiah did not let his past ruin his present or deprive him of a future. Rather, he showed that he was Jehovah’s friend and a fine example to imitate.
Efe erẹ Ẹhẹn
w12 2/15 24-25
Nathan—Loyal Advocate of Pure Worship
As a faithful worshipper of Jehovah, Nathan enthusiastically endorsed David’s plan to construct the first permanent center of pure worship on earth. On that occasion, however, Nathan apparently expressed his own feelings instead of speaking in Jehovah’s name. That night, God instructed his prophet to take a different message to the king: David would not build Jehovah’s temple. The person to do so would be one of David’s sons. But Nathan announced that God was making a covenant with David to the effect that his throne would become “firmly established to time indefinite.”—2 Sam. 7:4-16.
God’s will did not harmonize with Nathan’s judgment with respect to temple construction. Without murmuring, however, this humble prophet acquiesced to Jehovah’s purpose and cooperated with it. What a fine example to follow if God should correct us in some way! Nathan’s subsequent acts as a prophet show that he did not lose God’s favor. In fact, it appears that Jehovah inspired Nathan, together with Gad the visionary, to direct David in organizing 4,000 musicians in temple service.—1 Chron. 23:1-5; 2 Chron. 29:25.
JUNE 5-11
EFE RI NẸ ẸMRO OSOLOBRUGWẸ RHE | 2 CHRONICLES 30-31
“A Mẹrẹn Erere Arha Vwoma Kuẹgbe”
it-1 1103 ¶2
Hezekiah
His Zeal for True Worship. Hezekiah demonstrated his zeal for Jehovah’s worship immediately on taking the throne at 25 years of age. His first act was to reopen and repair the temple. Then, calling together the priests and Levites, he said to them: “It is close to my heart to conclude a covenant with Jehovah the God of Israel.” This was a covenant of faithfulness, as though the Law covenant, still in effect but neglected, was inaugurated anew in Judah. With great energy he proceeded to organize the Levites in their services, and he reestablished the arrangements for musical instruments and singing of praises. It was Nisan, the month for Passover to be celebrated, but the temple and the priests and Levites were unclean. By the 16th day of Nisan, the temple was cleansed and its utensils restored. Then a special atonement had to be made for all Israel. First, the princes brought sacrifices, sin offerings for the kingdom, the sanctuary, and the people, followed by thousands of burnt offerings by the people.—2Ch 29:1-36.
it-1 1103 ¶3
Hezekiah
Since the people’s uncleanness prevented their observance of the Passover at the regular time, Hezekiah took advantage of the law that allowed those who are unclean to celebrate the Passover one month later. He called not only Judah but also Israel by means of letters sent by runners throughout the land from Beer-sheba to Dan. The runners met with derision from many; but individuals, particularly from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun, humbled themselves to come, some from Ephraim and Issachar also attending. Besides this, many non-Israelite worshipers of Jehovah were on hand. It was likely a difficult matter for those in the northern kingdom who stood for true worship to attend. They, like the messengers, would meet opposition and ridicule, inasmuch as the ten-tribe kingdom was in a decadent state, sunk in false worship and harassed by the Assyrian menace.—2Ch 30:1-20; Nu 9:10-13.
it-1 1103 ¶4-5
Hezekiah
After the Passover, the Festival of Unfermented Cakes was held for seven days with such attendant joy that the entire congregation decided to extend it seven days longer. Even in such perilous times Jehovah’s blessing prevailed so that “there came to be great rejoicing in Jerusalem, for from the days of Solomon the son of David the king of Israel there was none like this in Jerusalem.”—2Ch 30:21-27.
That this was a real restoration and revival of true worship and not merely a transient emotional gathering is seen in what followed. Before their return home the celebrants went out and destroyed the sacred pillars, pulled down the high places and the altars, and cut down the sacred poles throughout Judah and Benjamin and even in Ephraim and Manasseh. (2Ch 31:1) Hezekiah set the example by crushing to pieces the copper serpent that Moses had made, because the people had made it an idol, burning sacrificial smoke to it. (2Ki 18:4) After the great festival Hezekiah ensured the continuation of true worship by organizing the priestly divisions and arranging for the support of the temple services; he admonished obedience to the Law as to the tithes and firstfruit contributions to the Levites and priests, to which the people responded wholeheartedly.—2Ch 31:2-12.
Efe erẹ Ẹhẹn
“Oma ọnọ Merhen are, are i rhe ru Ekwakwa Enana’ ”
14 Izede ọrọrọ ro djephia taghene ọwan i vwo omeriotọre, yẹ omwemẹ re vwori ra na kerhọ awọrọ. James 1:19 ọ tare taghene o fori ne “kiki kerhọ.” Jehova o dje udje rọ gbare sekpahen ọnana. (Gen. 18:32; Josh. 10:14) Roro kpahen oborẹ ọye ọrhẹ i Moses i tẹmro kugbe lele uvuẹn Exodus 32:11-14. (Se yi.) Jehova ọ ha uphẹn rẹn i Moses nọ tẹmro dedevwo ọye ọvo ọnọ sabu brorhiẹn na. Wu na sabu vwo erhionrin kerhọ iroro ohworho ro ru sọ bi ne jeghwai ru lele oborẹ ọ tare? Ọrẹn, Jehova ọ dabu kerhọ ọwan rhẹ erhionrin arha nẹrhomo vwe yi.
15 O fori nẹ owuowọnwan ọ nọ omayen: ‘Orhianẹ i Jehova ọ sabu homariotọre kerhọ ihworho jerẹ Abraham, Rachel, Moses, Joshua, Manoah, Elijah ọrhẹ Hezekiah, o fo ne mi ji họghọ rẹn imizu mẹ ephian, kerhọ iroro aye, jeghwai kpare idjaghwẹ ọke aye a ha iroro phia? O vwo ohworho uvuẹn ukoko mẹ yanghene uvuẹn ekrun mẹ ro fori taghene mi kerhọ ye vwana? Me yo fori ni mi ru kpahiẹn? Idjaghwẹ ọgo ye mi na kpare?’—Gen. 30:6; Judg. 13:9; 1 Ki. 17:22; 2 Chron. 30:20.
JUNE 12-18
EFE RI NẸ ẸMRO OSOLOBRUGWẸ RHE | 2 CHRONICLES 32-33
“Rhiẹ Esiri Urhebro Rẹn Imizu Ukoko na Uvwre Ọke Ebẹnbẹn”
it-1 204 ¶5
Assyria
Sennacherib. Sennacherib, the son of Sargon II, attacked the kingdom of Judah during Hezekiah’s 14th year (732 B.C.E.). (2Ki 18:13; Isa 36:1) Hezekiah had rebelled against the Assyrian yoke imposed as a result of the action of his father Ahaz. (2Ki 18:7) Sennacherib reacted by sweeping through Judah, reportedly conquering 46 cities (compare Isa 36:1, 2), and then, from his camp at Lachish, he demanded of Hezekiah a tribute of 30 gold talents (c. $11,560,000) and 300 silver talents (c. $1,982,000). (2Ki 18:14-16; 2Ch 32:1; compare Isa 8:5-8.) Though this sum was paid, Sennacherib sent his spokesmen to demand unconditional surrender of Jerusalem. (2Ki 18:17–19:34; 2Ch 32:2-20) Jehovah’s subsequently causing the destruction of 185,000 of his troops in one night obliged the boasting Assyrian to withdraw and return to Nineveh. (2Ki 19:35, 36) There he was later assassinated by two of his sons and replaced on the throne by another son, Esar-haddon. (2Ki 19:37; 2Ch 32:21, 22; Isa 37:36-38) These events, with the exception of the destruction of the Assyrian troops, are also recorded on a prism of Sennacherib and one of Esar-haddon.—PICTURES, Vol. 1, p. 957.
w13 11/15 19 ¶12
Seven Shepherds, Eight Dukes—What They Mean for Us Today
12 Jehovah is always willing to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves, but he does expect us to do what we can. Hezekiah consulted “his princes and his mighty men,” and together they decided “to stop up the waters of the springs that were outside the city . . . Furthermore, [Hezekiah] took courage and built up all the broken-down wall and raised towers upon it, and on the outside another wall, . . . and made missiles in abundance and shields.” (2 Chron. 32:3-5) In order to protect and shepherd His people at that time, Jehovah used a number of valiant men—Hezekiah, his princes, and the spiritually strong prophets.
w13 11/15 19 ¶13
Seven Shepherds, Eight Dukes—What They Mean for Us Today
13 What Hezekiah did next was of even greater value than stopping up the waters or fortifying the city walls. Concerned shepherd that he was, Hezekiah gathered the people and encouraged them spiritually with the words: “Do not be afraid nor be terrified because of the king of Assyria . . . , for with us there are more than there are with him. With him there is an arm of flesh, but with us there is Jehovah our God to help us and to fight our battles.” What a faith-strengthening reminder—Jehovah would fight for his people! Upon hearing this, the Jews “began to brace themselves upon the words of Hezekiah the king of Judah.” Notice that it was “the words of Hezekiah” that caused the people to take heart. He and his princes and mighty men, as well as the prophets Micah and Isaiah, proved to be effective shepherds, just as Jehovah had foretold through his prophet.—2 Chron. 32:7, 8; read Micah 5:5, 6.
Efe erẹ Ẹhẹn
Me yo Mevirhọ ra na Ghini Ghwẹriẹ?
11 Ọke oru, Jehova nọ kpahenrhọ ẹrhomo Manasseh. Nọ mẹrẹn ewene ọhworhare na o ruru, fọkiẹ oborẹ ọ nẹrhomo kpahen. Ẹrhomo i Manasseh o te i Jehova ẹhẹn, no mwurien rharhumu ha uphẹn riẹn no rhiẹ orodje. Manasseh ọ damoma dabu djephia taghene ọye ọ ghini ghwẹriẹ ne. O ruẹ oborẹ Ahab o vwo ru dẹ. Manasseh o wene uruemru ọnẹyen. Nọ wọnrọn haso ogame efian jeghwai jiri ogame urhomẹmro. (Se 2 Chronicles 33:15, 16.) Idjaghwẹ ọrana ọ ghini guọlọ uduefigbere ọrhẹ esegburhomẹmro, fọkime uvwre ẹgbukpe buebun ọ ki ghwẹriẹ, Manasseh rhẹ omamọ udje rẹn ekruien, ekakuro yi ọrhẹ ihworho yi-i. Ọrẹn, uvuẹn ẹgbukpe ri kẹta uvuẹn akpenyerẹn yen, Manasseh nọ damoma kwaphiẹ ekwakwa ibiobiomu ezẹko ro ruru rhọ. Ọkezẹko, ọ sabu ha userhumu rẹn uruọmọyen Josiah, ro rhiẹ omamọ orodje ọke oru.—2 Ki. 22:1, 2.
12 Me ya na sabu yono nẹ udje Manasseh? Ọye ọ homariotọre, ji ru vrẹn omaran. Ọ nẹrhomo, ji rẹ ne dje arodọmẹ riẹn. Habaye, no wene uruemrien. Ọ wian gbanhon nọ sabu kwaphiẹ ebẹnbẹn rọ soro rhọ, jeghwai damoma ga i Jehova, nọ ji ha userhumu rẹn awọrọ ru te omaran. Udje i Manasseh ọ yẹ ihworho ri ruẹ edandan eghwaghwa ifiẹrorhọ. Ọnana obọdẹn udje ro djephia taghene Jehova ‘omamọ ohworho, ro mwuegbe rọ nọ harhomu.’ (Ps. 86:5) Ẹharhomu ọ havwiẹ—rẹn ihworho ri ghini ghwẹriẹ.
JUNE 19-25
EFE RI NẸ ẸMRO OSOLOBRUGWẸ RHE | 2 CHRONICLES 34-36
“Wa Dabu Mẹrẹn Erere nẹ Ẹmro Osolobrugwẹ?”
it-1 1157 ¶4
Huldah
When Josiah heard the reading of “the very book of the law” found by Hilkiah the high priest during the temple repair work, he sent a delegation to inquire of Jehovah. They went to Huldah, who, in turn, relayed the word of Jehovah, indicating that all the calamities for disobedience recorded in the “book” would befall the apostate nation. Huldah added that Josiah, because of having humbled himself before Jehovah, would not have to look upon the calamity but would be gathered to his forefathers and be taken to his graveyard in peace.—2Ki 22:8-20; 2Ch 34:14-28.
w09 6/15 10 ¶20
Be Zealous for Jehovah’s House!
20 During the restoration work that King Josiah organized, High Priest Hilkiah “found the book of Jehovah’s law by the hand of Moses.” He handed it to the royal secretary Shaphan who, in turn, began to read its contents to Josiah. (Read 2 Chronicles 34:14-18.) What was the effect? The king immediately ripped his garments apart in grief and instructed the men to consult Jehovah. Through the prophetess Huldah, God provided a message condemning some of the religious practices that had been carried on in Judah. Yet, Josiah’s good efforts to remove idolatrous practices were noted, and he remained in Jehovah’s favor despite the calamities predicted for the nation as a whole. (2 Chron. 34:19-28) What can we learn from this? Surely our desire is the same as Josiah’s was. We want to respond to Jehovah’s direction promptly, taking to heart the warning example of what can happen if we allow apostasy and unfaithfulness to encroach on our worship. And we can be confident that Jehovah will note with approval our zeal for true worship, just as he did in Josiah’s case.
Efe erẹ Ẹhẹn
Wu na ha Oborẹ a ya rhẹ i Baibol na Ruiruo?
15 Ọrọkẹta, me yẹ ọwan ina sabu yono nẹ oborẹ ọ phia rẹn Orodje Josiah? Jene roro kpahen oborẹ ọsoriẹ o hwu. (Se 2 Chronicles 35:20-22.) Ọke owu, Josiah nọ kpare owọnren bru Orodje Necho ro sun Egypt, dedevwo Orodje na ọ ta riẹn taghene ọ vwọ kpare owọnren brie sa-a. Baibol na ọ tare taghene ẹmro Orodje Necho i nẹ unu i Jehova rhe. Mesoriẹ i Josiah o yo lele Orodje na wọnren? Baibol na ọ ta rẹn ọwan oborẹ ọsoriẹ-ẹ.
16 Marhẹ i Josiah ono ru rhe taghene ẹmro i Necho i nẹ unu i Jehova rhe? Manẹ i Josiah ọ sabu nọ i Jeremiah ro rhiẹ ọmẹraro i Jehova. (2 Chron. 35:23, 25) Ọrẹn, Baibol na ọ ta rẹn ọwan taghene i Josiah o ru omara-an. Habaye, Necho o yo fiuvweri rhẹ ẹkwotọre i Carchemish. Ọye ọ vwọ sa me fiuvweri rhẹ Jerusalem ri Josiah o suẹ-ẹn. Necho o phien odẹ Osolobrugwẹ yanghene ihworho i Jehova-a. Fọkiẹ ọrana, no rhiẹ oborẹ ọsọre ri Josiah ono yo lele Necho fiuvweri. Ọwan ina ji sabu yono emru nẹ ọnana rhe? Ee, ọwan i rha dẹrughwaroghwu ebẹnbẹn, o fori ne roro kpahen ukẹro i Jehova ọ ha ni erhirhiẹ na.
17 Ebẹnbẹn i rha homaphia, o fori nẹ ọwan i ha iruemru-urhi Baibol ri sekpahen erhirhiẹ na ruiruo. Uvuẹn erhirhiẹ ezẹko, o fori na nekpẹn ọkpọvi mie ekpako ukoko. Ọkezẹko, ọwan i dabu roro kpahen oborẹ ọwan i rhe kpahen erhirhiẹ na, jeghwai se ẹbe ukoko na ne. Ọnọ ji sabu vwo iruemru-urhi Baibol na erọrọ rẹ ọkpako ukoko ọnọ sabu sa ọwan erhumu vwẹruọ ye. Jerẹ udje, Omizu ọmase ọnọ sabu rhe taghene owian ro te Ilele Kristi ephian yẹ aye ine ghwoghwo iyẹnrẹn esiri na. (Acts 4:20) Ọrẹn, gbe rorie taghene omizu ọmase na o mwuegbe ro no riẹ aghwoghwo, ọrẹn, esa ye ro vwo rhiẹ Oseri Jehova ọ guọlọre taghene ọ daji oghwa ẹdẹ ọrana. Esa ye ọ tare taghene ọ guọlọre nẹ aye awanva i ghwọghọ ọke kugbe ẹdẹ ọrana. Omizu ọmase na ọnọ sabu roro kpahen uruemru-urhi Baibol rọ tare taghene o fori na họghọ rẹn Osolobrugwẹ ghwẹ ọnyakpọ. (Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 5:29) Ọrẹn, o ji fo nọ karorhọ taghene o fori nọ họghọ rẹn esa ye jeghwai vwo uruemru re roro te. (Eph. 5:22-24; Phil. 4:5) Omizu ọmase na ọnọ sabu nọ omayen, ‘Esa mẹ ọ kparahaso owian aghwoghwo na ọke ephian, gbinẹ emru yọ lẹrheriẹ da mẹ obọ ji ẹdẹ ọrana ọvo?’ O fori ne vwo ẹhẹn ro serhọ ra mẹriẹn taghene ọwan a damoma re ne ru ọhọre Osolobrugwẹ jeghwai vwo ẹhẹn obrorhiẹn ro serhọ.
JUNE 26–JULY 2
EFE RI NẸ ẸMRO OSOLOBRUGWẸ RHE | EZRA 1-3
“Jenẹ i Jehova ọ ha Ruiruo”
Wa Mẹrẹn Oborẹ i Zechariah ọ Mẹrẹnren?
OMA ọ merhen itu i Jew na. Jehova ọ “hobọte ẹhẹn Orodje Cyrus ro suẹn i Persia” no tiobọnu emọ Israel, ri ha erhirhiẹ evrẹn uvuẹn Babylon emrẹ ẹgbukpe buebun ne. Orodje na no ghwoghwori taghene itu i Jew na, ina sabu ghwẹrioma riẹ ẹkwotọre aye ji “rharhumu bọn oghwa i Jehova Osolobrugwẹ Israel.” (Ezra 1:1, 3) Ọrana ghini aghwoghwo omamerhomẹ! O mevirhọ taghene itu i Jew na ina rharhumu ha ogame Osolobrugwẹ urhomẹmro na mwu uvuẹn otọre rọ yẹre aye ne.
Ekalokpọ Owọnren Ọrhẹ Erhu Orodje ina Sẹroruọ
2 Zechariah o rheri taghene itu i Jew ri ghwẹrioma rhe na, i vwo esegburhomẹmro. Aye yẹ ihworho “rẹ ẹhẹn Osolobrugwẹ o mwurun,” nẹ aye i nyajẹ eghwa ọrhẹ eyi aye vwo uvuẹn i Babylon. (Ezra 1:2, 3, 5) Buebun aye i nyajẹ ẹkwotọre aye a ghwanren vwo riẹ ẹkwotọre aye i vwe ji te dẹ. Orhianẹ oghwa ẹga i Jehova ọ ghanren rẹn aye-e, manẹ aye i vwa sabu nya iroko 1,000 uvuẹn ato na-a.
Efe erẹ Ẹhẹn
w06 1/15 19 ¶1
Highlights From the Book of Ezra
1:3-6. Like some of the Israelites who remained in Babylon, many of Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot take up the full-time ministry or serve where the need is greater. Yet, they support and encourage those who can and make voluntary donations to further the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work.