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Watchtower August 18 through August 24

[For the opening song before the Public Talk, select the song number announced, on the 'Sing Out Joyfully' Page or click here]

Watchtower Study Article 24 [Press play below to hear the Watchtower audio]

Song 98 The Scriptures. Inspired of God. Based on 2 Timothy 3.16 and 17

1. God’s Word shines like a brilliant light,


Guides our feet through earth’s dark night.


If we follow it faithfully,


Surely its truth will set us free.


2. He provides us with words inspired,


Helps us learn what is required.


Holy writings can motivate,


Show how to teach and set things straight.


3. By these words from our God above,


We have come to know his love.


As we read in it ev’ry day,


God’s Word will keep us on the way.


[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]

Lessons for Living From a Deathbed Prophecy. Part 1 (August 18 through 24)

“Gather yourselves together that I may tell you what will happen to you in the final part of the days.” Genesis 49.1.

[Box] Focus.

Practical lessons from Jacob’s deathbed prophecy regarding Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. [End of box]

Question 1 and 2. What did Jacob do near the end of his life, and why? (See also picture.)

1. Some 17 years have passed since Jehovah’s faithful servant Jacob traveled from Canaan to Egypt with his household.

[Quotation] Genesis 47.28: And Jacob lived on in the land of Egypt for 17 years, so that the days of Jacob’s life came to be 147 years. [End Quotation]

During that time, he experienced the great joy of being reunited with his beloved son Joseph and finally seeing his family together again. But now, Jacob senses that his life is coming to an end. So he calls an important family meeting.

[Quotation] Genesis 49.28: All of these are the 12 tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he was blessing them. He gave each of them an appropriate blessing. [End Quotation]

2. In those days, it was common for a dying family head to gather the members of his family together to give them his final instructions.

[Quotation] Isaiah 38.1: In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came and said to him, “This is what Jehovah says: ‘Give instructions to your household, for you will die; you will not recover.’” [End Quotation]

He might at that meeting also indicate who would be the head of the family after his death.

[Image:] Jacob delivering his deathbed prophecy to his sons while they are gathered around him.

[Image:] Jacob delivering his deathbed prophecy to his sons while they are gathered around him. Caption: Jacob on his deathbed, delivering a prophecy to his 12 sons

Question 3. According to Genesis 49.1 and 2, why are Jacob’s expressions especially meaningful?

3. Read Genesis 49.1 and 2. But this was no ordinary family meeting. Jacob was a prophet. During this meeting, Jehovah inspired his servant to speak about important future events that would greatly affect his descendants. For that reason, Jacob’s words are sometimes referred to as his deathbed prophecy.

[Read scripture] Genesis 49.1 and 2: And Jacob called his sons and said: “Gather yourselves together that I may tell you what will happen to you in the final part of the days. Assemble yourselves and listen, you sons of Jacob, yes, listen to Israel your father. [End of Read scripture]

Question 4. What should we keep in mind as we examine Jacob’s deathbed prophecy? (See also the box “Jacob’s Family.”)

4. In this article, we will consider what Jacob said to four of his sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. In the following article, we will discuss Jacob’s words to his eight other sons. As we will see, Jacob spoke not only about his sons but also about their descendants, who would eventually become the nation of ancient Israel. A review of that nation’s history will make clear how Jacob’s prophetic words came true. And by examining his words, we will learn valuable lessons that can help us to please our heavenly Father, Jehovah.

[Image:] A chart showing Jacob’s family tree. He has two wives, Leah and Rachel, as well as two concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah. His children through Leah are Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. His children through Rachel are Joseph and Benjamin. His children through Bilhah are Dan and Naphtali. His children through Zilpah are Gad and Asher.

[Box] Jacob’s Family
Wife: Leah. Children: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dinah
Wife: Rachel. Children: Joseph, Benjamin
Concubine: Bilhah. Children: Dan, Naphtali
Concubine: Zilpah. Children: Gad, Asher [End of box]

[Image:] A chart showing Jacob’s family tree. He has two wives, Leah and Rachel, as well as two concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah. His children through Leah are Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. His children through Rachel are Joseph and Benjamin. His children through Bilhah are Dan and Naphtali. His children through Zilpah are Gad and Asher.

[Image Alt:] A chart showing Jacob’s family tree. He has two wives, Leah and Rachel, as well as two concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah. His children through Leah are Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. His children through Rachel are Joseph and Benjamin. His children through Bilhah are Dan and Naphtali. His children through Zilpah are Gad and Asher.

Reuben

Question 5. What privilege may Reuben have expected to receive from his father?

5. Jacob first addresses Reuben, saying: “You are my firstborn.”

[Quotation] Genesis 49.3: “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my vigor and the beginning of my procreative power, the excellence of dignity and the excellence of strength. [End Quotation]

As firstborn, Reuben likely expected to receive a double portion of his father’s belongings. He may also have expected to become the head of the family after his father’s death and to have that privilege passed on to his own offspring in time.

Question 6. Why did Reuben lose out on receiving the right of firstborn? (Genesis 49.3 and 4)

6. However, Reuben lost out on receiving the right of firstborn.

[Quotation] 1 Chronicles 5.1: These are the sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled the bed of his father, his right as firstborn was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so he was not enrolled genealogically for the right of the firstborn. [End Quotation]

Why? Some years earlier he had sexual relations with Jacob’s concubine Bilhah. She had been the maidservant of Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel, who had died.

[Quotation] Genesis 35.19: So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath, that is, Bethlehem. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Genesis 35.22: Once while Israel was dwelling in that land, Reuben went and lay down with Bilhah his father’s concubine, and Israel heard about it. So there were 12 sons of Jacob. [End Quotation]

Reuben was the son of Jacob’s other wife, Leah. Perhaps Reuben was driven by lust. Or possibly he violated Bilhah to prevent her from taking his mother’s place in Jacob’s affections. In any event, what he did was very displeasing to Jehovah and to his father. Read Genesis 49.3 and 4.

[Read scripture] Genesis 49.3 and 4: “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my vigor and the beginning of my procreative power, the excellence of dignity and the excellence of strength. With recklessness like turbulent waters, you will not excel, because you have gone up to your father’s bed. At that time you defiled my bed. He actually went on to it! [End of Read scripture]

Question 7. What happened to Reuben and his descendants? (See also the box “Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy.”)

7. Jacob told Reuben: “You will not excel.” Those words came true. There is no record of any of Reuben’s descendants becoming a king, a priest, or a prophet. Yet, Jacob did not disown his son, and Reuben’s descendants did become a full tribe in Israel.

[Quotation] Joshua 12.6: Moses the servant of Jehovah and the Israelites defeated them, after which Moses the servant of Jehovah gave their land as a possession to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh. [End Quotation]

Reuben had demonstrated fine qualities in other situations, and there is no record that he ever committed immorality again.

[Quotation] Genesis 37.20 through 22: Come, now, let us kill him and pitch him into one of the waterpits, and we will say that a vicious wild animal devoured him. Then let us see what will become of his dreams.” When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from them. So he said: “Let us not take his life.” Reuben said to them: “Do not shed blood. Throw him into this waterpit in the wilderness, but do not harm him.” His purpose was to rescue him from them in order to return him to his father. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Genesis 42.37: But Reuben said to his father: “You may put to death my own two sons if I do not bring him back to you. Give him over to my care, and I will return him to you.” [End Quotation]

[Box] Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy
Son: Reuben
Pronouncement: “You will not excel.”

[Quotation] Genesis 49.4: With recklessness like turbulent waters, you will not excel, because you have gone up to your father’s bed. At that time you defiled my bed. He actually went on to it! [End Quotation]

Fulfillment: The tribe of Reuben never had a leadership role in Israel.

[Quotation] 1 Chronicles 5.1 and 2: These are the sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled the bed of his father, his right as firstborn was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so he was not enrolled genealogically for the right of the firstborn. Though Judah was superior to his brothers and from him came the one to be the leader, the right as firstborn belonged to Joseph. [End Quotation]

[End of box]

[Image:] Rueben

[Image:] Rueben

Question 8. What lessons can we draw from Reuben’s example?

8. What can we learn? We need to work hard to cultivate self-control and to reject sexual misconduct. If we are ever tempted to commit a sin, we should stop and think about how our actions would hurt Jehovah, our family, and others. We should also remember that “whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap.”

[Quotation] Galatians 6.7: Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap; [End Quotation]

On the other hand, what happened to Reuben reminds us of Jehovah’s mercy. Although Jehovah will not shield us from the consequences of our mistakes, he will bless our efforts when we do what is right.

Simeon and Levi

Question 9. What prompted Jacob’s words of disapproval to Simeon and Levi? (Genesis 49.5 through 7)

9. Read Genesis 49.5 through 7. Next, using strong words of disapproval, Jacob addresses Simeon and Levi. Years earlier, Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, had been raped by a Canaanite man named Shechem. Understandably, all of Jacob’s sons were very upset about what had happened to their sister, but Simeon and Levi became violent. They deceitfully promised to make peace with the men of Shechem if they all agreed to get circumcised. The men complied. While they were still in pain from the circumcision, Simeon and Levi “each took his sword and went into the unsuspecting city and killed every male.”

[Quotation] Genesis 34.25 through 29: However, on the third day, when they were still in pain, two sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword and went into the unsuspecting city and killed every male. They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword and then took Dinah from Shechem’s house and left. Jacob’s other sons came upon the slain men and plundered the city because they had defiled their sister. They took their flocks, their herds, their donkeys, and whatever was in the city and in the field. They also took all their possessions, captured all their little children and their wives, and plundered everything in the houses. [End Quotation]

[Read scripture] Genesis 49.5 through 7: “Simeon and Levi are brothers. Instruments of violence are their slaughter weapons. Into their company do not come, O my soul. With their assembly do not join, O my honor, because in their anger they killed men, and for their pleasure they hamstrung bulls. Cursed be their anger, because it is cruel, and their fury, because it is harsh. Let me disperse them in Jacob, and let me scatter them in Israel. [End of Read scripture]

Question 10. How were Jacob’s prophetic words about Simeon and Levi fulfilled? (See also the box “Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy.”)

10. Jacob was deeply troubled by the violent actions of his two sons. He foretold that they would be dispersed and scattered throughout Israel. Those prophetic words came true over 200 years later when the nation of Israel entered the Promised Land. The tribe of Simeon received as its inheritance isolated portions of land inside Judah’s tribal territory.

[Quotation] Joshua 19.1: Then the second lot came out for Simeon, for the tribe of Simeon by their families. And their inheritance was within the inheritance of Judah. [End Quotation]

Levi’s inheritance consisted of 48 cities scattered throughout Israel.

[Quotation] Joshua 21.41: All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the Israelites were 48 cities together with their pastures. [End Quotation]

[Box] Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy
Son: Simeon
Pronouncement: “Let me disperse them in Jacob.”

[Quotation] Genesis 49.7: Cursed be their anger, because it is cruel, and their fury, because it is harsh. Let me disperse them in Jacob, and let me scatter them in Israel. [End Quotation]

Fulfillment: Simeon’s tribal inheritance consisted of isolated portions of land inside Judah’s territory.

[Quotation] Joshua 19.1 through 8: Then the second lot came out for Simeon, for the tribe of Simeon by their families. And their inheritance was within the inheritance of Judah. Their inheritance was Beer-sheba with Sheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem, Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susah, Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen, 13 cities and their settlements; Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan, four cities and their settlements; and all the settlements that were around these cities as far as Baalath-beer, Ramah of the south. This was the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon by their families. [End Quotation]

[Image:] Simeon

[Image:] Simeon

Son: Levi
Pronouncement: “Let me scatter them in Israel.”

[Quotation] Genesis 49.7: Cursed be their anger, because it is cruel, and their fury, because it is harsh. Let me disperse them in Jacob, and let me scatter them in Israel. [End Quotation]

Fulfillment: The tribe of Levi was scattered in 48 cities throughout Israel.

[Quotation] Joshua 21.41: All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the Israelites were 48 cities together with their pastures. [End Quotation]

[End of box]

[Image:] Levi

[Image:] Levi

Question 11. What good things did the tribes of Simeon and Levi do?

11. The descendants of Simeon and Levi did not repeat the mistakes of their forefathers. The tribe of Levi showed great loyalty for pure worship. When Moses received the Law from Jehovah at Mount Sinai, many Israelites got involved with idolatrous calf worship but the Levites rallied to Moses’ side and helped him to clear out that badness.

[Quotation] Exodus 32.26 through 29: Then Moses took his position in the gate of the camp and said: “Who is on Jehovah’s side? Come to me!” And all the Levites gathered around him. He now said to them: “This is what Jehovah the God of Israel has said, ‘Each of you must fasten on his sword and pass through all the camp from gate to gate, killing his brother, his neighbor, and his close companion.’” The Levites did what Moses said. So about 3,000 men were killed on that day. Then Moses said: “Set yourselves apart for Jehovah today, for each of you has gone against his own son and his own brother; today he will give you a blessing.” [End Quotation]

Jehovah chose to set the tribe of Levi apart, giving it the precious privilege of the priesthood.

[Quotation] Exodus 40.12 through 15: “Then bring Aaron and his sons near to the entrance of the tent of meeting, and wash them with water. And you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments and anoint him and sanctify him, and he will serve as priest to me. After that bring his sons near, and clothe them with robes. You are to anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they will serve as priests to me, and their anointing will serve continually for them as a lasting priesthood during their generations.” [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Numbers 3.11 and 12: Jehovah continued to speak to Moses, saying: “As for me, look! I take the Levites from among the Israelites in place of all the firstborn of the Israelites, and the Levites will become mine. [End Quotation]

Later, during the conquest of the Promised Land, the Simeonites valiantly fought alongside the Judeans, in line with Jehovah’s purpose.

[Quotation] Judges 1.3: Then Judah said to his brother Simeon: “Come up with me into my assigned territory to fight against the Canaanites. Then I will go with you into your assigned territory.” So Simeon went with him. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Judges 1.17: But Judah marched on with his brother Simeon, and they attacked the Canaanites inhabiting Zephath and devoted it to destruction. So they named the city Hormah. [End Quotation]

Question 12. What lessons can we draw from the examples of Simeon and Levi?

12. What can we learn? Never allow anger to drive your decisions and actions. If you or a loved one have been mistreated, it is only natural to be upset.

[Quotation] Psalm 4.4: Be agitated, but do not sin. Have your say in your heart, upon your bed, and keep silent. [End Quotation]

We need to remember, though, that Jehovah does not approve of words and deeds that reflect bitter anger.

[Quotation] James 1.20: for man’s anger does not bring about God’s righteousness. [End Quotation]

We deal with an injustice, either inside or outside the congregation, in harmony with Bible principles, thus avoiding the harm that uncontrolled anger causes.

[Quotation] Romans 12.17: Return evil for evil to no one. Take into consideration what is fine from the viewpoint of all men. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Romans 12.9: Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.” [End Quotation]

[Quotation] 1 Peter 3.9: Do not pay back injury for injury or insult for insult. Instead, repay with a blessing, for you were called to this course, so that you might inherit a blessing. [End Quotation]

Even if your parents are doing things that are not pleasing to Jehovah, remember that you are not obligated to follow their example. Do not conclude that you are a lost cause and that you cannot have Jehovah’s blessing. Jehovah will not fail to reward your efforts to move ahead and do what is right.

Judah

Question 13. Why might Judah have felt anxious when it was his turn to hear his father’s words?

13. Judah was the next son to be addressed by his father. After hearing Jacob’s words to his older brothers, Judah may have felt anxious. After all, he had made some serious mistakes too. He evidently shared in plundering the city of Shechem.

[Quotation] Genesis 34.27: Jacob’s other sons came upon the slain men and plundered the city because they had defiled their sister. [End Quotation]

He joined his brothers in selling Joseph as a slave and in deceiving their father about it.

[Quotation] Genesis 37.31 through 33: So they took Joseph’s robe and slaughtered a male goat and dipped the robe in the blood. After that they sent the special robe to their father and said: “This is what we found. Please examine whether this is your son’s robe or not.” Then he examined it and exclaimed: “It is my son’s robe! A vicious wild animal must have devoured him! Joseph is surely torn to pieces!” [End Quotation]

Later, he had sexual relations with his daughter-in-law Tamar, thinking that she was a prostitute.

[Quotation] Genesis 38.15 through 18: When Judah caught sight of her, he at once took her for a prostitute, because she had covered her face. So he turned aside to her by the road and said: “Allow me, please, to have relations with you,” for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law. However, she said: “What will you give me that you may have relations with me?” To this he said: “I will send a young goat from my herd.” But she said: “Will you give a security until you send it?” He continued: “What security should I give you?” to which she said: “Your seal ring and your cord and your rod that is in your hand.” Then he gave them to her and had relations with her, and she became pregnant by him. [End Quotation]

Question 14. What good things had Judah done? (Genesis 49.8 and 9)

14. Yet, under inspiration, Jacob offered Judah only blessing and commendation. (Read Genesis 49.8 and 9) Judah had shown great concern for the feelings of his elderly father. And he had also shown compassion for his youngest brother, Benjamin.

[Quotation] Genesis 44.18: Judah now approached him and said: “I beg you, my master, please let your slave speak a word in my master’s ears, and do not become angry with your slave, for you are like Pharaoh himself. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Genesis 44.30 through 34: “And now if I return to your slave my father without the boy along with us, since his own life is bound up with this one’s life, then as soon as he sees that the boy is not there, he will die, and your slaves will indeed bring down the gray hairs of your slave our father to the Grave in grief. Your slave gave a guarantee to my father for the boy, saying, ‘If I fail to bring him back to you, then I will have sinned against my father forever.’ So now, please, let your slave stay instead of the boy as my master’s slave, in order that the boy may return with his brothers. How can I return to my father without the boy along with me? I could not bear looking on when this calamity befalls my father!” [End Quotation]

[Read scripture] Genesis 49.8 and 9: “As for you, Judah, your brothers will praise you. Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies. The sons of your father will bow down before you. Judah is a lion cub. From the prey, my son, you will certainly go up. He has crouched down and stretched himself out like a lion, and like a lion, who dares rouse him? [End of Read scripture]

Question 15. In what ways did Judah’s blessing prove true?

15. Jacob foretold that Judah would have a leading role among his brothers. However, the fulfillment of that prophecy was a long time in coming. Judah is first mentioned as taking the lead some 200 years later when, after the Exodus, the tribe led the nation of Israel through the wilderness into the Promised Land.

[Quotation] Numbers 10.14: So the three-tribe division of the camp of the sons of Judah departed first by their companies, and Nahshon the son of Amminadab was over its company. [End Quotation]

Decades later, Judah took the lead in the conquest of the Promised Land.

[Quotation] Judges 1.1 and 2: After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of Jehovah: “Who of us will go up first to fight against the Canaanites?” Jehovah replied: “Judah will go up. Look! I am giving the land into his hand.” [End Quotation]

And David, one of Judah’s descendants, was the first of a long line of kings coming from that tribe. But there is more.

Question 16. How was the prophecy found at Genesis 49.10 fulfilled? (See also the box “Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy.”)

16. Jacob revealed that the permanent Ruler of mankind would be a descendant of Judah. (Read Genesis 49.10 and footnote.) That Ruler is Jesus Christ, the one whom Jacob called Shiloh. Of Jesus, an angel said: “Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father.”

[Quotation] Luke 1.32 and 33: This one will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule as King over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end to his Kingdom.” [End Quotation]

Jesus is also called “the Lion of the tribe of Judah.”

[Quotation] Revelation 5.5: But one of the elders said to me: “Stop weeping. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered so as to open the scroll and its seven seals.” [End Quotation]

[Read scripture] Genesis 49.10: The scepter will not depart from Judah, neither the commander’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh* comes, and to him the obedience of the peoples will belong. [Footnote] Meaning “He Whose It Is; He to Whom It Belongs.” [End of footnote] [End of Read scripture]

[Box] Jacob’s Deathbed Prophecy
Son: Judah
Pronouncement: “The scepter will not depart from Judah ... until Shiloh comes.”

[Quotation] Genesis 49.10: The scepter will not depart from Judah, neither the commander’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him the obedience of the peoples will belong. [End Quotation]

Fulfillment: Jesus, a descendant of Judah, would be King of God’s Kingdom.

[Quotation] Luke 1.32 and 33: This one will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule as King over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end to his Kingdom.” [End Quotation]

[End of box]

[Image:] Judah

[Image:] Judah

Question 17. How can we imitate Jehovah in the way we view others?

17 What can we learn? Jehovah blessed Judah even though he made some serious mistakes. But could it be that Judah’s brothers wondered what Jehovah saw in him? Whatever the case, Jehovah saw good in Judah and blessed him for it. How can we imitate Jehovah’s example? When a fellow Christian receives a special privilege, we might at first be tempted to focus on that person’s imperfections. But we do well to remember that Jehovah is certainly pleased with his fine qualities. Jehovah looks for the good in his worshippers. Let us strive to do the same.

Question 18. Why do we need to be patient?

18. Another lesson we can learn from Judah’s experience is the need to be patient. Jehovah always fulfills his promises, but he does not always do so in a manner or at a time that we expect. Judah’s descendants did not immediately begin taking the lead among God’s people. But they loyally supported those whom Jehovah appointed to do so, whether it was Moses the Levite, Joshua the Ephraimite, or King Saul the Benjaminite. May we too support whomever Jehovah chooses to take the lead among us today.

[Quotation] Hebrews 6:12: so that you may not become sluggish, but be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. [End Quotation]

Question 19. What can we learn about Jehovah from this discussion of Jacob’s deathbed prophecy?

19. What have we seen thus far in our discussion of Jacob’s deathbed prophecy? It is clear that “the way man sees is not the way God sees.”

[Quotation] 1 Samuel 16.7: But Jehovah said to Samuel: “Do not pay attention to his appearance and how tall he is, for I have rejected him. For the way man sees is not the way God sees, because mere man sees what appears to the eyes, but Jehovah sees into the heart.” [End Quotation]

Jehovah is very patient and forgiving. While he does not excuse wrong conduct, he also does not expect perfection from his worshippers. He can even bless individuals who have made serious mistakes in the past if they sincerely repent and turn to doing what is right. In the next article, we will consider what Jacob said to his remaining eight sons.

[Box] What Lessons Did You Learn From Jacob’s Words To 

Reuben?

Simeon and Levi?

Judah? [End of box]

Song 124 Ever Loyal. Based on Psalm 18.25

1. Ever loyal to Jehovah,


Loyal love we wish to show.


As a people, dedicated,


His commands we want to know.


His advice will never fail us,


And his counsel we obey.


He is loyal; we can trust him.


From his side we’ll never stray.


2. Ever loyal to our brothers,


Sticking close in times of need.


Ever caring, always trusting,


Ever kind in word and deed.


We show honor to our brothers


And respect them from the heart.


Ever loyal, ever closer,


From their side we’ll never part.


3. Ever loyal to their guidance


When our brothers lead the way.


When they give us clear direction,


May we loyally obey.


Then the blessing from Jehovah


Will be ours to make us strong.


When we’re loyal, ever faithful,


To Jehovah we’ll belong.


[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]

Secondary Articles in The Watchtower (2 Articles)

Life Story. A Lifetime of Lessons From Our Grand Instructor

As told by Franco Dagostini

Armed checkpoints, burning barricades, cyclones, civil wars, and evacuations. Those are some of the hazards my wife and I faced in the pioneer and missionary work. Still, we wouldn’t trade our way of life for anything else! Through it all, Jehovah has supported and blessed us. As our Grand Instructor, he has also taught us valuable lessons.

[Quotation] Job 36.22: Look! God is exalted in his power; What instructor is like him? [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Isaiah 30.20: Though Jehovah will give you bread in the form of distress and water in the form of oppression, your Grand Instructor will no longer hide himself, and you will see your Grand Instructor with your own eyes. [End Quotation]


The Example of My Parents

In the late 1950’s, my parents emigrated from Italy to Kindersley, in Saskatchewan, Canada. Shortly afterward, they learned the truth, and it became the center of our lives. I remember that, as a child, I spent long days in the ministry with my family, so I sometimes jokingly say that I “auxiliary pioneered” at the age of eight!
My parents were poor; yet, they set a fine example in sacrificing for Jehovah. For instance, in 1963 they sold many of their belongings to raise money to attend the international convention in Pasadena, California, U.S.A. In 1972 we moved some 1,000 kilometers (about 620 miles) to Trail, British Columbia, Canada, to help in the Italian field. My father worked as a janitor. He turned down promotions so that he could focus on spiritual activities.

[Image:] Franco as a child with his parents and siblings. Caption: With my family, about 1966

I am grateful for the example my parents set for me and my three siblings. That laid a solid foundation for my theocratic training, which included a lifelong lesson: If I seek the Kingdom first, Jehovah will look after me.

[Quotation] Matthew 6.33: “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. [End Quotation]


A First Taste of Full-Time Service

In 1980, I married Debbie, a beautiful sister with clear spiritual goals. We wanted to enter full-time service, so Debbie started pioneering three months after our wedding. One year into our marriage, we moved to a small congregation where there was a need, and I joined her in the pioneer service.
In time, we became discouraged and decided to move away. First, though, we spoke with the circuit overseer. He lovingly but honestly told us: “You are part of the problem. You are focusing on the negative aspects of your situation. Instead, if you look for the positive things, you will find them.” It was just the counsel we needed.

[Quotation] Psalm 141.5: Should the righteous one strike me, it would be an act of loyal love; Should he reprove me, it would be like oil on my head, Which my head would never refuse. My prayer will continue even during their calamities. [End Quotation]


We immediately applied it and soon realized that there were, in fact, many positive aspects. Several in the congregation wanted to do more for Jehovah, including young ones and some who had unbelieving mates. That was a powerful lesson for us. We learned to look for the good and to wait on Jehovah to correct a situation that may seem challenging.

[Quotation] Micah 7.7: But as for me, I will keep on the lookout for Jehovah. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. [End Quotation]

We regained our joy, and things improved.
The instructors in our first pioneer school had served in foreign assignments. As they showed slides and spoke of the challenges and the blessings they had experienced, they kindled our desire to serve as missionaries. So we concluded that we wanted to take up this service.
To work toward that goal, in 1984 we moved to French-speaking Quebec, over 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) away from British Columbia. That meant embracing a whole new culture and language. Another challenge was that we were often low on funds. One time, we subsisted by gleaning leftover potatoes in a farmer’s field. Debbie got very creative with preparing potato dishes! Despite the challenges, we focused on persevering with joy. Moreover, we saw that Jehovah was looking after us.

[Quotation] Psalm 64.10: The righteous one will rejoice in Jehovah and take refuge in him; All the upright in heart will exult. [End Quotation]

[Image:] A plowed Kingdom Hall parking lot after a heavy snowfall. Caption: At a Kingdom Hall in British Columbia, 1983

One day, we received an unexpected telephone call. It was an invitation to serve at Canada Bethel. We had previously applied for Gilead School, so we had mixed emotions about Bethel service. But we accepted the invitation. When we arrived, we asked Brother Kenneth Little, a member of the Branch Committee, “What about our Gilead applications?” He replied, “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
One week later, we were at that bridge because Debbie and I were invited to attend Gilead. So we had a decision to make. Brother Little told us: “No matter what you choose, on some days you might wish you had chosen the other. One path is not better; Jehovah can bless either.” We accepted the invitation to Gilead, and over the years, we have seen the truth of Brother Little’s advice. We’ve often quoted his words to others who have had to choose between assignments.

Life as Missionaries

We were thrilled to be among the 24 students enrolled in the 83rd class of Gilead that was held in Brooklyn, New York, in April 1987. Brothers Ulysses Glass and Jack Redford were our primary instructors. Five months flew by, and we graduated on September 6, 1987. We were assigned to Haiti, along with John and Marie Goode.
Gilead missionaries had not been sent to Haiti since 1962 when the last of them were expelled. Three weeks after graduation, we found ourselves serving in Haiti, deep in the mountains, with a small congregation of 35 publishers. We were young and inexperienced, and we were by ourselves in the missionary home. The people were impoverished, and most could not read. During those early missionary days, we experienced civil unrest, coups d’etat, burning barricades, and cyclones.

[Image:] Franco and Debbie in the ministry on a beach in Haiti. Caption: In Haiti, 1988

We could learn much from the resilient, joyful brothers and sisters in Haiti. Many had a hard life, but they loved Jehovah and the ministry. One elderly sister could not read; yet, she knew about 150 scriptures by heart. Everyday conditions strengthened our conviction to keep preaching the Kingdom message as the only solution for mankind’s problems. It warms our heart to see how some of our early Bible students came to serve as regular pioneers, special pioneers, and elders.
While in Haiti, I met Trevor, a young Mormon missionary, and we had the opportunity to discuss the Bible on a few occasions. Years later, I received an unexpected letter from him. He wrote: “I am getting baptized at an upcoming assembly! I want to return to Haiti and serve as a special pioneer in the same area where I was a Mormon missionary.” He did just that for many years, along with his wife.

Europe, Then Africa

We were assigned to serve in a part of Europe where the Kingdom work was opening up. In 1992 we arrived in Ljubljana, Slovenia, near where my parents were raised before they moved to Italy. War was still raging in areas of the former Yugoslavia. The branch in Vienna, Austria, as well as the offices in Zagreb, Croatia, and Belgrade, Serbia, had been overseeing the work in the region. Now each independent republic was to have its own Bethel arrangement.

[Image:] Franco working at his desk. Caption: Working in Slovenia, 1994

That meant adapting to yet another language and culture. The locals would say, “Jezik je tezek,” which means “The language is difficult.” How true that was! We admired the loyalty of brothers and sisters who readily accepted organizational adjustments, and we took note of how Jehovah blessed them. Once again, we saw how Jehovah always lovingly corrects matters and at the right time. Our years in Slovenia reinforced many lessons we had learned and taught us new ones.
But more changes were ahead. In 2000 we were assigned to Cote d’Ivoire, in West Africa. Then in November 2002, because of civil war, we were evacuated to Sierra Leone. An 11 year civil war there had just ended. It was difficult to leave Cote d’Ivoire so abruptly. However, the lessons we had learned helped us to keep our joy.
We focused on the productive territory and on our loving brothers and sisters, who had endured years of war. They were materially poor, but they wanted to share what they had. One sister offered Debbie some clothes. When Debbie hesitated to accept, the sister insisted, saying: “During the war, brothers in other lands supported us. Now it’s our turn to help.” We made it our goal to imitate their example.
We eventually returned to Cote d’Ivoire, but simmering tensions there exploded once more. So in November 2004, we were evacuated by helicopter, fleeing with only one 10-kilogram (22-pounds) bag each. We slept on the floor at a French army base for the night, and we were flown to Switzerland the next day. When we arrived at the branch at about midnight, the Branch Committee and the Ministerial Training School instructors along with their wives warmly welcomed us with many hugs, a hot meal, and lots of Swiss chocolate. We were deeply touched.
We were temporarily assigned to Ghana and then back to Cote d’Ivoire after the civil unrest had calmed down. The kindness of the brotherhood helped us through these unsettling evacuations and temporary assignments. Debbie and I agreed that although such brotherly love is the norm in Jehovah’s organization, we would never take it for granted. In fact, even those turbulent times turned out to be a valuable part of our training.

[Image:] Franco giving a talk from a Kingdom Hall platform in Cote d’Ivoire. Caption: Addressing refugees in Cote d’Ivoire, 2005

To the Middle East

In 2006 a letter from world headquarters informed us of a new assignment in the Middle East. Once again, that meant new adventures, challenges, languages, and cultures. There was much to learn in this politically and religiously charged environment. We loved the variety of languages in the congregations and saw the unity that results from following theocratic direction. We admired the brothers because most of them courageously endured opposition from family members, schoolmates, workmates, and neighbors.

[Image:] Franco and Debbie visiting ancient ruins in the Middle East. Caption: In the Middle East, 2007

We attended the 2012 special convention in Tel Aviv, Israel. This convention was the first time that Jehovah’s people in the region had assembled in such a large number since Pentecost 33 C.E. What a memorable occasion!
During those years, we were sent to visit a country where our work is restricted. We brought some of our literature, shared in the field ministry, and attended small assemblies. Heavily armed militia and checkpoints were everywhere, but we felt safe as we discreetly moved about with the few publishers.

Back to Africa

In 2013 we received a very different assignment, to serve at the branch in Kinshasa, Congo, a vast country rich in natural beauty but plagued by extreme poverty and often beset by armed conflict. Initially we said, “We know Africa; we’re ready.” But we still had so much to learn, especially when it came to traveling with limited infrastructure. We found many positive things to focus on, which included the perseverance and joy of the brothers despite economic hardship, their love for the ministry, and their effort to attend meetings and assemblies. We saw firsthand how the Kingdom work moved ahead only because of Jehovah’s support and blessing. Our years of full-time service in Congo left a deep impression on us and enlarged our extended family.

[Image:] Franco typing on his laptop. Caption: Preparing a talk in Congo, 2014

At the end of 2017, we arrived in yet another assignment, South Africa. This is the largest branch we have ever served in, and even our Bethel assignments were new to us. Once again, there was much to learn but past lessons helped to guide us. We love the many brothers and sisters who have been enduring for decades. And it is amazing to see the Bethel family working in unity despite the variety of races and cultures. Jehovah’s blessing of peace is evident, as his people put on the new personality and apply Bible principles.

[Image:] Franco in the field ministry, walking to a village with a group of brothers and sisters. Caption: Preaching in South Africa, 2023

Over the years, Debbie and I have received exciting assignments, adapted to different cultures, and learned new languages. It has not always been easy, but we have constantly felt Jehovah’s loyal love through his organization and the brotherhood.

[Quotation] Psalm 144.2: He is my loyal love and my stronghold, My secure refuge and my rescuer, My shield and the One in whom I have taken shelter, The One subduing peoples under me. [End Quotation]

We trust that our full-time service training has made us better servants of Jehovah.
I treasure my upbringing by my parents; the support of my dear wife, Debbie; and the excellent examples among our worldwide spiritual family. As we head into the future, we are determined to keep learning the lessons offered by our Grand Instructor.

Study Tip. Remembering Scriptures

Have you ever struggled to recall a favorite Bible verse? It could be one that comforts you, that helps you overcome wrong thoughts, or that you want to share with someone.

[Quotation] Psalm 119.11: In my heart I treasure up your saying So that I may not sin against you. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Psalm 119.111: I take your reminders as my permanent possession, For they are the joy of my heart. [End Quotation]

Consider some suggestions that can help you remember scriptures.
Use the tag feature in the JW Library® app. Create a tag labeled “Favorite Scriptures,” and save any scriptures that you want to remember in this section.
Post the scripture where you can see it. Write down on a piece of paper the verse you want to remember, and put it where you will see it often. Some put it by their mirror; others put it on their refrigerator door. Still others take a picture of the scripture and use the picture as a screen saver on their computer or on their mobile device.
Make and use flash cards. Write the scripture citation on one side and the text on the other side. Then try to quote the scripture using the citation or recall where it is located using the text.

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