Comments You Will Not Hear at the 04-15-07 WT Study (March 1, 2007, pages 20-24)(EXALT JAH’S NAME)
Review comments will be in red
WT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
Bible translations
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bibleWT publications
www.reexamine.orgWT child abuse
www.silentlambs.orgBlood issue
www.ajwrb.orgUnited Nations
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
LET US EXALT JEHOVAH'S NAME TOGETHER
"O magnify Jehovah with me, you people, and let us exalt his name together. '-PSALM 34:3.
Opening Comments
Another OT example but once again David. David who committed adultery and then had the husband put to death. David who escaped the punishment of execution that was meted out to adulterers under the Law code because he showed repentance and mercy to others. Are we to believe that there were not other adulterers in Israel that showed repentance and had been merciful to others? Were they allowed to keep living? Were the people of Israel aware of this special treatment by God of David? Were they aware that David and Bathsheba had committed a capital crime and were excused from execution? Do you think some of them had family and friends who had been executed without any hope of reprieve?
And who was punished for David’s crimes? His first son by Bathsheba died. His wives were raped by one of his sons in front of the nation. And later when David conducted a census, 70,000 people died.
Are there no examples in the NT of people who exalted God’s name? Wouldn’t that mean admitting that there is no mention of the Tetragrammaton in the Greek manuscripts of the NT?
START OF ARTICLE
Q1) What fine example did Jesus set during his earthly ministry?
- On the night of Nisan 14, 33 C.E., Jesus and his apostles sang Jehovah's praises together in an upper room of a house in Jerusalem. (Matthew 26:30) It was the last time that the man Jesus would do that with his apostles. However, it was fitting that he would conclude his meeting with them in that way. From the beginning of his earthly ministry to the end, Jesus praised his Father and zealously made His name known. (Matthew 4:10; 6:9; 22:37,38; John 12:28; 17:6) In effect, he echoed the warm invitation of the psalmist: "0 magnify Jehovah with me, you people, and let us exalt his name together." (Psalm 34:3) What a fine example for us to follow!
Does Matthew 26:30 say anything about singing "Jehovah’s praises"?
(Matthew 26:30) Finally, after singing praises, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
How does the WTS insert their interpretation?
***
w9812/1p.24StandingattheThresholdofGreaterActivity***His talk was based on the 116th Psalm, which Jesus may have sung on the night before his death. (Matthew 26:30, footnote)
*** Footnote ***Rbi8 Matthew 26:30
Or, "after singing hymns (psalms)." Gr., hy·mne´san·tes; J 18 (Heb.), wai·yiq·re’u´’eth-ha·hal·lel´. Doubtless the last four of the Hallel Psalms (115-118). See Ps 114:1 ftn.
What about the other scriptures in this paragraph?
Is it true that the WTS only puts in "Jehovah" where the writer/speaker quotes directly from the OT where the Tetragrammaton appears? Or do they insert "Jehovah" where the WTS interprets it belongs.
*** Rbi8 p. 1564 1D The Divine Name in the Christian Greek Scriptures ***
They have restored the divine name not only when coming upon quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures but also in other placeswhere the texts called for such restoration.
When I was a JW I functioned with the belief that "Jehovah" was only put in places where it was a direct quote from the OT…but not so…the WTS has chosen to put it in many more places up to 237.
Ask yourself too, is Jehovah the closest pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton? Yahweh is a more exact understanding, not "Jehovah" based on a monk’s interpretation from 1200 A.D. With all its "adjustments" in the past for the purpose of clarification, why has the WTS avoided this "clarification"?
Q2, 3) (a) How do we know that Psalm 34 has prophetic significance? (b) What will we consider in this article and the one following?
2) A few hours after singing praises with Jesus, the apostle John was witness to a very different event. He saw his Master and two criminals being put to death on torture stakes. Roman soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals to hasten their deaths. However, John reports that they did not break Jesus' legs. When the soldiers came to Jesus, he was already dead. In his Gospel, John identified that development as a fulfillment of another part of Psalm 34: "Not a bone of his will be crushed." John 19:32-36; Psalm 34:20, Septuagint.
When did John write his account? 98 C.E. 65 years later. Do you think that John was aware in 33 C.E. that this was a fullfillment of Psalm 34?
3) Psalm 34 has many other points of interest to Christians. Hence, in this article and the one following, we will review the circumstances under which David wrote the psalm and then consider the encouraging contents of the psalm itself.
Points of interest to Christians
— only JWs are true Christians, all others are member so-called or professed Christians.*** w97 1/15 p. 22 par. 22 What Does God Require of Us? ***
There is only one religious organization on this earth that has all these marks of true Christianity—Jehovah’s Witnesses!
*** w04 4/15 p. 17 par. 1 Pursuing Kindness in a Hostile World ***
True, kindness is identified in the Bible as part of "the fruitage of the spirit," but why is it so difficult to express kindness even in so-called Christian lands?
*** w03 9/15 p. 8 Before and After—How the Bible Changed This Man ***
Rolf-Michael and his wife, Ursula, desperately looked for meaning in life and searched for the truth. Despite negative experiences with so-called Christian churches, they had a strong desire to get to know God.
David's Flight From Saul
Q4) (a) Why was David anointed as Israel's future king? (b) Why did Saul `get to love' David very much?
4) When David was young, Saul was king in Israel. However, Saul became disobedient and lost Jehovah's favor. For that reason, the prophet Samuel told him: "Jehovah has ripped away the royal rule of Israel from off you today, and he will certainly give it to a fellowman of yours who is better than you." (1 Samuel 15:28) Later, Jehovah directed Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, to be Israel's next king. Meanwhile, bereft of God's spirit, King Saul suffered dark moods. David, a skilled musician, was brought to Gibeah to serve the king, and David's music brought relief to Saul, who "got to loving him very much."-1 Samuel 16:11, 13, 21, 23.
Saul became disobedient and lost Jehovah’s favor…later…Samuel to anoint David
Did Saul know this? Why had he hired David to play music?
Q5) Why did Saul's attitude toward David change, and what was David forced to do?
5) As time went by, Jehovah proved to be with David. Jehovah helped him to conquer the Philistine giant Goliath and supported David as he came to be celebrated in Israel for his military prowess. However, Jehovah's blessing on David made Saul jealous, and he grew to hate David. Twice while David was playing his harp before Saul, the king hurled his spear at him. Both times, David managed to dodge the spear. When Saul made a third attempt to kill him, Israel's future king realized that he had to flee for his life. Eventually, because of Saul's continued efforts to capture and kill him, David determined to seek refuge outside the territory of Israel.-1 Samuel 18:11; 19:9, 10.
Helped him to conquer…Goliath…David…celebrated in Israel for his military prowess
As a child did you wonder why it was okay to kill people then but not now? How old were you when you realized that many Israelite soldiers died even though they were on the "right" side?
What was the scriptural reason for David to let Saul try and kill him 3 times before he fled?
Q6) Why did Saul order the killing of the inhabitants of Nob?
6) On his way to the border of Israel, David stopped at the city of Nob, where Jehovah's tabernacle was situated. Evidently, David was accompanied in his flight by an escort of young men, and David sought refreshments for them and for himself. Saul learned that the high priest had given David and his men some food and the sword that David had taken from the dead Goliath. In anger, Saul had all the city's inhabitants, including 85 priests, killed.-1 Samuel 21:1, 2; 22:12, 13, 18, 19; Matthew 12:3, 4.
David stopped at the city of Nob, where Jehovah’s tabernacle was situation (
the temple would not be built until later by David’s son, Solomon).Saul learned that the high priest had given David and his men some food…Saul had all the city’s inhabitants, including 85 priests killed
Not much different from the WTS policy of df’ing people who help df’d people.
[Picture on page 21] Even as a fugitive, David exalted Jehovah's name
Another Escape From Death
Q7) Why was Gath not a safe hiding place for David?
7) From Nob, David fled about 25 miles west into Philistine territory and sought refuge with King Achish in Goliath's hometown, Gath. Perhaps David reasoned that Gath would be the last place that Saul would look for him. Soon, though, servants of Gath's king recognized David. When David overheard that he had been identified, "he became very much afraid on account of Achish the king of Gath."-1 Samuel 21:10-12.
Perhaps
— another WTS buzzword meaning "now we are going to add to the Bible account."David…became very much afraid
— Is this the same man who had killed Goliath and was even then carrying Goliath’s sword?Q8) (a) What does Psalm 56 tell us about David's experience in Gath? (b) How did David have a narrow escape from death?
8) The Philistines then laid hold of David. It may have been at this time that David composed the heartfelt psalm in which he appealed to Jehovah: "Do put my tears in your skin bottle." (Psalm 56:8 and superscription) He thus expressed his confidence that Jehovah would not forget his grief but would lovingly care for him and protect him. David also thought out a strategy for deceiving the Philistine king. He acted as if he were insane. Seeing this, King Achish rebuked his servants for bringing a "crazy" man before him. Clearly, Jehovah blessed David's strategy. David was driven from the city, having experienced another narrow escape from death. -1 Samuel 21:13-15.
It may have been
— a WTS buzz phrase meaning "now we are going to add to the Bible account."David also thought out a strategy for deceiving the Philistine king
— an example of "theocratic strategy"? If you notice in the Bible, such "deceit" is practiced against the "enemy" not fellow believers.Q9, 10) For what reason did David write Psalm 34, and who may David have had in mind when composing the psalm?
9) The Bible does not say whether David's supporters fled into Gath with him or kept watch for him in nearby villages of Israel. Whatever the case, a happy reunion must have taken place when David reported to them how Jehovah had again delivered him. That event laid the basis for Psalm 34, as shown by the superscription. In the first seven verses of the psalm, David praises God for delivering him and invites his supporters to join him in exalting Jehovah as the Great Rescuer of His people.-Psalm 34:3, 4, 7.
Must have taken place
— any buzz phrase where the Bible account is added to.So if a follower of God dies, does that mean that God was not with them, rescuing them? What about the high priest and 85 other priests who died at Nob? What about those who died in Nazi Germany, US persecution during WW2, etc.:
10) David and his men found safety in the cave of Adullam in a mountainous region of Israel, about ten miles east of Gath. There, Israelites who were dissatisfied with conditions under the rule of King Saul began to come and join them. (1 Samuel 22:1, 2) When David composed the words of Psalm 34:8-22, he may have had such ones in mind. The reminders in those verses are also important for us today, and we will surely benefit from a detailed discussion of this beautiful psalm.
Israelites who were dissatisfied with conditions under the rule of King Saul began to come and join them.
Why didn’t they say home and "wait on Jehovah"? They were battling against God’s anointed, weren’t they?
What about their families? Did they leave their wives and children behind to be at Saul’s mercy, the same man who are executed a whole city for giving David and his men food?
He may have had
— WTS buzz phrase adding to the Bible.Do You Share David's Primary Concern?
Q11, 12) What reasons do we have to praise Jehovah constantly?
11) "I will bless Jehovah at all times; constantly his praise will be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1) Living as an outcast, David must have had many material concerns, but as these words show, his daily cares did not overshadow his determination to praise Jehovah. What a fine example for us when we face hardships! Whether we are at school, at work, with fellow Christians, or in the public ministry, our uppermost desire should be to praise Jehovah. Just think of the countless reasons we have to do so! For example, there is no end to what we can discover and enjoy in Jehovah's marvelous works of creation. And consider what he has accomplished by means of the earthly part of his organization! Although they are imperfect, Jehovah has used faithful humans mightily in modern times. How do God's works compare with those of men who are idolized by the world? Do you not agree with David, who also wrote: "There is none like you among the gods, O Jehovah, neither are there any works like yours"?-Psalm 86:8.
Must have had
— WTS adding to the Bible account.Fellow Christian
s— only JWsMaterial concerns…hardships…uppermost desire should be to praise Jehovah (Where’s Jesus’ in this OT account)
Translation: JWs today are too soft, too concerned about have a house, a car, going on vacations, buying tvs, dvds, I-pods, vidieo games, etc.
Consider what he has accomplished by means of the earthly part of his organization
— Only the WTS/FDS/GB…although they are imperfectImperfect in having predicted the end would come in 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940’s, 1975, (1984), (1994).
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/2919/dates.html12) Like David, we feel impelled to praise Jehovah constantly because of his incomparable works. Moreover, we are thrilled to know that God's Kingdom is now in the hands of David's permanent Heir, Jesus Christ. (Revelation 11:15) This means that the end of this system of things is close. The everlasting future of over six billion humans is at stake. Never before has there been such a need to tell others about God's Kingdom and what it will soon do for mankind and to help them praise Jehovah with us. Surely our priority in life should be to use every opportunity to encourage others to accept this "good news" before it is too late.-Matthew 24:14.
Thrilled to know that God’s Kingdom is now in the hands of David’s permanent Heir, Jesus Christ
Now taught to be 1914, 93 years ago…CLOSE?
Originally taught to be in 1878. Information that was not available to the rank and file JW until 1993 when the Proclaimers book was publiished.
*** jv chap. 28 p. 632 Testing and Sifting From Within ***
Based on the premise that events of the first century might find parallels in related events later, they also concluded that if Jesus’ baptism and anointing in the autumn of 29 C.E. paralleled the beginning of an invisible presence in 1874, then his riding into Jerusalem as King in the spring of 33 C.E. would point to the spring of 1878 as the time when he would assume his power as heavenly King.
The everlasting future of over six billion humans is at stake— only JWs will survive!1889 "Be not surprised, then, when in subsequent chapters we present proofs that the setting up of the Kingdom of God is already begun, that it is pointed out in prophecy as due to begin the exercise of power in A.D. 1878 , and that the 'battle of the great day of God Almighty (Rev. 16:14) which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership, is already commenced . The gathering of the armies is plainly visible from the standpoint of God's word." (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 2, The Time Is At Hand, 1889 Ed., p. 101. The 1915 Edition of this texts changed "A.D. 1914" to read 'A.D. 1915')
*** w99 12/1 p. 18 par. 15 Be Happy Readers of the Book of Revelation ***
The message is clear: If we want to survive Armageddon, we must remain spiritually alert and keep the symbolic garments that identify us as faithful Witnesses of Jehovah God.
*** w89 9/1 p. 19 par. 7 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium ***
, those of the anointed remnant and the "great crowd," as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil. (Revelation 7:9-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They will make up the "flesh" that Jesus Christ said would be saved through the worst tribulation of all human history. Q13) (a) In whom did David boast, and what kind of people responded? (b) How are meek ones drawn to the Christian congregation today?Only Jehovah’s Witnesses
13) "In Jehovah my soul will make its boast; the meek ones will hear and will rejoice." (Psalm 34:2) David did not here boast of any personal accomplishments. For example, he did not brag about the way he deceived the king of Gath. He realized that Jehovah protected him when he was in Gath and that he escaped with Jehovah's help. (Proverbs 21: 1) Hence, David boasted, not in himself, but in Jehovah. Because of this, meek ones were drawn to Jehovah. Jesus likewise magnified the name of Jehovah, and this drew humble, teachable people to Him. Today, meek ones of all nations are drawn to the international congregation of anointed Christians, of which Jesus is the Head. (Colossians 1:18) The hearts of such meek ones are touched when they hear God's name glorified by his humble servants and when they hear the Bible's message, which God's holy spirit enables them to grasp. John 6:44; Acts 16:14.
David did boast of any personal accomplishments—
have you been at a convention where they announce the speaker, how long he has been baptized, how much of that was in full-time service, whether he is a missionary, Bethelite, elder, CO, DO…is that talking about "personal accomplishments"?Do elders talk about their personal accomplishments? When you meet someone, are you immediately advised of their "status" in the congregation?
International congregation of anointed Christians—
8,734 out of 6.5 million JWs, did you ever meet an anointed JW, a member of the GB?Does "God’s holy spirit" enable them to grasp?
*** w87 7/15 p. 19 par. 13 Prayers Require Works ***
Because Jehovah God does not give his holy spirit apart from his Word, and we cannot hope to receive holy spirit if we ignore the earthly channel Jehovah is using today, "the faithful and discreet slave," represented by the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Without help from this "slave," we would neither be able to understand the full import of what we read nor know how to apply what we learn.—Matthew 24:45-47.
[Picture on page 23] Our faith is strengthened as we listen to upbuilding experiences related at our Christian gatherings
Meetings Strengthen Our Faith
Q14) (a) Was David content to praise Jehovah only in private? (b) What example did Jesus set regarding meetings for worship?
14) "O magnify Jehovah with me, you people, and let us exalt his name together." (Psalm 34:3) David was not content to praise Jehovah only in private. He warmly invited his companions to join him in exalting God's name. Similarly, Jesus Christ, the Greater David, took delight in praising Jehovah publicly--at the local synagogue, at festivals at God's temple in Jerusalem, and in company with his followers. (Luke 2:49; 4:16-19; 10: 21; John 18:20) What a joyful privilege it is to follow Jesus' example in praising Jehovah on every possible occasion together with fellow believers, especially now as we "behold the day drawing near"!-Hebrews 10: 24, 25.
Not content to praise…only in private
— So did David go door to door? Weren’t his neighbors all fellow believers. Did they go out amongst the pagans and preach? Using an OT example makes the leap to current WT door to door practices difficult.At the local synagogue, at festivals…in company with his followers
— sounds like at the meetings, conventions, assemblies?Did David believe that "the day" was drawing near? Was that part of his belief system?
Q15) (a) What effect did David's experience have on his men? (b) How do we benefit from attending our meetings?
15) "I inquired of Jehovah, and he answered me, and out of all my frights he delivered me." (Psalm 34:4) This experience was important to David. Hence, he went on to say: "This afflicted one called, and Jehovah himself heard. And out of all his distresses He saved him." (Psalm 34:6) When associating with fellow believers, we have many opportunities to relate upbuilding experiences of how Jehovah has helped us to endure difficult circumstances. This strengthens the faith of our fellow believers, just as David's expressions strengthened the faith of his supporters. In David's case, his companions "looked to [Jehovah] and became radiant, and their very faces could not possibly be ashamed." (Psalm 34:5) Though on the run from King Saul, they did not feel ashamed. They were confident that God was backing David, and their faces were radiant. In a similar way, newly interested ones as well as those who have been true Christians for a long time look to Jehovah for support. Since they have personally experienced his help, their radiant faces reflect their determination to remain faithful.
So who saved Uriah out of his frights and distresses? When a friend was taking his wife and arranging his death?
Fellow believers
— only JWsRelate upbuilding experiences
— After almost 50 years, when a JW would start "relating" an experience it was to upbuild themselves. They were viewed by many JWs thinking themselves holier than the rest of us. The "upbuilding" experiences at the conventions are tweaked to the point they no longer resemble reality.True Christians
— only JWsPersonally experienced his help
— the ill sister who finally had to ask her non-JW relatives for help because the elders never came through on their words, the brother whose boss came over and helped him with his car after 2 brothers had offered but never shown up, etc.Be Grateful for Angelic Help
Q16) How has Jehovah used his angels to come to our rescue?
16 ) "The angel o f Jehovah is camping all around those fearing him, and he rescues
them."
(Psalm 34:7) David did not view his rescue by Jehovah as something that could happen only to him. True, David was Jehovah's anointed, Israel's future king; but he knew that Jehovah uses his angels to watch over all of his faithful worshippers, regardless of whether they are prominent or lowly. In our modern day, true worshippers have also experienced the protection that Jehovah provides. In Nazi Germany--as well as in Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, and many other lands--authorities have waged campaigns to wipe out Jehovah's Witnesses. Their efforts have been in vain. Instead, Jehovah's people in those lands continue to thrive as they exalt God's name together. Why? Because Jehovah uses his holy angels to protect and guide his people.-Hebrews 1:14.Rescue by Jehovah as something that could happen only to him—what about the men who fought by his side but died…what about Uriah?
Do the angels today protect?
His faithful worshippers…true worshippers—only JWs
In Nazi Germany…Angola, Malawi, Mozambique….to wipe out Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their efforts have been in vain.
Does that mean that no individual JWs have died? No, because the WTS interprets this as protection "as a group." That as long as some JWs survive, the angels have done their job, to protect the organization, the group.
*** w02 12/15 p. 15 par. 10 "He Will Draw Close to You" ***
How, though, does Jehovah guard his people? His promise of protection does not guarantee us a problem-free life in this system; nor does it mean that he is obligated to work miracles in our behalf. Nevertheless, Jehovah does provide physical protection for his people as a group. After all, he would never allow the Devil to efface true worshipers from the earth!
Q17) In what ways do God's angels help us?
17) In addition, Jehovah's angels can maneuver matters so that any who cause others to stumble are removed from among Jehovah's people. (Matthew 13:41; 18:6, 10) And even though we may be unaware of it at the time, angels remove obstacles that could hinder our service to God, and they protect us from things that could endanger our relationship with Jehovah. Most important, they guide us in the work of declaring "everlasting good news" to all mankind, including in places where the preaching work is carried out under dangerous circumstances. (Revelation 14:6) Proof of angelic help has often been related in Bible literature published by Jehovah's Witnesses.* (Footnote: * See Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, page 550; 2005 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, pages 53-4; The Watchtower, March 1, 2000, pages S-6; January 1, 1991, page 27; and February 15, 1991, page 26.) Such experiences are far too numerous to be dismissed as coincidence.
Jehovah's angels can maneuver matters so that any who cause others to stumble are removed from among Jehovah's people.
Like a pedophile that preyed on JW congregations for 17 years.
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/8/28800/1.ashxBased on the tweaking of experiences at conventions (my own experience), can we believe the experiences in the WT publications?
Q18) (a) What is required for us to benefit from angelic help? (b) What will be considered in the next article?
18) To continue benefiting from angelic guidance and protection, we must keep on exalting Jehovah's name even in the face of opposition. Remember, God's angel encamps only "around those fearing [Jehovah]." What does that imply? What is the fear of God, and how can we cultivate it? Why would a loving God want us to fear him? These questions will be discussed in the following article.
Angelic protection = preaching what the WTS says = non-JWs have no protection.
Does God listen to the prayers of non-JWs?
How Would You Answer?
• What trials did David endure as a young man?
• Like David, about what are we primarily concerned?
• How do we view Christian meetings?
• How does Jehovah use his angels to help us?
Concluding Comments
I can tell that JWs are not "exalting" going door to door enough. Next week says you can’t enjoy life unless you fear God…fear the WTS that is. JWs are getting discouraged, the end is not yet, they are getting older, dying. Their belief in the resurrection hope is being tested more and more…people who have been told they are part of a special group who will never die.
The snow is melting. We got about 6 inches but it will be in the high 50’s by next week. But the grass is green underneath and the daffodils and tulips have survived. I wonder about the fruit trees. I have had a set back physically. Going to the hospital for a few checkups today. Hope those with truly difficult illnesses have a peaceful day today with their loved ones. I have to enjoy small things, a laugh from JWD, the arrival of a special book, a kiss from my sweetie.
Love, Blondie