Highlights from Ezra
2:43—Who were the Nethinim?
These were people of non-Israelite origin who served as temple slaves or ministers. Among them were the descendants of the Gibeonites of Joshua’s day and others “whom David and the princes gave to the service of the Levites.”—Ezra 8:20.
Why was Satan allowed to enter before Jehovah?
By permitting them to enter before him, Jehovah brought before all spirit creatures Satan’s challenge and the issues it raised.
Why did Queen Vashti keep refusing to come to the king?
Some scholars suggest that the queen refused to obey because she chose not to degrade herself before the king’s drunken guests. Or perhaps this outwardly beautiful queen really was not submissive. While the Bible does not state her motive, the wise men of the day thought that obedience to the husband was definitely an issue and that Vashti’s bad example would influence all the wives in the provinces of Persia.
◼ How can a person who has been inactive for a long time be helped to qualify again as a publisher of the good news? What 2 things?
To build up faith and appreciation, a personal Bible study in an appropriate publication may be advisable. In that case, the service overseer will arrange for a qualified publisher to conduct the study.
Before inviting a longtime inactive one to share again in the ministry, it is advisable for two elders to meet with him to see if he qualifies as a Kingdom publisher. They will follow a procedure similar to that used when meeting with new ones who are seeking to qualify as publishers of the good news.
How many years did it take to rebuild the temple?
The temple construction took about 20 years.
Did Jehovah speak to Satan directly?
The Bible does not give much detail about how Jehovah communicates with spirit creatures. However, the prophet Micaiah had a vision in which he saw an angel communicate directly with Jehovah. (1 Kings 22:14, 19-23) It would seem, then, that Jehovah talked to Satan without an intermediary.
Why did Mordecai refuse to bow down to Haman?
It was not wrong for the Israelites to acknowledge the superior position of an exalted personage by prostrating themselves. However, in the case of Haman, more was involved. Haman was an Agagite, probably an Amalekite, and Jehovah had marked Amalek for extermination. (Deuteronomy 25:19) For Mordecai, bowing down to Haman was an issue of integrity to Jehovah. He flatly refused, stating that he was a Jew.—Esther 3:3, 4.
● Before being approved for baptism, to what extent should an unbaptized publisher be sharing in the field ministry?
By the time the person is ready for baptism, most likely he will be regularly sharing the good news with others, spending more than just an hour or two in the field service each month. (w84 6/1 p. 8 par. 2) Of course, the personal circumstances of each one requesting baptism should be reviewed, taking into consideration background, age, limitations, and so forth.
Why were the children put away along with the wives?
If the children had stayed behind, the likelihood that the dismissed wives would return on account of them would have increased. Moreover, little children generally require the care of their mother.
What is meant by “compulsory service” in death?
Since the time one spends in Sheol—from the time of one’s death to the resurrection—is an enforced period, Job likened that time to compulsory service.
Why did court officials cover Haman’s face?
This was likely to suggest shamefulness or impending doom. According to one reference work, “the ancients sometimes covered the heads of those about to be executed.”
◼ How long do we have to wait before we can visit a do not call?
The territory file should be reviewed once a year, making a list of the homes where we have been advised not to call. Under the direction of the service overseer, some tactful, experienced publishers can be assigned to visit these homes. It could be explained that we are calling to inquire if the same householder still lives there.