Highlights from Judges
Why did Jehovah say that Gideon’s 32,000 men were too many against the enemy force of 135,000?
This was because Jehovah was giving Gideon and his men the victory. God did not want them to think that they defeated the Midianites in their own strength.
Is there any hope of a resurrection for a baby that dies in its mother’s womb?
The simple answer to the question is that we do not know. The Bible never directly addresses the matter of a resurrection for babies who were stillborn or lost through a miscarriage. Nonetheless, God’s Word does contain principles that bear on the question and that may offer a measure of comfort.
This subject may give rise to an almost endless variety of questions. Really, though, it seems best to avoid speculation. What we know is this: The matter rests with Jehovah God, who is abundant in loving-kindness and mercy. (Ps. 86:15) Unquestionably, it is his heartfelt desire to undo death by means of the resurrection. (Job 14:14, 15) We can be confident that he always does what is right.
1:13, 21—Did Jehovah make life bitter for Naomi and cause her calamity?
No, and Naomi did not charge God with any wrongdoing. In view of all that had happened to her, however, she thought that Jehovah was against her. She felt bitter and disillusioned. Moreover, in those days the fruitage of the belly was considered a divine blessing and barrenness, a curse. Lacking grandchildren and with two sons dead, Naomi might have felt justified in thinking that Jehovah had humiliated her.
What is the primary work of the headquarters representative?
His primary work is to encourage the Bethel family and to help the Branch Committee with problems or questions that may arise in carrying out the preaching and disciple-making work.
Why did Barak insist that the prophetess Deborah go with him to the battlefield?
Evidently, Barak felt inadequate to go up against Sisera’s army by himself. Having the prophetess with him would reassure him and his men that they had God’s guidance and would give them confidence. Barak’s insistence that Deborah accompany him, then, was not a sign of weakness but of strong faith.
Since Jehovah forbids idolatry, why did he not punish Aaron for making the golden calf?
When Aaron made the golden calf, as recorded in Exodus chapter 32, he broke God’s law regarding idolatry. (Ex. 20:3-5) As a result, “Jehovah got very incensed [at Aaron] to the point of annihilating him; but [Moses] made supplication also in behalf of Aaron at that particular time.”
One reason apparently had to do with Aaron’s record of faithfulness.
He evidently gave in to pressure.
3:16—Why did Naomi ask Ruth: “Who are you, my daughter?” Did she not recognize her daughter-in-law?
This could very well be, for when Ruth returned to Naomi, it may still have been dark. The question, though, may also mean that Naomi was inquiring about Ruth’s possible new identity in connection with her being repurchased.
Who does this brother also meet with and why?
This brother also meets with selected circuit overseers and periodically meets with field missionaries. When doing so, he talks with them about their problems and needs, giving necessary encouragement regarding their most important activity, Kingdom preaching and disciple making.
1:6, 7—Why were the thumbs and the big toes of defeated kings cut off?
A person who lost his thumbs and big toes apparently was incapacitated for military action. Without the thumbs, how could a soldier handle a sword or a spear? And the loss of the big toes would result in inability to maintain one’s balance properly.
Why does Isaiah 30:21 speak of Jehovah’s word as coming from “behind you,” since the preceding verse Isa 30:20 places Jehovah in front by saying, “Your eyes must become eyes seeing your Grand Instructor”?
We might think of an instructor standing before his students, demonstrating what he wants them to learn.
What, then, of the word that his servants hear from behind? It is reasonable to conclude that the voice from behind is God’s voice from the past, speaking through his written Word as it is made plain through his “faithful steward.” (Luke 12:42)
2:12—What “perfect wage” did Ruth receive from Jehovah?
Ruth had a son and received the privilege of becoming a link in history’s most important lineage—that of Jesus Christ.
Why is a country committee appointed?
A Country Committee is appointed in some lands that come under the oversight of a Branch Committee in another land. This allows for closer supervision of the work where the Country Committee serves. It cares for matters in the Bethel Home and office, handles correspondence and reports, and generally cares for the activities in the field.