Isaiah 11-16

Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)

Isa 11:1, 10—How can Jesus Christ be “the root of Jesse” as well as a twig that grew “out of the stump of Jesse”? (w06 12/1 9 _6)

11:1, 10—How can Jesus Christ be “a twig out of the stump of Jesse” as well as “the root of Jesse”? (Romans 15:12) Jesus was “out of the stump of Jesse” in a fleshly way. He was a descendant of Jesse through Jesse’s son David. (Matthew 1:1-6; Luke 3:23-32) However, the receiving of the kingly power affects Jesus’ relationship with his ancestors. By virtue of his having been given power and authority to grant obedient mankind everlasting life on earth, Jesus becomes their “Eternal Father.” (Isaiah 9:6) Hence, he is also “the root” of his ancestors, including Jesse.

Isa 13:17—In what sense did the Medes regard silver as nothing and take no delight in gold?(w06 12/1 10 _10)

13:17—In what way did the Medes consider silver as nothing and take no delight in gold? The Medes and the Persians regarded the glory resulting from a conquest more highly than the spoils of war. This proved true in the case of Cyrus, who gave the returning exiles the gold and silver utensils that Nebuchadnezzar had looted from Jehovah’s temple.

What does this week’s Bible reading teach me about Jehovah?

*** w16 June p. 8 par. 9 Appreciating Jehovah as Our Potter ***

9 In the new world, we will experience to the full the blessings of the spiritual paradise. Then, our spiritual paradise will have its perfect counterpart—a literal paradise under the rulership of God’s Kingdom. During that time of global restoration, Jehovah will continue to mold earth’s inhabitants, educating them to a degree that we might now find hard to imagine. (Isa. 11:9) Furthermore, God will make our minds and bodies perfect, so that we will be able to absorb his teaching and do his will flawlessly. So let us be determined to continue submitting to Jehovah, showing him that we view his molding as an expression of his love for us.—Prov. 3:11,12.

*** w14 9/1 p. 9 Was God’s Law to Israel Just and Fair? ***

To his delight, Isaiah was inspired to prophesy about the rule of the Messianic King, Jesus Christ, saying: “He will not judge by what appears to his eyes, nor reprove simply according to what his ears hear. He will judge the lowly with fairness, and with uprightness he will give reproof in behalf of the meek ones of the earth.” (Isaiah 11:3,4) What wonderful prospects for all who become subjects of the Messianic King under God’s Kingdom!—Matthew 6:10.

*** w14 11/15 pp. 6-7 par. 18 The Resurrection of Jesus—Its Meaning for Us ***

18The resurrection of Jesus gives us the assurance that earth’s inhabitants will be judged according to Jehovah’s loving standards. Addressing a group of men and women in ancient Athens, Paul said: “[God] purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and he has provided a guarantee to all men by resurrecting him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31) Yes, Jesus is the divinely appointed Judge, and we can be sure that his judgment will be fair and loving.—Read Isaiah 11:2-4.

*** w13 6/1 p. 7 A World Without Prejudice—When? ***

Those living in that righteous human society will be brought to perfection, free from sin. (Romans 8:21) As subjects of God’s Kingdom, “they will not do any harm or cause any ruin.” Why? “Because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah.” (Isaiah 11:9) At that time, all mankind will learn Jehovah God’s ways and imitate his loving personality. This will indeed mean the end of all prejudice, “for there is no partiality with God.”—Romans 2:11.

*** w13 9/1 p. 7 The End of Suffering Is at Hand! ***

Great benefits will come from divine education: In the new world, “the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah.” (Isaiah 11:9) This divine education will include instruction on how to live in peace with all people and in harmony with the environment. God promises: “I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk.”—Isaiah 48:17.

*** w13 9/1 p. 7 The End of Suffering Is at Hand! ***

Peace and righteousness will prevail forever: Under Christ’s rulership, lawlessness will be a thing of the past. How do we know that? Because Jesus is able to read hearts, and he will use that ability to judge between the righteous and the wicked. Those who refuse to change their wicked ways will not be allowed to live in God’s new world.—Psalm 37:9, 10; Isaiah 11:3,4; 65:20; Matthew 9:4.

*** w13 11/1 p. 4 The Lie That Made God Nameless ***

WHAT MANY BELIEVE “We have gained no consensus as to whether we can even speak of ‘the’ name of God, and if so, what that name might be.”—Professor David Cunningham, Theological Studies.

THE TRUTH FROM THE BIBLE God said: “I am Jehovah. That is my name.” (Isaiah 42:8) Jehovah is a Hebrew name that means “He Causes to Become.”—Genesis 2:4, footnote.

Jehovah wants us to use his name. “Call upon his name,” states the Bible. “Make known among the peoples his dealings. Make mention that his name is put on high.”—Isaiah 12:4.

Jesus used God’s name. In prayer, Jesus told Jehovah: “I have made your name known to them [Jesus’ disciples] and will make it known.” Why did Jesus make the divine name known to his disciples? He continued: “In order that the love with which you [God] loved me may be in them and I in union with them.”—John 17:26.

*** w11 12/15 p. 15 par. 10 Why Be Guided by God’s Spirit? ***

10 A second reason why we should want to be guided by holy spirit is that God led his own Son by it. Before coming to earth, the only-begotten Son of God knew of the prophecy: “Upon him the spirit of Jehovah must settle down, the spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the spirit of counsel and of mightiness, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah.” (Isa. 11:2) Just imagine how eager Jesus was to receive the help of God’s spirit while residing in the environment that he faced here on earth!

*** w10 1/15 p. 32 par. 17 Jehovah’s Way of Ruling Vindicated! ***

17 Those who have not as yet made a definite decision in favor of Jehovah should prayerfully consider the benefits that God’s way of ruling will bring to mankind. Human rule has been unable to solve the problem of crime, including terrorism. God’s rule will remove all the wicked from the earthly scene. (Ps. 37:1, 2,9) Man’s rule has led to incessant warfare, but God’s rule will make “wars to cease to the extremity of the earth.” (Ps. 46:9) Why, God’s rule will even restore peace between humans and animals! (Isa. 11:6-9) Poverty and hunger have been constant features under human rule, but God’s rule will eliminate them. (Isa. 65:21) Even human rulers having the best of intentions have been unable to remove sickness and death, but under God’s rule, the old and the sick will delight in a return to youthful vigor. (Job 33:25; Isa. 35:5,6) Indeed, the earth will become a paradise in which there will even be a resurrection of the dead.—Luke 23:43; Acts 24:15.

*** w10 9/1 pp. 7-8 The End of Evil Deeds Is Assured! ***

“The wolf will actually reside for a while with the male lamb, and with the kid the leopard itself will lie down, and the calf and the maned young lion and the well-fed animal all together; and a mere little boy will be leader over them. ... Even the lion will eat straw just like the bull. And the sucking child will certainly play upon the hole of the cobra; and upon the light aperture of a poisonous snake will a weaned child actually put his own hand. They will not do any harm or cause any ruin in all my holy mountain; because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea.”—Isaiah 11:6-9.

Is this prophecy merely foretelling a time when animals will live in harmony with humans? No, there is more to it than that. Note that the last part of the passage indicates what causes the transformation: “The earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah.” Does knowledge of God change animal behavior? Hardly. But it can and does change people! This prophecy foretells that those who may have had animalistic tendencies would put them aside and develop a Christlike personality because of learning and applying what the Bible teaches.

What points from this week’s Bible reading can I use in the field ministry?

*** w16 June p. 8 par. 8 Appreciating Jehovah as Our Potter ***

8 As “children of wrath,” we once displayed many qualities that displease God, perhaps even some beastlike traits! Yet, thanks to Jehovah’s molding, we changed; we became more like lambs. (Isa. 11:6-8; Col. 3:9,10) Therefore, the environment in which Jehovah is now molding us is viewed as a spiritual paradise that is presently taking shape. We feel safe and secure despite the wicked world around us. Moreover, in this setting, those of us who grew up in loveless, dysfunctional families finally experience real love. (John 13:35) And we have learned to show love to others. Above all, we have come to know Jehovah and now experience his fatherly love.—Jas. 4:8.

*** w15 2/1 p. 16 Bible Questions Answered ***

Will we ever have one government for the whole world?

Imagine how a world government could benefit mankind. Today many people suffer because they are so poor, while others are very rich. But a compassionate world government could make sure that all have what they need. Do you think humans will ever create such a government?—Read Jeremiah 10:23.

Throughout history, governments have failed in many ways to care for their subjects, especially the poor. Some governments are cruel. (Ecclesiastes 4:1; 8:9) But Almighty God has promised to provide a government that will replace all others. Its Ruler will really take care of people.—Read Isaiah 11:4; Daniel 2:44.

*** w15 5/15 p. 22 par. 15 They “Saw” the Things Promised ***

15 On the other hand, as Christians we are encouraged by visualizing our hope, whether it is heavenly or earthly. Can you see yourself enjoying the things that God has promised? Contemplating what you may do as God fulfills his promises undoubtedly brings joy to your heart. Perhaps you “see” yourself living on earth forever. Think about cooperating with others in making this globe into a paradise. Your neighbors love Jehovah, even as you do. You are healthy, energetic, and have a bright outlook. Those supervising the work of restoration make life a pleasure because they genuinely care about you. And you are happy using your talents and skills because everything you do is benefiting others and honoring God. For example, you are helping newly resurrected ones to come to know Jehovah. (John 17:3; Acts 24:15) No, this is not a dreamworld. This appealing mental picture is based on Scriptural truths about the future.—Isa. 11:9; 25:8; 33:24; 35:5-7; 65:22.

*** w15 11/1 pp. 7-8 God’s View of War Today ***

In that future war, God will use, not humans, but his Son, Jesus Christ, along with other powerful spirit creatures to wage war against the wicked. The heavenly forces will bring an end to all oppression.—Isaiah 11:4; Revelation 19:11-16.

To this day, God’s view of war has not changed. He still views war as a legitimate means of bringing an end to oppression and wickedness. But as has been true throughout history, it is God alone who rightly determines when such warfare is to take place and who is to be involved. As we have seen, God has already determined that the war to end wickedness and to avenge the oppressed is a future war and that it will be fought by his Son, Jesus Christ. This means that the wars being fought in the earth today do not have God’s approval, no matter how noble the cause may appear to be.

*** w14 2/1 p. 16 Bible Questions Answered ***

Is the Bible really God’s Word?

You would expect God’s Word to be unique, and the Bible is. Billions of copies of it have been printed in hundreds of languages. The wisdom in the Bible has the power to change people for the better.—Read 1Thessalonians 2:13; 2Timothy 3:16.

We know that the Bible is from God because it accurately foretells the future. No man can do that on his own. Consider, for example, the book of Isaiah. A copy of it made over a century before Jesus’ birth was found in a cave near the Dead Sea. It says that the city of Babylon would become uninhabited. That first came true many years after Jesus’ earthly ministry.—Read Isaiah 13:19, 20; 2Peter 1:20,21.

*** w14 8/15 p. 14 par. 16 Use the Word of God—It Is Alive! ***

16 If you live in a region where peace is often disrupted, you might ask a person: “Could you ever imagine this as being the lead news story of the day: ‘The whole earth now rests, free of disturbance. People cry out for joy’? That is what the Bible says at Isaiah 14:7. In fact, the Bible contains God’s many promises of peaceful times that are coming in our future.” Then offer to read one of those promises from the Bible.

*** w14 9/1 p. 6 Will Man Ruin the Earth Beyond Repair? ***

According to his secretary Pyarelal, Mohandas Gandhi, the late spiritual leader of India, observed: “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need but not for every man’s greed.” God’s Kingdom will address the root cause of earth’s problems by bringing about a change in people’s hearts. The prophet Isaiah foretold that under Kingdom rule, people “will not cause any harm or any ruin” to one another or to the earth. (Isaiah 11:9) In fact, millions of people today from all walks of life are already learning about God’s elevated standards. They are being taught to love God and neighbor, to show a thankful spirit, to care for the environment, to conserve natural resources, and to lead a life supportive of the Creator’s purpose. They are being prepared for life in a paradise earth.—Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 22:37-39; Colossians 3:15.

*** w13 6/1 p. 16 Bible Questions Answered ***

Who will establish peace on earth?

Almighty God has promised to establish a single government to rule over all mankind. It will replace human governments. (Daniel 2:44) God’s Son, Jesus, will rule as the Prince of Peace. He will eliminate evil from all the earth and will teach people the way of peace.—Read Isaiah 9:6,7; 11:4,9.

Already, under Jesus’ direction, millions worldwide are using God’s Word, the Bible, to teach people how to be at peace with others. Soon, world peace will be a reality.—Read Isaiah 2:3,4; 54:13.

*** w12 6/1 p. 16 Why Should We Use God’s Name? ***

1. Why has God given himself a name?

Undoubtedly, you like to be called by your personal name rather than by a title, such as “man,” “mister,” “madam,” or “woman.” A name helps to distinguish you as an individual. God is called by such titles as “Sovereign Lord,” “God Almighty,” and “Grand Creator.” (Genesis 15:2; 17:1; Ecclesiastes 12:1) But he has also given himself a name to help us to establish a personal relationship with him. In English, God’s personal name is Jehovah.—Read Isaiah 42:8.

Although many Bible translators have replaced God’s name with such terms as “God” and “Lord,” that name is found nearly 7,000 times in ancient Hebrew manuscripts of the Bible. Clearly, God wants his name to be known.—Read Isaiah 12:4.

*** w12 11/1 p. 17 Will God Provide a World Government? ***

4. What will the world Ruler do?

As a shepherd gathers his sheep, Jesus is already gathering meek people from all nations and teaching them God’s ways of love. (John 10:16; 13:34) Such people become eager supporters of Jesus and his kingship. (Psalm 72:8; Matthew 4:19,20) Worldwide, Jesus’ loyal subjects are unitedly announcing that Jesus has become King.—Read Matthew 24:14.

Jesus will soon act with power to relieve mankind of corrupt government. He has chosen some of his loyal followers to rule over the earth as kings with him in heaven. (Daniel 2:44; 7:27) Jesus’ Kingdom will fill the earth with the knowledge of Jehovah and will establish the kind of paradise that was lost at the beginning of human history.—Read Isaiah 11:3,9; Matthew 19:28.

*** w12 12/1 p. 4 Remembering Jesus Christ ***

“The kingdom of the world did become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will rule as king forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15) When you remember Jesus Christ, consider what he is doing now. Jesus is ruling as a heavenly King. God’s Word prophesied regarding Jesus: “With righteousness he must judge the lowly ones, and with uprightness he must give reproof in behalf of the meek ones of the earth.” (Isaiah 11:4) Those appealing qualities belong, not to a newborn baby, but to a mighty Ruler.