Highlights from the Book of Micah Treasures from God's Word WT

Highlights from the Book of Micah

Treasures from God’s Word WT Library References

Index

Source Material ...... 1

Special Note ...... 1

An Introduction to the Book of Micah...... 2

Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Micah ...... 3

Wrongdoing of Israel and Judah is contrasted with Jehovah’s righteous requirements ...... 3 Jehovah’s judgments against Israel; Judah, too, will be affected ...... 3 Remnant will be regathered and true worship exalted ...... 3

Micah – Outline of Contents ...... 5

Why Beneficial ...... 5

Micah Waited on Jehovah – Micah 7:4 - Transcript Morning Worship .. 6

Treasures from God’s Word ...... 9

WT Library Highlights ...... 10

Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 1-7 What Does Jehovah Require of Us? ...... 9

WT Library Reference

Chapters 1-7 ...... 10 Highlights from the Book of Micah

Source Material

This material has been sourced from the 2016 Watchtower Library compact disk. Scriptures Included. Only verses that are explained in some way are included in the Scripture Index. Hence, if the material explains the meaning of the text, gives its background, tells why the text was written, or clarifies an original-language word and its implications, the text would be indexed, since the verse or part of it is explained. Scriptures that are used as proof texts but that are not explained are omitted. For example, Ezekiel 18:4 may be used merely to show that the soul dies. In this instance, the scripture would not be indexed, since no explanation of the text is given.

Additional personal research is encouraged.

Special Note

Occasionally you will notice that in the Treasures from God’s Word section of our Meeting Workbook that references will appear that are not included in the Watchtower Library disk or on www.wol.jw.org when searching a particular scripture reference.

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Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah

An Introduction to the Book of Micah

Micah was a prophet from the rural village of Moresheth in Judah. He foretold that devastation would come upon Israel and Judah. Micah’s familiarity with rural life is seen in the kind of illustrations he used. He served as a prophet for about 60 years, during the reigns of Judean kings Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, and he completed his book in Judah some time before 717 B.C.E. Hosea and Isaiah also recorded their prophesies during that time. Although the destruction of Jerusalem foretold by Micah occurred many years after his death, he probably lived to see the destruction of Israel's capital, Samaria. The Book of Micah has seven chapters. Chapters 1 and 2 disclose the revolt of Israel and Judah; the injustices committed, including those against women and children; Jehovah's warning that Samaria will become a heap of ruins, and God's promise that his people will return to Jerusalem and be gathered together like sheep in the pen. Chapters 3 to 5 contain Micah's denouncements of the leaders, the prophets and the priests for their wickedness and greed. As a result, Zion will be ploughed like a field and Jerusalem will become heaps of ruins. However, Micah also foretells that in the final part of the days true worship will be elevated above all false religion, and people of all nations will stream to the mountain of the house of Jehovah. Did you know? Jehovah inspired Micah to foretell that Bethlehem Ephrathah would be the birthplace of the Messiah. This was fulfilled when Jesus was born in that town. You can find this prophecy at Micah 5:2. Chapters 6 and 7 highlight the deplorable spiritual condition of the people. As if conducting a legal case, Jehovah requires his people to exercise justice, to cherish loyalty and to walk in modesty with him. But merchants ignore God's laws and cheat their brothers with fraudulent weights and scales. Micah also expresses his confidence that Jehovah will hear his pleas for justice and show loyal love toward his people. As you read the book of Micah notice how Jehovah asks of us only what is reasonable and beneficial; how Micah trusts Jehovah to carry out judgment against the wicked; and, how true worship will be restored to an elevated position by means of God's Kingdom.

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Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah

Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Micah

A candid statement of the wrongdoing of Israel and of Judah, a forecast of desolation for Samaria and Jerusalem, and promises of restoration Covers a period leading up to and possibly following the desolation of Samaria in 740 B.C.E. Wrongdoing of Israel and Judah is contrasted with Jehovah’s righteous requirements Oppressors lie in bed, plotting to seize homes and fields; when day dawns, they carry out their schemes (2:1, 2) Unsuspecting passersby are robbed; women and children are victimized (2:8, 9) Those responsible for administering justice exploit the people as though they were animals (3:1-3) False prophets call out, “Peace!”—but they sanctify war against anyone that “does not put something into their mouths” (3:5) Judges, priests, and prophets are solely out for gain, yet they claim Jehovah’s support (3:9-11) Loyal ones are virtually nonexistent; princes and judges seek bribes, and not even family members can be trusted (7:1-6) Jehovah delivered his people from Egypt and guided and protected them; no amount of sacrificing will compensate for their revolt (6:3-7) He requires that his people exercise justice, love kindness, and walk modestly with him (6:8) Jehovah’s judgments against Israel; Judah, too, will be affected Jehovah’s judgment will result in Samaria’s being reduced to a heap of ruins; the disaster will reach even as far as Judah and Jerusalem (1:3-16) Calamity will come upon Israel; her fields will be apportioned to others (2:3-5) Jehovah will strike his people; they will eat but not get filled, they will sow seed but not enjoy any fruitage (6:13-16) Remnant will be regathered and true worship exalted The remnant of Israel will be gathered together “like a flock in the pen,” with their king before them and Jehovah ahead of them (2:12, 13) In the final part of the days, the mountain of Jehovah’s house will be exalted above the hills and people of many nations will stream to it; they will be taught by Jehovah and learn war no more (4:1- 4) The restored people will walk in Jehovah’s name; Zion will be strong before her enemies (4:5-13) A ruler will be born in Bethlehem who will shepherd in Jehovah’s name; under his rulership, the Assyrian will be driven back; the remnant of Jacob will be like refreshing dew and like a mighty lion (5:2-9) Jehovah will cleanse his people of idolatry and execute vengeance upon disobedient nations (5:10- 15)

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Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah

Rely on Jehovah; the rejoicing of the “woman enemy” will end as Jehovah’s repentant people receive his attention and experience wonderful things, filling observing nations with fear; Jehovah will forgive the sins of his people (7:7-20)

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Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah

Micah – Outline of Contents

A prophetic book of the Hebrew Scriptures containing Jehovah’s word through Micah concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. It consists of three basic sections, each beginning with the word “Hear.”— Mic 1:2; 3:1; 6:1. Micah’s prophetic words regarding Samaria’s desolation must have been delivered before that city’s destruction in 740 B.C.E., and evidently his oral pronouncements were committed to writing before the close of Hezekiah’s reign. Deplorable moral conditions prevailed among the people of Israel and Judah in Micah’s time. The leaders oppressed the people, especially the poor. Judges, priests, and prophets were out for money. Idolatry, fraud, oppression, injustices, and bloodshed abounded. It was precarious to trust even confidential friends and family members.—Mic 1:7; 2:1, 2; 3:1-3, 9-12; 6:12; 7:2-6. The book of Micah candidly portrays the wrongs of Israel and Judah. While foretelling desolation for Samaria and Jerusalem on account of their transgressions (Mic 1:5-9;3:9-12), it also contains promises of restoration and divine blessings to follow.—4:1-8;5:7-9; 7:15-17.

Why Beneficial

Almost 2,700 years ago, the prophesying of Micah proved most ‘beneficial for reproving,’ for King Hezekiah of Judah responded to his message and led the nation to repentance and religious reformation. (Mic. 3:9-12; Jer. 26:18, 19; compare 2 Kings 18:1-4.) Today this inspired prophecy is even more beneficial. Hear, all professing worshipers of God, Micah’s plain warnings against false religion, idol worship, lying, and violence! (Mic. 1:2; 3:1; 6:1) Paul corroborates these warnings at 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, where he says that true Christians have been washed clean and that no one who indulges in such practices will inherit God’s Kingdom. Simply and clearly, Micah 6:8 states that Jehovah’s requirement is for man to walk with Him in justice, kindness, and modesty. Micah delivered his message among a people so divided that ‘a man’s enemies were the men of his household.’ True Christians often preach in similar circumstances, and some even meet with betrayals and bitter persecution within their own family relationship. Always they need to wait patiently on Jehovah, the ‘God of their salvation.’ (Mic. 7:6, 7; Matt. 10:21, 35-39) In persecution or when faced with a difficult assignment, those who rely courageously on Jehovah will, like Micah, “become full of power, with the spirit of Jehovah,” in telling forth His message. Micah prophesied that such courage would be especially evident in “the remaining ones of Jacob.” These would be like ‘a lion among the nations, in the midst of many peoples,’ and at the same time like refreshing dew and showers from Jehovah. These qualities were certainly manifest in the ‘remnant of Israel (Jacob)’ who became members of the Christian congregation of the first century.—Mic. 3:8; 5:7, 8; Rom. 9:27; 11:5, 26. Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem, in fulfillment of Micah’s prophecy, not only confirms the divine inspiration of the book but illuminates the context of the verse as prophetic of the coming of the Kingdom of God under Christ Jesus. Jesus is the one who appears out of Bethlehem (House of Bread) with life-giving benefits for all who exercise faith in his sacrifice. He it is that does “shepherding in the strength of Jehovah” and that becomes great and spells peace to the ends of the earth among the restored, unified flock of God.—Mic. 5:2, 4; 2:12; John 6:33-40.

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Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah

Great encouragement is to be found in Micah’s prophecy concerning “the final part of the days,” when “many nations” seek instruction from Jehovah. “And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble; for the very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken it.” Abandoning all false worship, they join with Micah in affirming: “We, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.” Truly Micah’s prophecy is faith-inspiring in providing a forevision of these momentous happenings. It is outstanding, too, in exalting Jehovah as the eternal Sovereign and King. How thrilling the words: “Jehovah will actually rule as king over them in Mount Zion, from now on and into time indefinite”!—Mic. 4:1-7; 1 Tim. 1:17.

Micah Waited on Jehovah – Micah 7:4 - Transcript Morning Worship “Their best one is like a brier, “their most upright one is worse than a thorn hedge.” This is an example of many agricultural metaphors that Micah used in his writing. But who was he talking about? Why did he say this, and what lesson can we take away from today’s text? To find the historical setting, it’s helpful to look at the “Table of the Books of the Bible” that appears on page 1662 of the printed edition of our New World Translation. But if you’re using the JW Library app, this is what you need to do. Please follow along. First, go to your home page for the Bible. In the menu bar at the top, you’ll see the word Introduction on the left. At the bottom of the list that comes up, you’ll see “Names and Order of the Books.” Tap that. And don’t be put off by the fact that you’re only seeing the names in order of the books. Rather, scroll all the way down to the bottom, and there you will see “Table of the Books of the Bible.” Tap that. You can bookmark it if you’d like to get there faster the next time. And then scroll down to Micah. What do we learn about the context of our day’s text? It was written by Micah; we knew that. Where was he? In Judah. When did he write this prophecy? Sometime before the year 717 B.C.E. And what time period does his writing cover? The 60 years spanning from 777—717 B.C.E. counting backwards toward the time of Jesus. Now what was happening during those 60 years? We have a chart in Appendix A6 that helps us. Again, if you’re following along in JW Library, go to the upper left-hand corner of your screen and tap the menu bar, “Names and Order”; that is to say, go back. There you’ll see toward the bottom of the list Appendix A.

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Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah

Or you can always go back to the home page and select Appendix A from the menu ribbon. In any event, when you get to Appendix A, you’ll see the option for “A6 Chart: Prophets and Kings of Judah and of Israel.” And remember, we’re looking for what life was like during the 60 years between 777 and 717 B.C.E. So likely, Part 2 would reveal what we’re looking for. Tap Part 2. There we find this beautiful chart. What does it tell us? That Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea and that his service as a prophet in Judah ran during the reigns of Jotham for 16 years, wicked King Ahaz for 16 years, but also most of Hezekiah’s 29-year reign. Meanwhile, what was happening up in the northern ten-tribe kingdom? Look at the chart again on the right starting in 777 B.C.E. Nineteen years are left of Pekah’s reign, and then nine years of Hoshea’s rule, but here things began to destabilize. We see the Assyrian monarchy moving in exerting its influence in Israel’s affairs. And then, in 740 B.C.E., it’s all over for the northern ten-tribe kingdom. Did those events have an influence on the south? Certainly, it fed the Assyrians’ pride, fueling their belief that they could come in and overtake Judah in the same fashion. And what do we know about Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah? Well, it was during Jotham’s reign that Judah began to experience military pressure from an alliance between King Pekah and King Rezin of Syria, and that alliance would eventually weaken Judah’s defenses and leave them open to brutal attacks by the Edomites in the southeast and the Philistines coming from the west. However, none of that humbled wicked King Ahaz. He led a debauched life, he sought refuge with pagan rulers, he adopted their way of worship, and he even sacrificed his own sons in the fire in the Valley of Hinnom. No wonder Micah wrote what he did in the words of today’s text. Let’s go back and read it now from Micah 7:2-4: “The loyal one has perished from the earth; “among men there is no one upright. “All of them lie in ambush for bloodshed. “Each hunts his own brother with a dragnet. “Their hands are expert at doing what is bad; “the prince is making demands, “the judge asks for a reward, “the prominent one makes known his desires, “and they work it out together. “Their best one is like thorns, “their most upright one is worse than a thorn hedge.” So, what’s the meaning of the metaphor? The topic: the unfaithful Israelites. The image: a patch of briers and thorns. The point of similarity: just as getting stuck in briers, or a thorn hedge, injures anyone who walks into it, these corrupt Israelites harmed anyone with whom they had dealings. Now, how far did the corruption go? Back in verse 2, it said it was all-pervasive.

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Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah

There was no one, not even one who was upright. Verse 3 indicated it reached the highest levels of society. The prominent expressed their wishes, the judges accepted bribes to carry out those wishes, and they all were in cahoots. They worked it out together. Now verse 3 says this included the prince. Who would have been the prince in the days of King Ahaz? Hezekiah? Might Micah have written those words during the actual reign of Hezekiah? If so, how would Hezekiah respond? Wasn’t he a good king? Wouldn’t he say: “Now wait a minute, Prophet. You’ve got it all wrong”? Would he get offended? Would he imprison Micah for sedition? We gain a fascinating insight from a conversation that took place a century or so later recorded by Jeremiah in chapter 26. Notice what it says in Jeremiah 26:18, 19: “Micah of Moresheth was prophesying “in the days of King Hezekiah of Judah, “and he said to all the people of Judah, ‘This is what Jehovah of armies says,’” quoting Micah 3:12; verse 19: “Did King Hezekiah of Judah and all Judah then put him to death? “Did he not fear Jehovah and beg for Jehovah’s favor, “so that Jehovah changed his mind concerning the calamity that he had spoken against them?” Hezekiah repented at what Micah preached —fascinating insight. Did Micah stir in young Hezekiah a desire to be a better student of God’s law? Did Hezekiah, as a prince, then write the 119th Psalm with its famous concluding words: “I have strayed like a lost sheep. “Search for your servant, for I have not forgotten your commandments”? Although we can’t say for certain, it’s all within the realm of possibility. And what we do know is that Hezekiah took Micah’s counsel to heart because Micah was patient; Micah stuck with his assignment. Even though Micah wrote the words of today’s text, he refused to give up hope in Jehovah’s ability to bring about changes in people’s hearts and people’s thinking. Micah’s patience paid off. He waited on Jehovah. He saw wonderful results right in his own lifetime. And you too are acting loyally in a very disloyal world. What will be the effect of your patient endurance on others today?

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Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah- Treasures from God's Word

Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 1-7 What Does Jehovah Require of Us?

Jehovah understands our limitations and never requires more of us than we are able to give. From God’s standpoint, our relationship with our brothers is an important part of true worship. If we want Jehovah to accept our sacrifices, we must treat our brothers with love and respect.

• Sacrifices are meaningless to Jehovah if we fail to treat our fellow man properly

• Mic 6:8—Jehovah’s requirements are reasonable

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Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah -WT Library References

WT Library Highlights Chapters 1-7 (Micah 1:1) The word of Jehovah that came to Miʹcah of Moʹresh·eth, in the days of Joʹtham, Aʹhaz, and Hez·e·kiʹah, kings of Judah, and that he received in a vision concerning Sa·marʹi·a and Jerusalem:

*** si p. 155 par. 2 Bible Book Number 33—Micah *** The exact period of his prophesying is uncertain, but at most it was 60 years. His prophecies of Samaria’s ruin must have been given before the city’s destruction in 740 B.C.E., and the entire writing must have been completed by the end of Hezekiah’s reign, 717 B.C.E. (Mic. 1:1)

*** w88 2/15 p. 27 Part 2—Cruel Assyria—The Second Great World Power *** Shalmaneser V, who succeeded Tiglath-pileser, invaded the northern ten-tribe kingdom of Israel and laid siege to its well-fortified capital Samaria. After a three-year siege, Samaria fell (in 740 B.C.E.), as Jehovah’s prophets had said would happen.—Micah 1:1, 6; 2 Kings 17:5. (Micah 1:2) “Hear, all you peoples! Pay attention, O earth and what fills you, And let the Sovereign Lord Jehovah serve as a witness against you —Jehovah from his holy temple.

*** w03 8/15 p. 11 Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope *** The Sovereign Lord Jehovah Speaks 9 Let us now examine the book of Micah in more detail. At Micah 1:2, we read: “Hear, O you peoples, all of you; pay attention, O earth and what fills you, and let the Sovereign Lord Jehovah serve against you as a witness, Jehovah from his holy temple.” If you had been living in Micah’s time, those words would no doubt have captured your attention. Indeed, they do capture your attention because Jehovah is speaking from his holy temple and is addressing not only Israel and Judah but people everywhere. In Micah’s day, people had ignored the Sovereign Lord Jehovah for too long. Soon, that would change. Jehovah was determined to take decisive action. 10 The same is true in our day. Revelation 14:18-20 shows that Jehovah is again communicating from his holy temple. He will soon take decisive action, and momentous events will again rock mankind. This time, the wicked “vine of the earth” will be cast into the great winepress of Jehovah’s anger, to the complete destruction of Satan’s system of things. (Micah 1:3) For look! Jehovah is going out from his place; He will come down and tread on earth’s high places.

*** w03 8/15 p. 11 par. 11 Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope *** “Look! Jehovah is going forth from his place, and he will certainly come down and tread upon earth’s high places.

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Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah -WT Library References

*** w03 8/15 p. 11 par. 11 Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope *** Will Jehovah leave his heavenly abode and physically tread the mountains and plains of the Promised Land? No. He does not need to. He will merely have to turn his attention to the earth for his will to be accomplished. (Micah 1:4) The mountains will melt under him, And the valleys will split apart Like wax before the fire, Like waters poured down a steep slope.

*** jd chap. 3 pp. 31-32 par. 5 The Day of Jehovah—A Vital Theme *** What will happen on the earth, where we live? Micah stated: “The mountains must melt under [Jehovah], and the low plains themselves will split apart, like wax because of the fire, like waters being poured down a steep place.” (Micah 1:4) This description may be figurative, but we can conclude from it that God’s acts will bring disastrous effects on the earth and its inhabitants.

*** w03 8/15 p. 11 par. 11 Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope *** And the mountains must melt under him, and the low plains themselves will split apart, like wax because of the fire, like waters being poured down a steep place.”

*** w03 8/15 p. 11 pars. 11-12 Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope *** Moreover, it is, not the physical landscape, but the inhabitants who will suffer the things described. When Jehovah acts, the result will be disastrous for unfaithful ones—as if the mountains had melted like wax and the plains had been split apart by an earthquake. 12 The prophetic words of Micah 1:3, 4 may remind you of another inspired prophecy foretelling disastrous events on earth. As recorded at 2 Peter 3:10, the apostle Peter wrote: “Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a hissing noise, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be discovered.” Similar to Micah’s prophecy, Peter’s words do not apply to the literal heavens and earth. They refer to a great tribulation coming upon this ungodly system of things.

(Micah 1:5) All of this is because of the revolt of Jacob, Because of the sins of the house of Israel. What is the revolt of Jacob? Is it not Sa·marʹi·a? And what are the high places of Judah? Are they not Jerusalem?

*** w03 8/15 p. 12 par. 14 Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope *** 14 Jehovah explains why his ancient people deserve to be punished. Micah 1:5 states: “It is because of the revolt of Jacob that there is all this, even because of the sins of the house of Israel. What is the revolt of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? And what are the high places of Judah? Are they not Jerusalem?” Israel and Judah owe their very existence to Jehovah. Yet, they have rebelled against him, and their rebellion reaches right into their respective capital cities, Samaria and Jerusalem.

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Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah -WT Library References

(Micah 1:6) I will make Sa·marʹi·a a heap of ruins of the field, A place for planting vineyards; I will hurl her stones down into the valley, And I will lay bare her foundations.

*** si p. 156 par. 4 Bible Book Number 33—Micah *** A similar prophecy about Samaria, that it would become “a heap of ruins of the field,” was likewise fulfilled. (Mic. 1:6, 7) Samaria was ruined by the Assyrians in 740 B.C.E. when they took the northern kingdom of Israel into captivity. (2 Ki. 17:5, 6)

*** w88 2/15 p. 27 Part 2—Cruel Assyria—The Second Great World Power *** Shalmaneser V, who succeeded Tiglath-pileser, invaded the northern ten-tribe kingdom of Israel and laid siege to its well-fortified capital Samaria. After a three-year siege, Samaria fell (in 740 B.C.E.), as Jehovah’s prophets had said would happen.—Micah 1:1, 6; 2 Kings 17:5. (Micah 1:8) Because of this I will wail and howl; I will walk barefoot and naked. My wailing will be like that of jackals, And my mourning like that of ostriches.

*** it-1 p. 1242 Jackal *** Since jackals are denizens of wild, lonely, and even desertlike areas, the domain of the jackal is used figuratively in the Scriptures to represent a state of utter desolation, without human inhabitant. Various prophecies use this figure to forecast desolation for Jerusalem, the cities of Judah, Hazor, Babylon, and Edom. (Jer 9:11; 10:22; 49:33; 51:37; Isa 34:5, 13; Mal 1:3) The Bible also makes reference to the jackal’s mournful wailing, or howling. (Isa 13:22; Mic 1:8) The jackal’s cry begins at sunset and is a long-drawn-out wail, repeated three or four times, each repetition being slightly higher in key than the preceding one. Finally the wail ends in a series of short, loud, yelping barks.

*** it-2 pp. 561-562 Ostrich *** OSTRICH

[Heb., bath hai·ya·ʽanahʹ; rena·nimʹ (plural)]. The first of these Hebrew names is understood to mean either “daughter of the greedy one” or “daughter of the barren ground,” terms that may aptly apply to the ostrich. The second name, regarded as indicating a “bird of piercing cries,” also fits the ostrich, whose cry is described as a “hoarse, mournful cry which has been likened to the roaring of a lion.”—The Smithsonian Series, 1944, Vol. 9, p. 105; compare Mic 1:8. (Micah 1:9) For her wound cannot be healed; It has come as far as Judah. The plague has spread to the gate of my people, to Jerusalem.

*** si p. 156 par. 5 Bible Book Number 33—Micah *** The invasion of Judah in Hezekiah’s reign, as foretold by Micah, was well chronicled by Sennacherib. (Mic. 1:6, 9; 2 Ki. 18:13) He had a large four-paneled relief made on the wall of his palace at Nineveh depicting the capture of Lachish. On his prism he states: “I laid siege to 46 of his strong cities . . . I drove out (of them) 200,150 people . . . Himself I made a prisoner in Jerusalem, his royal residence, like a bird in a cage.” He also lists tribute paid

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Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah -WT Library References

to him by Hezekiah, although he exaggerates the amount. He makes no mention of the calamity that befell his troops.—2 Ki. 18:14-16; 19:35. (Micah 1:10) “Do not announce it in Gath; You must not weep at all. In Beth-aphʹrah roll in the dust.

*** it-1 p. 120 Aphrah *** APHRAH

(Aphʹrah) [probably, Dust]. A place mentioned by Micah (1:10) apparently in the Shephelah or the Plains of Philistia, according to the other towns mentioned in the context. Micah evidently makes a play on words in saying: “In the house of Aphrah [Heb., ʽAph·rahʹ] wallow in the very dust [Heb., ʽa·pharʹ].”

*** it-1 p. 297 Beth-ezel *** BETH-EZEL

(Beth-eʹzel). A town, evidently in Judah, mentioned only in Micah’s prophecy foretelling the disaster due to come upon unfaithful Samaria and Jerusalem. (Mic 1:11) The prophet repeatedly makes a play on words in the use of the names of several towns in this portion of the prophecy, so that in reality he says: “In the house of Aphrah [probably meaning “Dust”] wallow in the very dust. Make your way across, O inhabitress of Shaphir [meaning “Elegant; Polished; Agreeable”], in shameful nudity. The inhabitress of Zaanan has not gone forth. The wailing of Beth-ezel [meaning “House Nearby (Alongside)”] will take from you people its standing place. For the inhabitress of Maroth [from a root meaning “be bitter”] has waited for good, but what is bad has come down from Jehovah to the gate of Jerusalem.” (Mic 1:10-12) The prophet’s warning, directed to those due to experience the disaster, thus in effect tells them that the wailing will spread to as far as Jerusalem. (Micah 1:11) Cross over in nakedness and shame, O inhabitants of Shaʹphir. The inhabitants of Zaʹa·nan have not come out. There will be wailing in Beth-eʹzel, and it will take its support away from you.

*** it-1 p. 297 Beth-ezel *** BETH-EZEL

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Index Micah Highlights from the Book of Micah -WT Library References

prophet’s warning, directed to those due to experience the disaster, thus in effect tells them that the wailing will spread to as far as Jerusalem. (Micah 1:12) For the inhabitants of Maʹroth have waited for good, But what is bad has come down from Jehovah to the gate of Jerusalem.

*** it-1 p. 297 Beth-ezel *** BETH-EZEL

(Beth-eʹzel). A town, evidently in Judah, mentioned only in Micah’s prophecy foretelling the disaster due to come upon unfaithful Samaria and Jerusalem. (Mic 1:11) The prophet repeatedly makes a play on words in the use of the names of several towns in this portion of the prophecy, so that in reality he says: “In the house of Aphrah [probably meaning “Dust”] wallow in the very dust. Make your way across, O inhabitress of Shaphir [meaning “Elegant; Polished; Agreeable”], in shameful nudity. The inhabitress of Zaanan has not gone forth. The wailing of Beth-ezel [meaning “House Nearby (Alongside)”] will take from you people its standing place. For the inhabitress of Maroth [from a root meaning “be bitter”] has waited for good, but what is bad has come down from Jehovah to the gate of Jerusalem.” (Mic 1:10-12) The prophet’s warning, directed to those due to experience the disaster, thus in effect tells them that the wailing will spread to as far as Jerusalem. (Micah 1:13) Harness the chariot to the team of horses, O inhabitants of Laʹchish. You were the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion, For in you were found the revolts of Israel.

*** it-2 pp. 188-189 Lachish *** Prophetic Mention. At Micah 1:13, Lachish is addressed prophetically: “Attach the chariot to the team of horses, O inhabitress of Lachish. The beginning of sin was what she was to the daughter of Zion, for in you the revolts of Israel have been found.” These words constitute part of a picture of defeat and appear to suggest that Lachish prepare for flight. The “sin” of Lachish is not discussed elsewhere in Scripture. Perhaps a form of idolatry introduced in Jerusalem originated at Lachish. Or, the sin possibly involved Judah’s reliance on horses and chariots, which may have been received at Lachish from Egypt. (Micah 1:14) So you will give parting gifts to Moʹresh·eth-gath. The houses of Achʹzib were something deceitful to the kings of Israel.

*** it-2 p. 432 Moresheth *** MORESHETH

(Moʹresh·eth), Moresheth-gath [Possession of Gath]. Apparently the home of the prophet Micah. (Jer 26:18; Mic 1:1) Tell el-Judeideh (Tel Goded), about 35 km (22 mi) SW of Jerusalem and about 10 km (6 mi) SE of Gath, is a possible identification. The composite name Moresheth-gath (Mic 1:14) implies that the city was in some way associated with Gath. Perhaps it was at times dominated by that Philistine city, since the Philistines controlled places other than their five major cities (Gath being one of the five).—1Sa 6:18; 27:5.

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Some view Micah 1:14 as a play on the name Moresheth (meaning “Possession”). The Hebrew term for “parting gifts” in this text signifies a person or possession that is temporarily or permanently given up or sent away. Accordingly, Zion (Mic 1:13) would lose this city, Moresheth itself constituting the “parting gifts.” (Micah 1:15) The conqueror I will yet bring in to you, O inhabitants of Ma·reʹshah. As far as A·dulʹlam the glory of Israel will come.

*** it-2 p. 319 Maresha(h) *** 3. One of a group of nine cities in the Shephelah region of Judah (Jos 15:44), Mareshah occupied a position of strategic importance beside one of the valleys forming a natural route from the coastal plain up into the mountains and to Hebron. It is identified with Tell Sandahannah (Tel Maresha), about 1.5 km (1 mi) S of Beit Jibrin (Bet Guvrin). King Rehoboam, successor to Solomon, made a fortress city of Mareshah, thereby strengthening Judah’s defense against attack from that avenue of approach. (2Ch 11:5, 8) Zerah the Ethiopian swept up from the S with his huge force of a million men and was met at Mareshah by the army of King Asa, and the battle, resulting in a Judean victory by divine assistance, was fought in that area. Asa pursued the defeated Ethiopian force about 35 km (22 mi) to Gerar, SW of Mareshah. (2Ch 14:9-13) Mareshah, also Maresha, was the hometown of the prophet Eliezer, who correctly foretold the failure of King Jehoshaphat’s joint maritime enterprise with Ahaziah of Israel. (2Ch 20:35-37) Micah’s prophecy, warning apostate Judah and Israel of impending punishment, makes specific reference to Mareshah.—Mic 1:15. (Micah 1:16) Make yourselves bald and shear off your hair for your cherished children. Make yourselves as bald as an eagle, For they have been taken away from you into exile.”

*** it-1 p. 664 Eagle *** Another text that many scholars view as applying to the vulture rather than to the eagle is Micah 1:16, which speaks of Israel’s figuratively ‘broadening out its baldness like that of the eagle.’ The eagle’s head is well feathered; even the North American bald eagle is referred to as “bald” only because its white head feathers give it the appearance of baldness from a distance. The griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), still to be seen in Israel, has only some soft white down on its head, and the neck is sparsely feathered. If the text applies to it, this would indicate that the Hebrew neʹsher has broader application than to the eagle only. It may be noted that the griffon vulture, while not classed by ornithologists as of the same “species” or “genus” as the eagle, is counted as of the same “family” (Accipitridae). Some, however, believe Micah 1:16 has reference to the molting that the eagle undergoes, although this is said to be a gradual and rather inconspicuous process.

*** it-1 p. 1021 Hair *** Distress and affliction were also symbolized by pulling out the hair, or cutting it off. (Ezr 9:3; Jer 7:29; 48:37; Mic 1:16)

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*** w07 11/1 p. 15 par. 4 Highlights From the Books of Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah *** Because of their idolatrous course, Israel and Judah deserve “baldness,” or shame. By their being sent into captivity, their baldness is to be broadened out “like that of the eagle”—apparently a type of vulture that has only a few soft hairs on its head.

*** w89 5/1 p. 14 Jehovah’s Justice and Name Exalted *** 1:16—In Israel, baldness was associated with shame, mourning, and distress. (Isaiah 3:24-26; 15:2, 3; Jeremiah 47:5) Some pagan nations made a practice of shaving their heads bald in a time of sorrow for a dead relative. While natural baldness was not considered unclean under the Law, Israelites were not to shave their heads in mourning because they were “a holy people to Jehovah.” (Deuteronomy 14:1, 2) However, Micah told Israel and Judah to shear off their hair because of their sinful idolatrous course that disqualified them as a holy people and made them and their offspring deserving of captivity. The Hebrew word here translated “eagle” may refer to the griffon vulture, which has only some soft white down on its head. Though not of the same species as the eagle, it is considered to be of the same family. (Micah 2:1) “Woe to those who scheme what is harmful, Who work out evil on their beds! When morning light comes they carry it out, Because it is in the power of their hand.

*** w03 8/15 p. 12 Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope *** Wicked Practices Abound 15 An example of the wickedness of Micah’s contemporaries is vividly described at Micah 2:1, 2: “Woe to those who are scheming what is harmful, and to those practicing what is bad, upon their beds! By the light of the morning they proceed to do it, because it is in the power of their hand. And they have desired fields and have seized them; also houses, and have taken them; and they have defrauded an able-bodied man and his household, a man and his hereditary possession.” 16 Greedy individuals lie awake at night scheming how to seize their neighbors’ fields and houses. In the morning, they hasten to carry out their schemes. They would not commit such wicked deeds if they remembered Jehovah’s covenant. The Mosaic Law contains provisions to protect the poor. Under it, no family should permanently lose possession of its inheritance. However, that does not concern those greedy individuals. They ignore the words of Leviticus 19:18, which says: “You must love your fellow as yourself.” 17 This shows what can happen when people who claim to serve God lose sight of spiritual goals and seek first material things. Paul warned Christians of his day: “Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin.” (1 Timothy 6:9) When a person makes the gaining of money his chief goal in life, he is, in effect, worshiping a false god—Mammon, or Riches. That false god offers no sure hope for the future.—Matthew 6:24, footnote. (Micah 2:2) They desire fields and seize them; Also houses, and they take them; They defraud a man of his house, A man of his inheritance.

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*** w03 8/15 p. 12 Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope *** Wicked Practices Abound 15 An example of the wickedness of Micah’s contemporaries is vividly described at Micah 2:1, 2: “Woe to those who are scheming what is harmful, and to those practicing what is bad, upon their beds! By the light of the morning they proceed to do it, because it is in the power of their hand. And they have desired fields and have seized them; also houses, and have taken them; and they have defrauded an able-bodied man and his household, a man and his hereditary possession.” 16 Greedy individuals lie awake at night scheming how to seize their neighbors’ fields and houses. In the morning, they hasten to carry out their schemes. They would not commit such wicked deeds if they remembered Jehovah’s covenant. The Mosaic Law contains provisions to protect the poor. Under it, no family should permanently lose possession of its inheritance. However, that does not concern those greedy individuals. They ignore the words of Leviticus 19:18, which says: “You must love your fellow as yourself.” 17 This shows what can happen when people who claim to serve God lose sight of spiritual goals and seek first material things. Paul warned Christians of his day: “Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin.” (1 Timothy 6:9) When a person makes the gaining of money his chief goal in life, he is, in effect, worshiping a false god—Mammon, or Riches. That false god offers no sure hope for the future.—Matthew 6:24, footnote. (Micah 2:4) In that day people will recite a proverb concerning you, And they will bitterly lament over you. They will say: “We are completely devastated! He caused the portion of my people to change hands—how he removes it from me! To the unfaithful one he assigns our fields.”

*** w03 8/15 p. 12 par. 18 Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope *** 18 Many in Micah’s day learn the hard way that relying on material things is mere vanity. According to Micah 2:4, Jehovah says: “In that day one will raise up concerning you people a proverbial saying and will certainly lament a lamentation, even a lamentation. One will have to say: ‘We have positively been despoiled! The very portion of my people he alters. How he removes it from me! To the unfaithful one he apportions out our own fields.’” Yes, those stealers of homes and fields will lose their own family inheritance. They will be deported to a foreign land, and their possessions will become the spoil of “the unfaithful,” or people of the nations. All hopes for a prosperous future will be dashed. (Micah 2:12) I will certainly gather all of you, O Jacob; I will surely collect the remaining ones of Israel together. In unity I will place them, like sheep in the pen, Like a flock in its pasture; It will be noisy with people.’

*** it-1 p. 361 Bozrah *** The rendering of Micah 2:12 in the King James Version contains the name “Bozrah,” but most modern translations view this as referring, not to a town, but to an enclosure or pen for sheep.

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*** it-2 pp. 596-597 Pen *** In Micah’s prophecy, regathered and united Israel is likened to “a flock in the pen.” (Mic 2:12, NW; Le) The Masoretic text here uses the Hebrew word bots·rahʹ, which is elsewhere rendered “Bozrah,” the name of a city of Edom and a city of Moab. However, in view of the phraseology of Micah 2:12, some scholars feel that bots·rahʹ also means a “pen” or “fold.” (JP, Mo) If the word should be vowel pointed slightly differently, it would correspond closely to the Arabic sirat (pen).

*** it-2 p. 770 Remnant *** Jehovah promised the faithful remnant, those who repented of their sins for which he let them go into exile, that he would collect them together as a flock in a pen. (Mic 2:12) This he did in 537 B.C.E., with the return of a remnant of the Jews under Zerubbabel. (Ezr 2:1, 2)

*** w07 11/1 p. 15 par. 6 Highlights From the Books of Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah *** 2:12—When was the prophecy about ‘collecting the remaining ones of Israel’ fulfilled? Its first fulfillment was in 537 B.C.E. when a Jewish remnant returned to their homeland from Babylonian exile. In modern times, the prophecy finds its fulfillment in “the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16) Since 1919, anointed Christians have been collected together “like a flock in the pen.” Being joined by the “great crowd” of “other sheep,” especially since 1935, they have become “noisy with men.” (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16) Together, they zealously promote true worship.

*** w03 8/15 pp. 12-13 pars. 19-20 Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope *** 19 However, the hope of those who trust in Jehovah will not be disappointed. Jehovah is faithful to his covenants with Abraham and David, and he has mercy on those who, like Micah, love him and grieve over the alienation of their countrymen from God. For the sake of upright ones, there will be a restoration in God’s due time. 20 That happens in 537 B.C.E., after Babylon falls and when a remnant of Jews return to their homeland. At that time, the words of Micah 2:12 have an initial fulfillment. Jehovah says: “I shall positively gather Jacob, all of you; I shall without fail collect the remaining ones of Israel together. In unity I shall set them, like a flock in the pen, like a drove in the midst of its pasture; they will be noisy with men.” How loving Jehovah is! After disciplining his people, he allows a remnant to return and serve him in the land he gave to their forefathers.

*** w03 8/15 p. 13 par. 22 Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope *** 22 In 1919, faithful anointed Christians made a final break with Christendom and set out to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom to all the nations. (Matthew 24:14) To start with, they sought out remaining ones of spiritual Israel. Then “other sheep” began to be gathered, and the two groups became “one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16) Although they now serve God in 234 lands, all these faithful worshipers of Jehovah have truly been set “in unity.” By now, the sheep pen is “noisy with men,” as well as with women and children. Their hope is, not in this system of things, but in God’s Kingdom, which will

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shortly lead to an earthly paradise.

*** si p. 158 par. 18 Bible Book Number 33—Micah *** Jesus is the one who appears out of Bethlehem (House of Bread) with life-giving benefits for all who exercise faith in his sacrifice. He it is that does “shepherding in the strength of Jehovah” and that becomes great and spells peace to the ends of the earth among the restored, unified flock of God.—Mic. 5:2, 4; 2:12; John 6:33-40.

*** w89 5/1 p. 14 Jehovah’s Justice and Name Exalted *** 2:12—These words find present-day fulfillment in spiritual Israel. (Galatians 6:16) Particularly from 1919 onward, the way was made clear for the anointed remnant to escape from their captivity in religious Babylon the Great. (Revelation 18:2) As Micah foretold, they were gathered ‘like a flock in the pen, like a drove in its pasture.’ As they have been joined since 1935 by the “great crowd” of “other sheep,” they have indeed become “noisy with men.”—Revelation 7:9; John 10:16. (Micah 2:13) The one breaking out will go before them; They will break out and pass through the gate and go out by it. Their king will pass through before them, With Jehovah at their head.”

*** it-2 p. 206 Last Days *** The Prophecy of Isaiah and Micah. At Isaiah 2:2 and Micah 4:1 the words “final part of the days” introduce a prophecy about the time when people from all nations would stream to “the mountain of the house of Jehovah.” In a typical fulfillment, between 29 C.E. and 70 C.E., during the final part of the days of the Jewish system of things, Jehovah’s worship was exalted above the lofty elevation that pagan nations gave to their false gods. The King, Jesus Christ, made “a breakthrough” in elevating true worship, and he was followed, first by a remnant of the nation of Israel, and then by people from all nations. (Isa 2:2; Mic 2:13; Ac 10:34, 35)

*** it-2 p. 445 Mount, Mountain *** In a typical fulfillment, between 29 and 70 C.E., during the final part of the days of the Jewish system of things, Jehovah’s worship was exalted above the lofty elevation that pagan nations gave to their false gods. The King, Jesus Christ, made “a breakthrough” in elevating the true worship, and he was followed, first by a remnant of the nation of Israel and then by people from all nations. (Isa 2:2; Mic 2:13; Ac 10:34, 35) In an antitypical fulfillment, in the final part of the days of this system of things, Jehovah’s worship has been elevated heaven high. The King, Jesus Christ, has led the remnant of spiritual Israel to pure worship, and they have been followed by a great crowd out of all nations.—Re 7:9.

*** w03 8/15 p. 13 par. 23 Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope *** 23 Concerning the faithful worshipers of Jehovah, the final verse of Micah chapter 2 says: “Their king will pass through before them, with Jehovah at the head of them.” Do you see yourself in that triumphal procession, following your King, Jesus Christ, with Jehovah himself at the head? If so, you can have the conviction that victory is certain and your hope is sure.

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(Micah 3:1) I said: “Hear, please, you heads of Jacob And you commanders of the house of Israel. Should you not know what is just?

*** jd chap. 13 pp. 174-175 par. 16 “Proclaim This, You People, Among the Nations” *** Micah boldly proclaimed a judgment message against the head ones of Judah, and King Hezekiah’s actions harmonized with Micah’s words. (Micah 3:1-3) Interestingly, some older men of Jeremiah’s day referred to Hezekiah’s response as a good example when they said that the king ‘feared Jehovah and proceeded to soften the face of Jehovah.’ (Jeremiah 26:18, 19; 2 Kings 18:1-4) Under Hezekiah’s leadership, the people of Judah and willing ones from the northern kingdom celebrated the Passover and the Festival of Unfermented Cakes, even extending the festival for an additional week. What was the result of their return to true worship? “There came to be great rejoicing in Jerusalem.” (2 Chronicles 30:23-26) Micah had started to proclaim God’s message of doom to the apostate nation under King Ahaz. Yet, the prophet was able to see the fine fruitage of his efforts when Ahaz’ son Hezekiah responded well.

*** w03 8/15 p. 14 pars. 2-5 We Will Walk in Jehovah’s Name Forever! *** 2 God’s prophet declares: “Hear, please, you heads of Jacob and you commanders of the house of Israel. Is it not your business to know justice?” Yes, that is supposed to be their business, but what are they really doing? Says Micah: “You haters of what is good and lovers of badness, tearing off their skin from people and their organism from off their bones; you the ones who have also eaten the organism of my people, and have stripped their very skin from off them, and smashed to pieces their very bones, and crushed them to pieces like what is in a widemouthed pot and like flesh in the midst of a cooking pot.”— Micah 3:1-3. 3 Why, the leaders are oppressing the poor, defenseless people! The figures of speech used here are easily understood by those who hear Micah. When a slaughtered sheep is prepared by boiling, it is first skinned and then disjointed. Sometimes the bones are cracked open to free the marrow. Both the flesh and the bones are boiled in a large vessel, like the one mentioned by Micah. (Ezekiel 24:3-5, 10) What a fitting illustration of the abusive treatment the people in Micah’s day are experiencing at the hands of their evil leaders! Jehovah Expects Us to Be Just 4 There is a striking contrast between the loving Shepherd, Jehovah, and Israel’s leaders. Because they do not exercise justice, they fail to fulfill their commission to protect the flock. Instead, they selfishly exploit the figurative sheep, depriving them of justice and subjecting them to “acts of bloodshed,” as noted at Micah 3:10. What can we learn from this situation? 5 God expects justice to be exercised by those taking the lead among his people. This is what we find to be true of Jehovah’s servants today. Moreover, this harmonizes with Isaiah 32:1, where we read: “Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes, they will rule as princes for justice itself.” In Micah’s day, however, what do we find? “Haters of what is good and lovers of badness” persist in perverting justice.

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*** w89 5/1 p. 15 Jehovah’s Justice and Name Exalted *** Jehovah expects justice to be practiced by those shouldering responsibility among his people. To the abusive leaders of Israel, it is said: “Is it not your business to know justice? (Micah 3:2) But you hate what is good and love what is bad; You tear off the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones.

*** jd chap. 6 pp. 77-78 pars. 15-16 “Let Justice Roll Forth”—A Key to Knowing God *** Micah pleaded: “Hear, please, you heads of Jacob and you commanders of the house of Israel. Is it not your business to know justice? You haters of what is good and lovers of badness, tearing off their skin from people and their organism from off their bones.”— Micah 3:1-3; Isaiah 1:17. 16 Those words should have shocked people familiar with rural life. A shepherd would at times shear the sheep he cared for and protected. (Genesis 38:12, 13; 1 Samuel 25:4) But the “commanders of the house of Israel,” who should have ‘known justice,’ exploited the people of God’s pasturage, as if tearing the skin and flesh off sheep and breaking their bones. (Psalm 95:7)

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Instead, they selfishly exploit the figurative sheep, depriving them of justice and subjecting them to “acts of bloodshed,” as noted at Micah 3:10. What can we learn from this situation? 5 God expects justice to be exercised by those taking the lead among his people. This is what we find to be true of Jehovah’s servants today. Moreover, this harmonizes with Isaiah 32:1, where we read: “Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes, they will rule as princes for justice itself.” In Micah’s day, however, what do we find? “Haters of what is good and lovers of badness” persist in perverting justice.

*** w89 5/1 p. 14 Jehovah’s Justice and Name Exalted *** 3:1-3—Here is a startling contrast between Jehovah, the kind Shepherd, and the cruel leaders of his ancient people in Micah’s day. These failed in their commission to protect the flock by exercising justice. They cruelly exploited the figurative sheep not only by fleecing them but also by ‘stripping off their skin’—like wolves. (Micah 3:3) You also eat the flesh of my people And strip off their skin, Smashing their bones, crushing them to pieces, Like what is cooked in a pot, like meat in a cooking pot.

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*** w89 5/1 p. 14 Jehovah’s Justice and Name Exalted *** 3:1-3—Here is a startling contrast between Jehovah, the kind Shepherd, and the cruel leaders of his ancient people in Micah’s day. These failed in their commission to protect the flock by exercising justice. They cruelly exploited the figurative sheep not only by fleecing them but also by ‘stripping off their skin’—like wolves. (Micah 3:4) At that time they will call to Jehovah for help, But he will not answer them. He will hide his face from them at that time, Because of their wicked deeds.

*** w03 8/15 pp. 14-15 We Will Walk in Jehovah’s Name Forever! *** Whose Prayers Are Answered? 6 Can Micah’s wicked contemporaries expect Jehovah’s favor? Of course not! Micah 3:4 states: “They will call to Jehovah for aid, but he will not answer them. And he will conceal his face from them in that time, according as they committed badness in their dealings.” This highlights a very important point. 7 Jehovah will not answer our prayers if we practice sin. That is certainly so if we are living a double life, concealing our wrongdoing while pretending to serve God faithfully. According to Psalm 26:4, David sang: “I have not sat with men of untruth; and with those who hide what they are I do not come in.” How much less will Jehovah answer the prayers of those who deliberately violate his Word! (Micah 3:5) This is what Jehovah says against the prophets who are leading my people astray, Who proclaim ‘Peace!’ while they bite with their teeth But who declare war against him who puts nothing into their mouths:

*** it-2 p. 1074 Teeth *** The false prophets of Israel are pictured as greedy and voracious, “biting with their teeth,” and sanctifying war against anyone who does not feed them.—Mic 3:5; compare Eze 34:2, 3; Mt 7:15; Ac 20:29.

*** it-2 p. 1167 War *** The false prophets in Israel, in their greediness, were said to “sanctify war” against anyone who did not put something into their mouths. Undoubtedly they sanctimoniously claimed divine sanction for their acts of oppression, which included sharing in the responsibility for the persecution and even the death of true prophets and servants of God.—Mic 3:5; Jer 2:8; La 4:13. (Micah 3:7) The visionaries will be put to shame, And the diviners will be disappointed. All of them will have to cover over the mustache, For there is no answer from God.’”

*** it-1 p. 218 Attitudes and Gestures *** covering the mustache (Eze 24:17; Mic 3:7), and laying one’s hands on his own head denoted grief or shame, even to the point of being stunned.

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*** w03 8/15 p. 15 pars. 8-10 We Will Walk in Jehovah’s Name Forever! *** And the visionaries will have to be ashamed, and the diviners will certainly be disappointed. And they will have to cover over the mustache.”—Micah 3:5-7a. 9 Why “cover over the mustache”? This is something that Micah’s wicked contemporaries do out of shame. And these evil men ought to be ashamed. “There is no answer from God,” as far as they are concerned. (Micah 3:7b) Jehovah pays no attention to the prayers of any haughty wicked ones. 10 Micah has no reason to “cover over the mustache.” He is not ashamed. Jehovah answers his prayers. (Micah 3:8) As for me, I am filled with power by the spirit of Jehovah, And with justice and might, To tell to Jacob his revolt and to Israel his sin.

*** it-2 p. 1020 Spirit *** It is not Jehovah’s “power,” for this English word more correctly translates other terms in the original languages (Heb., koʹach; Gr., dyʹna·mis). Ruʹach and pneuʹma are used in close association or even in parallel with these terms signifying “power,” which shows that there is an inherent connection between them and yet a definite distinction. (Mic 3:8; Zec 4:6; Lu 1:17, 35; Ac 10:38) “Power” is basically the ability or capacity to act or do things and it can be latent, dormant, or inactively resident in someone or something. “Force,” on the other hand, more specifically describes energy projected and exerted on persons or things, and may be defined as “an influence that produces or tends to produce motion, or change of motion.” “Power” might be likened to the energy stored in a battery, while “force” could be compared to the electric current flowing from such battery. “Force,” then, more accurately represents the sense of the Hebrew and Greek terms as relating to God’s spirit, and this is borne out by a consideration of the Scriptures.

*** w03 8/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 10-11 We Will Walk in Jehovah’s Name Forever! *** 10 Micah has no reason to “cover over the mustache.” He is not ashamed. Jehovah answers his prayers. Notice Micah 3:8, where the faithful prophet says: “On the other hand, I myself have become full of power, with the spirit of Jehovah, and of justice and mightiness.” How thankful Micah is that throughout his long and faithful ministry, he has always been “full of power, with the spirit of Jehovah”! This has given him the strength “to tell to Jacob his revolt and to Israel his sin.” 11 Micah needs more than human strength in order to proclaim God’s message of adverse judgment. Jehovah’s spirit, or powerful active force, is vital. What about us? Our preaching commission can be fulfilled only if Jehovah strengthens us by means of his holy spirit. Attempts to preach are sure to fail utterly if we willfully practice sin. In that case God could not answer our prayers for strength to do this work. We certainly cannot declare our heavenly Father’s judgment messages unless “the spirit of Jehovah” rests upon us. Through prayers that are heard and with the help of the holy spirit, we are able to speak God’s word courageously like Micah.

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*** si p. 155 par. 1 Bible Book Number 33—Micah *** Think of a humble man, one giving all credit for his powerful utterances to Jehovah, by whose spirit he spoke. Would you not enjoy the acquaintance of a man like that? What a wealth of information and sound counsel he could impart! The prophet Micah was such a man. We still have access to his choice counsel in the book that bears his name.—Mic. 3:2, 3, 8. (Micah 3:12) So because of you, Zion will be plowed up as a field, Jerusalem will become heaps of ruins, And the mountain of the House will become like high places in a forest.

*** it-2 p. 649 Plowing *** A city “plowed up as a mere field” meant a city completely overturned and laid waste. (Jer 26:18; Mic 3:12)

*** w03 8/15 p. 17 par. 14 We Will Walk in Jehovah’s Name Forever! *** 14 Judah certainly cannot escape Jehovah’s adverse judgment. In fulfillment of the prophecy recorded at Micah 3:12, Zion will be “plowed up as a mere field.” From our 21st- century vantage point, we know that these things took place when the Babylonians brought devastation upon Judah and Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. This occurred years after Micah prophesied, but he was sure that it was coming. Surely we should be just as confident that the present wicked system of things will end in the foretold “day of Jehovah.”—2 Peter 3:11, 12.

*** si p. 156 par. 4 Bible Book Number 33—Micah *** 4 There is an abundance of evidence to show the authenticity of the book of Micah. It has always been accepted by the Jews as part of the Hebrew canon. Jeremiah 26:18, 19 refers directly to Micah’s words: “Zion will be plowed up as a mere field, and Jerusalem herself will become mere heaps of ruins.” (Mic. 3:12) This prophecy was accurately fulfilled in 607 B.C.E. when the king of Babylon razed Jerusalem, “so as to cause ruin.” (2 Chron. 36:19) (Micah 4:1) In the final part of the days, The mountain of the house of Jehovah Will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, And it will be raised up above the hills, And to it peoples will stream.

*** it-1 p. 1119 Hill *** It was often on hills that the Israelites, in imitation of the Canaanites, carried on idolatrous worship. (De 12:2; 1Ki 14:23; 2Ki 17:9, 10; Isa 65:7; Jer 2:20; 17:1-3; Eze 6:13; 20:28; Ho 4:13) This explains the prophetic response to the appeal for Israel to return to Jehovah: “Here we are! We have come to you, for you, O Jehovah, are our God. Truly the hills as well as the turmoil on the mountains belong to falsehood.”—Jer 3:22, 23. Most appropriately, therefore, both Isaiah and Micah foretold that “the mountain of the house of Jehovah” would become firmly established above the top of the mountains and would be lifted up above the hills. (Isa 2:2; Mic 4:1)

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*** it-2 p. 445 Mount, Mountain *** The prophecy of Isaiah 2:2, 3 and that of Micah 4:1, 2 pointed to the time when “the mountain of the house of Jehovah” would “become firmly established above the top of the mountains” and be “lifted up above the hills,” with people of many nations streaming to it. The fact that “the mountain of the house of Jehovah” was to be above mountains and hills would point to the exalted position of true worship, for mountains and hills in ancient times served as sites for idolatrous worship and for sanctuaries of false gods.—De 12:2; Jer 3:6; Eze 18:6, 11, 15; Ho 4:13. In a typical fulfillment, between 29 and 70 C.E., during the final part of the days of the Jewish system of things, Jehovah’s worship was exalted above the lofty elevation that pagan nations gave to their false gods. The King, Jesus Christ, made “a breakthrough” in elevating the true worship, and he was followed, first by a remnant of the nation of Israel and then by people from all nations. (Isa 2:2; Mic 2:13; Ac 10:34, 35) In an antitypical fulfillment, in the final part of the days of this system of things, Jehovah’s worship has been elevated heaven high. The King, Jesus Christ, has led the remnant of spiritual Israel to pure worship, and they have been followed by a great crowd out of all nations.—Re 7:9.

*** it-2 pp. 1081-1082 Temple *** At Isaiah 2:1-4 and Micah 4:1-4, reference is made to a ‘lifting up’ of “the mountain of the house of Jehovah” in “the final part of the days,” and it is foretold that there would be a gathering of people of “all the nations” to that “house of Jehovah.” Since there has been no physical temple of Jehovah in Jerusalem since 70 C.E., this must refer, not to some physical structure, but to an elevating of true worship in the lives of Jehovah’s people during “the final part of the days” and a great gathering of people of all nations to share in worship at Jehovah’s great spiritual temple.

*** w13 11/15 p. 11 pars. 6-7 How Can We Maintain “a Waiting Attitude”? *** 6 However, Micah did not witness the fulfillment of all that Jehovah inspired him to prophesy about. For example, Micah wrote: “In the final part of the days . . . the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains,

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and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it peoples must stream. And many nations will certainly go and say: ‘Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah.’” (Mic. 4:1, 2) Micah died long before that prophecy was fulfilled. Even so, he was determined to remain loyal to Jehovah even to death, no matter what others around him did. In this regard, Micah wrote: “All the peoples, for their part, will walk each one in the name of its god; but we, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.” (Mic. 4:5) Micah could wait patiently during distressing times because he had absolute confidence that Jehovah would fulfill all of His promises. The faithful prophet trusted in Jehovah. 7 Do we have similar confidence in Jehovah? We have good reason for such trust. We have witnessed firsthand the fulfillment of Micah’s prophecy. During “the final part of the days,” millions from all nations and tribes and tongues have streamed to “the mountain of the house of Jehovah.”

*** w03 8/15 p. 17 We Will Walk in Jehovah’s Name Forever! *** Jehovah Sets Matters Straight 15 Looking back, we see that Micah next delivers a thrilling message of hope. What heartening words we find at Micah 4:1-4! Says Micah, in part: “It must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it peoples must stream. . . . And he will certainly render judgment among many peoples, and set matters straight respecting mighty nations far away. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble; for the very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken it.” 16 Who are the “many peoples” and the “mighty nations” mentioned here? They are not the nations and governments of this world. Rather, the prophecy applies to individuals out of all nations who turn to united sacred service in Jehovah’s mountain of true worship. 17 In keeping with Micah’s prophecy, the clean worship of Jehovah will soon be practiced in the fullest sense earth wide. Today, people “rightly disposed for everlasting life” are being instructed in Jehovah’s ways. (Acts 13:48) Jehovah is rendering judgment and setting matters straight spiritually for believers who take their stand for the Kingdom. They will survive “the great tribulation” as part of the “great crowd.” (Revelation 7:9, 14) Having beaten their swords into plowshares, even today they live at peace with fellow Witnesses of Jehovah and with others. What a delight to be among them!

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true worship] will become firmly established above the top of the mountains [above any other type of worship], . . . and to it peoples must stream. And many nations will certainly go and say: ‘Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’”—Micah 4:1, 2; Psalm 37:34. 5 While entire nations are not presenting themselves at Jehovah’s spiritual house for worship, millions of individuals out of all nations are doing so. As they learn about the loving purpose and the appealing personality of Jehovah God, their hearts are deeply moved. They humbly seek to find out what God requires of them. Their prayer is like that of the psalmist who said: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.”—Psalm 143:10.

*** w01 2/15 p. 25 pars. 10-11 Jehovah’s Restored People Praise Him Earth Wide *** 10 Another restoration took place in the first century of the Common Era, when Jesus Christ gathered a remnant of Israel to true worship. That was a foregleam of what was yet to come, for the major fulfillment of the restoration was still future. Micah’s prophecy foretold: “It must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it peoples must stream.”—Micah 4:1. 11 When would this happen? As the prophecy said, “in the final part of the days”—yes, during these “last days.” (2 Timothy 3:1)

*** w01 2/15 p. 26 par. 12 Jehovah’s Restored People Praise Him Earth Wide *** 12 In these last days, therefore, “the mountain of the house of Jehovah [has] become firmly established above the top of the mountains.” The lofty true worship of Jehovah has been restored, firmly established, and elevated above any and all other types of religion. As Micah’s prophecy also foretold, “to it peoples must stream.”

*** w01 2/15 p. 26 pars. 13-14 Jehovah’s Restored People Praise Him Earth Wide *** 13 Events in fulfillment of Bible prophecy prove that this world entered “the final part of the days”—its last days—in the year 1914. (Mark 13:4-10) History shows that Jehovah began gathering to true worship a faithful remnant of anointed ones having the heavenly hope. This has been followed by the gathering of “a great crowd . . . out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues”—those who have the hope of living forever on earth.— Revelation 7:9. 14 Since World War I and right up to this day, the worship of Jehovah by those who bear his name has moved ahead mightily under his direction. Increasing from a few thousand after World War I, the worshipers of Jehovah now number about six million, gathered in some 91,000 congregations in 235 lands. Each year, these Kingdom proclaimers are devoting well over a billion hours publicly praising God. It is clear that these Witnesses of Jehovah are the ones fulfilling Jesus’ prophetic words: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.”—Matthew 24:14.

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*** w94 12/1 p. 11 The Rightful Place of Jehovah’s Worship in Our Lives *** Jehovah’s Worship Elevated Today 15 In 1919, Jehovah empowered the anointed remnant to undertake a bold worldwide witnessing campaign that has raised the worship of the true God on high. With the influx of the symbolic “other sheep” from 1935 on, the stream of people who spiritually ascend to “the mountain of the house of Jehovah” has grown and grown. During the 1993 service year, 4,709,889 Witnesses of Jehovah praised him by inviting others to join in his elevated worship. What a contrast this makes to the spiritually debased condition of the sectarian “hills” of the world empire of false religion, notably in Christendom!—John 10:16; Isaiah 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-4.

*** g87 6/8 pp. 11-12 World Peace—How and When? *** Since those who are part of this earth-wide movement of true worship submit to God’s requirements, they have eliminated the divisive influence of nationalism among themselves. They have become a peaceful society of people who love one another and who live for God’s Kingdom. As a result, they are fulfilling the thrilling prophecy at Micah 4, which says: “And it must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah [his true worship] will become firmly established above the top of the mountains [all other types of worship], . . . and to it peoples must stream. And many nations will certainly go and say: ‘Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’ . . . And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.”—Micah 4:1-3. It is abundantly clear that this prophecy cannot have been fulfilled by the meeting at Assisi. The ones who are streaming to the symbolic mountain of pure worship are persons who are being instructed in Jehovah’s peace-loving ways and who walk according to his purpose and requirements. They are not people who remain in their previous religions, divided by conflicting doctrines and practices. Instead, they are gathered together as Micah 2:12 foretold: “In unity I shall set them, like a flock in the pen.” The result of this educational work is that over three million people in all the earth have become proclaimers of the “good news of the kingdom.” They have become peaceful persons, and under no circumstance will they take the life of their fellowman. Just as Micah foretold, they have already beaten “their swords into plowshares . . . ; neither will they learn war anymore.”

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(Micah 4:2) And many nations will go and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah And to the house of the God of Jacob. He will instruct us about his ways, And we will walk in his paths.” For law will go out of Zion, And the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem.

*** w16 March p. 17 You Can Share in Strengthening Our Christian Unity—How? *** “LET US GO UP TO THE MOUNTAIN OF JEHOVAH” 16 Picture the Israelites in Bible times praising Jehovah during a festival at his temple in Jerusalem. They would have prepared for the journey, cared for one another’s needs en route, and then been united in worship at the temple. All of this called for cooperation. (Luke 2:41-44) As we continue our journey toward the new world, we too need to be harmoniously joined together and cooperating. This takes regular, conscientious effort. Do you need to give this matter more attention? 17 Think of what blessings await us! We have already left behind the disunity and confusion marking the present system of things. We now see being fulfilled what both Isaiah and Micah foretold—God’s people are unitedly going up to “the mountain of Jehovah.” (Isa. 2:2-4; read Micah 4:2-4.) Indeed, how elevated our form of worship is in “the final part of the days.”

*** it-1 p. 1209 Instruction *** Jehovah is the “Grand Instructor” of his people (Isa 30:20), and those who receive his instruction are under obligation to act in harmony with it—they “will walk in his paths” and “will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears.” (Isa 2:3, 4; Mic 4:2, 3)

*** it-2 p. 48 Jerusalem *** Jerusalem therefore represented the seat of the divinely constituted government or typical kingdom of God. From it went forth God’s law, his word, and his blessing. (Mic 4:2; Ps 128:5)

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elevated heaven high. The King, Jesus Christ, has led the remnant of spiritual Israel to pure worship, and they have been followed by a great crowd out of all nations.—Re 7:9.

*** wt chap. 1 pp. 6-7 Unity of Worship in Our Time—What Does It Mean? *** What It Really Means 4 What does the gathering of so many to united worship in our time really mean? It is clear evidence that we are very near to the end of this wicked world, with God’s new world to begin right after that. We are eyewitnesses of the fulfillment of Bible prophecies that foretold this momentous ingathering. One such prophecy states: “It must occur in the final part of the days [these last days] that the mountain of the house of Jehovah [his elevated true worship] will become firmly established above the top of the mountains [above any other type of worship], . . . and to it peoples must stream. And many nations will certainly go and say: ‘Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’”—Micah 4:1, 2; Psalm 37:34. 5 While entire nations are not presenting themselves at Jehovah’s spiritual house for worship, millions of individuals out of all nations are doing so. As they learn about the loving purpose and the appealing personality of Jehovah God, their hearts are deeply moved. They humbly seek to find out what God requires of them. Their prayer is like that of the psalmist who said: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.”—Psalm 143:10.

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*** w07 11/1 p. 15 par. 7 Highlights From the Books of Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah *** 4:1-4—“In the final part of the days,” how does Jehovah “render judgment among many peoples, and set matters straight respecting mighty nations”? The expressions “many peoples” and “mighty nations” do not refer to national groups or political entities. Rather, these expressions pertain to individuals out of all the nations who have become Jehovah’s worshippers. Jehovah renders judgment and sets matters straight respecting them in a spiritual way.

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*** w91 3/1 p. 19 par. 19 Let “the Peace of God” Guard Your Heart *** 19 Together, the Israel of God and the great crowd enjoy spiritual peace comparable to the peace enjoyed by Israel under King Solomon. Regarding them, Micah prophesied: “They will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble.” (Micah 4:3, 4; Isaiah 2:2-4) In harmony with this, they have turned their back on war and strife, symbolically beating their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Thus, they enjoy a peaceful brotherhood throughout their international community, no matter what their nationality, language, race, or social background. And they delight in the certainty of Jehovah’s protective watchcare over them. ‘No one makes them tremble.’

*** w89 5/1 p. 14 Jehovah’s Justice and Name Exalted *** 4:3—These “many peoples” and “mighty nations” are not to be identified with the political nations and governments. Rather, these are individuals out of all nations, persons who break away from their nationalism and turn to united service in Jehovah’s mountain of true worship. (Isaiah 2:2-4) Jehovah ‘renders judgment and sets matters straight’ in a spiritual way for these believers who take their stand for God’s Kingdom. These persons of the “great crowd” conform to divine judgments, beating their swords into plowshares and thus living at peace with their fellow witnesses of Jehovah.

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*** it-1 p. 831 Fig *** Figurative and Prophetic Use. The fig and the vine are mentioned jointly in many texts, and Jesus’ words at Luke 13:6 show that fig trees were often planted in vineyards. (2Ki 18:31; Joe 2:22) The expression ‘sitting under one’s own vine and fig tree’ symbolized peaceful, prosperous, secure conditions.—1Ki 4:25; Mic 4:4; Zec 3:10.

*** it-2 p. 201 Landowner *** Under the Kingdom sovereignty of the Great Landowner himself, those holding land in trust for him in faithfulness are to experience the full joy of ownership in complete security. God stated his viewpoint of proper conditions as regards land ownership when he gave restoration prophecies through the mouths of Isaiah and Micah. These indicate what situation he will bring about when his ‘will takes place on earth.’ He said of his people: “They will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. They will not build and someone else have occupancy; they will not plant and someone else do the eating.” “And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble.”—Isa 65:21, 22; Mic 4:4; see PEOPLE OF THE LAND (EARTH).

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*** it-2 p. 993 Solomon *** The prophet Micah, in a prophecy almost universally accepted as Messianic, drew on the circumstance described in Solomon’s reign, that “Judah and Israel continued to dwell in security, everyone under his own vine and under his own fig tree, . . . all the days of Solomon.” (1Ki 4:25; Mic 4:4)

*** w03 5/15 p. 24 Each One Will Sit Under His Fig Tree *** Each One Will Sit Under His Fig Tree

SHADE is at a premium during the hot summers in the lands of the Middle East. Any tree offering refuge from the sun’s rays is welcome, especially when it grows near one’s home. With its large, broad leaves and wide-spreading branches, the fig tree provides better shade than almost any other tree of the region. According to the book Plants of the Bible, the “shade [of a fig tree] is said to be fresher and cooler than that of a tent.” Fig trees growing at the edges of vineyards in ancient Israel offered field workers ideal places for a brief rest. At the end of a long, hot day, family members could sit under their fig tree and enjoy pleasant association. Moreover, the fig tree rewards its owner with abundant, nutritious fruit. From the time of King Solomon, therefore, sitting under one’s own fig tree represented peace, prosperity, and plenty.—1 Kings 4:24, 25.

*** w03 8/15 p. 17 par. 15 We Will Walk in Jehovah’s Name Forever! *** And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble; for the very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken it.”

*** w03 8/15 p. 17 par. 15 We Will Walk in Jehovah’s Name Forever! *** 15 Looking back, we see that Micah next delivers a thrilling message of hope. What heartening words we find at Micah 4:1-4!

*** w03 8/15 p. 17 pars. 17-18 We Will Walk in Jehovah’s Name Forever! *** Having beaten their swords into plowshares, even today they live at peace with fellow Witnesses of Jehovah and with others. What a delight to be among them! Determined to Walk in Jehovah’s Name 18 In our day, when fear covers the earth like an ominous cloud, we are thrilled that many are learning Jehovah’s ways. We long for the time now near at hand when all such lovers of God will learn war no more but will sit under their own vine and fig tree. Fig trees are often planted in vineyards. (Luke 13:6) Sitting under one’s own vine and fig tree symbolizes peaceful, prosperous, and secure conditions. Even now, our relationship with Jehovah gives us peace of mind and spiritual security. When such circumstances exist under Kingdom rule, we will be unafraid and totally secure.

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*** tp chap. 9 pp. 100-101 par. 16 Peace and Security Earth Wide—A Reliable Hope *** 16 Earth wide the prophecy of Micah 4:3, 4 will have a wonderful fulfillment. Peace-loving persons living under God’s righteous rule will “sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble; for the very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken it.” None of the subjects of God’s Kingdom will live in squalid slums or crowded tenements. They will have land and homes that are their own. (Isaiah 65:21, 22) The King, Christ Jesus, long ago promised that ‘the mild-tempered ones will inherit the earth,’ and he has ‘all authority in heaven and on earth’ to see that this happens.— Matthew 5:5; 28:18. (Micah 4:5) For all the peoples will walk, each in the name of its god, But we will walk in the name of Jehovah our God forever and ever.

*** w13 3/15 p. 28 Honor Jehovah’s Great Name *** WALK IN JEHOVAH’S NAME 16 The prophet Micah wrote: “All the peoples, for their part, will walk each one in the name of its god; but we, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.” (Mic. 4:5) That Jehovah allowed the Bible Students to adopt his name was more than just a great honor. It was also a reassuring indication of his approval. (Read Malachi 3:16-18.) What, though, about you personally? Are you making every effort to “walk in the name of Jehovah”? Do you appreciate what that involves? 17 Walking in God’s name involves at least three things. First, we must proclaim that name to others, recognizing that only those who ‘call on the name of Jehovah will be saved.’ (Rom. 10:13) Second, we need to reflect Jehovah’s qualities, especially his love. And third, we walk in God’s name when we joyfully submit to his righteous standards, lest we bring reproach on our Father’s holy name. (1 John 4:8; 5:3) Are you determined to “walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite”?

*** jd chap. 7 p. 88 par. 12 Serve Jehovah According to His High Standards *** 12 The greatest reward for observing God’s commandments is having a stronger bond with God. When we live by his standards and see how reasonable and beneficial they are,

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our affection for their Author deepens. The prophet Micah beautifully depicted that deepened relationship: “All the peoples, for their part, will walk each one in the name of its god; but we, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.” (Micah 4:5) What a privilege we have to walk in the name of Jehovah, supporting his reputation and recognizing his authority in our life! As a natural consequence, we want to reflect his qualities. Individually, let us work to strengthen our bond with God.—Psalm 9:10.

*** w03 8/15 pp. 17-18 par. 19 We Will Walk in Jehovah’s Name Forever! *** 19 To enjoy divine favor and blessing, we must walk in Jehovah’s name. This is powerfully expressed at Micah 4:5, where the prophet declares: “All the peoples, for their part, will walk each one in the name of its god; but we, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.” Walking in Jehovah’s name does not mean merely saying that he is our God. It calls for more than our participation in Christian meetings and the Kingdom-preaching work, although such activities are also vital. If we are walking in Jehovah’s name, we are dedicated to him and are endeavoring to serve him faithfully out of whole-souled love. (Matthew 22:37) And as his worshipers, surely we are determined to walk in the name of Jehovah our God to all eternity.

*** w01 2/15 pp. 25-26 par. 11 Jehovah’s Restored People Praise Him Earth Wide *** This would take place before the end of the present wicked system of things while the nations still worshiped false gods. Says Micah 4:5: “All the peoples, for their part, will walk each one in the name of its god.” And what about true worshipers? Micah’s prophecy answers: “But we, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.”

*** w98 11/15 p. 20 par. 19 Walking With God—With Eternity in View *** 19 The prophet Micah expressed the determination of Jehovah’s people to worship God eternally. He wrote: “All the peoples, for their part, will walk each one in the name of its god; but we, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.” (Micah 4:5) Until his death, Micah loyally served Jehovah. Upon being resurrected in the new world, no doubt that prophet will continue to walk with God for all eternity. What a fine example for those of us living deep in the time of the end! (Micah 4:6) “In that day,” declares Jehovah, “I will gather the one who was limping, And collect together the dispersed one, Along with those I treated harshly.

*** it-2 p. 191 Lame, Lameness *** God’s nation had limped and suffered a fall into captivity, but “in that day,” said Jehovah, “I will gather her that was limping; . . . and I shall certainly make her that was limping a remnant, and her that was removed far off a mighty nation.”—Mic 4:6, 7; Zep 3:19.

*** it-2 p. 770 Remnant *** They were formerly “limping,” but Jehovah gathered them, and (even though they were under Persian domination) because of having Governor Zerubbabel over them and

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because true worship was reestablished at the temple, God was again their real King. (Mic 4:6, 7) (Micah 4:7) I will make the one who was limping a remnant, And the one far removed a mighty nation; And Jehovah will rule as king over them in Mount Zion, From now on and forever.

*** it-2 p. 770 Remnant *** They were formerly “limping,” but Jehovah gathered them, and (even though they were under Persian domination) because of having Governor Zerubbabel over them and because true worship was reestablished at the temple, God was again their real King. (Mic 4:6, 7) (Micah 4:8) As for you, O tower of the flock, The mound of the daughter of Zion, To you it will come, yes, the first dominion will come, The kingdom belonging to the daughter of Jerusalem.

*** it-1 p. 678 Eder *** The same Hebrew expression here translated “tower of Eder” (migh·dal-ʽeʹdher) is used by Micah (4:8) when referring to the “tower of the drove.” This expression may allude to the name of Jacob’s camping site and is used in connection with the restoration of Jehovah’s “limping” people. (Mic 4:7) With “Zion” restored, they would be watched over as from a lookout “tower” and thereby be guarded from further danger. Such an illustration is consistent with other similes in Micah’s prophecy; he referred to the Messiah as one who would do “shepherding” (Mic 5:2-4) and Jehovah’s people as “the flock of [God’s] inheritance.”—Mic 7:14. (Micah 5:1) “Now you are slashing yourself, O daughter under attack; A siege is laid against us. With a rod they strike the judge of Israel on the cheek.

*** it-1 p. 429 Cheek *** The prophets Isaiah and Micah prophesied relative to the Messiah’s being struck on the cheek and the hair being pulled from the cheeks, all significant of the bitter reproach that his enemies would heap upon him. (Isa 50:6; Mic 5:1)

*** it-2 p. 818 Rod, Staff *** Wrong use of the rod. The governments and judges of earthly nations often used their rod of authority in an unrighteous way, even fighting against God and his people. When Jesus Christ was brought before the Jewish high court and before the Roman governor Pilate, he was afflicted, mocked, spit upon, beaten, and finally killed. The Jewish leaders first used their authority against Jesus and then made the “rod” heavier by turning him over to the Roman government for execution. The prophet Micah foretold such affliction in these

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words: “With the rod they will strike upon the cheek the judge of Israel.” (Mic 5:1) After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Jewish rulers used their authority to persecute Jesus’ followers, and in many instances Rome and the other governments of earth likewise used their rod of authority in a wrong way. For this they would be brought to account by God.— Joh 19:8-11; 2Th 1:6-9.

*** w11 8/15 p. 14 par. 11 They Found the Messiah! *** Micah foretold: “With the rod they will strike upon the cheek the judge of Israel.” (Mic. 5:1) Confirming the fulfillment of these prophecies, the Gospel writer Mark said: “Some started to spit on [Jesus] and to cover his whole face and hit him with their fists and say to him: ‘Prophesy!’ And, slapping him in the face, the court attendants took him.” Mark states that soldiers “would hit him on the head with a reed and spit upon him and, bending their knees [in mockery], they would do obeisance to him.” (Mark 14:65; 15:19) Of course, Jesus did nothing to provoke such abuse. (Micah 5:2) And you, O Bethʹle·hem Ephʹra·thah, The one too little to be among the thousands of Judah, From you will come out for me the one to be ruler in Israel, Whose origin is from ancient times, from the days of long ago.

*** it-1 p. 220 Augustus *** In 2 B.C.E. “a decree went forth from Caesar Augustus for all the inhabited earth to be registered; and all people went traveling to be registered, each one to his own city.” (Lu 2:1, 3) This decree resulted in Jesus’ being born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of Bible prophecy. (Da 11:20; Mic 5:2)

*** it-1 p. 300 Bethlehem *** As noted previously, Bethlehem was not listed among the cities of Judah in the accounts of the tribal divisions. Though Bible books mention it in connection with certain individuals, it does not otherwise seem to have been a prominent town nor did it have a large population—a “village” when Jesus was on earth. (Joh 7:42) Hence the prophet Micah in his Messianic prophecy at Micah 5:2 could refer to Bethlehem Ephrathah as “the one too little to get to be among the thousands of Judah.” Yet his prophecy showed that small Bethlehem would have the singular honor of being the town from which the Messiah would come. The Jewish people understood this prophecy to mean that the Messiah or Christ would be born in and proceed from that town (Joh 7:40-42), a belief also expressed by their chief priests and scribes.—Mt 2:3-6. Thus, though Mary became pregnant in Nazareth of Galilee, she gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea, in order to fulfill the divine prophecy. (Lu 1:26-38; 2:4-7) This meant a trip that, on present roads, covers a distance of about 150 km (93 mi) through hilly country.

*** it-1 p. 755 Ephrathah *** 2. Evidently the earlier name of Bethlehem or a name applied to the area around it. The names of Bethlehem and Ephrathah are used jointly in several texts. The account of Rachel’s death relates that she was buried “on the way to Ephrath [Ephrathah], that is to say, Bethlehem.” (Ge 35:16, 19; 48:7) Members of Elimelech’s family are called “Ephrathites from Bethlehem,” and it was to Bethlehem that his widow Naomi returned out

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of Moab. (Ru 1:2, 19) The blessing pronounced on Boaz at the time of his marriage to Ruth was that he might prove his “worth in Ephrathah and make a notable name in Bethlehem.” (Ru 4:11) And finally, in the prophecy concerning the Messiah’s birth, the names are combined as “Bethlehem Ephrathah.” (Mic 5:2)

*** it-1 p. 992 Governor *** Matthew, quoting from Micah 5:2, shows that Bethlehem, though very insignificant as far as governing power in Judah was concerned, would become significant by reason of the fact that the greatest of governors would come from this city to shepherd Jehovah’s people Israel. This prophecy finds its fulfillment in Christ Jesus the Great Governor under his Father, Jehovah God.—Mt 2:6.

*** jy chap. 5 p. 18 pars. 1-3 Jesus’ Birth—Where and When? *** Caesar Augustus, the emperor of the Roman Empire, has decreed that everyone must be registered. So Joseph and Mary must travel to the city of his birth, the city of Bethlehem, south of Jerusalem. Many people are in Bethlehem to register. The only place that Joseph and Mary can find to stay is a stable, where donkeys and other animals are kept. Jesus is born there. Mary wraps him in strips of cloth and lays him in a manger, the place where food for the animals is put. God must have seen to it that Caesar Augustus made this registration law. Why? Because this made it possible for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem, the hometown of his ancestor King David. The Scriptures had long before foretold that this would be the city where the promised Ruler would be born.—Micah 5:2.

*** bh p. 201 par. 1 Jesus Christ—The Promised Messiah *** Micah, another prophet of God, foretold that this child would eventually become a ruler and that he would be born in “Bethlehem Ephrathah.” (Micah 5:2) At the time of Jesus’ birth, there were two towns in Israel that were named Bethlehem. One was situated near Nazareth in the northern region of the country, and the other, near Jerusalem in Judah. Bethlehem near Jerusalem was formerly called Ephrathah. Jesus was born in that town, exactly as the prophecy foretold!—Matthew 2:1.

*** nwt p. 14 par. 1 Question 6: What did the Bible foretell about the Messiah? *** PROPHECY “You, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, . . . from you will come out for me the one to be ruler in Israel.” Micah 5:2 [Page 1267] FULFILLMENT “After Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, look! astrologers from the East came to Jerusalem.” Matthew 2:1 [Page 1307]

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*** ia chap. 18 pp. 155-156 par. 8 She Drew “Conclusions in Her Heart” *** 8 What else may have motivated Mary to obey? Did she know of the prophecy about Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah? The Bible does not say. We cannot rule out the possibility, for the fact was evidently common knowledge among religious leaders and even people in general. (Matt. 2:1-7; John 7:40-42) When it came to the Scriptures, Mary was far from an ignorant girl. (Luke 1:46-55)

*** ia chap. 18 pp. 153-154 She Drew “Conclusions in Her Heart” *** The Trip to Bethlehem 4 Joseph and Mary were not the only ones on the move. Caesar Augustus had recently decreed that a registration be carried out in the land, and people had to travel to their town of origin in order to comply. How did Joseph respond? The account reads: “Of course, Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to David’s city, which is called Bethlehem, because of his being a member of the house and family of David.”—Luke 2:1-4. 5 It was no coincidence that Caesar issued his decree at this time. A prophecy written down some seven centuries earlier foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Now, it so happened that there was a town named Bethlehem a mere seven miles (11 km) from Nazareth. However, the prophecy specified that it was “Bethlehem Ephrathah” that would produce the Messiah. (Read Micah 5:2.) To reach that little village from Nazareth, travelers covered some 80 hilly miles (130 km) via Samaria. That was the Bethlehem to which Joseph was summoned, for it was the ancestral home of the family of King David— the family to which both Joseph and his bride belonged.

*** g 7/12 pp. 23-24 The Bible—A Book of Accurate Prophecy, Part 3 *** Prophecy 2: “O Bethlehem Ephrathah, the one too little to get to be among the thousands of Judah, from you there will come out to me the one who is to become ruler in Israel.”— Micah 5:2. Fulfillment: Jesus was born in Bethlehem. When Caesar Augustus ordered a census, Jesus’ foster father, Joseph, was obliged to go from Nazareth to “Judea [Judah], to David’s city, which is called Bethlehem, because of his being a member of the house and family of David, to get registered with Mary.” While there, Mary “gave birth to her son” Jesus.—Luke 2:1-7. What history reveals: ● Archaeology confirms that the Romans conducted censuses in the Middle East for the purpose of tax collection and military conscription. Evidence of one such census can be seen in an edict of the Roman governor of Egypt in 104 C.E. A copy of that edict, now in the British Library, reads: “Seeing that the time has come for the house to house census, it is necessary to compel all those who for any cause whatsoever are residing out of their nomes [districts] to return to their own homes, that they may both carry out the regular order of the census, and may also attend diligently to the cultivation of their allotments.” ● At the time of Jesus’ birth, two towns in Israel were called Bethlehem. One was in the north near Nazareth. The other, evidently formerly known as Ephrath (or Ephrathah), was

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near Jerusalem in Judah. (Genesis 35:19) Jesus was born in the latter town, just as Micah had foretold some eight centuries earlier.

*** w11 4/1 p. 4 Jesus—Where He Came From *** Ephrathah (or Ephrath) is evidently an earlier name of Bethlehem.—Genesis 35:19.

*** w11 4/1 p. 4 Jesus—Where He Came From *** Centuries earlier, a Bible prophecy foretold the place of Jesus’ birth: “You, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, the one too little to get to be among the thousands of Judah, from you there will come out to me the one who is to become ruler in Israel.” (Micah 5:2) Bethlehem was apparently too small to be listed among the cities of the territory of Judah. Yet, this little village would have a unique honor. The promised Messiah, or Christ, would come from Bethlehem.—Matthew 2:3-6; John 7:40-42.

*** w11 8/15 p. 9 par. 7 They Waited for the Messiah *** 7 The Messiah’s birth would take place in Bethlehem. “You, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, the one too little to get to be among the thousands of Judah,” wrote the prophet Micah, “from you there will come out to me the one who is to become ruler in Israel, whose origin is from early times, from the days of time indefinite.” (Mic. 5:2) The Messiah was to be born in the Judean town of Bethlehem, evidently once named Ephrathah. Although Jesus’ mother, Mary, and his adoptive father, Joseph, lived in Nazareth, a Roman registration decree had taken them to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born in 2 B.C.E. (Matt. 2:1, 5, 6) What a remarkable fulfillment of prophecy!

*** bm section 16 p. 19 The Messiah Arrives *** What, though, about the prophecy saying that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem? (Micah 5:2) That small town was some 90 miles (140 km) away! A Roman ruler decreed that a census be taken. People were required to register at their town of origin. It appears that both Joseph and Mary had roots in Bethlehem, so Joseph took his pregnant wife there. (Luke 2:3) Mary gave birth in a humble stable, laying the baby in a manger.

*** w08 10/1 p. 23 She Drew “Conclusions in Her Heart” *** What else may have motivated Mary to obey? Did she know of the prophecy about Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah? The Bible does not say. We cannot rule out the possibility, for the fact was evidently common knowledge among religious leaders and even people in general. (Matthew 2:1-7; John 7:40-42) When it came to the Scriptures, Mary was far from an ignorant girl. (Luke 1:46-55)

*** w08 10/1 p. 22 She Drew “Conclusions in Her Heart” *** The Trip to Bethlehem Joseph and Mary were not the only ones on the move. Caesar Augustus had recently decreed that a registration be carried out in the land, and people had to travel to their town

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of origin in order to comply. How did Joseph respond? The account reads: “Of course, Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to David’s city, which is called Bethlehem, because of his being a member of the house and family of David.”—Luke 2:1-4. It was no coincidence that Caesar issued his decree at this time. A prophecy written down some seven centuries earlier foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Now it so happened that there was a town named Bethlehem a mere seven miles [11 km] from Nazareth. However, the prophecy specified that it was “Bethlehem Ephrathah” that would produce the Messiah. (Micah 5:2) By present-day roads, some 93 hilly miles [150 km] separate Nazareth from that little village in the south. That was the Bethlehem to which Joseph was summoned, for it was the ancestral home of the family of King David—the family to which both Joseph and his bride belonged.

*** jd chap. 4 p. 55 Jehovah—The God Who Foretells and Fulfills *** Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 Luke 2:4-11; John 7:42

*** w03 8/15 p. 18 pars. 21-22 We Will Walk in Jehovah’s Name Forever! *** For instance, note what is said at Micah 5:2-4. Micah prophesies that a God-appointed Ruler—one “whose origin is from early times”—will come out of Bethlehem. He will rule as a shepherd “in the strength of Jehovah.” Moreover, this Ruler will be great, not just in Israel, but to “the ends of the earth.” His identity may befuddle the world in general, but it is no mystery to us. 22 Who was the most important person ever born in Bethlehem? And who will “be great as far as the ends of the earth”? None other than the Messiah, Jesus Christ! When Herod the Great asked the chief priests and the scribes where the Messiah was to be born, they answered: “In Bethlehem of Judea.” They even quoted the words of Micah 5:2. (Matthew 2:3-6) Some of the common people knew this too, for John 7:42 quotes them as saying: “Has not the Scripture said that the Christ is coming from the offspring of David, and from Bethlehem the village where David used to be?”

*** dp chap. 14 p. 233 par. 6 The Two Kings Change Identities *** In 2 B.C.E., Augustus sent out “an exactor” by ordering a registration, or census, probably so that he could learn the number of the population for purposes of taxation and military conscription. Because of this decree, Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem for registration, resulting in Jesus’ birth at that foretold location. (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-12)

*** w98 6/15 p. 22 Jesus—The Ruler “Whose Origin Is From Early Times” *** “From Early Times” Among the old papers available to first-century Jews were the writings of God’s prophet Micah, recorded some seven hundred years previously. These pinpoint the Messiah’s birthplace. “You, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, the one too little to get to be among the thousands of Judah, from you there will come out to me the one who is to become ruler in

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Israel, whose origin is from early times, from the days of time indefinite.” (Micah 5:2) True to these words, Jesus was born in the Judean village of Bethlehem in what is now called the year 2 B.C.E. But how could his origin be “from early times”? Jesus had a prehuman existence. In his letter to the Christians in Colossae, the apostle Paul described Jesus as “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”— Colossians 1:15. Jehovah, the Source of wisdom, created his first Son as his ‘earliest achievement,’ to use the inspired expression recorded by King Solomon in the book of Proverbs. After Jesus’ sojourn on earth and his return to heaven, he testified that he was indeed “the beginning of the creation by God.” As wisdom personified, the prehuman Jesus declared: “When [Jehovah] prepared the heavens I was there.”—Proverbs 8:22, 23, 27; Revelation 3:14. From the start, God’s Son received a unique assignment, that of being “master worker” alongside his Father. What joy this brought to Jehovah! “I came to be the one he [Jehovah] was specially fond of day by day,” notes Proverbs 8:30, adding, “I being glad before him all the time.” Jehovah later invited his firstborn Son to share in the creation of humankind. “Let us make man in our image,” he declared, “according to our likeness.” (Genesis 1:26) As a result, another fondness developed. “The things I was fond of,” explained the prehuman Jesus, “were with the sons of men.” (Proverbs 8:31) At the beginning of his Gospel, the apostle John acknowledged Jesus’ prehuman role in creation: “All things came into existence through him, and apart from him not even one thing came into existence.”—John 1:3.

*** kl chap. 4 pp. 34-36 par. 7 Jesus Christ—The Key to the Knowledge of God *** In the eighth century B.C.E., the prophet Micah foretold that this great ruler would be born in the insignificant town of Bethlehem. Two towns in Israel were named Bethlehem, but this prophecy specified which one: Bethlehem Ephrathah, where King David had been born. (Micah 5:2) Jesus’ parents, Joseph and Mary, lived in Nazareth, some 90 miles [150 km] north of Bethlehem. While Mary was pregnant, however, the Roman ruler Caesar Augustus ordered all the people to register in their home cities. So Joseph had to take his pregnant wife to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.—Luke 2:1-7.

*** kl chap. 4 p. 39 pars. 12-13 Jesus Christ—The Key to the Knowledge of God *** Micah 5:2 said that the Messiah’s origin was “from early times, from the days of time indefinite.” And Jesus plainly said that he had come from “the realms above,” that is, from heaven. (John 8:23; 16:28) How long had he existed in heaven before coming to the earth? 13 Jesus was called God’s “only-begotten Son” because Jehovah created him directly. (John 3:16) As “the firstborn of all creation,” Jesus was then used by God to create all other things. (Colossians 1:15; Revelation 3:14) John 1:1 says that “the Word” (Jesus in his prehuman existence) was with God “in the beginning.” So the Word was with Jehovah when “the heavens and the earth” were created. God was addressing the Word when He said: “Let us make man in our image.” (Genesis 1:1, 26) Likewise, the Word must have been God’s beloved “master worker,” described at Proverbs 8:22-31 as wisdom personified, laboring at Jehovah’s side in the making of all things. After Jehovah brought him into existence, the Word spent ages with God in heaven before becoming a man on

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earth.

*** wi p. 28 Who Will Lead the Nations to Peace? *** The ancient Jewish Aramaic paraphrase, or Targum, of Micah 5:1 states: “From thee [Bethlehem] Messiah shall go out before me.”

*** wi p. 28 par. 15 Who Will Lead the Nations to Peace? *** Also, he was born in Bethlehem, which was commonly understood among first-century Jews to be the designated birthplace for the Messiah. (Micah 5:1 [5:2, NW]

*** sh chap. 10 p. 239 par. 7 Christianity—Was Jesus the Way to God? *** 7 Why was it important that Jesus be born in Bethlehem rather than in Nazareth or any other town? Because of a prophecy uttered during the eighth century B.C.E. by the Hebrew prophet Micah: “And you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, the one too little to get to be among the thousands of Judah, from you there will come out to me the one who is to become ruler in Israel, whose origin is from early times, from the days of time indefinite.” (Micah 5:2) Thus, by his place of birth, Jesus held another of the credentials for being the promised Seed and Messiah.—John 7:42.

*** si p. 156 par. 6 Bible Book Number 33—Micah *** 6 Putting the inspiration of the book beyond all doubt is the outstanding prophecy of Micah 5:2, which foretells the birthplace of the Messiah. (Matt. 2:4-6) There are also passages that are paralleled by statements in the Christian Greek Scriptures.—Mic. 7:6, 20; Matt. 10:35, 36; Luke 1:72, 73.

*** si p. 158 par. 18 Bible Book Number 33—Micah *** 18 Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem, in fulfillment of Micah’s prophecy, not only confirms the divine inspiration of the book but illuminates the context of the verse as prophetic of the coming of the Kingdom of God under Christ Jesus. Jesus is the one who appears out of Bethlehem (House of Bread) with life-giving benefits for all who exercise faith in his sacrifice. He it is that does “shepherding in the strength of Jehovah” and that becomes great and spells peace to the ends of the earth among the restored, unified flock of God.— Mic. 5:2, 4; 2:12; John 6:33-40.

*** w89 5/1 p. 14 Jehovah’s Justice and Name Exalted *** 5:2—Bethlehem Ephrathah was probably identified as such because there were two towns named Bethlehem. Micah identifies the one in Judah, just south of Jerusalem. The other town was up north, in Zebulun. (Joshua 19:10, 15) “Ephrathah,” or “Ephrath,” was an early name for the Bethlehem in Judah or the area around it. (Genesis 48:7; Ruth 4:11) Such detailed identification underscores the accuracy of God’s prophetic promises regarding the Messiah.

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*** rs p. 409 par. 2 Trinity *** Prophetically, with reference to the Messiah, Micah 5:2 (KJ) says his “goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Dy reads: “his going forth is from the beginning, from the days of eternity.” Does that make him the same as God? It is noteworthy that, instead of saying “days of eternity,” RS renders the Hebrew as “ancient days”; JB, “days of old”; NW, “days of time indefinite.” Viewed in the light of Revelation 3:14, discussed above, Micah 5:2 does not prove that Jesus was without a beginning.

*** g88 8/8 p. 26 Why Bible Prophecies Are Valuable to You *** Neither Jesus nor his parents could have prompted a Roman caesar to issue a decree requiring Joseph and Mary to go to their hometown of Bethlehem for census and tax registration purposes just at the time of Jesus’ birth. So Romans, who were in no way interested in the outworking of Bible prophecy, played a part in Jesus’ being born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of the prophecy at Micah 5:2. (Micah 5:4) He will stand up and shepherd in the strength of Jehovah, In the superiority of the name of Jehovah his God. And they will dwell in security, For now his greatness will reach the ends of the earth.

*** it-1 p. 658 Duke *** A Messianic prophecy states that, when the enemies of God’s people come against them, “seven shepherds, yes, eight dukes of mankind [“princes of men,” KJ, margin; RS]” will be raised up. Seven representing completeness, the “eight dukes” would evidently mean that a considerable number of capable men appointed under the Messiah would be taking the lead among Jehovah’s people.—Mic 5:5.

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*** it-2 p. 513 Number, Numeral *** Eight. The number eight was also used to add emphasis to the completeness of something (one more than seven, the number generally used for completeness), thus sometimes representing abundance. Jehovah reassured his people of deliverance from the threat of Assyria, saying that there should be raised up against the Assyrian “seven shepherds, yes, [not merely seven, but] eight dukes of mankind.” (Mic 5:5)

*** w13 11/15 p. 16 Seven Shepherds, Eight Dukes—What They Mean for Us Today *** Seven Shepherds, Eight Dukes—What They Mean for Us Today

“We shall also have to raise up against him seven shepherds, yes, eight dukes of mankind.”—MIC. 5:5.

CAN YOU ANSWER? How did Hezekiah, Isaiah, Micah, and the princes of Jerusalem prove to be fine shepherds in the eighth century B.C.E.? Who correspond to the seven shepherds and eight dukes today? In what ways?

*** w13 11/15 pp. 18-20 pars. 10-17 Seven Shepherds, Eight Dukes—What They Mean for Us Today *** 10 Of course, Hezekiah was aware of the approaching danger, but rather than desperately enlist the help of a pagan nation, as his apostate father, Ahaz, had done, Hezekiah placed his trust in Jehovah. (2 Chron. 28:20, 21) He may have been aware of the words of the prophet Micah, a contemporary who foretold concerning Assyria: “As for the Assyrian, . . . we shall also have to raise up against him seven shepherds, yes, eight dukes of mankind. And they will actually shepherd the land of Assyria with the sword.” (Mic. 5:5, 6) These inspired words would surely have encouraged Hezekiah, for they show that a most unusual army would be raised up against the Assyrians and that the hostile aggressors would ultimately be defeated. 11 The prophecy concerning seven shepherds and eight dukes (“princes,” The New English Bible) was to find its primary, or most important, fulfillment long after the birth of Jesus, the “ruler in Israel, whose origin is from early times.” (Read Micah 5:1, 2.) This would be at a time when the very existence of Jehovah’s servants would be threatened by a modern-day “Assyrian.” What forces will Jehovah, through his now-reigning Son, marshal to confront the fear-inspiring foe? We shall see. But first, let us consider what we can learn from the action Hezekiah took in the face of the Assyrian menace. HEZEKIAH TAKES PRACTICAL STEPS 12 Jehovah is always willing to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves, but he does expect us to do what we can. Hezekiah consulted “his princes and his mighty men,” and together they decided “to stop up the waters of the springs that were outside the city . . . Furthermore, [Hezekiah] took courage and built up all the broken-down wall and raised towers upon it, and on the outside another wall, . . . and made missiles in abundance and shields.” (2 Chron. 32:3-5) In order to protect and shepherd His people at that time, Jehovah used a number of valiant men—Hezekiah, his princes, and the spiritually strong

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prophets. 13 What Hezekiah did next was of even greater value than stopping up the waters or fortifying the city walls. Concerned shepherd that he was, Hezekiah gathered the people and encouraged them spiritually with the words: “Do not be afraid nor be terrified because of the king of Assyria . . . , for with us there are more than there are with him. With him there is an arm of flesh, but with us there is Jehovah our God to help us and to fight our battles.” What a faith-strengthening reminder—Jehovah would fight for his people! Upon hearing this, the Jews “began to brace themselves upon the words of Hezekiah the king of Judah.” Notice that it was “the words of Hezekiah” that caused the people to take heart. He and his princes and mighty men, as well as the prophets Micah and Isaiah, proved to be effective shepherds, just as Jehovah had foretold through his prophet.—2 Chron. 32:7, 8; read Micah 5:5, 6. 14 The king of Assyria set up camp at Lachish, southwest of Jerusalem. From there, through three envoys, he ordered the city to surrender. His spokesman, whose official title was Rabshakeh, used a variety of tactics. Speaking in Hebrew, he urged the people to betray the king and to submit to the Assyrians, falsely promising to relocate them to a land where they could enjoy a comfortable life. (Read 2 Kings 18:31, 32.) Then Rabshakeh asserted that just as the gods of the nations had been unable to protect their worshippers, so Jehovah would be unable to deliver the Jews out of the Assyrians’ clutches. Wisely, the people did not try to respond to the slanderous propaganda, a course often followed by Jehovah’s servants in our day.—Read 2 Kings 18:35, 36. 15 Hezekiah was understandably upset, but instead of turning to a foreign power for help, he sent for Isaiah the prophet. Isaiah told Hezekiah: “He [Sennacherib] will not come into this city nor will he shoot an arrow there.” (2 Ki. 19:32) All that was required of the inhabitants of Jerusalem was that they stand their ground. Jehovah would fight for Judah. And fight he did! “It came about on that night that the angel of Jehovah proceeded to go out and strike down a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians.” (2 Ki. 19:35) Judah’s salvation came, not by Hezekiah’s stopping up the fountains of waters of the city nor by his building up its walls, but by divine intervention. LESSONS FOR TODAY 16 The prophecy about seven shepherds and eight dukes has its major fulfillment in our day. The citizens of ancient Jerusalem were attacked by the Assyrians. In the near future, Jehovah’s apparently vulnerable people will come under attack from the modern-day “Assyrian,” whose intent will be to wipe them out. The Scriptures refer to that attack as well as the attack of ‘Gog of Magog,’ the attack of “the king of the north,” and the attack of “the kings of the earth.” (Ezek. 38:2, 10-13; Dan. 11:40, 44, 45; Rev. 17:14; 19:19) Do these represent separate attacks? Not necessarily. The Bible could be referring to the same attack under different names. What ‘secret weapon’ does Micah’s prophecy indicate Jehovah would raise up against that implacable foe—“the Assyrian”? A very unlikely one— “seven shepherds, yes, eight dukes”! (Mic. 5:5) The shepherds and dukes (or, “princes,” NEB) in this implausible army are the congregation elders. (1 Pet. 5:2) Today, Jehovah certainly has provided an abundance of spiritual men to shepherd his precious sheep, to strengthen his people for the future attack of the modern-day “Assyrian.” Micah’s prophecy states that they will “shepherd the land of Assyria with the sword.” (Mic. 5:6) Yes, among ‘the weapons of their warfare,’ you will find “the sword of the spirit,” God’s Word.—2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:17.

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17 Elders who are reading this article can draw some useful conclusions from the account we have just considered: (1) The most practical step that we can take to prepare for the coming attack of “the Assyrian” is that of strengthening our faith in God and helping our brothers to do the same. (2) When “the Assyrian” attacks, the elders must be absolutely convinced that Jehovah will deliver us. (3) At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not. (4) Now is the time for any who may be putting their trust in secular education, material things, or human institutions to adjust their thinking. The elders must stand ready to help any who may now be wavering in their faith.

*** w13 12/15 p. 16 Do You Remember? *** How is the prophecy of Micah 5:5 about dukes and shepherds being fulfilled today? We understand that the ‘seven shepherds and eight dukes’ mentioned at Micah 5:5 refer to the appointed elders in the congregation, who are strengthening God’s people for a foretold future attack against them.—11/15, page 20.

*** w10 5/15 p. 24 par. 2 Brothers—Sow to the Spirit and Reach Out! *** Over the decades, Jehovah has raised up qualified men to care for the needs of his sheep, and we are confident that he will continue to do so. The prophecy recorded at Micah 5:5 assures us that during the last days, Jehovah’s people will have “seven shepherds” and “eight dukes,” representing a considerable number of capable men to take the lead among them.

*** w07 11/1 p. 16 par. 6 Highlights From the Books of Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah *** 5:5. This Messianic prophecy assures us that when God’s people come under attack by their enemies, “seven [representing completeness] shepherds” and “eight dukes”—a considerable number of capable men—are raised up to take the lead among Jehovah’s people.

*** w93 1/1 p. 21 par. 13 Shepherding With Our Grand Creator *** Before and during World War II, cruel Assyrianlike dictators tried to stamp out Jehovah’s Witnesses. But in answer to their prayers, Jehovah refined their organization, making it truly theocratic, and provided the needed “shepherds.” This was in line with the prophecy: “As for the Assyrian, when he comes into our land and when he treads upon our dwelling towers, we shall also have to raise up against him seven shepherds, yes, eight dukes of mankind”—even more than a sufficiency of dedicated elders to take the lead.—Micah 5:5.

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(Micah 5:6) They will shepherd the land of As·syrʹi·a with the sword, And the land of Nimʹrod at its entrances. And he will rescue us from the As·syrʹi·an, When he invades our land and treads on our territory.

*** w13 11/15 p. 20 par. 16 Seven Shepherds, Eight Dukes—What They Mean for Us Today *** Today, Jehovah certainly has provided an abundance of spiritual men to shepherd his precious sheep, to strengthen his people for the future attack of the modern-day “Assyrian.” Micah’s prophecy states that they will “shepherd the land of Assyria with the sword.” (Mic. 5:6) Yes, among ‘the weapons of their warfare,’ you will find “the sword of the spirit,” God’s Word.—2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:17.

*** w90 8/15 p. 30 Questions From Readers *** We already have accepted that Biblical matters are understood better as time passes. For instance, The Watchtower of July 15, 1981, discussed Micah 5:6-9 again and explained that “the remnant of spiritual Israelites have not had to wait until after . . . Har–Magedon in order to be as a ‘dew’ of refreshment to people.” This discussion again offered the possibility that the remnant might survive God’s great war and for a while “continue to be as a refreshing ‘dew’ to the ‘great crowd’ of ‘other sheep.’”

*** w90 8/15 p. 30 Questions From Readers *** Micah prophesied that after their deliverance from “the Assyrian,” “the remaining ones of Jacob” would become “like dew from Jehovah” and “like a maned young lion among droves of sheep.” (Micah 5:6-8) The Watch Tower commented: “This may be taken as an indication that some of the remnant will be on earth even after Armageddon is fought and will then have some more work to do in the name of the Lord and to his praise and glory.” Notice the modest, reasonable language used to introduce this possibility: “This may be taken as an indication.” (Micah 5:7) The remaining ones of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples Like dew from Jehovah, Like showers of rain on vegetation That do not put hope in man Or wait for the sons of men.

*** w16 April p. 4 Is Your Ministry Like the Dew? *** A spiritual drought exists today, just as Jehovah foretold. (Amos 8:11) He promised that anointed evangelizers would be “like dew from Jehovah” as they proclaim the Kingdom message, supported by their companions of the “other sheep.” (Mic. 5:7;

*** it-1 p. 624 Dew *** Through Micah, God foretold that “the remaining ones of Jacob” would “become in the midst of many peoples like dew from Jehovah, like copious showers upon vegetation,” foretelling that the remnant of spiritual Jacob (Israel) would be a blessing from God to the people.—Mic 5:7.

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*** it-2 p. 770 Remnant *** They would become like “dew from Jehovah,” which brings refreshment and prosperity, and they would be courageous and strong like “a lion among the beasts of a forest.” (Mic 5:7-9) This latter prophecy apparently had a fulfillment during the Maccabean period, resulting in the preservation of the Jews in their land and the preservation of the temple, until the Messiah’s coming.

*** w07 11/1 p. 16 par. 7 Highlights From the Books of Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah *** 5:7, 8. To many people, anointed Christians today are “like dew from Jehovah”—a blessing from God. This is so because he uses the anointed to proclaim the Kingdom message. The “other sheep” help in bringing spiritual refreshment to people by actively supporting the anointed in the preaching work. (John 10:16) What a privilege it is to share in this work, which brings true refreshment to others!

*** jd chap. 13 pp. 171-172 par. 11 “Proclaim This, You People, Among the Nations” *** 11 What is the other aspect of the twofold message that we bear? We find that aspect highlighted in Micah chapter 5. “The remaining ones of Jacob must become in the midst of many peoples like dew from Jehovah, like copious showers upon vegetation, that does not hope for man or wait for the sons of earthling man.” (Micah 4:1; 5:7) Because of the good news that they bring to “many peoples” today, “the remaining ones” of spiritual Jacob, or Israel, and their companions are like refreshing “dew from Jehovah” and “copious showers upon vegetation.” We should be able to learn much from the last 12 books of the Hebrew Scriptures about this second aspect of our message, since those prophets proclaimed not only destruction but also restoration. In your ministry, are you emphasizing the positive aspect of the message about the day of Jehovah?

*** w03 8/15 p. 9 Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope *** Jehovah’s Servants Have True Hope

“The remaining ones of Jacob must become in the midst of many peoples like dew from Jehovah . . . that does not hope for man.”—MICAH 5:7.

JEHOVAH is the great Maker of rain and dew. It is futile to hope in men for either dew or rain. Wrote the prophet Micah: “The remaining ones of Jacob must become in the midst of many peoples like dew from Jehovah, like copious showers upon vegetation, that does not hope for man or wait for the sons of earthling man.” (Micah 5:7) Who are the present-day “remaining ones of Jacob”? They are spiritual Israelites, the remnant of “the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16) To “many peoples” of the earth, they are like refreshing “dew from Jehovah” and “copious showers upon vegetation.” Yes, anointed Christians today are a blessing from God to the people. As Kingdom proclaimers, they are used by Jehovah to give the people his message of true hope.

*** w03 8/15 p. 18 par. 23 We Will Walk in Jehovah’s Name Forever! *** Micah 5:7 promises the restoration of a repentant Jewish remnant to their homeland, but these words also apply to our day. Micah declares: “The remaining ones of Jacob must

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become in the midst of many peoples like dew from Jehovah, like copious showers upon vegetation.” This lovely symbolism is used to foretell that the remnant of spiritual Jacob, or Israel, will be a blessing from God to the people. Jesus’ “other sheep,” who have an earthly hope, are delighted to serve shoulder to shoulder with the modern-day remnant of “the Israel of God,” helping to refresh others spiritually. (John 10:16; Galatians 6:16; Zephaniah 3:9) In this regard, there is a significant point for reflection. As Kingdom proclaimers, all of us should cherish our privilege of bringing true refreshment to others.

*** w01 11/1 p. 11 par. 12 Jehovah Is a God of Long-Suffering *** 12 A remnant from among the exiled Jews did indeed return to Judah and revive the worship of Jehovah at the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. In the outworking of Jehovah’s purposes, this remnant would become like “dew from Jehovah,” which brings refreshment and prosperity.

*** si p. 158 par. 17 Bible Book Number 33—Micah *** Micah prophesied that such courage would be especially evident in “the remaining ones of Jacob.” These would be like ‘a lion among the nations, in the midst of many peoples,’ and at the same time like refreshing dew and showers from Jehovah. These qualities were certainly manifest in the ‘remnant of Israel (Jacob)’ who became members of the Christian congregation of the first century.—Mic. 3:8; 5:7, 8; Rom. 9:27; 11:5, 26. (Micah 5:8) The remaining ones of Jacob will be among the nations, In the midst of many peoples, Like a lion among the beasts of a forest, Like a young lion among flocks of sheep, That passes through and pounces and tears in pieces; And there is no one to rescue them.

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5:7-9) This latter prophecy apparently had a fulfillment during the Maccabean period, resulting in the preservation of the Jews in their land and the preservation of the temple, until the Messiah’s coming.

*** jd chap. 13 pp. 169-170 pars. 8-9 “Proclaim This, You People, Among the Nations” *** 8 In the prophet Micah’s message, those who offer ‘the young bulls of their lips’ are likened to a lion. He wrote: “The remaining ones of Jacob must become among the nations . . . like a lion among the beasts of a forest, like a maned young lion among droves of sheep, which, when it actually passes through, certainly both tramples down and tears in pieces; and there is no deliverer.” (Micah 5:8) Why this analogy? In our day, God’s people, with the anointed remnant taking the lead, must show lionlike courage in proclaiming the warning message to the nations. 9 Are you courageous like a lion in proclaiming the warning aspect of the message? You may need such courage not only when you stand before people in authority but also when you talk to your peers at school or at work or to your unbelieving relatives. (Micah 7:5-7; Matthew 10:17-21) How can you muster up courage in the face of opposition or apathy? Listen to how Micah was able to accomplish the formidable task of warning about the destruction of both Samaria and Jerusalem: “I myself have become full of power, with the spirit of Jehovah, and of justice and mightiness, in order to tell to Jacob his revolt and to Israel his sin.” (Micah 1:1, 6; 3:8) You too can “become full of power” because you too can receive an abundant supply of God’s empowering spirit. (Zechariah 4:6) By relying on God in prayer, you will be able to declare the words that may cause ears to tingle.—2 Kings 21:10-15.

*** jd chap. 13 p. 170 “Proclaim This, You People, Among the Nations” *** This prophecy may have had its first fulfillment during the Maccabean period when the Jews under the Maccabees expelled their enemies from Judah and rededicated the temple. This made it possible for a remnant of the Jews to welcome the Messiah when he appeared.—Daniel 9:25; Luke 3:15-22.

*** w01 11/1 p. 11 par. 12 Jehovah Is a God of Long-Suffering *** They would also be courageous and strong like “a lion among the beasts of a forest.” (Micah 5:7, 8) This latter expression may have been fulfilled during the Maccabean period when the Jews under the family of the Maccabees expelled their enemies from the Promised Land and rededicated the temple, which had been defiled.

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*** si p. 158 par. 17 Bible Book Number 33—Micah *** Micah prophesied that such courage would be especially evident in “the remaining ones of Jacob.” These would be like ‘a lion among the nations, in the midst of many peoples,’ and at the same time like refreshing dew and showers from Jehovah. These qualities were certainly manifest in the ‘remnant of Israel (Jacob)’ who became members of the Christian congregation of the first century.—Mic. 3:8; 5:7, 8; Rom. 9:27; 11:5, 26. (Micah 6:3) “My people, what have I done to you? How have I tired you out? Testify against me.

*** w03 8/15 pp. 19-20 What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? *** How God Treats His People 3 Let us first look at Micah 6:3-5 and note how Jehovah treats his people. Remember that in Micah’s time the Israelites are rebellious. Even so, Jehovah compassionately addresses them with the words, “O my people.” He pleads: “O my people, remember, please.” Rather than harshly accuse them, he tries to reach their heart by asking, “What have I done to you?” He even encourages them to “testify against” him. 4 What an example God sets for all of us! He compassionately called even the rebellious people of Israel and Judah of Micah’s day “my people” and addressed them with the term “please.” Certainly, then, we should display compassion and kindness in our dealings with those who are a part of the congregation. Granted, some may not be easy to get along with, or they may be spiritually weak. If they love Jehovah, however, we want to help them and show them compassion. (Micah 6:4) For I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, From the house of slavery I redeemed you; I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Mirʹi·am.

*** w03 8/15 p. 22 par. 17 What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? *** 17 According to Micah 6:4, 5, God says: “I brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” Yes, Jehovah was Israel’s Deliverer. Jehovah further says: “I proceeded to send before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam.” Moses and Aaron were used to guide the nation, and Miriam led the women of Israel in a victory dance. (Exodus 7:1, 2; 15:1, 19-21; Deuteronomy 34:10) Jehovah provided guidance by means of his servants. (Micah 6:5) My people, remember, please, what King Baʹlak of Moʹab proposed, And what Baʹlaam the son of Beʹor answered him —What took place from Shitʹtim to Gilʹgal— So that you may know the righteous acts of Jehovah.”

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*** it-1 p. 961 Gilgal *** Through the prophet Micah, Jehovah reminded his people of his blessings upon them. “From Shittim . . . to Gilgal” he had blocked the Moabite effort to corrupt them, had brought Israel across the Jordan, and had rolled away the reproach of Egypt. But Israel failed to discern these “righteous acts of Jehovah.”—Mic 6:5; Nu 25:1.

*** it-2 pp. 934-935 Shittim *** By means of his prophet Micah, Jehovah reminded the Israelites of what he had done in their behalf: “O my people, remember, please, what Balak the king of Moab counseled, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him. From Shittim it was, all the way to Gilgal, to the intent that the righteous acts of Jehovah might be known.” (Mic 6:5) While Israel was encamped on the Plains of Moab, which included Shittim, Jehovah frustrated Balak’s attempt to have Balaam curse the Israelites; he blocked the Moabite effort to bring ruin to his people. He enabled Israel to defeat the Midianites, who, along with the Moabites, had shared in getting many Israelites to become involved in immorality and idolatry. Jehovah brought Israel across the Jordan by a miracle, and at Gilgal he “rolled away the reproach of Egypt.”—Nu 22:4–25:8; 31:3-11, 48-50; Jos 3:1, 14-17; 5:9.

*** w03 8/15 pp. 19-20 What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? *** How God Treats His People 3 Let us first look at Micah 6:3-5 and note how Jehovah treats his people. Remember that in Micah’s time the Israelites are rebellious. Even so, Jehovah compassionately addresses them with the words, “O my people.” He pleads: “O my people, remember, please.” Rather than harshly accuse them, he tries to reach their heart by asking, “What have I done to you?” He even encourages them to “testify against” him. 4 What an example God sets for all of us! He compassionately called even the rebellious people of Israel and Judah of Micah’s day “my people” and addressed them with the term “please.” Certainly, then, we should display compassion and kindness in our dealings with those who are a part of the congregation. Granted, some may not be easy to get along with, or they may be spiritually weak. If they love Jehovah, however, we want to help them and show them compassion. (Micah 6:8) He has told you, O man, what is good. And what is Jehovah requiring of you? Only to exercise justice, to cherish loyalty, And to walk in modesty with your God!

*** it-2 p. 422 Modesty *** The Hebrew root verb tsa·naʽʹ is rendered “be modest” in Micah 6:8, its only occurrence. The related adjective tsa·nuʹaʽ (modest) occurs in Proverbs 11:2, where it is contrasted with presumptuousness. Although some modern scholars believe that the sense of this root is “be cautious, careful, judicious,” many take it to mean “be modest.” For example, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament (by Brown, Driver, and Briggs, 1980, p. 857) says that the root conveys the idea of one who is retiring, modest, or humble.

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*** cl chap. 16 “Exercise Justice” in Walking With God *** CHAPTER 16 “Exercise Justice” in Walking With God

IMAGINE being trapped on a sinking ship. Just when you think that there is no hope, a rescuer arrives and pulls you to safety. How relieved you feel as your rescuer takes you away from the danger and says: “You are safe now”! Would you not feel indebted to that person? In a very real sense, you would owe him your life. 2 In some respects, this illustrates what Jehovah has done for us. Surely we are indebted to him. After all, he has provided the ransom, making it possible for us to be rescued from the clutches of sin and death. We feel safe knowing that as long as we exercise faith in that precious sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and our eternal future is secure. (1 John 1:7; 4:9) As we saw in Chapter 14, the ransom is a supreme expression of Jehovah’s love and justice. How should we respond? 3 It is fitting to consider what our loving Rescuer himself asks back from us. Jehovah says by means of the prophet Micah: “He has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?” (Micah 6:8) Notice that one of the things Jehovah asks back from us is that we “exercise justice.” How can we do so? Pursuing “True Righteousness” 4 Jehovah expects us to live by his standards of right and wrong. Since his standards are just and righteous, we are pursuing justice and righteousness when we conform to them. “Learn to do good; search for justice,” says Isaiah 1:17. God’s Word exhorts us to “seek righteousness.” (Zephaniah 2:3) It also urges us to “put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness.” (Ephesians 4:24) True righteousness—true justice—shuns violence, uncleanness, and immorality, for these violate what is holy.—Psalm 11:5; Ephesians 5:3-5. 5 Is it a burden for us to conform to Jehovah’s righteous standards? No. A heart that is drawn to Jehovah does not chafe at his requirements. Because we love our God and all that he stands for, we want to live in a way that pleases him. (1 John 5:3) Recall that Jehovah “does love righteous acts.” (Psalm 11:7) If we are truly to imitate divine justice, or righteousness, we must come to love what Jehovah loves and hate what he hates.— Psalm 97:10. 6 It is not easy for imperfect humans to pursue righteousness. We must strip off the old personality with its sinful practices and put on the new one. The Bible says that the new personality is “being made new” through accurate knowledge. (Colossians 3:9, 10) The words “being made new” indicate that putting on the new personality is a continuing process, one that requires diligent effort. No matter how hard we try to do what is right, there are times when our sinful nature causes us to stumble in thought, word, or deed.— Romans 7:14-20; James 3:2. 7 How should we view setbacks in our efforts to pursue righteousness? Of course, we would not want to minimize the seriousness of sin. At the same time, we must never give up, feeling that our shortcomings make us unfit to serve Jehovah. Our gracious God has made provision to restore sincerely repentant ones to his favor. Consider the reassuring words of the apostle John: “I am writing you these things that you may not commit a sin.”

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But then he realistically added: “Yet, if anyone does commit a sin [because of inherited imperfection], we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 2:1) Yes, Jehovah has provided Jesus’ ransom sacrifice so that we might acceptably serve Him in spite of our sinful nature. Does that not move us to want to do our best to please Jehovah? The Good News and Divine Justice 8 We can exercise justice—in fact, imitate divine justice—by having a full share in preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom to others. What connection is there between Jehovah’s justice and the good news? 9 Jehovah will not bring an end to this wicked system without first having the warning sounded. In his prophecy about what would take place during the time of the end, Jesus said: “In all the nations the good news has to be preached first.” (Mark 13:10; Matthew 24:3) The use of the word “first” implies that other events will follow the worldwide preaching work. Those events include the foretold great tribulation, which will mean destruction for the wicked and will pave the way for a righteous new world. (Matthew 24:14, 21, 22) Certainly, no one can rightly charge Jehovah with being unjust toward the wicked. By having the warning sounded, he is giving such ones ample opportunity to change their ways and therefore escape destruction.—Jonah 3:1-10. 10 How does our preaching the good news reflect godly justice? First of all, it is only right that we do what we can to help others gain salvation. Consider again the illustration of being rescued from a sinking ship. Safe in a lifeboat, you would surely want to help others who are still in the water. Similarly, we have an obligation toward those who are still struggling in the “waters” of this wicked world. True, many reject our message. But as long as Jehovah continues to be patient, we have the responsibility to give them the opportunity to “attain to repentance” and thus come in line for salvation.—2 Peter 3:9. 11 By preaching the good news to all whom we meet, we display justice in another important way: We show impartiality. Recall that “God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:34, 35) If we are to imitate His justice, we must not prejudge people. Instead, we should share the good news with others regardless of their race, social status, or financial standing. We thus give all who will listen an opportunity to hear and respond to the good news.—Romans 10:11- 13. How We Treat Others 12 We can also exercise justice by treating others the way Jehovah treats us. It is all too easy to sit in judgment of others, criticizing their faults and questioning their motives. But who of us would want Jehovah to scrutinize our motives and shortcomings in a merciless manner? That is not how Jehovah deals with us. The psalmist observed: “If errors were what you watch, O Jah, O Jehovah, who could stand?” (Psalm 130:3) Are we not grateful that our just and merciful God chooses not to dwell on our failings? (Psalm 103:8-10) How, then, should we treat others? 13 If we appreciate the merciful nature of God’s justice, we will not be quick to judge others in matters that really do not concern us or that are of lesser importance. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned: “Stop judging that you may not be judged.” (Matthew 7:1) According to Luke’s account, Jesus added: “Stop condemning, and you will by no means be condemned.” (Luke 6:37) Jesus showed his awareness that imperfect humans have a tendency to be judgmental. Any of his listeners who were in the habit of harshly

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judging others were to stop it. 14 Why must we “stop judging” others? For one thing, our authority is limited. The disciple James reminds us: “One there is that is lawgiver and judge”—Jehovah. So James pointedly asks: “Who are you to be judging your neighbor?” (James 4:12; Romans 14:1-4) In addition, our sinful nature can so easily render our judgments unfair. Many attitudes and motives—including prejudice, injured pride, jealousy, and self-righteousness—can distort the way we see fellow humans. We have further limitations, and reflecting on these should restrain us from being quick to find fault with others. We cannot read hearts; nor can we know all the personal circumstances of others. Who, then, are we to impute wrong motives to fellow believers or to criticize their efforts in God’s service? How much better it is to imitate Jehovah by looking for the good in our brothers and sisters rather than focusing on their failings! 15 What about our family members? Sadly, in today’s world some of the harshest judgments are handed down in what should be a haven of peace—the home. It is not uncommon to hear about abusive husbands, wives, or parents who “sentence” their family members to a constant barrage of verbal or physical abuse. But vicious words, bitter sarcasm, and abusive treatment have no place among God’s worshipers. (Ephesians 4:29, 31; 5:33; 6:4) Jesus’ counsel to “stop judging” and “stop condemning” does not cease to apply when we are at home. Recall that exercising justice involves treating others the way Jehovah treats us. And our God is never harsh or cruel in dealing with us. Rather, he “is very tender in affection” toward those who love him. (James 5:11) What a marvelous example for us to imitate! Elders Serving “for Justice Itself” 16 All of us have a responsibility to exercise justice, but elders in the Christian congregation especially have a responsibility in this regard. Notice the prophetic description of “princes,” or elders, recorded by Isaiah: “Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes, they will rule as princes for justice itself.” (Isaiah 32:1) Yes, Jehovah expects elders to serve in the interests of justice. How can they do this? 17 These spiritually qualified men are well aware that justice, or righteousness, requires that the congregation be kept clean. At times, elders are obliged to judge cases of serious wrongdoing. When doing so, they remember that divine justice seeks to extend mercy if at all possible. They thus try to lead the sinner to repentance. But what if the sinner fails to manifest genuine repentance despite such efforts to help him? In perfect justice, Jehovah’s Word directs that a firm step be taken: “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.” That means expelling him from the congregation. (1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 2 John 9-11) It saddens the elders to have to take such action, but they recognize that it is necessary in order to protect the moral and spiritual cleanness of the congregation. Even then, they hope that someday the sinner will come to his senses and return to the congregation.—Luke 15:17, 18. 18 Serving in the interests of justice also involves offering Bible-based counsel when needed. Of course, elders do not look for flaws in others. Nor do they seize every opportunity to offer correction. But a fellow believer may take “some false step before he is aware of it.” Remembering that divine justice is neither cruel nor unfeeling will move elders to “try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness.” (Galatians 6:1) Hence, elders would not scold an erring one or employ harsh words. Instead, counsel that is given lovingly

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encourages the one receiving it. Even when giving pointed reproof—straightforwardly outlining the consequences of an unwise course—elders keep in mind that a fellow believer who has erred is a sheep in Jehovah’s flock. (Luke 15:7) When counsel or reproof is clearly motivated by and given in love, it is more likely to readjust the erring one. 19 Elders are often called upon to make decisions that affect their fellow believers. For example, elders periodically meet to consider whether other brothers in the congregation qualify to be recommended as elders or ministerial servants. The elders know the importance of being impartial. They let God’s requirements for such appointments guide them in making decisions, not relying on mere personal feelings. They thus act “without prejudgment, doing nothing according to a biased leaning.”—1 Timothy 5:21. 20 Elders administer divine justice in other ways as well. After foretelling that elders would serve “for justice itself,” Isaiah continued: “Each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land.” (Isaiah 32:2) Elders, then, strive to be sources of comfort and refreshment to their fellow worshipers. 21 Today, with all the problems that tend to dishearten, many need encouragement. Elders, what can you do to help “depressed souls”? (1 Thessalonians 5:14) Listen to them with empathy. (James 1:19) They may need to share the “anxious care” in their heart with someone they trust. (Proverbs 12:25) Reassure them that they are wanted, valued, and loved—yes, by Jehovah and also by their brothers and sisters. (1 Peter 1:22; 5:6, 7) In addition, you can pray with and for such ones. Hearing an elder say a heartfelt prayer in their behalf can be most comforting. (James 5:14, 15) Your loving efforts to help depressed ones will not go unnoticed by the God of justice. 22 Truly, we draw ever closer to Jehovah by imitating his justice! When we uphold his righteous standards, when we share the lifesaving good news with others, and when we choose to focus on the good in others rather than looking for their faults, we are displaying godly justice. Elders, when you protect the cleanness of the congregation, when you offer upbuilding Scriptural counsel, when you make impartial decisions, and when you encourage downhearted ones, you are reflecting godly justice. How it must delight Jehovah’s heart to look down from the heavens and see his people trying their best to “exercise justice” in walking with their God! [Footnotes] Some translations say “do not judge” and “do not condemn.” Such renderings imply “do not start judging” and “do not start condemning.” However, the Bible writers here use negative commands in the present (continuous) tense. So the actions described were currently going on but had to cease. At 2 Timothy 4:2, the Bible says that elders must at times “reprove, reprimand, exhort.” The Greek word rendered “exhort” (pa·ra·ka·leʹo) can mean “to encourage.” A related Greek word, pa·raʹkle·tos, can refer to an advocate in a legal matter. Thus, even when elders give firm reproof, they are to be helpers of those needing spiritual assistance. Questions for Meditation Deuteronomy 1:16, 17 What did Jehovah require of judges in Israel, and what might elders learn from this?

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Jeremiah 22:13-17 Jehovah warns against what unjust practices, and what is essential to imitating his justice? Matthew 7:2-5 Why should we not be quick to look for the faults in our fellow believers? James 2:1-9 How does Jehovah view the showing of favoritism, and how can we apply this counsel in our dealings with others?

*** w12 11/1 p. 22 pars. 1-6 “What Is Jehovah Asking Back From You?” *** Let us examine how the prophet Micah summed up God’s requirements.—Read Micah 6:8. “He has told you . . . what is good.” We do not have to guess what God expects of us. He has told us, plainly outlining his requirements in the Bible. What God asks of us “is good.” It could not be otherwise. “God is love,” so he has our best interests at heart. (1 John 4:8; 5:3) Heeding his requirements is not only pleasing to him but also beneficial to us.— Deuteronomy 10:12, 13. “What is Jehovah asking back from you?” Does God have the right to ask back anything from us? Of course he does! We owe him obedience as the Source and Sustainer of life. (Psalm 36:9) What, then, does he ask back from us? Micah sums up God’s requirements with three phrases. The first two principally involve our dealings with fellow humans, and the third involves our relationship with God. “Exercise justice.” The Hebrew word for “justice,” according to one reference work, “involves right and fair relationships in the community.” God asks us to treat others according to what is right and fair by his standards. We exercise justice by being impartial, upright, and honest in our dealings with others. (Leviticus 19:15; Isaiah 1:17; Hebrews 13:18) When we act justly toward others, they may be moved to act justly toward us in return.—Matthew 7:12. “To love kindness.” God asks us not merely to show kindness but to love it. The Hebrew word rendered “kindness” (cheʹsedh) may also be rendered “loving-kindness” or “loyal love.” Says one Bible scholar: “Love, mercy, and kindness are inadequate translations of [cheʹsedh]; it is no one of these virtues, but all of them together.” If we love kindness, we show it willingly; we find pleasure in helping those in need. As a result, we experience the happiness that comes from giving.—Acts 20:35. “To be modest in walking with your God.” In the Bible, the phrase “to walk” means “to follow a certain course of action.” We walk with God by following the life course he has outlined in the Bible. We need “to be modest” in pursuing such a course. How so? When we are modest before God, we realistically evaluate our position before him and recognize our limitations. Therefore, “to walk modestly with” means to have a realistic view of what he requires and of what we can give.

*** jd chap. 8 pp. 98-110 ‘What Is Jehovah Asking From You?’ *** WHAT IS JEHOVAH ASKING FROM YOU? 3 Reading Micah’s book, you might at first feel that it is a litany of accusations against the wayward Israelites. Granted, Jehovah was not blind to the moral decay of his dedicated people, including those he described as “haters of what is good and lovers of badness.” (Micah 3:2; 6:12) Still, along with the denunciation, there is one of the Bible’s most

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appealing and motivating admonitions. Micah focuses on the Source of righteous standards and asks this thought-provoking question: “What is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?”—Micah 6:8. 4 Do you discern here an entreaty from our Creator? We are lovingly reminded of positive attitudes that we are in a position to adopt rather than letting ourselves get sidetracked by prevailing wickedness. Jehovah knows that as loyal humans we want to cultivate godly qualities, and he does not lose faith in us. How would you respond if you were personally asked: ‘What is Jehovah asking from you?’ Can you pinpoint areas in your life where God’s moral standards are making—or should be making—a difference? Your relationship with God and the quality of your life will greatly improve as you keep measuring up to those standards. With a global paradise just before you, take encouragement from this exhortation: “Sow seed for yourselves in righteousness; reap in accord with loving- kindness. Till for yourselves arable land, when there is time for searching for Jehovah until he comes and gives instruction in righteousness to you.” (Hosea 10:12) Now let us examine some key points in the fine advice of Micah 6:8. “BE MODEST” 5 Significantly, Micah states that Jehovah is asking us to “be modest in walking with” Him. Being modest can only benefit us because “wisdom is with the modest ones.” (Proverbs 11:2) Being modest includes being aware of the limitations Adamic sin imposes on us. Our admitting that we are born in sin is a vital first step in striving to avoid any willful sin.— Romans 7:24, 25. 6 Why is modesty coupled with lowliness of mind so important in avoiding willful sin? Well, a modest person recognizes the power that sin can exert. (Psalm 51:3) Hosea helps us to understand that sin can be seductive and that it always proves devastating in the end. For example, Jehovah promised to “hold an accounting” for the disobedience of his ancient people. Does that sound as if those immodest sinners could escape all consequences? They may have hoped to, since sin often deludes and enslaves. More important, sin separates sinners from God, possibly causing them to reach this extreme: “Their dealings do not permit of a returning to their God.” Willful sin will erode the moral fiber of the wrongdoer’s life, transforming him into a ‘practicer of what is harmful.’ In addition, sin makes the sinner’s life fruitless. Granted, for a while he may seem successful, but the unrepentant sinner cannot expect to have God’s approval.—Hosea 1:4; 4:11-13; 5:4; 6:8. 7 Modest people also admit that they need God’s direction to avoid the sad consequences of sin. Micah foresaw a time—our day—when multitudes would eagerly seek to be ‘instructed about Jehovah’s ways’ and to “walk in his paths.” Such meek ones look for the “law” and “the word of Jehovah.” You are probably finding your happy place among those who desire to “walk in the name of Jehovah” by responding to his requirements. Even so, like Micah, you might be interested in additional ways to remain “morally clean.” (Micah 4:1-5; 6:11) Modestly seeking to do what Jehovah is asking from you will greatly assist you. CULTIVATE ELEVATED MORALS 8 In promoting our spiritual and physical welfare, Jehovah asks us to be morally chaste despite the degradation in the world around us. (Malachi 2:15) We are inundated by sexually charged messages. Many people feel that viewing pornographic pictures and

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films, reading about lewd sexual activities, and listening to songs with suggestive lyrics are a normal part of life. Beyond that, there are people who show disrespect for women, considering them little more than sexual objects. Or youths in school may pepper their talk with obscene jokes and sexual innuendos. How can you resist such corrupting influences? 9 The 12 prophets that we are considering offer precious admonition. They lived before the era of the multiscreen theater and the video store, yet in their time there were phallic symbols, so-called sacred prostitution, and shameless promiscuity. (1 Kings 14:24; Isaiah 57:3, 4; Habakkuk 2:15) You can see evidence of that in what the prophets wrote: “As to the men, it is with the harlots that they get off to themselves, and with the female temple prostitutes that they sacrifice.” “A man and his own father have gone to the same girl, for the purpose of profaning my holy name.” Some regularly made “payment for prostitutes” at fertility rites. Adultery was rampant, with unfaithful spouses “going after [their] passionate lovers.”—Hosea 2:13; 4:2, 13, 14; Amos 2:7; Micah 1:7, Contemporary English Version. 10 You probably realize that sexual immorality reflects a person’s attitude and motives. (Mark 7:20-22) Jehovah said about his immoral people that “the very spirit of fornication [“lusting for sex,” CEV] has caused them to wander off” and that “they have carried on nothing but loose conduct.” (Hosea 4:12; 6:9) Zechariah mentioned “the spirit of uncleanness.” (Zechariah 13:2) The people’s course involved a brazen attitude, disregard or even contempt for Jehovah’s standards and authority. Thus, in order to correct his motives, a person would have to change his thinking and his heart condition radically. Realizing this should make Christians even more thankful for the help they receive to avoid immorality and its tragic consequences. PURSUE CHASTITY 11 You may have seen that loose morals often break up families, deprive children of parental guidance, lead to loathsome diseases, and give rise to life-destroying abortions. Those who disregard the Creator in matters of sexuality frequently experience physical and emotional harm. Micah wrote: “Because of the fact that [a person] has become unclean, there is a wrecking; and the wrecking work is painful.” (Micah 2:10) Knowing this strengthens the resolve of godly people. They avoid defiling their heart and mind by dwelling on impure thoughts.—Matthew 12:34; 15:18. 12 Christians do not react merely out of fear of disease or illegitimacy. They see the value of cultivating love for God’s law and adopting his view of sexual morals. Jehovah set in humans a normal desire for sexual relations as an expression of marital love. That was part of God’s creative purpose. When kept in its proper context—marriage—sex works for the good, bringing a husband and wife together as one and sometimes resulting in procreation. Nevertheless, when sex is carried on outside of marriage, it is powerfully destructive, as borne out by what the 12 prophets depicted. Immoral sex practices led to God’s disapproval. That was a very high price to pay back then, and it would be an equally high price for any individual to pay today. 13 Hosea implored his contemporaries to remove, or ‘put away, fornication from before themselves,’ implying that they take concrete action to protect their morals. (Hosea 2:2) In our case, it is the wise course to remove ourselves from any compromising situation. For instance, you may face a recurring temptation at school or in your neighborhood. You may not be able to change schools or residences, yet there may be other ways to distance yourself from the tempting circumstance and consequently to ‘put away fornication from before you.’ Make it known to others that you are a true Christian, one of Jehovah’s

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Witnesses. In a clear, respectful way, explain your values and your beliefs. Be sure that others are aware that you are resolved to maintain Jehovah’s high standards. (Amos 5:15) Another means of ‘putting away fornication’ is by avoiding pornography and questionable entertainment. That may involve discarding a magazine or finding new companions—those who love Jehovah and who agree that you should do what he is asking from you. (Micah 7:5) Yes, with Jehovah’s help, you can avoid being contaminated by the world’s immorality! “LOVE KINDNESS” 14 Micah stressed that Jehovah asks us to “love kindness.” To be kind involves doing good things rather than anything harmful. Kindness is closely associated with goodness and moral excellence. It calls on us to be honest and just in our personal affairs and in our dealings with others. In Chapter 6 of this book, we examined important areas of life, such as business and money matters, in which justice and honesty play a vital role. But those are not the only areas of life in which we should be just, honest, and kind. 15 People who love kindness and who want to do good toward others strive to be above reproach. Jehovah said to the Israelites who were not fulfilling their material obligations toward pure worship: “You are robbing me.” (Malachi 3:8) Can you discern ways that one might be “robbing” God today? What if a Christian has access to funds contributed for the advancement of Kingdom interests in the local congregation or in another setting? Whose money is it? Such funds ultimately belong to Jehovah, since they were offered for the furtherance of his worship. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Should anyone think that he can “borrow” such money to care for a personal emergency or otherwise use dedicated funds without proper authorization? Of course not. That would be tantamount to stealing from God! And it would certainly not be acting kindly or justly toward those who contributed such funds for God’s work.—Proverbs 6:30, 31; Zechariah 5:3. 16 Kindness and goodness also move Christians to avoid covetousness. During Amos’ time, extreme greed was common. Insatiable predators were willing to ‘sell someone righteous’—their own fellow worshipper—“for mere silver”! (Amos 2:6) It was similar in Micah’s time, when the wealthy of Judah grabbed property from those who were too weak to defend themselves, taking it by force if necessary. (Micah 2:2; 3:10) In seizing the land of their fellowmen, those greedy individuals were violating Jehovah’s Law: including the last of the Ten Words and the regulations against permanent sale of inherited land.— Exodus 20:13, 15, 17; Leviticus 25:23-28. 17 It might not be as common today for humans to be sold or enslaved as it was in the days of the prophets. Yet, what about taking financial advantage of or exploiting others? A Christian who loves kindness will certainly not exploit his fellow worshippers. For example, he realizes that it would be neither proper nor kind to start a business or promote an investment scheme that targets fellow believers as the main customers. It would display greed, which Christians are warned against, to plan on making money hastily by exploiting fellow Christians. (Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; James 4:1-5) Greed can manifest itself in love of money, desire for power or gain, even voraciousness for food and drink, sex, or other things. Micah showed that self-serving, greedy people will “not get satisfied.” That is true today too.—Micah 6:14. 18 Jehovah instructed his people to ‘defraud no alien resident.’ And through Malachi, God declared: ‘I will come near to you people for the judgment, against those turning away the alien resident.’ (Zechariah 7:10; Malachi 3:5) Has the area where you live been undergoing change because of an influx of immigrants or others of a different nationality, race, or

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background? Perhaps they have moved there in search of security, jobs, or better living conditions. How do you view people whose language and lifestyle differ from yours? Do you find in yourself any tendencies toward prejudice, which would be precisely the opposite of kindness? 19 Think how positively people will react if you show that those who are from other lands or backgrounds are equally deserving of Christian truth. Kindness would also work against any feeling that such newcomers are infringing on the use of the Kingdom Hall or other resources. The apostle Paul reminded some first-century Jewish Christians, who felt a degree of prejudice toward non-Jews, that really no one was deserving; only God’s undeserved kindness made it possible for anyone to attain to salvation. (Romans 3:9-12, 23, 24) Kindness to others will move us to rejoice that God’s love is now reaching many people who previously may have had little opportunity to hear the good news. (1 Timothy 2:4) People from other lands or backgrounds are often disadvantaged, so we ought to show them concern and kindness, welcoming them into our midst, treating each one “like a native” among us.—Leviticus 19:34. WALK WITH THE TRUE GOD 20 Micah also emphasized walking with God, looking to him as the true God, seeking his guidance. (Proverbs 3:5, 6; Hosea 7:10) After the Jews returned from exile, some turned to diviners, fortune-tellers, and false gods, perhaps for help during a drought. In reality they invoked wicked spirit forces to assist them, despite Jehovah’s having clearly condemned all such practices. (Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Micah 3:6, 11; 5:12; Haggai 1:10, 11; Zechariah 10:1, 2) Those Jews were getting involved with spirit creatures who are in opposition to the true God! 21 Today some think that the wicked spirits mentioned in the Scriptures are merely symbolic of the concept of evil. However, the Bible reveals that the demons are real and are behind astrology, witchcraft, and some types of magic. (Acts 16:16-18; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6) The dangers of spiritism are equally real. People in many cultures look to shamans, or medicine men who claim mysterious powers, and to sorcerers. Others seek direction from the horoscope or employ tarot cards, divining rods, Ouija boards, or special crystals. Even attempts to communicate with spirits of the dead are quite common. Reportedly, certain statesmen have turned to astrology and spiritistic mediums for help in decision making. All of that is clearly contrary to Micah’s advice that we walk with the true God, following his guidance. 22 Certainly you—a true servant of Jehovah—must shun such practices. You can be sure that God never uses magic or the occult to reveal his will or to exercise his power. Instead, as Amos 3:7 assures us, Jehovah ‘reveals his confidential matter to his servants the prophets.’ Moreover, dabbling in the occult can bring one under the influence and control of the leader of the demons, Satan, who is a liar and whose strategy is to deceive people. He and his minions are out to harm, having always been cruel, even killing people. (Job 1:7-19; 2:7; Mark 5:5) Understandably, Micah condemned divination and sorceries when he urged us to walk with the true God. 23 True spirituality is found only with Jehovah and his pure worship. (John 4:24) “Make your requests of Jehovah,” the prophet Zechariah wrote. (Zechariah 10:1) Even if you experience attacks or temptations caused by wicked spirit forces, remember that “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will get away safe.” (Joel 2:32) This reassurance is significant as we keep close in mind his great day.

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24 Clearly, the words at Micah 6:8 provide us with much food for thought. To build strong morality, we need proper motives and godly qualities.

*** jd chap. 14 p. 182 par. 7 “A Blessing Until There Is No More Want” *** We saw earlier that the 12 prophets highlighted negative views and conduct as well as positive traits and deeds. Their doing so has put you in a better position to know what Jehovah is “asking back from you.” (Micah 6:8) Note “from you.” That emphasizes why each of us should analyze whether some more refining or cleansing on a personal level is in order.

*** w03 8/15 pp. 20-24 What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? *** We Must Exercise Justice 6 At Micah 6:8, we learn what Jehovah expects of us. Micah asks: “What is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?” These three requirements involve how we feel, think, and act. We must feel inclined to show these qualities, think about how to manifest them, and take action to display them. Let us consider these three requirements one at a time. 7 “To exercise justice” means to do what is right. God’s way of doing things is the standard of justice. Micah’s contemporaries, however, exercise not justice but injustice. In what ways? Consider Micah 6:10. At the end of that verse, merchants are described as using a “scrimped ephah measure,” that is, one that is too small. Verse 11 adds that they employ “deceptive stone weights.” And according to verse 12, “their tongue is tricky.” Thus, false measures, false weights, and false speech are rampant in the commercial world of Micah’s day. 8 Unjust practices are not limited to the marketplace. They are also common in court. Micah 7:3 indicates that “the prince is asking for something, and the one who is judging does so for the reward.” Bribes are given to judges so that they will impose unjust sentences upon innocent people. “The great one,” or influential citizen, joins in the crimes. In fact, Micah says that the prince, the judge, and the great man “interweave,” or coordinate, their wicked deeds. 9 The injustices practiced by the wicked leaders affect all of Judah and Israel. Micah 7:5 notes that a lack of justice has led to a lack of trust between companions, confidential friends, and even marriage mates. Verse 6 indicates that this has led to a state of affairs wherein relatives as close as sons and fathers, daughters and mothers, despise one another. 10 What about today? Do we not see similar conditions? Like Micah, we are surrounded by a lack of justice, an atmosphere of distrust, and a breakdown of social and family life. Yet, as God’s servants in the midst of this unrighteous world, we do not allow the spirit of this world’s unjust dealings to infiltrate the Christian congregation. Rather, we strive to uphold the principles of honesty and integrity, displaying these in our daily affairs of life. Indeed, we “conduct ourselves honestly in all things.” (Hebrews 13:18) Do you not agree that by exercising justice we enjoy rich blessings resulting from a brotherhood that manifests real trust?

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How Do People Hear “the Very Voice of Jehovah”? 11 Micah prophesies that despite unjust conditions, justice will reach all sorts of people. The prophet foretells that people will be gathered “from sea to sea, and from mountain to the mountain” to become worshipers of Jehovah. (Micah 7:12) Today, in the final fulfillment of this prophecy, not one particular nation, but individuals of all nations are benefiting from God’s impartial justice. (Isaiah 42:1) How is this proving true? 12 For an answer, consider Micah’s earlier words. Micah 6:9 states: “To the city the very voice of Jehovah calls out, and the person of practical wisdom will fear your name.” How do people of all nations hear “the very voice of Jehovah,” and how does this relate to our exercising of justice? Of course, people today do not literally hear God’s voice. Through our worldwide preaching work, however, Jehovah’s voice is being heard by individuals of all races and walks of life. As a result, those who listen ‘fear God’s name,’ coming to have reverential regard for it. We are certainly acting in a just and loving way by serving as zealous Kingdom proclaimers. By making known God’s name to everyone without partiality, we “exercise justice.” We Must Love Kindness 13 Next, let us discuss the second requirement mentioned at Micah 6:8. Jehovah expects us “to love kindness.” The Hebrew word translated “kindness” is also rendered “loving- kindness,” or “loyal love.” Loving-kindness is an active regard for others, a compassionate concern for them. Loving-kindness differs from the quality of love. How so? Love is a broader term, one that can be extended even to things and concepts. For instance, the Scriptures speak of a person who “is loving wine and oil” and of a man who “is loving wisdom.” (Proverbs 21:17; 29:3) On the other hand, loving-kindness always involves people, especially those serving God. Micah 7:20 therefore speaks of “the loving-kindness given to Abraham”—a man who served Jehovah God. 14 According to Micah 7:18, the prophet says that God “is delighting in loving-kindness.” At Micah 6:8, we are told not merely to show loving-kindness but to love that quality. What do we learn from these scriptures? Loving-kindness is shown willingly and freely because we want to show it. Like Jehovah, we find pleasure, or delight, in showing loving-kindness to those in need. 15 Today, such loving-kindness is a mark of God’s people. Consider just one example. In June of 2001, a tropical storm caused massive flooding in Texas, U.S.A., damaging thousands of homes, including hundreds of homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses. To help their Christian brothers in need, some 10,000 Witnesses willingly and freely offered their time and energy. For more than half a year, volunteers worked tirelessly, using their days, nights, and weekends to rebuild 8 Kingdom Halls and over 700 homes for their Christian brothers. Those who could not do such work donated food, supplies, and money. Why did all these thousands of Witnesses come to the aid of their brothers? Because they “love kindness.” And how heartwarming it is to know that such deeds of loving-kindness are shown by our brothers worldwide! Yes, meeting the requirement to “love kindness” is, not a burden, but a joy! Be Modest in Walking With God 16 The third requirement found at Micah 6:8 is “to be modest in walking with your God.” This means to recognize our limitations and to depend on God. To illustrate: Picture for a moment a little girl holding on tightly to the hand of her father while they walk through a

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storm. The girl well knows that her strength is limited, but she has confidence in her father. We too must know our limitations but have confidence in our heavenly Father. How can we maintain this confidence? For one thing, by keeping in mind why it is wise to stay close to God. Micah reminds us of three reasons: Jehovah is our Deliverer, our Guide, and our Protector. 17 According to Micah 6:4, 5, God says: “I brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” Yes, Jehovah was Israel’s Deliverer. Jehovah further says: “I proceeded to send before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam.” Moses and Aaron were used to guide the nation, and Miriam led the women of Israel in a victory dance. (Exodus 7:1, 2; 15:1, 19-21; Deuteronomy 34:10) Jehovah provided guidance by means of his servants. In verse 5, Jehovah reminds the nation of Israel that he protected them against Balak and Balaam and that he shielded the Israelites during the last leg of their journey from Shittim in Moab to Gilgal in the Promised Land. 18 As we walk with God, he delivers us from Satan’s world, guides us by means of his Word and his organization, and protects us as a group when we are under attack by opposers. We thus have ample reason to hold on tightly to the hand of our heavenly Father as we walk with him through the stormy final leg of our journey to something far greater than the ancient Promised Land—God’s righteous new world. 19 Being modest in walking with God helps us to have a realistic view of our circumstances. This is so because displaying modesty includes being aware of our limitations. Advanced age or failing health may place certain limits on what we can do in Jehovah’s service. Instead of allowing this to discourage us, however, it is good to remember that God accepts our efforts and sacrifices ‘according to what we have, not according to what we do not have.’ (2 Corinthians 8:12) Indeed, Jehovah expects us to serve him in a whole-souled way, doing whatever our circumstances allow. (Colossians 3:23) When we earnestly and zealously do all we can in his service, God blesses us richly.—Proverbs 10:22.

*** w03 12/15 p. 30 Do You Remember? *** • According to Micah 6:8, what does God require of us? We are “to exercise justice.” God’s way of doing things is the standard of justice, so we must uphold his principles of honesty and integrity. He tells us “to love kindness.” Christians have shown loving-kindness in responding to the needs of others, such as after disasters. For us “to be modest in walking with” Jehovah, we must recognize our limitations and depend on him.—8/15, pages 20-2.

*** be study 42 p. 231 par. 5 Informative to Your Audience *** Consider the possibilities with a text such as Micah 6:8 in the New World Translation. What is “justice”? Whose standard of justice is being discussed? How would you illustrate what is meant by “to exercise justice”? Or “to love kindness”? What is modesty? How would you apply the material in the case of an elderly person?

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*** w98 8/1 pp. 14-15 pars. 9-13 Imitate Jehovah—Exercise Justice and Righteousness *** One of the things Jehovah asks back from us is that we “exercise justice.” (Micah 6:8) How can we do this? Search for Justice, Pursue Righteousness 10 First of all, we must conform to God’s moral standards. Because God’s standards are just and righteous, we are exercising justice when we live in harmony with them. That is what Jehovah expects of his people. “Learn to do good; search for justice,” Jehovah told the Israelites. (Isaiah 1:17) Jesus gave similar counsel to his hearers in the Sermon on the Mount, when he instructed them to ‘seek first the kingdom and God’s righteousness.’ (Matthew 6:33) Paul encouraged Timothy to “pursue righteousness.” (1 Timothy 6:11) When we live in harmony with God’s standards of behavior and put on the new personality, we are pursuing true justice and righteousness. (Ephesians 4:23, 24) In other words, we search for justice by doing things God’s way. 11 As we are well aware, it is not always easy for imperfect humans to do what is just and right. (Romans 7:14-20) Paul encouraged the Roman Christians to fight against the mastery of sin, so that they could present their dedicated bodies to God as “weapons of righteousness,” which would be useful to God in accomplishing his purpose. (Romans 6:12-14) Likewise, by regularly studying and applying God’s Word, we can absorb the “mental-regulating of Jehovah” and be ‘disciplined in righteousness.’—Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. 12 Second, we exercise justice when we treat others the way we want Jehovah to treat us. It is easy to have a double standard—an indulgent one for ourselves but a strict one for others. We readily make excuses for our own shortcomings, yet we are quick to criticize the failings of others, which may well be insignificant compared to our own. Jesus pointedly asks: “Why, then, do you look at the straw in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the rafter in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:1-3) We should never forget that none of us could stand if Jehovah were to scrutinize our errors. (Psalm 130:3, 4) If Jehovah’s justice allows him to overlook our brothers’ weaknesses, who are we to judge them adversely?—Romans 14:4, 10. 13 Third, we display godly justice when we diligently engage in the preaching activity. “Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owing, when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it,” Jehovah counsels us. (Proverbs 3:27) It would not be right to keep to ourselves the life-giving knowledge that God has so generously granted us. True, many people may reject our message, but as long as God continues to extend mercy to them, we should be willing to keep giving them the opportunity “to attain to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) And like Jesus, we feel delighted when we are able to help someone turn to justice and righteousness. (Luke 15:7) Now is the favorable time for us to ‘sow seed in righteousness.’—Hosea 10:12.

*** w97 8/1 p. 19 par. 18 Let Your Brotherly Love Continue! *** 18 Jehovah urged his people Israel to display kindness. At Micah 6:8, we read: “He has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?” What does it mean to “love kindness”? The Hebrew word used here for “kindness” (cheʹsedh)

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has also been translated into English as “mercy.” According to The Soncino Books of the Bible, this word “denotes something more active than the abstract English word mercy. It means ‘mercy translated into deeds,’ the performance of personal acts of loving-kindness, not only to the poor and needy, but to all one’s fellow-men.” Thus another scholar says that cheʹsedh means “love translated into action.”

*** si p. 157 par. 14 Bible Book Number 33—Micah *** 14 Section 3 (6:1–7:20). A striking court scene is now presented in dialogue. Jehovah has “a legal case” with Israel, and he calls on the very hills and mountains as witnesses. (6:1) He challenges Israel to testify against him, and he recounts his righteous acts in their behalf. What does Jehovah require of earthling man? Not a multitude of animal sacrifices, but, rather, “to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with [his] God.” (6:8)

*** si p. 157 par. 16 Bible Book Number 33—Micah *** Simply and clearly, Micah 6:8 states that Jehovah’s requirement is for man to walk with Him in justice, kindness, and modesty.

*** w89 5/1 p. 14 Jehovah’s Justice and Name Exalted *** 6:8—Micah was not minimizing the value of the sin-atoning sacrifices but was highlighting what was truly valuable in Jehovah’s eyes. (Compare Deuteronomy 10:12.) For the sacrifices to be acceptable to Jehovah, the sinner had to manifest the qualities of justice, kindness, and modesty. Today, Jehovah looks for the same in our service.—1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

*** w88 3/15 Serving as Jehovah’s Trusting Fellow Workers *** Serving as Jehovah’s Trusting Fellow Workers “He has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?”—MICAH 6:8.

THE Christian apostle John wrote: “See what sort of love the Father has given us, so that we should be called children of God; and such we are.” (1 John 3:1) And the apostle Paul said of himself and his companion Apollos: “We are God’s fellow workers.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) Both of these statements were made by and about anointed followers of Jesus Christ. But in principle they apply to all true servants of God. So these could be paraphrased to say: ‘See what sort of love the Father has bestowed upon us in that we should be Jehovah’s fellow workers.’ 2 How is it possible for weak, imperfect humans to be fellow workers of the great Creator, who is infinite in power and wisdom, perfect in justice, and the personification of love? This is possible because our first parents were made in the image and likeness of the Creator and of his fellow worker, the Word, or Logos. (Genesis 1:26, 27; John 1:1) So our first parents were given a measure of wisdom, justice, power, and love. That is why Jehovah could say to his earthly servants by means of his prophet: “He has told you, O earthling man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and

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to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?”—Micah 6:8. 3 When we read the words, “What is Jehovah asking back from you but . . . ?” the implication seems to be that what follows fairly well summarizes ‘earthling man’s’ responsibility toward God and fellow humans. To what extent this really is so will become apparent as our discussion proceeds. Of course, not just anybody can walk with Jehovah. This privilege is reserved for those who ‘have met him by appointment,’ so to speak. (Amos 3:3) How so? By having made an unreserved dedication to Jehovah and symbolized this by water baptism, as indicated in the previous article. So, what does Micah 6:8 mean for these individuals? ‘Exercising Justice’ 4 To begin with, there is the requirement to “exercise justice.” As fellow workers of Jehovah God, we must hold a good conscience. To “exercise justice” basically means to do what is right, what is required of us by God. This means that we must fulfill our obligations, the chief one being to give Jehovah exclusive devotion. (Nahum 1:2) He tolerates no rivalry. We simply cannot slave for two masters.—1 Corinthians 10:22; Matthew 6:24. 5 Moreover, to “exercise justice,” we must ‘love righteousness and hate wickedness,’ as Jesus Christ did. Because of his love of righteousness, he kept himself “guileless, undefiled, separated from the sinners.” (Psalm 45:7; Hebrews 7:26) And because Jesus hated wickedness, it was with righteous indignation that he castigated the hypocritical and greedy religious leaders of his day.—Matthew 23:13-36; John 8:44. 6 As can be seen from Jesus’ example, it is not enough to love righteousness. We must also hate—yes, abhor, detest, loathe, have a strong aversion for—what is bad. Because our inclinations are bad from our youth up and our hearts are deceitful, treacherous, we need more than merely a mental assent that what is bad is forbidden. (Genesis 8:21; Jeremiah 17:9) Unless we strongly oppose sinful tendencies and temptations, we will succumb to their allurements. We must have the same strong aversion for what is bad that Phinehas displayed when he used a lance to pierce through the couple united in the immoral worship of the Baal of Peor.—Numbers 25:5-8. 7 Jehovah does not want and will not use as his fellow workers any individuals who are wicked. This is made clear at Psalm 50:16-18, where we read: “But to the wicked one God will have to say: ‘What right do you have to enumerate my regulations, and that you may bear my covenant in your mouth? Why, you—you have hated discipline, and you keep throwing my words behind you. Whenever you saw a thief, you were even pleased with him; and your sharing was with adulterers.’” 8 We may keep busy in Jehovah’s service, preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom. But if we are not very careful to exercise self-control, we may transgress because of fleshly weaknesses and bring reproach upon Jehovah’s name. Thus, a few years ago an elder committed adultery with a spiritual sister who had an unbelieving husband. On the evening that the disfellowshipping of the former elder was announced, the infuriated husband strode into the Kingdom Hall with a shotgun and fired shots at the two guilty individuals. Neither of them was killed, but the next day this was front-page news in the largest newspaper in the United States! Truly, wrongdoing brings reproach.—Proverbs 6:32.

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9 Fittingly, therefore, we are counseled: “More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) Yes, we must discipline ourselves as to what we let our figurative hearts dwell on. More and more, television, magazines, and other forms of the media feature unclean things, including pornography. Therefore, we must be very selective about what we watch, listen to, and read. Personal thought control is so important! For instance, it might be easy to derive pleasure from conjuring up in our minds sexual fantasies, things that we would not think of trying to act out in real life. (Matthew 5:28) But often such thinking does result in bad actions. Instead of mentally dwelling on such matters, then, let us display the holy spirit’s fruit of self-control and dwell on the things listed at Philippians 4:8.—Galatians 5:22, 23. “Love Kindness” 10 The second requirement mentioned at Micah 6:8 is that we “love kindness.” “Love loyalty” is the way The New English Bible reads here. A footnote in the New World Translation Reference Bible shows that the Hebrew word cheʹsedh, rendered “kindness,” could also be rendered “loving-kindness” or “loyal love.” According to lexicographers, “loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.” “Loyal adds to faithful the idea of wanting to stand by and fight for the person or thing, even against heavy odds.” Interestingly, in the Scriptures we also find a slight difference in the use of these words. For example, the term “loyalty” is never used of inanimate things. But the word “faithful” repeatedly is. Thus, the moon is called “a faithful witness in the skies.” (Psalm 89:37) Then, too, God’s words are said to be faithful, that is, dependable. (Revelation 21:5; 22:6) Loyalty, however, is attributed only to Jehovah God and his approved servants. Accordingly, concerning Jehovah, we read: “With someone loyal you will act in loyalty.”— 2 Samuel 22:26. 11 The Son of God was faithful and loyal to Jehovah in heaven. On earth, he underwent testings as the man Jesus Christ and proved by his obedience that he was both faithful and loyal as a human. This is indicated by Hebrews 5:7-9, where we read: “In the days of his flesh Christ offered up supplications and also petitions to the One who was able to save him out of death, with strong outcries and tears, and he was favorably heard for his godly fear. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered; and after he had been made perfect he became responsible for everlasting salvation to all those obeying him.” Tests of Loyalty 12 Loyalty to Jehovah God requires that we also be loyal to his servants on earth, our fellow Christians. The apostle John makes this clear when he reminds us: “He who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20) The imperfections of others may test our loyalty in this regard. For instance, when they have been offended, some have manifested a weakness in their loyalty to Jehovah’s organization by staying away from Christian meetings. Another test of our loyalty to our brothers arises when those whom Jehovah is using to take the lead err in judgment. Now and then, such mistakes have been used by some as an excuse to take umbrage and disassociate themselves from Jehovah’s visible organization. But is their course of action justified? By no means! 13 Why are such persons not justified in leaving God’s organization? Because his Word assures us: “Abundant peace belongs to those loving [Jehovah’s] law, and for them there is no stumbling block.” (Psalm 119:165) Moreover, we are commanded to “have intense

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love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8; Proverbs 10:12) Furthermore, suppose a person was to separate himself from Jehovah’s people. Where could he go? Is he not faced with the same issue that confronted Jesus’ apostles when he asked them if they also wanted to leave him? The apostle Peter rightly replied: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.” (John 6:68) There is nowhere else to go but to “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion, or into the clutches of Satan’s political “wild beast.” (Revelation 13:1; 18:1-5) Largely, disloyal ones who have left Jehovah’s visible organization have made common cause with those in God-dishonoring “Babylon the Great.” “Be Modest in Walking With Your God” 14 The English word “modest” has several meanings. It can refer to that which is unpretentious, “limited in size, amount, or scope.” Or it can have the meaning of chasteness, “observing the proprieties of dress and behavior.” (1 Timothy 2:9) Then there is the meaning of “modest” with which we are especially concerned, that is, being aware of one’s limitations or “placing a moderate estimate on one’s abilities or worth.” We could never be one of Jehovah’s fellow workers if we had too high an opinion of ourselves, drawing attention to ourselves instead of drawing primary attention to Jehovah God. 15 ‘Placing a moderate estimate on our abilities or worth’ is the apparent meaning we should attach to the Hebrew word rendered “modest” at Micah 6:8. This is evident from the way the word is used in its only other occurrence in the Hebrew Scriptures. At Proverbs 11:2 it is contrasted not with sexual uncleanness but with presumptuousness, which results from thinking too highly of oneself. There we read: “Has presumptuousness come? Then dishonor will come; but wisdom is with the modest ones.” Being modest goes hand in hand with having the fear of Jehovah, which is also associated with wisdom. (Psalm 111:10) A modest person has the fear of Jehovah because he realizes what a great difference there is between him and God, between Jehovah’s righteousness and power and his own imperfection and weaknesses. Therefore, the modest person works out his salvation with fear and trembling.—Philippians 2:12. 16 There are ever so many reasons why Jehovah’s fellow workers should be modest! Regardless of the wisdom we may have, the physical strength we may be endowed with, or how much material wealth we may possess, we have no grounds for boasting. (Jeremiah 9:23) Why not? Because of the principle stated at 1 Corinthians 4:7: “Who makes you to differ from another? Indeed, what do you have that you did not receive? If, now, you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as though you did not receive it?” We also do not have any reason for boasting because of the fruits of our ministry, for what do we read at 1 Corinthians 3:6, 7? There Paul said: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow; so that neither is he that plants anything nor is he that waters, but God who makes it grow.” Jesus’ words at Luke 17:10 should also help to keep us modest, for he said: “When you have done all the things assigned to you, say, ‘We are good-for- nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.’” 17 Being modest truly is the course of wisdom. Modesty enables us to be content wherever we are privileged to serve. If we are modest, we will not ambitiously try to shine but will be content to conduct ourselves as “a lesser one.” (Luke 9:48) Then, too, we will have the attitude of the psalmist, who declared: “A day in your courtyards is better than a thousand elsewhere. I have chosen to stand at the threshold in the house of my God rather than to move around in the tents of wickedness.” (Psalm 84:10) Moreover, if we are

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modest, we will have the love that will move us to take the lead in showing honor to others.—Romans 12:10. Modesty Becoming to Youth 18 Especially is it fitting that Christian youths adorn themselves with the garment of modesty. What a fine example Elihu furnished for them! Although he had the right answers, he was willing to wait respectfully until the older men had spoken. (Job 32:6, 7) Often, youths are prone to feel self-confident, to be little aware of their limitations. Because they have physical strength and have acquired some knowledge, they may tend to look down on their elders. But knowledge is not synonymous with wisdom, which is the application of knowledge. Typical is the sad record that modern youths are making in the United States. There, 63 percent of arrests for major crimes involve young people up to 24 years of age, with 30 percent of arrests being of those under age 18. It also is reported that “drunk or drug-impaired driving is the chief cause of death among Americans aged 15- 24.” In that land, “more and more teenage marriages are ending in divorce,” whereas it is reported that “marriages are more likely to last if the bride and groom have a few more years of wisdom behind them when they go to the altar.” 19 How wise, then, the counsel of God’s Word! Appropriately, it instructs youths to honor their father and their mother, being obedient to them in everything. (Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20) Especially should youths take to heart the wise counsel: “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight.”—Proverbs 3:5, 6. 20 What rewards can all of us expect if, after having demonstrated trust in Jehovah by means of dedication and water baptism, we ‘exercise justice, display loyal love, and are modest in walking with our God’? Most important of all, we will have Jehovah’s approval because of meeting his requirements and will thus make his heart glad by sharing in the sanctification of his great and fear-inspiring name. (Proverbs 27:11) Moreover, we will realize in our own lives the truth of the principle that “godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.”—1 Timothy 4:8. [Footnotes] In the western part of the United States, there is a geyser that for many years, on an average, erupted once every 65 minutes. It thus earned its name, Old Faithful. (Micah 6:9) The voice of Jehovah calls out to the city; Those with practical wisdom will fear your name. Pay attention to the rod and to the one who appointed it.

*** w16 October pp. 18-19 Do You “Safeguard Practical Wisdom”? *** First, note that Micah 6:9 says: “Those with practical wisdom will fear [God’s] name.” Fearing Jehovah’s name implies respecting him. It means having wholesome reverence for what his name represents, including his standards. To respect someone, you need to know how he thinks. Then you can put your trust in him and learn from him, imitating his successes. If we are concerned about the long-term effects our actions will have on our relationship with Jehovah and if we base our decisions on his standards, then we are gaining practical wisdom.

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*** w03 8/15 p. 21 par. 12 What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? *** Micah 6:9 states: “To the city the very voice of Jehovah calls out, and the person of practical wisdom will fear your name.” How do people of all nations hear “the very voice of Jehovah,” and how does this relate to our exercising of justice? Of course, people today do not literally hear God’s voice. Through our worldwide preaching work, however, Jehovah’s voice is being heard by individuals of all races and walks of life. As a result, those who listen ‘fear God’s name,’ coming to have reverential regard for it. We are certainly acting in a just and loving way by serving as zealous Kingdom proclaimers. By making known God’s name to everyone without partiality, we “exercise justice.” (Micah 6:10) Are there still the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked And the incomplete eʹphah measure that is detestable?

*** jd chap. 6 pp. 75-77 pars. 13-14 “Let Justice Roll Forth”—A Key to Knowing God *** 13 Micah 6:10-12 sheds still more light on justice: “Do there yet exist in the house of a wicked one the treasures of wickedness, and the scrimped ephah measure that is denounced? Can I be morally clean with wicked scales and with a bag of deceptive stone weights? For her own . . . inhabitants have spoken falsehood, and their tongue is tricky.” Today we may measure foods in liters or quarts, not ephahs. Or we weigh things in kilos or pounds rather than in stone weights on a balance. Still, Micah’s point is clear. Merchants or businessmen in his day were cheats; by not using standardized weights and measures, they treated people unjustly. ‘Wicked ones’ is what God called those ‘tricky with their mouth’ and in their business dealings.—Deuteronomy 25:13-16; Proverbs 20:10; Amos 8:5. 14 Do Micah’s words on deceptive weights and measures have a bearing on how you run your business or what you do as an employee? It is something to think about, since there are countless ways customers and clients get defrauded. For example, some unscrupulous contractors put less than the normal or legal amount of cement in a mix. Or, in areas that he knows will be hidden, a craftsman may use cheaper materials than what is paid for. Some merchants pass off as brand-new items that are actually used. And you may have heard of other so-called tricks of the trade employed to increase profits. Would you be tempted to try them? A recent book on protecting one’s privacy noted that Jehovah’s Witnesses “believe their Creator is watching them, and most would rather die than steal.” It added: “They are in demand in businesses where large sums of money are being handled.” Why? Because true Christians know that Jehovah is ‘asking them to exercise justice,’ including in their business and financial affairs.—Micah 6:8.

*** w03 8/15 p. 20 par. 7 What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? *** Consider Micah 6:10. At the end of that verse, merchants are described as using a “scrimped ephah measure,” that is, one that is too small.

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(Micah 6:11) Can I be morally clean with wicked scales, With a bag of fraudulent stone weights?

*** jd chap. 9 p. 116 par. 10 Dealing With Others as God Desires *** Micah tells us: “Her own rich men have become full of violence, and her own inhabitants have spoken falsehood, and their tongue is tricky in their mouth.” (Micah 6:12) It is good that we be aware of how those prophets condemned the “practicing of deception” and those whose “tongue is tricky in their mouth.” Thus even Christians, who would certainly not tell deliberate lies, can ask: ‘Might I at times practice deception or have a tricky tongue in my mouth? What does God desire of me in this respect?’

*** jd chap. 9 pp. 117-120 Dealing With Others as God Desires *** AVOID VIOLENCE IN YOUR DEALINGS 13 Micah 6:12 tells us that one way in which God’s ancient people mistreated others was ‘they spoke falsehood, and their tongue was tricky in their mouth.’ However, that verse identified yet another serious defect. It mentioned that the ‘rich men had become full of violence.’ How was that, and what lesson can we draw from it?

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14 Consider the reputation of some nations located near God’s people. To the northeast was Assyria, with its capital, Nineveh, about which Nahum wrote: “Woe to the city of bloodshed. She is all full of deception and of robbery. Prey does not depart!” (Nahum 3:1) The Assyrians were known for aggressive warfare and cruelty to prisoners of war—some prisoners were burned or skinned alive, and others were blinded or had their nose, ears, or fingers cut off. The book Gods, Graves, and Scholars says: “Nineveh was impressed on the consciousness of mankind by little else than murder, plunder, suppression, and the violation of the weak; by war and all manner of physical violence.” We have an eyewitness to (and possible sharer in) that violence. After hearing Jonah’s message, the king of Nineveh said regarding his people: “Let them cover themselves with sackcloth, man and domestic animal; and let them call out to God with strength and come back, each one from his bad way and from the violence that was in their hands.”—Jonah 3:6-8. 15 Gross violence was not confined to Assyria. Edom, to the southeast of Judah, also faced retribution. Why? “As regards Edom, a wilderness of desolate waste it will become, because of the violence to the sons of Judah, in whose land they shed innocent blood.” (Joel 3:19) Did the Edomites take that warning to heart and end their violent ways? Some two centuries later, Obadiah wrote: “Your mighty men must become terrified, O Teman [an Edomite city], . . . Because of the violence to your brother Jacob, . . . you will have to be cut off to time indefinite.” (Obadiah 9, 10) What, though, about God’s people? 16 Amos revealed the situation in Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom: “‘See the many disorders in the midst of her and cases of defrauding inside her. And they have not known how to do what is straightforward,’ is the utterance of Jehovah, ‘those who are storing up violence and despoiling.’” (Amos 3:9, 10) You might think that it would be different in Judah, where Jehovah’s temple was located. But Habakkuk, who lived in Judah, asked God: “How long shall I call to you for aid from violence, and you do not save? Why is it that you make me see what is hurtful, and you keep looking upon mere trouble? And why are despoiling and violence in front of me?”—Habakkuk 1:2, 3; 2:12. 17 Could it be that violence became common among God’s people because they allowed themselves to be influenced by the attitude that Assyria, Edom, or other nations had toward violence? Solomon had warned of such a possibility: “Do not become envious of the man of violence, nor choose any of his ways.” (Proverbs 3:31; 24:1) Later, Jeremiah was specific: “This is what Jehovah has said: ‘Do not learn the way of the nations at all.’”— Jeremiah 10:2; Deuteronomy 18:9. (Micah 7:3) Their hands are expert at doing what is bad; The prince is making demands, The judge asks for a reward, The prominent one makes known his desires, And they work it out together.

*** jd chap. 6 p. 78 par. 16 “Let Justice Roll Forth”—A Key to Knowing God *** Switching to another illustration from rural life, Micah said that princes ‘who were judging for a reward’ were like a brier or a thorn hedge. (Micah 7:3, 4) Imagine passing through an area full of briers and thorn hedges. Likely, you would get scratched, and your clothes would be ripped. That illustrates the effect of the leaders on God’s people. Rather than dealing with their brothers justly, they were treacherous and corrupt.—Micah 3:9, 11.

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*** w03 8/15 p. 20 par. 8 What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? *** 8 Unjust practices are not limited to the marketplace. They are also common in court. Micah 7:3 indicates that “the prince is asking for something, and the one who is judging does so for the reward.” Bribes are given to judges so that they will impose unjust sentences upon innocent people. “The great one,” or influential citizen, joins in the crimes. In fact, Micah says that the prince, the judge, and the great man “interweave,” or coordinate, their wicked deeds. (Micah 7:4) Their best one is like thorns, Their most upright one is worse than a thorn hedge. The day of your watchmen and of your reckoning will come. Now they will panic.

*** it-1 p. 367 Brier *** The moral decay of the nation of Israel caused the prophet Micah to say of the people that their “best one is like a brier [Heb., kecheʹdheq], their most upright one is worse than a thorn hedge,” evidently meaning that even the best among the Israelites was as hurtful to those having dealings with him as is a prickly brier or a thorn hedge to anyone approaching too close.—Mic 7:4.

*** it-1 p. 1084 Hedge *** With reference to the moral corruption existing among the Israelites of his day, Micah wrote that “their most upright one is worse than a thorn hedge,” that is, prickly, hurtful, and injurious.—Mic 7:4.

*** w13 11/15 p. 10 par. 3 How Can We Maintain “a Waiting Attitude”? *** 3 Read Micah 7:2-6. Jehovah’s prophet Micah saw conditions in Israel deteriorate spiritually until they became appalling under the rulership of wicked King Ahaz. Micah likens the unfaithful Israelites to “a brier” and “a thorn hedge.” Just as a brier or a thorn hedge injures anyone who walks into it, those corrupt Israelites harmed anyone with whom they had dealings.

*** w89 5/1 p. 14 Jehovah’s Justice and Name Exalted *** 7:4—The brier and the thorn hedge are plants that can snag clothing and rip the flesh. Micah was here describing the moral decay of the nation in his day. So he evidently meant that even the best among the wayward Israelites was as hurtful or painful as a brier or thorn hedge to anyone getting too close.

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(Micah 7:6) For a son despises his father, A daughter rises up against her mother, And a daughter-in-law is against her mother-in-law; A man’s enemies are the men of his household.

*** w13 11/15 p. 11 par. 4 How Can We Maintain “a Waiting Attitude”? *** Jesus said that his followers would face family opposition, and he used words similar to those recorded at Micah 7:6 to describe the impact that his message would have. “I came to cause division,” said Jesus, “with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a young wife against her mother-in-law. Indeed, a man’s enemies will be persons of his own household.” (Matt. 10:35, 36) (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.

*** w13 11/15 pp. 10-11 How Can We Maintain “a Waiting Attitude”? *** How Can We Maintain “a Waiting Attitude”? “I will show a waiting attitude.”—MIC. 7:7.

HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER? What can we learn from Micah’s example? We are waiting to see what events? What are some ways in which we may express appreciation for Jehovah’s patience? WHEN the Messianic Kingdom was established in 1914, Satan’s system entered its final days. As a result of the war in heaven, Jesus hurled the Devil and the demons down to the vicinity of the earth. (Read Revelation 12:7-9.) Satan knows that he has only “a short period of time.” (Rev. 12:12) However, that “period of time” has gone on for decades, and some may feel that the last days have lasted a long time. As we wait for Jehovah to act, have we personally become impatient? 2 Impatience can be dangerous, for it can cause us to behave rashly. How can we maintain a waiting attitude? This article will help us to do so by answering the following questions. (1) What can we learn about patience from the example set by the prophet Micah? (2) What events will signal the end of our waiting period? (3) How can we express our appreciation for Jehovah’s patience? WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM MICAH’S EXAMPLE? 3 Read Micah 7:2-6. Jehovah’s prophet Micah saw conditions in Israel deteriorate spiritually until they became appalling under the rulership of wicked King Ahaz. Micah likens the unfaithful Israelites to “a brier” and “a thorn hedge.” Just as a brier or a thorn hedge injures anyone who walks into it, those corrupt Israelites harmed anyone with whom they had dealings. The corruption became so great that even family relationships broke down. Aware that he could do nothing to change the situation himself, Micah poured out his heart to Jehovah. Then he waited patiently for God to act. Micah was confident that Jehovah would intervene in His own time. 4 Like Micah, we have to live among selfish people. Many are “unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection.” (2 Tim. 3:2, 3) We find it distressing when workmates, schoolmates,

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and neighbors show a self-centered attitude. Some of God’s servants, though, have an even greater challenge. Jesus said that his followers would face family opposition, and he used words similar to those recorded at Micah 7:6 to describe the impact that his message would have. “I came to cause division,” said Jesus, “with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a young wife against her mother-in-law. Indeed, a man’s enemies will be persons of his own household.” (Matt. 10:35, 36) What a difficult thing it is to endure the ridicule and opposition of family members who do not share our faith! If we face such a trial, let us not cave in to family pressure. Instead, may we remain loyal and wait patiently for Jehovah to resolve matters. If we constantly ask for his help, he will give us the strength and wisdom needed in order to endure. 5 Jehovah rewarded Micah for his patience. Micah witnessed the end of King Ahaz and his wicked rule. He saw Ahaz’ son, good King Hezekiah, inherit the throne and restore pure worship. And Jehovah’s judgment message against Samaria through Micah was fulfilled when the Assyrians invaded the northern kingdom of Israel.—Mic. 1:6. 6 However, Micah did not witness the fulfillment of all that Jehovah inspired him to prophesy about. For example, Micah wrote: “In the final part of the days . . . the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it peoples must stream. And many nations will certainly go and say: ‘Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah.’” (Mic. 4:1, 2) Micah died long before that prophecy was fulfilled. Even so, he was determined to remain loyal to Jehovah even to death, no matter what others around him did. In this regard, Micah wrote: “All the peoples, for their part, will walk each one in the name of its god; but we, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.” (Mic. 4:5) Micah could wait patiently during distressing times because he had absolute confidence that Jehovah would fulfill all of His promises. The faithful prophet trusted in Jehovah. 7 Do we have similar confidence in Jehovah? We have good reason for such trust. We have witnessed firsthand the fulfillment of Micah’s prophecy. During “the final part of the days,” millions from all nations and tribes and tongues have streamed to “the mountain of the house of Jehovah.” Despite having come from rival nations, these worshippers have beaten “their swords into plowshares,” and they refuse to “learn war anymore.” (Mic. 4:3) What a privilege we have to be numbered among Jehovah’s peaceful people!

*** jd chap. 3 pp. 39-40 pars. 19-21 The Day of Jehovah—A Vital Theme *** We need the right attitude—and actions to match. Micah said: “As for me, it is for Jehovah that I shall keep on the lookout. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation.”—Micah 7:7. 20 If you have this waiting attitude, you will give evidence that you are ready, on the lookout for the day of Jehovah. You will not be concerned about the date on which that day may come or how long you have waited for it. All the prophecies regarding that day will be fulfilled in Jehovah’s due time and will not be delayed. Jehovah told Habakkuk: “The vision is yet for the appointed time, and it keeps panting on to the end, and it will not tell a lie. Even if it should delay [from a human standpoint], keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late [from Jehovah’s viewpoint].”—Habakkuk 2:3. 21 In this book, you will learn how you can show a waiting attitude for the God of salvation.

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*** jd chap. 12 p. 152 par. 2 “Keep in Expectation of It” *** For instance, Micah served when the punishment of Samaria at the hands of the Assyrians in 740 B.C.E. was approaching. (See the time line on pages 20 and 21.) Later in the stream of time, but just as certain, was the day of Jehovah against Judah. Since Micah did not know exactly when God would act, did he conclude that he should just sit and do little, hoping that God would act soon? Here are Micah’s words: “As for me, it is for Jehovah that I shall keep on the lookout. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7) Yes, confident of what was coming, Micah was like an active sentry on a watchtower.—2 Samuel 18:24-27; Micah 1:3, 4.

*** jd chap. 12 pp. 155-156 pars. 8-9 “Keep in Expectation of It” *** 8 Admittedly, a Christian could think of the situation that prevailed in the days of Micah, Zephaniah, and Habakkuk with a somewhat detached interest. “After all,” he might say, “it was such a long time ago!” But what lessons are there for us? We have already mentioned Peter’s counsel about Christians’ needing to be persons of “holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion.” Right after those words, Peter stressed another need—our need to be “awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.” (2 Peter 3:11, 12) Hence, we should be “keeping close in mind” that day, being “in expectation of it.” 9 Whether we have been serving Jehovah for a few years or for many decades, are we ‘keeping on the lookout and showing the same waiting attitude’ that Micah showed? (Romans 13:11) Granted, as humans, we might long to know when the end will come and how much time remains until that event. Yet, we simply cannot know. Recall Jesus’ words: “If the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. On this account you too prove yourselves ready, because at an hour that you do not think to be it, the Son of man is coming.”—Matthew 24:43, 44.

*** jd chap. 12 pp. 157-158 “Keep in Expectation of It” *** “IN EXPECTATION” OR “SATISFIED”? 11 Consider another lesson that we can draw from the prophets who lived in a period when the executions of Jehovah’s judgments, first against Israel and then against Judah, were approaching. While Micah ‘kept on the lookout and showed a waiting attitude,’ many around him did not. They became “haters of what is good and lovers of badness.” Micah warned that if they would not change, they could ‘call to Jehovah for aid, but he would not answer them.’ (Micah 3:2, 4; 7:7)

*** jd chap. 12 pp. 161-162 “Keep in Expectation of It” *** LIVE WITH VALID EXPECTATIONS 17 Like true worshippers of old, we can be confident that what God promised will be fulfilled on time, at his appointed time. (Joshua 23:14) The prophet Micah was wise to show a waiting attitude for the God of his salvation. With our historical perspective, we can look at a time line of his period and see how near Micah lived to the time when Samaria was conquered. What about us and the time in which we live? When we look back on our

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life, will it be clear that we made wise choices, such as those about a secular career, a lifestyle, and the full-time ministry? Granted, we do not know “that day and hour.” (Matthew 24:36-42) There is no question, though, that we are acting wisely if we cultivate an attitude like that of Micah and act accordingly. And when Micah is rewarded with life in a restored earthly paradise, how pleased he will be to know that we have benefited from his prophetic message and faithful example! We will have become living proof that Jehovah is the God of salvation!

*** w04 10/1 pp. 20-23 What Kind of Waiting Attitude Do You Have? *** What Kind of Waiting Attitude Do You Have? IN TODAY’S world, few people enjoy waiting for someone or something. It tests their patience. The Scriptures, however, encourage God’s people to cultivate “a waiting attitude.” In contrast with the people around him, the prophet Micah declared: “I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation.”—Micah 7:7; Lamentations 3:26. What, though, does it mean to wait for Jehovah? How should a Christian wait for God? Are there proper and improper ways to do this? The experience of the prophet Jonah of the ninth century B.C.E. provides a lesson on the matter. A Case of Misguided Waiting Jehovah God directed Jonah to go and preach to the people of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Nineveh was known as “the city of bloodshed” because of its brazen brutality and cruelty, a fact well attested to by historians and archaeologists. (Nahum 3:1) Jonah initially tried to avoid this assignment, but Jehovah made sure that the prophet eventually went to Nineveh.—Jonah 1:3–3:2. “Jonah started to enter into the city the walking distance of one day, and he kept proclaiming and saying: ‘Only forty days more, and Nineveh will be overthrown.’” (Jonah 3:4) Jonah’s efforts met with a remarkable response: “The men of Nineveh began to put faith in God, and they proceeded to proclaim a fast and to put on sackcloth, from the greatest one of them even to the least one of them.” (Jonah 3:5) Accordingly, Jehovah, a God who “does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance,” spared the city.—2 Peter 3:9. What was Jonah’s response? The account says: “To Jonah, though, it was highly displeasing, and he got to be hot with anger.” (Jonah 4:1) Why? Jonah possibly felt that his unfulfilled proclamation of destruction by a certain date made him lose face as a prophet. He evidently became more concerned with his own reputation than with mercy and salvation for others. Of course, Jonah did not go as far as resigning as a prophet. Nevertheless, he waited to “see what would become of the city.” Yes, he developed a kind of begrudging, wait-and- see attitude. Realizing that things did not happen the way he expected, he built a booth, sat in the shade, and sullenly waited to see what would happen. Jehovah, however, did not approve of Jonah’s attitude, so he lovingly corrected the thinking of his errant prophet.— Jonah 4:5, 9-11. Why Jehovah Is Patient Though Nineveh repented and was spared, it later relapsed into wicked ways. Through the prophets Nahum and Zephaniah, Jehovah predicted its destruction. Speaking of “the city of bloodshed,” Jehovah declared that he would destroy Assyria and make Nineveh a

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desolate waste. (Nahum 3:1; Zephaniah 2:13) In 632 B.C.E., Nineveh was destroyed, never to rise up again. In a similar way, the world today is guilty of wanton bloodshed on a far greater scale than that of ancient Nineveh. For this and other reasons, Jehovah has decreed that the present wicked system of things will come to its end in an unprecedented “great tribulation.”— Matthew 24:21, 22. Still, Jehovah has held back the promised destruction so that sincere people today, like repentant ones in Nineveh, can repent and be spared. The apostle Peter refers to God’s patience in these terms: “Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.”—2 Peter 3:9, 10, 13. Waiting the Proper Way Peter goes on to say: “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah!” (2 Peter 3:11, 12) Note that while awaiting Jehovah’s day, we should be demonstrating “holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion”—activity, not inactivity, is in order. Yes, a proper waiting attitude manifests absolute confidence that Jehovah’s day will come not one moment later than Jehovah purposed. Such faith produces holy acts and godly deeds, and prominent among them is the preaching of the good news of God’s Kingdom. Jesus set a fine example in preaching, and he instructed his anointed followers: “Let your loins be girded and your lamps be burning, and you yourselves be like men waiting for their master when he returns from the marriage, so that at his arriving and knocking they may at once open to him. Happy are those slaves whom the master on arriving finds watching!”—Luke 12:35-37. First-century slaves would ‘gird up the loins’ by gathering up the ends of their robes under the sash in order to facilitate strenuous physical activity. Thus, a Christian is to be energetic, zealous in good works. He should fight any tendency to “loiter” in spiritual inactivity, perhaps diverting his energies toward pleasures or material pursuits. Rather, he should have “plenty to do in the work of the Lord” while awaiting the great and fear- inspiring day of Jehovah.—Romans 12:11; 1 Corinthians 15:58. Active While Waiting Jehovah’s Witnesses have kept busy while awaiting Jehovah’s day. In the 2003 service year, for instance, they spent an average of 3,383,000 hours each day preaching Jehovah’s word. Why, an individual would have to preach nonstop for 386 years to accomplish what was done in one day! Nonetheless, we do well to ask ourselves, ‘What kind of waiting attitude do I personally have?’ Jesus gave a parable that describes the industriousness expected of faithful anointed Christians. He spoke of three slaves: “To one [the master] gave five talents, to another two, to still another one, to each one according to his own ability, and he went abroad. Immediately the one that received the five talents went his way and did business with them and gained five more. In the same way the one that received the two gained two more. But the one that received just one went off, and dug in the ground and hid the silver money of his master. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.”—Matthew 25:15-19.

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All three slaves waited for the master’s return. The two who kept busy while waiting for their master were told upon his arrival: “Well done, good and faithful slave!” However, the one who waited idly received a different treatment. The master said: “Throw the good-for- nothing slave out into the darkness outside.”—Matthew 25:20-30. Although this parable applies to anointed Christians, there is a lesson for all of us regardless of our hope. The Master, Jesus Christ, expects each one of us to work diligently in his service while we await his arrival at Jehovah’s great day. He appreciates each one’s labor “according to his own ability” and circumstances. What a joy it will be to hear a “well done” from the Master when the waiting finally is over! Our Lord’s Patience Means Salvation What if this system of things has lasted longer than we once thought or hoped it would? This has not been without reason. The apostle Peter wrote: “Consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.” (2 Peter 3:15) Accurate knowledge of God’s purpose and a humble appraisal of our own relative unimportance will enable us to be patient just as long as Jehovah sees fit to be patient with this old system. To encourage Christians to be patient, the Bible writer James offered an illustration. He wrote: “Look! The farmer keeps waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, exercising patience over it until he gets the early rain and the late rain. You too exercise patience; make your hearts firm, because the presence of the Lord has drawn close.”—James 5:7, 8. Jehovah God does not want us to tire out or give up while we are waiting. He has a work for us to do and is pleased if we use the waiting time to engage industriously in that work. He wants us to be among those whom the apostle Paul describes in his letter to the Hebrews: “We desire each one of you to show the same industriousness so as to have the full assurance of the hope down to the end, in order that you may not become sluggish, but be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”—Hebrews 6:11, 12. So let us not become weary. Rather, may our personal relationship with Jehovah God, our faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus, and our bright hope in the new system of things be the energizing forces in our life. Like the “good and faithful” slaves of Jesus’ parable, may we prove ourselves worthy of commendation and reward by keeping busy in praising our God, as did the psalmist who stated: “As for me, I shall wait constantly, and I will add to all your praise.”—Psalm 71:14.

*** w03 8/15 p. 24 What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? *** A Waiting Attitude Brings Blessings 20 Experiencing Jehovah’s blessing moves us to imitate Micah’s spirit. He declares: “I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation.” (Micah 7:7) How do these words relate to our walking modestly with God? Having a waiting attitude, or patience, helps us to avoid feeling disappointed that Jehovah’s day has not yet come. (Proverbs 13:12) Frankly, we all long for the end of this wicked world. However, every week thousands of people are just beginning to walk with God. Knowing that gives us a reason for showing a waiting attitude. One longtime Witness said in this connection: “Looking back over 55 years in the preaching work, I am convinced that I have not lost anything by waiting on Jehovah. On the contrary, I have been spared many heartaches.” Have you had a similar experience?

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(Micah 7:12) On that day they will come to you All the way from As·syrʹi·a and the cities of Egypt, From Egypt all the way to the River; From sea to sea and from mountain to mountain.

*** w03 8/15 p. 21 par. 11 What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? *** 11 Micah prophesies that despite unjust conditions, justice will reach all sorts of people. The prophet foretells that people will be gathered “from sea to sea, and from mountain to the mountain” to become worshipers of Jehovah. (Micah 7:12) Today, in the final fulfillment of this prophecy, not one particular nation, but individuals of all nations are benefiting from God’s impartial justice. (Isaiah 42:1) (Micah 7:14) Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, The one who was living alone in a forest—in the midst of an orchard. Let them feed on Baʹshan and Gilʹe·ad as in the days of old.

*** w03 8/15 p. 24 pars. 21-22 What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? *** 21 Walking with Jehovah unquestionably benefits us. As we read at Micah 7:14, Micah compares God’s people with sheep securely residing with their shepherd. In the larger fulfillment of this prophecy today, the remnant of spiritual Israel as well as the “other sheep” find security with their trusted Shepherd, Jehovah. They reside “alone in a forest— in the midst of an orchard,” spiritually separated from this increasingly troubled and dangerous world.—John 10:16; Deuteronomy 33:28; Jeremiah 49:31; Galatians 6:16. 22 Jehovah’s people enjoy prosperity, as Micah 7:14 also foretold. Speaking about God’s sheep, or people, Micah states: “Let them feed on Bashan and Gilead.” Just as sheep in Bashan and Gilead fed on rich pastures and prospered, so God’s people today enjoy spiritual prosperity—yet another blessing for those walking modestly with God.— Numbers 32:1; Deuteronomy 32:14.

*** w89 5/1 p. 16 Bashan—A Fertile Source *** In many respects Bashan was a veritable breadbasket. This was because fine grazing- or pasture-land covered much of the region. (Jeremiah 50:19) The accompanying photographs may bring to your mind some Biblical references to Bashan. Many have read about the “bulls of Bashan.” (Psalm 22:12, King James Version) Yes, in ancient times this region was famous for its cattle, including powerful young bulls. But other livestock thrived there too, such as sheep and goats that contributed to a rich supply of milk and butter.— Deuteronomy 32:14. You may wonder what led to such fertility in Bashan, since it was east of the Jordan in an area many think of as very dry. The fact is, the hills of Galilee to the west are lower, so clouds from the Mediterranean could pass over them and bring ample rain to Bashan. Moreover, moist air and streams came down from Mount Hermon. Imagine the potential when that precious moisture combined with the rich volcanic soil found in Bashan! The area produced grain in abundance. Long before being a major granary for the Romans, Bashan supplied food for Solomon’s tables. With good reason, then, God’s provision for his delivered people could later be spoken of this way: “Let them feed on Bashan and Gilead as in the days of a long time ago.”—Micah 7:14; 1 Kings 4:7, 13.

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(Micah 7:17) They will lick the dust like serpents; Like the reptiles of the earth they will come trembling out of their strongholds. To Jehovah our God they will come in dread, And they will be in fear of you.”

*** it-1 p. 660 Dust *** Causing foes to “lick the dust” means vanquishing them, effecting their complete subjection. (Ps 72:9; Mic 7:16, 17) (Micah 7:18) Who is a God like you, Pardoning error and passing over the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? He will not hold onto his anger forever, For he delights in loyal love.

*** jd chap. 9 pp. 113-114 pars. 6-7 Dealing With Others as God Desires *** On the other hand, God wants us to imitate his positive example. Recall that Micah wrote that Jehovah is “pardoning error and passing over transgression.” (Micah 7:18) How can we apply that in practical ways? 7 We may feel hurt over what was done to us or to our relative, but really, how serious is it? The Bible outlines steps for settling differences, even a sin against a brother. Still, it is often best just to overlook the error or the offense, to ‘pass over transgression.’ Ask yourself: ‘Might this be one of the 77 times that I should forgive him? Why not simply forget it?’ (Matthew 18:15-17, 21, 22) Even if the offense seems significant now, will it be so a thousand years from now? Draw a basic lesson from the comment at Ecclesiastes 5:20 about a worker’s enjoying food and drink: “Not often will he remember the days of his life, because the true God is preoccupying him with the rejoicing of his heart.” As that man happily focuses on his current pleasure, he tends to forget the problems of his daily life. Can we imitate that attitude? If we focus on the joys of our Christian brotherhood, we may be able to forget issues that are not lastingly important, ones that we will not recall in the new world. That is quite different from rejoicing over another’s difficulty or remembering offenses.

*** jd chap. 9 p. 114 Dealing With Others as God Desires *** As to “passing over transgression,” one scholar says that the Hebrew metaphor is “taken from the conduct of a traveller who passes on without noticing an object to which he does not wish to give his attention. The idea [is not that God is unobservant of sin] but that he does not mark it in particular cases with a view to punishment; that he does not punish, but forgive[s].”

*** w03 8/15 p. 24 par. 23 What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? *** 23 At Micah 7:18, 19, the prophet highlights Jehovah’s desire to forgive those who repent. Verse 18 states that Jehovah is “pardoning error” and is “passing over transgression.” According to verse 19, he “will throw into the depths of the sea all their sins.” What is one lesson that we can draw from this? We may ask ourselves if we imitate Jehovah in this regard. Do we pardon the errors that others may commit against us? When such ones are repentant and seek to make amends, surely we will want to reflect Jehovah’s willingness to forgive completely and permanently.

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*** w99 10/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 15-17 Forgive From Your Heart *** 15 Let us not lose sight of God as our example in forgiving. (Ephesians 4:32–5:1) As to His pattern in letting errors pass, the prophet Micah wrote: “Who is a God like you, one pardoning error and passing over transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? He will certainly not hold onto his anger forever, for he is delighting in loving-kindness.”—Micah 7:18. 16 By describing Jehovah as one “passing over transgression,” the Bible is not saying that he is incapable of recalling the wrongs, having some sort of selective amnesia. Consider the cases of Samson and David, both of whom committed serious errors. God was able to remember those sins long afterward; even we know of some of their sins because Jehovah had them recorded in the Bible. Still, our forgiving God showed mercy to those two, setting them before us as examples of faith to imitate.—Hebrews 11:32; 12:1. 17 Yes, Jehovah was able to ‘pass over’ transgressions, even as David repeatedly asked him to do. (2 Samuel 12:13; 24:10) Can we imitate God in this, being willing to pass over the slights and offenses that our fellow servants commit as imperfect humans? Imagine yourself on a jet airplane speeding down a runway. Looking out, you see near the runway an acquaintance making the rude gesture of childishly sticking her tongue out. You know that she had been upset and might have you in mind. Or she might not be thinking of you at all. Anyway, as the plane circles to gain altitude, you pass high over the woman, who now seems to be just a speck. In an hour you are hundreds of miles away, and her offending gesture is long since behind you. Similarly, many times it will help us to forgive if we try to be like Jehovah and wisely pass over the offense. (Proverbs 19:11) Will not the slight seem tiny ten years from now or two hundred years into the Millennium? Why not just let it pass?

*** w99 10/15 p. 15 Forgive From Your Heart *** One scholar says that the Hebrew metaphor used at Micah 7:18 is “taken from the conduct of a traveller who passes on without noticing an object to which he does not wish to give his attention. The idea which it communicates is not, that God is unobservant of sin, or that it is regarded by him as a matter of little or no importance, but that he does not mark it in particular cases with a view to punishment; that he does not punish, but forgive[s].”— Judges 3:26; 1 Samuel 16:8. (Micah 7:19) He will again show us mercy; he will conquer our errors. You will throw all their sins into the depths of the sea.

*** cl chap. 26 p. 264 par. 12 A God Who Is “Ready to Forgive” *** 12 In a promise of restoration, the prophet Micah expressed his conviction that Jehovah would forgive his repentant people: “Who is a God like you, . . . passing over transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? . . . And you will throw into the depths of the sea all their sins.” (Micah 7:18, 19) Imagine what those words meant to those living in Bible times. Was there any chance of retrieving something that had been hurled “into the depths of the sea”? Micah’s words thus indicate that when Jehovah forgives, he removes our sins permanently.

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*** w03 7/1 p. 18 par. 18 “God Is Love” *** 18 In a promise of restoration, the prophet Micah expressed his conviction that Jehovah would forgive his repentant people: “Who is a God like you, . . . passing over transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? . . . And you will throw into the depths of the sea all their sins.” (Micah 7:18, 19) Imagine what those words meant to people living in Bible times. Was there any chance of retrieving something that had been hurled “into the depths of the sea”? Micah’s words thus indicate that when Jehovah forgives, he removes our sins permanently.

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