Job 38-42Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.)http://infoglobal.altervista.org/blog/

Job 38:4-7—Who are “the morning stars,” and what do we know about them? (bh 97 _3)

*** bh chap. 10 p. 97 par. 3 Spirit Creatures—How They Affect Us ***3 God’s Word, the Bible, tells us that when the earth was founded, “all the sons of God

began shouting in applause.” (Job 38:4-7) Angels thus existed long before humans were created, even before the creation of the earth. This Bible passage also shows that angels have feelings, for it says that they “joyfully cried out together.” Note that “all the sons of God” rejoiced together. At that time, all the angels were part of a united family serving Jehovah God.

Job 42:3-5—What can we do to see God as Job did? (w15 10/15 8 _16-17)

*** w15 10/15 p. 8 pars. 16-17 Do You See God’s Hand in Your Life? ***16 Job got so distracted by his own concerns that he neglected to see things from

God’s viewpoint. (Job 42:3-6) Like Job, we too may need to put forth greater effort to see God. How can we do that? In the light of the Scriptures, we need to meditate on what is happening around us. As we become aware of how Jehovah supports us, he will become more real to us. Then, like Job, we can say: “My ears have heard about you, but now I do see you with my eyes.”

17 How might we see Jehovah’s hand? Here are some examples: Perhaps you feel that the way you received the truth was clearly at God’s direction. Have you ever attended Christian meetings, heard a part, and said: “That was just what I needed”? Or you may have experienced an answer to a prayer. Maybe you decided to expand your ministry and were amazed at how Jehovah helped to work things out for you. Or have you ever experienced leaving a job for spiritual reasons and then seen the truth of God’s promise: “I will never abandon

you”? (Heb. 13:5) By being spiritually alert, we can discern how Jehovah has helped us in many ways.

What does this week’s Bible reading teach me about Jehovah?*** w15 9/15 p. 19 par. 6 In What Ways Does Jehovah Love Us? ***6 Consider the earth, which Jehovah, the Maker,

“has given to the sons of men.” (Ps. 115:15, 16) Scientists have spent vast amounts of money on space explorations to find other earthlike planets. Although hundreds of planets have been identified, scientists are disappointed that not one of those planets has the intricate balance of conditions that makes human life possible, as the earth does. The earth appears to be unique among all of God’s creation. Just imagine, out of the unknown number of planets that exist in the Milky Way and beyond, Jehovah created the earth to be not merely a habitable place but a comfortable, beautiful, and safe home for his human creation! (Isa. 45:18) This reflects how Jehovah must love us.—Read Job 38:4, 7; Psalm 8:3-5.

*** w14 1/15 p. 8 par. 3 Worship Jehovah, the King of Eternity ***These came to include myriads of angels. Described as

“his ministers who do his will,” the angels serve God with joy, and he dignifies them by calling them his “sons.” They are part of Jehovah’s universal family.—Ps. 103:20-22; Job 38:7.

*** w14 7/1 p. 15 Can You See the Invisible God? ***Regarding the way a blind person

experiences the world, one author states: “He or she receives information in bits and pieces, from several sources (touch, smell, hearing, and so forth), and somehow has to put that information together into a whole.” Similarly, as you observe God’s creative works, read what Jesus said about his Father, and analyze the way Jesus reflected God’s qualities, a beautiful picture of Jehovah will emerge. He will become more real to you.

Job, who lived in ancient times, had that very experience. At first he spoke “without understanding.” (Job 42:3) But after carefully considering God’s marvels of creation, Job was moved to say: “My ears have heard about you, but now I do see you with my eyes.”—Job 42:5.

*** w14 8/1 p. 15 Who Made God? ***Although the concept of an eternal God may be hard to grasp, we can

see that it makes sense. If someone else had created God, that person would be the Creator. Yet, as the Bible explains, Jehovah is the one who “created all things.” (Revelation 4:11) Furthermore, we know that the universe at one time did not exist. (Genesis 1:1, 2) Where did it come from? Its Creator had to exist first. He also existed before there were any other intelligent beings, such as his only-begotten Son and the angels.

(Job 38:4, 7; Colossians 1:15) Clearly, then, he existed alone first. He could not have been created; nothing was in existence that could have created him.

*** w13 1/15 pp. 24-25 par. 11 Serving Without Regrets ***11 Some have the tendency to let past failings overwhelm them to the point that they

feel that they are unworthy in God’s eyes. They may feel beyond the reach of God’s mercy because they strayed off course either so far or so often. The fact is, though, that no matter what they may have done in the past, they can repent, change, and ask for forgiveness. (Acts 3:19) Jehovah’s mercy and loving-kindness can be extended to them, even as it has been to so many others. Jehovah will look kindly upon a humble, honest one and upon his heartfelt repentance. God did that for Job, who said: “I do repent [“feel regret,” ftn.] in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:6).

*** w13 6/15 p. 21 par. 17 Appreciate Jehovah’s Loyalty and Forgiveness ***In the end, Jehovah reproved those false accusers. God directed them

to go to Job and present an offering for their sins. (Job 42:7-9) But Jehovah also required that Job do something. What was it? Jehovah directed Job to pray in behalf of his former accusers. Job did as Jehovah asked, and Jehovah blessed him for his forgiving spirit. (Read Job 42:10, 12, 16, 17.) The lesson for us? A sincere prayer in behalf of someone who has offended us may help us to let go of resentment.

*** w11 7/1 p. 24 Who Made the Laws That Govern Our Universe? ***“HAVE you grasped the celestial laws?” (Job 38:33,

The New Jerusalem Bible) In asking Job that question, God was helping His troubled servant to understand just how little humans really know in comparison with the limitless wisdom of the Creator. What do you think of that comparison?

Humans have learned a great deal about the laws that govern the physical heavens, but most scientists will readily admit that there is much yet to be learned. Again and again, new discoveries have led scientists to rethink their theories on the workings of the universe. Have new findings rendered God’s question to Job

obsolete? Or does such progress actually furnish proof that Jehovah is the Author of the laws of the heavens?

*** w10 1/1 p. 22 Will the Earth Come to an End? ***Is it possible, though, that irresponsible humans might spoil

the planet beyond recovery? Absolutely not! Unlike human manufacturers, Jehovah is “able to do all things.” (Job 42:2) That is why he can confidently guarantee: “My word that goes forth from my mouth will . . . have certain success.” (Isaiah 55:11) We can be sure that “our Maker” will not allow anything to stop him from carrying out his purpose for the earth. (Psalm 95:6).

*** w10 4/15 pp. 13-14 Do You Let Jehovah Question You? ***Although Job was “a man blameless and upright,”

at times his words betrayed a wrong viewpoint, which Elihu noted when he reproved Job for “declaring his own soul righteous rather than God.” (Job 1:8; 32:2; 33:8-12) Thus, Jehovah’s questions also corrected Job’s understanding. Speaking to Job out of a windstorm, God said: “Who is this that is obscuring counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins, please, like an able-bodied man, and let me question you, and you inform me.” (Job 38:1-3) Through questions, Jehovah then drew attention to his limitless wisdom and power as demonstrated by his wonderful works. This enlightenment helped Job to trust in Jehovah’s judgment and way of doing things as never before.

What an awe-inspiring experience for Job—to be questioned by Almighty God himself!

*** w10 10/15 p. 4 par. 6 “Who Has Come to Know the Mind of Jehovah?” ***6 A key to avoiding the trap of judging Jehovah by our own standards is to recognize

that our viewpoint is limited and at times seriously flawed. Job needed to learn this lesson. During his time of suffering, Job struggled with despair and became somewhat self-centered. He lost sight of the bigger issues. But Jehovah lovingly helped him to broaden his viewpoint. By asking Job over 70 different questions, none of which Job could answer, Jehovah emphasized the limitations of Job’s understanding. Job reacted in a humble way, adjusting his viewpoint.—Read Job 42:1-6.

*** w09 1/1 pp. 14-15 Be Thankful for the Rain ***The Creator of the mechanisms that produce

rain could ask his servant Job these humbling questions: “Does there exist a father for the rain, or who gave birth to the dewdrops? Who put wisdom in the cloud layers? . . . Who can exactly number the clouds in wisdom, or the water jars of heaven—who can tip them over?” (Job 38:28, 36, 37) Some 3,500 years later, scientists still grapple with these difficult questions.

*** w09 2/15 p. 9 par. 16 How Jesus’ Sayings Promote Happiness ***As Jehovah’s worshippers on earth, we can “see God” by observing him act in our

behalf. (Job 42:5) For anointed Christians, seeing God reaches its apex when they are resurrected to spirit life and actually see their heavenly Father.—1 John 3:2.

*** w09 4/15 p. 5 par. 9 Job Held High the Name of Jehovah ***9 Finally, Job had a truly awe-inspiring visitor!

The record says: “Jehovah proceeded to answer Job out of the windstorm.” Using a series of questions, Jehovah kindly but firmly helped Job to correct his thinking. Job willingly accepted the reproof, admitting: “I have become of little account . . . I do repent in dust and ashes.” After Jehovah had spoken to Job, He expressed His anger against the three companions because they had not spoken “what is truthful.” Job was to pray

for them. Then “Jehovah himself turned back the captive condition of Job when he prayed in behalf of his companions, and Jehovah began to give in addition all that had been Job’s, in double amount.”—Job 38:1; 40:4; 42:6-10.

*** w09 4/15 p. 10 par. 13 Your Integrity Makes Jehovah’s Heart Rejoice ***In the final chapter of the book of Job, God expressed his anger toward Eliphaz,

Bildad, and Zophar because they had not spoken the truth. At the same time, Jehovah indicated his approval of Job by referring to him four times as “my servant” and by instructing him to intercede in behalf of the wrongdoers. (Job 42:7-9) May we too act in such a way that Jehovah views us with favor.

*** w09 4/15 pp. 10-11 par. 14 Your Integrity Makes Jehovah’s Heart Rejoice ***14 Job maintained his integrity even though he was imperfect. Sometimes, under

extreme pressure, he had the wrong perspective. For instance, he said to Jehovah: “I cry to you for help, but you do not answer me . . . With the full might of your hand you harbor animosity toward me.” Moreover, Job attached undue importance to justifying himself when he said: “I am not in the wrong” and “there is no violence upon my palms, and my prayer is pure.” (Job 10:7; 16:17; 30:20, 21) Nevertheless, Jehovah kindly helped Job by posing a series of questions that directed attention away from Job. They also enabled Job to see more clearly God’s supremacy and the insignificance of man. Job accepted the direction and corrected himself.—Read Job 40:8; 42:2, 6.

15 Jehovah also offers kind, firm guidance to his servants today.

*** w07 5/15 p. 19 “Your Plans Will Be Firmly Established” ***The fear of God enters into our heart when we develop reverence and respect for

God’s awesome power. Just think of his power reflected in the creation! Being reminded of the manifestation of power in God’s creative works helped the patriarch Job to readjust his thinking. (Job 42:1-6) Are we not likewise affected when we read and reflect on the accounts of Jehovah’s dealings with his people as recorded in the Bible? The psalmist sang: “Come, you people, and see the activities of God. His dealing with the sons of men is fear-inspiring.” (Psalm 66:5) Jehovah’s loving-kindness is not to be taken for granted. When the Israelites ‘rebelled and made God’s holy spirit feel hurt, Jehovah was changed

into an enemy of theirs; he himself warred against them.’ (Isaiah 63:10) On the other hand, “when Jehovah takes pleasure in the ways of a man he causes even his enemies themselves to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7) What a protection the fear of Jehovah is!

*** w06 9/1 p. 23 par. 7 How to Approach the “Hearer of Prayer” ***The patriarch Job approached Jehovah in behalf of his family, offering sacrifices for

them. When Job’s three companions sinned in their speech, Job prayed in their behalf, and “Jehovah accepted Job’s face.” (Job 1:5; 42:7-9) These accounts help us to identify matters we might take to Jehovah in prayer. We also see that Jehovah is prepared to accept the prayers of those approaching him in a proper manner.

*** w05 2/1 p. 24 par. 9 Jehovah Always Does What Is Right ***When the patriarch Job misunderstood God’s dealings with mankind, Jehovah

corrected him, asking: “Really, will you invalidate my justice? Will you pronounce me wicked in order that you may be in the right?” Realizing that he had spoken without understanding, Job later repented. (Job 40:8; 42:6) May we never make the mistake of finding fault with God!

*** w05 4/15 pp. 15-16 par. 3 Let God’s Word Light Your Roadway ***3 Fondness for Jehovah’s word results in spiritual

stability. (Psalm 119:89-96) The psalmist sang: “To time indefinite, O Jehovah, your word is stationed in the heavens. . . . You have solidly fixed the earth, that it may keep standing.” (Psalm 119:89, 90) By God’s word—his “statutes of the heavens”—the celestial bodies move flawlessly in their orbits and the earth is solidly fixed forever. (Job 38:31-33; Psalm 104:5) We can depend on every word going forth from Jehovah’s mouth; what God says will have “certain success” in the fulfillment of his purpose.—Isaiah 55:8-11.

*** w01 6/1 p. 8 Strengthen Your Trust in Jehovah ***

The Bible also reveals that Jehovah is a God of truth. This means that he is always true to his promises. In fact, the Bible describes him as a God “who cannot lie.” (Titus 1:2) Since Jehovah reiterated time and again his willingness to protect and save his servants, we can be absolutely sure that he is not only able but also ready to fulfill his promises.—Job 42:2.

*** w99 4/15 pp. 15-16 Do You Show Yourself Thankful? ***) In appreciation for Job’s faithfulness under trial, Jehovah not only restored Job’s

great wealth but also gave in “double amount.” (Job 42:10).

*** w99 7/1 p. 8 par. 3 Parents, What Does Your Example Teach? ***3 How should such instruction be given within the family? Jehovah sets the pattern. He

clearly states what is good and what is bad, and he makes generous use of repetition. (Exodus 20:4, 5; Deuteronomy 4:23, 24; 5:8, 9; 6:14, 15; Joshua 24:19, 20) He employs

thought-provoking questions. (Job 38:4, 8, 31) By means of illustrations and real-life examples, he stirs our emotions and molds our hearts. (Genesis 15:5; Daniel 3:1-29) Parents, when you teach your children, do you try to imitate that pattern?

*** w98 8/15 p. 30 Do You Remember? ***□ What lesson can we learn from Jehovah’s requiring Job to pray for those who

transgressed against him? (Job 42:8)Before Job was restored to a healthy state, Jehovah required that he pray in behalf of

those who had transgressed against him. This shows that Jehovah requires that we forgive those who sin against us before we can have our sins forgiven. (Matthew 6:12; Ephesians 4:32)—5/1, page 31.

*** w98 11/1 p. 32 “Who Put Wisdom in the Cloud Layers”? ***Man’s limited knowledge of weather reminds us of the questions asked of Job: “Who

gave birth to the dewdrops? Out of whose belly does the ice actually come forth? . . . Can you raise your voice even to the cloud, so that a heaving mass of water itself may cover you? . . . Who put wisdom in the cloud layers, or who gave understanding to the sky phenomenon? Who can exactly number the clouds in wisdom, or the water jars of heaven—who can tip them over?”—Job 38:28-37.

The answer to all these questions is, Not man but Jehovah God. Yes, however wise humans may seem to be, the wisdom of our Creator is far, far superior. It is truly loving on his part that he has made his wisdom available to us in the pages of the Bible, so that we can make our way successful.—Proverbs 5:1, 2.

*** w96 6/15 p. 9 Mounting Up With Wings Like Eagles ***The keen eyesight of the eagle has always been proverbial. Although the golden eagle

rarely weighs more than ten pounds [5 kg], its eye is actually bigger than a man’s, and its eyesight is much keener. Jehovah himself, describing to Job the eagle’s ability to search out its food, said: “Far into the distance its eyes keep looking.” (Job 39:27, 29) Alice Parmelee, in her book All the Birds of the Bible, reports that “an eagle once spotted a dead fish floating in a lake three miles [5 km] away and made a diagonal dive to the exact place. Not only was the eagle able to see a small object at a far greater distance than a man could, but the bird kept the fish in constant focus through its three-mile dive.”

Because of its keen eyesight, the eagle is a fitting symbol of wisdom, one of Jehovah’s principal qualities. (Compare Ezekiel 1:10; Revelation 4:7.) Why is that? Wisdom involves foreseeing the consequences of any action we may take.

*** w95 3/1 pp. 11-12 par. 12 Dedicated—To Whom? ***12 What especially attracts us to Jehovah is his loving personality. The Bible

demonstrates how loving, forgiving, and merciful he is in dealing with humans. Think of how he prospered Job after Job faithfully kept his integrity. Job’s experience highlights that “Jehovah is very tender in affection and merciful.” (James 5:11; Job 42:12-17).

*** w95 8/1 pp. 28-29 The Rewards of Persistence ***Considering Job’s example of persistent faith is beneficial. He was imperfect and had

a limited knowledge of his situation. So at times, he lapsed into self-justification and despair. However, he consistently displayed a dogged determination to keep his integrity to Jehovah and never forsake Him. (Job 1:20-22; 2:9, 10; 27:2-6) Jehovah rewarded Job for his persistent devotion, giving him spiritual and material blessings and the hope of everlasting life. (Job 42:10-17; James 5:10, 11) Like Job, we may experience much suffering and loss during our life now, but we can also be assured of Jehovah’s blessing on our faithful endurance.—Hebrews 6:10-12.

*** w94 9/15 pp. 28-29 Are You Learning From Our Grand Instructor? ***The Bible also contains examples of how Jehovah adjusted the thinking of some of his

servants by means of thought-provoking questions. The patriarch Job was one of these. Jehovah patiently helped him to evaluate his own littleness in relation to God. This was done by means of a series of questions, which Job was hopelessly unqualified to answer.

“Where did you happen to be when I founded the earth?” Jehovah asked Job. “Who barricaded the sea with doors? . . . Can you tie fast the bonds of the Kimah constellation, or can you loosen the very cords of the Kesil constellation? . . . Do you have an arm like that of the true God?” This humbling interrogation included the very important question: “Will you pronounce me [Jehovah] wicked in order that you may be in the right?”—Job 38:4, 8, 31; 40:8, 9.

These searching questions made Job realize that he had spoken without understanding. Hence, he made a retraction and repented. (Job 42:6) As in this case, well-chosen questions may help to readjust incorrect thinking on the part of our children or Bible students.

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

*** w15 7/1 p. 14 Can We Really Please God? ***At heart, Job was a man of integrity. After God reasoned with him, Job

corrected his wrong thinking and took back what he had said. (Job 42:6).

*** w14 9/1 p. 16 Bible Questions Answered ***Jehovah God created millions of angels long before he created humans. (Job 38:4, 7)

These angels are powerful spirit creatures in God’s service, sometimes being sent by him to guide and protect his servants on earth. (Psalm 91:10, 11) Today, angels are helping people to benefit from the good news that Jesus’ followers are preaching.—Read Revelation 14:6, 7.

*** w13 10/15 p. 23 par. 9 Lessons From a Well-Prepared Prayer ***Yes, Jehovah God created the entire universe, made up of countless galaxies of stars.

Equally marvelous, he created everything on our beautiful planet with its amazing ability to sustain an astonishing variety of life—life that keeps reproducing according to its kind. Witnessing all of this were the holy angels of God, who can also be described as “the army of the heavens.” (1 Ki. 22:19; Job 38:4, 7) Moreover, the angels humbly do God’s will by ministering to sinful humans “who are going to inherit salvation.” (Heb. 1:14) What a splendid example the angels set for us as we serve Jehovah unitedly like a well-trained army!—1 Cor. 14:33, 40.

*** w12 7/1 p. 16 How Do Spirit Creatures Affect Us? ***Angels are spirit creatures who live in heaven. They are a higher

form of life than human life. The true God, who is himself a spirit, created the angels before he created the earth. (Job 38:4, 7; Matthew 18:10) Jehovah has surrounded himself with millions of loyal angels.—Read Psalm 103:20, 21; Daniel 7:9, 10.

*** w12 8/1 p. 4 Are Miracles Really Possible?—Three Common Objections ***OBJECTION 1: Miracles are impossible because they violate the laws of

nature. Our understanding of the laws of nature is based on what scientists have observed happening in the natural world around us. However, those laws are similar to the grammar rules for a language—there may be some exceptions to the rule. Our understanding of these “rules” may, in fact, be very limited. (Job 38:4) A dedicated scientist may have spent a lifetime studying a certain law of nature. But all it takes is one “exception” for him to have to reevaluate his understanding of that law. As the saying goes, “Just one black swan undoes the theory that all swans are white.”

*** w12 10/15 p. 16 par. 15 What Kind of Spirit Do You Show? ***15 Regarding forgiveness, we can learn from the man Job. His three

would-be comforters offended him with many unkind words. Nevertheless, Job was forgiving. How? “He prayed in behalf of his companions.” (Job 16:2; 42:10) Praying for others may change our attitude toward them. Praying for all our Christian associates helps us to develop a Christlike spirit. (John 13:34, 35) In addition to praying for our brothers, we should pray for holy spirit. (Luke 11:13) God’s spirit will help us display true Christian qualities in dealing with others.—Read Galatians 5:22, 23.

*** w11 1/1 p. 14 Did God Know That Adam and Eve Would Sin? ***The Scriptures also show that Jehovah is “wise alone.” (Romans 16:27) God’s

heavenly angels witnessed many manifestations of this boundless wisdom. They began “shouting in applause” when Jehovah brought forth his earthly creations. (Job 38:4-7) No doubt these intelligent spirit creatures followed events in the garden of Eden with great interest. Would it, then, make sense for a wise God, after creating an awe-inspiring universe and an array of marvelous earthly works, to bring forth under the eyes of his angelic sons two unique creatures who he knew were bound to fail? Clearly, to plan such a calamity would not stand to reason.

*** w11 1/15 p. 29 par. 14 Empowered to Overcome Any Trial ***What helped Job to endure his trials? And what can help us to

endure ours? Remembering and pondering the various manifestations of Jehovah’s holy spirit and power. (Job 38:1-41; 42:1, 2) Perhaps we recall times in our own life when we saw evidence of God’s interest in us personally. He is still interested in us.

*** w11 4/1 p. 23 When Old Ones Will Be Young Again ***Job humbly accepted correction, and he repented. (Job 42:6)

Jehovah evidently accepted a ransom in Job’s behalf, allowing it to cover his error and open the way for God to restore and reward him. Jehovah “blessed the end of Job afterward more than his beginning.” (Job 42:12-17) Imagine Job’s relief when, among other blessings, his loathsome disease cleared up and his flesh, in effect, became “fresher than in youth”!

*** w10 4/15 p. 13 Do You Let Jehovah Question You? ***Jehovah God used questions to adjust the thinking of his servant Job. By means of

numerous questions, Jehovah taught Job about his insignificance in comparison with his Maker. (Job, chaps. 38-41) Did Jehovah expect an audible answer to each of those questions? It seems unlikely. Such questions as “Where did you happen to be when I

founded the earth?” were evidently meant to stir Job’s thinking and emotions. After some of that intensive questioning, Job was left nearly speechless. He simply said: “What shall I reply to you? My hand I have put over my mouth.” (Job 38:4; 40:4) Job got the point and humbled himself.

*** w09 1/1 p. 18 Only God Can Save the Earth ***God went to great lengths to prepare the earth as a home

for man. Its creation moved the angels to shout “in applause.” (Job 38:7) After studying the wonders of this planet, we too have reason to applaud. There are many intricate ecosystems that enable life to thrive on earth. In one of the best-known systems, green vegetation uses sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water to make food. A by-product of this process is the release into the atmosphere of oxygen—vital to our existence.

*** w09 8/15 p. 31 Did You Once Serve? Can You Serve Again? ***Job felt entirely innocent and wanted to defend himself before

God. (Job 13:15) Yet, Job was willing to wait on Jehovah, and this bore good fruit. He learned that he did need correction, particularly for his reactions to the test he underwent. (Job 40:6-8; 42:3, 6) Job’s humility eventually resulted in his being blessed abundantly by God.—Job 42:10-13.

*** w07 7/15 p. 30 par. 18 Awaiting Jehovah’s Day With Endurance ***18 When our prayers are answered, we know that God is with us. After Job endured his

trials, he said: “In hearsay I have heard about you [Jehovah], but now my own eye does see you.” (Job 42:5) With the eye of understanding, faith, and gratitude, we can reflect on God’s dealings with us and can “see” him as never before. How such intimacy brings us peace of heart and mind!

*** w07 8/15 p. 5 Admire the Design; Learn About the Designer ***In fact, the Bible presents the Creator as asking the patriarch Job:

“Have you intelligently considered the broad spaces of the earth?” (Job 38:18) That certainly does not suggest any stifling of inquiry and investigation. On the contrary, the Master Designer here invited a study of his handiwork.

*** w06 2/15 p. 26 par. 1 Walking in the Path of Increasing Light ***WHO can better describe the effect that the rising sun has on the darkness of the

night than the very Source of light, Jehovah God? (Psalm 36:9) ‘When the morning light takes hold on the ends of the earth,’ God says, ‘the earth transforms itself like clay under a seal, and things take their station as in clothing.’ (Job 38:12-14) With increasing light from the sun, earth’s features take shape and become clearer,

just as soft clay undergoes a transformation upon receiving an imprint from an emblem on a seal.

*** w06 3/15 p. 16 pars. 4-7 Highlights From the Book of Job ***37:14; 38:1–39:30. Reflecting upon Jehovah’s wonderful works—expressions of his

power and wisdom—humbles us and helps us to see that the vindication of his sovereignty is more important than any of our personal interests.—Matthew 6:9, 10.

40:1-4. When we feel inclined to complain against the Almighty, we should ‘put our hand over our mouth.’

40:15–41:34. What power Behemoth (the hippopotamus) and Leviathan (the crocodile) have! To endure in God’s service, we too need strength from the Maker of these powerful beasts, who imparts power to us.—Philippians 4:13.

42:1-6. Hearing Jehovah’s word and being reminded of the manifestation of his power helped Job to “behold God,” or see the truth about him. (Job 19:26) This adjusted his thinking. When corrected Scripturally, we should be eager to acknowledge our error and make adjustments.

*** w06 8/15 pp. 27-28 pars. 12-13 “You Have Heard of the Endurance of Job” ***12 The fact remains, of course, that Job needed help to adjust his

viewpoint in some respects. And he humbly accepted that help—another key to his enduring successfully. Job listened respectfully to Elihu’s wise counsel, and he responded positively to Jehovah’s correction. “I talked, but I was not understanding,” he admitted. “I make a retraction, and I do repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:3, 6) Despite

the disease that still plagued him, Job rejoiced that this adjustment in his thinking had drawn him closer to God. “I have come to know that you [Jehovah] are able to do all things,” Job said. (Job 42:2) Thanks to Jehovah’s description of His grandeur, Job understood much more clearly his own position in relation to the Creator.

13 Finally, Job provides an outstanding example of mercy. His false comforters hurt him deeply, yet when Jehovah asked Job to pray for them, he did so. Thereafter, Jehovah restored Job’s health. (Job 42:8, 10) Clearly, bitterness will not help us to endure, whereas love and mercy will. Letting go of resentment refreshes us spiritually, and it is a course that Jehovah blesses.—Mark 11:25.

*** w05 4/1 pp. 6-7 Science and the Bible—Do They Really Contradict Each Other? ***

The earliest Biblical reference to natural law is contained in the book of Job. About 1600 B.C.E., God asked Job: “Have you come to know the statutes [or, laws] of the heavens?” (Job 38:33) Recorded in the seventh century B.C.E., the book of Jeremiah refers to Jehovah as the Creator of “the statutes of the moon and the stars” and “the statutes of heaven and earth.” (Jeremiah 31:35; 33:25) In view of these statements, Bible commentator G. Rawlinson observed: “The general prevalence of law in the material world is quite as strongly asserted by the sacred writers as by modern science.”

If we use Pythagoras as a point of reference, the statement in Job was about a thousand years ahead of its time. Keep in mind that the Bible’s objective is not simply to reveal physical facts but primarily to impress upon us that Jehovah is the Creator of all things—the one who can create physical laws.—Job 38:4, 12; 42:1, 2.

*** w04 6/1 p. 12 pars. 14-15 Creation Declares the Glory of God! ***14 Scientists cannot answer another question posed to Job: “Where, now, is the way

by which the light distributes itself?” (Job 38:24) One writer called this inquiry about light “a profoundly modern scientific question.” By way of contrast, some Greek philosophers felt that light emanated from the human eye. In more modern times, scientists have thought that light consists of tiny particles. Others have thought of it as moving in waves. Today, scientists believe that light behaves both as a wave and as a particle. Still, the nature of light and how it “distributes itself” is far from fully understood.

15 Contemplating all of this, one cannot help but feel like the psalmist David, who said: “When I see your heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have prepared, what is mortal man that you keep him in mind, and the son of earthling man that you take care of him?”—Psalm 8:3, 4.

*** w01 8/15 p. 30 Do You Remember? ***• Why should the questions raised in Job chapter 38 merit consideration even

today?Many of the wonderful works to which God directed attention cannot be fully

understood even by modern scientists. These include how gravity keeps the earth in orbit, what exactly light is, why the endless variety of snowflakes, how raindrops form, and how energy is involved in thunderstorms.—4/15, pages 4-11.

*** w01 12/1 pp. 22-23 par. 16 Fear Jehovah and Keep His Commandments ***Withholding loving-kindness could include withholding forgiveness

or harboring a grudge. At God’s direction, Job prayed in behalf of his three companions, who had caused him so much grief. (Job 42:7-10) Could we show a similar forgiving spirit toward a fellow believer who may have hurt us in some way? A sincere prayer in behalf of the one who has offended us can do much to help us overcome resentment. The blessings Job enjoyed for his godly fear give us a foregleam of ‘the abundant goodness Jehovah has treasured up for those fearing him.’—Psalm 31:19; James 5:11.

*** w00 3/15 p. 24 Modesty—A Quality That Promotes Peace ***To begin with, an accurate understanding of our position in relation to Jehovah, the

Creator of the universe, will help us. What personal achievements could we claim that could ever compare with God’s accomplishments? Jehovah asked his faithful servant Job: “Where did you happen to be when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you do know understanding.” (Job 38:4) Job could give no answer. Are we not similarly limited in

knowledge, ability, and experience? Is it not beneficial for us to acknowledge our limitations?

*** w00 9/1 p. 9 pars. 13-14 Reflect the Mental Attitude of Christ ***Some of Jehovah’s faithful servants in times past needed to correct certain aspects of

their attitude. In general, for example, Job had a fine attitude. He never attributed evil to Jehovah, and at no time did he allow suffering to shake his confidence in God. (Job 1:8, 21, 22) Yet, he was inclined to justify himself. Jehovah directed Elihu to assist Job in rectifying this inclination. Rather than feeling insulted, Job humbly accepted the need for a change in attitude and readily set about making it.—Job 42:1-6.

14 Would we react as Job did if a fellow Christian kindly told us that we were giving evidence of a faulty attitude? Like Job, may we never “ascribe anything improper to God.” (Job 1:22) If we suffer unjustly, may we never complain or hold Jehovah responsible for our difficulties. May we avoid trying to justify ourselves, remembering that no matter what our privileges may be in Jehovah’s service, we are still only “good-for-nothing slaves.”—Luke 17:10.

*** w99 6/15 p. 16 par. 11 The Creator Can Add Meaning to Your Life ***11 The makeup of the universe, including our earth, reflects amazing fine-tuning. For

example, two remarkable qualities of our sun and other stars are long-term efficiency and stability. Current estimates of the number of galaxies in the visible universe range from 50 billion (50,000,000,000) to 125 billion. And our Milky Way galaxy has billions upon billions of stars in it. Now consider: We know that an automobile engine requires a critical ratio of fuel and air. If you own a car, you may hire a trained mechanic to tune its engine, so that your car will run smoother, more efficiently. If such precision is important with a mere engine, what of our efficiently “burning” sun, for example? Clearly, the key forces involved are precisely tuned for life to exist on earth. Did that just happen? Job of old was asked: “Did you proclaim the rules that govern the heavens, or determine the laws of nature on earth?” (Job 38:33, The New English Bible)

*** w97 2/1 pp. 24-25 Music’s Place in Modern Worship ***However, music was a part of Jehovah’s worship even before the creation of humans.

A number of Bible translations describe angels as singing. Job 38:7 tells of the angels crying out joyfully and “shouting in applause.” Thus, there is Scriptural reason to believe that singing in worship to Jehovah was a practice long before man came on the scene.

*** w94 11/15 p. 24 par. 14 Throw All Your Anxiety Upon Jehovah ***14 At any rate, Job was exemplary in patient endurance. If we are undergoing a severe

test of faith, we may have to wait for relief, even as he did. But God did act in his behalf, eventually relieving Job of his suffering and rewarding him abundantly. (Job 42:10-17) Patiently waiting on Jehovah develops our endurance and reveals the depth of our devotion to him.—James 1:2-4.

*** w92 9/15 p. 4 Why Do Good People Suffer? ***

So Eliphaz contended that God was punishing Job for his sins. Today, too, some argue that calamities are acts of God designed to punish people for wrongdoing. But Jehovah was not punishing Job for committing unrighteous acts. We know this because God later told Eliphaz: “My anger has grown hot against you and your two companions, for you men have not spoken concerning me what is truthful as has my servant Job.”—Job 42:7.

*** w92 9/15 p. 30 You Can Cope With Frustration! ***Though the upright man Job suffered great affliction, he maintained his faith in

Jehovah, and this led to a rich reward. (Job 42:12, 13) If we are servants of God, we can find strength to carry on by reflecting on these examples and praying for Jehovah’s help.—Psalm 41:1-3.

*** w91 2/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***We need not think that by “ransom” Elihu meant a human back then who would die in

Job’s behalf. In view of the sacrifices that true worshipers had been accustomed to offering, the sort of ransom to which Elihu was alluding in Job’s case might have been an animal sacrifice. Interestingly, God later told Job’s three critical companions: “You men must offer up a burnt sacrifice in your own behalf; and Job my servant will himself pray for you.” (Job 42:8) Whatever the form of the ransom, Elihu’s main point was that Job could have his error covered and experience resulting benefits.

Those blessings that came from applying a limited ransom to Job serve as a preview of the abundant blessings that will come to believing mankind in the new world. Then, the full benefit of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice will be available, removing forever the disastrous effects of sin and imperfection. What reason we will have for “joyful shouting,” as Elihu mentioned!—Job 33:26.

*** w90 12/15 p. 22 Equipped for Missionary Service in the 1990’s ***Brother Barry observed that despite severe trials, Job could keep smiling, for he knew

he was keeping integrity to God. Missionaries who are steadfast despite trialsome experiences like Job’s will receive the greater blessing at the end. (Job 29:24; 42:12) The speaker concluded: “Keep busy, keep smiling, and you too will reap Jehovah’s everlasting smile of approval.”