Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week
beginning April 26, 2010. The school overseer will conduct a 20-minute review based on
material covered in assignments for the weeks of March 1 through April 26, 2010.

1. What did Naomi mean by the expression “it is Jehovah that has humiliated me and
the Almighty that has caused me calamity”? (Ruth 1:21)

[w05 3/1 p. 27 par. 1] Did Jehovah make life bitter for Naomi and cause her calamity? No, and Naomi
did not charge God with any wrongdoing. In view of all that had happened to her, however, she thought
that Jehovah was against her. She felt bitter and disillusioned. Moreover, in those days the fruitage of the
belly was considered a divine blessing and barrenness, a curse. Lacking grandchildren and with two sons
dead, Naomi might have felt justified in thinking that Jehovah had humiliated her.

2. What qualities made Ruth “an excellent woman”? (Ruth 3:11)

[w05 3/1 p. 28 par. 6] What gave Ruth the reputation of being “an excellent woman”? It was not
“the external braiding of the hair” or “the putting on of gold ornaments or the wearing of outer
garments” that caused others to admire Ruth. Rather, it was “the secret person of the heart”—
her loyalty and love, her humility and meekness, her diligence and self-sacrificing spirit. Any
God-fearing woman desiring a reputation like that of Ruth must strive to cultivate these qualities.
—1 Peter 3:3, 4; Proverbs 31:28-31.

3. How did Elkanah’s words “am I not better to you than ten sons” strengthen his wife?
(1 Sam. 1:8)

[w90 3/15 p. 27 pars. 5-6] Elkanah then asked Hannah this very strengthening question: “Am I
not better to you than ten sons?” Hannah was reminded of his affection for her, despite her
barrenness. He considered her precious, and she could therefore conclude: ‘Well, I am not so
worthless after all. I really do have the deep love of my husband!’ His words fortified Hannah, for
she began to eat and went on to the temple.—1 Samuel 1:8, 9.
Just as Elkanah was specific and drew his wife’s attention to a legitimate reason for her to
feel better about herself, those who wish to help depressed persons must do likewise. For
example, a Christian named Naomi said this about what helped her to regain her joy: “Some of
the friends praised the way I had raised my son, the way I kept my home, and even the way I
kept up my appearance despite my depression. This encouragement meant so much!” Yes,
deserved commendation helps a depressed soul to see his or her good qualities and make a
proper estimate of self-worth.

4. What made Israel’s request for a king improper? (1 Sam. 8:5)

[w05 9/15 p. 20 par. 17] Again in the prophet Samuel’s day, the favored nation of Israel was
caught in the snare of walking by sight. The people began to desire a king whom they could
see. Even though Jehovah had demonstrated that he was their King, this was not enough to
make them walk by faith. (1 Samuel 8:4-9) To their own harm, they foolishly rejected the
flawless guidance of Jehovah, preferring instead to be like the surrounding nations.—1 Samuel
8:19, 20.

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[it-2 p. 163 par. 1] A Human King Requested. Nearly 400 years from the time of the Exodus and
over 800 years from the making of God’s covenant with Abraham, the Israelites requested a
human king to lead them, even as the other nations had human monarchs. Their request
constituted a rejection of Jehovah’s own kingship over them. (1Sa 8:4-8) True, the people
properly expected a kingdom to be established by God in harmony with his promise to Abraham
and to Jacob, already cited. They had further basis for such hope in Jacob’s deathbed prophecy
concerning Judah (Ge 49:8-10), in Jehovah’s words to Israel after the Exodus (Ex 19:3-6), in the
terms of the Law covenant (De 17:14, 15), and even in part of the message God caused the
prophet Balaam to speak (Nu 24:2-7, 17). Samuel’s faithful mother Hannah expressed this hope
in prayer. (1Sa 2:7-10) Nevertheless, Jehovah had not fully revealed his “sacred secret”
regarding the Kingdom and had not indicated when his due time for its establishment would
arrive nor what the structure and composition of that government would be—whether it would be
earthly or heavenly. It was therefore presumptuous on the part of the people now to demand a
human king.

5. How did Samuel, having “grown old and gray,” prove himself exemplary in praying
in behalf of others, and what does this highlight? (1 Sam. 12:2, 23)

[w07 6/1 p. 29 pars. 14-15] All of this highlights an essential way that aged ones can exert an
influence for good on fellow servants of Jehovah. Despite limitations imposed by health or other
circumstances, those advanced in years can pray in behalf of others. Older ones, do you
appreciate just how much your prayers benefit the congregation? Because of your faith in
Christ’s shed blood, you enjoy an approved standing before Jehovah, and because of your
record of endurance, your faith has acquired a “tested quality.” (James 1:3; 1 Peter 1:7) Never
forget: “A righteous man’s supplication, when it is at work, has much force.”—James 5:16.
Your prayers in support of Jehovah’s Kingdom work are needed. Some of our brothers are in
prison on account of their Christian neutrality. Others have fallen victim to natural disasters,
wars, and civil strife. Still others, right in our own congregations, are facing temptations or
opposition. (Matthew 10:35, 36) Those taking the lead in the preaching work and in overseeing
congregations also need your regular prayers in their behalf. (Ephesians 6:18, 19; Colossians
4:2, 3) How good it is that you mention fellow believers in your prayers, as Epaphras did!—
Colossians 4:12.

6. Why did Saul show the Kenites special consideration? (1 Sam. 15:6)

[w05 3/15 p. 22 par. 10] Why did the Kenites receive special consideration from Saul? The
Kenites were the sons of Moses’ father-in-law. They assisted the Israelites after these pulled
away from Mount Sinai. (Numbers 10:29-32) In the land of Canaan, the Kenites also took up
dwelling with the sons of Judah for a time. (Judges 1:16) Even though they later resided among
the Amalekites and various other peoples, the Kenites remained on friendly terms with Israel.
For good reason, then, Saul spared the Kenites.

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 7. What prompted Saul’s question to David, “Whose son are you, boy’?” (1 Sam. 17:58)

[w07 8/1 p. 31 pars. 3, 5] Evidently, by questioning first Abner and then David himself, Saul was
not just interested in knowing the name of David’s father. Having seen David in a completely
new light as a person of great faith and courage who had just defeated Goliath, Saul wanted to
know what kind of man had raised such a boy. Saul may have had in mind adding David’s
father, Jesse, or other members of his family to the army, since the courage and bravery seen in
David might also be found in them.
From all of this, we can conclude that by his question, “Whose son are you, boy?” Saul was
intending to find out, not David’s identity, which he already knew, but David’s background.

8. What can we learn from David’s handling of a serious problem in Gath? (1 Sam.
21:12, 13)

[w05 3/15 p. 24 par. 4] Jehovah expects us to use our mental faculties and abilities to deal with
difficult situations in life. He has given us his inspired Word, which imparts prudence,
knowledge, and thinking ability. (Proverbs 1:4) We also have the help of appointed Christian
elders.

9. How were Jonathan’s love and humility manifested when it was necessary to
support and encourage his friend David? (1 Sam. 23:17)

[Iv p. 28 par. 10, ftn.] David and Jonathan were bound together by their love for God and their
strong desire to remain faithful to him. These two men shared a spiritual bond. Each displayed
qualities that endeared him to the other. Jonathan no doubt was impressed with the courage
and zeal of the young man who fearlessly defended Jehovah’s name. David undoubtedly
respected the older man who loyally supported Jehovah’s arrangements and unselfishly put
David’s interests ahead of his own. Consider, for example, what happened when David was at a
low point in his life, living as a fugitive in the wilderness to escape the wrath of wicked King
Saul, Jonathan’s father. In a remarkable demonstration of loyalty, Jonathan took the initiative
and “went to David . . . that he might strengthen his hand in regard to God.” (1 Samuel 23:16)
Imagine how David must have felt when his dear friend came and offered him support and
encouragement!
(Footnote): As recorded at 1 Samuel 23:17, Jonathan said five things to encourage David:
(1) He urged David not to be afraid. (2) He assured David that Saul’s efforts would fail. (3) He
reminded David that he would receive the kingship, as God had promised. (4) He pledged his
loyalty to David. (5) He told David that even Saul was aware of Jonathan’s loyalty to David.

10. What lesson do we learn from Saul’s encounter with the witch of En-dor? (1 Sam.
28:8-19)

[w05 3/15 p. 24 par. 7] In their efforts to misguide or harm people, wicked spirits can pretend to
be certain dead individuals. We must keep free from all forms of spiritism.—Deuteronomy
18:10-12.