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THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW - FEBRUARY 2015 ...................... 1Study information for Theocratic Ministry School Review ..................................... 1

1. What was wrong with the way that Michal spoke to David, and what lessonshould married couples take to heart from this account? (2 Sam. 6:20-23)[May 11, w11 8/1 p. 12 par. 1] ............................................................................ 12. How did the prophet Nathan react when Jehovah corrected him for tellingDavid to go ahead and build a temple for Jehovah? (2 Sam. 7:2, 3)[May 11, w12 2/15 p. 24 pars. 6-7] ..................................................................... 2

3. Why did Nathan relate the parable recorded at 2 Samuel 12:1-7 instead ofjust telling David directly that he was guilty of serious sin? How can thisaccount help us to be better teachers? [May 18, w12 2/15 p. 24 pars. 2-3] ...... 34. Why was Absalom able to deceive the Israelites, and how can we protectourselves from the Absaloms of our day? (2 Sam. 15:6) [May 25, w12 7/15p. 13 par. 7] ........................................................................................................ 35. How did Jehovah provide for David during a time of dire need, and what

can we learn from this? (2 Sam. 17:27-29) [June 1, w08 9/15 p. 6 pars. 15-16] ....................................................................................................................... 46. How can we benefit from Davids example in his dealings with a foreignernamed Ittai? (2 Sam. 18:2) [June 1, w09 5/15 p. 27 par. 7] ............................... 57. How might older ones in the congregation benefit from the example ofBarzillai? (2 Sam. 19:33-35) [June 8, w07 7/15 p. 15 pars. 1-2] ........................ 58. How do Davids words about loyalty assure Jehovahs servants today?(2 Sam. 22:26) [June 15, w10 6/1 p. 26 pars. 6-7] ............................................. 59. How did Nathan display loyalty to God, and how can we imitate that quality

today? (1 Ki. 1:11-14) [June 22, w12 2/15 p. 25 pars. 1, 4-5] ............................ 6

10. In what areas of life might a servant of God use imperfect reasoning toget around Gods commands, as Solomon apparently did? (1 Ki. 3:1)[June 29, w11 12/15 p. 10 pars. 12-14] .............................................................. 6

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW - FEBRUARY 2015

Study information for Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during theweek beginning June 29, 2015. The date when each point is scheduled for discussions included so that research can be done when preparing for the school each week.

1. What was wrong with the way that Michal spoke to David, and what lessonshould married couples take to heart from this account? (2 Sam. 6:20-23)[May 11,w11 8/1 p. 12 par. 1]

(2 Sam. 6:20-23) When David returned to bless his own household, Saulsdaughter Michal came out to meet him. She said: How glorious the king ofIsrael made himself when he uncovered himself today before the eyes of theslave girls of his servants, just as an empty-headed man openly uncovers

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himself!21At this David said to Michal: My celebration was before Jehovah,who chose me rather than your father and all his household and who appointedme as leader over Jehovahs people, Israel. Therefore, I will celebrate beforeJehovah, 22 and I will humble myself even more than this and become low evenin my own eyes. But by the slave girls whom you mentioned, I will beglorified.23 So Sauls daughter Michal had no children down to the day of herdeath.

***w11 8/1 p. 12 Treating Your Mate With Respect***Even when you are alone with your mate, resist the urge to use sarcasm and name-calling. In ancient Israel, Michal got angry with her husband, King David. She spokesarcastically and said that he acted just as one of the empty-headed men. Her wordsoffended David, but they also displeased God. (2 Samuel 6:20-23) The lesson? Whenyou speak with your mate, choose your words carefully. (Colossians 4:6; footnote)Phil, married for eight years, admits that he and his wife still have disagreements. Hehas noticed that, at times, what he says makes the situation worse. I have come to

realize that winning anargument is actually a loss. I find that it is much moresatisfying and beneficial to build up our relationship.

2. How did the prophet Nathan react when Jehovah corrected him for tellingDavid to go ahead and build a temple for Jehovah? (2 Sam. 7:2, 3)[May 11,w12 2/15 p. 24 pars. 6-7]

(2 Sam. 7:2, 3) the king said to Nathan the prophet: Here I am living in a houseof cedars while the Ark of the true God sits in the midst of tent cloths.3 Nathanreplied to the king: Go and do whatever is in your heart, for Jehovah is with

you.

***w12 2/15 pp. 24-25 NathanLoyal Advocate of Pure Worship***As a faithful worshipper of Jehovah, Nathan enthusiastically endorsed Davids plan toconstruct the first permanent center of pure worship on earth. On that occasion,however, Nathan apparently expressed his own feelings instead of speaking inJehovahs name. That night, God instructed his prophet to take a different message tothe king: David would not build Jehovahs temple. The person to do so would be one

of Davids sons. But Nathan announced that God was making a covenant with Davidto the effect that his throne would become firmly established to time indefinite.2 Sam. 7:4-16.Gods will did not harmonize with Nathans judgment with respect to templeconstruction. Without murmuring, however, this humble prophet acquiesced toJehovahs purpose and cooperated with it. What a fine example to follow if God shouldcorrect us in some way! Nathans subsequent acts as a prophet show that he did notose Gods favor. In fact, it appears that Jehovah inspired Nathan, together with Gadthe visionary, to direct David in organizing 4,000 musicians in temple service.

1 Chron. 23:1-5; 2 Chron. 29:25.

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3. Why did Nathan relate the parable recorded at2 Samuel 12:1-7instead of justtelling David directly that he was guilty of serious sin? How can this accounthelp us to be better teachers? [May 18,w12 2/15 p. 24 pars. 2-3]

(2 Sam. 12:1-7) So Jehovah sent Nathan to David. He came in to him and said:There were two men in one city, the one rich and the other poor.2 The richman had very many sheep and cattle;3 but the poor man had nothing but onesmall female lamb, which he had bought. He cared for it, and it grew uptogether with him and his sons. It would eat from the little food he had and drinkfrom his cup and sleep in his arms. It became as a daughter to him. 4 Later avisitor came to the rich man, but he would not take any of his own sheep andcattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he tookthe poor mans lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.5 Atthis David grew very angry against the man, and he said to Nathan: As surelyas Jehovah is living, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 And he should payfor the lamb four times over, because he did this and showed nocompassion.7 Then Nathan said to David: You are the man! This is what

Jehovah the God of Israel says: I myself anointed you as king over Israel, and Irescued you from the hand of Saul.

***w12 2/15 p. 24 NathanLoyal Advocate of Pure Worship***Consider why Nathan addressed the problem as he did. It is not easy for a personwho has become emotionally entangled with someone to view his situation objectively.All of us tend to make excuses in an attempt to justify ourselves if our actions arequestionable. But Nathans illustration moved David unwittingly to condemn his ownactions. The king saw clearly that the conduct Nathan described was deplorable. Only

after David himself had condemned it, however, did Nathan reveal that the illustrationapplied to the king. Then David could see the magnitude of his sin. This put him in theright frame of mind to accept reproof. He acknowledged that he had indeed despisedJehovah by his conduct in connection with Bath-sheba, and he accepted the deservedreproof.2 Sam. 12:9-14; Ps. 51, superscription.What can we learn from this? A Bible teachers objective is to help his listeners arriveat the right conclusion. Nathan respected David and therefore approached himtactfully. Nathan knew that at heart David loved righteousness and justice. With his

llustration, the prophet appealed to these godly qualities. We too can help sincerendividuals to understand Jehovahs pointof view. How? By appealing to their sense ofwhat is right, doing so without assuming any air of moral or spiritual superiority. TheBible, not our personal opinion, is our authority regarding what is right and what iswrong.

4. Why was Absalom able to deceive the Israelites, and how can we protectourselves from the Absaloms of our day? (2 Sam. 15:6) [May 25,w12 7/15p. 13 par. 7]

(2 Sam. 15:6)Absalom would do this to all the Israelites who would come in tothe king for judgment; so Absalom kept stealing the hearts of the men of Israel.

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6. How can we benefit from Davids example in his dealings with a foreignernamed Ittai? (2 Sam. 18:2) [June 1,w09 5/15 p. 27 par. 7]

(2 Sam. 18:2) And David sent one third of the men under the command ofJoab, one third under the command of Joabs brother Abishai the son ofZeruiah, and one third under the command of Ittai the Gittite. The king thensaid to the men: I will also go out with you.

***w09 5/15 pp. 27-28 Imitate the Loyalty of Ittai***We too should strive to look beyond cultural, racial, or ethnic differencesanyingering prejudices and animositiesand recognize the good qualities in others. Thebond that formed between David and Ittai illustrates that our coming to know and loveJehovah can help us to overcome such barriers.

7. How might older ones in the congregation benefit from the example ofBarzillai? (2 Sam. 19:33-35) [June 8,w07 7/15 p. 15 pars. 1-2]

(2 Sam. 19:33-35) So the king said to Barzillai: Cross over with me, and I will

supply you with food in Jerusalem.34 But Barzillai said to the king: Howmany days of my life are left that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 Iam 80 years old today. Can I discern between good and bad? Can I, yourservant, taste what I eat and drink? Can I still listen to the voice of male andfemale singers? So why should your servant be an added burden to my lord theking?

***w07 7/15 p. 15 BarzillaiA Man Aware of His Limitations***The account of Barzillai highlights the need for balance. On the one hand, we should

not turn down a service privilege or avoid reaching out for it because we want a quietife or feel incapable of shouldering responsibility. God can make up for our deficiencyf we rely on him for strength and wisdom.Philippians 4:13; James 4:17; 1 Peter4:11.On the other hand, we need to recognize our limitations. For example, perhaps aChristian is already very busy in spiritual activities. He realizes that by acceptingfurther privileges, he would risk neglecting such Scriptural responsibilities as providingfor his family. In such a situation, would it not be an indication of modesty and

reasonableness on his part for him to decline additional privileges at present?Philippians 4:5; 1 Timothy 5:8.

8. How do Davids words about loyalty assure Jehovahs servants today?(2 Sam. 22:26) [June 15,w10 6/1 p. 26 pars. 6-7]

(2 Sam. 22:26) With someone loyal you act in loyalty; With the blameless,mighty man, you deal blamelessly;

***w10 6/1 p. 26 You Will Act in Loyalty***

What do Davids words mean for us? Jehovah does not waver or change. (James1:17) He remains true to his standards and is ever faithful to his word of promise. In

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another of his psalms, David wrote: Jehovah .. . will not leave his loyal ones.Psalm 37:28.Jehovah values our loyalty. He treasures our loyal obedience to him, and he urges usto imitate him in showing loyalty in our dealings with others. (Ephesians 4:24; 5:1) Ifwe display loyalty in these ways, we can trust that he will never abandon us. Nomatter how other humans may let us down, we can count on Jehovah to act loyally inour behalf, helping us to face successfully whatever trials may come our way. Are youmoved to draw closer to Jehovah, the loyal One?Revelation 16:5.

9. How did Nathan display loyalty to God, and how can we imitate that qualitytoday? (1 Ki. 1:11-14) [June 22,w12 2/15 p. 25 pars. 1,4-5]

(1 Ki. 1:11-14) Nathan then said to Bath-sheba, Solomons mother: Have younot heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king, and our lordDavid does not know anything about it? 12 So now come, please, and let meadvise you, so that you may save your own life and the life of your sonSolomon.13 Go in to King David and say to him, Was it not you, my lord the

king, who swore to your servant, saying: Your son Solomon will become kingafter me, and he is the one who will sit on my throne? So why has Adonijahbecome king?14 While you are still there speaking with the king, I will come inafter you and confirm your words.

***w12 2/15 p. 25 NathanLoyal Advocate of Pure Worship***Nathan was aware that Solomon was to succeed elderly David as king. So Nathanacted decisively when Adonijah attempted to usurp the throne during Davids waningyears. Tact and loyalty again characterized Nathans actions. First he urged Bath-

sheba to remind David of his sworn intention to make their son Solomon king. ThenNathan himself entered the kings presence to ask whether David had authorizedAdonijahs succession. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the aged king instructedNathan and other loyal servants to have Solomon anointed and proclaimed king.Adonijahs coup was thwarted.1 Ki. 1:5-53.***w12 2/15 p. 25 NathanLoyal Advocate of Pure Worship***From the few glimpses of Nathan given to us in the Scriptures, it is clear that he was ahumble but vigorous defender of divine arrangements. Jehovah God assigned him

weighty responsibilities. Meditate on Nathans qualities, such as loyalty to God anddeep appreciation for divine requirements. Strive to imitate such qualities.You are unlikely to be called upon to reprove adulterous kings or to thwart coups. WithGods help, however, you can be loyal to God and can uphold his righteous standards.You can also be a courageous, yet tactful, teacher of truth and a promoter of pureworship.

10. In what areas of life might a servant of God use imperfect reasoning to getaround Gods commands, as Solomon apparently did? (1 Ki. 3:1)

[June 29,w11 12/15 p. 10 pars. 12-14](1 Ki. 3:1) Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt. Hemarried Pharaohs daughter and brought her to the City of David until he

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finished building his own house, and the house of Jehovah, and the wall aroundJerusalem.

***w11 12/15 p. 10 Is He a Good Example for You or a Warning?***12, 13. Solomon made what poor decision early in his reign, and how might he havereasoned?2And things definitely took a bad turn after he became king. Solomon formed a

marriage alliance with Pharaoh the king of Egypt and [took] Pharaohs daughter and[brought] her to the City of David. (1 Ki. 3:1) Did this Egyptian woman imitate Ruth bytaking up true worship? Nothing indicates that she did so. Rather, in time Solomonbuilt a house for her (and perhaps her Egyptian maids) outside the City of David.Why? The Scriptures say that he did so because it was not fitting for a falseworshipper to dwell near the ark of the covenant.2 Chron. 8:11.3Solomon may have seen political advantages in marrying an Egyptian princess, yet

could he justify it? Long before, God had forbidden the marrying of pagan Canaanites,even listing certain peoples. (Ex. 34:11-16) Did Solomon reason that Egypt was not

one of those listed nations? Even if he reasoned that way, would such rationalizing bevalid? Actually, his course ignored the clear risk that Jehovah had mentionedthat ofturning an Israelite from true worship to false.Read Deuteron om y 7:1-4.14. How might we benefit from taking to heart Solomons warning example?4Will we let Solomons course be a warning example for us? A sister might attempt to

rationalize forming a romantic link that ignores Gods directive to marry only in theLord. (1 Cor. 7:39) With similar rationalizing, one might share in extracurricular sportsor clubs at school, underreport taxable income, or tell untruths when asked to revealactions that could be embarrassing. The point is, Solomon must have used imperfect

reasoning to get around what God commanded, and that same danger exists for us.