Congregation Bible Study, Week of December 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026, Lessons I Learn from the Bible, Lessons 48, 49, Answers.

These lessons invite us to reflect on two powerful Bible accounts that reveal important truths about faith, obedience, justice, and Jehovah’s personality. Through the experiences of the widow of Zarephath and the prophet Elijah, we learn how trusting Jehovah—even in desperate circumstances—leads to care, protection, and life-saving blessings. In contrast, the account involving Jezebel and Naboth exposes the dangers of greed, abuse of power, and deliberate injustice, while reassuring us that Jehovah sees everything and acts at the right time. Together, these lessons help us strengthen our trust in Jehovah, deepen our respect for what is right, and draw practical guidance for our own decisions today.

Lesson 48 Analysis: A Widow’s Son Comes Back to Life

How did the widow of Zarephath show that she trusted in Jehovah?

The widow of Zarephath demonstrated her trust in Jehovah by following the instructions she received through the prophet Elijah, even when the situation seemed hopeless. Although she had only a small amount of flour and oil—barely enough for one last meal for herself and her son—she put Jehovah’s word first and prepared bread for Elijah. By doing so, she showed faith and confidence in the promise that Jehovah would provide what was needed during the drought.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The widow of Zarephath showed her trust in Jehovah when, despite being in a desperate situation, she chose to obey without setting conditions. She possessed only a small quantity of flour and oil for one final meal with her son and saw no possible solution afterward. She could have clung to what little she had out of fear, but instead she chose to obey Jehovah’s instructions and prepared bread for Elijah.

After hearing the promise Jehovah made through Elijah, the widow decided to put Jehovah first and took action, clearly demonstrating her trust. She did not ask for signs, bargain, or make excuses; she simply did what was right with what she had. Jehovah, who sees the heart and understands human fear, blessed that simple faith. He responded with continual care, ensuring that the flour and oil did not run out during the drought, providing exactly what she and her son needed to survive.

The lesson this account teaches us is very practical: when we put Jehovah first, even during times of financial, emotional, or family pressure, He can support us in ways we may not expect. That assurance gives us peace and strength to keep moving forward, regardless of the challenges we face.

How do we know that Elijah was truly a prophet of God?

We know that Elijah was a true prophet of God because everything he announced in Jehovah’s name came true. Jehovah made the flour and oil last throughout the entire drought, exactly as Elijah had said. In addition, Jehovah answered Elijah’s prayer and restored the widow’s son to life—something that had never happened before. These events confirmed that Jehovah was backing Elijah and speaking through him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We know that Elijah truly was a prophet of God because Jehovah supported his work with clear actions, not empty words. Elijah never presented himself as extraordinary or sought personal recognition. When he spoke, he faithfully delivered Jehovah’s message, and everything he foretold was fulfilled.

The clearest proof came when the widow’s son died. At that moment, Elijah did not pretend to have power of his own or try to impress anyone. He took the child upstairs, laid him down, and humbly begged Jehovah to restore his life—and Jehovah answered. This event made it evident that Elijah had divine support, since no human could accomplish such a thing on their own.

The widow herself immediately understood that Elijah was truly a prophet of God. When she saw her son alive again, she acknowledged that Elijah was a man of God and that his words came from Jehovah. For us, this strengthens our faith, reminding us that Jehovah supports those who represent Him with humility and sincerity, and that His power is revealed at the proper time.

What does this account teach us about Jehovah?

This account teaches us that Jehovah is a loving, compassionate God who is faithful to His promises. He cares for those who trust in Him, regardless of their background or circumstances. It also shows that Jehovah has power over life and death and that He listens to the sincere prayers of His servants.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This account shows us that Jehovah is a God who is close to His people and worthy of complete trust. He did not make an empty promise; He assured that the flour and oil would not run out and fulfilled His word steadily and quietly, proving that His faithfulness does not depend on circumstances.

It also demonstrates how Jehovah made it clear that His power has no limits by restoring the widow’s son to life. This reminds us that He can not only sustain us materially, but also lift us up when pain feels overwhelming. Jehovah does not speak lightly: when He promises, He acts, and when His servants plead to Him in faith, He listens.

This account strengthens our confidence that even when we cannot see a way out, Jehovah can open one and, at the same time, provide what we need to remain standing with peace and hope.

What practical lessons can we learn?

We can learn that Jehovah always keeps His promises, even when circumstances seem difficult, and that trusting and obeying Him brings blessings.

We can also learn that Jehovah shows no favoritism but cares for all who trust in Him, and that in moments of pain and loss, we can turn to Him in prayer, confident that He listens and cares for us.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We learn that Jehovah does not require a person to be considered important by the world in order to bless them. The widow was poor, alone, and lacked resources, yet Jehovah noticed her and sustained her because of her humble and willing attitude. This teaches us not to feel insignificant or think that Jehovah overlooks us when we are tired, discouraged, or facing hardships.

We also learn that genuine faith is shown through simple actions: obeying, persevering, and doing what is right, even when it requires effort. Jehovah may not always change a situation immediately, but He can provide what we need, just as He did by ensuring the flour and oil did not run out. And when we face a more intense trial, this account reminds us that Jehovah listens and acts at the right time.

The practical lesson is very clear. Jehovah does not need us to be important in the eyes of the world in order to bless us; He sees our humble and willing attitude.

We learn that true faith is demonstrated through simple acts, such as obeying and doing what is right even when the situation is difficult. If we trust and obey, Jehovah can sustain us in ways we may not imagine, giving us the strength we need to keep going.

Lesson 49 Analysis: A Wicked Queen Receives Her Punishment

What did Jezebel do to take Naboth’s vineyard?

Jezebel took Naboth’s vineyard through deception and violence. She wrote letters in King Ahab’s name and instructed the city elders to falsely accuse Naboth of cursing God. Then she ordered that he be stoned to death. After his execution, Jezebel told Ahab that he could now take possession of the vineyard.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In order to obtain the vineyard, Jezebel showed no respect for Naboth’s just decision or his desire to obey Jehovah’s law. Instead of accepting his refusal, she chose to take it by force. She used the king’s authority as a tool, wrote letters, manipulated influence, and pressured the elders to organize a deception. In this way, Naboth was falsely accused of a serious crime and executed, despite being innocent.

With Naboth removed, Jezebel informed Ahab that he could now claim the vineyard. What is most shocking is that she not only lied, but also corrupted others to carry out the injustice on her behalf, revealing a hardened heart with no respect for truth or life.

This account encourages us to examine ourselves, since when a desire becomes an obsession, it can lead us to justify wrongdoing. Jehovah, by contrast, values honesty, integrity, and respect for what is right, even when that means giving up something we want.

Why did Jehovah punish Jezebel?

Jehovah punished Jezebel because of her many serious acts of wickedness. She not only ordered the murder of an innocent man, but also persecuted and killed many of Jehovah’s servants, promoted idol worship, and acted with great cruelty and arrogance. Jehovah saw everything she did and, at the proper time, carried out His judgment through Jehu.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jehovah punished Jezebel not because of a single mistake, but because her entire way of life was marked by evil. She used her power to oppress others, lied, manipulated, and ordered the deaths of innocent people. Even then, she never showed humility or a desire to change; instead, she continued acting proudly, as if no one could stop her.

Through this punishment, Jehovah made something very clear: He can be patient, but He does not approve of injustice. Jehovah sees what others may not, and even when it seems that the wicked succeed, the time comes when He acts and sets matters straight. This brings us peace, reminding us that Jehovah loves justice and does not abandon those who want to do what is right.

What does this account teach us about Jehovah?

This account teaches us that Jehovah is a just and all-knowing God. He sees every injustice, even when it appears that the wicked go unpunished for a time. Jehovah does not tolerate evil or violence and always acts to defend justice and uphold His name.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This account teaches us that Jehovah is truly patient, yet also a God of justice. For a long time, Jezebel continued doing harm, and it may have seemed that nothing was happening. However, Jehovah was observing everything while also giving her the opportunity to change. When she chose to continue without repentance, Jehovah acted decisively.

This helps us understand an important truth: Jehovah’s patience is not weakness or indifference, but mercy and self-control. He does not act impulsively; He waits for the right moment and then brings about justice fully.

This account teaches us that when we see injustices today, we should not lose hope or think that Jehovah is unaware. On the contrary, we can remain calm and confident, remembering that Jehovah loves what is right, places limits on wickedness, and acts at the proper time to protect justice.

What practical lessons can we learn?

We can learn that Jehovah sees everything and that no act of wrongdoing goes unnoticed, and that injustice and abuse of power have consequences.

We can also learn that obeying Jehovah’s laws, as Naboth did, is the right course even when it involves sacrifice, and that Jehovah punishes wickedness at the appropriate time. Therefore, we should not lose patience if justice seems delayed.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We learn that power and influence can become dangerous when they are not accompanied by humility. Jezebel used her position to manipulate, pressure, and harm others, and her example serves as a warning. We should never use personal advantages to hurt others or force our will upon them.

We also learn not to justify wrongdoing simply because it is possible or because others approve of it. Jehovah sees what happens behind the scenes, even when it seems that no one will notice. Another practical lesson is to guard our hearts against greed and pride, since when these desires take control, we can end up doing things we never imagined.

This account encourages us to choose honesty even when it is difficult, to respect what is right, and to avoid participating in gossip, false accusations, or decisions that harm innocent people. And if we ever suffer injustice ourselves, we remember something that brings great peace: Jehovah is not indifferent; He acts at the proper time and values those who remain upright.