Spiritual Gems for the Week of January 25-31, 2027

Ezekiel 18:22, footnote. When Jehovah forgives someone, in what sense does he no longer remember his sins? (w12 7/1 18 pars. 5-7)

Ezekiel 18:22 — None of the transgressions that he has committed will be held against him. He will keep living for doing what is righteous.’

Answer 1: The key lies in the Bible’s meaning of remembering. The Hebrew term does not refer only to bringing something from the past to mind; it can also include acting in relation to it. Therefore, when Jehovah forgives and stops remembering sins, it means that he will not act against the repentant person because of those offenses. This is not describing a loss of memory but the way Jehovah deals with sins that he has forgiven.

Answer 2: One specific aspect is that Jehovah does not again accuse the repentant sinner of offenses that he has already forgiven. Those mistakes are not left pending so that they can later be used against him. Thus, not remembering has a very practical meaning: Jehovah does not again present as a basis for accusation something that he has forgiven. This explains why his forgiveness is not merely a declaration but determines how he will treat that person.

Answer 3: Another aspect is punishment. Jehovah does not return to forgiven sins in order to punish the repentant person for them. The explanation closely connects memory with action: remembering an offense could involve taking measures against the one who committed it. In this case, Jehovah assures us that he will not do so. Therefore, the expression refers not only to what he remembers but also to the fact that he will not act punitively because of those offenses.

Answer 4: The explanation refers specifically to a repentant sinner, not to someone who wants to continue doing what is bad. In the context of Ezekiel 18:22, the person has abandoned his sins and has begun to act righteously. Jehovah does not use his former offenses as a basis for condemning him. Thus, no longer remembering his sins does not mean approving what he did but forgiving someone who has changed his course.

Answer 5: Ezekiel 18:22 also shows the extent of that forgiveness: none of the forgiven offenses will be held against the repentant person. Jehovah does not set some of them aside to demand an accounting later. The passage contrasts his former sins with his present righteous course. So when it says that Jehovah no longer remembers, it emphasizes that those forgiven offenses will no longer be the basis of his judgment against him.

What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading have you found?

Spiritual Gems From EZEKIEL 17

Ezekiel 17:2 — “Son of man, tell a riddle and relate a proverb about the house of Israel.

Comment 1: At Ezekiel 17:2, Jehovah asks the prophet to teach by means of a riddle. This reminds me of the value of comparisons when explaining a Bible truth. In the ministry, a simple illustration can arouse interest and help others remember the teaching. What matters is that it clarifies the point rather than distracting from it.

Ezekiel 17:8 — It had already been planted in a good field near abundant waters, in order to produce branches, to bear fruit, and to become a majestic vine.”’

Comment 2: Ezekiel 17:8 explains that the vine already had good soil and enough water to develop. The problem was not a lack of the conditions needed to bear fruit. This moves me to value the spiritual help I have instead of always thinking that I need different circumstances in order to progress. I can ask myself whether I am making good use of Bible reading, meetings, and the encouragement of the brothers. Showing appreciation for those provisions includes using them.

Ezekiel 17:12 — “Please tell the rebellious house, ‘Do you not realize what these things mean?’ Say, ‘Look! The king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and took its king and its princes and brought them back with him to Babylon.

Comment 3: At Ezekiel 17:12, Jehovah does not leave the riddle unexplained. He identifies the king of Babylon and what he had done in Jerusalem. This teaches me to look for the explanation given by the Bible itself before assigning meanings to its imagery. When studying or preparing a comment, it is wise to read the context carefully. An appealing explanation is not necessarily correct; what matters is that it be supported by the passage.

Ezekiel 17:14 — so that the kingdom would be brought low, unable to rise up, so that only by keeping his covenant might it continue to exist.

Comment 4: Ezekiel 17:14 shows that the kingdom could remain standing if it respected the covenant, even though its position was more humble. Refusing to accept that limitation contributed to a disastrous decision. As a personal application, I see that a less prominent position does not prevent me from acting faithfully. If my circumstances or responsibilities change, I can continue to be useful. I do not need to regain prominence at all costs; I need to fulfill well what is assigned to me now.

Ezekiel 17:15 — But the king finally rebelled against him by sending his messengers to Egypt to obtain horses and a large army from them. Will he succeed? Will the one doing these things escape punishment? Can he break the covenant and still escape?’

Comment 5: At Ezekiel 17:15, the king sought horses and an army in Egypt, but doing so meant breaking his covenant. The help he expected to receive did not make his decision right. This reminds me that when evaluating an opportunity, it is not enough to think about its advantages. I must also ask whether accepting it would require me to break my word or ignore a Bible principle. An apparent benefit never justifies acting disloyally.

Ezekiel 17:17 — And the great army and numerous troops of Pharaoh will be of no help in the war, when siege ramparts are raised and siege walls are built to destroy many lives.

Comment 6: Ezekiel 17:17 points out that Pharaoh’s large army would not be able to provide the help the king expected. What seemed to be a guarantee of security would prove insufficient. This makes me think about where I place my trust when I am afraid. Material resources and human help have limitations. Therefore, although I take practical measures when facing a problem, I do not want to give them more weight than my relationship with Jehovah and obedience to his principles.

Ezekiel 17:18 — He has despised an oath and broken a covenant. Even though he gave his promise, he has done all these things, and he will not escape.”’

Comment 7: Ezekiel 17:18 emphasizes that the king had given his word but later broke the covenant. Jehovah did not consider that an unimportant detail. This encourages me to be careful before making a promise and dependable afterward. In the family, at work, or in the congregation, others organize their activities based on what we say. Keeping our commitments shows respect for them and helps them trust us.

Ezekiel 17:19 — “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “As surely as I am alive, I will bring upon his head the consequences of despising my oath and breaking my covenant.

Comment 8: Ezekiel 17:19 shows that Jehovah considered that oath and covenant to be his own. Therefore, breaking them was not merely a matter between rulers; it also involved disrespect for him. This detail reminds me that my conduct toward others has a spiritual dimension. I cannot separate my worship from my daily honesty. The way I fulfill my obligations also shows how much I respect Jehovah and value his approval.

Ezekiel 17:21 — All the fugitives of his troops will fall by the sword, and those remaining will be scattered in every direction. Then you will have to know that I myself, Jehovah, have spoken.”’

Comment 9: At Ezekiel 17:21, the consequences of the rebellion would also reach the troops: some would die and others would be scattered. This reminds me that the decisions of a person with responsibilities can affect many people. Before acting, I should not think only about what I want to achieve but also about how my decision will affect those who depend on me. Considering their welfare may help me restrain an impulsive or selfish decision.

Ezekiel 17:22 — “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “I will take a shoot from the top of the lofty cedar and plant it, from the top of its twigs I will pluck a tender shoot, and I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.

Comment 10: Ezekiel 17:22 changes the tone of the message: after announcing the consequences of unfaithfulness, Jehovah promises to take a sprout himself and plant it. I am struck by the fact that the initiative depends on Jehovah, not on the plans of rulers. This strengthens my confidence that human errors do not prevent him from accomplishing his purpose. When a situation seems hopeless, I should not measure Jehovah’s ability by our limited possibilities.

Ezekiel 17:23 — On a high mountain of Israel I will plant it; and its branches will grow, and it will produce fruit and become a majestic cedar. And every kind of bird will live beneath it and reside in the shadow of its foliage.

Comment 11: At Ezekiel 17:23, the tree that Jehovah promises to plant not only grows and bears fruit; it also provides shade and a place to live for many birds. It is a picture of growth that benefits others. As an application, it makes me think about why I want to progress spiritually. I should not seek recognition but should become someone who encourages, listens, and helps. Our progress is much more useful when those around us also receive its benefits.

Ezekiel 17:24 — And all the trees of the field will have to know that I myself, Jehovah, have brought down the high tree and exalted the low tree; I have dried up the green tree and made the dry tree blossom. I myself, Jehovah, have spoken and have done it.”’”

Comment 12: Ezekiel 17:24 presents Jehovah as the one who can bring down the tall tree and make the dry one blossom. Appearances do not limit his power. This teaches me humility when I enjoy good circumstances and gives me courage when I feel weak or insignificant. Moreover, Jehovah assures us that he will carry out what he has said. My confidence need not rest on how everything looks now but on the reliability of his word.

Spiritual Gems From EZEKIEL 18

Ezekiel 18:4 — Look! All the souls—to me they belong. As the soul of the father so also the soul of the son —to me they belong. The soul who sins is the one who will die.

Comment 1: Ezekiel 18:4 says that the soul can die. Therefore, this verse does not present the soul as immortal. It also shows that both the father and the son belong to Jehovah. This reminds me that our life is in his hands and that each person must answer to him for his own conduct.

Ezekiel 18:6 — He does not eat idolatrous sacrifices on the mountains; he does not look up to the disgusting idols of the house of Israel; he does not defile his neighbor’s wife or have relations with a woman who is menstruating;

Comment 2: At Ezekiel 18:6, the description of a righteous man includes rejecting idolatry and respecting another man’s marriage. This teaches me that faithfulness to Jehovah is not limited to what we do in public worship; it also includes our moral conduct. I can protect that faithfulness by setting clear boundaries in any relationship that could become improper. Respecting marriage requires avoiding not only adultery but also nurturing feelings that could lead to it.

Ezekiel 18:7 — he does not mistreat anyone, but he returns what a debtor has given him in pledge; he does not rob anyone, but he gives his own food to the hungry one and covers the naked one with a garment;

Comment 3: Ezekiel 18:7 does not describe the righteous man merely as someone who avoids harming others. He also shares his food and provides clothing for the one in need. This helps me see that kindness requires initiative. It is not enough to say that I never hurt anyone; I can be alert to a specific need and do something to relieve it. At times, simple and discreet help shows more concern than many words of sympathy.

Ezekiel 18:8 — he does not charge interest or engage in usury, but he refrains from acting with injustice; he executes true justice between one man and another;

Comment 4: At Ezekiel 18:8, Jehovah values settling matters between two people with genuine justice. This expression reminds me that being just requires more than taking the side of the person I like better. If I hear about a disagreement, I should avoid hasty conclusions and recognize that I may not know all the facts. In the family and the congregation, impartiality helps us avoid worsening problems through favoritism or comments based on incomplete information.

Ezekiel 18:9 — and he keeps walking in my statutes and observing my judicial decisions in order to act in faithfulness. Such a man is righteous and will surely keep living,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.

Comment 5: Ezekiel 18:9 connects righteousness with faithful and consistent conduct guided by Jehovah’s standards. It does not mean performing one good deed to compensate for an otherwise wrong way of life. This encourages me to cultivate habits of obedience in everyday matters, even when no one is watching. Faithfulness is reflected in many small decisions that over time show the place Jehovah’s instructions occupy in my life.

Ezekiel 18:14 — “‘But suppose that a father has a son who sees all the sins his father has committed, and though he sees them, he does not do such things.

Comment 6: Ezekiel 18:14 speaks of a son who sees his father’s sins but decides not to imitate them. This is a very encouraging thought for anyone who grew up surrounded by bad examples. What we have seen may influence us, but it does not force us to repeat it. We can recognize that conduct is harmful and choose another path. This verse also reminds me not to assume what someone will be like based on his family background.

Ezekiel 18:20 — The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will bear no guilt because of the error of his father, and a father will bear no guilt because of the error of his son. The righteousness of the righteous one will be accounted to him alone, and the wickedness of the wicked one will be accounted to him alone.

Comment 7: At Ezekiel 18:20, Jehovah makes clear that neither the father nor the son bears the guilt for the other’s sin. His judgment is individual. This helps me distinguish between suffering because of a relative’s conduct and being guilty of it. It also reminds me that a good family reputation does not replace my own obedience. Jehovah does not evaluate me simply on the basis of my relationships; he takes into account what I do.

Ezekiel 18:21 — “‘Now if someone wicked turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps my statutes and does what is just and righteous, he will surely keep living. He will not die.

Comment 8: Ezekiel 18:21 shows that repentance involves abandoning sin and beginning to do what is right. It does not consist merely of feeling bad about what happened. This verse helps me examine my changes honestly: Am I leaving the wrong conduct and replacing it with actions that please Jehovah? It also offers hope. Someone who has done wrong does not have to remain on that path; Jehovah takes into account the real changes he makes.

Ezekiel 18:23 — “‘Do I take any pleasure at all in the death of a wicked person?’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. ‘Do I not prefer that he turn away from his ways and keep living?’

Comment 9: At Ezekiel 18:23, Jehovah explains that he does not take pleasure in the death of a wicked person; he prefers that the person change and keep living. This reveals the mercy behind his warnings. In the ministry, I want to reflect that same attitude. We do not speak with people to condemn them or to prove that we are better, but because we want them to know Jehovah. Remembering what he desires can help us speak with greater patience and genuine interest.

Ezekiel 18:24 — “‘But when someone righteous abandons his righteousness and does what is wrong, doing all the detestable things the wicked do, will he live? None of the righteous acts that he did will be remembered. For his unfaithfulness and the sin he has committed, he will die.

Comment 10: Ezekiel 18:24 warns that a righteous person can abandon his good course. His past righteous actions do not justify his now practicing what is bad. This helps me avoid excessive confidence in the years I have served Jehovah or in what I have done before. I appreciate my record, but I need to keep caring for my spirituality today. Faithfulness is not an accumulated merit that allows us to let down our guard; it is a way of life that we must maintain.

Ezekiel 18:25 — “‘But you will say: “The way of Jehovah is unjust.” Please listen, O house of Israel! Is it my way that is unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?

Comment 11: At Ezekiel 18:25, some accused Jehovah of being unjust, but he asked them to examine their own ways. This teaches me to review my viewpoint when I do not understand a divine decision. Rather than assuming that my judgment is correct, I can study the context and ask myself what I need to understand better. Humility allows me to learn from Jehovah without making my limited understanding the measure of his justice.

Ezekiel 18:31 — Rid yourselves of all the transgressions you have committed and acquire a new heart and a new spirit, for why should you die, O house of Israel?’

Comment 12: Ezekiel 18:31 invites us to acquire a new heart and a new spirit. This indicates that change must not remain merely external; it must also reach our desires and attitude. If I want to correct a bad habit, I need to consider what feeds it and what motives I must strengthen. It is not merely a matter of appearing different to others but of developing a sincere desire to please Jehovah and allowing that desire to direct my decisions.

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