Watchtower Study for the Week of November 9-15, 2026

How to Cultivate “an Obedient Heart”

1. Why do some people usually obey?

Matthew 23:5 — All the works they do, they do to be seen by men, for they broaden the scripturecontaining cases that they wear as safeguards and lengthen the fringes of their garments.

Answer 1: Some people obey to make a good impression. Jesus pointed out that the religious leaders sought attention through what they did. This invites us to examine our motives. It is not enough for others to consider us obedient; what matters is that our desire to please Jehovah is sincere.

Answer 2: Sometimes people obey because they are being watched or want to avoid punishment. In such cases, their conduct depends on circumstances, not necessarily on being convinced that they are doing what is right. We should ask ourselves whether we obey Jehovah as willingly when alone as when others can see us.

Answer 3: We may also obey because we recognize that doing so benefits us. Jehovah teaches us for our good, and appreciating his guidance is a good reason to obey him. But our obedience should be based above all on our love for him, not merely on the benefits we receive.

2. What is the main reason why we obey Jehovah?

Romans 6:17 — But thanks to God that although you were once the slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over.

Answer 1: The main reason is our deep love for Jehovah. Romans 6:17 highlights that obedience should come from the heart. We do not want merely to follow a rule out of obligation. We want to apply what Jehovah teaches because we love him and want to please him, even when no one is watching.

Answer 2: Love for Jehovah moves us to obey without demanding that the benefits be seen immediately. If our obedience depended only on immediate good results, it might weaken when difficulties arose. But when our relationship with Jehovah matters most, we keep doing what pleases him even when we do not yet understand every advantage.

Answer 3: We obey mainly because we love Jehovah, but that does not mean it is always easy. Our heart is treacherous. Recognizing this keeps us from becoming overconfident or assuming that our motives are always good. We need to keep strengthening our love for Jehovah and learn from Bible examples so that our obedience remains sincere.

3. Why might the command to splash blood on the doorposts have tested the Israelites’ obedience? (See also the picture.)

Answer 1: The lambs were sacred animals to the Egyptians. Sacrificing them and putting their blood on the doorposts could provoke a hostile reaction, so the Israelites may have feared retaliation. They had to decide whether that possible danger mattered more than Jehovah’s instruction. Their obedience showed that they understood the importance of following what he commanded.

Exodus 12:28 — So the Israelites went and did just as Jehovah had commanded Moses and Aaron. They did just so.

Answer 2: Although there may have been reasons to feel afraid, Exodus 12:28 shows that the Israelites carefully followed the instructions. They did not allow possible retaliation to stop them. Jehovah blessed that obedience by protecting their firstborn. The account encourages us to give greater weight to his guidance than to other people’s reactions.

Answer 3: The picture helps us visualize that obedience required action: an Israelite splashes the doorpost while his son holds a lamp, and other neighbors do the same. It was not enough to agree with the command. They had to carry it out despite possible consequences. Likewise, our trust in Jehovah should be reflected in what we do.

4. What surprising instruction did Jehovah give the Israelites?

Answer 1: After guiding them to the northern end of the Red Sea, Jehovah told them to turn back, head south, and camp between the sea and the mountains. From a human standpoint, this seemed dangerous because they could be trapped. The surprising thing was that Jehovah’s route seemed to leave them without an escape from the Egyptian army.

Exodus 14:1-4 — Jehovah now said to Moses: “Tell the Israelites that they should turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, within view of Baal-zephon. You are to encamp facing it by the sea. Then Pharaoh will say about the Israelites, ‘They are wandering in confusion in the land. The wilderness has closed in on them.’ I will allow Pharaoh’s heart to become obstinate, and he will chase after them, and I will glorify myself by means of Pharaoh and all his army; and the Egyptians will certainly know that I am Jehovah.” So that is what they did.

Answer 2: Jehovah commanded them to return and camp beside the sea. The instruction had a purpose beyond what they could see.

Answer 3: The Israelites obeyed the order given through Moses, but when they saw the Egyptians approaching, they became afraid and accused him of taking them to their death. This teaches us that initially following an instruction is not the same as maintaining trust. When difficulties arise, we need to remember why we trust Jehovah instead of quickly concluding that obedience was a mistake.

5. What did the Israelites fail to do at the Red Sea? (Psalm 106:7 and footnote)

Psalms 106:7 — Our forefathers in Egypt did not appreciate your wonderful works. They did not remember your abundant loyal love, But they rebelled at the sea, by the Red Sea.

Answer 1: They did not properly appreciate Jehovah’s works or keep his loyal love in mind. They had seen his power, but they did not let it strengthen their trust. The problem was not a lack of evidence of Jehovah’s care; they failed to reflect on what that evidence revealed about him.

Answer 2: The Israelites did not understand how much Jehovah loved them. He had just protected their firstborn during the tenth plague, but at the Red Sea they did not trust that he could save them again. Remembering an event is not enough; we need to meditate on what it teaches us about Jehovah’s love so that the memory sustains us when we are afraid.

Answer 3: Although they followed Moses and crossed the sea, they did not correct their inner attitude. Jehovah could see what was in their heart and viewed their reaction as rebellion. Obedience is not merely outward conduct. Along with following instructions, we want to cultivate trust and gratitude so that difficulties do not produce discontent.

6. What will we do if we have an obedient heart? (Jeremiah 23:4)

Jeremiah 23:4 — And I will raise up over them shepherds who will really shepherd them. They will no longer be afraid or be terrified, and none will be missing,” declares Jehovah.

Answer 1: We will trust Jehovah and those whom he has appointed to lead his people. Jeremiah 23:4 presents those shepherds as an expression of his care. Keeping this in mind helps us accept the guidance we receive, even when we do not fully understand the reasons for an instruction or yet see its benefits.

Answer 2: If we have an obedient heart, we will not make our obedience conditional on immediate advantages. We should ask whether we are willing to follow instructions when doing so is difficult. This helps us distinguish between obeying for convenience and obeying because we trust Jehovah. We want our love for him to be stronger than our desire to avoid inconvenience.

Answer 3: We will remain obedient even if the attitude of those around us changes. The Israelites had the Egyptians’ favor when they left, but lost confidence when the Egyptians began pursuing them. We do not want to depend on human approval. If we trust Jehovah, we will follow his instructions even when some react with hostility.

7. Why will it be easier for us to obey Jehovah if we strengthen our love for him?

1 John 5:3 — For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome,

Answer 1: Because loving Jehovah moves us to want to please him. As 1 John 5:3 shows, love and obedience are closely related. When we strengthen our love, we do not view his commandments merely as obligations. We follow them because we value our friendship with him, even when obedience requires patience or change.

Answer 2: Love helps us trust when we do not immediately see the benefits of an instruction. Rather than focusing only on inconveniences, we remember whom we want to please and why we trust him. Questions may remain, but we do not allow them to weaken our willingness to obey. Our relationship with Jehovah remains most important.

Answer 3: Love also makes it easier to be patient. Sometimes the good results of obedience become evident only with time. If our main motive is love for Jehovah, we will not demand immediate results before doing what is right. We can give matters time, remain confident, and remember that an initial difficulty does not determine the outcome.

8. How did two Witnesses show that they were determined to be obedient?

Answer 1: The elder in Peru had doubts about whether videoconference meetings would work in his area. However, he did not turn his first impression into a reason to reject the instruction. He was determined to obey and trust Jehovah. Later he saw that the congregation was more united and strengthened. His experience shows that we do not need to see every benefit before being willing to cooperate.

Answer 2: The sister in Japan learned that the foreign-language group in which she served would be dissolved. Even so, she decided to obey and not criticize the change. She also wanted to see the benefits it would produce. Her attitude was beautiful because she did not merely accept the decision outwardly; she maintained a positive disposition without focusing on what the change might cost her.

Proverbs 3:5-6 — Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight.

Answer 3: Both applied this principle by not allowing their own judgment to be decisive. The elder cooperated despite his initial doubts, and the sister accepted a change that personally affected her. Both showed that trusting Jehovah means being willing to obey before knowing all the results.

9. How can we prepare to be obedient when we face opposition in the future? (See also the picture.)

Matthew 24:14 — And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Answer 1: We prepare by sharing in the ministry now, even when some react badly. Matthew 24:14 highlights the importance of announcing the Kingdom before the end. If we obey that command despite opposition today, we will cultivate the trust and determination needed to remain obedient in the future.

Answer 2: We should not wait until opposition becomes intense to strengthen our obedience. During the great tribulation, the preaching may become more direct and forceful, and those who hate Jehovah may react angrily. Without speculating about details, we can prepare by fulfilling our work now. Each time we keep preaching despite rejection, we show our trust in Jehovah.

Answer 3: The picture shows a married couple calmly walking away from a house where two people are furious. A bad reaction need not make us abandon the ministry or lose our calm. We can keep obeying Jehovah without responding angrily. Cultivating this calm, persevering attitude now prepares us to remain faithful if opposition increases.

10. How did King Jehoshaphat feel when three nations threatened him?

Answer 1: Jehoshaphat felt afraid, as did the people. Three nations had joined forces to fight him, so the threat was very serious. But the paragraph emphasizes that he did not allow fear to paralyze him. His example comforts us because feeling afraid in the face of difficulty does not necessarily mean that we lack faith or cannot obey Jehovah.

2 Chronicles 20:1-3 — Afterward the Moabites and the Ammonites, together with some of the Ammonim, came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. So Jehoshaphat was told: “A large crowd has come against you from the region of the sea, from Edom, and there they are in Hazazon-tamar, that is, Engedi.” At that Jehoshaphat became afraid, and he resolved to search for Jehovah. So he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.

Answer 2: He was afraid, but he reacted by seeking Jehovah. He did not wait until he stopped feeling afraid before turning to the One who could help him.

Answer 3: Although he was king, Jehoshaphat was not immune to fear. Encouragingly, his reaction did not end in anguish; he sought Jehovah’s help. This teaches us to distinguish between what we feel and what we choose to do. A situation may frighten us greatly, but we can still choose to turn to Jehovah and let him guide us.

11. What did Jehoshaphat do when he felt afraid? (2 Chronicles 20:5, 6, 10-12)

2 Chronicles 20:3 — At that Jehoshaphat became afraid, and he resolved to search for Jehovah. So he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.

Answer 1: His first reaction was to resolve to search for Jehovah. He did not allow fear to pull him away from Jehovah but strengthened his determination to receive guidance. Then he prayed and asked for help. We can imitate him by seeking Jehovah through prayer and study when difficulties make us feel insecure.

Answer 2: Jehoshaphat prayed before the people and acknowledged their need for Jehovah’s help. He highlighted God’s power and explained the threat they faced. Thus, prayer was not a last resort for him but an essential part of his response. When distressed, we too can confidently approach Jehovah and tell him what concerns us.

Answer 3: He had sought Jehovah’s guidance before, but in the face of this threat he strengthened his resolve to obey whatever instruction he received. He did not merely ask Jehovah to solve the problem; he was willing to be directed. We likewise want to accompany our prayers with determination to apply the guidance found in God’s Word.

12. How will we strengthen our determination to obey Jehovah?

Answer 1: We will strengthen it by increasing our Bible knowledge. Jehoshaphat knew Jehovah’s promises and knew that he had fulfilled them. This gave him reasons to trust Jehovah when the threat arose. Studying the Bible does more than help us remember information; it helps us know Jehovah better and become more convinced that obeying him is worthwhile, even in difficult circumstances.

Matthew 13:52 — Then he said to them: “That being the case, every public instructor who is taught about the Kingdom of the heavens is like a man, the master of the house, who brings out of his treasure store things both new and old.”

Answer 2: We can keep enriching our knowledge, like someone adding valuable things to a treasure. The article applies this illustration to Bible study. Both the truths we already know and what we continue learning strengthen our trust in Jehovah. We do not want to be satisfied with what we have learned so far, but continue deepening our understanding.

Answer 3: Jehoshaphat’s prayer shows that he remembered the promise made to Abraham and knew Solomon’s prayer at the temple’s inauguration. He connected what he knew with the difficulty he was facing. That is a good goal for our study: not merely to read, but to think about how Bible promises and accounts can help us trust Jehovah and obey him.

13. How does humility help us?

2 Chronicles 20:12 — O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless before this large crowd that is coming against us; and we do not know what we should do, but our eyes are toward you.”

Answer 1: Humility helps us recognize our limitations and accept Jehovah’s guidance. Jehoshaphat admitted before the people that they did not know how to face the threat by their own strength. Although he was king, he did not pretend to have all the answers. This attitude prepared him to listen to and obey whatever Jehovah indicated.

Answer 2: Being humble prevents us from relying too much on our position, experience, or ability. Jehoshaphat had authority and an army, but he did not think these were enough to solve the problem. He recognized his need for Jehovah. Likewise, the more aware we are of our need for help, the more willing we will be to seek and accept it.

Answer 3: Humility makes obedience easier because it allows us to admit that we do not know what to do without feeling that this diminishes our worth. Jehoshaphat acknowledged this publicly, showing his dependence on Jehovah. We do not need to pretend that we can handle everything. Accepting our limitations helps us listen willingly and maintain an obedient heart when circumstances overwhelm us.

14. What did Jehoshaphat do when Jehovah gave him instructions?

Answer 1: Jehoshaphat immediately accepted the instructions Jehovah transmitted through Jahaziel and bowed down to worship him. The people followed his example. His reaction showed respect and trust, although the instruction to go out against the enemies without having to fight was extraordinary. Instead of focusing on his doubts, he helped the nation focus on Jehovah and his promise to save them.

2 Chronicles 20:14-20 — Then in the middle of the congregation, the spirit of Jehovah came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah son of Benaiah son of Jeiel son of Mattaniah the Levite of the sons of Asaph. He said: “Pay attention, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat! Here is what Jehovah says to you, ‘Do not be afraid or be terrified because of this large crowd, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. They will be coming up by the pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley before the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight this battle. Take your position, stand still, and see the salvation of Jehovah in your behalf. O Judah and Jerusalem, do not be afraid or be terrified. Tomorrow go out against them, and Jehovah will be with you.’” At once Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Jehovah to worship Jehovah. Then the Levites who were descendants of the Kohathites and the Korahites rose up to praise Jehovah the God of Israel with a very loud voice. They rose up early the next morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they went out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said: “Listen to me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Put faith in Jehovah your God so that you may be able to stand firm. Put faith in his prophets, and you will be successful.”

Answer 2: Jehoshaphat worshipped Jehovah and then encouraged the people to trust in him and his prophets. He supported the instructions by his words and actions.

Answer 3: The next day, Jehoshaphat did more than go out with the people. He encouraged them to keep faith in Jehovah and trust the prophets he used. He understood that his attitude could strengthen others. This makes us think about the effect of our words: when we express trust in Jehovah and obey his guidance, we can help those around us do the same.

15. How did Jehoshaphat show that he was a man of great faith?

2 Chronicles 20:21 — After he consulted with the people, he appointed men to sing to Jehovah and to offer praise in holy adornment as they went out ahead of the armed men, saying: “Give thanks to Jehovah, for his loyal love endures forever.”

Answer 1: After consulting with the people, he placed singers in front of the armed men. This clearly demonstrated trust in Jehovah’s promise. They were not acting as though everything depended on their military strength. By praising God before seeing the victory, they showed that they trusted him to save them.

Answer 2: His faith was evident in acting according to Jehovah’s promise before it was fulfilled. He also encouraged others to trust and obey. His confidence was not something he kept to himself; it positively influenced the whole people. His example invites us to support our faith with actions and use our words to strengthen others’ trust in Jehovah.

Answer 3: Jehoshaphat was sure that Jehovah would fight for his people, and events proved that his trust was well-founded. Jehovah caused the enemies to attack one another and thus rewarded Judah’s faith and obedience. The important point is that they obeyed before knowing how deliverance would occur. They did not need to know every detail in order to trust Jehovah’s promise.

16. What can those who have authority learn from Jehoshaphat? (1 Kings 3:9; see also the picture.)

1 Kings 3:9 — So grant your servant an obedient heart to judge your people, to discern between good and bad, for who is able to judge this numerous people of yours?”

Answer 1: They can learn that to care well for others, they first need to listen to Jehovah. Solomon recognized this need when he asked for help to judge God’s people. Jehoshaphat was also humble and accepted divine guidance. Having authority does not eliminate the need to obey; it makes setting a good example especially important.

Answer 2: The elders can imitate Jehoshaphat by consulting before making important decisions. They do not rely only on their own judgment but examine God’s Word, our publications, and what other elders contribute. The picture highlights this united effort to analyze instructions and principles. In this way they show humility and seek to care well for the congregation rather than impose a personal opinion.

Answer 3: Parents can learn that their example greatly influences their children. Jehoshaphat not only encouraged the people to obey; he himself listened to and followed Jehovah’s guidance. Similarly, parents who strive to be obedient give weight to what they teach. Their children can see that Jehovah’s instructions guide adult decisions too and deserve respect.

17. Why should we cultivate and maintain an obedient heart?

Isaiah 55:9 — “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So my ways are higher than your ways And my thoughts than your thoughts.

Answer 1: Because Jehovah knows far more than we do. Isaiah 55:9 reminds us that our understanding is limited, while his wisdom is far superior. Therefore, not understanding all the reasons for an instruction does not mean obeying it is a mistake. We can continue trusting his guidance while seeking to understand it better.

Answer 2: An obedient heart helps us continue accepting Jehovah’s care and guidance in every situation. The article reminds us that he uses human representatives, as he did in the past. Rather than focusing only on difficulties an instruction may present, we want to remember our need for his direction and sincerely remain willing to let him help us.

Answer 3: It is not enough to have obeyed on one occasion; we need to preserve that disposition. The Israelites began by obeying but later lost confidence. Jehoshaphat, however, sought Jehovah when he was afraid. These examples encourage us to strengthen our love, knowledge, and humility so that our obedience does not depend only on favorable circumstances or immediate results.

What lessons do we learn from the bad example of the Israelites?

Psalms 106:7 — Our forefathers in Egypt did not appreciate your wonderful works. They did not remember your abundant loyal love, But they rebelled at the sea, by the Red Sea.

Answer 1: We learn that we must meditate on expressions of Jehovah’s love, not merely remember that they occurred. The Israelites had seen his works but did not allow them to strengthen their trust. To avoid repeating that mistake, we want to think about what his care reveals about him and keep those reasons for trust in mind when difficulties arise.

Answer 2: Their example teaches us to examine why we obey. We do not want to obey only when we see immediate benefits or when those around us treat us well. The Israelites obeyed before leaving Egypt but rebelled when threatened by the army. We need obedience that springs from love for Jehovah and continues despite changing circumstances or increased pressure.

Answer 3: We also learn that a difficulty does not prove that following Jehovah’s guidance was a mistake. The Israelites reached the Red Sea while obeying his instructions, but blamed Moses when they saw the Egyptians. We want to avoid that reaction. If something becomes difficult after we obey, we can remember what we know about Jehovah and keep trusting him instead of drawing hasty conclusions.

How did Jehoshaphat show that he had “an obedient heart”?

Answer 1: He showed it by seeking Jehovah when he felt afraid and resolving to follow his guidance. Instead of relying only on his position as king or on his army, he prayed and acknowledged their need for help. His obedience began with a humble attitude: he was willing to listen to Jehovah before deciding how to act. This made it possible for him to accept the instructions he later received.

Proverbs 3:5-6 — Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight.

Answer 2: Jehoshaphat showed the trust described by this proverb. He did not make his own understanding the sole basis for action but accepted Jehovah’s guidance through his prophet. Then he went out with the people, following those instructions. His trust was not merely a feeling; it was reflected in concrete decisions and actions.

Answer 3: His obedient heart was also seen in the way he influenced others. He worshipped Jehovah, encouraged the people to have faith, and consulted them before selecting the singers. He did not seek to highlight his own authority but to strengthen everyone’s trust in Jehovah. Besides obeying personally, he helped those under his care to obey with faith.

What do we learn from Jehoshaphat’s example?

2 Chronicles 20:12 — O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless before this large crowd that is coming against us; and we do not know what we should do, but our eyes are toward you.”

Answer 1: We learn to humbly recognize that we need Jehovah. Jehoshaphat did not hide his limitations but turned to Jehovah for help. When we do not know how to face a situation, we can do the same: pray, seek his guidance, and remain willing to obey. Feeling afraid need not prevent us from showing trust.

Answer 2: His example encourages us to increase our Bible knowledge and use it when difficulties arise. Jehoshaphat knew Jehovah’s promises and remembered how he had acted in the past. This strengthened his trust. We too can use study to know Jehovah better, meditate on his faithfulness, and reinforce our determination to obey before an especially difficult situation arrives.

Answer 3: We learn to think about how our conduct influences others. Jehoshaphat listened, consulted, and encouraged the people by his example. Elders and parents can imitate him by being humble and obedient, but all of us can convey trust in Jehovah through our words and actions. Our willing attitude may help others accept his guidance and maintain an obedient heart.