# August 10-16

**Bible reading:** [JEREMIAH 24-25](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024010)

[Open this week on jw.org](https://www.jw.org/en/library/jw-meeting-workbook/july-august-2026-mwb/Life-and-Ministry-Meeting-Schedule-for-August-10-16-2026/)

### Song 124 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)

🎵 [Song 124](https://www.jw.org/en/library/music-songs/sing-out-joyfully/124-ever-loyal/) — opens in JW Library

## TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

### 1. What Made “Figs” Good or Bad?  *(10 min.)*

Repentant exiled Jews were like good figs ([Jer 24:1, 2,](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024002) [5-7](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024005-v24024007); *w94* 3/1 14 ¶6)

Disobedient, unrepentant Jews were like bad figs ([Jer 24:8-10](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024008-v24024010); *w94* 3/1 15 ¶10; [it “Egypt, Egyptian” ¶74](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/Insight-on-the-Scriptures/Egypt-Egyptian/#p76))

Christians can be like good figs by doing an honest self-examination and by making needed adjustments ([w13 3/15 10 ¶10-11](https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/w20130315/figurative-heart-know-god/#p18))

**Why these scriptures**

- **[Jeremiah 24:1](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024002)**

  > 24 Then Jehovah showed me two baskets of figs set before the temple of Jehovah, after King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar of Babylon had carried into exile Jec·o·niʹah son of Je·hoiʹa·kim, the king of Judah, along with the princes of Judah, the craftsmen, and the metalworkers; he took them from Jerusalem to Babylon.

- **[Jeremiah 24:2](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024002)**

  > One basket had very good figs, like early figs, but the other basket had very bad figs, so bad that they could not be eaten.

- **[Jeremiah 24:5](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024005-v24024007)**

  > “This is what Jehovah the God of Israel says, ‘Like these good figs, so I will regard in a good way the exiles of Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chal·deʹans.

- **[Jeremiah 24:6](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024005-v24024007)**

  > I will keep my eye on them for their good, and I will cause them to return to this land. I will build them up, and I will not tear down; I will plant them, and I will not uproot.

- **[Jeremiah 24:7](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024005-v24024007)**

  > And I will give them a heart to know me, that I am Jehovah. They will become my people, and I will become their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

- **[Jeremiah 24:8](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024008-v24024010)**

  > “‘But concerning the bad figs that are so bad they cannot be eaten, this is what Jehovah says: “So I will regard King Zed·e·kiʹah of Judah, his princes, the remnant of Jerusalem who are left in this land, and those who are dwelling in the land of Egypt.

- **[Jeremiah 24:9](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024008-v24024010)**

  > I will make them an object of horror and calamity to all the kingdoms of the earth, a reproach, a proverbial saying, a cause for ridicule, and a curse in all the places to which I disperse them.

- **[Jeremiah 24:10](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024008-v24024010)**

  > And I will send against them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, until they have perished from the land that I gave to them and to their forefathers.”’”


🗺️ **Places:** [Judea](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=judea-region) *(southern West Bank / Israel)*, [Jerusalem](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=jerusalem) *(Jerusalem, Israel)*, [Babylon](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=babylon) *(Hillah, Iraq)*, [Egypt](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=egypt) *(Ain Shams)*

**Referenced material**

- [it “Egypt, Egyptian” ¶74](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/Insight-on-the-Scriptures/Egypt-Egyptian/#p76)
- [w13 3/15 10 ¶10-11](https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/w20130315/figurative-heart-know-god/#p18)

### 2. Spiritual Gems  *(10 min.)*

[Jer 25:8, 9,](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/25/#v24025008-v24025009) [12](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/25/#v24025012)—Why did Jehovah punish Babylon when it acted as his “servant” to execute judgment on his people? ([it “Kingdom of God” ¶36](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/Insight-on-the-Scriptures/Kingdom-of-God/#p37))

What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?

**Why these scriptures**

- **[Jeremiah 25:8](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/25/#v24025008-v24025009)**

  > “Therefore this is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘“Because you would not obey my words,

- **[Jeremiah 25:9](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/25/#v24025008-v24025009)**

  > I am sending for all the families of the north,” declares Jehovah, “sending for King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar of Babylon, my servant, and I will bring them against this land and against its inhabitants and against all these surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and something to whistle at and a perpetual ruin.

- **[Jeremiah 25:12](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/25/#v24025012)**

  > “‘But when 70 years have been fulfilled, I will call to account the king of Babylon and that nation for their error,’ declares Jehovah, ‘and I will make the land of the Chal·deʹans a desolate wasteland for all time.


🗺️ **Places:** [Judea](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=judea-region) *(southern West Bank / Israel)*, [Jerusalem](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=jerusalem) *(Jerusalem, Israel)*, [Babylon](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=babylon) *(Hillah, Iraq)*, [Egypt](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=egypt) *(Ain Shams)*, [Uz](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=uz) *(Buseira)*, [Tyre](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=tyre) *(Sur, Lebanon)*, [Buz](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=buz) *(between Dedan and Kedar)*, [Tema](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=tema) *(Tayma, Saudi Arabia)*, [Arabia](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=arabia-1) *(Arabian Peninsula)*, [Elam](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=elam) *(Shush)*, [Media](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=media) *(Tell Hagmatana)*, [Zimri](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=zimri) *(Shush)*, [Sheshach](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=sheshach) *(Babylon)*

**Referenced material**

- [it “Kingdom of God” ¶36](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/Insight-on-the-Scriptures/Kingdom-of-God/#p37)

### 3. Bible Reading  *(4 min.)*

[Jer 24:1-10](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024010) ([th study 5](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/reading-and-teaching/5-accurate-reading/))

**Why these scriptures**

- **[Jeremiah 24:1](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024010)**

  > 24 Then Jehovah showed me two baskets of figs set before the temple of Jehovah, after King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar of Babylon had carried into exile Jec·o·niʹah son of Je·hoiʹa·kim, the king of Judah, along with the princes of Judah, the craftsmen, and the metalworkers; he took them from Jerusalem to Babylon.

- **[Jeremiah 24:2](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024010)**

  > One basket had very good figs, like early figs, but the other basket had very bad figs, so bad that they could not be eaten.

- **[Jeremiah 24:3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024010)**

  > Jehovah then asked me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” So I said: “Figs; the good figs are very good, but the bad ones are very bad, so bad that they cannot be eaten.”

- **[Jeremiah 24:4](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024010)**

  > Then the word of Jehovah came to me, saying:

- **[Jeremiah 24:5](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024010)**

  > “This is what Jehovah the God of Israel says, ‘Like these good figs, so I will regard in a good way the exiles of Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chal·deʹans.

- **[Jeremiah 24:6](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024010)**

  > I will keep my eye on them for their good, and I will cause them to return to this land. I will build them up, and I will not tear down; I will plant them, and I will not uproot.

- **[Jeremiah 24:7](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024010)**

  > And I will give them a heart to know me, that I am Jehovah. They will become my people, and I will become their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

- **[Jeremiah 24:8](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024010)**

  > “‘But concerning the bad figs that are so bad they cannot be eaten, this is what Jehovah says: “So I will regard King Zed·e·kiʹah of Judah, his princes, the remnant of Jerusalem who are left in this land, and those who are dwelling in the land of Egypt.

- **[Jeremiah 24:9](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024010)**

  > I will make them an object of horror and calamity to all the kingdoms of the earth, a reproach, a proverbial saying, a cause for ridicule, and a curse in all the places to which I disperse them.

- **[Jeremiah 24:10](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/jeremiah/24/#v24024001-v24024010)**

  > And I will send against them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, until they have perished from the land that I gave to them and to their forefathers.”’”


🗺️ **Places:** [Judea](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=judea-region) *(southern West Bank / Israel)*, [Jerusalem](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=jerusalem) *(Jerusalem, Israel)*, [Babylon](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=babylon) *(Hillah, Iraq)*, [Egypt](https://bible-lands.apps.simontingle.com/?place=egypt) *(Ain Shams)*

**Referenced material**

- [th study 5](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/reading-and-teaching/5-accurate-reading/)

## APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

### 4. Starting a Conversation  *(4 min.)*

HOUSE TO HOUSE. After starting with a timely topic, switch to something that seems more relevant to the person. ([lmd lesson 2 point 5](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/love-people-make-disciples/lesson-2/#p15))

**Referenced material**

- [lmd lesson 2 point 5](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/love-people-make-disciples/lesson-2/#p15)

### 5. Following Up  *(4 min.)*

INFORMAL WITNESSING. Share a truth from [appendix A](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/love-people-make-disciples/appendix-a/) of the *Love People* brochure. ([lmd lesson 9 point 5](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/love-people-make-disciples/lesson-9/#p17))

**Referenced material**

- [appendix A](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/love-people-make-disciples/appendix-a/)
- [lmd lesson 9 point 5](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/love-people-make-disciples/lesson-9/#p17)

### 6. Making Disciples  *(4 min.)*

Give encouragement to a Bible student who is struggling to break free from an addiction. ([lmd lesson 12 point 4](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/love-people-make-disciples/lesson-12/#p17))

**Referenced material**

- [lmd lesson 12 point 4](https://www.jw.org/en/library/brochures/love-people-make-disciples/lesson-12/#p17)

## LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

### Song 65

🎵 [Song 65](https://www.jw.org/en/library/music-songs/sing-out-joyfully/65-move-ahead/) — opens in JW Library

### 7. Local Needs  *(15 min.)*

### 8. Congregation Bible Study  *(30 min.)*

[wcg chap. 3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/walk-courageously-with-god/patriarchs-to-time-of-judges/sarah-refused-to-look-back/)

**Referenced material**

- [wcg chap. 3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/walk-courageously-with-god/patriarchs-to-time-of-judges/sarah-refused-to-look-back/)

### Concluding Comments (3 min.) | Song 137 and Prayer

🎵 [Song 137](https://www.jw.org/en/library/music-songs/sing-out-joyfully/137-faithful-women-christian-sisters/) — opens in JW Library

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*Comments are AI-generated study aids, not published material. Program text and references are © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania; follow the links above to read them on jw.org.*