Answer Key – Weeks 36-40

Week 36

In Ezekiel 34, what does God promise to do for His scattered sheep, and how is this different from the actions of the false shepherds?
God promises to search for His scattered sheep, gather them, feed them, care for them, and lead them to safe pasture. Unlike the false shepherds who used the flock for their own gain and neglected the weak, God Himself would lovingly shepherd His people. The chapter points forward to Jesus, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.

Ezekiel saw the dry bones came back to life through the power of God’s Word and the breath of His Spirit. What appeared completely dead and beyond hope was restored when God commanded Ezekiel to prophesy. This vision reminds believers that no situation is too broken, too lost, or too hopeless for God. He is able to bring renewal, restoration, and life where none seems possible, because nothing is beyond His power.

In Ezekiel 47:1–9, the river flowing from the Temple is often seen as a picture of God’s life-giving presence. What happened when the waters reached the Dead Sea, and what might this teach us about spiritual renewal?
When the waters reached the Dead Sea, the lifeless waters became fresh and full of life. Fish multiplied, and everything the river touched was healed. This picture reminds us that God’s presence brings renewal, healing, and spiritual life. No heart or situation is beyond His power to restore.

Week 37

In Daniel 3:24–25, what did Nebuchadnezzar see in the fiery furnace, and how did it reveal God’s presence and protection over those who put their trust in Him?
Nebuchadnezzar saw four men walking unharmed in the furnace, even though only three had been thrown in. The fourth appeared “like a son of the gods.” God’s presence with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego revealed His power to protect and sustain those who remain faithful to Him, even in the middle of intense trials.

In Daniel 6, how did Daniel respond when his faithfulness to God placed him in danger, and what does his deliverance reveal about trusting God in difficult circumstances?
Daniel continued praying faithfully to God even when it meant facing the lions’ den. He trusted the Lord rather than compromising out of fear. God shut the mouths of the lions and delivered him safely. Daniel’s example reminds believers that God is able to sustain and protect His people when they remain faithful during difficult circumstances.

In Hosea 2:14–16 and 14:4, how does God respond to His people after their unfaithfulness?
After His people’s unfaithfulness, God responds with mercy, love, and restoration. He promises to draw them back to Himself, speak tenderly to them, and heal their waywardness. These passages reveal the depth of God’s faithful love and His desire to restore His people rather than abandon them.

Week 38

In Joel 2:12–13, what is the difference between tearing garments and tearing the heart?
Tearing garments was an outward sign of grief or repentance, but God desired something deeper. He wanted hearts that were truly broken over sin and sincerely turned back to Him. The passage reminds us that genuine repentance is not merely outward emotion or appearance, but a humble and honest change of one’s heart and ways before God.

In Amos 5:21–24, why did God reject their worship, and what did He desire to see instead? 
God rejected their worship because their religious acts were not matched by righteous living. While they offered sacrifices and songs, they ignored justice and oppressed others. Instead, God desired lives marked by righteousness, mercy, and justice flowing continually like a river. True worship must come from hearts that genuinely honor Him.

In Micah 5:2, what two important truths are revealed about the promised Ruler, including His birthplace and origin?
Micah 5:2 reveals that the promised Ruler would come from Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy later connected to Jesus’ birth. It also declares that His origins are “from ancient times,” pointing to His eternal nature. The verse reveals both Christ’s humble earthly birthplace and His divine, everlasting existence.

Week 39

In Habakkuk 3:17–19, what does Habakkuk’s response teach us about trusting God during seasons of loss and uncertainty?
Even when crops failed and the fields were empty, Habakkuk chose to rejoice in the Lord. His response teaches that faith is not based only on visible blessings or easy circumstances. True trust rests in God’s character and faithfulness, believing He remains our strength and hope even during seasons of hardship and uncertainty.

In Zechariah 9:9, how is the promised King described, and when was this prophecy fulfilled?
The promised King is described as righteous, victorious, humble, and riding on a donkey. This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey before His crucifixion, an event often called the Triumphal Entry. The passage reveals both the humility and kingship of Christ.

In Zechariah 13:1, what is opened for God’s people, and what does it symbolize?
A fountain is opened for God’s people to cleanse them from sin and impurity. This symbolizes the forgiveness and cleansing made available through Jesus Christ. The image points to the spiritual purification and restoration that God provides for those who turn to Him in faith.

Week 40

In Malachi 1:6–8, why was God displeased with the priests’ sacrifices, and what does this teach us about honoring Him? (Also see Micah 6:8).
God was displeased because the priests offered blind, sick, and flawed animals instead of giving Him their best. Their sacrifices revealed careless and dishonoring hearts. The passage teaches that God deserves sincere worship, wholehearted devotion, and honor that reflects His worth rather than empty religious routine.

On a side note: This passage also brings to mind the offerings of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4. Abel brought the firstborn and best portions of his flock, while Cain brought “some” of the fruits of the soil.  The difference was not merely in the gifts themselves, but in the attitude behind them. Abel offered the best that he had to God while Cain simply brought something.

In Matthew 14:22–33, why did Peter begin to sink after walking on the water, and what does this teach about faith during difficult circumstances?
Peter began to sink when he shifted his focus from Jesus to the wind and waves around him. Fear overwhelmed his faith when he focused on the storm instead of the Savior. The passage teaches believers to keep their eyes fixed on Christ, trusting Him even when circumstances feel frightening or uncertain.

In Matthew 5:14–16, what does Jesus call His followers, and why should their light shine before others?
Jesus calls His followers the light of the world. Their lives are meant to reflect God’s truth, goodness, and love before others. When believers live faithfully and do good works, their light points people toward God and brings glory to the Father in heaven.