After he had delivered his people from slavery in Egypt, Jehovah appointed priests to serve at the tabernacle. Levites were assigned to share in other duties related to that holy tent. Did those who served at the tabernacle or who were encamped close to it enjoy better care from Jehovah than others? No! Jehovah is not partial. Everyone in the encampment had an equal opportunity to enjoy Jehovah’s friendship. For example, Jehovah made sure that the entire nation was able to see the miraculous pillar of cloud and pillar of fire posted above the tabernacle. (Ex. 40:38) When the cloud started to move in a new direction, even those encamped farthest from the tabernacle were able to see that, assemble their belongings, dismantle their family tents, and keep pace with the rest of the nation. (Num. 9:15-23) Similarly today, no matter where we live on earth, we can benefit from Jehovah’s loving, watchful care and protection. w24.06 4 ¶10-12

David’s life was in danger. His son Absalom was determined to steal the kingdom from him. (2 Sam. 15:12, 13) David needed to leave Jerusalem at once! As his servants were leaving, David realized that someone needed to stay back to keep him informed of Absalom’s plans. So he sent Zadok and other priests back into the city to serve as informants. (2 Sam. 15:27-29) They had to proceed cautiously. David worked out a plan that involved Zadok and Hushai, loyal friends of David’s. (2 Sam. 15:32-37) Following the plan, Hushai won the confidence of Absalom and recommended a military strategy that would give David time to prepare for an attack. Next, Hushai informed Zadok and Abiathar of the plan. (2 Sam. 17:8-16) The two men were then able to send a message to David that played an important role in protecting David’s life.​—2 Sam. 17:21, 22. w24.07 4-5 ¶9-10

Some of Jehovah’s servants are deeply troubled by regrets over their past actions, either before or even after baptism. But we do well to remember that Jehovah provided the ransom because of his deep love for us. Surely, he wants us to accept his gift. Jehovah assures us that after we have “set matters straight” with him, he no longer holds our sins against us. How loving of Jehovah not to remember our past sins! At the same time, he never forgets the good we have done. (Ps. 103:9, 12; Heb. 6:10) If you are troubled by regrets about the past, do your best to focus on the present and on the future rather than on the past. You cannot change the past. But you can honor Jehovah in your present circumstances and look ahead to the wonderful future that he has promised you. w24.10 8 ¶8-9