and that Jehovah told him to construct was a temporary container for the two tablets of the law that he received on Mount Sinai. Whereas it was not until later on, about the end of the year, that the ark of the covenant was ready for use.—Ex. 39:33–40:3.

What about the book mentioned at 1 Samuel 10:25? Concerning it we read: “Samuel spoke to the people about the rightful due of the kingship and wrote it in a book and deposited it before Jehovah.” Does depositing it before Jehovah mean placing it in the ark of the covenant? Not necessarily, and especially not in this instance. Why not? Because at this time a rather anomalous situation prevailed in Israel. The ark of the covenant, after it was returned by the Philistines, found a resting place at Kiriath-jearim, where it remained until the reign of King David. (1 Sam. 7:1, 2) However, the tabernacle at this time was situated either at Shiloh or at Nob, and it was later removed to Gibeon. With the tabernacle were also the altar for sacrificing and the priesthood as well as the contents of the Holy Place, and so it is reasonable to conclude that “before Jehovah” in Samuel’s day meant where the tabernacle was rather than where the Ark was situated.—Josh. 18:1; 1 Sam. 21:1; 1 Chron. 16:39.

Thus from the foregoing we again see that the Bible is consistent with itself.

“We thank you, Jehovah God, the Almighty, the one who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and begun ruling as king.” And the temple sanctuary of God that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen in his temple sanctuary. And there occurred lightnings and voices and thunders and an earthquake and a great hail.—Rev. 11:17, 19.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

Patience and regularity in the service of Jehovah God are important. (Jas. 5:8) Displaying these qualities, Jehovah’s witnesses will present at the doors during September the fine Bible-study book “Let Your Name Be Sanctified,” and a booklet, for a contribution of 50c.

ANNUAL MEETING

October 1, the date of the annual meeting of the members of Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, falls on Monday this year. At ten o’clock in the forenoon of Monday, October 1, 1962, this annual meeting will be held at the Society’s office located at 4100 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Members will wish to insure their receiving the regular letters of notice by being certain that the secretary’s office has their present addresses.

Proxies, which will accompany the notices of meeting to be mailed to members, should be returned by them promptly, in order to reach the office of the secretary of the Society not later than September 15. Each member should return his proxy whether he is going to be at the meeting personally or not.

A YEAR OF SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS

To bring you much of the valuable Scriptural information discussed at the Courageous Ministers District Assemblies this summer, The Watchtower will publish the principal talks as feature articles in forthcoming issues. If you subscribe now you will receive the full benefit from this sound Scriptural counsel and instruction. Send today. Share in these spiritual blessings for a whole year. You need mail only $1.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

October 7: Pursuing Peace Through Increased Knowledge. Page 520.

October 14: Add to Your Knowledge Every Day. Page 526.