SETUP
Pass out cards 1-32, pencils, white paper, and quotes
Have you ever been reading the scriptures and felt that a particular passage spoke directly to you?
“God, the Father of us all, uses the men of the earth, especially good men, to accomplish his purposes. It has been true in the past, it is true today, it will be true in the future
Jeremiah 29:10
INTRODUCTION
Quote 1 - Elder Dallin H. Oaks: “We may find that a specific verse of scripture that was spoken for quite a different purpose in an entirely different age will, under the interpretive influence of the Holy Ghost, give us a very personal message adapted to our personal needs today. … If we seek to liken the scriptures to our own circumstances, ‘that it might be for our profit and learning’, a loving Father in heaven can use them to bless us in highly individual ways”
Have you ever been reading the scriptures and felt that a particular passage spoke directly to you?
The events discussed in this lesson were set in motion by a man who found that a passage of scripture written 150 years before his birth spoke to him personally—in fact, it mentioned him by name.
BACKGROUND
In 721 B.C., when the kingdom of Israel (the Northern Kingdom, or ten tribes) was taken captive by Assyria, the Assyrian empire was the greatest in the world. By 612 B.C., however, the Assyrian empire had been destroyed by the Babylonians. Under King Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon ruled most of the lands that had been conquered by the Assyrians. The Babylonian conquest of the kingdom of Judah (the Southern Kingdom) extended from about 605 B.C., when they took many Jews captive, to 587 B.C., when they destroyed Jerusalem.
While in captivity the faithful Jews wept by the rivers of Babylon. Because of sorrow, they could not bear to sing the songs of Zion, for their hearts yearned to be back in their land of promise and in their holy city. But how could they go back? They were captive to the powerful nation of Babylon. Yet the Lord rules in the heavens and watches over His chosen people. He would provide a way for the faithful of Judah to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple and the city.
After Nebuchadnezzar died in 562 B.C., Babylon declined rapidly in power. In 539 B.C., Babylon fell to the Medes and the Persians, united under the leadership of Cyrus. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, who treated those he conquered with cruelty, Cyrus was a benevolent ruler. By treating conquered peoples kindly and respecting their religions, Cyrus won the loyalty of those he ruled. The Lord had foreordained Cyrus to make possible the return of the Jews. Cyrus was not of the house of Israel, but the Lord nonetheless had chosen him before he was born to bless the house of Israel.
Quote 2 - Elder Ezra Taft Benson spoke of the contributions of Cyrus: “King Cyrus lived more than five hundred years before Christ and figured in prophecies of the Old Testament mentioned in 2 Chronicles and the book of Ezra, and by the prophets Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Daniel. The Bible states how ‘the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, King of Persia.’ Cyrus restored certain political and social rights to the captive Hebrews, gave them permission to return to Jerusalem, and directed that Jehovah’s temple should be rebuilt.
Quote 3 - “Parley P. Pratt, in describing the Prophet Joseph Smith, said that he had ‘the boldness, courage, temperance, perseverance and generosity of a Cyrus.’
Quote 4 - President Wilford Woodruff said: “‘Now I have thought many times that some of those ancient kings that were raised up, had in some respects more regard for the carrying out of some of these principles and laws, than even the Latter-day Saints have in our day. I will take as an ensample Cyrus. … To trace the life of Cyrus from his birth to his death, whether he knew it or not, it looked as though he lived by inspiration in all his movements. He began with that temperance and virtue which would sustain any Christian country or any Christian king. … Many of these principles followed him, and I have thought many of them were worthy, in many respects, the attention of men who have the Gospel of Jesus Christ.’ “God, the Father of us all, uses the men of the earth, especially good men, to accomplish his purposes. It has been true in the past, it is true today, it will be true in the future.”
Ezra 1
Read v.1
The prophecy referred to by Jeremiah can be found in Jeremiah 25:11-12, 29:10
Read v.2-3,7 (Cyrus decreed that the temple in Jerusalem should be rebuilt. He invited the Jews in his empire to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, and he returned the vessels of gold and silver that Nebuchadnezzar’s troops had stolen from the temple)
How did Cyrus know the Lord wanted him to do this?
see Isaiah 44:28; 45:1-5
Note: How did Cyrus learn about this if Ezra is before the book of Isaiah?
Where Do the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah Fit in the Old Testament?
The books of the Bible do not fall into chronological order. Their position is determined usually by whether they are historical or prophetic books. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah were originally part of a compilation that included 1 and 2 Chronicles. Ezra 1:1–3 and 2 Chronicles 36:22–23 are almost identical. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are actually the last two historical books of the Old Testament. Zechariah and Haggai were prophets during this same period. Malachi is the only prophet known to have served in Israel between the time of Ezra and Nehemiah and the beginning of the New Testament. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell the story of Israel’s history from the first return to Jerusalem until the end of Nehemiah’s second term as governor of Judah.
***How would you feel if you were reading the scriptures and read a prophecy that gave your name and described specific things you would do?
Ezra 2-3
Zerubbabel and Jeshua lead approximately 50,000 people back to Jerusalem, and they begin to rebuild the temple.
Ezra 4
When Zerubbabel and Jeshua led the first group of Jews back to Jerusalem, they found the Samaritans there.
The Samaritans were descendants of Israelites who had escaped at the time of captivity and had intermarried with Assyrian and Babylonian colonists whom the kings had sent to occupy the land.
v.1,2 - The Samaritans wanted to help build the temple
v.3 - The Jews refused to let the Samaritans help rebuild the temple because they felt the Samaritans were not true Israelites
v.4-7 - The Samaritans tried to stop the rebuilding of the temple by complaining to the kings who succeeded Cyrus and also tried to frustrate their purpose.
The work of rebuilding the temple ceases
Ezra 5
Several years later, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah exhort the Jews to finish the temple; the Samaritans continue to oppose it.
Ezra 6
King Darius renews the decree of Cyrus to rebuild the temple, and it is finished and dedicated in about 515 B.C
Ezra 7-8
Ezra leads another group of Jews back to Jerusalem
Read 7:27-28
What are some examples of the Lord softening the hearts of government leaders toward the Church in the latter days?
What can we do to encourage government leaders’ hearts to be softened toward the Church? (Obey the laws of the land, do good, prepare to teach the gospel to all the world, and pray for the Lord to soften the hearts of the leaders)
v. 8:21–23, 31- Ezra fasted and prayed to ensure that the group of Jews he was taking to Jerusalem was protected
***How have you, your family, or others you know been blessed by fasting?
Nehemiah 1,2,4,6
Nehemiah was the cupbearer for King Artaxerxes of Persia. This was a position of great trust and responsibility, requiring Nehemiah to ensure that the king’s food and drink were safe. Even though Nehemiah was in a position of importance in Persia, he cared about his people in Jerusalem and sought to help them when he heard of their difficulties.
v. 1:4 - Nehemia prayed and fasted upon hearing the difficulties of his people in Jerusalem?
v. 2:2-5 - The king granted Nehemiah permission to go, provided him guards and an escort for safety, and authorized him to use timber from the forest to rebuild the city walls
***What can we learn from Nehemiah that can guide us when we are troubled by the suffering of others?
v. 2:17-18 - Nehemiah encourages his people to rebuild the walls around the city by testifying
Why do you think testifying of the truth and sharing spiritual experiences have such power to inspire others to do good?
***How have the testimonies and spiritual experiences of others inspired you?
Sanballat was the governor of Samaria, and he and his people were enemies of the Jews who had returned with Zerubbabel.
v. 2:10 - Sanballat was grieved
v. 2:19 - They laughed and despised the Jews
v. 4:7-8 - They conspired to fight against Jerusalem
v. 4:11 - They shall slay them and cause their work to cease
v. 4:9 - The Jews prayed unto God and watched against them at night
v. 4:13-15 - The Jews armed themselves and continued working on the wall
v. 6:1-4 - Sanballat asked Nehemia to stop working and meet with him
How do some people try to distract Church members from the Lord’s work today?
How should we respond to such distractions?
Quote 5 - Elder Marvin J. Ashton counseled: “Certain people and organizations are trying to provoke us into contention with slander, innuendos, and improper classifications. How unwise we are in today’s society to allow ourselves to become irritated, dismayed, or offended because others seem to enjoy the role of misstating our position or involvement. Our principles or standards will not be less than they are because of the statements of the contentious. Ours is to explain our position through reason, friendly persuasion, and accurate facts. Ours is to stand firm and unyielding on the moral issues of the day and the eternal principles of the gospel, but to contend with no man or organization. … Ours is to be heard and teach. Ours is not only to avoid contention, but to see that such things are done away”
TEAMWORK ACTIVITY
v.4:19 - The work is great and large, and we are separated
At times they were far apart, but they were all working toward the same goal, and by working together they were able to complete the wall.
The Church is divided into different units (such as families, wards, branches, stakes, districts, and quorums) throughout the world. Sometimes a unit may seem far from other units. But all the Saints are working toward the same goals, and if each individual and each unit works diligently, the entire Church will continue to grow.
Nehemiah 8
v. 1-2 - After finishing the wall, the Jews requested Ezra to read the scriptures to them
Note : Most of the Jews had been in captivity so long that they had never heard or read the scriptures
v. 3 - He read to them from morning until midday and all ears were attentive
v. 6 - The people lifted up their hands and bowed their heads to worship the Lord
v. 9 - The people wept when they heard the words of the law
How can we be more attentive as we read the scriptures?
***How can we develop the kind of excitement for the scriptures that these people had?
v. 8 - Ezra gave sense and caused them to understand the reading
What has helped you in your efforts to understand the scriptures and to help your family understand them?
CONCLUSION
Quote 6 - Nehemiah’s energy, ability, unselfish patriotism, and personal integrity brought a new, exuberant Judah into existence once again. The restoration of Jerusalem, which had lain in ruins for a century and a half, was begun. Ezra, a righteous, dedicated priest, joined Nehemiah in this work, and together they succeeded in restoring a Jewish community in Jerusalem once again”
Just as the Jews had the responsibility to rebuild Jerusalem, Latter-day Saints have the responsibility to build Zion throughout the world. To help us do this, we need to follow the teachings in the scriptures and participate in temple work. Let us rise up and build the kingdom of God on Earth by doing our own part for the betterment of the overall goal we are all striving for.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Ezekial 43,44,47 - Every Thing Shall Live Whither the River Cometh
SETUP
What will make us happy as individuals and families?
Map
ATTENTION ACTIVITY
What's the most exciting sport event or entertainment event that you've been to?
Have you ever been so excited at such an event that you stood and shouted or cheered?
Can you think of sacred events that have been or will be accompanied by enthusiastic expressions of joy and gratitude?
Some of these events include:
- The creation of the earth (Job 38:4–7).
- The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (John 12:12–16).
- The Second Coming of Christ and the Resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
- Hosanna shout
How does the excitement of sporting events or other entertainment compare to the joy of these sacred events?
BACKGROUND
After the fall of Jerusalem, Ezekiel no longer spoke of God’s judgments on his contemporaries but of Israel’s redemption in the latter days. It was as though he had done all he could to stave off the destruction of his people, and when that was impossible and they were actually experiencing the suffering that captivity had imposed upon them, he turned their hearts to the future and the source of their ultimate hope in the Lord.
So Saints of the latter days should be most enthusiastic about Ezekiel’s prophecies in chapters 25–48. Of Ezekiel’s twelve, precisely recorded visions, seven were given after the fall of Jerusalem and dealt with such events of the last days as the building of the great Jewish kingdom under a shepherd named David, the gathering of scattered Israel, the unification of all the tribes of Israel, the joining of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, the battle of Armageddon, and the building of a modern temple in Jerusalem. Truly, Ezekiel was a prophet of the Restoration.
Ezekial 43 (Ezekiel is shown a vision of the temple in Jerusalem.)
v.5 - The glory of the Lord filled the house.
Will anyone share a time when they felt the presence of a living prophet or apostle?
How have you felt the glory of the Lord in the temple?
Has there been time you haven't felt it?
Why wouldn't we feel it every time?
v.11-12 - This is the law of the house
How do you understand the law of the house? (Be holy, learn everything about the temple, and receive all the ordinances)
What we learn about the temple in Ezekiel 43:1–12; 44:6–9, 23.
- The glory of the Lord fills the temple (Ezekiel 43:2, 4–5).
- The temple is “the place of [the Lord’s] throne” on earth (Ezekiel 43:7).
- The Lord walks in the temple, calling it “the place of the soles of my feet” (Ezekiel 43:7).
- The temple is a place where the Lord may “dwell in the midst” of his people (Ezekiel 43:7).
- We learn about the laws of the Lord in the temple (Ezekiel 43:11).
- There are ordinances that the Lord wants us to perform in the temple (Ezekiel 43:11).
- Even the grounds that surround the temple “shall be most holy” (Ezekiel 43:12).
- Only those who are worthy should enter the temple (Ezekiel 44:6–9).
- In the temple we learn the difference between holy and profane and between clean and unclean (Ezekiel 44:23).
*** What gifts do we receive for obeying the laws of his house?
- Eternal Life
- Being sealed as a family
- Greater understanding
- Promises of greater spiritual protection
- Personal revelation
- Personal peace
Display, candy, coins, a $20 bill and a picture of an expensive item.
Which of these items would my three year old be most interested?
Which of these is the most expensive?
Why don’t most little children choose the most expensive item? (They don’t understand the value)
How are people sometimes like my three year old in valuing the temple?
Sometimes people don’t understand the value of temples so they make choices that keep them from entering the temple.
Ezekial 47 - Ezekiel sees a river flowing from the temple that gives life to the desert and heals the Dead Sea.
What did Ezekiel see coming from the east doors of the temple in Jerusalem? (v.1)
Map (Note: Judean wilderness and the Dead Sea are east of Jerusalem. The Judean wilderness is a barren desert, and the Dead Sea is too salty to sustain animal life.)
Read v.6-12
According to Ezekiel’s vision, what changes will take place in the Judean wilderness and the Dead Sea because of the river flowing from the temple?
Trees (v.7)
Dead Sea will be healed (v.8)
Dead Sea will have fishes (v.9)
Every thing shall live wither the river cometh (v.9)
Note in Ezekial 43:7 the Lord calls the temple “the place of my throne”
In a vision similar to Ezekiel’s vision of the temple, John the Beloved was shown the throne of God. Read Revelation 22:1–3;
What flowed from the throne of God in John’s vision? (v.1 Water of Life)
What is the “water of life”? (The doctrines of the gospel;)
(see also John 4:10–14.)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained that living water is “the words of eternal life, the message of salvation, the truths about God and his kingdom; it is the doctrines of the gospel”
How are we like the Judean wilderness and the Dead Sea if we do not partake of the water of life?
How does the water of life that is available in the temple heal and give life to:
Marriages?
Families?
Our ancestors?
The Church?
What else flows from the temple that gives spiritual life and healing? (truth, wisdom, revelation, and covenants.)
What did the trees have in common with the waters of the river? (v.12 - They had healing and life-giving powers.)
*** How have you seen the temple bless you with healing and life-giving powers?
What grew along the banks of the river in John’s vision?
*** How does the love of God heal and give life?
The Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed: "Judah must return, Jerusalem must be rebuilt, and the temple, and water come out from under the temple, and the waters of the Dead Sea be healed. It will take some time to rebuild the walls of the city and the temple, and all this must be done before the Son of Man will make His appearance."
Ezekiel measures the river’s depth.
Read v.2-3
How deep was the river the first time Ezekiel waded across it?
Read v.4-5
How deep was it the second, third, and fourth times he waded across?
***What truth do these verses suggest about the temple? (The power of the temple increases in our lives the more often we attend.)
Wonderful truths are taught in the temple, many through symbols.
If at first our understanding of these truths or of temple ordinances is only “ankle deep,” what should we do? (attend the temple as often as possible.)
CONCLUSION
President Howard W. Hunter said: "I invite the Latter-day Saints to look to the temple of the Lord as the great symbol of your membership. It is the deepest desire of my heart to have every member of the Church worthy to enter the temple. It would please the Lord if every adult member would be worthy of—and carry—a current temple recommend. The things that we must do and not do to be worthy of a temple recommend are the very things that ensure we will be happy as individuals and as families."
Note: What the prophet said will ensure we our happy as individuals and as families.
One way to receive living water is to go to the temple, the house of the Lord, where we may be endowed with power and understanding, be instructed by the Lord, feel peace and joy, and become healed both physically and spiritually.
How can we make the temple the “great symbol of [our] membership” in the Church?
How would looking to the temple in this way affect our outlook on life and our dedication to the Lord’s work?
What will make us happy as individuals and families?
Map
ATTENTION ACTIVITY
What's the most exciting sport event or entertainment event that you've been to?
Have you ever been so excited at such an event that you stood and shouted or cheered?
Can you think of sacred events that have been or will be accompanied by enthusiastic expressions of joy and gratitude?
Some of these events include:
- The creation of the earth (Job 38:4–7).
- The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (John 12:12–16).
- The Second Coming of Christ and the Resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
- Hosanna shout
How does the excitement of sporting events or other entertainment compare to the joy of these sacred events?
BACKGROUND
After the fall of Jerusalem, Ezekiel no longer spoke of God’s judgments on his contemporaries but of Israel’s redemption in the latter days. It was as though he had done all he could to stave off the destruction of his people, and when that was impossible and they were actually experiencing the suffering that captivity had imposed upon them, he turned their hearts to the future and the source of their ultimate hope in the Lord.
So Saints of the latter days should be most enthusiastic about Ezekiel’s prophecies in chapters 25–48. Of Ezekiel’s twelve, precisely recorded visions, seven were given after the fall of Jerusalem and dealt with such events of the last days as the building of the great Jewish kingdom under a shepherd named David, the gathering of scattered Israel, the unification of all the tribes of Israel, the joining of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, the battle of Armageddon, and the building of a modern temple in Jerusalem. Truly, Ezekiel was a prophet of the Restoration.
Ezekial 43 (Ezekiel is shown a vision of the temple in Jerusalem.)
v.5 - The glory of the Lord filled the house.
Will anyone share a time when they felt the presence of a living prophet or apostle?
How have you felt the glory of the Lord in the temple?
Has there been time you haven't felt it?
Why wouldn't we feel it every time?
v.11-12 - This is the law of the house
How do you understand the law of the house? (Be holy, learn everything about the temple, and receive all the ordinances)
What we learn about the temple in Ezekiel 43:1–12; 44:6–9, 23.
- The glory of the Lord fills the temple (Ezekiel 43:2, 4–5).
- The temple is “the place of [the Lord’s] throne” on earth (Ezekiel 43:7).
- The Lord walks in the temple, calling it “the place of the soles of my feet” (Ezekiel 43:7).
- The temple is a place where the Lord may “dwell in the midst” of his people (Ezekiel 43:7).
- We learn about the laws of the Lord in the temple (Ezekiel 43:11).
- There are ordinances that the Lord wants us to perform in the temple (Ezekiel 43:11).
- Even the grounds that surround the temple “shall be most holy” (Ezekiel 43:12).
- Only those who are worthy should enter the temple (Ezekiel 44:6–9).
- In the temple we learn the difference between holy and profane and between clean and unclean (Ezekiel 44:23).
*** What gifts do we receive for obeying the laws of his house?
- Eternal Life
- Being sealed as a family
- Greater understanding
- Promises of greater spiritual protection
- Personal revelation
- Personal peace
Display, candy, coins, a $20 bill and a picture of an expensive item.
Which of these items would my three year old be most interested?
Which of these is the most expensive?
Why don’t most little children choose the most expensive item? (They don’t understand the value)
How are people sometimes like my three year old in valuing the temple?
Sometimes people don’t understand the value of temples so they make choices that keep them from entering the temple.
Ezekial 47 - Ezekiel sees a river flowing from the temple that gives life to the desert and heals the Dead Sea.
What did Ezekiel see coming from the east doors of the temple in Jerusalem? (v.1)
Map (Note: Judean wilderness and the Dead Sea are east of Jerusalem. The Judean wilderness is a barren desert, and the Dead Sea is too salty to sustain animal life.)
Read v.6-12
According to Ezekiel’s vision, what changes will take place in the Judean wilderness and the Dead Sea because of the river flowing from the temple?
Trees (v.7)
Dead Sea will be healed (v.8)
Dead Sea will have fishes (v.9)
Every thing shall live wither the river cometh (v.9)
Note in Ezekial 43:7 the Lord calls the temple “the place of my throne”
In a vision similar to Ezekiel’s vision of the temple, John the Beloved was shown the throne of God. Read Revelation 22:1–3;
What flowed from the throne of God in John’s vision? (v.1 Water of Life)
What is the “water of life”? (The doctrines of the gospel;)
(see also John 4:10–14.)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained that living water is “the words of eternal life, the message of salvation, the truths about God and his kingdom; it is the doctrines of the gospel”
How are we like the Judean wilderness and the Dead Sea if we do not partake of the water of life?
How does the water of life that is available in the temple heal and give life to:
Marriages?
Families?
Our ancestors?
The Church?
What else flows from the temple that gives spiritual life and healing? (truth, wisdom, revelation, and covenants.)
What did the trees have in common with the waters of the river? (v.12 - They had healing and life-giving powers.)
*** How have you seen the temple bless you with healing and life-giving powers?
What grew along the banks of the river in John’s vision?
*** How does the love of God heal and give life?
The Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed: "Judah must return, Jerusalem must be rebuilt, and the temple, and water come out from under the temple, and the waters of the Dead Sea be healed. It will take some time to rebuild the walls of the city and the temple, and all this must be done before the Son of Man will make His appearance."
Ezekiel measures the river’s depth.
Read v.2-3
How deep was the river the first time Ezekiel waded across it?
Read v.4-5
How deep was it the second, third, and fourth times he waded across?
***What truth do these verses suggest about the temple? (The power of the temple increases in our lives the more often we attend.)
Wonderful truths are taught in the temple, many through symbols.
If at first our understanding of these truths or of temple ordinances is only “ankle deep,” what should we do? (attend the temple as often as possible.)
CONCLUSION
President Howard W. Hunter said: "I invite the Latter-day Saints to look to the temple of the Lord as the great symbol of your membership. It is the deepest desire of my heart to have every member of the Church worthy to enter the temple. It would please the Lord if every adult member would be worthy of—and carry—a current temple recommend. The things that we must do and not do to be worthy of a temple recommend are the very things that ensure we will be happy as individuals and as families."
Note: What the prophet said will ensure we our happy as individuals and as families.
One way to receive living water is to go to the temple, the house of the Lord, where we may be endowed with power and understanding, be instructed by the Lord, feel peace and joy, and become healed both physically and spiritually.
How can we make the temple the “great symbol of [our] membership” in the Church?
How would looking to the temple in this way affect our outlook on life and our dedication to the Lord’s work?
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Jeremiah 16,23, 29, 31 - I Will Write it in Their Hearts
BACKGROUND
Israel - Jacob son of Isaac son of Abraham
12 Tribes - 12 sons of Israel - children of Israel - Abrahamic covenant promised to them
Judah vs Israel
INTRO
The prophet Jeremiah lived through one of the most troubled periods of history. He witnessed the fall of a great empire (Assyria) and the rising of another (Babylon). Jeremiah declared God’s message for forty years, warning of coming disaster and appealing in vain to the nation to turn back to God. He, like Mormon, was called to labor among a people for whom there was no hope because they refused to repent, and “the day of grace was passed with them, both temporally and spiritually”. Mormon, after witnessing the destruction of the Nephite nation, cried out for his people. Here was a righteous man, one of the best, lamenting over his people who were so blind, so foolish, so spiritually dead. Jeremiah, too, mourned his people’s wickedness. You may think of Jeremiah as a harsh man as you read his scorching denunciations of the Jewish people and the lives they were living, but he was not. His motivation, like Mormon’s, was love.
Think back and realize that the story of Israel’s exodus from Egypt is one of the most miraculous events in the Old Testament
Quote 1 - A prophet does not select where and when he serves. God chooses when and to whom a prophet is sent. One may be an Enoch and build Zion, or a David O. McKay and preside over the Church in times of peace and prosperity. Another may be a Mormon or a Jeremiah and try in vain to save a rebellious and backsliding people. Each has his calling. Each has his time. Each has his lesson for us to learn.
Jeremiah 16
What do you know about the scattering of Israel?
At the death of Solomon, probably about 975 B. C., the kingdom was divided; the tribe of Judah and part of the tribe of Benjamin accepted Rehoboam, the son and successor of Solomon, as their king; while the rest of the people, usually spoken of as the ten tribes, revolted against Rehoboam, thus breaking their allegiance with the house of David; they chose Jeroboam as their king. The ten tribes under Jeroboam retained the title Kingdom of Israel, though the kingdom was likewise known by the name of Ephraim,[915] from its most prominent tribe; while Rehoboam and his subjects were known as the Kingdom of Judah. For about 250 years the two kingdoms maintained a separate existence; after which (721 B. C.), the independent status of the kingdom of Israel was destroyed, and the people were brought into captivity by the Assyrians. The Kingdom of Judah was recognized for over a century longer, after which it was brought to an end by Nebuchadnezzar, who inaugurated the Babylonian captivity.
Jeremiah was commanded to explain clearly to the people the reasons for his actions as well as the reasons for their coming punishment.
What did Jeremiah prophecy that gave Israel any kind of hope?
The Lord showed Jeremiah a vision of the future that put the calamities he had witnessed into a perspective of hope. Like other prophets of his time (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Amos, Micah, and Zechariah), Jeremiah was shown that scattered Israel would one day be gathered, that Judah would return to the lands of her possession, and that eventually all of Israel would become great. These visions and prophecies were recorded by Jeremiah and for centuries have provided hope to a nation of suffering people. They hold a very important place in the latter-day work of restoration.
Read v.14-16 (I will bring them again unto their land. He will send fishers, hunters, etc.)
Quote 2 - Elder LeGrand Richards commented on these verses: "Just contemplate that statement for a few moments. Think how the Jews and the Christians all through these past centuries have praised the Lord for his great hand of deliverance under the hands of Moses when he led Israel out of captivity, and yet here comes Jeremiah with this word of the holy prophet, telling us that in the latter days they shall no more remember that, but how God has gathered scattered Israel from the lands whither he had driven them. And Jeremiah saw the day when the Lord would do this very thing, when he would call for many fishers and many hunters, ‘and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.’ Where do you find those fishers and hunters that we read about in this great prophecy of Jeremiah? They are these 14,000 missionaries of this church, and those who have preceded them from the time that the Prophet Joseph Smith received the truth and sent the messengers out to share it with the world. Thus have they gone out, fishing and hunting, and gathering them from the hills and the mountains, and the holes in the rocks. I think that is more literal than some of us think"
Jeremiah 23
Read v.3 (Lord will bring them again to their folds)
Quote 3 - President Spencer W. Kimball said: "The gathering of Israel is now in progress. Hundreds of thousands of people have been baptized into the Church. Millions more will join the Church. And this is the way that we will gather Israel. The English people will gather in England. The Japanese people will gather in the Orient. The Brazilian people will gather in Brazil. So that important element of the world history is already being accomplished. It is to be done by missionary work. It is your responsibility to attend to this missionary work."
Chapter 23 is primarily a scathing denunciation of the religious leaders of Jeremiah’s. He mentions the following about the sins of the Jewish religious leaders, the priests and the “prophets.”
(v.11) - Both prophets and priests are profane.
(v.13) - They prophesied in the name of Baal and led the people into error (see v. 13).
(v.14) - The prophets are adulterers, liars, and supporters of evil men. They are as evil as Sodom and Gomorrah in God’s sight.
(v.16) - They speak their own words, not those of the Lord.
(v.17) - They tell the wicked they can have peace and that there is no evil in what they are doing.
(v.21) - They called themselves to the ministry and prophesy without revelation.
(v.31) - They say “Thus saith the Lord” when the Lord has not spoken through them.
Jeremiah29
Jeremiah tells Jews in Babylon to prepare for 70 years of captivity (v.4,10)
Jeremiah31
Read (v.12-14) - “They Shall Not Sorrow Any More at All”
These verses picture the great joy and happiness that will accompany the return of Israel. The promises of great abundance (see v. 12) and rejoicing (see v. 13) and the end of sorrow. Though Judah did not heed Jeremiah’s warning and his dire predictions came to pass, the hope of a brighter day was clearly given here.
Quote 4 - Elder LeGrand Richards said "While the members of the Priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not paid for their services, and thousands of them have left their families for years at a time to do missionary work in the nations of the earth, paying their own expenses and without remuneration from the Church, yet, in their hearts, they feel they are better paid than any other religious leaders in the world, because of the joy and satisfaction the Lord plants in their hearts, which could not possibly be purchased with money. Thus He has satiated ‘the soul of the priests with fatness,’ and His people are satisfied with His goodness."
Read (v.31-34)
What does it mean to have God’s law written in our hearts?
Joseph Smith was once asked how he successfully governed so many people. He said, “I teach the people correct principles and they govern themselves”
How does this statement relate to having God’s law written in our hearts?
What is the extent and purpose of the gathering?
1. Return of the Jews to Jerusalem.
2. Restoration of the Ten Tribes.
3. Assembling in the land of Zion of the people of Israel from the nations of the earth.
D&C 110:11 (1836 Moses restored the keys of the gathering of Israel)
D&C 133:8-9 (Tells us how/where to gather)
D&C 133:14 (Purpose: depart from spiritual Babylon - separate ourselves from wickedness that we may learn the ways of God and serve him the more fully)
D&C 133:26-34 (They who are in the north countries shall no longer stay themselves)
v.32 - Zion should already be established.
As being the tribe of Ephraim, we are charged to bless the families of the earth with the Gospel and gather Israel.
Jeremiah 16:29–30 "The Fathers Have Eaten a Sour Grape, and the Children’s Teeth Are Set on Edge" - This proverb conveyed the idea that children are affected by what their parents are and do
"There is the man who resisted release from positions in the Church. He knew positions were temporary trusts, but he criticized the presiding leader who had released him, complaining that proper recognition had not be given; the time had not been favorable; it had been a reflection upon his effectiveness. He bitterly built up a case for himself, absented himself from his meetings, and justified himself in his resultant estrangement. His children partook of his frustrations, and his children’s children. In later life he ‘came to himself,’ and on the brink of the grave made an about-face. His family would not effect the transformation which now he would give his life to have them make. How selfish! Haughty pride induces eating sour grapes, and innocent ones have their teeth set on edge.
“Eight lovely children had blessed the temple marriage of a man and woman who in later years were denied a temple recommend. They would not be so dealt with by this young bishop. Why should they be deprived and humiliated? Were they less worthy than others? They argued that this boy-bishop was too strict, too orthodox. Never would they be active, nor enter the door of that Church as long as that bishop presided. They would show him. The history of this family is tragic. The four younger ones were never baptized; the four older ones never were ordained, endowed, nor sealed. No missions were filled by this family. Today the parents are ill at ease, still defiant. They had covered themselves with a cloud, and righteous prayers could not pass through. “Sour grapes! Such unhappy food!” - Spencer W. Kimball
Israel - Jacob son of Isaac son of Abraham
12 Tribes - 12 sons of Israel - children of Israel - Abrahamic covenant promised to them
Judah vs Israel
INTRO
The prophet Jeremiah lived through one of the most troubled periods of history. He witnessed the fall of a great empire (Assyria) and the rising of another (Babylon). Jeremiah declared God’s message for forty years, warning of coming disaster and appealing in vain to the nation to turn back to God. He, like Mormon, was called to labor among a people for whom there was no hope because they refused to repent, and “the day of grace was passed with them, both temporally and spiritually”. Mormon, after witnessing the destruction of the Nephite nation, cried out for his people. Here was a righteous man, one of the best, lamenting over his people who were so blind, so foolish, so spiritually dead. Jeremiah, too, mourned his people’s wickedness. You may think of Jeremiah as a harsh man as you read his scorching denunciations of the Jewish people and the lives they were living, but he was not. His motivation, like Mormon’s, was love.
Think back and realize that the story of Israel’s exodus from Egypt is one of the most miraculous events in the Old Testament
Quote 1 - A prophet does not select where and when he serves. God chooses when and to whom a prophet is sent. One may be an Enoch and build Zion, or a David O. McKay and preside over the Church in times of peace and prosperity. Another may be a Mormon or a Jeremiah and try in vain to save a rebellious and backsliding people. Each has his calling. Each has his time. Each has his lesson for us to learn.
Jeremiah 16
What do you know about the scattering of Israel?
At the death of Solomon, probably about 975 B. C., the kingdom was divided; the tribe of Judah and part of the tribe of Benjamin accepted Rehoboam, the son and successor of Solomon, as their king; while the rest of the people, usually spoken of as the ten tribes, revolted against Rehoboam, thus breaking their allegiance with the house of David; they chose Jeroboam as their king. The ten tribes under Jeroboam retained the title Kingdom of Israel, though the kingdom was likewise known by the name of Ephraim,[915] from its most prominent tribe; while Rehoboam and his subjects were known as the Kingdom of Judah. For about 250 years the two kingdoms maintained a separate existence; after which (721 B. C.), the independent status of the kingdom of Israel was destroyed, and the people were brought into captivity by the Assyrians. The Kingdom of Judah was recognized for over a century longer, after which it was brought to an end by Nebuchadnezzar, who inaugurated the Babylonian captivity.
Jeremiah was commanded to explain clearly to the people the reasons for his actions as well as the reasons for their coming punishment.
What did Jeremiah prophecy that gave Israel any kind of hope?
The Lord showed Jeremiah a vision of the future that put the calamities he had witnessed into a perspective of hope. Like other prophets of his time (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Amos, Micah, and Zechariah), Jeremiah was shown that scattered Israel would one day be gathered, that Judah would return to the lands of her possession, and that eventually all of Israel would become great. These visions and prophecies were recorded by Jeremiah and for centuries have provided hope to a nation of suffering people. They hold a very important place in the latter-day work of restoration.
Read v.14-16 (I will bring them again unto their land. He will send fishers, hunters, etc.)
Quote 2 - Elder LeGrand Richards commented on these verses: "Just contemplate that statement for a few moments. Think how the Jews and the Christians all through these past centuries have praised the Lord for his great hand of deliverance under the hands of Moses when he led Israel out of captivity, and yet here comes Jeremiah with this word of the holy prophet, telling us that in the latter days they shall no more remember that, but how God has gathered scattered Israel from the lands whither he had driven them. And Jeremiah saw the day when the Lord would do this very thing, when he would call for many fishers and many hunters, ‘and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.’ Where do you find those fishers and hunters that we read about in this great prophecy of Jeremiah? They are these 14,000 missionaries of this church, and those who have preceded them from the time that the Prophet Joseph Smith received the truth and sent the messengers out to share it with the world. Thus have they gone out, fishing and hunting, and gathering them from the hills and the mountains, and the holes in the rocks. I think that is more literal than some of us think"
Jeremiah 23
Read v.3 (Lord will bring them again to their folds)
Quote 3 - President Spencer W. Kimball said: "The gathering of Israel is now in progress. Hundreds of thousands of people have been baptized into the Church. Millions more will join the Church. And this is the way that we will gather Israel. The English people will gather in England. The Japanese people will gather in the Orient. The Brazilian people will gather in Brazil. So that important element of the world history is already being accomplished. It is to be done by missionary work. It is your responsibility to attend to this missionary work."
Chapter 23 is primarily a scathing denunciation of the religious leaders of Jeremiah’s. He mentions the following about the sins of the Jewish religious leaders, the priests and the “prophets.”
(v.11) - Both prophets and priests are profane.
(v.13) - They prophesied in the name of Baal and led the people into error (see v. 13).
(v.14) - The prophets are adulterers, liars, and supporters of evil men. They are as evil as Sodom and Gomorrah in God’s sight.
(v.16) - They speak their own words, not those of the Lord.
(v.17) - They tell the wicked they can have peace and that there is no evil in what they are doing.
(v.21) - They called themselves to the ministry and prophesy without revelation.
(v.31) - They say “Thus saith the Lord” when the Lord has not spoken through them.
Jeremiah29
Jeremiah tells Jews in Babylon to prepare for 70 years of captivity (v.4,10)
Jeremiah31
Read (v.12-14) - “They Shall Not Sorrow Any More at All”
These verses picture the great joy and happiness that will accompany the return of Israel. The promises of great abundance (see v. 12) and rejoicing (see v. 13) and the end of sorrow. Though Judah did not heed Jeremiah’s warning and his dire predictions came to pass, the hope of a brighter day was clearly given here.
Quote 4 - Elder LeGrand Richards said "While the members of the Priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not paid for their services, and thousands of them have left their families for years at a time to do missionary work in the nations of the earth, paying their own expenses and without remuneration from the Church, yet, in their hearts, they feel they are better paid than any other religious leaders in the world, because of the joy and satisfaction the Lord plants in their hearts, which could not possibly be purchased with money. Thus He has satiated ‘the soul of the priests with fatness,’ and His people are satisfied with His goodness."
Read (v.31-34)
What does it mean to have God’s law written in our hearts?
Joseph Smith was once asked how he successfully governed so many people. He said, “I teach the people correct principles and they govern themselves”
How does this statement relate to having God’s law written in our hearts?
What is the extent and purpose of the gathering?
1. Return of the Jews to Jerusalem.
2. Restoration of the Ten Tribes.
3. Assembling in the land of Zion of the people of Israel from the nations of the earth.
D&C 110:11 (1836 Moses restored the keys of the gathering of Israel)
D&C 133:8-9 (Tells us how/where to gather)
D&C 133:14 (Purpose: depart from spiritual Babylon - separate ourselves from wickedness that we may learn the ways of God and serve him the more fully)
D&C 133:26-34 (They who are in the north countries shall no longer stay themselves)
v.32 - Zion should already be established.
As being the tribe of Ephraim, we are charged to bless the families of the earth with the Gospel and gather Israel.
Jeremiah 16:29–30 "The Fathers Have Eaten a Sour Grape, and the Children’s Teeth Are Set on Edge" - This proverb conveyed the idea that children are affected by what their parents are and do
"There is the man who resisted release from positions in the Church. He knew positions were temporary trusts, but he criticized the presiding leader who had released him, complaining that proper recognition had not be given; the time had not been favorable; it had been a reflection upon his effectiveness. He bitterly built up a case for himself, absented himself from his meetings, and justified himself in his resultant estrangement. His children partook of his frustrations, and his children’s children. In later life he ‘came to himself,’ and on the brink of the grave made an about-face. His family would not effect the transformation which now he would give his life to have them make. How selfish! Haughty pride induces eating sour grapes, and innocent ones have their teeth set on edge.
“Eight lovely children had blessed the temple marriage of a man and woman who in later years were denied a temple recommend. They would not be so dealt with by this young bishop. Why should they be deprived and humiliated? Were they less worthy than others? They argued that this boy-bishop was too strict, too orthodox. Never would they be active, nor enter the door of that Church as long as that bishop presided. They would show him. The history of this family is tragic. The four younger ones were never baptized; the four older ones never were ordained, endowed, nor sealed. No missions were filled by this family. Today the parents are ill at ease, still defiant. They had covered themselves with a cloud, and righteous prayers could not pass through. “Sour grapes! Such unhappy food!” - Spencer W. Kimball
Sunday, November 9, 2014
ISAIAH 54-56, 63-65 - Enlarge the Place of thy Tent
STAKES OF ZION
Isaiah 54:2
What does the tent mentioned represent? (The Church of Jesus Christ.)
What do the tent stakes represent?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: “The term stake is a symbolic expression. Picture in your mind a great tent held up by cords extended to many stakes that are firmly secured in the ground. The prophets likened latter-day Zion to a great tent encompassing the earth. That tent was supported by cords fastened to stakes. Those stakes, of course, are various geographical organizations spread out over the earth. Presently, Israel is being gathered to the various stakes of Zion”
D&C 101:20–21
The first stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were organized in Kirtland, Ohio, and in Clay County, Missouri, in 1834. As the Church grew, more stakes were added as commanded by the Lord . Today there are hundreds of stakes located throughout the world.
Region Temples Missions Stakes Districts Wards Branches
World 170 406 3,104 554 22,083 7,381
United States 81 120 1,533 9 12,065 1,936
Utah 17 9 573 1 4,633 330
Outside U.S. 89 286 1,571 545 10,018 5,445
http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/statistics/units/
Back to Isaiah 54:1-2
What do you think is the meaning of the phrase “Enlarge the place of thy tent”?
What other counsel is given regarding the tent, or Church?
Isaiah’s Counsel What We Can Do
Stretch the tent curtains and lengthen the cords. Serve as full-time missionaries; share the gospel with friends and neighbors.
Strengthen the tent stakes. Strengthen our local stakes.
What can we do to strengthen the stake in which we live? (Develop personal spiritual strength, influence our families and friends to do the same, serve our member and nonmember neighbors, and accept calls from priesthood leaders to serve in the Church.)
How can stakes bless people’s lives? (see D&C 115:5–6.)
What examples have you seen where stake of Zion is a place of defense and refuge?
Groups of people whom the Lord wants to come to him and find safety in the gospel:
A. All who thirst (Isaiah 55:1–3)
B. The wicked who will repent. (Isaiah 55:6–7)
C. Strangers who do not know the Lord. (Isaiah 56:3, 5–8)
A) ALL WHO THIRST
Isaiah 55:1-2
2 Nephi 9:50-51
What kind of thirst is referred to in these verses? (Spiritual thirst)
Who does the water represent? (Jesus is the living water and the bread of life)
What is this call to all who thirst? (Come unto Christ, Receive Salvation)
How much does it cost?
2 Nephi 2:4 - Salvation is free
What is Salvation?
D&C 6:13 - Salvation if greatest gift
What happens when we try to satisfy spiritual thirst by spending money and effort on temporal things?
What kind of effort is needed in this life to obtain salvation?
* The invitation to come unto Christ and obtain those gifts without money and without price suggests not that they can be obtained without effort but that one does not need the goods of this world to obtain them.
What is the price we pay for salvation?
Elder Marion G. Romney explained what price is required: “When earth life is over and things appear in their true perspective, we shall more clearly see and realize what the Lord and his prophets have repeatedly told us, that the fruits of the gospel are the only objectives worthy of life’s full efforts. Their possessor obtains true wealth—wealth in the Lord’s view of values. I conceive the blessings of the gospel to be of such inestimable worth. The price, is within the reach of us all, because it is not to be paid in money nor in any of this world’s goods but in righteous living. What is required is wholehearted devotion to the gospel and unreserved allegiance to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A half-hearted performance is not enough. We cannot obtain these blessings and be like the rich young man who protested that he had kept the commandments from his youth up but who went away sorrowful when, in answer to the question, ‘What lack I yet?’ Jesus said unto him,‘If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor … and come and follow me.’ (Matt. 19:21.) Evidently he could live everything but the welfare program. There can be no such reservation. We must be willing to sacrifice everything. Through self-discipline and devotion we must demonstrate to the Lord that we are willing to serve him under all circumstances. When we have done this, we shall receive an assurance that we shall have eternal life in the world to come.”
SECOND COMING
Isaiah prayed fervently for the Second Coming of the Savior, which would bring retribution for the wicked and great rejoicing for the righteous
Isaiah 64:1–4
How does this message increase your desire to endure to the end in serving the Lord?
MILLENNIUM
The closing chapters of Isaiah’s record present a beautiful picture of the Millennium
Isaiah 65:17–25
What conditions will exist during the Millennium?
A. The Lord will create new heavens and a new earth (v.17).
B. There will be great joy and no more weeping for the Lord’s people (v.18–19).
C. People will not die young; they will live to be 100 years old (v.20).
D. People will enjoy the fruits of their own labors (v.21–23).
E. Prayers will be answered immediately (v.24).
F. There will be no enmity among beasts (v.25).
It is my prayer that we will be dedicated to help strengthen the stakes of Zion and prepare for the Second Coming and the Millennium.
Isaiah 54:2
What does the tent mentioned represent? (The Church of Jesus Christ.)
What do the tent stakes represent?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: “The term stake is a symbolic expression. Picture in your mind a great tent held up by cords extended to many stakes that are firmly secured in the ground. The prophets likened latter-day Zion to a great tent encompassing the earth. That tent was supported by cords fastened to stakes. Those stakes, of course, are various geographical organizations spread out over the earth. Presently, Israel is being gathered to the various stakes of Zion”
D&C 101:20–21
The first stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were organized in Kirtland, Ohio, and in Clay County, Missouri, in 1834. As the Church grew, more stakes were added as commanded by the Lord . Today there are hundreds of stakes located throughout the world.
Region Temples Missions Stakes Districts Wards Branches
World 170 406 3,104 554 22,083 7,381
United States 81 120 1,533 9 12,065 1,936
Utah 17 9 573 1 4,633 330
Outside U.S. 89 286 1,571 545 10,018 5,445
http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/statistics/units/
Back to Isaiah 54:1-2
What do you think is the meaning of the phrase “Enlarge the place of thy tent”?
What other counsel is given regarding the tent, or Church?
Isaiah’s Counsel What We Can Do
Stretch the tent curtains and lengthen the cords. Serve as full-time missionaries; share the gospel with friends and neighbors.
Strengthen the tent stakes. Strengthen our local stakes.
What can we do to strengthen the stake in which we live? (Develop personal spiritual strength, influence our families and friends to do the same, serve our member and nonmember neighbors, and accept calls from priesthood leaders to serve in the Church.)
How can stakes bless people’s lives? (see D&C 115:5–6.)
What examples have you seen where stake of Zion is a place of defense and refuge?
Groups of people whom the Lord wants to come to him and find safety in the gospel:
A. All who thirst (Isaiah 55:1–3)
B. The wicked who will repent. (Isaiah 55:6–7)
C. Strangers who do not know the Lord. (Isaiah 56:3, 5–8)
A) ALL WHO THIRST
Isaiah 55:1-2
2 Nephi 9:50-51
What kind of thirst is referred to in these verses? (Spiritual thirst)
Who does the water represent? (Jesus is the living water and the bread of life)
What is this call to all who thirst? (Come unto Christ, Receive Salvation)
How much does it cost?
2 Nephi 2:4 - Salvation is free
What is Salvation?
D&C 6:13 - Salvation if greatest gift
What happens when we try to satisfy spiritual thirst by spending money and effort on temporal things?
What kind of effort is needed in this life to obtain salvation?
* The invitation to come unto Christ and obtain those gifts without money and without price suggests not that they can be obtained without effort but that one does not need the goods of this world to obtain them.
What is the price we pay for salvation?
Elder Marion G. Romney explained what price is required: “When earth life is over and things appear in their true perspective, we shall more clearly see and realize what the Lord and his prophets have repeatedly told us, that the fruits of the gospel are the only objectives worthy of life’s full efforts. Their possessor obtains true wealth—wealth in the Lord’s view of values. I conceive the blessings of the gospel to be of such inestimable worth. The price, is within the reach of us all, because it is not to be paid in money nor in any of this world’s goods but in righteous living. What is required is wholehearted devotion to the gospel and unreserved allegiance to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A half-hearted performance is not enough. We cannot obtain these blessings and be like the rich young man who protested that he had kept the commandments from his youth up but who went away sorrowful when, in answer to the question, ‘What lack I yet?’ Jesus said unto him,‘If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor … and come and follow me.’ (Matt. 19:21.) Evidently he could live everything but the welfare program. There can be no such reservation. We must be willing to sacrifice everything. Through self-discipline and devotion we must demonstrate to the Lord that we are willing to serve him under all circumstances. When we have done this, we shall receive an assurance that we shall have eternal life in the world to come.”
SECOND COMING
Isaiah prayed fervently for the Second Coming of the Savior, which would bring retribution for the wicked and great rejoicing for the righteous
Isaiah 64:1–4
How does this message increase your desire to endure to the end in serving the Lord?
MILLENNIUM
The closing chapters of Isaiah’s record present a beautiful picture of the Millennium
Isaiah 65:17–25
What conditions will exist during the Millennium?
A. The Lord will create new heavens and a new earth (v.17).
B. There will be great joy and no more weeping for the Lord’s people (v.18–19).
C. People will not die young; they will live to be 100 years old (v.20).
D. People will enjoy the fruits of their own labors (v.21–23).
E. Prayers will be answered immediately (v.24).
F. There will be no enmity among beasts (v.25).
It is my prayer that we will be dedicated to help strengthen the stakes of Zion and prepare for the Second Coming and the Millennium.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
I Will Betroth Thee unto Me in Righteousness - Hosea 1-3, 11, 13-14
SETUP
Have you ever given love and trust, or even made solemn covenants, and then been betrayed? Or have you ever been loved and trusted by someone but then, in weakness, betrayed that trust and damaged the relationship and thus know the yearning to be loved and trusted again?
Hosea describes God’s feelings toward those who have covenanted with Him and then betrayed the trust. Examine your own life for experiences that will help you understand Hosea’s message.
BACKGROUND
During the time of Hosea, the Israelites were influenced heavily by the worship and ways of the Canaanites. The sophistication of the city-based Canaanite farmers who surrounded them, the fertility of their flocks and fields attracted the Israelite farmers. The rites by which the people supplicated the gods of fertility were lewd, licentious, and immoral. Even though Israel had covenanted at Sinai to become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation unto God, by the time of Hosea, God’s people had become deeply involved in the practices of their neighbors, whose way of life should have repelled them.
INTRODUCTION
Nephi said that to understand the writings of Isaiah, one has to understand the Jewish way of prophesying (see 2 Nephi 25:1). The same is true of Hosea because he, like Isaiah, made extensive use of metaphors and symbolism. Each chapter contains at least one metaphor, and all need to be seen against the background of Israel’s history and tradition to be understood.
One metaphor that is central to Hosea’s message is marriage. Throughout history every culture has prescribed ways to celebrate the covenants of marriage. Because most people had personal knowledge of marriage, they understood the Lord better when the prophets used marriage terms to describe symbolically the covenants God made with them and they with Him. The covenant relationship between Jehovah and His people Israel was likened to the relationship between a man and his wife.
In the symbolic marriage covenant, God is the husband and Israel, the covenant people, is the bride. God wed Israel in the covenant of Abraham (see Genesis 17). That covenant was renewed with Moses’ people at the foot of Mount Sinai..When Israel turned away from her husband to worship other gods, then she broke the covenants.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: “In a spiritual sense, to emphasize how serious it is, the damning sin of idolatry is called adultery. When the Lord’s people forsake him and worship false gods, their infidelity to Jehovah is described as whoredoms and adultery. By forsaking the Lord, his people are unfaithful to their covenant vows, vows made to him who symbolically is their Husband.”
The symbolism is central to Hosea’s message. He depicts Israel’s unfaithfulness to the Lord as that of a wife who has turned her back on a faithful husband to follow her lovers.
Why do you think Hosea and other prophets used comparisons? Comparing a complicated or unfamiliar idea with one that is simpler or more familiar makes it more understandable to the people who are being taught. Comparisons also help provide a lot of detail in just a few words.
Chapters 1-3
In the book of Hosea, the Lord’s relationship with Israel (and with the Church today) is compared to the relationship between a husband and wife.
In what way was ancient Israel comparable to Gomer, who is described as “a wife of whoredoms”? (v. 1:2–3; 2:5, 13)
Gomer had left her husband for her lovers; Israel had forgotten the Lord and become wicked.
*** What does this comparison teach us about the level of commitment and devotion the Lord expects from us?
Who or what were Israel’s “lovers”—the things that caused the people to turn away from the Lord?
Other gods, material goods, and the practices of the world.
What things may divert us from our dedication to following the Savior?
To whom did the adulterous wife give credit for her food and clothing? (v.2:5)
To whom did the Israelites attribute the fruitful land in which they lived? To their false gods or idols
***How do people today give credit to false gods for the blessings they receive?
Hosea's attitude at first toward his wife (v.2:6–13)
Hosea's attitude changed (v.2:14-23)
Even though the wife had been unfaithful, the husband still loved her and wanted her to come back to him. Likewise, the Lord still loves his people who have gone astray, and he wants them to turn again to him.
Elder Eyering Quote
What did the husband promise his wife if she would return to him? (v 2:19.)
What does the Lord promise his people if they will repent and return to him? (v. 2:20, 23.)
***Why is this promise important?
In Hosea 3:1–2, the husband purchased his wife from her lover In Old Testament cultures, women were often considered property and could be bought or sold.
What did the husband require of his wife after he purchased her? (v. 3:3.)
What did he promise her?
In what sense has Jesus Christ “bought” each of us? (see 1 Peter 1:18–19.)
What does Christ require of us in return?
Chapters 11,13-14
Using the imagery of a marriage, the Lord, through Hosea, taught His people that though they had been unfaithful to Him, ye He would still not divorce them (cast them off) if they would but turn back to Him. Though Hosea speaks of a nation, the same principle holds true for individuals. Even those who have been grossly unfaithful to God can reestablish their relationship with Him if they will but turn back to Him with full purpose of heart.
Throughout the book of Hosea, the Lord reproves the Israelites for their great sins. After the Lord, through Hosea, describes the captivity and destruction that will result from Israel’s wickedness, he again invites his people to repent and return to him.
What did the Israelites need to do to return to the Lord and receive deliverance? (v. 12:6; 14:2–3)
They needed to repent of their sins and renounce the other gods they had worshiped.
What did the Lord promise to do if they repented? (v. 14:4–7.)
What does the Lord promise he will do if we repent of our sins?
Conclusion
While the Lord’s blessings are reserved for those who keep his commandments, his love is constant and extended to all. Even when we turn away from him through sin, the Lord loves us and wants us to repent and return to him.
Have you ever given love and trust, or even made solemn covenants, and then been betrayed? Or have you ever been loved and trusted by someone but then, in weakness, betrayed that trust and damaged the relationship and thus know the yearning to be loved and trusted again?
Hosea describes God’s feelings toward those who have covenanted with Him and then betrayed the trust. Examine your own life for experiences that will help you understand Hosea’s message.
BACKGROUND
During the time of Hosea, the Israelites were influenced heavily by the worship and ways of the Canaanites. The sophistication of the city-based Canaanite farmers who surrounded them, the fertility of their flocks and fields attracted the Israelite farmers. The rites by which the people supplicated the gods of fertility were lewd, licentious, and immoral. Even though Israel had covenanted at Sinai to become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation unto God, by the time of Hosea, God’s people had become deeply involved in the practices of their neighbors, whose way of life should have repelled them.
INTRODUCTION
Nephi said that to understand the writings of Isaiah, one has to understand the Jewish way of prophesying (see 2 Nephi 25:1). The same is true of Hosea because he, like Isaiah, made extensive use of metaphors and symbolism. Each chapter contains at least one metaphor, and all need to be seen against the background of Israel’s history and tradition to be understood.
One metaphor that is central to Hosea’s message is marriage. Throughout history every culture has prescribed ways to celebrate the covenants of marriage. Because most people had personal knowledge of marriage, they understood the Lord better when the prophets used marriage terms to describe symbolically the covenants God made with them and they with Him. The covenant relationship between Jehovah and His people Israel was likened to the relationship between a man and his wife.
In the symbolic marriage covenant, God is the husband and Israel, the covenant people, is the bride. God wed Israel in the covenant of Abraham (see Genesis 17). That covenant was renewed with Moses’ people at the foot of Mount Sinai..When Israel turned away from her husband to worship other gods, then she broke the covenants.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: “In a spiritual sense, to emphasize how serious it is, the damning sin of idolatry is called adultery. When the Lord’s people forsake him and worship false gods, their infidelity to Jehovah is described as whoredoms and adultery. By forsaking the Lord, his people are unfaithful to their covenant vows, vows made to him who symbolically is their Husband.”
The symbolism is central to Hosea’s message. He depicts Israel’s unfaithfulness to the Lord as that of a wife who has turned her back on a faithful husband to follow her lovers.
Why do you think Hosea and other prophets used comparisons? Comparing a complicated or unfamiliar idea with one that is simpler or more familiar makes it more understandable to the people who are being taught. Comparisons also help provide a lot of detail in just a few words.
Chapters 1-3
In the book of Hosea, the Lord’s relationship with Israel (and with the Church today) is compared to the relationship between a husband and wife.
In what way was ancient Israel comparable to Gomer, who is described as “a wife of whoredoms”? (v. 1:2–3; 2:5, 13)
Gomer had left her husband for her lovers; Israel had forgotten the Lord and become wicked.
*** What does this comparison teach us about the level of commitment and devotion the Lord expects from us?
Who or what were Israel’s “lovers”—the things that caused the people to turn away from the Lord?
Other gods, material goods, and the practices of the world.
What things may divert us from our dedication to following the Savior?
To whom did the adulterous wife give credit for her food and clothing? (v.2:5)
To whom did the Israelites attribute the fruitful land in which they lived? To their false gods or idols
***How do people today give credit to false gods for the blessings they receive?
Hosea's attitude at first toward his wife (v.2:6–13)
Hosea's attitude changed (v.2:14-23)
Even though the wife had been unfaithful, the husband still loved her and wanted her to come back to him. Likewise, the Lord still loves his people who have gone astray, and he wants them to turn again to him.
Elder Eyering Quote
What did the husband promise his wife if she would return to him? (v 2:19.)
What does the Lord promise his people if they will repent and return to him? (v. 2:20, 23.)
***Why is this promise important?
In Hosea 3:1–2, the husband purchased his wife from her lover In Old Testament cultures, women were often considered property and could be bought or sold.
What did the husband require of his wife after he purchased her? (v. 3:3.)
What did he promise her?
In what sense has Jesus Christ “bought” each of us? (see 1 Peter 1:18–19.)
What does Christ require of us in return?
Chapters 11,13-14
Using the imagery of a marriage, the Lord, through Hosea, taught His people that though they had been unfaithful to Him, ye He would still not divorce them (cast them off) if they would but turn back to Him. Though Hosea speaks of a nation, the same principle holds true for individuals. Even those who have been grossly unfaithful to God can reestablish their relationship with Him if they will but turn back to Him with full purpose of heart.
Throughout the book of Hosea, the Lord reproves the Israelites for their great sins. After the Lord, through Hosea, describes the captivity and destruction that will result from Israel’s wickedness, he again invites his people to repent and return to him.
What did the Israelites need to do to return to the Lord and receive deliverance? (v. 12:6; 14:2–3)
They needed to repent of their sins and renounce the other gods they had worshiped.
What did the Lord promise to do if they repented? (v. 14:4–7.)
What does the Lord promise he will do if we repent of our sins?
Conclusion
While the Lord’s blessings are reserved for those who keep his commandments, his love is constant and extended to all. Even when we turn away from him through sin, the Lord loves us and wants us to repent and return to him.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Proverbs and Ecclesiastes
BACKGROUND
Proverbs are short sayings that generally give counsel about living righteously. The Old Testament records that Solomon “spake three thousand proverbs” (1 Kings 4:32). Some of these wise sayings are included in the book of Proverbs. Although Solomon and the other authors of this book were not prophets, much of what they wrote was inspired by the Lord. Their writings generally reflect a belief that true wisdom comes from God.
The book of Ecclesiastes also contains wise sayings, and some people believe Solomon to be its author. The message of Ecclesiastes is that life is meaningful only through God.
INTRODUCTION
The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are sometimes called the “wisdom literature.” The sages of the ancient Near East realized the superiority of wisdom over knowledge, for wisdom encompasses knowledge and includes understanding and moral conduct. One was not wise, regardless of his vast learning, if his actions did not comply with his righteous beliefs: “Like all Hebrew intellectual virtues, wisdom … is intensely practical, not theoretical. Basically, wisdom is the art of being successful, of forming the correct plan to gain the desired results. Its seat is the heart, the centre of moral and intellectual decision.
1. Wisdom
What differences are there between being learned and being wise?
Proverbs 1:7
The theme of the book of Proverbs is stated in verse 7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Fear as used here means reverence or deep respect for God. Though there is much in the book that does not rise above worldly wisdom, the whole serves as a reminder that to the Lord all things are spiritual. The book underscores the idea that even in mortal life, when properly viewed, all things testify of God.
Proverbs 4:7
Theodore M. Burton, then Assistant to the Council of the Twelve Apostles, said: “We must feed the spirit as well as the mind and as well as the body. I plead with our youth, get learning, and with all your getting get understanding. Get learning of the spirit. Get learning of the mind. Get learning of the soul, and become a rounded man or a rounded woman, learned in all ways, for I testify to you this day that security, true security, comes from a knowledge of the divinity of Jesus Christ. This is the beginning of all learning and of all wisdom. This is the greatest knowledge, the greatest learning, the greatest comfort that men can have. If men have this knowledge in their hearts, they can withstand all the viscissitudes of life.”
Proverbs 9:9–10
2 Nephi 9:28–29
In biblical language, to fear the Lord means to reverence and obey him.
Wisdom is more than knowledge; it is the proper application of knowledge.
To the Israelites, wisdom meant obedience to God’s laws
How does the value of wisdom compare to the value of earthly treasures?
Proverbs 3:13–18
Ecclesiastes 7:12
The words she and her refer to wisdom.
*** How does wisdom bring happiness and peace?
2. Trust in the Lord
Proverbs 3:5–7
President N. Eldon Tanner said: “How much wiser and better it is for man to accept the simple truths of the gospel and to accept as authority God, the Creator of the world, and his Son Jesus Christ, and to accept by faith those things which he cannot disprove and for which he cannot give a better explanation. He must be prepared to acknowledge that there are certain things—many, many things—that he cannot understand. “How can we deny or even disbelieve God when we cannot understand even the simplest things around us—how the leaf functions, what electricity is, what our emotions are, when the spirit enters the body, and what happens to it when it leaves? How can we say that because we do not understand the resurrection, there is not or cannot be a resurrection? “We are admonished to ‘trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.’ And we are warned: ‘Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”
What experiences have taught you to trust the Lord?
What does it mean to acknowledge God?
Proverbs 3:6
Alma 34:38
D&C 59:21
How are we blessed as we acknowledge him?
VIDEO ON PARACHUTES
3. The words we speak
Chalkboard Activity - 7 things the Lord hates
Proverbs 6:16–19
Elder Bruce R. McConkie commented on this verse: “If we think evil thoughts, our tongues will utter unclean sayings. … If our minds are centered on the carnality and evil of the world, then worldliness and unrighteousness will seem to us to be the normal way of life. If we ponder things related to immorality in our minds, we will soon think everybody is immoral and unclean and it will break down the barrier between us and the world. And so with every other unwholesome, unclean, impure, and ungodly course.
3 of the things apply to the words we speak.
Why is the Lord so concerned with the words we speak?
Proverbs 16:27–28;
The word froward as used in Proverbs is a translation of several Hebrew words which share the common idea of deceitfulness, perverseness, and foolishness.
Proverbs 18:8;
Proverbs 25:18;
maul = a heavy hammer as for driving stakes, wedges
Matthew 12:36–37
How can we overcome the problems of lying, gossiping, or speaking negatively about others?
Proverbs 12:25
Proverbs 16:24
How is this true?
What are the results of speaking kindly?
*** How have the kind words of others helped you?
Proverbs 15:1
What benefits come from speaking softly when a disagreement arises?
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: “We seldom get into trouble when we speak softly. It is only when we raise our voices that the sparks fly and tiny molehills become great mountains of contention”
Proverbs 15:1 (Soft Answers in the Home)
President Brigham Young spoke of maintaining self-control in one’s speech and actions: “In all our daily pursuits in life, of whatever nature and kind, Latter-day Saints, and especially those who hold important positions in the kingdom of God, should maintain a uniform and even temper, both when at home and when abroad. They should not suffer reverses and unpleasant circumstances to sour their natures and render them fretful and unsocial at home, speaking words full of bitterness and biting acrimony to their wives and children, creating gloom and sorrow in their habitations, making themselves feared rather than beloved by their families. Anger should never be permitted to rise in our bosoms, and words suggested by angry feelings should never be permitted to pass our lips. ‘A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.’ ‘Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous;’ but ‘the discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.’”
Elder Marvin J. Ashton gave additional counsel about controlling one’s tongue: Too often we use communication periods as occasions to tell, dictate, plead, or threaten. Nowhere in the broadest sense should communication in the family be used to impose, command, or embarrass. In family discussions, differences should not be ignored, but should be weighed and evaluated calmly. One’s point or opinion usually is not as important as a healthy, continuing relationship. Courtesy and respect in listening and responding during discussions are basic in proper dialogue. … How important it is to know how to disagree with another’s point of view without being disagreeable. How important it is to have discussion periods ahead of decisions. Jones Stephens wrote, ‘I have learned that the head does not hear anything until the heart has listened, and that what the heart knows today the head will understand tomorrow.’"
4. Pride
5. Friendship
6. Raising children
Proverbs 22:6
Bishop Victor L. Brown suggested parents must live the way they want their children to live: “Josh Billings paraphrases this truth: ‘To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself.’ “Throughout the Church I hear ‘If we did not have problems with parents, we would not have them with the young people.’”
James G. Duffin, a former president of the Central States Mission, said: “There is a difference between teaching and training. Teaching is causing the child to understand, training is causing the child to do. Every act performed is that much done towards fixing habits; repeated many times, the habit is established. If we train our children in the ways of the Lord, … every time they perform an act of obedience to the word and will of our Father in heaven their character becomes more firmly fixed in doing the things that God requires of them.”
D&C 68:25–28
How can we more effectively teach children the principles of the gospel and nurture their testimonies?
Elder Richard G. Scott said: “You must be willing to forgo personal pleasure and self-interest for family-centered activity, and not turn over to church, school, or society the principal role of fostering a child’s well-rounded development. It takes time, great effort, and significant personal sacrifice to ‘train up a child in the way he should go.’ But where can you find greater rewards for a job well done?"
Why do children need rules, boundaries, and loving correction?
Proverbs 19:18
Proverbs 29:17
How should parents give correction?
D&C 121:41–44
7. Happiness and good humor
Proverbs 15:13
Proverbs 17:22
Why is it important to develop a happy attitude and a good sense of humor?
President Hugh B. Brown said: “I would like to have you smile because after all we must keep a sense of humor whatever comes. I think of all the people in the world we should be the happiest. We have the greatest and most joyous message in the world. I think when we get on the other side, someone will meet us with a smile (unless we go to the wrong place and then someone will grin), so let us be happy. But let our happiness be genuine—let it come from within”
President Hugh B. Brown said: “We have often urged our young people to carry their laughter over into their mature years. A wholesome sense of humor will be a safety valve that will enable you to apply the lighter touch to heavy problems and to learn some lessons in problem solving that ‘sweat and tears’ often fail to dissolve.
What can we do to encourage uplifting humor in our families?
Can anyone tell about a time when humor has helped their family solve problems and grow in love for each other?
FIGURE OF A BODY
- Proverbs 2:2 (ear and heart)
- Proverbs 3:5 (heart)
- Proverbs 3:7 (eyes)
- Proverbs 3:27 (hand)
- Proverbs 4:26–27 (foot)
- Proverbs 8:7 (mouth)
- Proverbs 10:4 (hand)
- Proverbs 12:15 (eyes)
VIRTUOUS WOMAN
- Proverbs 31:10–31
v.11 - Can be trusted
v.13 - Works willingly
v.20 - Is compassionate
v.25 - Is strong and honorable
v.26 - Speaks with wisdom and kindness
v.28 - Is a dedicated wife and mother
v.30 - Obeys the Lord
CLOSING
Proverbs 4:18–19 (Light for Darkness)
President Brigham Young once commented on these verses: “The life of a Christian is said to be full of pain, tribulation, sorrow, and excruciating torments; of fightings without and fears within, of anxieties, despair, gloominess, and mourning. His path is supposed to be spread with gins [snares], pitfalls, and uncertainties, but this is a mistake, for ‘the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day,’ while ‘the wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips, but the just shall come out of trouble.’ “The faith I have embraced has given me light for darkness, ease for pain, joy and gladness for sorrow and mourning, certainty for uncertainty, hope for despair.”
Proverbs are short sayings that generally give counsel about living righteously. The Old Testament records that Solomon “spake three thousand proverbs” (1 Kings 4:32). Some of these wise sayings are included in the book of Proverbs. Although Solomon and the other authors of this book were not prophets, much of what they wrote was inspired by the Lord. Their writings generally reflect a belief that true wisdom comes from God.
The book of Ecclesiastes also contains wise sayings, and some people believe Solomon to be its author. The message of Ecclesiastes is that life is meaningful only through God.
INTRODUCTION
The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are sometimes called the “wisdom literature.” The sages of the ancient Near East realized the superiority of wisdom over knowledge, for wisdom encompasses knowledge and includes understanding and moral conduct. One was not wise, regardless of his vast learning, if his actions did not comply with his righteous beliefs: “Like all Hebrew intellectual virtues, wisdom … is intensely practical, not theoretical. Basically, wisdom is the art of being successful, of forming the correct plan to gain the desired results. Its seat is the heart, the centre of moral and intellectual decision.
1. Wisdom
What differences are there between being learned and being wise?
Proverbs 1:7
The theme of the book of Proverbs is stated in verse 7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Fear as used here means reverence or deep respect for God. Though there is much in the book that does not rise above worldly wisdom, the whole serves as a reminder that to the Lord all things are spiritual. The book underscores the idea that even in mortal life, when properly viewed, all things testify of God.
Proverbs 4:7
Theodore M. Burton, then Assistant to the Council of the Twelve Apostles, said: “We must feed the spirit as well as the mind and as well as the body. I plead with our youth, get learning, and with all your getting get understanding. Get learning of the spirit. Get learning of the mind. Get learning of the soul, and become a rounded man or a rounded woman, learned in all ways, for I testify to you this day that security, true security, comes from a knowledge of the divinity of Jesus Christ. This is the beginning of all learning and of all wisdom. This is the greatest knowledge, the greatest learning, the greatest comfort that men can have. If men have this knowledge in their hearts, they can withstand all the viscissitudes of life.”
Proverbs 9:9–10
2 Nephi 9:28–29
In biblical language, to fear the Lord means to reverence and obey him.
Wisdom is more than knowledge; it is the proper application of knowledge.
To the Israelites, wisdom meant obedience to God’s laws
How does the value of wisdom compare to the value of earthly treasures?
Proverbs 3:13–18
Ecclesiastes 7:12
The words she and her refer to wisdom.
*** How does wisdom bring happiness and peace?
2. Trust in the Lord
Proverbs 3:5–7
President N. Eldon Tanner said: “How much wiser and better it is for man to accept the simple truths of the gospel and to accept as authority God, the Creator of the world, and his Son Jesus Christ, and to accept by faith those things which he cannot disprove and for which he cannot give a better explanation. He must be prepared to acknowledge that there are certain things—many, many things—that he cannot understand. “How can we deny or even disbelieve God when we cannot understand even the simplest things around us—how the leaf functions, what electricity is, what our emotions are, when the spirit enters the body, and what happens to it when it leaves? How can we say that because we do not understand the resurrection, there is not or cannot be a resurrection? “We are admonished to ‘trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.’ And we are warned: ‘Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”
What experiences have taught you to trust the Lord?
What does it mean to acknowledge God?
Proverbs 3:6
Alma 34:38
D&C 59:21
How are we blessed as we acknowledge him?
VIDEO ON PARACHUTES
3. The words we speak
Chalkboard Activity - 7 things the Lord hates
Proverbs 6:16–19
Elder Bruce R. McConkie commented on this verse: “If we think evil thoughts, our tongues will utter unclean sayings. … If our minds are centered on the carnality and evil of the world, then worldliness and unrighteousness will seem to us to be the normal way of life. If we ponder things related to immorality in our minds, we will soon think everybody is immoral and unclean and it will break down the barrier between us and the world. And so with every other unwholesome, unclean, impure, and ungodly course.
3 of the things apply to the words we speak.
Why is the Lord so concerned with the words we speak?
Proverbs 16:27–28;
The word froward as used in Proverbs is a translation of several Hebrew words which share the common idea of deceitfulness, perverseness, and foolishness.
Proverbs 18:8;
Proverbs 25:18;
maul = a heavy hammer as for driving stakes, wedges
Matthew 12:36–37
How can we overcome the problems of lying, gossiping, or speaking negatively about others?
Proverbs 12:25
Proverbs 16:24
How is this true?
What are the results of speaking kindly?
*** How have the kind words of others helped you?
Proverbs 15:1
What benefits come from speaking softly when a disagreement arises?
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: “We seldom get into trouble when we speak softly. It is only when we raise our voices that the sparks fly and tiny molehills become great mountains of contention”
Proverbs 15:1 (Soft Answers in the Home)
President Brigham Young spoke of maintaining self-control in one’s speech and actions: “In all our daily pursuits in life, of whatever nature and kind, Latter-day Saints, and especially those who hold important positions in the kingdom of God, should maintain a uniform and even temper, both when at home and when abroad. They should not suffer reverses and unpleasant circumstances to sour their natures and render them fretful and unsocial at home, speaking words full of bitterness and biting acrimony to their wives and children, creating gloom and sorrow in their habitations, making themselves feared rather than beloved by their families. Anger should never be permitted to rise in our bosoms, and words suggested by angry feelings should never be permitted to pass our lips. ‘A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.’ ‘Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous;’ but ‘the discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.’”
Elder Marvin J. Ashton gave additional counsel about controlling one’s tongue: Too often we use communication periods as occasions to tell, dictate, plead, or threaten. Nowhere in the broadest sense should communication in the family be used to impose, command, or embarrass. In family discussions, differences should not be ignored, but should be weighed and evaluated calmly. One’s point or opinion usually is not as important as a healthy, continuing relationship. Courtesy and respect in listening and responding during discussions are basic in proper dialogue. … How important it is to know how to disagree with another’s point of view without being disagreeable. How important it is to have discussion periods ahead of decisions. Jones Stephens wrote, ‘I have learned that the head does not hear anything until the heart has listened, and that what the heart knows today the head will understand tomorrow.’"
4. Pride
5. Friendship
6. Raising children
Proverbs 22:6
Bishop Victor L. Brown suggested parents must live the way they want their children to live: “Josh Billings paraphrases this truth: ‘To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself.’ “Throughout the Church I hear ‘If we did not have problems with parents, we would not have them with the young people.’”
James G. Duffin, a former president of the Central States Mission, said: “There is a difference between teaching and training. Teaching is causing the child to understand, training is causing the child to do. Every act performed is that much done towards fixing habits; repeated many times, the habit is established. If we train our children in the ways of the Lord, … every time they perform an act of obedience to the word and will of our Father in heaven their character becomes more firmly fixed in doing the things that God requires of them.”
D&C 68:25–28
How can we more effectively teach children the principles of the gospel and nurture their testimonies?
Elder Richard G. Scott said: “You must be willing to forgo personal pleasure and self-interest for family-centered activity, and not turn over to church, school, or society the principal role of fostering a child’s well-rounded development. It takes time, great effort, and significant personal sacrifice to ‘train up a child in the way he should go.’ But where can you find greater rewards for a job well done?"
Why do children need rules, boundaries, and loving correction?
Proverbs 19:18
Proverbs 29:17
How should parents give correction?
D&C 121:41–44
7. Happiness and good humor
Proverbs 15:13
Proverbs 17:22
Why is it important to develop a happy attitude and a good sense of humor?
President Hugh B. Brown said: “I would like to have you smile because after all we must keep a sense of humor whatever comes. I think of all the people in the world we should be the happiest. We have the greatest and most joyous message in the world. I think when we get on the other side, someone will meet us with a smile (unless we go to the wrong place and then someone will grin), so let us be happy. But let our happiness be genuine—let it come from within”
President Hugh B. Brown said: “We have often urged our young people to carry their laughter over into their mature years. A wholesome sense of humor will be a safety valve that will enable you to apply the lighter touch to heavy problems and to learn some lessons in problem solving that ‘sweat and tears’ often fail to dissolve.
What can we do to encourage uplifting humor in our families?
Can anyone tell about a time when humor has helped their family solve problems and grow in love for each other?
FIGURE OF A BODY
- Proverbs 2:2 (ear and heart)
- Proverbs 3:5 (heart)
- Proverbs 3:7 (eyes)
- Proverbs 3:27 (hand)
- Proverbs 4:26–27 (foot)
- Proverbs 8:7 (mouth)
- Proverbs 10:4 (hand)
- Proverbs 12:15 (eyes)
VIRTUOUS WOMAN
- Proverbs 31:10–31
v.11 - Can be trusted
v.13 - Works willingly
v.20 - Is compassionate
v.25 - Is strong and honorable
v.26 - Speaks with wisdom and kindness
v.28 - Is a dedicated wife and mother
v.30 - Obeys the Lord
CLOSING
Proverbs 4:18–19 (Light for Darkness)
President Brigham Young once commented on these verses: “The life of a Christian is said to be full of pain, tribulation, sorrow, and excruciating torments; of fightings without and fears within, of anxieties, despair, gloominess, and mourning. His path is supposed to be spread with gins [snares], pitfalls, and uncertainties, but this is a mistake, for ‘the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day,’ while ‘the wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips, but the just shall come out of trouble.’ “The faith I have embraced has given me light for darkness, ease for pain, joy and gladness for sorrow and mourning, certainty for uncertainty, hope for despair.”
Sunday, July 27, 2014
1 Kings 17-19 - After a Still Small Voice
SETUP
When we put God first....
Do you take time to listen to the promptings of the Spirit?
INTRODUCTION
Elder Thomas S. Monson shared a story: Born in poverty but nurtured in faith, [José García] prepared for a mission call. I was present the day his recommendation was received. There appeared the statement: ‘Brother García will serve at great sacrifice to his family, for he is the means of much of the family support. He has but one possession—a treasured stamp collection—which he is willing to sell, if necessary, to help finance his mission.’ “President [Spencer W.] Kimball listened attentively as this statement was read to him, and then he responded: ‘Have him sell his stamp collection. Such sacrifice will be to him a blessing.’”
How would you react if they were asked to give up all their possessions to serve the Lord?
"Then, with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, this loving prophet said, ‘Each month at Church headquarters we receive thousands of letters from all parts of the world. See that we save these stamps and provide them to José at the conclusion of his mission. He will have, without cost, the finest stamp collection of any young man in Mexico."
When we put the things of God first in our lives, the rewards we receive are far greater than anything we may have to sacrifice along the way. This lesson demonstrates the great blessings we can receive when we are willing to follow God even when it is difficult to do so.
1 Kings 17 - Elijah seals up the heavens, is miraculously sustained, and raises a widow’s son from the dead.
What Miralces did Elijah perform by the power of the priesthood in Chapter 17?
1. He brought famine by his word (v.1)
2. He was fed by ravens (v.6)
3. He caused the widow’s food supply to miraculously continue (v.13–16).
4. He raised the widow's son from the dead(v.17-24)
- Elijah Sealed the Heavens against Rain by Priesthood Power (v.1)
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith found a special significance in verse 1: “The first appearance of Elijah we read of is in the 17th chapter of 1st Kings, when he came before the king and said, ‘As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.’ “There is something very significant in that edict. I want you to get it. Follow me again closely: ‘As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.’ The reason I put emphasis upon this is to impress you with the sealing power by which Elijah was able to close the heavens, that there should be no rain or dew until he spoke.”
see Helaman 10:4-5 - other examples in the scripture of this same power
- After Elijah declared that no rain would fall in the kingdom, the Lord commanded him to flee.
How did Elijah respond to the Lord’s command? (v.2–5)
*** What can we learn from Elijah’s response?
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: "I draw strength from a simple statement made concerning the Prophet Elijah, who warned King Ahab of drought and famine to come upon the land. But Ahab scoffed. And the Lord told Elijah to go and hide himself by the brook Cherith, that there he should drink of the brook, and that he would be fed by the ravens. And the scripture records a simple and wonderful statement: ‘So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord.’ There was no arguing. There was no excusing. There was no equivocating. Elijah simply ‘went and did according unto the word of the Lord.’ And he was saved from the terrible calamities that befell those who scoffed and argued and questioned."
How did Elijah survive in the wilderness after the drought began? (v.4,6)
*** What experiences have you had when the Lord has sustained you physically or spiritually?
Where Is the Brook Cherith?
We do not know which of the Jordan tributaries the brook Cherith might have been, but apparently it was an obscure and isolated place where Elijah could hide safely without being accidentally discovered by soldiers, shepherds or passersby. It was also a desolate place where no animal life existed, therefore Elijah was completely dependent upon the Lord for his sustenance.
Whom had the Lord prepared to help Elijah after the brook in the wilderness dried up? (v.7–13.) What can this teach us about how the Lord helps those in need?
The Lord often helps those in need through the service of other people.
*** How have you seen the Lord help those in need through the service of other people?
*** What can we do to help others who are in need?
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “I know we can each do something, however small that act may seem to be. We can pay an honest tithe and give our fast and freewill offerings. … And we can watch for other ways to help. To worthy causes and needy people, we can give time if we don’t have money, and we can give love when our time runs out. We can share the loaves we have and trust God that the cruse of oil will not fail."
What can we learn from the widow’s response when Elijah asked her for food?
Elder Holland said that the widow’s response when Elijah asked her for food was an “expression of faith—as great, under these circumstances, as any I know in the scriptures. … Perhaps uncertain what the cost of her faith would be … , she first took her small loaf to Elijah, obviously trusting that if there were not enough bread left over, at least she and her son would have died in an act of pure charity”
Why do you think God commanded the widow to feed Elijah when she had so little?
What blessing did the widow receive for her obedience? (v.16)
*** What are some things that God asks of us that might be difficult?
*** In what ways are we blessed when we put God first, doing what he asks even when it is difficult?
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities. May God bless us to put [him] first and, as a result, reap peace in this life and eternal life with a fulness of joy in the life to come”
What did Elijah do when the widow’s son became sick and died? (v.17-22)
CHAPTER 18 - Elijah challenges the priests of Baal and opens the heavens for rain.
In the third year of the famine, the Lord commanded Elijah, “Go [show] thyself to Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.
Obadiah was the king’s chamberlain, or governor of his house. As such it was his responsibility to arrange the king’s appointments. That is why Elijah told Obadiah to set up an interview between the prophet and King Ahab. The fact that a king and his chief steward had to look for water and grass by themselves shows that the famine had become acute (see v. 5–6).
Ahab knew that Elijah had brought this distress, so he searched for him. Apparently Ahab had considerable power and authority among surrounding nations, for he was able to exact promises for them that they were not concealing Elijah or that they knew of his whereabouts (see v. 10). Sometimes, however, someone would see the prophet. But when he reported seeing Elijah, the prophet had disappeared by the time Ahab got there. Ahab then killed the person who said he had seen Elijah. Obadiah’s fear that Elijah would disappear again was caused by his awareness that Ahab would not hesitate to have him executed if he failed to deliver Elijah (v. 12–16). Elijah promised Obadiah that he would appear before Ahab (v. 15).
As Elijah had requested, Ahab gathered all of Israel and 850 false priests at Mount Carmel (v.19–20). When the people gathered to hear Elijah speak, he asked them, “How long halt ye between two opinions?” (v.21).
What do you think it means to halt between two opinions?
How do we sometimes halt between two opinions?
Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: “The stirring words of various prophets … urge us to choose, to decide, and not to halt. … Elijah’s message has tremendous relevancy today, for all must finally choose between the gods of this world and the God of eternity.
How did Elijah challenge the priests of Baal? (v.19-24)
What was Elijah’s purpose in challenging the priests of Baal? (v.36-37)
How did the people react to the Lord’s display of power? (v.38-39)
How were they blessed for acknowledging the Lord and his power? (v.45)
CHAPTER 19 - Elijah is comforted by the Holy Ghost and instructed to continue in God’s work.
Angry about Elijah’s victory over the priests of Baal, Jezebel sought to kill him. Elijah fled into the wilderness and cried to the Lord, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life” (v.4). The Lord blessed Elijah by sending an angel with food and water.
Even prophets can experience despair and need the comfort and guidance that only God can provide.
Why was Elijah discouraged? (v.10 or 14).
Despite the people’s response to God’s spectacular display of power, Elijah felt that he was the only Israelite left who worshiped the true God.
It must have been very lonely for Elijah during this period. Men were seeking his life, he felt himself to be the only faithful prophet left in Israel, and he was hiding in a cave.
President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: “When he was there, the Lord called upon him and asked him what he was doing there; and in his sorrow, because of the hardness of the hearts of the people, he told the Lord the condition, that he alone remained, that they sought his life to take it away. But the Lord showed him that there were others who had remained true unto him, even 7,000.
*** Why do you think God communicates more often through the “still small voice” of the Holy Ghost than through loud and spectacular displays of power?
*** How can we discern the whisperings of the Holy Ghost?
When a news reporter asked President Hinckley how he communicates with God, the prophet responded, “I think the best way I could describe the process is to liken it to the experience of Elijah as set forth in the book of First Kings. Elijah spoke to the Lord, and there was a wind, a great wind, and the Lord was not in the wind. And there was an earthquake, and the Lord was not in the earthquake. And there was a fire, and the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire a still, small voice, which I describe as the whisperings of the Spirit”
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “Do you take time to listen to the promptings of the Spirit? Answers to prayer come most often by a still voice and are discerned by our deepest, innermost feelings. I tell you that you can know the will of God concerning yourselves if you will take the time to pray and to listen.
- When we put the things of God first in our lives, the rewards we receive are far greater than anything we may have to sacrifice along the way.
- The still small voice can comfort us in times of despair if we take the time to pray and to listen.
- It can be an experience more powerful to us throughout our lives than seeing some grand event.
When we put God first....
Do you take time to listen to the promptings of the Spirit?
INTRODUCTION
Elder Thomas S. Monson shared a story: Born in poverty but nurtured in faith, [José García] prepared for a mission call. I was present the day his recommendation was received. There appeared the statement: ‘Brother García will serve at great sacrifice to his family, for he is the means of much of the family support. He has but one possession—a treasured stamp collection—which he is willing to sell, if necessary, to help finance his mission.’ “President [Spencer W.] Kimball listened attentively as this statement was read to him, and then he responded: ‘Have him sell his stamp collection. Such sacrifice will be to him a blessing.’”
How would you react if they were asked to give up all their possessions to serve the Lord?
"Then, with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, this loving prophet said, ‘Each month at Church headquarters we receive thousands of letters from all parts of the world. See that we save these stamps and provide them to José at the conclusion of his mission. He will have, without cost, the finest stamp collection of any young man in Mexico."
When we put the things of God first in our lives, the rewards we receive are far greater than anything we may have to sacrifice along the way. This lesson demonstrates the great blessings we can receive when we are willing to follow God even when it is difficult to do so.
What
would you think about a man who had the power to raise the dead, call
down fire from heaven, cause the heavens to withhold rain, and render a
barrel of flour inexhaustible?
Elijah
was such a man, a man of power, a man of miracles, a prophet so worthy
that he was translated and taken from the earth in a chariot of fire.
Small
wonder that Elijah became one of the great heroes in Israel’s history.
Small wonder, too, that in Jewish households a place is set for him at
every Passover feast in anticipation of his return as predicted by the
prophet Malachi.1 Kings 17 - Elijah seals up the heavens, is miraculously sustained, and raises a widow’s son from the dead.
What Miralces did Elijah perform by the power of the priesthood in Chapter 17?
1. He brought famine by his word (v.1)
2. He was fed by ravens (v.6)
3. He caused the widow’s food supply to miraculously continue (v.13–16).
4. He raised the widow's son from the dead(v.17-24)
- Elijah Sealed the Heavens against Rain by Priesthood Power (v.1)
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith found a special significance in verse 1: “The first appearance of Elijah we read of is in the 17th chapter of 1st Kings, when he came before the king and said, ‘As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.’ “There is something very significant in that edict. I want you to get it. Follow me again closely: ‘As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.’ The reason I put emphasis upon this is to impress you with the sealing power by which Elijah was able to close the heavens, that there should be no rain or dew until he spoke.”
see Helaman 10:4-5 - other examples in the scripture of this same power
- After Elijah declared that no rain would fall in the kingdom, the Lord commanded him to flee.
How did Elijah respond to the Lord’s command? (v.2–5)
*** What can we learn from Elijah’s response?
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: "I draw strength from a simple statement made concerning the Prophet Elijah, who warned King Ahab of drought and famine to come upon the land. But Ahab scoffed. And the Lord told Elijah to go and hide himself by the brook Cherith, that there he should drink of the brook, and that he would be fed by the ravens. And the scripture records a simple and wonderful statement: ‘So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord.’ There was no arguing. There was no excusing. There was no equivocating. Elijah simply ‘went and did according unto the word of the Lord.’ And he was saved from the terrible calamities that befell those who scoffed and argued and questioned."
How did Elijah survive in the wilderness after the drought began? (v.4,6)
*** What experiences have you had when the Lord has sustained you physically or spiritually?
Where Is the Brook Cherith?
We do not know which of the Jordan tributaries the brook Cherith might have been, but apparently it was an obscure and isolated place where Elijah could hide safely without being accidentally discovered by soldiers, shepherds or passersby. It was also a desolate place where no animal life existed, therefore Elijah was completely dependent upon the Lord for his sustenance.
Whom had the Lord prepared to help Elijah after the brook in the wilderness dried up? (v.7–13.) What can this teach us about how the Lord helps those in need?
The Lord often helps those in need through the service of other people.
*** How have you seen the Lord help those in need through the service of other people?
*** What can we do to help others who are in need?
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “I know we can each do something, however small that act may seem to be. We can pay an honest tithe and give our fast and freewill offerings. … And we can watch for other ways to help. To worthy causes and needy people, we can give time if we don’t have money, and we can give love when our time runs out. We can share the loaves we have and trust God that the cruse of oil will not fail."
What can we learn from the widow’s response when Elijah asked her for food?
Elder Holland said that the widow’s response when Elijah asked her for food was an “expression of faith—as great, under these circumstances, as any I know in the scriptures. … Perhaps uncertain what the cost of her faith would be … , she first took her small loaf to Elijah, obviously trusting that if there were not enough bread left over, at least she and her son would have died in an act of pure charity”
Why do you think God commanded the widow to feed Elijah when she had so little?
What blessing did the widow receive for her obedience? (v.16)
*** What are some things that God asks of us that might be difficult?
*** In what ways are we blessed when we put God first, doing what he asks even when it is difficult?
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities. May God bless us to put [him] first and, as a result, reap peace in this life and eternal life with a fulness of joy in the life to come”
What did Elijah do when the widow’s son became sick and died? (v.17-22)
CHAPTER 18 - Elijah challenges the priests of Baal and opens the heavens for rain.
In the third year of the famine, the Lord commanded Elijah, “Go [show] thyself to Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.
Obadiah was the king’s chamberlain, or governor of his house. As such it was his responsibility to arrange the king’s appointments. That is why Elijah told Obadiah to set up an interview between the prophet and King Ahab. The fact that a king and his chief steward had to look for water and grass by themselves shows that the famine had become acute (see v. 5–6).
Ahab knew that Elijah had brought this distress, so he searched for him. Apparently Ahab had considerable power and authority among surrounding nations, for he was able to exact promises for them that they were not concealing Elijah or that they knew of his whereabouts (see v. 10). Sometimes, however, someone would see the prophet. But when he reported seeing Elijah, the prophet had disappeared by the time Ahab got there. Ahab then killed the person who said he had seen Elijah. Obadiah’s fear that Elijah would disappear again was caused by his awareness that Ahab would not hesitate to have him executed if he failed to deliver Elijah (v. 12–16). Elijah promised Obadiah that he would appear before Ahab (v. 15).
As Elijah had requested, Ahab gathered all of Israel and 850 false priests at Mount Carmel (v.19–20). When the people gathered to hear Elijah speak, he asked them, “How long halt ye between two opinions?” (v.21).
What do you think it means to halt between two opinions?
How do we sometimes halt between two opinions?
Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: “The stirring words of various prophets … urge us to choose, to decide, and not to halt. … Elijah’s message has tremendous relevancy today, for all must finally choose between the gods of this world and the God of eternity.
How did Elijah challenge the priests of Baal? (v.19-24)
What was Elijah’s purpose in challenging the priests of Baal? (v.36-37)
How did the people react to the Lord’s display of power? (v.38-39)
How were they blessed for acknowledging the Lord and his power? (v.45)
CHAPTER 19 - Elijah is comforted by the Holy Ghost and instructed to continue in God’s work.
Angry about Elijah’s victory over the priests of Baal, Jezebel sought to kill him. Elijah fled into the wilderness and cried to the Lord, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life” (v.4). The Lord blessed Elijah by sending an angel with food and water.
Even prophets can experience despair and need the comfort and guidance that only God can provide.
Why was Elijah discouraged? (v.10 or 14).
Despite the people’s response to God’s spectacular display of power, Elijah felt that he was the only Israelite left who worshiped the true God.
It must have been very lonely for Elijah during this period. Men were seeking his life, he felt himself to be the only faithful prophet left in Israel, and he was hiding in a cave.
President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: “When he was there, the Lord called upon him and asked him what he was doing there; and in his sorrow, because of the hardness of the hearts of the people, he told the Lord the condition, that he alone remained, that they sought his life to take it away. But the Lord showed him that there were others who had remained true unto him, even 7,000.
*** Why do you think God communicates more often through the “still small voice” of the Holy Ghost than through loud and spectacular displays of power?
*** How can we discern the whisperings of the Holy Ghost?
When a news reporter asked President Hinckley how he communicates with God, the prophet responded, “I think the best way I could describe the process is to liken it to the experience of Elijah as set forth in the book of First Kings. Elijah spoke to the Lord, and there was a wind, a great wind, and the Lord was not in the wind. And there was an earthquake, and the Lord was not in the earthquake. And there was a fire, and the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire a still, small voice, which I describe as the whisperings of the Spirit”
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “Do you take time to listen to the promptings of the Spirit? Answers to prayer come most often by a still voice and are discerned by our deepest, innermost feelings. I tell you that you can know the will of God concerning yourselves if you will take the time to pray and to listen.
- When we put the things of God first in our lives, the rewards we receive are far greater than anything we may have to sacrifice along the way.
- The still small voice can comfort us in times of despair if we take the time to pray and to listen.
- It can be an experience more powerful to us throughout our lives than seeing some grand event.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
1 Kings 3-11 - King Solomon: Man of Wisdom, Man of Foolishness
SETUP
When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I ...
D&C 95:15-17
D&C 88:67
Matthew 6:33
INTRODUCTION
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: "We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot. … But weakness is not our only vulnerability. Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong—in the very areas where we are proud of our strengths. He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses"
***What are some strengths that could become our downfall?
This lesson is about King Solomon, a man who received great gifts from God but eventually used those gifts unrighteously.
BACKGROUND
1 Kings 2:2-3 (Just before David died, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon as the new king. Solomon, who was a son of David and Bathsheba, received this counsel from his father)
CHAPTER 3 - The Lord blesses Solomon
- The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream (v.5-14)
- Solomon asks for an understanding heart
- The Lord is pleased with his request
Why? What would an understanding heart be able to do? Bless others - other things are selfish
- Interesting that the Lord points out the things Solomon didn't ask for and says he'll grant those to him since he didn't ask
What to make of that?
- Also fascinating is Solomon's approach to the question he asks the Lord. He doesn't just ask outright. He prefaced with a good background of his situation and demonstrated his faith, humility
Elder Howard W. Hunter likewise challenged us to obtain an understanding heart: "If the Lord was pleased because of that which Solomon had asked of him, surely he would be pleased with each of us if we had the desire to acquire an understanding heart. This must come from conscious effort coupled with faith and firm determination. An understanding heart results from the experiences we have in life if we keep the commandments of God. The ills of the world would be cured by understanding. Wars would cease and crime disappear. The scientific knowledge now being wasted in the world because of the distrust of men and nations could be diverted to bless mankind. Atomic energy will destroy unless used for peaceful purposes by understanding hearts. We need more understanding in our relationships with one another, in business and in industry, between management and labor, between government and the governed. We need understanding in that most important of all social units, the family; understanding between children and parents and between husband and wife. Marriage would bring happiness, and divorce would be unknown if there were understanding hearts. Hatred tears down, but understanding builds up. Our prayer could well be as was Solomon’s, ‘Lord, give me an understanding heart.’”
4:30-31 Solomon was wiser than all men even He-Man
***Why does God bless Solomon with riches if he knows that's what is going to lead to his downfall?
These thoughts came to me:
- Why are you questioning God?
- Why is there always so much blame and so much questioning of righteous things that are done?
- Why wouldn't God want to bless his child when he does something good no matter what he thinks/knows is the type of choices the child is going to make in the future?
- Wouldn't a parent who has a wayward child be in the same boat when they do something nice
- Should they not show love?
CHAPTERS 5-7 - Construction of the Temple
- The builders showed reverence while building the temple (v.6:7)
- The Lord gave them a promise for building a temple (v.6:11-12)
D&C 95:15-17 (the Lord's promise to us)
The temple was long and narrow. According to the dimensions cited in the Bible, the temple was about one hundred feet long and thirty feet wide. It stood on a platform about nine feet high. The temple itself was about forty-five feet high. The Salt Lake Temple is 186½ feet long, 118½ feet wide, and 210 feet high.
- Solomon also had a house built for himself.
- How did the size of his house compare to the size of the house of the Lord? (v 6:2–3; 7:2, 6–7.)
****How does this use of riches show Solomon’s gradual decline?
CHAPTERS 8 AND 9 - Dedication of the Temple
In his dedicatory prayer Solomon prayed for the Lord to help his people through many difficult problems.
***How can temple attendance help us when we are weighed down with problems?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: "In the peace of these lovely temples, sometimes we find solutions to the serious problems of life. Under the influence of the Spirit, sometimes pure knowledge flows to us there. Temples are places of personal revelation. When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I have gone to the House of the Lord with a prayer in my heart for answers. These answers have come in clear and unmistakable ways."
President Joseph Fielding Smith said, "When we dedicate a house to the Lord, what we really do is dedicate ourselves to the Lord’s service, with a covenant that we shall use the house in the way He intends that it shall be used"
How Did Solomon Learn How the Temple Should Be Built?
President Brigham Young said: “The pattern of this temple, the length and breadth, and height of the inner and outer courts, with all the fixtures thereunto appertaining, were given to Solomon by revelation, through the proper source. And why was this revelation-pattern necessary? Because Solomon had never built a temple, and did not know what was necessary in the arrangement of the different apartments, any better than Moses did what was needed in the tabernacle.”
Before Solomon gave the dedicatory prayer, a cloud of glory filled the house of God, indicating the very presence of God. That this glory should accompany the dedication exercises is interesting for Latter-day Saints, since a similar glory attended the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on 27 March 1836. Many present reported seeing angels and hearing the “sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the Temple,” and many in the community reported “seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire resting upon the Temple”
Have people share their experience of a temple dedication.
CHAPTERS 10-11 - Solomon's downfall
Solomon became excessively wealthy and married many non-Israelite women who persuaded him to worship idols
How do you think the blessings of wisdom, riches, and honor contributed to Solomon’s downfall?
How have you seen these strengths contribute to the downfall of people today?
***How can we ensure that our strengths do not become a downfall for us?
D&C 88:67
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: "How do we prevent our strengths from becoming our downfall? The quality we must cultivate is humility. Humility is the great protector. Humility is the antidote against pride. Humility is the catalyst for all learning, especially spiritual things. Through the prophet Moroni, the Lord gave us this great insight into the role of humility: ‘I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them’ (Ether 12:27). “We might also say that if men and women humble themselves before God, he will help them prevent their strengths from becoming weaknesses that the adversary can exploit to destroy them. If we are humble and teachable, hearkening to the commandments of God, the counsel of his leaders, and the promptings of his Spirit, we can be guided in how to use our spiritual gifts, our accomplishments, and all of our other strengths for righteousness. And we can be guided in how to avoid Satan’s efforts to use our strengths to cause our downfall. “In all of this, we should remember and rely on the Lord’s direction and promise: ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers’ (D&C 112:10)”
CLOSING
see Matthew 6:33
We all enjoy blessings from the Lord. If we are wise, we will accept the blessings with a grateful heart and walk in righteousness before the Lord.
When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I ...
D&C 95:15-17
D&C 88:67
Matthew 6:33
INTRODUCTION
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: "We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot. … But weakness is not our only vulnerability. Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong—in the very areas where we are proud of our strengths. He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses"
***What are some strengths that could become our downfall?
This lesson is about King Solomon, a man who received great gifts from God but eventually used those gifts unrighteously.
BACKGROUND
1 Kings 2:2-3 (Just before David died, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon as the new king. Solomon, who was a son of David and Bathsheba, received this counsel from his father)
CHAPTER 3 - The Lord blesses Solomon
- The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream (v.5-14)
- Solomon asks for an understanding heart
- The Lord is pleased with his request
Why? What would an understanding heart be able to do? Bless others - other things are selfish
- Interesting that the Lord points out the things Solomon didn't ask for and says he'll grant those to him since he didn't ask
What to make of that?
- Also fascinating is Solomon's approach to the question he asks the Lord. He doesn't just ask outright. He prefaced with a good background of his situation and demonstrated his faith, humility
Elder Howard W. Hunter likewise challenged us to obtain an understanding heart: "If the Lord was pleased because of that which Solomon had asked of him, surely he would be pleased with each of us if we had the desire to acquire an understanding heart. This must come from conscious effort coupled with faith and firm determination. An understanding heart results from the experiences we have in life if we keep the commandments of God. The ills of the world would be cured by understanding. Wars would cease and crime disappear. The scientific knowledge now being wasted in the world because of the distrust of men and nations could be diverted to bless mankind. Atomic energy will destroy unless used for peaceful purposes by understanding hearts. We need more understanding in our relationships with one another, in business and in industry, between management and labor, between government and the governed. We need understanding in that most important of all social units, the family; understanding between children and parents and between husband and wife. Marriage would bring happiness, and divorce would be unknown if there were understanding hearts. Hatred tears down, but understanding builds up. Our prayer could well be as was Solomon’s, ‘Lord, give me an understanding heart.’”
4:30-31 Solomon was wiser than all men even He-Man
***Why does God bless Solomon with riches if he knows that's what is going to lead to his downfall?
These thoughts came to me:
- Why are you questioning God?
- Why is there always so much blame and so much questioning of righteous things that are done?
- Why wouldn't God want to bless his child when he does something good no matter what he thinks/knows is the type of choices the child is going to make in the future?
- Wouldn't a parent who has a wayward child be in the same boat when they do something nice
- Should they not show love?
CHAPTERS 5-7 - Construction of the Temple
- The builders showed reverence while building the temple (v.6:7)
- The Lord gave them a promise for building a temple (v.6:11-12)
D&C 95:15-17 (the Lord's promise to us)
The temple was long and narrow. According to the dimensions cited in the Bible, the temple was about one hundred feet long and thirty feet wide. It stood on a platform about nine feet high. The temple itself was about forty-five feet high. The Salt Lake Temple is 186½ feet long, 118½ feet wide, and 210 feet high.
- Solomon also had a house built for himself.
- How did the size of his house compare to the size of the house of the Lord? (v 6:2–3; 7:2, 6–7.)
****How does this use of riches show Solomon’s gradual decline?
CHAPTERS 8 AND 9 - Dedication of the Temple
In his dedicatory prayer Solomon prayed for the Lord to help his people through many difficult problems.
***How can temple attendance help us when we are weighed down with problems?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: "In the peace of these lovely temples, sometimes we find solutions to the serious problems of life. Under the influence of the Spirit, sometimes pure knowledge flows to us there. Temples are places of personal revelation. When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I have gone to the House of the Lord with a prayer in my heart for answers. These answers have come in clear and unmistakable ways."
President Joseph Fielding Smith said, "When we dedicate a house to the Lord, what we really do is dedicate ourselves to the Lord’s service, with a covenant that we shall use the house in the way He intends that it shall be used"
How Did Solomon Learn How the Temple Should Be Built?
President Brigham Young said: “The pattern of this temple, the length and breadth, and height of the inner and outer courts, with all the fixtures thereunto appertaining, were given to Solomon by revelation, through the proper source. And why was this revelation-pattern necessary? Because Solomon had never built a temple, and did not know what was necessary in the arrangement of the different apartments, any better than Moses did what was needed in the tabernacle.”
Before Solomon gave the dedicatory prayer, a cloud of glory filled the house of God, indicating the very presence of God. That this glory should accompany the dedication exercises is interesting for Latter-day Saints, since a similar glory attended the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on 27 March 1836. Many present reported seeing angels and hearing the “sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the Temple,” and many in the community reported “seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire resting upon the Temple”
Have people share their experience of a temple dedication.
CHAPTERS 10-11 - Solomon's downfall
Solomon became excessively wealthy and married many non-Israelite women who persuaded him to worship idols
How do you think the blessings of wisdom, riches, and honor contributed to Solomon’s downfall?
How have you seen these strengths contribute to the downfall of people today?
***How can we ensure that our strengths do not become a downfall for us?
D&C 88:67
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: "How do we prevent our strengths from becoming our downfall? The quality we must cultivate is humility. Humility is the great protector. Humility is the antidote against pride. Humility is the catalyst for all learning, especially spiritual things. Through the prophet Moroni, the Lord gave us this great insight into the role of humility: ‘I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them’ (Ether 12:27). “We might also say that if men and women humble themselves before God, he will help them prevent their strengths from becoming weaknesses that the adversary can exploit to destroy them. If we are humble and teachable, hearkening to the commandments of God, the counsel of his leaders, and the promptings of his Spirit, we can be guided in how to use our spiritual gifts, our accomplishments, and all of our other strengths for righteousness. And we can be guided in how to avoid Satan’s efforts to use our strengths to cause our downfall. “In all of this, we should remember and rely on the Lord’s direction and promise: ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers’ (D&C 112:10)”
CLOSING
see Matthew 6:33
We all enjoy blessings from the Lord. If we are wise, we will accept the blessings with a grateful heart and walk in righteousness before the Lord.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
1 Samuel 18-20,23-24 - The Lord Be Between Thee and Me Forever
Setup
Constable = a peace officer with limited policing authority, typically in a small town
Rector = a member of the clergy who has charge of a parish
Parish = an area that has its own local church and priest or minister
Introduction
Background
David quickly became a hero after he killed Goliath.
1 Samuel 18
How did King Saul feel about David after the slaying of Goliath? (v.2,5)
Saul took David into his home and set him over his armies
Who was Jonathan and how did he feel about David? (v.1,3)
*** Why would it have been easy for Jonathan to feel jealous of David?
- As Saul’s son, Jonathan was next in line to be king. However, the prophet Samuel had anointed David to become the next king (1 Samuel 16:6–13).
- Jonathan received little attention for his own success on the battlefield, whereas David was honored greatly (1 Samuel 14:1–16).
*** Why do you think Jonathan was not jealous of David or threatened by him?
What prompted Saul to turn against David? (v.6–9.)
*** Why is it sometimes difficult to be happy about the success of others?
*** How do jealousy and pride affect our spiritual well-being?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: "Saul became an enemy to David through pride. He was jealous because the crowds of Israelite women were singing that Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands The proud stand more in fear of men’s judgment than of God’s judgment. What will men think of me? weighs heavier than What will God think of me? Fear of men’s judgment manifests itself in competition for men’s approval. The proud love the praise of men more than the praise of God. Our motives for the things we do are where the sin is manifest. Jesus said He did always those things that pleased God. Would we not do well to have the pleasing of God as our motive rather than to try to elevate ourselves above our brother and outdo another? Some prideful people are not so concerned as to whether their wages meet their needs as they are that their wages are more than someone else’s. Their reward is being a cut above the rest. When pride has a hold on our hearts, we lose our independence of the world and deliver our freedoms to the bondage of men’s judgment. The world shouts louder than the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. The reasoning of men overrides the revelations of God, and the proud let go of the iron rod."
Saul offered to let David marry one of his daughters if David would fight the Philistines.
What was Saul’s real motive in doing this? (v.20–25)
He hoped David would be killed by the Philistines
1 Samuel 19
How was Jonathan a true friend when Saul sought to kill David? (v.1–7.)
Jonathan, Saul’s son, was one of the most noble men of ancient Israel. He could have seen David as a threat, as Saul did, since the oldest son generally succeeded to the kingship. But instead, Jonathan assisted David, even helping him to escape from Saul. Truly Jonathan loved David “as his own soul”
*** Who can share an experience of what it means to be a true friend?
Despite Jonathan’s efforts to change Saul’s feelings toward David, Saul continued to seek David’s life
How did Michal, David’s wife, show that she was true to her husband? (See 1 Samuel 19:11–18)
What does company of the prophets mean? (v.18-24)
After David escaped from Saul through the help of his wife, Michal, Saul sent messengers to kill him. But David had sought refuge with Samuel in what scholars called “Schools of the Prophets”. These scholars showed that such prophets as Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha conducted special schools that were called here “the company of the prophets. Elsewhere, the men who attended these schools were called “sons of the prophets” (1 Kings 20:35). This fact is of interest to Latter-day Saints because Joseph Smith set up a similar school in Kirtland, Ohio, to help teach priesthood holders their special duties. When the messengers from Saul and finally Saul himself came, they came under the influence of the Spirit, and thus David’s life was spared. The fact that the people said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” is explained this way: Saul “threw off his royal robes or military dress, retaining only his tunic; and continued so all that day and all that night, uniting with the sons of the prophets in prayers, singing praises, and other religious exercises, which were unusual to kings and warriors; and this gave rise to the saying, Is Saul also among the prophets? By bringing both him and his men thus under a Divine influence, God prevented them from injuring the person of David.”
This remarkable event has a parallel in latter-day Church history. During his mission to Great Britain, Elder Wilford Woodruff was delivered from the hands of government authorities through the influence of the Spirit.
“When I arose to speak at Brother Benbow’s house, a man entered the door and informed me that he was a constable, and had been sent by the rector of the parish with a warrant to arrest me. I asked him, ‘For what crime?’ He said, ‘For preaching to the people.’ I told him that I, as well as the rector, had a license for preaching the gospel to the people, and that if he would take a chair I would wait upon him after meeting. He took my chair and sat beside me. For an hour and a quarter I preached the first principles of the everlasting gospel. The power of God rested upon me, the spirit filled the house, and the people were convinced. At the close of the meeting I opened the door for baptism, and seven offered themselves. Among the number were four preachers and the constable. The latter arose and said, ‘Mr. Woodruff, I would like to be baptized.’ I told him I would like to baptize him. I went down into the pool and baptized the seven. We then came together. I confirmed thirteen, administered the Sacrament, and we all rejoiced together.
“The constable went to the rector and told him that if he wanted Mr. Woodruff taken for preaching the gospel, he must go himself and serve the writ; for he had heard him preach the only true gospel sermon he had ever listened to in his life. The rector did not know what to make of it, so he sent two clerks of the Church of England as spies, to attend our meeting, and find out what we did preach. They both were pricked in their hearts, received the word of the Lord gladly, and were baptized and confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The rector became alarmed, and did not venture to send anybody else.”
1 Samuel 20
David and Jonathan renew their covenant of friendship, and Jonathan saves David’s life.
David was blessed with continued success on the battlefield
Why did David have to leave the city of Keilah after he had saved its people from the Philistines?
When Saul learned that David was in Keilah, he prepared his armies to destroy the entire city.
What changed Saul from a righteous king to someone who was willing to destroy an entire city in order to kill one person?
It's fascinating in v.7 that Saul is so misguided that he thinks God is delivering David into his hands.
Why are jealousy and hatred so consuming?
*** How can we rid ourselves of jealousy or hatred?
What Does “David Exceeded” Mean? (.v41)
Both men were tearful at their parting, but David’s distress exceeded that of Jonathan. Saul had taken David’s wife Michal and given her to another, and David was now banished from access to the tabernacle and the rituals of sacrifice because he was forced to hide from Saul. He had to live among the Philistines and send his parents to live among the Moabites for protection. Thus, “David’s distress must, in the nature of things, be the greatest. Besides his friend Jonathan, whom he was now about to lose for ever, he lost his wife, relatives, country; and, what was most afflictive, the altars of his God, and the ordinances of religion.”
1 Samuel 23-24
Saul continues to pursue David to kill him. During another attempt to find and kill David, Saul stopped to rest in a cave.
What did David do? (v.4–5). Footnote 4a, explains that David cut off the hem of Saul’s robe—the portion of the robe that symbolized authority.
Why did David refuse to harm Saul?
This chapter exhibits an aspect of David’s character that is much to be admired. Although anointed by God’s prophet to be king of Israel, and although Saul constantly sought his life, this chosen servant of the Lord still would not lift his hand against Saul so long as Saul lived. David understood an important priesthood principle, that is, that one has loyalty to those called by the Lord to preside even when they may not function perfectly in their calling. Saul was failing miserably, but David knew that it was the Lord’s responsibility to remove Saul, not his.
*** What does David’s example teach us about revenge and about responding to those who do evil to us?
What did Saul say when David spared his life? (v.16–19.)
The story of Jonathan and David reminds us that true friendship and love bring us closer to our friends and to God. The story of Saul reminds us that jealousy and hatred can consume us and lead us away from our friends and from God
Constable = a peace officer with limited policing authority, typically in a small town
Rector = a member of the clergy who has charge of a parish
Parish = an area that has its own local church and priest or minister
Introduction
Jeffrey R. Holland - I
wish to speak of the Savior’s parable in which a householder “went out
early in the morning to hire labourers.” After employing the first group
at 6:00 in the morning, he returned at 9:00 a.m., at 12:00 noon, and at
3:00 in the afternoon, hiring more workers as the urgency of the
harvest increased. The scripture says he came back a final time, “about
the eleventh hour” (approximately 5:00 p.m.), and hired a concluding
number. Then just an hour later, all the workers gathered to receive
their day’s wage. Surprisingly, all received the same wage in
spite of the different hours of labor. Immediately, those hired first
were angry, saying, “These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast
made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the
day.”
When reading this parable, perhaps you, as well as those workers, have
felt there was an injustice being done here. Let me speak briefly to
that concern.
First of all it is important to note that no one
has been treated unfairly here. The first workers agreed to the full
wage of the day, and they received it. Furthermore, they were, I can
only imagine, very grateful to get the work. In the time of the Savior,
an average man and his family
could not do much more than live on what they made that day. If you
didn’t work or farm or fish or sell, you likely didn’t eat. With more
prospective workers than jobs, these first men chosen were the most
fortunate in the entire labor pool that morning.
Indeed, if there is any sympathy to be generated, it should at least initially be for the men not
chosen who also had mouths to feed and backs to clothe. Luck never
seemed to be with some of them. With each visit of the steward
throughout the day, they always saw someone else chosen.
But
just at day’s close, the householder returns a surprising fifth time
with a remarkable eleventh-hour offer! These last and most discouraged
of laborers, hearing only that they will be treated fairly, accept work
without even knowing the wage, knowing that anything will be
better than nothing, which is what they have had so far. Then as they
gather for their payment, they are stunned to receive the same as all
the others! How awestruck they must have been and how very, very
grateful! Surely never had such compassion been seen in all their
working days.
It
is with that reading of the story that I feel the grumbling of the
first laborers must be seen. As the householder in the parable tells
them (and I paraphrase only slightly): “My friends, I am not being
unfair to you. You agreed on the wage for the day, a good wage. You were
very happy to get the work, and I am very happy with the way you
served. You are paid in full. Take your pay and enjoy the blessing. As
for the others, surely I am free to do what I like with my own money.” Then this piercing question to anyone then or now who needs to hear it: “Why should you be jealous because I choose to be kind?”
Brothers
and sisters, there are going to be times in our lives when someone else
gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I
plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when
good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone
else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who
is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the
most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.
Furthermore, envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone
we know! What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle
juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment! To say nothing
of the chagrin in the end, when we find that God really is both just and
merciful, giving to all who stand with Him “all that he hath,”2 as the scripture says. So lesson number one from the Lord’s vineyard: coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your
standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So
be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.
Background
David quickly became a hero after he killed Goliath.
1 Samuel 18
How did King Saul feel about David after the slaying of Goliath? (v.2,5)
Saul took David into his home and set him over his armies
Who was Jonathan and how did he feel about David? (v.1,3)
*** Why would it have been easy for Jonathan to feel jealous of David?
- As Saul’s son, Jonathan was next in line to be king. However, the prophet Samuel had anointed David to become the next king (1 Samuel 16:6–13).
- Jonathan received little attention for his own success on the battlefield, whereas David was honored greatly (1 Samuel 14:1–16).
*** Why do you think Jonathan was not jealous of David or threatened by him?
What prompted Saul to turn against David? (v.6–9.)
*** Why is it sometimes difficult to be happy about the success of others?
*** How do jealousy and pride affect our spiritual well-being?
President Ezra Taft Benson said: "Saul became an enemy to David through pride. He was jealous because the crowds of Israelite women were singing that Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands The proud stand more in fear of men’s judgment than of God’s judgment. What will men think of me? weighs heavier than What will God think of me? Fear of men’s judgment manifests itself in competition for men’s approval. The proud love the praise of men more than the praise of God. Our motives for the things we do are where the sin is manifest. Jesus said He did always those things that pleased God. Would we not do well to have the pleasing of God as our motive rather than to try to elevate ourselves above our brother and outdo another? Some prideful people are not so concerned as to whether their wages meet their needs as they are that their wages are more than someone else’s. Their reward is being a cut above the rest. When pride has a hold on our hearts, we lose our independence of the world and deliver our freedoms to the bondage of men’s judgment. The world shouts louder than the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. The reasoning of men overrides the revelations of God, and the proud let go of the iron rod."
Saul offered to let David marry one of his daughters if David would fight the Philistines.
What was Saul’s real motive in doing this? (v.20–25)
He hoped David would be killed by the Philistines
1 Samuel 19
How was Jonathan a true friend when Saul sought to kill David? (v.1–7.)
Jonathan, Saul’s son, was one of the most noble men of ancient Israel. He could have seen David as a threat, as Saul did, since the oldest son generally succeeded to the kingship. But instead, Jonathan assisted David, even helping him to escape from Saul. Truly Jonathan loved David “as his own soul”
*** Who can share an experience of what it means to be a true friend?
Despite Jonathan’s efforts to change Saul’s feelings toward David, Saul continued to seek David’s life
How did Michal, David’s wife, show that she was true to her husband? (See 1 Samuel 19:11–18)
What does company of the prophets mean? (v.18-24)
After David escaped from Saul through the help of his wife, Michal, Saul sent messengers to kill him. But David had sought refuge with Samuel in what scholars called “Schools of the Prophets”. These scholars showed that such prophets as Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha conducted special schools that were called here “the company of the prophets. Elsewhere, the men who attended these schools were called “sons of the prophets” (1 Kings 20:35). This fact is of interest to Latter-day Saints because Joseph Smith set up a similar school in Kirtland, Ohio, to help teach priesthood holders their special duties. When the messengers from Saul and finally Saul himself came, they came under the influence of the Spirit, and thus David’s life was spared. The fact that the people said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” is explained this way: Saul “threw off his royal robes or military dress, retaining only his tunic; and continued so all that day and all that night, uniting with the sons of the prophets in prayers, singing praises, and other religious exercises, which were unusual to kings and warriors; and this gave rise to the saying, Is Saul also among the prophets? By bringing both him and his men thus under a Divine influence, God prevented them from injuring the person of David.”
This remarkable event has a parallel in latter-day Church history. During his mission to Great Britain, Elder Wilford Woodruff was delivered from the hands of government authorities through the influence of the Spirit.
“When I arose to speak at Brother Benbow’s house, a man entered the door and informed me that he was a constable, and had been sent by the rector of the parish with a warrant to arrest me. I asked him, ‘For what crime?’ He said, ‘For preaching to the people.’ I told him that I, as well as the rector, had a license for preaching the gospel to the people, and that if he would take a chair I would wait upon him after meeting. He took my chair and sat beside me. For an hour and a quarter I preached the first principles of the everlasting gospel. The power of God rested upon me, the spirit filled the house, and the people were convinced. At the close of the meeting I opened the door for baptism, and seven offered themselves. Among the number were four preachers and the constable. The latter arose and said, ‘Mr. Woodruff, I would like to be baptized.’ I told him I would like to baptize him. I went down into the pool and baptized the seven. We then came together. I confirmed thirteen, administered the Sacrament, and we all rejoiced together.
“The constable went to the rector and told him that if he wanted Mr. Woodruff taken for preaching the gospel, he must go himself and serve the writ; for he had heard him preach the only true gospel sermon he had ever listened to in his life. The rector did not know what to make of it, so he sent two clerks of the Church of England as spies, to attend our meeting, and find out what we did preach. They both were pricked in their hearts, received the word of the Lord gladly, and were baptized and confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The rector became alarmed, and did not venture to send anybody else.”
1 Samuel 20
David and Jonathan renew their covenant of friendship, and Jonathan saves David’s life.
David was blessed with continued success on the battlefield
Why did David have to leave the city of Keilah after he had saved its people from the Philistines?
When Saul learned that David was in Keilah, he prepared his armies to destroy the entire city.
What changed Saul from a righteous king to someone who was willing to destroy an entire city in order to kill one person?
It's fascinating in v.7 that Saul is so misguided that he thinks God is delivering David into his hands.
Why are jealousy and hatred so consuming?
*** How can we rid ourselves of jealousy or hatred?
What Does “David Exceeded” Mean? (.v41)
Both men were tearful at their parting, but David’s distress exceeded that of Jonathan. Saul had taken David’s wife Michal and given her to another, and David was now banished from access to the tabernacle and the rituals of sacrifice because he was forced to hide from Saul. He had to live among the Philistines and send his parents to live among the Moabites for protection. Thus, “David’s distress must, in the nature of things, be the greatest. Besides his friend Jonathan, whom he was now about to lose for ever, he lost his wife, relatives, country; and, what was most afflictive, the altars of his God, and the ordinances of religion.”
1 Samuel 23-24
Saul continues to pursue David to kill him. During another attempt to find and kill David, Saul stopped to rest in a cave.
What did David do? (v.4–5). Footnote 4a, explains that David cut off the hem of Saul’s robe—the portion of the robe that symbolized authority.
Why did David refuse to harm Saul?
This chapter exhibits an aspect of David’s character that is much to be admired. Although anointed by God’s prophet to be king of Israel, and although Saul constantly sought his life, this chosen servant of the Lord still would not lift his hand against Saul so long as Saul lived. David understood an important priesthood principle, that is, that one has loyalty to those called by the Lord to preside even when they may not function perfectly in their calling. Saul was failing miserably, but David knew that it was the Lord’s responsibility to remove Saul, not his.
*** What does David’s example teach us about revenge and about responding to those who do evil to us?
What did Saul say when David spared his life? (v.16–19.)
The story of Jonathan and David reminds us that true friendship and love bring us closer to our friends and to God. The story of Saul reminds us that jealousy and hatred can consume us and lead us away from our friends and from God
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)