1 Samuel 2,3,8 - God Will Honor Those Who Honor Him

Setup
Tray, Towel, Picture of Christ, Mirror, Others, Map

Introduction

President Monson told the following story: “Let me share with you the experience of a faithful home teacher and his companion in what was then East Germany. Brother Johann Denndorfer had been converted to the Church in Germany, and following World War II he found himself virtually a prisoner in his own land—the land of Hungary in the city of Debrecen. How he wanted to visit the temple! How he desired to receive his spiritual blessings! Request after request to journey to the temple in Switzerland had been denied, and he almost despaired. Then his home teacher visited. Brother Walter Krause went from the northeastern portion of Germany all the way to Hungary. He had said to his home teaching companion, Would you like to go home teaching with me this week? His companion said, ‘When will we leave? Tomorrow, replied Brother Krause. When will we come back?’ asked the companion. Oh, in about a week—if we get back then!

And away they went to visit Brother Denndorfer. He had not had home teachers since before the war. Now, when he saw the servants of the Lord, he was overwhelmed. He did not shake hands with them; rather, he went to his bedroom and took from a secret hiding place his tithing that he had saved from the day he became a member of the Church and returned to Hungary. He presented the tithing to his home teachers and said: Now I am current with the Lord. Now I feel worthy to shake the hands of servants of the Lord! Brother Krause asked him about his desire to attend the temple in Switzerland. Brother Denndorfer said: It’s no use. I have tried and tried. The government has even confiscated my Church books, my greatest treasure. Brother Krause, a patriarch, provided Brother Denndorfer with a patriarchal blessing. At the conclusion of the blessing, he said to Brother Denndorfer, ‘Approach the government again about going to Switzerland.’ And Brother Denndorfer submitted the request once again to the authorities. This time approval came, and with joy Brother Denndorfer went to the Swiss Temple and stayed a month. He received his own endowment, his deceased wife was sealed to him, and he was able to accomplish the work for hundreds of his ancestors. He returned to his home renewed in body and in spirit."

President Monson shared that story should we feel an assignment too arduous or time-consuming.  He also made the following statement to show how the Lord honors those who honor Him: “Some of you may be shy by nature or consider yourselves inadequate to respond affirmatively to a calling. Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. It is the Lord’s work, and when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.

Background

Hannah prayed for a son in the temple and promised to give him to the Lord.  Eli the high priest in the temple comforted her.

Chapter 2
The sons of Eli honor themselves above the Lord.
Hophni and Phinehas were sons of Eli, the high priest, and were priests themselves. However, they were wicked. When Israelites came to offer sacrifices at the tabernacle, Hophni and Phinehas forcibly took the flesh of the sacrificial animals before the fat portions had been burned on the altar. They also took some of the flesh that the offerer was boiling for the sacrificial meal. These were serious transgressions of God’s laws, equivalent to robbing God. Eli’s sons also committed the extremely serious sin of seducing women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle.
What effect did the actions of Eli’s sons have on other people in Israel? (v.17,24)
What do the actions of Eli’s sons suggest about whom they chose to honor? (uncover the mirror.) 
*** In what areas of our lives do we sometimes honor and please ourselves rather than the Lord?
Entertainment, Sabbath observance, Dating and morality, Fasting, Church callings 
*** Why do you think we sometimes choose to please ourselves rather than God?
*** What are the consequences of honoring ourselves more than God?

Eli honors his sons above the Lord.
What responsibility did Eli have when he learned of the wickedness of his sons? 
What did he do? He reprimanded them
In what way had Eli honored his sons more than God? (uncover others)
Under the law of Moses, willful disobedience to parents was punishable by death, and the parents were obliged to see that the punishment was carried out. Hophni and Phinehas compounded their already serous sins by disobeying their father, and Eli failed in his parental responsibility as well as in his office as the presiding priest. Although he rebuked his sons, he took no action to see that the abomination in his family and at the tabernacle was corrected. Therefore, “a man of God” came to Eli and pronounced the Lord’s curse upon Eli’s house“[thou] honourest thy sons above me”
That is, Eli’s relationship with his sons was of more value to him than his relationship with God.
see (v.27-29) 

*** In what ways do we sometimes honor other people more than God?
- We allow our peers to persuade us to do something we know is wrong.
- We act dishonestly because we are afraid of what other people might think of us.
- We fail to correct family members or friends in their wrongdoing because we want to maintain good relations with them.
President Joseph F. Smith taught: “There should [not] be any of us so unwisely indulgent, so thoughtless and so shallow in our affection for our children that we dare not check them in a wayward course, in wrong-doing and in their foolish love for the things of the world more than for the things of righteousness, for fear of offending them”
*** How can parents fulfill their responsibility toward wayward children in a spirit of love?

Chapter 3
Samuel honors the Lord.

Background (see v.1)
The word precious used here means scarce. The word of God was seldom heard in all the land. Elder Harold B. Lee explained why as follows: “There was no prophet upon the earth through whom the Lord could reveal his will, either by personal experience, or by revelation. And it came to pass that Eli was laid down in his place and his eyes were dim, and Samuel the boy also lay down to his sleep, and you remember through that night there came a call, ‘Samuel,’ and thinking that Eli had called him he went to Eli’s room to be told that Eli had not called him. And he lay down the second time again to be called, and yet the third time. And by this time Eli, sensing the fact that he was being spoken to by an unseen speaker, said, ‘The next time that you hear, then you shall answer, “Here I am Lord, speak to me.”’ And so the next time when the call came, Samuel answered as he had been directed. Now it says, ‘Samuel (up to this time) did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord revealed unto him.’ And after he had recognized the Lord and said, ‘Thy servant heareth,’ then he was told that the Lord was to proceed to ‘do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it, shall tingle.’ And then he explained the reason why Eli could not receive further messages from the Lord. ‘His sons make themselves vile, and he restrained them not,’ or in other words he allowed his sons to curse God and therefore were leading the people of Israel astray
How did Samuel learn it was the Lord calling? (v.8-9)
*** How does the Lord communicate with us?
*** How can we prepare ourselves to receive and understand communications from the Lord?
In what ways did Samuel honor the Lord? (uncover the picture of the Lord.)
- The Lord said Samuel would do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind (v2:35)
- The Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I (v.4)
- Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth (v.10)

The Lord promised to honor those who honored him (v.2:30)
How did the Lord honor Samuel? (v.19)

Chapter 8
Israelites honor the world.
What type of government did Israel have during Samuel’s ministry? Governed by judges
Why did the children of Israel want a king? (v.5,20)
In asking for a king, whom did the Israelites honor? (uncover the map)
In asking for a king “like all the nations,” whom did Israel reject? (v.7)
What did the Lord instruct Samuel to say about the problems of having a king? (v.9-18)
What was the response of the Israelites to Samuel’s warnings? (v.19-22) Still wanted a king
*** In what ways do we sometimes desire to be “like all the nations”?

Ruth 1-4, 1 Samuel 1,2 - All the City...Doth Know Thou Art a Virtuous Woman

Background
Many years had passed since the Israelites had crossed the Jordan and formed a loose tribal confederacy in the central highlands of Canaan. As they established their own settlements, they gradually discarded their nomadic traditions and adopted an agricultural way of life.

“Yet their position remained precarious. The northern tribes were almost constantly at war with those walled cities that remained under the control of the Canaanites, and they frequently had to defend themselves against invasions by people from the east: the Ammonites and Midianites. In contrast, Judah, which occupied the southern end of the Israelite territory, seems to have been relatively tranquil and not involved in the great wars that concerned the Judges.

“The people of Judah regularly battled another sort of enemy: the climate. Judah occupied a rugged plateau in the semiarid lands west of the Dead Sea. Normally, the land was fertile enough to sustain fields of wheat and barley, grape vineyards and groves of olive and fig trees. But occasionally the rains failed, the crops withered and there was famine.

“During one such disaster, a Judean man named Elimelech, who lived in the town of Bethlehem, fled the land with his wife, Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. The family traveled to Moab, a kingdom on the eastern borders of the Dead Sea. The distance was not great—perhaps 30 or 40 miles along the edge of that inland sea.

Chapter 1
Elimelech + Naomi
   - Sons Mahlon and Chilion

Travelled to Moab
     Elimelech died
     Mahlon married Ruth (Moabitess)
     Chilion married Orpah (Moabitess)
They dwelled there 10 years
     Mahlon and Chilion died

What did Naomi decide to do? (v.6) Return back to Moab, since the famine had ended
What did Naomi tell her sisters-in-law to do?  (v.8) Return back to their families
*** What can we learn from Naomi’s concern for her daughters-in-law that can help us in our family relationships?
How did Ruth and Orpah respond to Naomi? (v.14-16) Orpah left to go back home and Ruth stayed with her

What do we learn about Ruth? (Loyal, Loving, Sacrifice being away from family, Selflessness)
What did Ruth give up to go with Naomi? Homeland, Family, Friends, Religion
What did she gain? (v.16) The gospel of Jesus Christ
Look up Chemosh in the Bible Dictionary
What do you think it means when Ruth said she wanted to make Naomi's God her God?
There were lots of false Gods in the Old Testament times. The primary god of the Moabites was Chemosh. While there is no indication that Ruth and her sister-in-law, Orpah, were believers in this false god, two verses say that Ruth was converted to the true God of Israel. In her beautiful expression of loyalty and devotion to Naomi, Ruth said that she not only wished to stay with her mother-in-law but also desired to make Naomi’s people her people and Naomi’s God her God. Later, Boaz, praising Ruth’s concern for Naomi, says to her, “A full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust” (Ruth 2:12; emphasis added). Both of these passages indicate that Ruth was converted.

*** What can we learn from Ruth about making sacrifices for the gospel?

How did the people in Bethlehem react to seeing Naomi and Ruth? (v.19-20)
Naomi here used a play on words based on her name. In Hebrew Naomi means “sweet or pleasant” and Mara means “bitter.” When, after many years’ absence, the people greeted her in surprise by asking, “Is this Naomi?” (v. 19), she responded by saying, “Call me not Naomi [pleasant], call me Mara [bitter]: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me” (v. 20). This reply was not an accusation, only Naomi’s way of saying that she had endured much tragedy while in Moab.

They came to Bethlem at the beginning of harvest.

Chapter 2
How did Ruth get to work? (v.2) Glean ears of corn to gain favor in the sight of Boaz
Harvesting was difficult work and demanded long hours. Young men moved through the fields grasping handfuls of the grain and cutting through the stalks with sickles. These small bunches of grain were then bound into bundles called sheaves. As the men worked rapidly, a number of stalks fell to the ground. If the men were careful and took the time, these too could be gathered up. However, any stalks that dropped were allowed to remain where they fell. Poor people, following the reapers, were permitted to ‘glean,’ or gather, the random stalks—possibly all that stood between them and starvation. In addition, the edges of the field, where the sickle was not as easily wielded, were left unharvested. The poor were welcome to that portion, as well. “The destitute of Bethlehem now included Ruth and Naomi, and Ruth offered to go into the fields and glean.

Chapter 3

What did Naomi tell Ruth to do? (v.1-4) 

What was Ruth's purpose in going into Boaz? (v.6-9)

What does spread they skirt over thine handmaid mean? (v.9)

Naomi wanted to help her faithful daughter-in-law secure a husband and family.  To do this, Naomi considered the levirate marriage, a practice that had prevailed for many years in Israel.

see Deuteronomy 25:5–10 for the levirate marriage obligation in Israelite families) 

How did Ruth make her proposal to Boaz? v:6-9

“When Boaz awoke from his sleep by the pile of grain, which he was guarding as was the custom during harvest time, he was startled by Ruth’s presence. She was direct in her proposal. The word rendered ‘skirt’ also means ‘wing,’ and her request is not unlike our idiom ‘take me under your wing.’ Gesenius, the famous Hebraist, says it was a proper proposal of marriage—even though the girl was doing the proposing!”

The idiom means “protect me,” or, in other words, “be my protector or husband.”

“According to our customs, indeed, this act of Naomi and Ruth appears a very objectionable one from a moral point of view, but it was not so when judged by the customs of the people of Israel at that time. Boaz, who was an honourable man, and, according to (v.10), no doubt somewhat advanced in years, praised Ruth for having taken refuge with him, and promised to fulfil her wishes when he had satisfied himself that the nearer redeemer would renounce his right and duty. As he acknowledged by this very declaration, that under certain circumstances it would be his duty as redeemer to marry Ruth, he took no offence at the manner in which she had approached him and proposed to become his wife. On the contrary, he regarded it as a proof of feminine virtue and modesty, that she had not gone after young men, but offered herself as a wife to an old man like him. This conduct on the part of Boaz is a sufficient proof that women might have confidence in him that he would do nothing unseemly. And he justified such confidence

“The word here rendered ‘redeemer’ we translate literally from Hebrew go’el and this is its proper translation. It is rendered merely ‘kinsman’ in the King James English translation. The function of a go’el was to make it possible for a widow who had lost home and property to return to her former status and security and to have seed to perpetuate her family.

“It is easy to see why the later prophets borrowed this word from the social laws of Israel and used it to describe the functions of Him who would become the Divine Redeemer: Think of what He does to restore us to proper status with God, and to give us future security and eternal ‘seed.’

When Ruth’s husband died, his nearest male relative was supposed to marry Ruth. Boaz was not the nearest male relative, but he agreed to marry Ruth if the nearest male relative did not wish to do so

What was Ruth's reputation among the people of Bethlehem? (v.11) All the City Doth Know....
*** Why is it important that our family members, friends, and neighbors know what we believe in and what values we strive to uphold? 

Chapter 4

How was a public agreement made legally binding? (v.7-12)

The public life of an Israelite village was concentrated at its main gate. It was here that matters of law were brought for adjudication before the elders of the community. They also were the official witnesses for transactions such as the one in which Boaz agreed to marry Ruth if her kinsman would give up all rights to her dead husband’s property. A man renouncing property rights removed a sandal and presented it to the new property holder, a gesture that everyone understood and considered binding if witnessed by the elders

Who married Ruth? Boaz.  They had a child together (v.13)

What significance came of this marriage? They had a child who was a descendant of King David

see Matthew 1:5-16

President Thomas S. Monson called Ruth a heroine

1 Samuel

Hannah, wife of Elkanah, was childless. Each year at the temple she wept and prayed for a son

What promise did she make with the Lord? (v.11)

Conclusion

The book of Ruth contains one of the most beautiful stories ever written. Despite being set in a day when political chaos and moral degeneracy existed in parts of the land, this story contains not a single demeaning feature and is uplifting and heartwarming. The following are examples of quiet devotion and obedience from this story:

1. Ruth’s marriage to Mahlon led to her conversion from the Moabite to the Israelite way of life.
2. Ruth’s choice to remain with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, is an example of selfless concern for others.
3. The acts of kindness exhibited by Ruth and Boaz had a positive effect on those around them.
4. Ruth’s virtue and integrity impressed the noble Boaz, and he was honorable in his relation to her, showing willingness to assume family responsibility.
5. The union of Boaz and Ruth produced a royal posterity from whom came King David and eventually Jesus Christ.

President John Taylor used the example of Ruth to describe modern Saints who also were willing to give up homes and kinships to be where their God wanted them to be: “‘Thanks be to the God of Israel who has counted us worthy to receive the principles of truth.’ These were the feelings you had and enjoyed in your far distant homes. And your obedience to those principles tore you from your homes, firesides and associations and brought you here, for you felt like one of old, when she said, ‘Whither thou goest I will go; thy God shall be my God, thy people shall be my people, and where thou diest there will I be buried.’ And you have gathered to Zion that you might be taught and instructed in the laws of life and listen to the words which emanate from God, become one people and one nation, partake of one spirit, and prepare yourselves, your progenitors and posterity for an everlasting inheritance in the celestial kingdom of God.

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). The truth of this declaration is evident in the contrasting stories of Samson and Ruth. The prophets have always been anxious that the Saints find that peace which comes from living a Christlike life. 

President Spencer W. Kimball gave us this challenge:

“Would a frequent housecleaning be in order for all of us?

“I may not be able to eliminate pornographic trash, but my family and I need not buy or view it.

“I may not be able to close disreputable businesses, but I can stay away from areas of questioned honor and ill repute.

“I may not be able to greatly reduce the divorces of the land or save all broken homes and frustrated children, but I can keep my own home a congenial one, my marriage happy, my home a heaven, and my children well adjusted.

“I may not be able to stop the growing claims to freedom from laws based on morals, or change all opinions regarding looseness in sex and growing perversions, but I can guarantee devotion to all high ideals and standards in my own home, and I can work toward giving my own family a happy, interdependent spiritual life.

“I may not be able to stop all graft and dishonesty in high places, but I myself can be honest and upright, full of integrity and true honor, and my family will be trained likewise.

“I may not be able to insure family prayers, home evening, meeting attendance, and spiritual, well-integrated lives in all my neighbors, but I can be certain that my children will be happy at home. They will grow strong and tall and realize their freedom is found at home, in their faith, in clean living, and in opportunity to serve. As Christ said, ‘And the truth shall make you free.’

“No virtues in the perfection we strive for are more important than integrity and honesty. Let us then be complete, unbroken, pure, and sincere, to develop in ourselves that quality of soul we prize so highly in others.

Ruth's loyalty, integrity, selflessness, sacrifices, and dedication to the gospel blessed her with the gospel and ultimately led to the birth of the Savior through her lineage.  There are righteous women among us with such divine qualities.  We are so blessed to have the examples of these women to help us desire and achieve such righteousness.

Judges 2, 4, 6-7, 13-16 - The Reign of the Judges

Introduction
Take a Ping Pong ball and place it in a funnel. Have someone try and blow the ball out of the funnel. The ball will spin, but not be blown out of the funnel. When we stand steadfast and immoveable, knowing exactly where we want to go with our lives and determined to live our lives by the teachings of the Savior, we will not be taken of our course when the winds off the world blow.


President Gordon B. Hinckley told of a time when he planted a young tree in his yard but neglected to use supporting stakes to help it grow straight. In time, the wind caused the tree to lean badly to one side. President Hinckley realized that if he had tied the tree to stakes, it would have been supported until it was strong enough to resist the wind on its own

We may sometimes be like that young tree, unable to withstand the wind (the temptations of Satan) on our own. In the book of Judges we learn about some of the "stakes" that can support us.

Background

When Joshua and the leaders of Israel who served under him died, the national spirit of Israel also died. Tribal loyalty replaced national unity. Each tribe began to look to its own resources without giving help or asking aid from their fellow Israelites. Joshua’s generation remained faithful to the Lord, but spiritual apostasy soon occurred in the following generation.

None of this apostasy needed to happen. The Lord had directed Israel into the promised land and had provided them with a political covenant. He was to be their divine sovereign. Their temporal leaders were to be ruling judges, under whom the people retained religious and political liberties. (Such a form of government was advocated in the Book of Mormon by King Mosiah in Mosiah 29)

Israel’s political covenant showed the mercy and long-suffering of the Lord and would have been the best possible government in Israel. As can be seen in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, however, under the rule of the judges the people must demonstrate loyalty to the Lord and His commandments for this ideal form of government to function properly. Since Israel usually broke their covenant during the reign of the judges, the governmental system did not function properly, and Israel fell out of favor with the Lord.

The reign of the judges is similar in many ways to the history of the Nephites prior to the coming of Christ. It is a story of one continuous cycle of apostasy and repentance. When the Israelites turned from the Lord, their enemies began to prevail (see Judges 2:14–15). Suffering under oppression and war, the people would cry unto God and He would raise up a Deborah or a Gideon to deliver them. But once peace and security were reestablished, the people turned again to their former ways (see Judges 2:16–19).

The story of the time of the judges is thus primarily a sad and tragic one, although in this period lived some of the most remarkable men and women of the Old Testament. In their lives of courage, faith, and personal greatness, as well as in the lives of those who forsook the Lord and pursued selfish ends, are many lessons of importance for Saints today.

In the book of Judges, the children of Israel experienced several cycles of righteousness and apostasy.

Cycle of Apostasy: Apostasy > Bondage > Humility and Repentance > Deliverance > Freedom

Judges  2

How Did the Canaanite Culture Affect the Lifestyle of the Israelites?

“Perhaps inevitably, the Israelites, who had no distinct culture or knowledge of settled life, gradually absorbed many aspects of Canaan’s sophisticated culture. The architectural style, pottery, furniture and literature of later Israel were all borrowed from those of Canaan. In many ways this borrowing was beneficial. The Israelites were able to profit from the techniques of construction, farming and craftsmanship which had taken the Canaanites centuries to develop.

“But in the eyes of Israel’s religious leaders, the pagan ways of the Canaanites posed a continual threat to the integrity of the nation. The Israelites’ only strength lay in their common covenant. Any weakening of this basic loyalty left the individual tribes without the strength that comes from unity. When misfortune came, it was [because of] the faithlessness of the people, who again and again turned away from the Lord.” (Great People of the Bible and How They Lived, p. 114.)

What Resulted from Israel’s Not Driving the Canaanites Out of the Promised Land?

“The Book of Judges makes clear that Israel did not conquer all of Canaan when first she entered it. … For a long time during the days of the Judges many of the Israelites were essentially ‘hillbillies’ [see Judges 6:2], hemmed in by their enemies on every side. After the generations of Israelites who had been acquainted with Joshua passed away, the effects of Canaanite morals and religion began to be apparent upon the younger generation. For long periods of time the Canaanites conquered Israel and this fact alone would tend to disrupt her settled religious life and practice. Times were rough and banditry was rampant. As the record itself states: ‘In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes’ [Judges 17:6]. All of this seems to have taken place because Israel did not drive the Canaanites completely out. The Lord said to the Israelites: ‘Ye have not hearkened to My voice; what is this ye have done? Wherefore I also said: I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be unto you as snares, and their gods shall be a trap unto you.’ [Judges 2:2–3.] … Israel’s conduct during this period had a lasting effect upon her religion and morals. For centuries Israel’s prophets and wise men referred to it and denounced her allegiance to old Canaanite practices. It is plain that Israel, during the period of the Judges, compromised her relatively high religious ideals with Canaanite practices and certain elements in her population must have apostatized completely.”

Who Are the Judges?

The so-called judges, according to the record, appear to be more military heroes rather than officers of the judiciary. “The English word ‘judge’ doesn’t well describe these leaders. Though the root of the Hebrew word used means primarily ‘to judge,’ it is used secondarily also in the extended meaning ‘to govern.’ Most of the ‘judging’ done in this period was a matter of giving advice and rendering decisions. Regular court procedures are nowhere described for the times of the Judges in Israel. In fact, the most common function they are seen to perform is that of military leadership.” (Rasmussen, Introduction to the Old Testament, 1:149.)

The judges did not reign over all of unified Israel during their period of leadership. The chronicler of these stories likely took the choicest of the heroes from each of the tribes during this generally apostate period and combined into one book their righteous achievements and their moral lessons for Israel.

 How did the cycle of Apostasy begin? (v.10, 12, 17, 20, 22)

The children of Israel left God and left the ways and the covenants of their parents.
***Why do children sometimes forsake the righteous teachings and ways of their parents? 
***How have your parents or other family members strengthened you in righteous living?
***How can we recognize the early signs of apostasy? 
***How might we appropriately help a family member or friend who seems to be falling away?

Judges 4
What did the Lord command Barak to do? (v.6-7)
On what condition was Barak willing to go to battle against Sisera and his 900 chariots? (v.8)

Israel was sorely lacking in leadership at this time. The regular priesthood leadership was not in effect because the covenant had been broken. Deborah did not direct Israel in any official sense; she was a prophetess who possessed the spirit of prophecy, one of the gifts of the Spirit. She was blessed with spiritual insight and leadership qualities that were not being put to use by any man.


What can we learn from Deborah about being a true friend? 
One thing we can learn is that true friends inspire us to obey the Lord and give us the strength to do what is right. 
***How have your friends helped you face difficult challenges or obey the Lord’s commandments? ***How can we be better friends to others?

Judges 6-7
Why Was the Presence of the Midianites and the Amalekites such a Terrible Scourge to Israel?

“The Midianites and the Amalekites were the children of the desert who, through their roving habits which begot naturally a desire for plunder, led them into a systematic practice of robbing the Israelites. During the seasons of harvest they came from the deserts on the south and the east like great swarms of locusts and carried away the corn [grain] and the live-stock upon which the Israelites subsisted.

“For seven years Israel was thus impoverished, and adopted every means at their command to conceal their property and to hide themselves from the dangers of slaughter by the Midianites. In that period, through southern Palestine, they made caverns in the earth that may still be seen. In time, however, they came to feel so deeply their suffering and humiliation that they appealed to Jehovah, the God they had forsaken in their worship. He was their last refuge, their last means of escape from the awful bondage of those times

What was the Israelites situation at this point in time? (6:1 - Israelites did evil. Same as in 4:1, 13:1)
What resulted of this apostasy?  The Israelites were in bondage to the Midianites
What did the Lord command Gideon to do? (6:14) Deliver Israel
When Gideon believed that the Lord had truly commanded him to deliver Israel, he went forward with faith.  Gideon had an army of 32,000 and the Lord had him reduce it down to 300.
Why did the Lord want the army reduced? (v7:2) The Lord wanted the Israelites to trust him and recognize his power, not their power.) 
***How does the Lord teach us to trust him and recognize his power today?
***How has the Lord helped you do something that he asked you to do that was difficult

Judges 13-16
Nazarites made covenants with the Lord to separate themselves from the things of the world and become holy unto him.  Samson could have been one of the greatest leaders in Israel since Joshua if he had been true to his Nazarite vows and to his Lord. An angel announced his birth and said he would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. The Lord blessed Samson with many gifts, including great physical strength. He was foreordained and chosen by the Lord, if he had been able to master himself, he could have set an example of spiritual and physical courage that would rank with the finest in history. But we can learn from Samson’s failure to avoid self-justification and uncontrolled passion so that we might join modern Israel in becoming a mighty and pure people before the second coming of the Lord. 


Some of the covenants Samson broke are:
   - He married outside the covenant house of Israel (v.14:1-3)
   - He was immoral with a harlot (v.16:1)
   - He had his hair cut (v.16:4-20)
Samson’s life is truly one of the great tragedies of history.


The covenants we make with the Lord should be a source of strength, guidance, and commitment. What covenants do we make with the Lord? 
***How have these covenants strengthened you?

Deuteronomy 6, 8, 11, 32 - Beware Lest Thou Forget

Memory Game
What things are we supposed to remember?
What kinds of things do you forget all the time?


Introduction
Deuteronomy is a title formed from the two Greek words deutero, “second,” and nomos, “law.” Thus, the title means “the second law,” or “the repetition of the law.  Deuteronomy is quoted more often by the Old Testament prophets than any other book of the Law.  Deuteronomy has been made most use of by the prophets, simply because it is best calculated to serve as a model for prophetic declarations, as also because of the inward harmony that exists between the prophecies and the laws upon which they are based.  Deuteronomy contains Moses’ last words to the Israelites.

***If you were to give one last message to your family and friends, what would it be?

This was the position Moses was in when he wrote the book of Deuteronomy. The long journey from Egypt to Canaan was over. After testing, chastening, and teaching the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years, the Lord said they were ready to enter the promised land. But first he had some important instructions for them. Moses delivered these instructions in three sermons that are recorded in Deuteronomy.

In these sermons Moses reviewed Israel’s 40-year sojourn in the wilderness, recognizing God’s hand in their deliverance. Moses also discussed Israel’s responsibilities as God’s chosen people. He emphasized that they must obey God’s commandments, particularly the commands to remember Him and refrain from idol worship. Moses warned that although the children of Israel were ready to enter the promised land, if they returned to wickedness they would lose their inheritance and be scattered.
Deuteronomy 6
What's the first thing Moses taught them? (v.5) Love the Lord  (see also 11:13)
*** How does one show that Love to God?
When we take these words into our heart, what are we to do with them? (v.6-7) Teach our children.
What warning does he give them? (v.12) Beware, lest thou forget
What is it that they would forget? Loving the Lord
*** What approaches do you take so you don't constantly forget things?
What suggestions does Moses make for them to remember? (v.8-9)
Note that frontlets were “strips of parchment on which were written four passages of scripture … and which were rolled up and attached to bands of leather worn … around the forehead or around the arm
*** How would such suggestions and approaches be helpful?
Do the pictures on our walls, the books we read, and the movies and television shows we watch remind us of the Lord, or do they suggest a longing for the world? 
President Ezra Taft Benson said that people who are “captained by Christ will be consumed in Christ. … Enter their homes, and the pictures on their walls, the books on their shelves, the music in the air, their words and acts reveal them as Christians. 
What counsel do we learn about our behavior and the blessings we receive? (v.17-18)

Deuteronomy 8
Why does the Lord make them go through 40 years? (v.2)
What was the purpose of manna? Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord
*** What does that mean to you that we don't live by bread only but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord?
see Matthew 4:1-4 of Jesus' example
Elder Marion G. Romney taught that Jesus’ “thorough knowledge of the scriptures is evidenced by the fact that He repeatedly cited them. When the devil tempted Him to turn the stones into bread, He countered by quoting from Deuteronomy: ‘… It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’When the tempter challenged Him to cast Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple, He responded by quoting from the same book: ‘It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’ (Matthew 4:7; see Deuteronomy 6:16.) For the third time He quoted from Deuteronomy (6:13) when Satan offered Him the kingdoms of the world, saying: ‘Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.’
What did Moses say their life was going to be like in the Promised Land? (v.6-10)
What warning did he give them? (v.11-14)? Beware that thou forget
What did Moses say would happen if they didn't heed his warnings? (v.19) They would perish
*** Why do some people forget the Lord after he blesses them abundantly?
President Brigham Young said: “The worst fear that I have about [members of this Church] is that they will get rich in this country, forget God and his people, wax fat, and kick themselves out of the Church and go to hell. This people will stand mobbing, robbing, poverty, and all manner of persecution, and be true. But my greater fear for them is that they cannot stand wealth; and yet they have to be tried with riches, for they will become the richest people on this earth”.
Who does the Lord chasten? (v.5) His people
*** Why does the Lord chasten his people?
Deuteronomy 11
What did  Moses say about the Lord? (v.2) Talked about his greatness, his chastisement

Deuteronomy 32
What does he refer Christ to? He is the rock see Helaman 5:12


Summary
Remember the Lord and the covenants made with him.
Create an environment that will help us do so.

Numbers 22-24, 31 - I Cannot Go Beyond the Word of the Lord

Introduction
Statements made by Balaam

• “If [the king] would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God”.
• “All that the Lord speaketh, that I must do”
• “I cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the Lord saith, that will I speak”

What are some of the qualities of a person who would say these things?
Three writers in the New Testament referred to Balaam
What are their impressions of him?
see 2 Peter 2:15–16; Jude 1:11; Revelation 2:14

Numbers 22
Background: The Israelites pitched their tents in the plains of Moab.  Balak was the King of Moab and was terrified by the approach of the Israelites.  He had a plan to curse Israel by a man named Balaam who apparently had a reputation for being able to bless and curse with great effect.
What was Balak's plan? (v.5-7) Give Balaam rewards if he would curse the Israelites

How did Balaam respond to this offer? (v.8) He went to the Lord
What answer did Balaam receive? (v.12) He shouldn't go with them
*** What so-called rewards are we sometimes offered in exchange for disobeying God?

Balak sent a second group of men, more impressive than the first, to try to persuade him.
What did Balak offer Balaam? (v.17) He would be promoted to a high honor
How did Balaam respond this 2nd time? (v.18-19) Even if Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord.  But stay here this night and I'll ask the Lord again.
What do you think about his response?
Why do you think he wanted to ask the Lord again?
*** What are the dangers of seeking exceptions to God’s commandments and counsel?

What did the Lord say the 2nd time? (v.20-22) Gave permission but he had to do the Lord wanted
What does the Lord’s anger suggest about what was in Balaam’s heart? 

On his way to Moab, Balaam tried three times to force his donkey forward.  An angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him.  The donkey could see the angel but Balaam could not.
In what way was this like Balaam’s relationship with the Lord? He wanted to force his own will
*** What are some modern parallels of individuals and groups stubbornly trying to do what they want rather than submitting to God’s will or to the righteous counsel of parents or leaders?

1. A child, unhappy with an answer from one parent, goes to the other parent, hoping for a different answer.
2. A member of the Church, unsatisfied with the counsel of a priesthood leader, goes to another priesthood leader.
3. A member of the Church rationalizes that a commandment doesn’t apply to him or her as it does to other members.

The Lord chastened Balaam through the angel and the donkey.
How did Balaam respond to the chastening words of the angel? (v.31-35)
*** Why does God chasten his children?
*** How can God’s chastening be a blessing to us?
see D&C 95:1

Numbers 23-24 
After Balaam arrived in Moab, Balak asked him three times to curse Israel. Each time the Lord told Balaam to bless Israel, and Balaam obeyed. 
What strengths did Balaam show in this account? (See Numbers 22:38; 23:8, 19–20; 24:1, 12–13.) What weakness was still evident in Balaam? (See Numbers 22:41; 23:1–3, 13–15, 27–30.
Although Balaam refused Balak’s requests to curse Israel, he was willing to follow Balak from place to place and listen to his requests even though he knew they were wrong.
*** What are the dangers of listening to unrighteous suggestions when we know they are wrong?

Numbers 31
The Lord was angry with the Midianites for enticing the Israelites to sin. The Israelites destroyed the Medianites and slayed Balaam (v.8)
Who counseled the Midianites to tempt the children of Israel to participate in idol worship and immorality? (v.16)
Why do you think Balaam gave this counsel? Although Balaam obeyed the Lord’s commands to bless rather than curse Israel, in his heart he wanted earthly honors and rewards. To receive these rewards, he suggested tempting Israel to sin, causing them to lose God’s protection

What lessons can we learn from this story?
Members of the Church who seek earthly rewards and honors, who seek exceptions to God’s counsel and commandments, or who try to introduce worldly ideas, practices, or standards into the Church are following Balaam’s unrighteous example.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said:
“What a story this is! Here is a prophet of God who is firmly committed to declare only what the Lord of heaven directs. There does not seem to be the slightest doubt in his mind about the course he should pursue. He represents the Lord, and neither a house full of gold and silver nor high honors offered by the king can sway him from his determined course. …
“But greed for wealth and lust for honor beckon him. How marvelous it would be [for him] to be rich and powerful. … Perhaps the Lord would let him compromise his standards and have some worldly prosperity and power. … I wonder how often some of us get our direction from the Church and then, Balaam-like, plead for some worldly rewards. …
“Balaam, … inspired and mighty as he once was, lost his soul in the end because he set his heart on the things of this world rather than the riches of eternity

Although Balaam appeared to be strictly obedient, the desires of his heart were to receive earthly rewards and honors.
What does this story teach about the importance of keeping the desires of our hearts pure? 
How can we keep the desires of our hearts pure?

see Isaiah 29:13 
If Balaam had humbly submitted to God’s will, much sin and suffering would have been avoided for himself and for Israel.
We need to be steadfast rather than stubborn and seek to follow the Lord’s will without trying to get around it or change it.

Numbers 11-14, 21 - Look to God and Live

Setup
Ways to look for guidance:
     1. The Prophet (Chapter 12)
     2. Promised Land (Chapter 13-14)
     3. Savior (Chapter 21)

Other References
     1 Nephi 17:41
     Alma 33:18-20
     John 3:14-16
     Helaman 8:13-15
     Alma 37:46-47

Introduction
Walk across the room looking at the chalkboard behind.  This is like the Israelites journey; despite being blessed their lack of faith caused and fear caused them to wish they hadn't left Egypt.  This yearning for Egypt delayed and complicated their journey to the promised land.

Numbers 11
Israelites complained about Manna (v.1,6)
What prompted their complaint? (v.4-5)
They became so lustful for meat, they lost focus on the promised land
*** What are the dangers of wanting more than we already have?
*** How can we relate getting bored of eating manna to us in a spiritual sense?

Moses became so burdened by the sins of the Israelites he asked the Lord to take his life (v.14-15)
How did the Lord give him relief? (v. 16-17)
*** What can we learn from this about needing others' help?

Numbers 12
The Lord punished and chastened Miriam and Aaron for complaining about Moses' marriage to an Ethiopian woman.  Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses as their presiding authority, pointing out that they too had received revelation (v.2)


Elder James E. Faust said: "The prophets, seers, and revelators have had and still have the responsibility and privilege of receiving and declaring the word of God for the world. Individual members, parents, and leaders have the right to receive revelation for their own responsibility but have no duty nor right to declare the word of God beyond the limits of their own responsibility"

***How can criticism of Church leaders affect our family and friends?
Moses was a meek person.  He showed that when Miriam was punished for rebelling against him. (v.3, 13-15)

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "Meekness implies a spirit of gratitude as opposed to an attitude of self-sufficiency, an acknowledgment of a greater power beyond oneself, a recognition of God, and an acceptance of his commandments"

Moses shows his meekness when Miriam was punished for rebelling against him (v.13-15)
***How does it help to respond to criticism with meekness?

Numbers 13-14
The Israelites reached the border of the land of Canaan and Moses sent 12 men out to scope out the land, its resources, and it's people.  The majority of the men gave an evil report about the land and said they couldn't possess the land.  (v.32-33).  Caleb said they were well able to possess it (v.30).

President Gordon B. Hinckley said:"There is no place in this work for those who believe only in the gospel of doom and gloom. The gospel is good news. It is a message of triumph. It is a cause to be embraced with enthusiasm. The Lord never said that there would not be troubles. Our people have known afflictions of every sort as those who have opposed this work have come upon them. But faith has shown through all their sorrows. This work has consistently moved forward and has never taken a backward step since its inception. …This is an age of pessimism. Ours is a mission of faith. To my brethren and sisters everywhere, I call upon you to reaffirm your faith, to move this work forward across the world. You can make it stronger by the manner in which you live."

VIDEO CLIP - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFkGhpy10u8

Numbers 21:1-9
The Lord helped the Israelites defeat the attacking Caananites but the Israelites continued to murmur.  To punish them the Lord sent fiery serpents which bit the people and much of the people died. The people came to Moses and acknowledged their sins and asked him to pray to the Lord to take the serpents away.
What did the Lord tell Moses to do?
We learn why a lot of people died when not looking upon it (see 1 Nephi 17:41 and Alma 33:18-20)
We learn how the brass serpent symbolized Jesus Christ (see John 3:14-16 and Helaman 8:13-14)
We learn how we need to look to Christ to receive eternal life (see Helaman 8:15 and Alma 37:46-47)
***In what sense is eternal life easy?

If we keep an eye forward and focused on our promised land, eternal life, by following the prophets, demonstrating our faith to progress the work, keeping a positive attitude and looking to Christ in all that we do, we will be blessed and gain our reward.

Exodus 15-20, 32-34 - Ye Shall Be a Pecuilar Treasure Unto Me

Other References
    1 Corinthians 10:4
    1 Nephi 11:25
    John 4:14
    D&C 63:23
    Deuteronomy 8:3
    Deuteronomy 8:16
    John 6:35
    John 6:48–51
   
Background
- The experiences of the Israelites while journeying in the wilderness can teach us important lessons as we journey through mortality. One important lesson is that we can trust God to guide and care for us as he did the Israelites.
- After the Israelites had passed through the Red Sea, the Lord instructed Moses to lead them to the promised land. But first the Lord tested the Israelites’ faith in the wilderness.

Exodus 15-17
What couldn't the Israelites find after being in the wilderness a few days?
Read Exodus 15:22, 17:3
How did Moses respond to their murmurings?
Read Exodus 15:24, 17:4
The Lord provided physical and spiritual water for the children of Israel. The physical water came from the rock that Moses smote.
How can this relate in a spiritual sense?
Who is the spiritual rock? (see 1 Corinthians 10:4)
What is the spiritual water that flows from Christ? (see 1 Nephi 11:25)
What is promised to those who drink that water? (see John 4:14; D&C 63:23)
What was the next problem the Israelites faced? (see 16:2–3)
How did the Lord respond? (Manna and Quail - see 16:4, 11–15.)
There were other purposes of the manna besides satisfying their hunger
    a. It would show the Lord whether his people would obey him (see 16:4, 16–31).
    b. It would give the people daily reminders of the Lord’s power and love (see 16:12).
    c. It would teach the people that they do not live “by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord” (see Deuteronomy 8:3).
    d. It would humble the people and help them receive salvation (see Deuteronomy 8:16).
How is manna a representation of Christ? (see John 6:35.)
How does Christ’s living bread differ from manna? (see John 6:48–51.)
The Israelites needed to gather manna every day to maintain physical strength.
How can this be likened to what we must do to maintain spiritual strength?

What usually happened when the Israelites kept the manna overnight? (see 16:19–20.)
What happened when they kept manna overnight in preparation for the Sabbath? (see 16:22–25.)
How can we apply this principle to our weekly preparation for the Sabbath?

What would have happened to the Israelites if they had tried to journey through the wilderness without the Lord’s help?
What will happen to us if we try to journey through mortality without the Lord’s help?

Exodus 17-18
The Amalekites warred with the children of Israel for many years, beginning in the time of Moses. When Aaron and Hur sustained Moses by holding up his arms, Israel prevailed in battle. We are all part of spiritual battles today.
How does sustaining the prophet help us prevail in these battles?

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “I am reminded how Moses up on the hill raised his arms for the victory of the armies of Israel. As long as his arms were raised, Israel prevailed, but when they dropped from weariness, then the enemy prevailed. And so Aaron and Hur ‘stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side,’ and Israel was victorious. So will we be victorious as we hold up the arms of the Lord’s anointed servants”

Jethro was concerned when he saw the people coming to Moses all day and evening. He counseled Moses on his responsibilities as a prophet.
What are some responsibilities of a prophet mentioned in 18:16-20? 
    a. Be a judge for the people (v.16).
    b. Represent the people before God (v.19).
    c. Teach them ordinances and laws (v.20).
    d. “[Show] them the way wherein they must walk” (v.20).
    e. “[Show] them … the work that they must do” (v.20).

How can we support and sustain our local Church leaders?

Exodus 19-20
Within three months of Israel’s entering the wilderness, the Lord wanted to establish his covenant with them. As part of this covenant he revealed the Ten Commandments to Moses.


While the children of Israel were camped at Mount Sinai, what did the Lord promise if they would be obedient, he would make them “a peculiar treasure, … a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.”) These promises mean that Israel would become the Lord’s covenant people, favored above all others and chosen to bear the priesthood and the gospel to all people.
Note: in this context, peculiar carries the meaning of “being the Lord’s own special people or treasure,” not the meaning of “odd or eccentric”

The first four commandments teach the proper relationship between us and God
How is the commandment to worship the Lord and to have no other gods before him relevant today?

President Spencer W. Kimball said: “Idolatry is among the most serious of sins. … Modern idols or false gods can take such forms as clothes, homes, businesses, machines, automobiles, pleasure boats, and numerous other material deflectors from the path to godhood... Intangible things make just as ready gods. Degrees and letters and titles can become idols.....Many people build and furnish a home and buy the automobile first—and then they ‘cannot afford’ to pay tithing. Whom do they worship? Certainly not the Lord of heaven and earth. …Many worship the hunt, the fishing trip, the vacation, the weekend picnics and outings. Others have as their idols the games of sport, baseball, football, the bullfight, or golf. …Still another image men worship is that of power and prestige. … These gods of power, wealth, and influence are most demanding and are quite as real as the golden calves of the children of Israel in the wilderness”

The other six commandments concern our relationships with others.

Exodus 32-34
When the Lord spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai, he revealed a law that included the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood. However, the Israelites’ idolatrous behavior showed that they were not ready to live the fulness of the gospel. Because they forgot the Lord so quickly, he withdrew the Melchizedek Priesthood from them and revealed a lesser law—the, law of Moses.  The law of Moses did not replace the commandments, covenants, or principles of the gospel. Rather, it provided “a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him”. The law of Moses taught people to confess their sins and make amends, to follow strict rules in offering animal sacrifices, to keep their bodies healthy, to give to support the Lord’s work, to give thanks, and to be reconciled to God.

A big part of the law of Moses was animal sacrifice.

Elder M. Russell Ballard taught: "Although the law of Moses was fulfilled, the principles of the law of sacrifice continue to be a part of the doctrine of the Church. While the primary purpose of the law of sacrifice continued to be that of testing and assisting us to come unto Christ, two adjustments were made after Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. First, the ordinance of the sacrament replaced the ordinance of [animal] sacrifice; and second, this change moved the focus of the sacrifice from a person’s animal to the person himself. In a sense, the sacrifice changed from the offering to the offerer. … After his mortal ministry, Christ elevated the law of sacrifice to a new level. … Instead of the Lord requiring a person’s animal or grain, now the Lord wants us to give up all that is ungodly. This is a higher practice of the law of sacrifice; it reaches into the inner soul of a person."

If we will partake of the Lord’s spiritual water and bread, sustain his chosen leaders, and obey his commandments, he will invite us to his holy mountain—the temple. There we can meet with him, receive his laws, behold his glory, and go forth inspired to be more like him.