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

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

1 Samuel 9-11, 13, 15-17 - The Lord Looketh on the Heart

Setup
Proverbs 3:5-6
To _ is better than to sacrifice Obey

Introduction
Balderdash (diaspora, hyssop, or laver) - guessing at the definition of an unfamiliar word is like making decisions based only on our own understanding. Just as we turned to a trusted source to learn the correct definition of the word, we need to trust the Lord and seek his will to make correct decisions in our lives.  This lessons teaches us the importance of trusting the Lord and seeking his guidance when we make decisions contrasting the experiences of two men, Saul and David.

1 Samuel 9-11 - Saul seeks guidance from Samuel and is anointed to be king.
The Israelites wanted a king like those of the nations around them. Yielding to the Israelites’ request, the Lord told Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king.
What do the scriptures say about Saul? (v.2) He was goodlier than any other person
The word goodly seems to indicate many of the qualities that made Saul a logical candidate to be Israel’s first king. All that the Bible reveals indicates that Saul was honest, reliable, considerate of his parents, and altogether a very promising person for the great task ahead. Goodly also described Saul’s physical attributes. In this regard, Saul was potentially the hero and man of valour all Israel sought. He was about a foot taller than those of his generation
What did Saul do that demonstrated his good qualities?
- He was diligent in his search for his father’s donkeys (v. 9:3-4) 
- He was willing to listen to and follow the wise counsel of his father’s servant (v.9:5-10)
- He trusted the prophet Samuel and communed with him (v.9:18-25)
- He was humble (v.9:20-21)
- He was spiritually reborn, and he prophesied (v.10:6-10)
- He forgave his critics (v.11:11-13)
- He recognized the help of the Lord in Israel’s victory over the Ammonites (v.11:13)

1 Samuel 13 - Saul offers a burnt offering without the proper authority
Two years after Saul was anointed king, the Philistines gathered a mighty army to fight against Israel. Saul’s men were so afraid that many of them hid and scattered.
Why did Saul want the prophet Samuel to come to him at this time? (v.7-8) He wanted Samuel to offer sacrifices to the Lord in behalf of the people
What did Saul do when Samuel did not come at the appointed time? (v.9) He offered the sacrifices himself even though he did not have the priesthood authority to do so.

It was not long before Saul began to have an exaggerated opinion of his power and importance. This tendency is natural to men who forget the Lord and trust in themselves. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion  It is true that this was a time of great crisis. The Philistines were amassed in great strength and the people were deserting from Saul’s army. When Samuel was late in coming, Saul took things into his own hands and offered the sacrifices. This action was a great sin.

James E Talmage said “Think also of Saul who had been called from the field to be made king of the nation. When the Philistines were marshalled against Israel in Michmash, Saul waited for Samuel, under whose hand he had received his kingly anointing and to whom he had looked in the days of his humility for guidance; he asked that the prophet come and offer sacrifices to the Lord in behalf of the people. But, growing impatient at Samuel’s delay, Saul prepared the burnt offering himself, forgetting that though he occupied the throne, wore the crown, and bore the scepter, these insignia of kingly power gave him no right to officiate even as a deacon in the Priesthood of God; and for this and other instances of his unrighteous presumption he was rejected of God and another was made king in his place."

The circumstances were critical, but one of the purposes of mortality is to demonstrate that one will remain faithful and obedient under all circumstances. Saul failed that test and thereby lost his right to be God’s representative of the people.

What was Samuel’s response to Saul’s offering an unauthorized sacrifice? (v.13-14)
*** What did Saul’s offering an unauthorized sacrifice reveal about him? (v.14) He was no longer “a man after [the Lord’s] own heart”. He had grown impatient, failed to trust the Lord, and disobeyed. In addition, his presuming the authority to offer sacrifice suggests that he had an exaggerated opinion of his own power and importance.
*** In what ways are we sometimes impatient with the Lord or his servants? 

Note: Scholars believe that at this time the Israelites did not know how to work with iron. The Philistines guarded the secret carefully to maintain superiority in weapons over the softer brass weapons of the Israelites. As a result, the Israelites did not have the superior chariots of iron, nor could they manufacture swords and spears of iron. The other instruments mentioned, “share,” “coulter,” “axe,” “mattock,” and “goad,” had to be taken to the Philistines for sharpening. 
A share was a metal instrument used to plough the ground.
A coulter was a small garden hoe used to loosen the earth and weed the soil. 
A mattock was an Egyptian hoe or grubbing axe.
A goad was a sharp rod about eight feet long used to prod stubborn animals.


1 Samuel 15 - Saul disobeys the Lord in the battle with the Amalekites and is rejected as king
Saul was commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites
What did Saul do instead? (v.4-9) He spared the King and took the best of the sheep, oxen, fatlings, lambs, and all that was good.
What did Saul’s actions reveal about him? (v.11) He followed his own judgment rather than doing the Lord’s will.
Saul tried to justify his disobedience in saving the best of the Amalekites' animals by blaming his people for wanting to save the animals to use for sacrifice
What was Samuel's response for those justifications? (v.22) To obey is better than to sacrifice

1 Samuel 16 - The Lord chooses David as king.

What did Samuel learn when determining which of Jesse’s sons should be the next king? (v.6-7)  The Lord looketh on the heart

Elder Marvin J. Ashton said: “We … tend to evaluate others on the basis of physical, outward appearance: their ‘good looks,’ their social status, their family pedigrees, their degrees, or their economic situations.“The Lord, however, has a different standard by which he measures a person. … He measures the heart as an indicator of the person’s capacity and potential to bless others”

Why is it important that in our relationships with others, we see beyond the outward appearance and look on the heart? 

Because Saul had been disobedient, the Spirit of the Lord departed from him.

How did Saul seek relief from the evil spirit that came upon him? (v.15-23)  David played the harp

*** What outside sources do people today sometimes turn to as they try to find relief from their sins? 

What characteristics did David have that qualified him to be a leader? (v. 16:18)

1 Samuel 17 - David slays Goliath in the strength of the Lord.

What could the Israelites gain or lose in the fight with Goliath? (v.8-9)

Although it seems peculiar in this day of modern warfare, in ancient times it was not unusual for opposing armies, which were generally quite small, to select one representative from each side to fight a personal contest. The outcome of that contest determined the winner of the battle. 

Why were Saul and his army afraid to fight Goliath? (v.4-11) They did not think they could defeat Goliath because of his size, strength, armor, and weapons

Goliath’s height was six cubits and a span. The most widely accepted opinion of the length of a cubit is about eighteen inches or, roughly, the distance from the elbow to the tip of the extended middle finger. A span is said to be one-half the distance from the thumb to the end of the little finger when the fingers are spread as wide as possible. These measurements would make the height of Goliath approximately nine feet, nine inches!  It is unusual that anyone today is over seven feet tall, but it is commonly believed there were men in ancient times whose height far exceeded seven feet. There are references in the scriptures to giants in the earlier periods of history.  Experts have estimated the weight of Goliath’s armor to be about 150 pounds.

How did David get the courage to fight Goliath? David recognized that the Lord had delivered him from a lion and a bear while tending his father’s sheep, and he trusted the Lord to help him fight Goliath

Victor L. Brown said David’s actions showed that his answer to the question Who's on the Lord's side Who, would have been a hearty “I am!” Arriving at the battlefront at a time when the haughty giant Goliath had openly challenged Israel to send a man to fight him, David boldly volunteered to accept Goliath’s challenge. When accused of pride, the future king of Israel asked his oldest brother, “Is there not a cause?” Many young people of today are great joiners. They attach themselves to this or that organization or group because they wish to make the world a better place. They need a purpose for living, a reason to be—they need a cause. Young David, shepherd boy of Israel, had a cause. And this cause was emphasized when Samuel, the Lord’s prophet, anointed David to be a future king of Israel. Throughout his early life, David stayed close to the Lord. In all his military ventures, in the face of threats against his life, and despite numerous opportunities to slay Saul, David was true to his chosen cause. “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him”.

And what of today? Have we a cause? Indeed we have! We found that cause when we gained our testimonies of the true gospel and of the value of citizenship in the kingdom of God.

“I declare with all my soul—there is a cause! It is a cause worth giving one’s life for. It is the cause of righteousness. It is a cause that every youth in this Church should rally to as he declares war on Satan and his legions. As David said to Goliath, so each youth should declare to Satan, ‘Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

*** What challenges might we face now that prepare us for greater challenges? 

*** How do our responses to challenges affect our ability to battle the Goliaths that may come later?

President Gordon B. Hinckley said: "There are Goliaths all around you, hulking giants with evil intent to destroy you. These are not nine-foot-tall men, but they are men and institutions that control attractive but evil things that may challenge and weaken and destroy you. Included in these are beer and other liquors and tobacco. Those who market these products would like to enslave you into their use. There are drugs of various kinds which, I am told, are relatively easy to obtain in many high schools. For those who peddle them, this is a multimillion-dollar industry, a giant web of evil. There is pornography, seductive and interesting and inviting. It has become a giant industry, producing magazines, films, and other materials designed to take your money and lead you toward activities that would destroy you. The giants who are behind these efforts are formidable and skillful. They have gained vast experience in the war they are carrying on. They would like to ensnare you.
It is almost impossible to entirely avoid exposure to their products. You see these materials on all sides. But you need not fear if you have the slingshot of truth in your hands. You have been counseled and taught and advised. You have the stones of virtue and honor and integrity to use against these enemies who would like to conquer you. Insofar as you are concerned, you can hit them ‘between the eyes,’ to use a figurative expression. You can triumph over them by disciplining yourselves to avoid them. You can say to the whole lot of them as David said to Goliath, ‘Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
Victory will be yours. … You have His power within you to sustain you. You have the right to ministering angels about you to protect you. Do not let Goliath frighten you. Stand your ground and hold your place, and you will be triumphant."

Closing
Important to trust the Lord and seek his guidance when we make decisions
As we defeat the lions and bears in our lives, we will develop the confidence, character, and faith to defeat our Goliaths.

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.