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.

Exodus 1-14 - Bondage, Passover, Exodus

Introduction
Mormon Mouthful
    1. Mission
    2. Caption Moroni
    3. Primary
    4. How Firm a Foundation
    5. Joseph F. Smith
    6. Brigham Young University
    7. Mortal Body
    8. Singles Ward
    9. First Quorum of the Seventy
    10. I Love to See the Temple
    11. The Joseph Smith Translation
    12. Charity
    13. Church Basketball
    14. Adam-ondi-Ahman
    15. King Lamoni
    16. Two Thousand Stripling Warriors
    17. Tabernacle
    18. Temple President
    19. Hyrum Smith
    20. Salt Lake City
    21. Compassionate Service
 
Exodus 1–3
The children of Israel are made slaves by the Egyptians
Moses is born and is raised by Pharaoh’s daughter
The Lord appears to Moses at the burning bush and calls him to deliver Israel from bondage
   
Imagine your are the children of Israel living in Egypt. For generations you have been taught that you are God’s covenant people and that he will fulfill the promises he made to Abraham. Yet now you are slaves, living in oppression and bondage.
What can we learn from this circumstance that can help us when we experience adversity?
Sometimes God doesn't deliver us from trials immediately.
see D&C 90:24; 98:3; Mosiah 24:14–15
How have you received comfort and help from the Lord during times of adversity?
   
What did Moses say when the Lord called him to deliver Israel?
What assurances did the Lord give him?
Why might some feelings of inadequacy be good?
How has the Lord helped you in callings for which you felt inadequate?
   
Exodus 5–6
Moses approached Pharaoh many times and asked him to free Israel. Despite signs, wonders, and plagues, Pharaoh refused
After Pharaoh increased Israel’s burdens, the Lord repeated His promises to Moses.
   
How did the children of Israel respond when Moses reminded them of these promises? (v9)
Why do some of us stop listening to the prophets and believing God’s promises during times of trial?
   
Exodus 11–13
The Lord promises to send one more plague on Egypt in which the firstborn in every home will die.
The Lord instructs Moses in the preparation of the Passover, which will protect Israel from the plague.
Pharaoh tells Moses to take his people from Egypt, and the Israelites leave.
Moses tells the children of Israel to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the future as a memorial of their deliverance.
(Note that the titles “Feast of the Passover” and “Feast of Unleavened Bread” are often used synonymously; the Passover is the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.)


How did the Passover symbolize the Atonement?
A) see Exodus 12:5 (The children of Israel were to use a firstborn male lamb without blemish)
B) The children of Israel were to sprinkle the blood of the lamb on their doorposts to save their firstborn from death - The Savior’s blood, which he shed in Gethsemane and on the cross, cleanses the faithful and saves them from spiritual death.
C) The children of Israel were to eat unleavened bread
Leaven, or yeast, was seen anciently as a symbol of corruption because it so easily spoiled and turned moldy
For the Israelites, eating the unleavened bread symbolized that they were partaking of the bread which had no corruption or impurity, namely, the Bread of Life
The removal of leaven also suggested repentance, or the removal of sin from a person’s life
D) The children of Israel were to eat the Passover meal in haste
Like the Israelites, we need to respond eagerly and immediately to the deliverance that the Savior offers us.



At the Last Supper, the Savior instituted the sacrament in place of the Passover
What similarities are there between the Passover and the sacrament?

Elder Howard W. Hunter taught that at the Passover meal that is now known as the Last Supper, “the bread and wine, rather than the animals and herbs, [became] emblems of the great Lamb’s body and blood, emblems to be eaten and drunk reverently and in remembrance of him forever.
“In this simple but impressive manner the Savior instituted the ordinance now known as the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. With the suffering of Gethsemane, the sacrifice of Calvary, and the resurrection from a garden tomb, Jesus fulfilled the ancient law and ushered in a new dispensation based on a higher, holier understanding of the law of sacrifice. No more would men be required to offer the firstborn lamb from their flock, because the Firstborn of God had come to offer himself as an ‘infinite and eternal sacrifice’”

Elder Howard W. Hunter said that just as the Passover was a covenant of protection for ancient Israel, the sacrament is a “new covenant of safety” for us.
How is the sacrament a covenant of safety for us?
The sacrament reminds us of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, which brings eternal safety by freeing us from the bonds of sin and death. The covenants we renew as we partake of the sacrament also help provide us eternal safety


Elder Jeffrey R. Holland asked:
“Do we see [the sacrament] as our passover, remembrance of our safety and deliverance and redemption?
“With so very much at stake, this ordinance commemorating our escape from the angel of darkness should be taken more seriously than it sometimes is. It should be a powerful, reverent, reflective moment. It should encourage spiritual feelings and impressions.
Exodus 14
Pharaoh and his army pursue the children of Israel.
The children of Israel are delivered from the army and cross the Red Sea on dry ground;

What did Moses tell the children of Israel when their faith faltered? (v.13-14)

Just as the Lord fulfilled his promise to deliver the Israelites from bondage, he will fulfill his promises to us. 
We should increase our appreciation for the Savior’s atoning sacrifice and partake of the sacrament worthily and thoughtfully, keeping the covenant to “always remember him.

Genesis 34; 37-39 - How Can I Do This Great Wickedness

Introduction
Movie Clip - Worth Waiting for by Jenny Phillips - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR9UWj1q304#

What standards of sexual morality are presented by popoular media items currently today?
How do these standards differ from the Lord's standards as taught in the scriptures and by the Church leaders?
The standards of society can change, the Lord's standards are constant.

Genesis  37
Why were Joseph's brothers jealous of him?  (v.3-4)
His brothers left and went to Schechem.  Schechem was 45 miles away.  Israel sent Joseph to go check on them.
How did Joseph respond to that request? (v.13-14)
He didn't find them in Schechem he found out they were in a Dothan.  Dothan was at least another 12 miles away.
What can we learn about Joseph from this account?
What did Joseph’s brothers conspire to do when Joseph came to the fields where they were feeding the sheep? (v.18)
What did Reuben suggest? (v.21-22)
What did the brothers eventually do with Joseph instead of killing him? (v.28,31-33)
He was then sold into Egypt unto Potiphar (v.36)
How do you react when members of your receive better treatment than you do?
Can anyone share an experience they've had in overcoming feelings of jealousy or anger toward a family member or friend?

What Was Potiphar’s Position?
The Hebrew phrase which is translated as “captain of the guards” literally means “chief of the butchers or slaughterers.” From this meaning some scholars have thought that he was the chief cook or steward in the house of the pharaoh, but other scholars believe that butcher or slaughterer is used in the sense of executioner, and thus Potiphar was the “commanding officer of the royal body-guard, who executed the capital sentences ordered by the king”. Either way, Potiphar was an important man, but the latter position especially would give him great power and status in Egypt.

Genesis 39
How did the Lord bless Joseph after he was sold as a slave? (v.1–4)
Why did Potiphar, a wealthy officer of Pharaoh, put such trust in Joseph, a slave? (v.5–6)
How do the scriptures describe the kind of person Joseph was? (v.6)
What did Joseph do when Potiphar’s wife tried to tempt him to do wrong? (v.9).
How can we follow Joseph’s example when we are tempted?
He said How can I do this great wickedness against God.
He immediately removed himself from the situation
What excuses might Joseph have used if he had wanted to give in to the advances of Potiphar’s wife?
What excuses do people offer today to try to justify moral transgressions?
Why are these excuses not valid justifications?

Potiphar's wife was relentless at tempting Joseph (v.10)
How did Joseph become a prisoner? (v.12–20)
Because Potiphar had great power with the pharaoh and perhaps was even head of the royal executioners (see Reading 8-5), it is remarkable that Joseph was only put into prison and not executed. A slave accused of attempting to rape his master’s wife would seem to have deserved the most severe punishment, and yet Joseph was only imprisoned. Could it be that Potiphar, knowing of Joseph’s character and his wife’s character, suspected the truth and, although he felt compelled to take action, chose comparatively lenient punishment? Whatever the case, the hand of the Lord certainly preserved Joseph from what would otherwise have been almost certain death.

In the world today, how do some people treat others who are virtuous?
How does the world pressure our youth today to be immoral and can our youth resist this pressure?

The scriptures emphasize that while Joseph was in prison, the Lord was with him (v.21–23).
What does this reveal about Joseph?
He continued in faith rather than questioning or blaming God for the imprisonment that resulted from being virtuous.
What can we learn from Joseph about turning bad experiences and circumstances into good ones?
see also Romans 8:28

Elder Hartman Rector Jr. explained: "[The] ability to turn everything into something good appears to be a godly characteristic. Our Heavenly Father always seems able to do this. Everything, no matter how dire, becomes a victory to the Lord. Joseph, although a slave and wholly undeserving of this fate, nevertheless remained faithful to the Lord and continued to live the commandments and made something very good of his degrading circumstances. People like this cannot be defeated".
   
The spiritual greatness of Joseph is a remarkable thing. How many people have become bitter over some real or imagined slight, or blamed the Lord for some personal tragedy? In the very midst of being faithful and holding true to that which is right, Joseph was falsely accused and thrown into prison. How easy it would have been for him to give up, to say, “What’s the use of trying to serve God? All He does is punish me.” But there was not a trace of bitterness, no blaming the Lord. Joseph just continued being righteous and faithful. Unselfishly he offered to interpret the dreams of his two fellow prisoners, telling them that the knowledge came from God (see Genesis 40:8). He still trusted in the Lord, although he must have felt doomed to spend his life in prison. If any person had cause for discouragement and bitterness, it was Joseph, but he never faltered in his faith. Truly, Joseph is a model to be emulated.


Not all of Joseph’s family members and acquaintances were as valiant as Joseph was when facing temptation. 
How did Shechem, Reuben, and Judah react to sexual temptation?

Church leaders have consistently taught that obedience to God’s commandments is true freedom.
How do we see this in the life of Joseph?
How did disobedience result in less freedom for Shechem, Reuben, and Judah?
How can choosing to keep the commandments make us more free than choosing to break them?
see John 8:31–36.