1) Search 2 Samuel 1-10 and make a list of King David’s accomplishments.
Answer:
1) He slays the Amalekite who claims to have killed Saul.
2) David is anointed king over the house of Judah.
3) He slays two of Saul's captains who killed Ishbosheth (a righteous person).
4) All of Israel anoints David to be king and he conquers the Philistines.
5) David takes the ark to the city of David.
6) David defeats and subjects many nations because the Lord is with him very strongly.
7) He wanted to honor the house of Saul.
2) Read 1 Chronicles 22:7-8 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for
2 Samuel 7:1-17, “Why Was David Not Allowed to Build the Temple?” (pgs.
289-90). Write your explanation of why the Lord did not want David to
build a temple.
Answer:
David was not allowed to build a temple because of so much war, violence, and bloodshed was presented in the sight of the Lord. The temple is a very sacred building and all of the war and bloodshed probably lessened the spirit within David thus the Lord knew it was not the right time to build a temple.
3) Read 2 Samuel 7:12-17 and write one or two sentences describing how you
would feel if you were in a situation similar to David’s. Write one or
two sentences describing how 2 Samuel 7:16 is a Messianic prophecy. Then
read 2 Samuel 7:18-29 and summarize David’s response to the Lord’s
message to him.
Answer:
I would most likely feel confused and baffled because building a temple is a righteous act to do. 2 Samuel 7:16 is a Messianic prophecy because it tells about the Lord's kingdom will be established forever. David's response is very respectful and dignified. He obeys what the Lord commands him not to build a temple and is very patient and listens with a broken and contrite heart. David is very humble unto Heavenly Father.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
1 Samuel 9-10. Saul Anointed King in Israel
1. Read 1 Samuel 9-10 and list the qualities of Saul that made him a good choice to be king.
Answer:
1) Saul went to Samuel who was the Prophet then asked him for his help in finding his father’s donkeys.
2) Saul often referred to Samuel for direction and counsel on what would be best to do.
3) He was a wise leader and who showed wisdom and knowledge when he was communicating with people that were against him.
4) Saul was a strong, courageous, and mighty leader to the Israelites.
5) He gave honor to the Lord by thanking Him and praising Him after the victories.
6) Saul was a goodly, humble, and a great young man who was chosen by Heavenly Father.
2. Read Articles of Faith 1:5 and briefly explain in writing how the calling of Saul to be king in Israel follows the same pattern of choosing leaders in the Church today.
Answer: Article of Faith #5: We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
I know in present times that we use these same principles in choosing our prophets and other church leaders. Saul was a righteous man, who was called and chosen to be the king of the Israelites by Heavenly Father. I also believe and know that the men that were chosen and called by God to be our leaders utilize the Holy Ghost to know who else is to be chosen and called in other important positions of the LDS church.
Answer:
1) Saul went to Samuel who was the Prophet then asked him for his help in finding his father’s donkeys.
2) Saul often referred to Samuel for direction and counsel on what would be best to do.
3) He was a wise leader and who showed wisdom and knowledge when he was communicating with people that were against him.
4) Saul was a strong, courageous, and mighty leader to the Israelites.
5) He gave honor to the Lord by thanking Him and praising Him after the victories.
6) Saul was a goodly, humble, and a great young man who was chosen by Heavenly Father.
2. Read Articles of Faith 1:5 and briefly explain in writing how the calling of Saul to be king in Israel follows the same pattern of choosing leaders in the Church today.
Answer: Article of Faith #5: We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
I know in present times that we use these same principles in choosing our prophets and other church leaders. Saul was a righteous man, who was called and chosen to be the king of the Israelites by Heavenly Father. I also believe and know that the men that were chosen and called by God to be our leaders utilize the Holy Ghost to know who else is to be chosen and called in other important positions of the LDS church.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Judges 1-8. “The Lord Raised Them up a Deliverer”
The judges in the book of Judges weren’t the type of judges we have
today. Read Judges 2:16-18. What word would be a good synonym for judge? What were they supposed to do for Israel?
Answer: Honor would be the word I would choose for a synonym for judge. They were supposed to help Israel obey and keep the commandments of the Lord.
After reading Judges 1-3, briefly describe how well the children of Israel obeyed the Lord during the early reign of the judges. Cite several examples from your reading to support your assessment.
Answer: In the beginning, the children of Israel were very obedient. They asked the Lord about leadership and constantly kept the commandments because they knew that they couldn’t receive blessing unless they followed all of His commandments (Judges 1:1). In the future, they stopped listening to His counsel and commandments and the Lord punished them for their disobedience and forgetting Him (Judges 2:2). After they repented of their iniquities they quickly began serving the Lord again (Judges 2.4-5). After Joshua dies again the children of Israel ignore the Lord and His commandments, they worship false Gods, then God quits blessing them (Judges 2).
Read Judges 2:10-15 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Judges 2:12-13, “Who Are Ball and Ashtoreth?” (pgs. 252-53).
Answer: Ball and Ashtoreth are false gods that the children of Israel begin to follow after Joshua dies.
Read Judges 2:10-19 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Judges 2:11-13,
“What Resulted from Israel’s Not Driving the Canaanites Out of the Promised Land?” (pg. 252). Detail in writing what lessons you think parents can learn from these sources.
Answer: A valuable lesson for parents to learn is that if you take the Lord for granted then the Lord he will no longer bless your life. I do think that parents need to remember not to worship worldly things that aren’t God, this is an example that needs to be set by parents for later generations. Tribulations and trials will come either way, but depending on how much parents obey the Lord they will either be strengthened and progress or continue to neglect and not teach their children about God.
Answer: Honor would be the word I would choose for a synonym for judge. They were supposed to help Israel obey and keep the commandments of the Lord.
After reading Judges 1-3, briefly describe how well the children of Israel obeyed the Lord during the early reign of the judges. Cite several examples from your reading to support your assessment.
Answer: In the beginning, the children of Israel were very obedient. They asked the Lord about leadership and constantly kept the commandments because they knew that they couldn’t receive blessing unless they followed all of His commandments (Judges 1:1). In the future, they stopped listening to His counsel and commandments and the Lord punished them for their disobedience and forgetting Him (Judges 2:2). After they repented of their iniquities they quickly began serving the Lord again (Judges 2.4-5). After Joshua dies again the children of Israel ignore the Lord and His commandments, they worship false Gods, then God quits blessing them (Judges 2).
Read Judges 2:10-15 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Judges 2:12-13, “Who Are Ball and Ashtoreth?” (pgs. 252-53).
Answer: Ball and Ashtoreth are false gods that the children of Israel begin to follow after Joshua dies.
Read Judges 2:10-19 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Judges 2:11-13,
“What Resulted from Israel’s Not Driving the Canaanites Out of the Promised Land?” (pg. 252). Detail in writing what lessons you think parents can learn from these sources.
Answer: A valuable lesson for parents to learn is that if you take the Lord for granted then the Lord he will no longer bless your life. I do think that parents need to remember not to worship worldly things that aren’t God, this is an example that needs to be set by parents for later generations. Tribulations and trials will come either way, but depending on how much parents obey the Lord they will either be strengthened and progress or continue to neglect and not teach their children about God.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Deuteronomy 2-3, 7, 9, 20, 25. Israel Commanded to Destroy the Wicked
Read Deuteronomy 20:17 and make a list of the different nations the Lord
identified in these verses. Then read Deuteronomy 2:15, 7:2, 12:2-3,
and write a paragraph about what the Lord commanded Israel to do with
these nations.
Answer: Different nations identified: The Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
The Lord commanded that these nations be destroyed until they were consumed. They were to be destroyed completely and Israel was to make no covenant with them plus show them no mercy. Everyplace was to be destroyed which included the mountains, hills, and under every green tree. Israel had to overthrow their alters, break their pillars, burn their groves with fire, and ruin the graven images of their gods. Basically, it sounded to me like a total annihilation of these wicked nations and nothing was to remain after the destruction.
Read Deuteronomy 9:4-5 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Deuteronomy 7:1-5, “Why Did the Lord Command the Israelites to Utterly Destroy the Canaanites?” (pg. 219). Add to your previous paragraph any other reasons why these nations were destroyed.
Answer: The Canaanites were a very idolatrous and wicked nation. They worshiped false gods and were very evil and this is why the Lord commanded the Israelites to utterly destroy the Canaanites.
Many of the sins found among the people living in Canaan are prevalent in today’s society. Write a paragraph explaining how you think we can protect ourselves from these sins.
Answer: We can protect ourselves from the sins committed by the Canaanites in today's world by simply choosing the right. This would include worshiping only God, obeying and following the commandments of Heavenly Father, being a righteous people, serving one another, etc. Things not to do would include being "of the world" instead of being "in the world", becoming proud and thinking you don't need God, being selfish and only thinking of yourself, etc. God is great and without Him a lot of things could not be accomplished.
Answer: Different nations identified: The Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
The Lord commanded that these nations be destroyed until they were consumed. They were to be destroyed completely and Israel was to make no covenant with them plus show them no mercy. Everyplace was to be destroyed which included the mountains, hills, and under every green tree. Israel had to overthrow their alters, break their pillars, burn their groves with fire, and ruin the graven images of their gods. Basically, it sounded to me like a total annihilation of these wicked nations and nothing was to remain after the destruction.
Read Deuteronomy 9:4-5 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Deuteronomy 7:1-5, “Why Did the Lord Command the Israelites to Utterly Destroy the Canaanites?” (pg. 219). Add to your previous paragraph any other reasons why these nations were destroyed.
Answer: The Canaanites were a very idolatrous and wicked nation. They worshiped false gods and were very evil and this is why the Lord commanded the Israelites to utterly destroy the Canaanites.
Many of the sins found among the people living in Canaan are prevalent in today’s society. Write a paragraph explaining how you think we can protect ourselves from these sins.
Answer: We can protect ourselves from the sins committed by the Canaanites in today's world by simply choosing the right. This would include worshiping only God, obeying and following the commandments of Heavenly Father, being a righteous people, serving one another, etc. Things not to do would include being "of the world" instead of being "in the world", becoming proud and thinking you don't need God, being selfish and only thinking of yourself, etc. God is great and without Him a lot of things could not be accomplished.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Numbers 6: Nazarite Vows
- Read Numbers 6:2-6, 14, 18; Judges 13:5, 24; 1 Samuel 1:11, 19-20, 28; Luke 1:13-15 as well as the Bible Dictionary entry for “Nazarite” (pg. 737) and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Numbers 6:1-21, “What Was a Nazarite?” (pg. 199). Then answer the following questions in writing:
• Who were some famous Nazarites from scripture?
Read Alma 5:57. Then write a paragraph about how the Lord wants Latter-day Saints to live differently from the world today.
The requirements of a Nazarite was to abstain absolutely from wine or strong drink (alcohol/liquor), including any products of the vine in any form, he would not let a razor touch his head, but would let his hair grow naturally as a crown to Heavenly Father, and he would not allow himself to get near a dead person (even a member of his own family). His life and efforts were completely and expressly dedicated to the Lord. These vows could be for a lifetime, but more often it was for a specific time period. Some famous Nazarites from scripture were Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist.
The Lord wants Latter-day Saints to live differently from the world today in the following ways. He wants the Latter-day Saints to not touch unclean things of the world, be "in the world" and not "of the world", he wants us to live righteous lives, and Latter-day Saints should be a peculiar people and set good examples unto other people on earth.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Leviticus 16: The Day of Atonement
a. Leviticus 16 explains the details of what is referred to as the Day of Atonement (see Leviticus 23:27-28). Write a definition for the primary purpose of this special day.
Answer: The Day of Atonement is a day of spiritual cleaning. It is a Sabbath day of repentance and no work is supposed to be done on this Day of Atonement. People would humble their souls on this special day.
b. Read Leviticus 16:1-28 as well as the Institute Student Manual commentary for Leviticus 16, “The Day of Atonement and Israel’s Forgiveness” (pgs. 176-77; see also Bible Dictionary, “Fasts,” 671, which describes the Day of Atonement). Then answer the following questions:
He needed two goats because one goat was for slaughter and one goat was kept alive. The goat that was slaughtered resembled the sin offering and the goat kept alive resembled the sins of the nation laid upon his head.
The slaughtered goat represents Jesus Christ and the goat that was kept alive represents His Atonement.
Aaron’s responsibilities represent Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the highest priest and officiates for all mankind. He provides a way for us to be forgiven. The man who leads the scapegoat away represents us. We must lead our sins away and lose them forever.
The word vicarious means acting or serving in place of someone or something else. Therefore, vicarious, as applied to the ancient Day of Atonement means that there was an officiator and people who stood in to act for a large amount of people. The offerings and purpose of standing in for all of the people must be given with a broken heart and contrite spirit. If performed like this then the Lord will accept the offering for everyone.
Answer: The Day of Atonement is a day of spiritual cleaning. It is a Sabbath day of repentance and no work is supposed to be done on this Day of Atonement. People would humble their souls on this special day.
b. Read Leviticus 16:1-28 as well as the Institute Student Manual commentary for Leviticus 16, “The Day of Atonement and Israel’s Forgiveness” (pgs. 176-77; see also Bible Dictionary, “Fasts,” 671, which describes the Day of Atonement). Then answer the following questions:
- Why do you think Aaron needed to make atonement for himself before making atonement for the people?
- Why did Aaron need two goats?
- How could both goats represent Jesus Christ and His Atonement?
- What do Aaron's responsibilities and the responsibilities of the man who led the scapegoat into the wilderness symbolize?
- Read the Institute Student Manual commentary by Elder James E. Talmage (1862-1933), a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (pg. 177). Define the word vicarious as it applied to the ancient Day of Atonement. Include in your statement the personal factor necessary for an individual’s sins to be forgiven. Explain in writing how the Savior’s work of the Atonement was a vicarious work.
He needed two goats because one goat was for slaughter and one goat was kept alive. The goat that was slaughtered resembled the sin offering and the goat kept alive resembled the sins of the nation laid upon his head.
The slaughtered goat represents Jesus Christ and the goat that was kept alive represents His Atonement.
Aaron’s responsibilities represent Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the highest priest and officiates for all mankind. He provides a way for us to be forgiven. The man who leads the scapegoat away represents us. We must lead our sins away and lose them forever.
The word vicarious means acting or serving in place of someone or something else. Therefore, vicarious, as applied to the ancient Day of Atonement means that there was an officiator and people who stood in to act for a large amount of people. The offerings and purpose of standing in for all of the people must be given with a broken heart and contrite spirit. If performed like this then the Lord will accept the offering for everyone.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Exodus 20:3-17 The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17)
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. *Love God
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image. *Love God
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. *Love God
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. *Love God
5. Honor thy father and thy mother. *Love God
6. Thou shalt not kill. *Love neighbor
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery. *Love neighbor
8. Thou shalt not steal. *Love neighbor
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. *Love neighbor
10. Thou shalt not covet. *Love neighbor
The Two Great Commandments (Matthew 22:37 and 39 respectively)
1. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (Love God)
2. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (Love neighbor)
Three of the Ten Commandments that are most commonly neglected by the world.
1. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
3. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
The world would be a more spiritual place if people obeyed these commandments that are most commonly neglected. People need to be very careful not to worship worldly possessions such as clothes, houses, automobiles, educational degrees, titles held by him or herself, money, etc. We need to worship God only and not worship worldly items. In today's world it is not difficult to find people saying Heavenly Father's name in vain. Television or movies is a great example of where this happens a lot. We need to be careful of what we watch either on TV or at the movies. Good and wholesome movies and TV shows should be our first choice when viewing for entertainment. For some people Sunday is just another day to get work done or make money. It should not be like this because it is the Lord's day and should be a day of spiritual uplifting. No physical labor should be done on Sunday and each of us need to be fed spiritually. To sum up, the world would be a more peaceful and tranquil place if more people heeded to these commandments.
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. *Love God
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image. *Love God
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. *Love God
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. *Love God
5. Honor thy father and thy mother. *Love God
6. Thou shalt not kill. *Love neighbor
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery. *Love neighbor
8. Thou shalt not steal. *Love neighbor
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. *Love neighbor
10. Thou shalt not covet. *Love neighbor
The Two Great Commandments (Matthew 22:37 and 39 respectively)
1. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (Love God)
2. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (Love neighbor)
Three of the Ten Commandments that are most commonly neglected by the world.
1. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
3. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
The world would be a more spiritual place if people obeyed these commandments that are most commonly neglected. People need to be very careful not to worship worldly possessions such as clothes, houses, automobiles, educational degrees, titles held by him or herself, money, etc. We need to worship God only and not worship worldly items. In today's world it is not difficult to find people saying Heavenly Father's name in vain. Television or movies is a great example of where this happens a lot. We need to be careful of what we watch either on TV or at the movies. Good and wholesome movies and TV shows should be our first choice when viewing for entertainment. For some people Sunday is just another day to get work done or make money. It should not be like this because it is the Lord's day and should be a day of spiritual uplifting. No physical labor should be done on Sunday and each of us need to be fed spiritually. To sum up, the world would be a more peaceful and tranquil place if more people heeded to these commandments.
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