Lesson 27: The Influence of Wicked and Righteous Leaders - Scriptures and Quotes

Lesson 27: The Influence of Wicked and Righteous Leaders

Reading 1 – 1 Kings 11:42-43

Reading 2 – 1 Kings 12:1-4

Reading 3 – 1 Kings 12:6-7

Mosiah 2:12-14

Reading 4 – 1 Kings 12:8-11

Reading 5 – 1 Kings 12:12-20

1 Kings 11:38

1 Kings 14:22-23

Reading 6 – 2 Chronicles 17:3-6

Reading 7 – 2 Chronicles 17:7-9

Reading 8 - President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “Often we spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our stakes. We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending sacrament meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage of our young men on missions. We strive to improve the numbers of those marrying in the temple. All of these are commendable efforts and important to the growth of the kingdom. But when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 44)

Reading 9 – 2 Chronicles 20:3-13

2 Chronicles 20:14-17

2 Chronicles 20:20-23

The Influence of Wicked and Righteous Leaders - Study Assignment

“Lesson 27: The Influence of Wicked and Righteous Leaders,” Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 18–19

1 Kings 12–14; 2 Chronicles 17; 20

Study the following scriptures:

a. 1 Kings 12:1–20. Rehoboam succeeds his father, Solomon, as king over the twelve tribes of Israel. He rejects the counsel of wise men to serve his people, seeking instead to impose greater burdens on them (12:1–15). The kingdom is divided as ten tribes revolt (12:16–19; the ten tribes retain the title kingdom of Israel, while the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remain under Rehoboam’s rule and are called the kingdom of Judah). The kingdom of Israel selects Jeroboam as king (12:20).

b. 1 Kings 12:25–33; 13:33–34; 14:14–16, 21–24. Jeroboam leads his people into idolatry (12:25–33; 13:33–34). A prophet foretells the destruction of Jeroboam’s family and the scattering of Israel (14:14–16). Rehoboam leads the kingdom of Judah into idolatry (14:21–24).

c. 2 Chronicles 17:1–10; 20:1–30. Jehoshaphat, Rehoboam’s great-grandson, reigns righteously in the kingdom of Judah (17:1–10). As Judah’s enemies come against them, Jehoshaphat and his people fast and pray. The Lord tells them the battle is not theirs, but his. Their attackers war among themselves and destroy each other (20:1–30).

• What counsel did the older men give Rehoboam about ruling successfully? (See 1 Kings 12:6–7; 2 Chronicles 10:7.) How can we apply this counsel at home, at work, at school, and in the Church?

• Jehoshaphat influenced the people of Judah to humble themselves before the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:3–4). What examples have you seen of righteous leadership? What can we do to influence those we serve to live righteously?

Additional reading: 1 Kings 11:26–40; 2 Kings 17:20–23.

Lesson 26 - Solomon - Man of Wisdom, Man of Foolishness

Purpose
To encourage class members to use their blessings wisely and to enter the temple worthily.

Attention Activity

Question on the Board: Why Does Satan Sometimes Find It Effective to Attack us

Reading Number One - Elder Dallin H. Oaks:
“We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot. … But weakness is not our only vulnerability. Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong—in the very areas where we are proud of our strengths. He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses” (“Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Ensign, Oct. 1994, 12).

• What are some strengths that could become our downfall?

This lesson is about King Solomon, a man who received great gifts from God but eventually used those gifts unrighteously.

Think about incidents that show the gradual decline of Solomon. We are not doing this to judge him but rather are looking for his flaws to learn from his mistakes.


As we read the following scripture passages, think about how they apply to daily life. Share experiences that relate to the scriptural principles.

Just before David died, Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon as the new king. Solomon, who was a son of David and Bathsheba, received the following counsel from his father:

“I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the Lord they God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself. (1 Kings 2:2-3)

This is very similar to the counsel given by Lehi, who said to his sons:

And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity. (2 Nephi 1:21)
I. The Lord blesses Solomon with wisdom, riches, and honor.

1 Kings 3:5–28

• Soon after Solomon became king, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,

“Ask what I shall give thee” (1 Kings 3:5).

What did Solomon ask for? (See 1 Kings 3:9.)

What does it mean to have an “understanding heart”? (See 1 Kings 3:28; 1 Kings 4:29.)

Why did Solomon feel a special need for that blessing? (See 1 Kings 3:7–8.)

How would having “the wisdom of God” help us with our responsibilities at home? at work? at school? in the Church? How can we receive this wisdom?

• Why was the Lord pleased with Solomon’s request for an understanding heart?

(See 1 Kings 3:11–12. Solomon asked for a gift that would help him serve others rather than a gift with selfish purposes.)

What are some spiritual gifts we may seek? (See D&C 46:13–26.)

On what conditions does the Lord give gifts of the Spirit? (See 1 Kings 3:14; D&C 46:8–12.)

How can we use these gifts to serve others?

• What additional blessings did the Lord grant Solomon? (See 1 Kings 3:13–14.) How might these blessings be used to serve others?
• What was the first situation requiring King Solomon’s judgment? (See 1 Kings 3:16–22.)

How did Solomon solve the problem? (See 1 Kings 3:23–28.)

How did Solomon’s solution show that the Lord had blessed him with wisdom?

II. King Solomon directs the construction of a great temple and has a palace built for himself.

1 Kings 5–6; 1 Kings 7:1–12.

• As commanded by the Lord, Solomon directed that a temple be constructed. (briefly review 1 Kings 5:1–6, 1 Kings 5:17–18; 1 Kings 6:15–36 to emphasize the elaborate nature of the temple.) Why do you think Solomon used such fine material to build the temple?

• How did the builders show reverence for the temple during its construction? (See 1 Kings 6:7.)

• How did Solomon use his wisdom, riches, and honor to ensure proper construction of the temple?

(See 1 Kings 5:1–12. Because of these blessings he was able to obtain building materials and enlist the help of skillful laborers in the construction of the temple.)

• What promise did the Lord give Solomon regarding the temple? (See 1 Kings 6:11–13.)

What similar promise has the Lord given us today? (See D&C 97:15–17.)


• Solomon also had a house built for himself.

How did the size of his house compare to the size of the house of the Lord?

(See 1 Kings 6:2–3; 1 Kings 7:2, 6–7.) How does this use of riches show Solomon’s gradual decline?

III. Solomon dedicates the temple.

1 Kings 8:22–66; 1 Kings 9:1–9.

• After seven years of construction, the temple was dedicated.

What are some of the things Solomon prayed for in the dedicatory prayer? (See 1 Kings 8:22–53.)

You may want to list class members’ answers on the chalkboard. Answers may include the following:

a. Answers to prayers (1 Kings 8:28–30, 1 Kings 8:49–52)
b. Forgiveness (1 Kings 8:33–39)
c. Rain (1 Kings 8:35–36)
d. Help during famine and sickness (1 Kings 8:37)
e. Help in battle (1 Kings 8:44–45)

• In his dedicatory prayer Solomon prayed for the Lord to help his people through many difficult problems.

How can temple attendance help us when we are weighed down with problems?

Reading Number Two - President Ezra Taft Benson said: “In the peace of these lovely temples, sometimes we find solutions to the serious problems of life. Under the influence of the Spirit, sometimes pure knowledge flows to us there. Temples are places of personal revelation. When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I have gone to the House of the Lord with a prayer in my heart for answers. These answers have come in clear and unmistakable ways” (“What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children about the Temple,” Ensign, Aug. 1985, 8).


• Solomon prayed that the temple would help lead unbelievers to the Lord (1 Kings 8:41–43).

How might a temple do this? (Please share examples of how you or others have become interested in the Church because of their interest in temples.)

• After Solomon offered the dedicatory prayer, he counseled his people, “Let your heart … be perfect with the Lord our God” (1 Kings 8:61).

What do you think it means to have a heart that is “perfect with the Lord”?

How can temple attendance help us perfect our hearts?

• What can we do to keep the influence of the temple strong in our lives?


(Answers may include: Attend frequently where possible, keep a current recommend, and display pictures of temples in our homes.)


• What did the people do after the temple was dedicated?

(See 1 Kings 8:62–66.)

What was the attitude of the people as they returned to their homes after the temple dedication and the 14 days of worship?

(See 1 Kings 8:66.)

How do you feel when you return home from the temple?


• What was the Lord’s message when he visited Solomon after the dedication of the temple?

(See 1 Kings 9:3–9. See also 1 Kings 6:11–13. Note that the Lord made a similar statement during the construction of the temple.)

Why do you think Solomon needed to be reminded of his covenants? How does the Lord remind us of our covenants?


IV. Solomon becomes excessively wealthy and marries many non-Israelite women who persuade him to worship idols.
1 Kings 10–11.


• How did Solomon’s riches and honor increase after the temple was built? (See 1 Kings 10:1–15, 1 Kings 10:24–25.)

How did Solomon misuse these blessings?

(See 1 Kings 10:16–23, 1 Kings 10:26–29. (He used them to build up his own kingdom rather than God’s kingdom.)

How should wisdom, riches, and honor be used? (See Jacob 2:18–19.)
• How did Solomon’s choice of wives show that he had turned away from God? (See 1 Kings 11:1–2. He married out of the covenant.)

What did Solomon’s non-Israelite wives influence him to do? (See 1 Kings 11:3–8.

Note that in the Joseph Smith Translation, verse 4 says that Solomon’s heart “became as the heart of David his father” and verse 6 says that “Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, as David his father.”)


• What did the Lord do when Solomon broke his covenants and turned away? (See 1 Kings 11:9–14, 1 Kings 11:23–25, 1 Kings 11:33–36.)


• How do you think the blessings of wisdom, riches, and honor contributed to Solomon’s downfall?

How have you seen these strengths contribute to the downfall of people today?

How can we ensure that our strengths do not become a downfall for us? (See 1 Kings 8:61; D&C 88:67.)

Reading Number Three - Elder Dallin H. Oaks said:
“How … do we prevent our strengths from becoming our downfall? The quality we must cultivate is humility. Humility is the great protector. Humility is the antidote against pride. Humility is the catalyst for all learning, especially spiritual things. Through the prophet Moroni, the Lord gave us this great insight into the role of humility: ‘I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them’ (Ether 12:27).
“We might also say that if men and women humble themselves before God, he will help them prevent their strengths from becoming weaknesses that the adversary can exploit to destroy them. …
“… If we are humble and teachable, hearkening to the commandments of God, the counsel of his leaders, and the promptings of his Spirit, we can be guided in how to use our spiritual gifts, our accomplishments, and all of our other strengths for righteousness. And we can be guided in how to avoid Satan’s efforts to use our strengths to cause our downfall.
“In all of this, we should remember and rely on the Lord’s direction and promise: ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers’ (D&C 112:10)” (“Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Ensign, Oct. 1994, 19).
Conclusion
I am for the spiritual and material blessings the Lord has given me and for the temple. We must humble ourselves before the Lord so we can use our blessings wisely and enter the temple worthily.

1. “That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren” (Deuteronomy 17:20)
• Have a class member read aloud Deuteronomy 17:14–20. How would application of this scripture have changed Solomon’s life and the lives of the people in his kingdom?


2. Dedicatory prayers for temples


If you have attended a temple dedication, ask one or two of them to tell about their experience. Share two or three insights from the dedicatory prayer of a latter-day temple. (Doctrine and Covenants D&C 109 contains the prayer offered at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. Dedicatory prayers of newly dedicated temples are sometimes printed in the Ensign.)

• How should dedicatory prayers influence our personal lives?


President Joseph Fielding Smith said, “When we dedicate a house to the Lord, what we really do is dedicate ourselves to the Lord’s service, with a covenant that we shall use the house in the way He intends that it shall be used” (Church News, 22 Jan. 1972, 3).

Reading Assignment for Sunday July 11, 2010 - Lesson 26 Old Testament

“Lesson 26: King Solomon: Man of Wisdom, Man of Foolishness,”

Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 18

1 Kings 3; 5–11

Study the following scriptures:



a. 1 Kings 3:5–28. Solomon succeeds his father, David, as king, and follows the Lord. The Lord appears to Solomon and blesses him with wisdom, riches, and honor (3:5–15). Two women take a child to Solomon, who wisely determines which woman is the mother of the child (3:16–28).


b. 1 Kings 5–6; 7:1–12. King Solomon directs the construction of a great temple (5–6). He has a palace built for himself (7:1–12).


c. 1 Kings 8:22–66; 9:1–9. Solomon dedicates the temple and asks the Lord to bless the Israelites with spiritual and temporal prosperity (8:22–66). The Lord again appears to Solomon, promising to bless the Israelites if they serve him but to curse them if they turn to other gods (9:1–9).


d. 1 Kings 10–11. Solomon’s fame grows because of his wealth and wisdom (10:1–13, 24–25). He becomes excessively wealthy (10:14–23, 26). He marries many non-Israelite women who persuade him to worship false gods (11:1–10). The Lord stirs up adversaries against Solomon (11:11–25). A prophet foretells that the kingdom of Israel will be divided because of Solomon’s wickedness (11:26–40).



• What does it mean to have an “understanding heart”? (See 1 Kings 3:28; 4:29.) Why did Solomon feel a special need for that blessing? (See 1 Kings 3:7–8.) How would having “the wisdom of God” help us with our responsibilities at home, at work, at school, and in the Church? How can we receive this wisdom?


• What promise did the Lord give Solomon regarding the temple? (See 1 Kings 6:11–13.) What similar promise has the Lord given us today? (See D&C 97:15–17.) What can we do to keep the influence of the temple strong in our lives?


• How did Solomon’s riches and honor increase after the temple was built? (See 1 Kings 10:1–15, 24–25.) How did Solomon misuse these blessings? (See 1 Kings 10:16–23, 26–29.) How should wisdom, riches, and honor be used? (See Jacob 2:18–19.)

Additional reading: 1 Kings 2:1–12; 4:29–34; 7:13–51; 1 Chronicles 29; Doctrine and Covenants 46.

Lesson 25 - Let Every Thing That Hath Breath Praise the Lord

Psalms

What doctrine if understood will help us want to show gratitude for the Savior and for the many blessings that he and our Heavenly Father have given us? The Atonement.



"Who shall ascend unto the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart? (Psalm 24:3-4) -- This photo is of the West Indies Mission Zone Leaders in June 2008, hiking to the top of a mountain for a gospel doctrine lesson to be taught by Sister Robison.

Many of the psalms express gratitude for blessings the Lord has given. Part of this lesson focuses on those blessings and on what we can do to show our gratitude for them.
*

2. Read Psalm 23 aloud.


• What feelings are expressed in this psalm? What are your feelings as you read or listen to this psalm?


Share a favorite psalm and tell why it is important to you.

Scripture Discussion and Application

Share experiences that relate to the scriptural principles.

The book of Psalms is a collection of poems originally sung as praises or petitions to God. Many were written by David. This book is like a hymnal from ancient Israel. Its lyrics constitute some of the world’s best inspirational literature, expressing faith in the Lord and an earnest desire to live righteously.

1. Prophecies of the life and mission of Jesus Christ

Many psalms prophesy of Christ’s mission as the Messiah. The resurrected Savior declared, “All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me” (Luke 24:44). Think about the fulfillment of a few of the following prophecies about Christ that are written in the book of Psalms:

Prophecy


Fulfillment


Psalm 107:23–30


Matthew 8:23–27. Jesus calmed the winds and the waves.


Psalm 69:8


John 1:11; 7:5. Jesus was not received by his own people.


Psalm 41:9; 55:12–14


John 13:18, 21. Jesus was betrayed by a friend.


Psalm 69:20


Mark 14:32–41. Jesus suffered alone in Gethsemane.


Psalm 22:7–8


Matthew 27:39–43. Jesus was mocked.


Psalm 22:16


Mark 15:25. Jesus was crucified.


Psalm 22:18


Matthew 27:35. The soldiers cast lots for Christ’s clothes.


Psalm 22:1


Matthew 27:46. Jesus asked the Father why he had forsaken him.


Psalm 69:21


John 19:28–30. Jesus was given vinegar for his thirst.


Psalm 34:20


John 19:33–36. None of Jesus’ bones was broken.


Psalm 31:5


Luke 23:46. Jesus commended his spirit to the Father and died.


Psalm 16:10


Acts 2:31–32; 13:34–35. The Savior’s flesh did not see corruption, being raised up in the Resurrection.




• Jesus Christ is the only person whose birth, life, death, and resurrection were prophesied before his birth.

Why do you think such detailed prophecies were given about the Savior’s life? (These prophecies made it clear that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world.)

How were these prophecies a blessing to those who received them? (The prophecies helped people learn of the Savior and gain testimonies of him even before he was born [see Mosiah 3:13]. The prophecies also helped some people recognize him when he came.)

2. “The Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee” (Psalm 116:7).

In addition to prophesying of the Savior’s life and mission, many psalms express gratitude for blessings such as the creation of heaven and earth; the Savior’s mercy, forgiveness, and love; the scriptures; and the temple.
The Creation of Heaven and Earth

Ponder the following psalms that express gratitude to the Lord for the creation of heaven and earth:


Psalm 19:1


Psalm 104:5–7, 14, 24


Psalm 136:3–9



• How does the creation of heaven and earth testify of God’s power and love? (See Alma 30:44; Moses 6:63.)

How can we show gratitude for the gift of the Creation?

The Savior’s Mercy, Forgiveness, and Love

Think about some of the following psalms that express gratitude to the Savior for his mercy, forgiveness, and love:



Psalm 23

Psalm 59:16


Psalm 78:38


Psalm 86:5, 13


Psalm 100:4–5


Psalm 103:2–4, 8–11, 17–18



• What can we learn about the Lord from these psalms? Think about how you have come to know of the Lord’s mercy, forgiveness, and love.


• What impresses you about David’s plea for forgiveness in Psalm 51? What does this psalm teach us about repentance and forgiveness?

(Note the first words in verses 2, 7, and 12. These words describe important aspects of repentance. Note also verse 17, which describes the condition of heart we must have to truly repent.)

The Scriptures

Ponder the following psalms that express gratitude to the Lord for the scriptures:



Psalm 19:7–11


Psalm 119



• What words did David use in Psalm 19:7–10 to describe the scriptures? (Synonyms for the scriptures include law, testimony, statutes, commandment, and judgments. Adjectives describing the scriptures include perfect, sure, right, pure, true, and righteous. The scriptures are also described as more desired than gold and sweeter than honey.)


• What blessings can the scriptures bring into our lives, as recorded in Psalm 19:7–11? List these blessings:


a. They convert our souls (verse 7).


b. They make the simple wise (verse 7).


c. They cause our hearts to rejoice (verse 8).


d. They enlighten our eyes (verse 8).


e. They give us warning (verse 11).


• How have the scriptures blessed your life in these or in other ways?


• The Psalmist exclaimed to the Lord, “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97; see also verses 15–16, 33–35, 40, 47–50, 72, 92, 104, 174). How can we develop such a love for the scriptures?


• How are the scriptures like “a lamp unto [our] feet, and a light unto [our] path”? (Psalm 119:105).

The Temple

Ponder the following psalms about the temple:



Psalm 5:7


Psalm 15:1–3


Psalm 24


Psalm 27:4


Psalm 65:4


Psalm 84:1–2, 4, 10–12


Psalm 122


Psalm 134



• What can we learn about the temple from these psalms? What can we learn about preparing ourselves to go to the temple?

Sing or read the words to “We Love Thy House, O God” (Hymns,no. 247).

3. “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?” (Psalm 116:12)



• In Psalm 116:12, David asked, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?” How did David answer this question?

a. “I will take the cup of salvation” (116:13).


b. “I will … call upon the name of the Lord” (116:13).


c. “O Lord, truly I am thy servant” (116:16).


d. “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving” (116:17).


e. “I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the Lord’s house” (116:18–19).
*

• How can we apply David’s answers in showing gratitude to the Lord?

4. “Trust in the Lord” (Psalm 4:5)

*

• “Trust in the Lord” is one of the most common admonitions in the book of Psalms (Psalm 4:5; 5:11; 9:10; 18:2; 56:11; 62:8; 118:8–9). How do we place our trust in the Lord? How have you been blessed as you have trusted him?

Conclusion

The psalms bear powerful witness of the divine mission of Jesus Christ. They also remind us of the great blessings that he and our Heavenly Father have given us. And they suggest ways we can express gratitude for those blessings.

Read the final Psalm (Psalm 150) to summarize the message of the book of Psalms.



1. Latter-day hymns inspired by Old Testament psalms

The hymnbook could be viewed as our latter-day equivalent of the psalms. Sing a latter-day hymn that was inspired by an Old Testament psalm. Some of these hymns are “The Lord Is My Shepherd” (Hymns,no. 108; Psalm 23), “The Lord Is My Light” (Hymns,no. 89; Psalm 27:1), “How Great Thou Art” (Hymns,no. 86; Psalm 8:3–9; 9:1–2), and “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (Hymns,no. 72; Psalm 23:6; 150).

2. Blessings of singing hymns



• What are some of the main topics of our latter-day hymns? (Answers may include the Savior, our duties as Church members, enduring to the end, faith, home and family, love, missionary work, prayer, priesthood, prophets, the restoration of the gospel, the sacrament, service, enduring trials, and Zion.) How does singing hymns bless us? (See D&C 25:12.)


What are some of the ways that singing hymns can bless us:


a. Hymns lift our spirits.


b. Hymns inspire us to live more righteously.


c. Hymns remind us of our blessings.


d. Hymns give us an opportunity to sing praises to the Lord.


e. Hymns give us a way to bear testimony.


f. Hymns help us recommit ourselves to the Lord.


g. Hymns help us feel the Spirit.


h. Hymns help us be more in tune with our Heavenly Father.


i. Hymns help us learn and teach the gospel.


The First Presidency said:


“Inspirational music is an essential part of our church meetings. The hymns invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord.


“Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end” (Hymns,ix).

• Several psalms speak of singing as making a “joyful noise unto the Lord” (Psalm 98:4; 100:1; see also 66:1; 95:1–2). How can we make better use of hymn singing in our Church meetings and homes, ensuring that it is joyful and meaningful?


• At the Last Supper, Jesus and his Apostles sang a hymn (Matthew 26:30). How do you think singing a hymn helped Jesus and his Apostles prepare to fulfill the work that was before them?


• Just before the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred in Carthage Jail, he asked John Taylor to sing “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” (Hymns,no. 29; see also B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 2:282–84). How do you think the singing of this hymn helped the Prophet?

3. Poetic parallelism in the psalms

Your study of the psalms may be enriched by an understanding of the poetic techniques that David and other Hebrew poets used. One of these techniques is parallelism. One common characteristic of parallelism is the repetition of a thought in different words. Such repetition expands or intensifies the meaning of an idea. One example of this kind of parallelism is Psalm 102:1–2, in which the same thought is expressed in different words five times (“hear my prayer,” “let my cry come unto thee,” “hide not thy face from me,” “incline thine ear unto me,” and “in the day when I call answer me speedily”). See how repetition intensifies the message.

Reading Assignment for Sunday July 4, 2010 - Lesson 25 Old Testament

Lesson 25: “Let Every Thing That Hath Breath Praise the Lord”, Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 17

Psalms




Study the scriptures discussed here and as much of the book of Psalms as you can.

The book of Psalms is a collection of poems originally sung as praises or petitions to God. Many were written by David. This book is like a hymnal from ancient Israel.

Many psalms prophesy of Christ’s mission as the Messiah. Note the fulfillment of the following prophecies about Christ that are written in the book of Psalms:

Prophecy


Fulfillment


Psalm 69:20


Mark 14:32–41


Psalm 22:7–8


Matthew 27:39–43


Psalm 22:16


Mark 15:25


Psalm 22:18


Matthew 27:35


Psalm 22:1


Matthew 27:46


Psalm 16:10


Acts 2:31–32; 13:34–35


Read the following psalms that express gratitude to the Savior for his mercy, forgiveness, and love: Psalms 23; 51; 59:16; 78:38; 86:5, 13; 100:4–5; 103:2–4, 8–11, 17–18.

Read the following psalms that teach the importance of trusting in the Lord: Psalms 4:5; 5:11; 9:10; 18:2; 56:11; 62:8; 118:8–9.

Read the following psalms about the temple: Psalms 5:7; 15:1–3; 24; 27:4; 65:4; 84:1–2, 4, 10–12; 122; 134.

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Lesson 24

What doctrine if understood, would change our behavior to create in each of us a clean heart?


Attention Grabber: 1 Samuel 25 - The Story of Abigail, second wife of David

Read this chapter and compare Abigail's actions to the the Atonement. Abigail took upon herself the transgressions of her husband, although she herself was blameless.

Also, out of concern for the future king of the land, Abigail taught David a lesson convincing him that it was wrong to kill her husband, Nabal.

Today's reading material comes primarily from 2 Samuel 11–12; Psalm 51

Purpose of Today's Lesson

To encourage each of us to be chaste in thought and action and to repent of their sins.

Background

a. 2 Samuel 11. David commits adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah (11:1–5). David fails in his attempt to hide his sin (2 Samuel 11:6–13). He arranges for Uriah to die in battle (11:14–17). David marries Bathsheba, and they have a son (11:26–27).
b. 2 Samuel 12:1–23. The prophet Nathan teaches of the severity of David’s sins by telling David a parable (12:1–6). David is told that he will be punished because of his sins (12:7–14; note that in the Joseph Smith Translation of verse 13, Nathan states, “The Lord hath not put away thy sin that thou shalt not die”). The first son of David and Bathsheba dies in infancy (12:15–23).
c. Psalm 51. A repentant David seeks forgiveness.
d. 1 Samuel 25 through 2 Samuel 10 provide important information about the historical setting for this lesson. Since these chapters are not covered in this manual, here is a summary:

Soon after David spared Saul’s life, Saul sought David’s life one more time. Again David had the opportunity to kill the king, but he refused to do so.
Battles continued between the people of Judah and the surrounding nations, and Saul and Jonathan were killed in one of those battles.
David succeeded Saul as king and became one of the greatest kings in the history of Israel.
He united the tribes into one nation, secured possession of the land that had been promised to his people, and set up a government based on God’s law. However, the last 20 years of his life were marred by the sinful decisions that are discussed in this lesson.

1. David commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges the death of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband.

2 Samuel 11.
• David was walking on his roof when he saw Bathsheba and was tempted to commit adultery with her (2 Samuel 11:2).
• What should David have done when he saw Bathsheba? What did David do that led him to sin with her? (See 2 Samuel 11:2–4.)
• What might lead people to be tempted to commit sexual sins? What can we do to avoid being tempted to commit sexual sins?


List Things to avoid and How to avoid them

Unclean or immoral thoughts
Fill your mind with uplifting thoughts.

Television shows, movies, magazines, books, and music that are pornographic or suggestive in any way
Choose media that will inspire you to do good.

Unwholesome dating activities
Follow the dating standards taught by latter-day prophets and outlined in For the Strength of Youth.

Flirting after marriage
Love your spouse with all your heart. Continue to “court” (develop your relationship with) your spouse.

Places or activities that will not enable you to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost
Ensure that the places you go and the activities you participate in will enable you to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.



• What did David attempt to do when he learned that Bathsheba was with child? (See 2 Samuel 11:6–13. He tried to get Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, to return home to her. Then it would appear that the unborn child was Uriah’s.)

• Why did David’s plan fail? (See 2 Samuel 11:11. Uriah would not return home at that time because he was true to his battlefield companions and felt that he should stay with them.)

• What more serious sin did David commit in an attempt to hide his immorality? (See 2 Samuel 11:14–17.)

• From whom do you think David thought he could hide his sin? How do people try to cover up sins today?

• What happens when we try to cover our sins?

Elder Richard G. Scott said:
“Do not take comfort in the fact that your transgressions are not known by others. That is like an ostrich with his head buried in the sand. He sees only darkness and feels comfortably hidden. In reality he is ridiculously conspicuous. Likewise our every act is seen by our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son. They know everything about us. …
“If you have seriously transgressed, you will not find any lasting satisfaction or comfort in what you have done. Excusing transgression with a cover-up may appear to fix the problem, but it does not. The tempter is intent on making public your most embarrassing acts at the most harmful time. Lies weave a pattern that is ever more confining and becomes a trap that Satan will spring to your detriment” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 103; or Ensign, May 1995, 77).

2. David is told that he will be punished because of his sins.

Discuss 2 Samuel 12:1–23.

What parable did the prophet Nathan tell to illustrate how displeased the Lord was with David? (See 2 Samuel 12:1–4.)

What did David think about the rich man’s actions against the poor man in the parable? (See 2 Samuel 12:5–6.)

How had David’s actions been like the rich man’s? (See 2 Samuel 12:7–9.)

How did David react to the Lord’s rebuke? (See 2 Samuel 12:13.)

Why do you think David failed to recognize that he was represented by the rich man in the parable?

Why are we sometimes unable to recognize our own sinfulness?

What were the consequences of David’s sins? (See 2 Samuel 12:10–14.

The fulfillment of these prophecies can be found in 2 Samuel 12:15–23 and subsequent chapters of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings; see also D&C 132:39. Note that adultery is a serious sin, but David forfeited his exaltation because the Lord held him accountable for the murder of Uriah.)

President Marion G. Romney said: “David, … though highly favored of the Lord (he was, in fact, referred to as a man after God’s own heart), yielded to temptation. His unchastity led to murder, and as a consequence, he lost his families and his exaltation” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1979, 60; or Ensign, May 1979, 42).

What are some of the immediate consequences of immorality today?

What are some long-term effects for the unrepentant?

3. A repentant David seeks forgiveness.

Discuss Psalm 51.

In a psalm to the Lord, David expressed a desire to help others repent, saying, “I [will] teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:13). Even though David forfeited his exaltation because he arranged the death of Uriah, we can learn from his repentant attitude as he sought forgiveness for the sin of adultery. His words in Psalm 51 teach many aspects of true repentance.

Discuss how we can apply David’s repentant example to our lives.

• In Psalm 51, David first acknowledged God and His mercy (Psalm 51:1). David also acknowledged his own sinfulness (Psalm 51:1–3). Why is it important that we recognize God’s greatness and our own sinfulness when we repent of our sins?

• What must we sacrifice in order to receive forgiveness of our sins? (See Psalm 51:16–17.) What do you think it means to have “a broken and a contrite heart”?


• How are our sins “ever before [us]” before we are forgiven? (Psalm 51:3). How does that change after we have been forgiven? (See Psalm 51:10; Alma 36:17–19.) How does God look upon our past sins after he has forgiven us? (See Psalm 51:9; Isaiah 43:25; D&C 58:42.)

• David described forgiveness as a cleansing (Psalm 51:1–2, 7, 9–10), a restoration (Psalm 51:12), and a deliverance (Psalm 51:14). Why are these appropriate descriptions of the blessing of God’s forgiveness?

Conclusion

No matter how successful or strong we may be, we are not above temptation. Encourage class members to make any necessary changes in their lives that will help them be chaste in thought and action. Express your love for Jesus Christ and your gratitude for his Atonement. Testify that because of the Atonement, we can be forgiven of our sins.

1. Dismissing unclean thoughts from our minds

Elder Boyd K. Packer taught about how to dismiss unclean thoughts that have entered our minds uninvited:

“The mind is like a stage. Except when we are asleep, the curtain is always up. There is always some act being performed on that stage. It may be a comedy, a tragedy, interesting or dull, good or bad; but always there is some act playing on the stage of the mind.

“Have you noticed that without any real intent on your part, in the middle of almost any performance, a shady little thought may creep in from the wings and attract your attention? These delinquent thoughts will try to upstage everybody. If you permit them to go on, all thoughts of any virtue will leave the stage. You will be left, because you consented to it, to the influence of unrighteous thoughts.
“If you yield to them, they will enact for you on the stage of your mind anything to the limits of your toleration. They may enact a theme of bitterness, jealousy, or hatred. It may be vulgar, immoral, even depraved. When they have the stage, if you let them, they will devise the most clever persuasions to hold your attention. They can make it interesting all right, even convince you that it is innocent—for they are but thoughts.

“What do you do at a time like that, when the stage of your mind is commandeered by the imps of unclean thinking, whether they be the gray ones that seem almost clean or the filthy ones which leave no room for doubt? If you can control your thoughts, you can overcome habits, even degrading personal habits. If you can learn to master them, you will have a happy life.
“This is what I would teach you. Choose from among the sacred music of the Church a favorite hymn, one with words that are uplifting and music that is reverent, one that makes you feel something akin to inspiration. Go over it in your mind carefully. Memorize it. Even though you [may] have had no musical training, you can think through a hymn.

“Now, use this hymn as the place for your thoughts to go. Make it your emergency channel. Whenever you find these shady actors have slipped from the sidelines of your thinking onto the stage of your mind, put on this record, as it were. As the music begins and as the words form in your thoughts, the unworthy ones will slip shamefully away. It will change the whole mood on the stage of your mind. Because it is uplifting and clean, the baser thoughts will disappear. For while virtue, by choice, will not associate with filth, evil cannot tolerate the presence of light.

“In due time you will find yourself, on occasion, humming the music inwardly. As you retrace your thoughts, you discover some influence from the world about you encouraged an unworthy thought to move on stage in your mind, and the music almost automatically began.
“Once you learn to clear the stage of your mind of unworthy thoughts, keep it busy with learning worthwhile things. Change your environment so that you have things about you that will inspire good and uplifting thoughts. Keep busy with things that are righteous” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1976, 99–100).


2. The danger of trying to cover our sins
In trying to hide his sin of adultery, David committed an even greater sin. To discuss the danger of trying to hide our sins, compare sin to a mound of dirt. Illustrate this concept on the chalkboard as shown in the first drawing on page 116.

• What will happen if we try to cover a small mound of dirt? (The mound will become larger and more visible.

• How is covering our sins like covering a mound of dirt? (Our sinfulness becomes greater and more serious when we try to cover our sins.)

• If we do not want people to see a mound of dirt, what should we do? (We should remove the mound rather than cover it.) How can we remove sin from our lives?

3. “Then Amnon hated her exceedingly” (2 Samuel 13:15)

2 Samuel 13 contains the story of David’s son Amnon and David’s daughter Tamar. Amnon was attracted to Tamar and forced her to commit fornication with him.

• 2 Samuel 13:1 says that Amnon loved Tamar. How did Amnon’s feelings for Tamar change after he had sinned against her? (See 2 Samuel 13:15.)

Why does hatred, rather than love, often result between people who violate the principles of morality?

President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “I heard Elder John A. Widtsoe … say, ‘It is my observation that a young man and a young woman who violate the principles of morality soon end up hating one another.’ I have observed the same thing. There may be words of love to begin with, but there will be words of anger and bitterness later” (“True to the Faith,” Ensign, June 1996, 5).

4. Hope for the repentant

Elder Boyd K. Packer: “The discouraging idea that a mistake (or even a series of them) makes it everlastingly too late, does not come from the Lord. He has said that if we will repent, not only will He forgive us our transgressions, but He will forget them and remember our sins no more. … Repentance is like soap; it can wash sin away. Ground-in dirt may take the strong detergent of discipline to get the stains out, but out they will come” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 72; or Ensign, May 1989, 59)