Gospel Doctrine Lesson 20 – Old Testament – Doth Know That Thou Art a Virtuous Woman – May 30, 2010
Attn Activity: Write down how you would like others to describe your character in just a few words? What is one thing you can do this week to come closer to matching that desired description? Goal: What doctrine if understood would motivate us to emulate the righteous qualities of Ruth, Naomi and Hannah. (Ruth 1-4, 1 Samuel 1, 2: 1-2, 20-21)
1. Ruth left her home to go to Bethlehem with Naomi Why did Naomi and her family go to Moab to live? Why did Naomi return to Bethlehem after the deaths of her husbands and sons? While living in Moah, Naomi’s sons had married Orpah and Ruth, women of Moab. How did Naomi show love and concern for her daughters-in-law when they offered to return to Bethlehem with her? What can we learn from Naomi’s concern for her daughters-in-law that can help us in our family relationships? One of Naomi’s daughters-in-law, Orpah returned to her family but the other, Ruth, insisted on going to Bethlehem with Naomi. Read Ruth 1:6-7 What can we learn about Ruth from her promise to Naomi? How can we show greater loyalty in our families? How can we show greater selflessness, as Ruth did. What did Ruth give us by going to Bethlehem with Naomi? What did Ruth gain by going with Naomi? What can we learn from Ruth about making sacrifices for the gospel? After going to Bethlehem, what did Ruth do to provide food for himself and Naomi? Whose fields did Ruth glean in? Why was Boaz impressed by Ruth? How did Boaz show kindness to Ruth? How did Ruth show her selflessness when she returned from gleaning? How have you been blessed by other people’s selfless acts.
2. Ruth and Boaz marry and have a child. Naomi counseled Ruth to perform a ritual that she hoped would result in the marriage of Ruth and Boaz. By lying at the feet of Boaz, Ruth would be in effect proposing marriage. What did Ruth’s obedience to Naomi’s counsel reveal about her feelings toward Naomi? How did Boaz respond when he woke up and found Ruth lying at his feet? Note that whe Ruth said “spread thy skirt over thine handmaid, she meant guard me, protect me, car for me. Under what condition did Boaz agree to marry Ruth? When Ruth’s husband died, his nearest male relative was supposed to marry Ruth. Boaz was not the nearest male relative, but he agreed to marry Ruth if the nearest male relative did not wish to do so.
What was Ruth’s reputation among the people of Bethlehem? How did this reputation benefit her in her relationship with Boaz? Why is it important that our family members, friends, and neighbors know what we believe in and what values we strive to uphold? What did Boaz do after promising to marry Ruth? How did Boaz show that he was a man of integrity? What famous king of Israel was a descendant of Ruth and Boaz? Who else was a descendant of Ruth and Boaz. President Monson called Ruth a heroine in a conference talk. In what way does you thing Ruth is a heroine?
3. Hannah is blessed with a son, who she lends to the Lord as promised. Hannah, wife of Elkanah, was childless. Each year at the temple she wept and prayed for a son. What promised id Hannah make to the Lord in 1 Samuel 1:11? What can we learn about Hannah from this promise? Who witnessed Hannah praying in the temple? What did Eli tell Hannah about her promise to the Lord? How did Hannah feel after hearing Eli’s words? How can Church leaders help us when we are troubled? Hannah told Eli that she had poured out her soul before the Lord. How can we make our personal prayers more sincere and meaningful? What happened in response to Hannah’s promise to the Lord? How did Hannah keep her promise after Samuel was Born? What promises do we make to the Lord? What can we learn from Hannah to help us be diligent in keeping these promises? How do you think Hannah felt about giving Samuel to the service of the Lord? What does the Lord ask us to give him? What should be our attitude about giving to him?
This lesson has great application for how we accept converts into the Church and make them feel welcome (Boaz is a great example of this.)
It also teaches us about the danger of judging inappropriately. The first comment of Eli the priest to Hannah was a question about whether she had been drinking. President Hugh B. Brown said "If I make erros in judging people, I want them to be on the side of mercy." (Hugh B. Brown: His Life and Thought, 1975, Campbell and Poll)
And we should think about where Hannah went to make her promise to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:9-11) - The temple. It is where we should direct our thoughts and actions in all decisions and pleadings with the Lord.
Finally, think about the righteous qualities of Ruth, Naomi & Hannah. We should emulate these qualities as they will bring us closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Lesson 20: “All the City … Doth Know That Thou Art a Virtuous Woman”, Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 14
Ruth; 1 Samuel 1
Study the following scriptures:
a. Ruth 1–2. After her husband dies, Ruth goes to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi. In Bethlehem, Ruth works in the fields of Boaz, who treats her kindly.
b. Ruth 3–4. Ruth lies at the feet of Boaz, and he promises to marry her. They marry and have a child.
c. 1 Samuel 1; 2:1–2, 20–21. Hannah is blessed with a son, whom she lends to the Lord as she promised. She is later blessed with more children.
• What did Ruth give up by going to Bethlehem with Naomi? What did Ruth gain by going with Naomi? (The gospel of Jesus Christ; see Ruth 1:16.) What can we learn from Ruth about making sacrifices for the gospel?
• How do you think Hannah felt about giving Samuel to the service of the Lord? What does the Lord ask us to give him? What should our attitude be about giving to him?
• What righteous qualities did Ruth, Naomi, and Hannah exemplify?
What doctrine if understood, would help the rising generation stay true to the faith? What can we do to help them in this critical effort?
The strength of righteous parents and the consequences of forsaking their ways Judges 2:6–23
In the book of Judges, the children of Israel experienced several cycles of righteousness and apostasy
How did the rising generation of Israelites begin the cycle of apostasy? (See especially Judges 2:10, 12, 17, 20, and 22.
You may wish to mark key words in these verses. Note that the children of Israel left God and left the ways and the covenants of their parents.)
Cycle of Apostasy in Judges Freedom Apostasy Bondage Humility and Repentance Deliverance
Cycle of Apostasy in Judges Freedom Apostasy Bondage Humility and Repentance Deliverance
Why do children sometimes forsake the righteous teachings and ways of their parents?
• Agency is a fundamental consideration in any discussion of this question. Heavenly Father lost a third of his spirit children. The scriptures have many examples of children rebelling against their righteous parents. Consider the story of Laman and Lemuel or Alma and the sons of Mosiah. • Children are often lured away by the attractions of the world. In ancient Israel, it was the heathen gods and the practices that surrounded their worship. Today we find a variety attractions in the world luring our children away from the paths of righteousness: an unrighteous pursuit of success or learning, possessions, the supposed easiness of following the ways of the world, and the modern culture as portrayed in the media. • Parents sometimes neglect teaching children the ways of truth and righteousness.
How can parents help their children be faithful? How have your parents or other family members strengthened you in righteous living?
• President Hugh B. Brown: "I think we older ones need to be reminded of our duty! I think we need to be reminded that we who are older are in a very large measure responsible for what might happen to those who are younger." (The Abundant Life, p166) • The example we set and the way we live our lives tells our children if we really believe what we preach. Parents know that younger children often mimic their actions. Children are observant and they know hypocrisy when they see it. • We need to be proactive in teaching our children the ways of righteousness. o The Lord has provided a tool for this purpose: Family Home Evening. o We can have personal interviews with our children. o Other opportunities present themselves for teaching. As parents, we cannot allow other activities to take precedence over unique teaching opportunities. o The thoughts and ideas that we implant in our children's minds will come back to bless our children. President Hugh B. Brown talked of his mother and how she taught him. "More than half a century ago, I was standing on a little railway station platform in Cardston, Canada. I was leaving for England on a mission. My saintly mother stood there with me and held my hand. This is what she said. 'Hugh, my son, do you remember when you were a little boy you often had bad dreams, nightmares, and you called out to me as I was sleeping in the next room: "Mother, Mother, are you there?" Do you remember I always said, "Yes, my son, I'm here. Just turn over and go to sleep. Everything is all right".' She said, 'My boy, five thousand miles must now separate us, across a continent and an ocean. You are not going to have bad dreams only at night, but many times, in the daytime, you are going to want to call for help and comfort. Son, when you are beset with difficulties, when you meet temptation, when you are confused and don't know where to go, call out and say, "Father, are you there?"' She said, 'My boy, I promise you He will always answer and you need not fear.'
"...through the intervening years, countless occasions have arisen where men could not help me much, when I felt alone, where I had a nightmare with my eyes wide open. I have taken the advice of my mother and have said, 'Father, are you there?' Now He has not spoken to me audibly; He has not appeared to me personally; but He has always answered me. There has come into my heart a quiet peace which enabled me to know that I could, figuratively, turn over and go to sleep." (The Abundant Life, pp202-203) • Never give up on our children. Once again, consider the story of Alma the younger and his story of conversion. When the angel appeared to Alma he said, "Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth" (Mosiah 27:14). o Elder Orson F. Whitney: "You parents of the wilful and the wayward: Don't give them up. Don't cast them off. They are not utterly lost. The shepherd will find his sheep. They were his before they were yours--long before he entrusted them to your care; and you cannot begin to love them as he loves them. They have but strayed in ignorance from the Path of Right, and God is merciful to ignorance. Only the fulness of knowledge brings the fulness of accountability. Our Heavenly Father is far more merciful, infinitely more charitable, than even the best of his servants, and the Everlasting gospel is mightier in power to save than our narrow finite minds can comprehend." (CR, April 1929)
How can we recognize the early signs of apostasy? How can an individual break the cycle of apostasy?
How might we appropriately help a family member or friend who seems to be falling away from the truth?
Parents’ contribution to their children’s worldliness (Judges 1:28)
The failure of the rising generation of Israelites to remain faithful was not entirely their own fault.
According to Judges 1:21, 27–33, and Judges 2:1–4, how was the foundation for the children’s failure laid?
(It was laid by the parents’ failure to drive out the Canaanites. Even though the parents were strong enough to resist the influences of the world around them, their children were not.)
How do some parents today expose their children to worldly influences, making the same error as the parents of the “rising generation” of Israelites? (
2. Deborah—the strength of a righteous friend
Briefly review the story of Deborah and Barak from Judges 4:1–16,
What did the Lord command Barak to do? (See Judges 4:6–7.)
How did Barak feel about this assignment? On what condition was Barak willing to go to battle against Sisera and his 900 chariots? (See Judges 4:8.)
Why do you think Barak was willing to face Sisera if Deborah would go with him?
What impresses you about Deborah? What qualities did she have that Barak may not have had? (See Judges 4:4–9, 14.) 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?
Write down the names of their friends and ask themselves (1) if they are like Deborah to these friends and (2) if these friends are like Deborah.
3. Gideon—the strength of faith in God
Let’s review the story of Gideon from Judges 6–7
President Packer spoke of Gideon in General Conference last month. He said “Gideon was chosen to lead the armies of Israel, thousands strong. But of them all, he chose only 300 men. Gideon had an interesting way of selecting his recruits. When the men drank water at a stream, most “bowed down . . . to drink.” Those he passed over. A few scooped up water in their hands and drank, remaining completely alert. They were the ones chosen.2 We live in a day of “wars [and] rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places.”3 As prophesied, is good and righteous.6 He is Lucifer, who was cast out of the presence of God.7 Against all of that, we have very positive feelings about what lies ahead. Gideon’s small force succeeded because, as the record states, “they stood every man in his place.”8
What did the Lord command Gideon to do? (See Judges 6:14.) What was Gideon’s first response? (See Judges 6:15.)
How did the Lord assure Gideon that He had commanded him to deliver Israel and that He would be with him and help him? (See Judges 6:16–23, 36–40; 7:9–15.)
When Gideon believed that the Lord had truly commanded him to deliver Israel, he went forward with faith.
Why did the Lord want Gideon’s army of 32,000 men reduced to 300 to fight the Midianites? (See Judges 7:2. 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?
What happened when Gideon and his 300 men faced the Midianites? (See Judges 7:16–23.) Why do you think Gideon had his men shout, “The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon”? (See Judges 7:20. Gideon knew—and wanted his men to know—that the Lord was with them.)
What can we learn from Gideon? How has the Lord helped you do something that he asked you to do that was difficult?
(Please share experiences, testify that when the Lord commands us to do something, he will help us accomplish it.)
4. Samson—the strength of covenants and the consequences of breaking them Briefly review the story of Samson from Judges 13–16, or have an assigned class member do so.
How did Samson’s mother, who was barren, learn that she would have a son? (See Judges 13:2–3.) What did the angel tell Samson’s mother about the son she would bear? (See Judges 13:4–5 - Nazarites made covenants with the Lord to separate themselves from the things of the world and become holy unto him. The Nazarite vow is set forth in Numbers 6:2–6, 8.)
What blessings did the Lord give Samson to help him fulfill his mission to deliver Israel from the Philistines? (See Judges 13:24–25; 14:5–6, 19; 15:14–15. The Lord gave him spiritual and physical strength.)
As a Nazarite and a member of the house of Israel, Samson made covenants with the Lord. However, he soon broke his Nazarite vow and his covenants as a member of the house of Israel. What vows and covenants did he break? (Some of the covenants Samson broke are listed below.)
He married outside the covenant house of Israel (Judges 14:1–3) He was immoral with a harlot (Judges 16:1). He had his hair cut (Judges 16:4–20).
What were the consequences of Samson’s violation of his covenants? (See Judges 16:17–21. He lost his spiritual and physical strength, and the Philistines blinded him and bound him. Samson’s hair was not the source of his physical strength. Rather, his hair was a sign of his covenant with the Lord, and when his hair was cut, the Lord took away his physical strength because the covenant was broken.) What happens when we violate our covenants?
What signs do we have of our covenants with the Lord?
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? (One way covenants strengthen us is by helping us resist Satan’s efforts to blind or bind us.)
Samson had great potential. The angel who announced his birth said he would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. The Lord blessed him with many gifts, including great physical strength. What inner weaknesses caused his downfall? (See Judges 15:7; 16:1; D&C 3:4. Answers may include self-indulgence, immorality, seeking revenge, and violating covenants.) How can we overcome weaknesses that may hinder us from fulfilling our potential?
Conclusion
Explain that in the book of Joshua the Israelites fought and won many physical battles against the Canaanites. However, in the book of Judges the Israelites began to lose spiritual battles, letting themselves be influenced by the Canaanites’ worldly practices and false gods. We face similar spiritual battles.
I testify that we can succeed in these battles as we (1) follow the ways of righteous parents and ancestors, (2) make good friends, (3) increase our faith in the Lord, and (4) keep our covenants.
“Lesson 19: The Reign of the Judges,” Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 13
Judges 2; 4; 6–7; 13–16
Study the following scriptures:
a. Judges 2:6–23. The rising generation of the children of Israel forsake the Lord to serve false gods.
b. Judges 4:1–16. Barak is commanded to free Israel from Jabin, king of Canaan (4:1–7). He agrees to go if Deborah will go with him (4:8–9). Deborah and Barak deliver Israel from the Canaanites (4:10–16).
c. Judges 6–7. Gideon is commanded to deliver Israel from the Midianites (6:1–24). He and 10 other men destroy Baal’s altar (6:25–35). The Lord assures Gideon of help by granting him two signs (6:36–40). Gideon and 300 other men deliver Israel (7:1–25).
d. Judges 13–16. An angel instructs Samson’s parents to raise him as a Nazarite (13:1–25). Samson performs great feats of strength but breaks many of his Nazarite vows (14–15). Samson gives in to Delilah’s enticing; his hair is cut, and he becomes weak, is captured by the Philistines, and dies while pulling down their temple (16:1–31).
After Joshua died, judges served as Israel’s rulers and military leaders. Most of their reign was tragic as Israel went through the cycle of apostasy, captivity, repentance, and delivery many times. Offsetting the tragic parts of this history are stories of righteous judges such as Deborah and Gideon, who remained true and exercised faith and courage in helping deliver their people.
• What can we learn from Deborah about being a true friend? How have your friends helped you face difficult challenges or obey the Lord’s commandments? How can we be better friends to others?
• As a Nazarite and a member of the house of Israel, Samson made covenants with the Lord. What covenants do we make with the Lord? How have these covenants strengthened you?
• What were the consequences of Samson’s violation of his covenants? (See Judges 16:17–21.) What are the consequences when we violate our covenants?
Additional reading: “Judges, The” and “Judges, Book of,” Bible Dictionary, pages 719–20.
Over-riding question – What doctrine if understood would give us the courage to be strong in living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This set of scriptures has more application to us in our everyday lives than you can possibly imagine. What a treasure is in store for you with today's readings.
The Lord called Joshua to succeed Moses. Read Joshua 1: 5
What assurances did the Lord give Joshua? How has the Lord helped you in such circumstances in your life?
Read Joshua 1:6-9 – what command did the Lord give Joshua 3 times?
What did the Lord tell Joshua to do to have good success?
Why do you think scripture study would have been important for Joshua to succeed in his calling? How does regular scripture study help us?
Read Joshua 3:7-8, Josuah 3:14-17, Joshua 4:14
How did the Lord show the children of Israel that he was with Joshua just as he had been with Moses? (The ark of the covenant was a portable altar that contained sacred wrings and the tablets containing the ten commandments)
How does the Lord show us that he directs and inspires the living prophets as he did the past prophets?
What did the priests who carried the ark have to do before the waters of the Jordan River stopped?
How does the Lord sometimes ask similar things of us?
Elder Boyd K. Packer said: “Shortly after I was called as a General Authority, I went to Elder Harold B. Lee for counsel. He listened very carefully to my problem and suggested that I see President David O. McKay. President McKay counseled me as to the direction I should go. I was very willing to be obedient but saw no way possible for me to do as he counseled me to do. “I returned to Elder Lee and told him that I saw no way to move in the direction I was counseled to go. He said, ‘The trouble with you is you want to see the end from the beginning.’ I replied that I would like to see at least a step or two ahead. Then came the lesson of a lifetime: ‘You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness; then the light will appear and show the way before you’ ” (“The Edge of the Light,” BYU Today, Mar. 1991, 22–23).
Summarize Joshua 4:1-9 – story of Israel setting up a memorial of 12 stones after crossing the Jordan River.
Why were the children of Israel instructed to set up this memorial? What personal memorials remind you of God’s power in your life?
Eye witness account of the fall of Jericho. (Joshua 6) What caused the walls of Jericho to fall?
Why was the Israelites’ behavior an act of faith?
Who were the only inhabitants of Jericho who were saved? (verse 17, 22-25) What can we learn from the saving of Rehab & her family?
Joshua 23 & 24:14-31 Toward the end of his life, Joshua reminded the people what the Lord had done for them. He counseled them about avoiding traps & snares. What are the times we must do to avoid being caught in a trap?
Last lecture series – Joshua exhorts Israel to “cleave unto the Lord” rather than “cleave unto the remnant of the Canaanite nations. (Joshua 23:8, Joshua 23:12) How can we cleave unto the Lord rather than cleave unto the world? How would cleaving to the Canaanite nations be a snare and a trap to the Israelites? What are some of the snares and traps of the world that we face today?
Read Joshua 24:15-18 – Whom did Joshua and Israel covenant to serve?
Elder Marvin J. Ashton said: “Joshua reminds us of the importance of making decisions promptly: ‘Choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord’ (Joshua 24:15). Not tomorrow, not when we get ready, not when it is convenient—but ‘this day,’ straightway, choose whom you will serve. He who invites us to follow will always be out in front of us with His Spirit and influence setting the pace. He has charted and marked the course, opened the gates, and shown the way. He has invited us to come unto Him, and the best time to enjoy His companionship is straightway. We can best get on the course and stay on the course by doing as Jesus did—make a total commitment to do the will of His Father” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1983, 41; or Ensign, May 1983, 30–31).
The consequences of an individual’s sins on other people
We need to discuss the account of Achan in Joshua 7.
Because of Achan’s disobedience, the Israelites were defeated by the people of Ai (Joshua 7:1–5).
What had Achan done to cause this? (See Joshua 7:20–21. He had brought the Lord’s disapproval on Israel by disobeying him in taking clothing and money from Jericho.) What do the effects of Achan’s sin suggest about how our individual sins can affect other people?
What is the fallacy in thinking that what we do is our own business and will not hurt anyone else?
(Examples of how one person’s actions can affect others: An accident caused by a drunken driver can affect the lives of the innocent people who are injured. A person who disrupts a class makes it difficult for others to concentrate and feel the Spirit. A person who commits sexual sins or does not live the Word of Wisdom brings pain and suffering to others. A spouse who is unfaithful can break up a family and cause great pain to innocent family members. Individual Church members who do not follow the Lord may hold back the Church as a whole from receiving the Lord’s blessings.)
To me the principle lesson of Achan is the need for unwavering obedience in order to keep the Spirit.
Elder James E. Faust said: “Private choices are not private; they all have public consequences. … Our society is the sum total of what millions of individuals do in their private lives. That sum total of private behavior has worldwide public consequences of enormous magnitude. There are no completely private choices” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 101; or Ensign, May 1987, 80).
Joshua’s final counsel to his people included the same charge the Lord gave him when calling him to be prophet – Joshua 23:1-6. This charge applies as much today as it did then because we are all engaged in the important spiritual battle between good and evil.
President Benson said that two principles are essential for security and peace: “First, trust in God; and second, a determination to keep the commandments, to serve the Lord, to do that which is right. … The Lord has made it very clear in the revelations that even though times become perilous, even though we be surrounded by temptation and sin, even though there be a feeling of insecurity, even though men’s hearts may fail them and anxiety fill their souls, if we only trust in God and keep his commandments we need have no fear” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1950, 146).
Lesson 18: “Be Strong and of a Good Courage”, Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 13
Joshua 1–6; 23–24
Study the following scriptures:
a. Joshua 1. The Lord calls Joshua to succeed Moses. Joshua prepares the Israelites to possess the land that the Lord has promised them.
b. Joshua 3–4; 6. The Israelites cross the Jordan River on dry ground and place 12 stones there as a memorial of their crossing. Through the faith of the Israelites, Jericho is destroyed.
c. Joshua 23; 24:14–31. Joshua and his people covenant to serve the Lord.
Moses was the only leader an entire generation of Israelites had known. But the Lord took him at the end of their sojourn in the wilderness—just when they faced a great test. Remembering his promises to Israel, the Lord raised up a new leader, Joshua.
• What did the Lord tell Joshua to do to “have good success”? (See Joshua 1:8.) Why do you think scripture study would have been important for Joshua to succeed in his calling? How has regular scripture study helped you?
• What important counsel did Joshua give at the end of his life? (See Joshua 24:14–15.) Why is it important to choose today to serve the Lord? How can we show that we have chosen to serve him?
a)Moses and the children of Israel are camped on the plains of Moab, just across the Jordan River from the Promised Land of Canaan
b)Moses knows that he will not enter the Promised Land
c)Moses is 120 years old
i)40 years in Egypt
ii)40 years in Midian where he fled and married one of Jethro's daughters before returning to Egypt
iii)40 years in the wilderness leading the children of Egypt
d)Studying Deuteronomy Today
i)Origin of the name Deuteronomy - Latin deuteronomium, from Greek deuteronomion, a second law (deuteros, second + nomos, law), Septuagint mistranslation of Hebrew mišnê hattôrâ hazzō't, a copy of this law) - a second statement of Mosaic law
e)In Deuteronomy, we read Moses' last words to the Children of Israel
i)Reminiscent in some ways of the great sermon of King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon.
ii)Reading 1 - "Moses speaks like a dying father to his children. The words are earnest, inspired, impressive. He looks back over the whole of the forty years of their wandering in the desert, reminds the people of all the blessings they have received, of the ingratitude with which they have so often repaid them, and of the judgments of God, and the love that continually broke forth behind them; he explains the laws again and again, and adds what is necessary to complete them, and is never weary of urging obedience to them in the warmest and most emphatic words, because the very life of the nation was bound up with this; he surveys all the storms and conflicts which they have passed through, and, beholding the future in the past, takes a survey also of the future history of the nation, and sees, with mingled sorrow and joy, how the three great features of the past--viz. apostasy, punishment, and pardon--continue to repeat themselves in the future also." (Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary quoted in a previous Old Testament Student Manual, p216)
f)Most of Deuteronomy consists of three great sermons or discourses
i)Restate the laws and commandments of the Lord
(1)In some cases, prophetic modifications are made to earlier statements
(a)Example – Reason for the Fourth Commandment to Keep the Sabbath Day holy
(i)Exodus 20:11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
(ii)Deuteronomy 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.
g)Great Themes of Moses' Sermons
i)
Remember Your Covenants
ii)Obey God's Commandments and Remember Him
iii)The Lord is the Rock of our Salvation
2.Moses gives instructions to the Israelites to help them remember their covenants.
a)Reading 2 – Deuteronomy 6:1-9
1 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:
2 That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
3 ¶ Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it;that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.
4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
i)Verse 1 - these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you
ii)Verse 2 - That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God
(1)Respect and remember God
iii)Verse 2 - keep all his statutes and his commandments
iv)Verse 2 - thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life
(1)Eternal laws and commandments for the children of Israel for all time
v)Verse 3 - Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it
vi)Verse 3 - that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily
(1)There are blessings associated with these laws
vii)Verse 4 - Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord
(1)This is the beginning of the Shema, or Jewish daily prayer, consists of passages from Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:37-41
(a)Recited by all observant Jews morning and evening
(b)Daily prayer is one way for Israel and for us to remember our God and our Covenants
viii)Verse 5 - thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might
(1)Place the Lord first
(2)Give Him all our heart, soul and might
(3)READ Doctrine and Covenants 59:5 - Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.
ix)Verse 6 - these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart
x)Verse 7 - thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children
xi)Verse 7 – [and thou] shalt talk of them [the words and commandments] when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up
(1)When though liest down and when thou risest up – origin of the Shema – Jewish morning and evening prayer
(2)The same counsel we are given today for morning and evening prayer
(3)All of these things help the children of Israel and us to remember the Lord and His Commandments
xii)Verse 8 - thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes
(1)Discuss the Tefillin
(2)We are to bind the words of God to ourselves
(3)King Benjamin, speaking of the scriptures, taught that it was important for us to"have his commandments always before our eyes" (Mosiah 1:5)
xiii)Verse 9 - thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates
(1)Discuss the Mezuzah
(2)Reading 3 – President Ezra Taft Benson said: ". . . men 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" (Ezra Taft Benson, "Born of God," Ensign, Nov. 1985, 6,7).
(3)Reading 4 – President Howard W. Hunter said - "Let us be a temple-attending people. Attend the temple as frequently as personal circumstances allow. Keep a picture of a temple in your home that your children may see it" (Howard W. Hunter, "Exceeding Great and Precious Promises," Ensign, Nov. 1994, 8).
b)Compare Ourselves with Children of Israel – Ways of Remembering
i)Daily Prayer
(1)Shema – morning and evening
(2)We are counseled to have daily prayer, including prayer morning and evening
ii)Daily Remembering and Studying Scriptures
(1)Tefillin
(2)Daily scripture study
iii)Weekly
(1)Jewish Sabbath
(a)Friday at sundown until Saturday at sundown
(b)Attendance at synagogue on Friday
(2)Our Sabbath
(a)Every Sunday we attend church and take the sacrament
(b)Reading 5 – Then-Elder Spencer W. Kimball taught: "When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be "remember." Because all of you have made covenants--you know what to do and you know how to do it--our greatest need is to remember. That is why everyone goes to sacrament meeting every Sabbath day--to take the sacrament and listen to the priests pray "that they may always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them." Nobody should ever forget to go to sacrament meeting. Remember is the word. Remember is the program." (Elder Spencer W. Kimball, Charge to Religious Educators, pp. 9-12).
iv)At Various Times During the Year
(1)Moses commanded the Jews to have three great religious celebrations each year
(a)The Passover, with its accompanying feast of unleavened bread, specifically commemorated the great deliverance of Israel out of Egypt. It was to be held in the first month of spring.
(b)The feast of Weeks was held seven weeks after the end of Passover (Deut. 16:9-12). It was also called the "feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labors" (Exodus 23:16)Also called Pentecost.Timed to coincide with the first harvest each year.
(c)At the end of the harvest season, Israel was to hold their third and final annual spiritual celebration, the feast of Tabernacles (Deut. 16:13-15)
(2)Our Celebrations
(a)ASK – What happens on the first weekend in April?
(i)General Conference
(ii)Often occurs at Passover or Easter
(iii)Helps us remember Christ and His Atonement
(b)ASK – What happens the first weekend in October?
(i)Coincides with the harvest season or feast of Tabernacles
v)Just like the children of Israel, all of these things help us to remember the Lord, His commandments and His Atonement.
vi)ASK – How well do we remember our covenants?
(1)The most important covenants we make on this earth are those we make in the temple, principally when we are endowed and sealed.
(2)We do not speak in any detail about these covenants outside the temple, but we make five covenants and receive one charge or solemn instruction during the endowment.
(3)ASK – How many of us remember what these covenants are?
vii)In many different ways, the Lord was establishing religious and cultural practices among the children of Israel that would separate them from the world, mark them as different, protect them from taking up the practices of the idolatrous people who would surround them.
3.
Moses counsels the Israelites to obey God’s commandments and remember Him.
a)Reading 6: Deuteronomy 8:7-20
7 For the Lordthy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;
8 A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;
9 A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.
10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lordthy God for the good land which he hath given thee.
11 Beware that thou forget not the Lordthy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;
13 And whenthy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;
14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lordthy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;
15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
16 Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;
17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.
18 But thou shalt remember the Lordthy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, asit is this day.
19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the Lordthy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.
20 As the nations which the Lord destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the Lord your God.
i)Moses is speaking of the Promised Land into which the children of Israel will shortly enter.
ii)Verse 7 - For the Lordthy God bringeth thee into a good land
iii)Verse 10 - When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lordthy God for the good land which he hath given thee
iv)Verse 11 - Beware that thou forget not the Lordthy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day
v)Verse 14 - Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lordthy God
vi)Verse 17 - And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth
vii)Verse 18 - But thou shalt remember the Lordthy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, asit is this day
viii)Verse 19 - if thou do at all forget the Lordthy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish
ix)Verse 20 - As the nations which the Lord destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the Lord your God
b)These dangers, the dangers of prosperity, are those which many prophets have warned are the greatest dangers for Latter-day Saints in our day.
i)READ - 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” (in Preston Nibley, Brigham Young: The Man and His Work [1936], 128).
ii)Reading 7 – Doctrine and Covenants 59:21
21 And innothingdothmanoffendGod, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.
4.Moses counsels the Israelites to be mindful of the Rock of their salvation
a)Deuteronomy 32 is part of the Song of Moses
b)Reading 8 – Deuteronomy 32:1-4, 30-31
1 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
3 Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
SKIP
30 How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up?
31 For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.
i)Verse 3 - I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
(1)One of the names of Jehovah and Jesus Christ is the Rock or the Rock of Our salvation
ii)Verse 4 - He is the Rock
(1)The wise man builds his house upon a rock – Matthew 7:24
iii)Verse 4 - his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he
iv)Verse 31 - For their rock is not as our Rock,
v)Verse 31 - even our enemies themselves being judges.
(1)Israel had already fought enemies who worshipped false gods, e.g. Balak and the Moabites, who worshipped Ba'al, and even Israel's enemies could testify that Jehovah had power and their false gods did not.
c)READ – 2 Nephi 9:45 - O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rockof your salvation.
d)READ – Doctrine and Covenants 50:44 - 44 Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall.
5.Conclusion
a)READ – Deuteronomy 30:19-20
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, thatI have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
b)READ – Deuteronomy 32:46-47 – Moses' very last words to the children of Israel
46 And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.
47 For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
c)READ – 2 Nephi 2:27-28 – Lehi speaking to his sons shortly before he dies
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. Andthey are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivityanddeath, according to the captivityand power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
Reading 1 - "Moses speaks like a dying father to his children. The words are earnest, inspired, impressive. He looks back over the whole of the forty years of their wandering in the desert, reminds the people of all the blessings they have received, of the ingratitude with which they have so often repaid them, and of the judgments of God, and the love that continually broke forth behind them; he explains the laws again and again, and adds what is necessary to complete them, and is never weary of urging obedience to them in the warmest and most emphatic words, because the very life of the nation was bound up with this; he surveys all the storms and conflicts which they have passed through, and, beholding the future in the past, takes a survey also of the future history of the nation, and sees, with mingled sorrow and joy, how the three great features of the past--viz. apostasy, punishment, and pardon--continue to repeat themselves in the future also." (Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary quoted in a previous Old Testament Student Manual, p216)
a) Reading 2 – Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Doctrine and Covenants 59:5
Reading 3 – President Ezra Taft Benson said: ". . . men 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" (Ezra Taft Benson, "Born of God," Ensign, Nov. 1985, 6,7).
Reading 4 – President Howard W. Hunter said - "Let us be a temple-attending people. Attend the temple as frequently as personal circumstances allow. Keep a picture of a temple in your home that your children may see it" (Howard W. Hunter, "Exceeding Great and Precious Promises," Ensign, Nov. 1994, 8).
Reading 5 – Then-Elder Spencer W. Kimball taught: "When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be "remember." Because all of you have made covenants--you know what to do and you know how to do it--our greatest need is to remember. That is why everyone goes to sacrament meeting every Sabbath day--to take the sacrament and listen to the priests pray "that they may always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them." Nobody should ever forget to go to sacrament meeting. Remember is the word. Remember is the program." (Elder Spencer W. Kimball, Charge to Religious Educators, pp. 9-12).
Reading 6: Deuteronomy 8:7-20
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” (in Preston Nibley, Brigham Young: The Man and His Work [1936], 128).
