Lesson 35: God Reveals His Secrets to His Prophets

“Lesson 35: God Reveals His Secrets to His Prophets,” Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 23

Amos 3; 7–9; Joel 2–3

Study the following scriptures:

• a. Amos 3:6–7. Amos teaches that the Lord reveals his secrets to the prophets.

• b. Amos 7:10–17; 8:11–13; 9:8–15. Amos is called of God to be a prophet (7:10–15). He prophesies of the captivity and scattering of Israel (7:16–17; 9:8–10). He prophesies that there will be a famine of hearing the word of the Lord (8:11–13). He prophesies that in the last days Israel will be a great and prosperous people (9:11–15).

• c. Joel 2; 3:16–17. Joel prophesies of the wars and calamities of the last days (2:1–11). He calls on the people to repent (2:12–14; note that the Joseph Smith Translation of verses 13 and 14 explains that the people, not the Lord, were to repent). Joel prophesies that God will bless his people in the latter days and pour out his Spirit upon them (2:15–32; 3:16–17).

Amos ministered to the people of the kingdom of Israel from about 800 to 750 b.c. Most of these people were in apostasy. As Amos confronted the people with their sins, he prophesied dire penalties. Nevertheless, he emphasized that God was eager to cleanse anyone who would repent. Amos also prophesied about the latter days.

Joel ministered to the people of the kingdom of Judah. Many of Joel’s prophecies were about the latter days.

• • What did the prophet Amos teach about the importance of prophets? (See Amos 3:7.) What does Doctrine and Covenants 1:37–38 teach about the respect we should have for the messages of the prophets?

• • What did Amos prophesy would be the result if Israel rejected or ignored prophets’ messages? (See 8:11–13.) In what ways can the absence of the word of the Lord be compared to a famine? How can having the blessings of the restored gospel be compared to a feast?

• • Review Joel 2:12–32 and 3:16–17 and look for answers to the following questions: What invitations has the Lord given to those living in the latter days? What blessings has the Lord promised to those who follow him in the latter days?

Additional reading: Joseph Smith—History 1:41; Doctrine and Covenants 1:14–28, 37–38.