Lesson 31: “Happy Is the Man That Findeth Wisdom” - Outline

1. Introduction – Proverbs and Ecclesiastes

a) "Wisdom literature"

b) Reading 1 – Bible Dictionary - Proverbs, Book of – page 754

The Heb. word rendered proverb is mashal, a similitude or parable, but the book contains many maxims and sayings not properly so called, and also connected poems of considerable length. There is much in it that does not rise above the plane of worldly wisdom, but throughout it is taken for granted that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 1: 7; Prov. 9: 10). The least spiritual of the Proverbs are valuable as reminding us that the voice of Divine Inspiration does not disdain to utter homely truths. The first section, chs. 1 - 9, is the most poetic and contains an exposition of true wisdom. Chs. 10 - 24 contain a collection of proverbs and sentences about the right and wrong ways of living. Chs. 25 - 29 contain the proverbs of Solomon that the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, copied out. Chs. 30 and 31 contain the “burden” of Agur and Lemuel, the latter including a picture of the ideal wife, arranged in acrostic form. The book is frequently quoted in the N.T., the use of ch. 3 being specially noteworthy.

c) Reading 2 – Bible Dictionary – Ecclesiastes – Page 659

A Greek translation of the Hebrew Koheleth, a word meaning “one who convenes an assembly,” sometimes rendered Preacher. The book of Ecclesiastes consists of reflections on some of the deepest problems of life, as they present themselves to the thoughtful observer. The epilogue (Eccl. 12: 9-14) sets forth the main conclusions at which the writer has arrived. The author describes himself as “son of David, king in Jerusalem” (Eccl. 1: 1).

The book of Ecclesiastes seems permeated with a pessimistic flavor, but must be read in the light of one of its key phrases: “under the sun” (Eccl. 1: 9), meaning “from a worldly point of view.” The term vanity also needs clarification, since as used in Ecclesiastes it means transitory, or fleeting. Thus the Preacher laments that as things appear from the point of view of the world, everything is temporary and soon gone - nothing is permanent. It is in this light also that the reader must understand Eccl. 9: 5 and Eccl. 9: 10, which declare that the dead “know not any thing,” and there is no knowledge “in the grave.” These should not be construed as theological pronouncements on the condition of the soul after death; rather, they are observations by the Preacher about how things appear to men on the earth “under the sun.” The most spiritual part of the book appears in chapters 11 and 12, where it is concluded that the only activity of lasting and permanent value comes from obedience to God’s commandments, since all things will be examined in the judgment that God will render on man.

d) Authors

i) Proverbs

(1) Primarily Solomon

(a) "The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel." (Proverbs 1:1)

(b) Solomon spoke or compiled 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs

(i) Solomon “spake three thousand proverbs” (1 Kings 4:32)

(2) Solomon may have compiled some of the sayings of others

ii) Ecclesiastes

(1) "The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem." (Ecclesiastes 1:1)

(2) Probably Solomon

e) "The proverbs in this book are not so much popular sayings as the distillation of the wisdom of teachers who knew the law of God and were applying its principles to the whole of life." (former Old Testament Student Manual, p13)

f) Not revelation

i) Authors were wise men, but not prophets

(1) Teacher's Manual – " much of what they wrote was inspired by the Lord."

2. Wisdom

a) The word, "fear" is used often

b) Reading 3 – Bible Dictionary – Fear – page 672

Care should be taken to distinguish between two different uses of this word. The “fear of the Lord” is frequently spoken of as part of man’s duty (e.g., Ps. 111: 10; Eccl. 12: 13; Isa. 11: 2-3; Luke 1: 50); it is also described as “godly fear” (Heb. 12: 28). In such passages fear is equivalent to reverence, awe, worship, and is therefore an essential part of the attitude of mind in which we ought to stand toward the All-holy God. On the other hand fear is spoken of as something unworthy of a child of God, something that “perfect love casteth out” (1 Jn. 4: 18). The first effect of Adam’s sin was that he was afraid (Gen. 3: 10). Sin destroys that feeling of confidence God’s child should feel in a loving Father, and produces instead a feeling of shame and guilt. Ever since the Fall God has been teaching men not to fear, but with penitence to ask forgiveness in full confidence of receiving it.

c) Reading 4 – Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:9-10

7 ¶ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

i) ASK – What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?

ii) ASK – When we say that God is omniscient, do we mean he has all wisdom or all knowledge?

d) Reading 5 – Proverbs 2:2-6

2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

i) wisdom is a gift of God and is obtained only by our diligent effort.

e) Reading 6 – 2 Nephi 9:9-10

28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.

29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.

f) READ – Ecclesiastes 7:11-12

11 ¶ Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

i) NOTE – Verse 11 – "them that see the sun" - remember the Bible Dictionary told us that "under the sun" is a theme often seen in Ecclesiastes and refers to a worldly point of view or the view of those who live in the world as contrasted with a spiritual view.

3. Trust in the Lord

a) Reading 7 – Proverbs 3:5-7

5 ¶ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 ¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

i) ASK – What does it mean to acknowledge God?

(1) READ – Doctrine and Covenants 59:21

21 And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.

4. The words we speak

a) Reading 8 – Proverbs 6:16-19

16 ¶ These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

i) 3 out of 6 things the Lord hates relate to words we speak

b) Reading 9 – Matthew 12:36-37

36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

c) READ – Proverbs 15:1

1 A Soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

d) Reading 10 - Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: “We seldom get into trouble when we speak softly. It is only when we raise our voices that the sparks fly and tiny molehills become great mountains of contention” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1971, 82; or Ensign, June 1971, 72).

5. Pride

a) Reading 11 – Proverbs 8:13, Proverbs 13:10, 16:18-19

13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

b) Reading 12 - President Ezra Taft Benson said:

“The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means ‘hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.’ It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.

“Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s. When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of ‘my will and not thine be done.’ As Paul said, they ‘seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s’ (Philippians 2:21).

“Our will in competition to God’s will allows desires, appetites, and passions to go unbridled (see Alma 38:12; 3 Nephi 12:30).

“The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives (see Helaman 12:6). They pit their perceptions of truth against God’s great knowledge, their abilities versus God’s priesthood power, their accomplishments against His mighty works.

“Our enmity toward God takes on many labels, such as rebellion, hard-heartedness, stiff-neckedness, unrepentant, puffed up, easily offended, and sign seekers. The proud wish God would agree with them. They aren’t interested in changing their opinions to agree with God’s. …

“Pride is a damning sin in the true sense of that word. It limits or stops progression (see Alma 12:10–11). The proud are not easily taught (see 1 Nephi 15:3, 7–11). They won’t change their minds to accept truths, because to do so implies they have been wrong” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 3–5; or Ensign, May 1989, 4, 6).

i) ASK – I recall reading Pres. Benson's warning about pride more than once in Church manuals and publications over the last few months. Why do we need to be so concerned about this at this time?

ii) READ - President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Another face of pride is contention. Arguments, fights, unrighteous dominion, generation gaps, divorces, spouse abuse, riots, and disturbances all fall into this category of pride.

“Contention in our families drives the Spirit of the Lord away. It also drives many of our family members away. …

“Pride adversely affects all our relationships—our relationship with God and His servants, between husband and wife, parent and child” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 5; or Ensign, May 1989, 6).

(1) ASK – In general, do you think the level of contention in our society is greater or less than it was 10-20 years ago?

(2) In the musical, "West Side Story," two New York street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks are getting ready for a "rumble", a street fight, and the song that gangs sing back and forth to each other includes the repeated chorus, "they began it".

(3) Are there adverse consequences for the Church when there is a spirit of contention prevalent in a country?

(a) Missionary work

(b) Proposition 8

(4) ASK – How do we respond to an atmosphere of contention?

6. Friendship

a) Why are we warned about unrighteous friends? (See Proverbs 13:20; 22:24–25.)

b) What are some characteristics of good friends? (See Proverbs 17:17; 27:9.) How have good friends helped you through difficult times?

c) What can we do to gain true friends? (See Proverbs 18:24. Point out that to have good friends we need to be good friends.)

d) How do true friends react when we make unwise choices? (See Ecclesiastes 4:9–10.)

7. Raising Children

a) Proverbs 22:6 says to “train up a child in the way he should go.” What should parents do to follow this counsel? (See D&C 68:25–28.) How can we more effectively teach children the principles of the gospel and nurture their testimonies?

b) Elder Richard G. Scott said: “You must be willing to forgo personal pleasure and self-interest for family-centered activity, and not turn over to church, school, or society the principal role of fostering a child’s well-rounded development. It takes time, great effort, and significant personal sacrifice to ‘train up a child in the way he should go.’ But where can you find greater rewards for a job well done?” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, 43; or Ensign, May 1993, 34).

8. Happiness and good humor

a) Proverbs 15:13 and Proverbs 17:22.

9. Why is it important to develop a happy attitude and a good sense of humor? (See Proverbs 15:13; 17:22.)

10. Conclusion

Lesson 31: “Happy Is the Man That Findeth Wisdom” – Quotes and Scriptures

Reading 1 – Bible Dictionary - Proverbs, Book of – page 754

Reading 2 – Bible Dictionary – Ecclesiastes – Page 659

Reading 3 – Bible Dictionary – Fear – page 672

Reading 4 – Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:9-10

Reading 5 – Proverbs 2:2-6

Reading 6 – 2 Nephi 9:9-10

Ecclesiastes 7:11-12

Reading 7 – Proverbs 3:5-7

Doctrine and Covenants 59:21

Reading 8 – Proverbs 6:16-19

Reading 9 – Matthew 12:36-37

Proverbs 15:1

Reading 10 - Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: “We seldom get into trouble when we speak softly. It is only when we raise our voices that the sparks fly and tiny molehills become great mountains of contention” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1971, 82; or Ensign, June 1971, 72).

Reading 11 – Proverbs 8:13, Proverbs 13:10, 16:18-19

Reading 12 - President Ezra Taft Benson said: “The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means ‘hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.’ It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.

“Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s. When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of ‘my will and not thine be done.’ As Paul said, they ‘seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s’ (Philippians 2:21).

“Our will in competition to God’s will allows desires, appetites, and passions to go unbridled (see Alma 38:12; 3 Nephi 12:30).

“The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives (see Helaman 12:6). They pit their perceptions of truth against God’s great knowledge, their abilities versus God’s priesthood power, their accomplishments against His mighty works.

“Our enmity toward God takes on many labels, such as rebellion, hard-heartedness, stiff-neckedness, unrepentant, puffed up, easily offended, and sign seekers. The proud wish God would agree with them. They aren’t interested in changing their opinions to agree with God’s. …

“Pride is a damning sin in the true sense of that word. It limits or stops progression (see Alma 12:10–11). The proud are not easily taught (see 1 Nephi 15:3, 7–11). They won’t change their minds to accept truths, because to do so implies they have been wrong” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 3–5; or Ensign, May 1989, 4, 6).

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Another face of pride is contention. Arguments, fights, unrighteous dominion, generation gaps, divorces, spouse abuse, riots, and disturbances all fall into this category of pride.

“Contention in our families drives the Spirit of the Lord away. It also drives many of our family members away. …

“Pride adversely affects all our relationships—our relationship with God and His servants, between husband and wife, parent and child” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 5; or Ensign, May 1989, 6).

Study Guide - Lesson 31: “Happy Is the Man That Findeth Wisdom”

Lesson 31: “Happy Is the Man That Findeth Wisdom”, Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 21

Proverbs and Ecclesiastes

Study the scriptures discussed here and as much of the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes as you can.

Proverbs are generally short sayings that give counsel about living righteously. The Old Testament records that Solomon “spake three thousand proverbs” (1 Kings 4:32). Some of these wise sayings are included in the book of Proverbs. Although Solomon and the other authors of this book were not prophets, much of what they wrote was inspired by the Lord. The book of Ecclesiastes also contains wise sayings, and some believe Solomon to be its author.

• • The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes emphasize the importance of wisdom. What differences are there between being learned and being wise? (See Proverbs 1:7; 9:9–10; 2 Nephi 9:28–29.)

• • What counsel is given in Proverbs 3:5–7? What experiences have taught you to trust the Lord?

• • Why is the Lord concerned with the words we speak? (See Proverbs 16:27–28; 18:8; 25:18; Matthew 12:36–37.) How can we overcome the problems of lying, gossiping, or speaking negatively about others?

• • Proverbs 13:10 and 16:18 teach that pride leads to contention and destruction. How can pride do this? How does pride affect our families?

• • Proverbs 22:6 says to “train up a child in the way he should go.” What should parents do to follow this counsel? (See D&C 68:25–28.) How can parents more effectively teach children the principles of the gospel?

• • Why is it important to develop a happy attitude and a good sense of humor? (See Proverbs 15:13; 17:22.) What can we do to encourage uplifting humor in our families?

Scripture Marking Ideas - Lesson 30 Come to the House of the Lord

Aug 7, 2010

2 Chron. 29, 30, 32-34

Purpose Today – What doctrine if understood would motivate us to work towards receiving the promised blessings that come from temple work and scripture study?
When 25 year old Hezekiah came to the throne, he had his priorities straight. He understood the plan of salvation. His mother Abijah, was a daughter of a prophet named Zechariah, who “had understanding in the visions of God.” (29:1-2, 26:5)

Doctrine of the plan of happiness. Principle obedience. Principle faith. Principle preparation. Principle sanctification.

Application: “He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord.”

What scriptural gems did you notice that teach entire sermons?

V 2 he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord
V3 he in the first year of his reign in the first month – opened the doors of the temple and repaired them
V5 – Sanctify yourselves and sanctify the house of the Lord
V24 – make an atonement for all Israel
V30 – sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshiped
V31 – as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings

Background – 29:6-9

Fathers trespassed and did evil in eyes of Lord and have forsaken him

Result - the wrath of the Lord was upon Judah and Jerusalem

Exactly the same consequences await us if we become lax and negligent in our prayers, in our repentance and in our duty to God? How do we fend off the encroaching evil of the empire of this world?

Cleansing the House of the Lord is symbolic of cleansing the heart, which is the temple of the Holy Ghost. Like Hezekiah, we must sanctify ourselves and purge ourselves of the filthiness of this world. We do this by sincere repentance and through the atoning ordinances of the priesthood.

V 31 the gift of a free heart, liberated from the heavy weight of sin is perhaps the sweetest blessing of the atonement.

Turn Again Unto the Lord

30:1, 9, 10 – Hezekiah wanted all Israel to enjoy the blessings of the temple. The temple is always the focus of mockery in the world…they were laughed to scorn and mocked –
30:18-19 – the good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God…and the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.
30:17 – many were not sanctified – Levites had the charge to bring the ordinances of salvation to them that were not sanctified - (to do the work of salvation for those who could not do it for themselves.


The evil one wanted to stop this progress

Sennacherib was the mightiest king of the mightiest empire in the history of the world to that time Hezekiah prepared the people. President Kimball said “Perspiration must precede inspiration; there must be effort before there is the harvest.”

32:3 stops the fountains of waters so the Assyrians have nothing to drink
v 5 fortifies the city, building a wall and towers
v5 made weapons and armed the people
v6 set the military in order, organizing captains of war
v7 there be more with us than with him – learned the lesson of Elisha’s servant
2 Kings 18:13-16 – sent tribute to Sennachrib
Sennacherib responds with campaign of psychological warfare
(like DMZ in Korea – like opponents to Prop 8 – like antis in front of our temples)
Conclusion

What can we do to bring the temple more into our lives?

How can we make temple worthiness and attendance a priority in our lives?

Lesson 30 Come to the House of the Lord

Gospel Doctrine Class, August 8, 2010 2 Chronicles 29–30; 32; 34

Purpose - What doctrine if understood would motivate us to work towards receiving the promised blessings that come from temple work and scripture study.

What are change in behavior will we commit to this day due to how we feel in class today.

Attention Activity

First Show The Video About Naman

To help defend Jerusalem against attacks by the Assyrians, King Hezekiah diverted the water of the spring of Gihon to the pool of Siloam, inside the city walls (2 Chronicles 32:2–4, 30; Bible Dictionary, “Hezekiah’s Tunnel,” 702). This was done by digging a conduit (tunnel) for the water through about 1770 feet of limestone rock. Hezekiah then ordered that the fountains outside the city be covered to deny the Assyrians easy access to the water. Without this water inside the walls of the city, the people of Jerusalem would not have survived the siege by the Assyrians.

Just as the water from the spring of Gihon was vital for the physical survival of Hezekiah’s people during their battles with the Assyrians, living water is essential for our spiritual survival during our battles with Satan.

• • What is living water? (See John 4:10–14.)
o Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained that living water is “the words of eternal life, the message of salvation, the truths about God and his kingdom; it is the doctrines of the gospel” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 1:151).
o
• • How can we open a conduit to the Lord so that living water can flow in our lives?
•
One way to receive living water is to go to the temple, the house of the Lord, where we may be endowed with power and understanding, be instructed by the Lord, and feel peace and joy.

Worship in the temple was an important protection for the Israelites in Hezekiah’s time, and it can also be an important protection for us today.

Application

The following scripture passages apply to daily life. Share experiences that relate to the scriptural principles.

1. Hezekiah orders the house of the Lord to be cleansed.

2 Chronicles 29–30.

• • Hezekiah’s father, Ahaz, was a wicked king who had desecrated the temple of the Lord and “shut up [its] doors” (2 Chronicles 28:24). When Hezekiah became king of Judah (the Southern Kingdom) in 715 b.c., one of the first things he did was open the doors of the temple and order the priests and Levites to cleanse and sanctify it (2 Chronicles 29:3–5). Why, according to Hezekiah, did the temple need to be sanctified? (See 2 Chronicles 29:6–7.) In what ways might we also be guilty of “turn[ing] away [our] faces from the habitation of the Lord”? What happened to the people of Judah because of their disregard for the temple? (See 2 Chronicles 29:8–9.)
• • What did Hezekiah hope to achieve by cleansing the temple and preparing it for worship again? (See 2 Chronicles 29:10.) Why is it important to keep unclean things out of the temple? (See D&C 97:15–17.) What is our responsibility in ensuring that no unclean thing enters the temple? (See D&C 109:20–21. We must make sure that we are clean when we go to the temple.)
• • What did Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem do when the temple had been cleansed? (See 2 Chronicles 29:20–21, 29–31, 36.) Whom did Hezekiah invite to come to the house of the Lord for the celebration of the Passover? (See 2 Chronicles 30:1, 6.) How was this invitation received? (See 2 Chronicles 30:10–11.)
• • What blessing did the people of Israel reject by refusing to come to the temple? (See 2 Chronicles 30:6–9. Explain that by the time of Hezekiah’s reign, much of the kingdom of Israel [the Northern Kingdom] had been taken captive by the Assyrians. Hezekiah promised the remaining Israelites that if they would “turn again unto the Lord,” the captives would be released. Instead, most of the people of Israel rejected Hezekiah’s invitation. Because of the wickedness of the people, the remainder of the kingdom of Israel was taken captive several years later [2 Kings 18:10–12]. The captive Israelites became the lost ten tribes.)

2. The Assyrians invade the kingdom of Judah. Isaiah and Hezekiah pray for help, and an angel of the Lord destroys much of the Assyrian army.


2 Chronicles 32:1–23.
• • After the kingdom of Israel was taken into captivity, the Assyrians began to attack the kingdom of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:1). What did Hezekiah do when he saw that Sennacherib’s army planned to attack Jerusalem? (See 2 Chronicles 32:2–5.) After Hezekiah had made preparations for war, what did he tell his people about the impending attack? (See 2 Chronicles 32:6–8.) What can we learn from Hezekiah about the proper relationship between trusting in our own efforts and trusting in the Lord?
• • Sennacherib sent his servants to speak to the people in Jerusalem. What did the servants say? (See 2 Chronicles 32:9–17.) Why did they say these things? (See 2 Chronicles 32:18.) In what ways does Satan try to convince us that God cannot or will not help us?
• • How did Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah react to the words of Sennacherib’s servants? (See 2 Chronicles 32:20; Isaiah 37:14–20.) How did the Lord answer Hezekiah’s and Isaiah’s prayers? (See 2 Chronicles 32:21–22; Isaiah 37:33–38.)
• • Hezekiah and his people received the Lord’s protection because of their righteousness, which was demonstrated by their worship at the temple. How can temple attendance be a protection for us? (See D&C 109:24–28.) What can we do to make temple worthiness and attendance a priority in our lives?

o President Howard W. Hunter encouraged:
o “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. Teach them about the purposes of the house of the Lord. Have them plan from their earliest years to go there and to remain worthy of that blessing.
o “If proximity to a temple does not allow frequent attendance, gather in the history of your family and prepare the names for the sacred ordinances performed only in the temple. This family research is essential to the work of the temples, and blessings surely will come to those who do that work” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 8; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 8).
•
3. Josiah and his people covenant to serve the Lord.


2 Chronicles 34.
Hezekiah was succeeded as king by his son Manasseh and his grandson Amon (2 Chronicles 33). Manasseh ruled Judah in wickedness, placing idols in the temple and leading the people to sin. Manasseh eventually humbled himself, however, and repented before his death. Manasseh’s son Amon also ruled in wickedness, worshiping the idols his father had made. Amon did not repent, and he was slain by his own servants. Amon’s son Josiah was made king of Judah when he was eight years old. He became a righteous king who rejected the wicked ways of his father and grandfather.
• • What kind of person was King Josiah? (See 2 Chronicles 34:1–2; 2 Kings 23:25. Note that the David mentioned in 2 Chronicles 34:2 is King David, who was Josiah’s forefather, not his literal father.)
• • What good things did Josiah do early in his reign as king? (See 2 Chronicles 34:3–8. He sought the true God, destroyed idolatry in the kingdom, and sent people to repair the temple. Point out that Josiah was only 15 or 16 years old when he began making these important changes.)
• • What significant discovery did Hilkiah the high priest make during the renovation of the temple? (See 2 Chronicles 34:14. He found a book of the law of the Lord, or the scriptures. Note that by this time in Judah’s history the written law apparently had been lost and was virtually unknown.) How did Josiah react when the book of the law was read to him? (See 2 Chronicles 34:19. it was a custom in ancient Israel to rend, or tear, one’s clothes to show mourning or great sorrow.) Why was Josiah so distressed to hear what the book of the law contained? (See 2 Chronicles 34:21.)
• • What did the prophetess Huldah say would happen to Judah because the people had failed to keep the word of the Lord and do what the scriptures taught? (See 2 Chronicles 34:22–25.) What will happen to us if we neglect to read the scriptures and apply their teachings?
o President Ezra Taft Benson described the dangers of neglecting one of our books of scripture, the Book of Mormon:
o “In 1829, the Lord warned the Saints that they are not to trifle with sacred things (see D&C 6:12). Surely the Book of Mormon is a sacred thing, and yet many trifle with it, or in other words, take it lightly, treat it as though it is of little importance.
o “In 1832, as some early missionaries returned from their fields of labor, the Lord reproved them for treating the Book of Mormon lightly. As a result of that attitude, he said, their minds had been darkened. Not only had treating this sacred book lightly brought a loss of light to themselves, it had also brought the whole Church under condemnation, even all the children of Zion. And then the Lord said, ‘And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon’ (D&C 84:54–57). …
o “If the early Saints were rebuked for treating the Book of Mormon lightly, are we under any less condemnation if we do the same?” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 3–4; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 4–5).
• • What did Huldah say would happen to Josiah? (See 2 Chronicles 34:26, 28. The fulfillment of this promise is described in 2 Chronicles 35:20–24.) Why did the Lord make this promise to Josiah? (See 2 Chronicles 34:27.)
• • After Josiah found out that his people would be condemned because they had not done as the scriptures instructed, he called all the people to the temple and read the scriptures to them (2 Chronicles 34:29–30). Why do you think he did this? (The people could not follow God’s laws if they did not know them.) How can parents follow Josiah’s example and teach their children the laws of the gospel? (See D&C 68:25, 28.)
• • How can we show the value we place on the scriptures? Point out that we have more scripture available to us than the Israelites had, and the scriptures are more readily accessible to us. What responsibility do we have because of these blessings?
o President Spencer W. Kimball said: “The Lord is not trifling with us when he gives us these things, for ‘unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.’ (Luke 12:48.) Access to these things means responsibility for them. We must study the scriptures according to the Lord’s commandment (see 3 Ne. 3 Nephi 23:1–5); and we must let them govern our lives” (“How Rare a Possession—the Scriptures!” Ensign, Sept. 1976, 5).
• • While Josiah and his people were at the temple, they made a covenant with the Lord. What did they covenant to do? (See 2 Chronicles 34:31–33.) Explain that in the temple we make sacred covenants with the Lord, the fulfillment of which will bring us earthly blessings and eternal exaltation. How can we prepare to make the sacred temple covenants? Once we have made these covenants, why is it important that we return to the temple as often as possible?

Conclusion

The people in the kingdom of Judah eventually became so wicked that the Lord allowed them to be taken captive (2 Chronicles 36:14–21). During their reigns, however, Hezekiah and Josiah had sought to strengthen the people by turning their attention to the temple and the scriptures. Testify that as we focus our attention on obeying the Lord’s commandments and being worthy to enter the temple, we will be blessed with spiritual strength and joy. Encourage class members to enjoy the blessings of the temple by living worthily and attending as often as possible.

How Can We Be 7 Dip Mormons?

Reading Assignment - Lesson 30 - Sunday August 8

Lesson 30: “Come to the House of the Lord”, Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 20–21

2 Chronicles 29–30; 32; 34

Study the following scriptures:

a. 2 Chronicles 29–30. Hezekiah, king of Judah, opens the doors of the temple and instructs the priests and Levites to cleanse and sanctify it for worship (29:1–19). When the temple is cleansed, Hezekiah and his people worship together and praise the Lord (29:20–36). Hezekiah invites all Israel to come to the temple in Jerusalem (30:1–9). Some laugh at the invitation, but the faithful of Israel worship the Lord in Jerusalem (30:10–27).

b. 2 Chronicles 32:1–23. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invades Judah and speaks against the Lord (32:1–19). Isaiah and Hezekiah pray for help, and an angel of the Lord destroys much of the Assyrian army (32:20–23).

c. 2 Chronicles 34. After Hezekiah’s son and grandson rule in wickedness, Hezekiah’s great-grandson Josiah becomes king of Judah. Josiah destroys the idols in the kingdom and repairs the temple (34:1–13). The book of the law is found in the temple and read to Josiah, who weeps when he learns how far the people have strayed from the law (34:14–21). Huldah the prophetess tells of the forthcoming desolation of Judah but prophesies that Josiah will not have to witness it (34:22–28). Josiah and his people covenant to serve the Lord (2 Chronicles 34:29–33).

• What can we learn from Hezekiah about the proper relationship between trusting in our own efforts and trusting in the Lord? (See 2 Chronicles 32:7–8.)

• While Josiah and his people were at the temple, what did they covenant to do? (See 2 Chronicles 34:31–33.) How can we prepare to make the sacred temple covenants? Once we have made these covenants, why is it important that we return to the temple as often as possible?

Additional reading: 2 Kings 18–19; 22–23; Isaiah 37:10–20, 33–38.

Lesson 29: “He Took Up … the Mantle of Elijah”

Lesson 29: “He Took Up … the Mantle of Elijah”, Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, 139

1. Introduction

a) Go over the 2010 Questions – poster

b) Electing a new pope in the Catholic Church

i) When the old pope dies, Cardinals gather from all over the world to a closed conclave in the Vatican

ii) Meet in the Sistine Chapel and vote on a new pope

(1) Reportedly, there is campaigning and electioneering for competing candidates

(2) Ballots are burned after each vote

(3) Black smoke - fumata nera - means that a new pope has not been elected – wet straw added to the ballots

(4) White smoke - fumata bianca - means a new pope has been elected and the conclave is over

c) The process of naming a new prophet could not be more different

i) Will see an example of how the Lord selects His prophets in today's lesson

2. Elisha succeeds Elijah as the prophet

a) When Elijah was fleeing a death sentence pronounced by Jezebel, the queen of Israel, he went to Mt Sinai (2K19:1-3)

b) On Mt. Sinai, the Lord spoke to Elijah

c) Reading 1 – 1 Kings 19:15-16

15 And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.

i) "in thy room" means "in thy place"

d) ASK – Who chose Elisha to succeed Elija as prophet?

e) READ 1 Kings 19:19

19 ¶ So he [Elijah] departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

i) Note – twelve yoke of oxen sounds like 24 oxen to pull a plow

(1) Must have been very hard ground

ii) Elijah placing his mantle on Elisha was a call and a symbol that Elisha was to be a future prophet

iii) Elisha – 1 Kings 19:21 "took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat."

(1) Elisha killed two oxen

(2) Made a fire from the wooden plow to cook the meat

(3) Gave the meat to the people

(4) Elisha was destroying the instruments of his past vocation

(a) No turning back from his call to follow Elijah

f) Reading 2 – 2 Kings 2:1-8

1 And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el.

3 And the sons of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

4 And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.

5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

6 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.

7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.

8 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

i) Both Elijah and Elisha know that Elijah is going to be translated – "taken up to heaven" – Verse 1

ii) Elisha will not leave Elijah – "As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee." – Verse 2

iii) Elisha will not leave Elijah, the prophet

(1) We will see that this is important for the successful beginning of Elisha's work as the prophet

iv) The arrived at the Jordan River – Verse 8 - Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground

v) Set the scene – Elijah and Elisha are across the River Jordan and fifty men "of the sons of the prophets" are watching from afar – Verse 7

g) READ – 2 Kings 2:9-13

9 ¶ And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.

11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

12 ¶ And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.

13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;

i) Elisha is worried about losing Elijah

(1) Asks that " a double portion of thy spirit be upon me " – Verse 9

ii) A chariot of fire appears drawn by horses of fire and takes Elijah up by a whirlwind into heaven. – Verse 11

iii) After this happens, everything is very quiet and Elisha is left by himself. The only thing remaining is the mantle of Elijah, which Elisha picks up.

iv) ASK - How is Elisha feeling at this moment? Do we understand anything about this feeling?

(1) A new Relief Society President receives a battered notebook from the former Relief Society President

(2) A new Primary President receives a chewed-up cloth bag from the old Primary President

(3) Tell story about being sustained as a new bishop and the Executive Secretary

h) ASK – What does the mantle represent?

i) Elisha is standing on the banks of the Jordan River with the mantle

i) Reading 3 – 2 Kings 2:14-15

14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

15 And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

(1) Powerful symbol

(a) Elijah has just parted the waters of the River Jordan

(b) Joshua did the same thing after he lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land

(c) Hearkens back to Moses parting the Red Sea

(d) Verse 15 - bowed themselves to the ground before him.- the same thing we do by raising our arms to sustain the prophet

j) Succession When a Prophet Dies

i) Reading 4 - President Joseph Fielding Smith explained: “There is no mystery about the choosing of the successor to the President of the Church. The Lord settled this a long time ago, and the senior apostle automatically becomes the presiding officer of the Church, and he is so sustained by the Council of the Twelve which becomes the presiding body of the Church when there is no First Presidency. The president is not elected, but he has to be sustained both by his brethren of the Council and by the members of the Church” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 3:156).

ii) Reading 5 - President Gordon B. Hinckley explained how this procedure was followed when he was ordained and set apart as the prophet and President of the Church following the death of President Howard W. Hunter:

“With President Hunter’s passing, the First Presidency was dissolved. Brother Monson and I, who had served as his counselors, took our places in the Quorum of the Twelve, which became the presiding authority of the Church.

“[A few days later] all of the living ordained Apostles gathered in a spirit of fasting and prayer in the upper room of the temple. Here we sang a sacred hymn and prayed together. We partook of the sacrament of the Lord’s supper, renewing in that sacred, symbolic testament our covenants and our relationship with Him who is our divine Redeemer. The Presidency was then reorganized, following a precedent well established through generations of the past [this precedent is explained in the preceding statement by President Joseph Fielding Smith]. There was no campaigning, no contest, no ambition for office. It was quiet, peaceful, simple, and sacred. It was done after the pattern which the Lord Himself had put in place” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 92; or Ensign, May 1995, 69).

3. Naaman

a) Elisha would be prophet for about 50 years

b) One of the most interesting of his many miracles involved a Syrian named Naaman

i) Note that Israel and Syria had frequent wars during this period

c) Reading 5 – 2 Kings 5:1-5,8-9

1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.

2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.

3 And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

4 And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.

5 And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.

SKIP

8 ¶ And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.

9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.

i) Verses 2-3

(1) Captive Israeli girl

(2) Very brave in her testimony of the prophet - Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy

(a) How many of us are willing to testify of our prophet in places and to people who are hostile to our beliefs?

d) Reading 6 – 2 Kings 5:10-14

10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

13 And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

i) Verse 10 - Elisha sent a messenger with very simple instructions

ii) Verse 11 - Naaman was wroth

(1) He had not spoken directly with the prophet

(2) Thought he knew what the prophet should do - stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper

(3) Doctrine and Covenants 1:38 - 38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

(a) The power was the Lord's and Elijah was just his voice

(b) Elijah's servant was also a servant of the Lord

iii) Verse 12 - Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?

(1) went away in a rage

iv) Verse 13 - if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it?

v) READ - Elder Rex D. Pinegar asked, “Are we not sometimes like Naaman, looking for big or important things to do and bypassing simple things which could change our lives and heal us of our afflictions?” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 106; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 80)

vi) Reading 7 - After recounting the story of Naaman, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: “The way of the gospel is a simple way. Some of the requirements may appear to you as elementary and unnecessary. Do not spurn them. Humble yourselves and walk in obedience. I promise that the results that follow will be marvelous to behold and satisfying to experience” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1976, 143; or Ensign, Nov. 1976, 96).

vii) Reading 8 - Elder Boyd K. Packer has written: “Others among us are willing to sustain part of the leadership of the Church and question and criticize others of us.

Some of us suppose that if we were called to a high office in the Church immediately, we would be loyal and would show the dedication necessary. We would step forward and valiantly commit ourselves to this service.

But (you can put it down in your little black book) if you will not be loyal in the small things, you will not be loyal in the large things. If you will not respond to the so-called insignificant or menial tasks which need to be performed in the Church and kingdom, there will be no opportunity for service in the so-called greater challenges.

A man who says he will sustain the President of the Church or the General Authorities, but cannot sustain his own bishop is deceiving himself. The man who will not sustain the bishop of his ward and the president of his stake will not sustain the President of the Church.” (That All May Be Edified , p.238-239)

4. Elisha guides Israel in a war with Syria

a) Syria invades Israel and Elisha warns the King of Israel about the attacks and where they will come

b) King of Syria is upset that none of his careful military plans works out and asks what the problem is.

c) READ – 2 Kings 6:12 And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.

d) King of Syria finds out that Elijah is in the city of Dothan and sends a huge army to surround the city in the night.

e) When morning comes, Elijah and one of his servants wake up and see this massive show of force.

f) Reading 9 – 2 Kings 6:15-17

15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

g) Reading 10 – Jeffrey R. Holland, then President of BYU, said: "In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham’s seed."

5. Conclusion