Lesson 17: “Beware Lest Thou Forget”, Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 12
Deuteronomy 6; 8; 11; 32
Study the following scriptures:
a. Deuteronomy 6:1–9; 11:18–21. Moses gives instructions to the Israelites to help them remember their covenants. He instructs parents to teach their children his words.
b. Deuteronomy 6:10–12; 8:1–20. Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s blessings to them. He warns them that they will perish if they do not obey God’s commandments and remember Him.
c. Deuteronomy 32:1–4, 15–18, 30–40, 45–47. Moses counsels the Israelites to be mindful of the Rock of their salvation (Jesus Christ).
After testing, chastening, and teaching the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years, the Lord said they were ready to enter the promised land. But first he had some important instructions for them. Moses delivered these instructions in three sermons that are recorded in Deuteronomy.
• Why do you think Moses told the people to place passages of scripture between their eyes, on their hands, on the posts of their houses, and on their gates? How would such constant reminders affect our actions? What can we do in our homes to remind us of the Lord, his words, and our covenants with him? Do the pictures on our walls, the books we read, and the movies and television shows we watch remind us of the Lord, or do they suggest a longing for the world?
• What are Moses’ main messages in Deuteronomy 6:10–12 and 8:1–20? What does it mean to forget the Lord? (See Deuteronomy 8:11.) What are the consequences of forgetting him? (See Deuteronomy 8:19.)
• Who is the Rock spoken of in Deuteronomy 32:3–4? (Jesus Christ.) Why do you think Jesus Christ is sometimes called the Rock? (See Helaman 5:12.) What does it mean to build upon the Rock? (See Deuteronomy 32:46–47; Matthew 7:24–27; D&C 50:44.)
Deuteronomy consists mostly of three sermons or discourses that Moses delivered to Israel while they were camped in Moab, just across the Jordan River from the Promised Land. These are the last words of Moses for the people with whom he has spent 40 years in the wilderness.
One of the major themes of Moses' counsel is that Israel needs to remember God's commandments and their covenants with Him. The instructions that Moses gave to Israel continue to be reflected in the daily lives of observant Jews.
The Shema (click Here for pronunciation) is the morning and evening prayer recited by Jews practicing their religion. It consists of Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Deuteronomy 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:37-41 (in that order). The prayer is recited often and taught to Jewish children, beginning when they are very small, so that the words will be constantly in their hearts, because of the following words of Moses:
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 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." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
Continuing to speak of his words, Moses says "And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." (Deuteronomy 6:9)This is the origin of the mezuzah (Hebrew for doorpost, click Here for pronunciation).A mezuzah is a small parchment scroll inscribed with Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 that is rolled into a small decorative case affixed to the doorframe of the homes of most observant Jews.There is always a mezuzah at the main entry and sometimes there are mezuzahs on frames of doors inside the home as well.
Here is what the scroll looks like:
And here are a couple of examples of mezuzah cases.They come in a wide variety of styles. Typically, when you speak of a mezuzah, you're talking about the case with the scroll inside.
It has become customary for many Jews to touch or kiss the mezuzah each time they leave or enter their home.GG became friends with a Jewish convert when we lived in California and this woman gave us a mezuzah that we placed next to our front door.I have heard Senator Orrin Hatch say that he has a mezuzah near his front door as well.
Deuteronomy 6:8, speaking of the words of Moses – "And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes" – gives rise to the use of phylacteries, called tefillin in Hebrew (click Here for pronunciation).These are small leather boxes with straps that, like the mezuzah, contain scriptures from Exodus and Deuteronomy.
One of the tefillin is attached to the forehead and the other to the inside of the left arm.These locations symbolize obedience to the law with both mind and heart.
See the photos below showing how the tefillin are worn.The wearing of tefillin is proper only during the day.Observant Orthodox Jews usually wear them only during worship services or prayers.Various Jewish sects have developed detailed rules concerning how tefillin are worn.
I'm not sure how Moses would feel about it, but you can purchase a mezuzah or tefillin on Amazon.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Lesson 16: “I Cannot Go Beyond the Word of the Lord”, Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, 73
1.Introduction
a)When Israel was fearful of the reports of ten of the twelve spies that were sent into the Promised Land, they were sent back into the wilderness to wander for another 38 years.
b)Now, they are moving back toward that land
c)Beginning to encounter hostile peoples in their travels and have had to fight several
i)The Lord has sustained them in their battles
ii)Israel has defeated
(1)Arad and his Canaanites (Numbers 21:1-3)
(2)Sihon and his Amorites (Numbers 21:21-24)
(3)Og and the people of Bashan (Numbers 21:33-35)
d)Now we come to one of the strangest stories in the Bible, but one with many messages for us today.
2.Balaam refuses Balak’s offer of rewards in exchange for cursing Israel
a)When Israel camps in the plains of Moab, the Balak, the ruler of Moab is concerned.
b)Reading 1 – Numbers 22:1-4
1 And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
2 ¶ And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
3 And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
4 And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
c)Balak has an interesting response to the children of Israel than the others
i)Reading 2 – Numbers 22:5-13
5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
6 Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.
7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.
8 And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the Lord shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
9 And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?
10 And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,
11 Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out.
12 And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.
13 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you.
(1)Balaam was a Mesopotamian diviner (Deut. 23:4) who had an international reputation.
(a)Lived near Haran, in present-day Iraq, where Abraham settled for a period of time.
(b)Some believe that he was a prophet, perhaps a descendant of Abraham, but not through the birthright line
(i)As we will see, Balaam is certainly not a righteous prophet
(c)Balaam's name has actually surfaced in some non-biblical ancient texts found in Jordan.
(i)Balaam is referred to as a "seer of the gods"
(d)Balaam's approach to divination was that he received communications from gods at night and then rose in the morning to reveal them
(i)See Numbers 22:8 where Balaam asks that Balak's messengers lodge the night, Balaam receives his message during the night, then gives the message to Balak's messengers in the morning.
(2)Verse 6 – Balak's request to Balaam - Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people
(3)Verse 6 – Balak has a lot of confidence in Balaam - I wot [KNOW] that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed
(4)Verse 12 - God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed
(5)Verse 13 - Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you
d)If Balaam had stopped here, we might not have ever heard of him and he certainly wouldn't have rated three chapters in Numbers.
3.Balak Sends More Messengers
a)Reading 3 – Numbers 22:15-19
15 ¶ And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.
16 And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:
17 For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.
18 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.
19 Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will say unto me more.
i)Verse 17 – Balak's new offer - I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me
ii)Verse 18 – Balaam's first answer - If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more
iii)Verse 19 – Balaam's first mistake - Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will say unto me more
(1)ASK – What is Balaam doing here?
(2)The Lord's answer to his first request was pretty clear – Verse 12 - Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed
b)Why is Balaam doing this?
i)Because he thinks it is the right thing?
ii)Fame and Money
c)Do we ever see this in our day?
i)A child, unhappy with an answer from one parent, goes to the other parent, hoping for a different answer.
ii)A member of the Church, unsatisfied with the counsel of a priesthood leader, goes to another priesthood leader.
(1)A common experience for a new bishop is for members of the ward who didn't like what the old bishop told them to come to see the new bishop to inquire again to see if they get a different answer.
iii)A member of the Church rationalizes that a commandment doesn’t apply to him or her as it does to other members.
d)After Balaam approaches the Lord again, he receives an interesting answer:
i)READ – Numbers 22:20 - And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them [Joseph Smith Translation: "rise up, if thou will go with them"]; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.
ii)Reminds us of Joseph Smith, Martin Harris and the 116 lost manuscript pages of the Book of Mormon.
(1)Martin kept after Joseph to let him show the pages to others.
(2)Joseph asked the Lord and was told No twice
(3)Joseph asked the Lord a third time and was told that Martin could have the pages.
(4)Reading 4 – Doctrine and Covenants 3:4 -For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him.
iii)Was Balaam setting "at naught the counsels of God"?
iv)Was Balaam following "the dictates of his own will and carnal desires"?
v)READ – Jacob 4:10 - Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.
vi)Heavenly Father has given us our agency.He will counsel and guide us, but if we make it clear that we're going in a different way, he won't stop us.
(1)In the Lord's prayer, we ask, "Lead us not into temptation"
(2)If Balaam had stayed home in Pethor, he wouldn't have been so sorely tempted by Balak.
(3)Instead, Balaam decides to travel to Balak
(a)He wants to figure out some way of getting Balak's money, even if it means harming Israel, a group of people that Jehovah has told him are blessed.
(b)Balaam is leading himself into deadly temptation.
(4)Balaam's foolishness became famous
(a)Reading 5 – 2 Peter 2:13-16 – Peter is rebuking false teachers and lustful members of the Church
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
e)Reading 6 - Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: "I wonder how often some of us get our direction from the Church and then, Balaam-like, plead for some worldly rewards and finally receive an answer which says, in effect, If you are determined to be a millionaire or to gain this or that worldly honor, go ahead, with the understanding that you will continue to serve the Lord. Then we wonder why things don't work out for us as well as they would have done if we had put first in our lives the things of God's kingdom?" ("The Story of a Prophet's Madness," New Era, Apr. 1972, p. 7).
4.
Balaam's Ass
a)Balaam saddles up his donkey or mule (called an ass in the scriptures), takes two servants and rides toward Moab.
b)READ – Numbers 22:22-23
22 ¶ And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
23 And the ass saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.
c)If you ever see an angel with a sword, you are well-advised to pay very close attention.
d)The same thing happens two more times
i)Balaam's donkey could see the danger, but Balaam, focused on that house full of gold and silver that Balak was offering, could not see the angel.
e)The third time, the angel appears with his sword in a narrow place where the donkey could not pass.
f)A dialogue takes place between Balaam and his donkey that would be comical if Balaam were not being so stupid.
g)READ – Numbers 22:27-30
27 And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
28 And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
i)Balaam acts like donkeys talk all the time.
ii)The donkey is smarter than Balaam at this moment.
h)Balaam finally sees the angel and falls down on his face and says all sorts of humble things, but he continues on toward Balak.
5.Balaam Refuses/Is Unable to Curse Israel
a)Balaam finally arrives where Balak is
i)READ Numbers 22:38 - And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.
(1)Is this an example of Balaam's righteousness or is he making an excuse in advance for how he is likely to fail to give Balak what he wants?
ii)Then "Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Ba'al" (verse 41) and shows him all of the people.
(1)I don't think "the high places of Ba'al" are a good place for Balaam to be.
iii)In the manner of diviners, Balaam has a lot of expensive livestock sacrificed on seven different altars.
iv)When the time comes for Balaam to curse Israel, the Lord commands him to bless Israel.
v)Balak isn't happy.Balaam is almost a comic figure as he agrees to try to curse Israel twice more, but, after the sacrifice of more expensive livestock, is only able to bless Israel.
(1)READ Numbers 23:23 – Balaam tells Balak " 23 Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel"
b)Balak is finally fed up with Balaam
i)Reading 7 – Numbers 24:10-11
10 ¶ And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
11 Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the Lord hath kept thee back from honour.
(1)Verse 11 - the Lord hath kept thee back from honour
6.Balaam's Final Downfall
a)Despite all this, Balaam still tries to help Balak
i)He suggests that Balak undercut Israel by having the daughters of the Midianites seduce the young men of Israel into participating the fertility cult of Ba'al. (See Numbers 31:16.)
b)The Lord commands Moses to execute those who have had sexual relations with the daughters of the Midianites and 24,000 Israelites were killed by a plague. (Numbers 25:3-9)
c)The Lord commands Israel to attack the Midianites
i)READ – Numbers 31:7-8
7 And they warred against the Midianites, as the Lord commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.
8 And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.
7.The Doctrine of Balaam
a)READ Revelations 2:14 - To the church in Pergamos, one of the seven churches to whom the Book of Revelation was written, the Lord said: "But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication" (Revelations 2:14)
b)READ Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote that the doctrine of Balaam is "To divine for hire; to give counsel contrary to the divine will; to pervert the right way of the Lord -- all with a view to gaining wealth and the honors of men. In effect, to preach for money, or to gain personal power and influence. In the very nature of things such a course is a perversion of the right way of the Lord" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary: Colossians-Revelation, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1973] p. 451).
Reading 6 - Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: "I wonder how often some of us get our direction from the Church and then, Balaam-like, plead for some worldly rewards and finally receive an answer which says, in effect, If you are determined to be a millionaire or to gain this or that worldly honor, go ahead, with the understanding that you will continue to serve the Lord. Then we wonder why things don't work out for us as well as they would have done if we had put first in our lives the things of God's kingdom?" ("The Story of a Prophet's Madness," New Era, Apr. 1972, p. 7)
Numbers 22:22-23
Numbers 22:27-30
Numbers 22:38
Numbers 23:23
Reading 7 – Numbers 24:10-11
Numbers 31:7-8
Revelations 2:14
Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote that the doctrine of Balaam is "To divine for hire; to give counsel contrary to the divine will; to pervert the right way of the Lord -- all with a view to gaining wealth and the honors of men. In effect, to preach for money, or to gain personal power and influence. In the very nature of things such a course is a perversion of the right way of the Lord" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary: Colossians-Revelation, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1973] p. 451).
a. Numbers 22:1–21. Balak, king of Moab, is terrified by the approach of the Israelites. He offers Balaam rewards if he will come to Moab and curse the Israelites. God commands Balaam to refuse, and Balaam obeys (22:1–14). Balak offers Balaam additional honor and wealth if he will come to Moab and curse Israel. God tells Balaam he can go if he desires but that he must speak only the words God gives him (22:15–21). Balaam decides to go.
b. Numbers 22:22–35. God is angry with Balaam for going to Moab, knowing that he hopes for some reward from Balak. While on his way, Balaam learns the dangers of displeasing God when his donkey and an angel speak to him.
c. Numbers 22:36–24:25. Three times Balak asks Balaam to curse Israel, but Balaam obeys God and blesses Israel each time (22:36–24:9). He then curses Moab and prophesies of Jesus Christ (24:10–25).
d. Numbers 31:1–16. The Israelites destroy the Midianites and slay Balaam. Moses explains that Balaam had counseled the Midianites to entice the Israelites into sin. (The consequences of Balaam’s counsel are described in Numbers 25:1–3. Although Balaam would not curse Israel directly, he apparently wanted a reward from Balak badly enough that he suggested tempting Israel to sin, causing them to lose God’s protection.)
• How did Balaam respond to the offer of rewards in exchange for going to Moab to curse Israel? (See Numbers 22:5–14.) What so-called rewards are we sometimes offered in exchange for disobeying God?
• On his way to Moab, Balaam tried three times to force his donkey forward (Numbers 22:22–30). In what way was this like Balaam’s relationship with the Lord? What are some modern parallels of individuals and groups stubbornly trying to do what they want rather than submitting to God’s will or to the righteous counsel of parents or leaders?
• Three writers in the New Testament referred to Balaam (2 Peter 2:15–16; Jude 1:11; Revelation 2:14). What were their impressions of him? What lessons can we learn from the story of Balaam?
In today's lesson, we learn by likening the experiences of the children of Israel unto ourselves. Ask yourselves, what doctrine if understood, would help us make it through this journey in the wilderness we call life, and inherit the celestial kingdom?
Today we will learn by looking at a series of experiences of the children of Israel and relating them to our journey. We will look at manna and the sin of ingratitude, at lusting after meat, at delegation and the plea for all us to be prophets in our own right, the experience of the spies that went into the promised land and gave an evil report, the meekness of Moses, and the improper respect of authority by Miriam and Aaron and most importantly the challenge to look to God and live.
1. The Lord answers the Israelites’ desire for meat by sending them quail and smiting them with a plague.
Numbers 11.
• Even though manna was a great blessing from the Lord, the Israelites began to complain about it (Numbers 11:6). What prompted their complaint? (See Numbers 11:4–5; they began to think about and desire the meat and other food they had eaten in Egypt.) What are the dangers of wanting more than we already have?
• The Israelites became so lustful for meat that they lost their focus on the promised land and began to wish they had not left Egypt (Numbers 11:4–6). What are some modern-day examples of people giving up great blessings in order to satisfy immediate desires? Why do people do this? How can we overcome such temptations?
• How did the Lord answer the Israelites’ desire for meat? (See Numbers 11:18–20, 31–33.)
• Moses became so burdened by the sins of the Israelites that he asked the Lord to take his life (Numbers 11:14–15). How did the Lord give him relief? (See Numbers 11:16–17. Seventy men were called to assist Moses.) What great blessings did these men receive? (See Numbers 11:24–29.) 2. The Lord chastens Miriam and Aaron for speaking against Moses.
Numbers 12.
• Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses as their presiding authority, pointing out that they too had received revelation (Numbers 12:2). What was the Lord’s reply to their complaint? (See Numbers 12:5–9.) What are the limits to our right to receive revelation?
Elder James E. Faust said: “The prophets, seers, and revelators have had and still have the responsibility and privilege of receiving and declaring the word of God for the world. Individual members, parents, and leaders have the right to receive revelation for their own responsibility but have no duty nor right to declare the word of God beyond the limits of their own responsibility” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1989, 9; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, 8).
• The Lord chastened and punished Miriam and Aaron for complaining about Moses’ marriage to an Ethiopian woman (Numbers 12:1, Numbers 12:9–10). How are we affected when we criticize Church leaders? How can our criticism of Church leaders affect our family and friends?
• Numbers 12:3 says that “Moses was very meek.” What does it mean to be meek?
President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Meekness implies a spirit of gratitude as opposed to an attitude of self-sufficiency, an acknowledgment of a greater power beyond oneself, a recognition of God, and an acceptance of his commandments” (“With All Thy Getting Get Understanding,” Ensign, Aug. 1988, 3–4).
• How did Moses show his meekness when Miriam was punished for rebelling against him? (See Numbers 12:13–15. Rather than being pleased with his authority to preside over his sister, he pleaded with the Lord to heal her. He and his people postponed their journey until she was healed.) How can we be meek, even when people criticize or turn against us? How does it help us to respond to criticism with meekness? 3. Moses instructs 12 men to search the land of Canaan.
Numbers 13–14.
• When the Israelites reached the border of the land of Canaan, Moses sent 12 men to search the land, its resources, and its people (Numbers 13:17–20). What report did they bring of the land’s resources? (See Numbers 13:23–27.) What did the 10 men besides Caleb and Joshua report about the people who lived in Canaan? (See Numbers 13:28–33.) How do some of us make the same error as these 10 men?
President Gordon B. Hinckley said:
“Ten of the spies were victims of their own doubts and fears. They gave a negative report of the numbers and stature of the Canaanites. … They compared themselves as grasshoppers to the giants they had seen in the land. …
“We see some around us who are indifferent concerning the future of this work, who are apathetic, who speak of limitations, who express fears, who spend their time digging out and writing about what they regard to be weaknesses which really are of no consequence. With doubt concerning its past, they have no vision concerning its future” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 93–94; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 71).
• How did the report of Caleb and Joshua differ from the report of the other 10 men? (See Numbers 13:30; Numbers 14:6–9.) Why were Caleb and Joshua unafraid of the inhabitants of Canaan? (See Numbers 14:9.) What are some ways that we can follow the example of Caleb and Joshua when we face difficult situations? President Gordon B. Hinckley said:
“There is no place in this work for those who believe only in the gospel of doom and gloom. The gospel is good news. It is a message of triumph. It is a cause to be embraced with enthusiasm.
“The Lord never said that there would not be troubles. Our people have known afflictions of every sort as those who have opposed this work have come upon them. But faith has shown through all their sorrows. This work has consistently moved forward and has never taken a backward step since its inception. …
“This is an age of pessimism. Ours is a mission of faith. To my brethren and sisters everywhere, I call upon you to reaffirm your faith, to move this work forward across the world. You can make it stronger by the manner in which you live” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 94–95; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 71–72).
• How did the congregation react to the words of Caleb and Joshua? (See Numbers 14:10.) How did the Lord punish the Israelites for their continual murmuring and their desire to return to Egypt? (See Numbers 14:22–23, Numbers 14:26–35.) How did he punish the 10 men who delivered the negative report of Canaan? (See Numbers 14:36–37.) How did he bless Caleb and Joshua for their faithfulness? (Numbers 14:24, Numbers 14:38.) 4. Moses makes a serpent of brass and tells the people that if they look at it, they will be healed.
Numbers 21:1–9.
• Although the Lord helped the Israelites defeat the attacking Canaanites, the Israelites continued to murmur. How did the Lord punish them? (See Numbers 21:6.) How did the Israelites respond to this punishment? (See Numbers 21:7.)
• What did the Lord tell Moses to do when Moses asked him to take the fiery serpents away? (See Numbers 21:8–9.) What did each person need to do to be saved from the bites of the fiery serpents?
• Nephi and Alma, two Book of Mormon prophets, taught that many Israelites died because they would not look at the brass serpent. Why didn’t they look? (See 1 Nephi 17:41; Alma 33:18–20.)
• Whom did the brass serpent symbolize? (See John 3:14–16; Helaman 8:13–14.)
• Just as the children of Israel needed to look at the brass serpent to live, we need to look to Jesus Christ to receive eternal life (Alma 37:46–47; Helaman 8:15). What does it mean to look to Christ? How do many people today make the same error as the Israelites who would not look at the brass serpent? (See Alma 33:20. They do not look to Jesus Christ because they do not believe that doing so can save them.)
Elder Carlos E. Asay said: “We, like Israel of old, must rivet our eyes and minds upon … Christ if we hope to gain eternal life. … Our looks must not be allowed to wander across the way or to become fixed upon the perishable things of the world. The eye … must be trained to look upward. We must look to God and live!” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1978, 81; or Ensign, Nov. 1978, 54).
• Alma taught that just as the way to be healed from the fiery serpents was easy, the way to eternal life is easy (Alma 37:46). In what sense is the way to eternal life easy? How do some people try to complicate the way to eternal life? (See Jacob 4:14. They look beyond the simple, saving principles of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and obedience.) How can we keep our focus on faith in Christ?
“Look to God and Live”, Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 10–11
Numbers 11–14; 21:1–9
Study the following scriptures:
a. Numbers 11. The Israelites complain about the manna and desire to eat meat (11:1–9). As instructed by the Lord, Moses gathers 70 elders to assist him (11:10–17, 24–30). The Lord answers the Israelites’ desire for meat by sending them an overabundance of quail and smiting them with a plague because of their greed and overindulgence (11:18–23, 31–35).
b. Numbers 12. Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses (12:1–3). The Lord chastens and punishes Miriam and Aaron for their murmuring (12:4–16).
c. Numbers 13–14. Moses instructs 12 men to search the land of Canaan (13:1–20). They return with favorable reports of the land’s resources, but all except Joshua and Caleb fear the inhabitants and desire to return to Egypt (13:21–14:10). The Lord tells Moses that the faithless and complaining Israelites will wander in the wilderness 40 years, until all of the adult generation are dead but Joshua and Caleb (14:11–39).
d. Numbers 21:1–9. The Israelites destroy the Canaanites who come against them (21:1–3). The Lord sends fiery serpents as punishment for the Israelites’ incessant complaining (21:4–6). Moses makes a serpent of brass, fastens it to a pole, and tells the people that if they look at it, they will live (21:7–9).
• Why did the Israelites complain about the manna? (See Numbers 11:4–6.) What are the dangers of wanting more than we have?
• Just as the children of Israel needed to look at the brass serpent to live, we need to look to Jesus Christ to receive eternal life (Alma 37:46–47; Helaman 8:15). What does it mean to look to Christ?
Additional reading: John 3:14–16; 1 Nephi 17:41; Alma 33:18–22; 37:46–47; Helaman 8:13–15.
Lesson 17: “Beware Lest Thou Forget”, Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, 12
