Posted on 24 July 2010 by Doug
The Influence of Wicked and Righteous Leaders
Toward the end of Solomon’s life, the prophet Ahijah prophesied that Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s 12 superintendents over taxes and labor, would take over much of the Israelite nation. To illustrate this, Ahijah seized the garment from the back of Jeroboam, tore it into 12 pieces, and gave 10 of the pieces to Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:29–32; footnote 32a points out that according to the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, two tribes, not one, would be left in the kingdom ruled by the descendants of David).
The Savior taught that
–every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. (Matthew 12:25).
This is what happened to the kingdom of Israel after Solomon’s death. This lesson is about the influence of wicked and righteous leaders on the divided kingdom of Israel.
OVERVIEW
1 Kings 12-14; 2 Chronicles 17; 20
- The kingdom of Israel is divided, primarily because of Rehoboam’s harsh leadership.
- Jeroboam and Rehoboam lead their kingdoms into idolatry.
- Jehoshaphat leads the kingdom of Judah to follow the Lord and His prophets.
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: Old Testament Lesson 27.
pax vobiscum
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Posted on 17 July 2010 by Doug
King Solomon: Man of Wisdom, Man of Foolishness
We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot. … But weakness is not our only vulnerability. Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong—in the very areas where we are proud of our strengths. He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses
—(Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Ensign, Oct. 1994, 12).
Think about some strengths that could become our downfall. This lesson is about King Solomon, a man who received great gifts from God but eventually used those gifts unrighteously. In this lesson look for incidents that show the gradual decline of Solomon. We should look for his flaws not to judge him, but to learn from his mistakes.
OVERVIEW:
1 Kings 3; 5–11
- The Lord blesses Solomon with wisdom, riches, and honor.
- King Solomon directs the construction of a great temple and has a palace built for himself.
- Solomon dedicates the temple.
- Solomon becomes excessively wealthy and marries many non-Israelite women who persuade him to worship idols.
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: Old Testament Lesson 26.
pax vobiscum
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Posted on 9 July 2010 by Doug
“Let Every Thing That Hath Breath Praise the Lord”
We are grateful for the Savior, his life, and mission. Consider other things for which you are thankful. What gifts and opportunities from the Lord are you especially grateful for? How would your life be different without these blessings?
The book of Psalms is a collection of poems originally sung as praises or petitions to God. Many were written by David. This book is like a hymnal from ancient Israel. Its lyrics constitute some of the world’s best inspirational literature, expressing faith in the Lord and an earnest desire to live righteously. Read Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. —Psalm 23
What feelings are expressed in this psalm? What are your feelings as you read or listen to this psalm? Reflect upon other favorite psalms and why they are important to you.
Many of the psalms express gratitude for blessings the Lord has given. Part of this lesson focuses on those blessings and on what we can do to show our gratitude for them.
OVERVIEW:
Psalms
- Prophecies of the life and mission of Jesus Christ
- “The Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee” (Psalm 116:7).
- “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?” (Psalm 116:12)
- “Trust in the Lord” (Psalms 4:5)
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: Old Testament Lesson 25.
pax vobiscum
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Posted on 3 July 2010 by Doug
“Create in Me a Clean Heart”
Those “little sins”—unrepented—can put us in a bind. What should we do when an unclean thought enters our mind? Dismiss it immediately! When we allow unclean thoughts to stay in our minds we become “bound” by them.
Part of this lesson deals with the consequences of dwelling on unclean thoughts. The lesson also discusses ways to free ourselves from unclean thoughts.
OVERVIEW:
2 Samuel 11–12; Psalm 51
- David commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges the death of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband.
- David is told that he will be punished because of his sins.
- A repentant David seeks forgiveness.
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: Old Testament Lesson 24.
pax vobiscum
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