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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Can you guess what this word means? After giving your best guess, if you wanted to know the correct definition you could go to the Bible Dictionary*.  Guessing at the definition of an unfamiliar word is like making decisions based only on our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.   In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Just as we would turn to a trusted source to learn the correct definition of an unfamiliar word, we need to trust the  Lord and seek his will to make correct decisions in our lives.

This lesson contrasts the experiences of two men, Saul and David, to teach the importance  of trusting the Lord and seeking his guidance when we make decisions. If we learn as we should from today’s scriptures, we will resolve to trust in the Lord rather than our own  understanding.

OVERVIEW:

1 Samuel 9–11; 13; 15–17

• Saul seeks guidance from Samuel and is anointed to be king.
• Saul offers a  burnt offering without the proper authority.
• Saul disobeys the Lord in the battle with the Amalekites and is rejected as king.
• The Lord chooses David as king.
• David slays Goliath in the strength of the Lord.

Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: Old Testament Lesson 22.

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Each of these images has something to do with whom we honor and whom we try to please.

1 Samuel 2:30 tells us whom the Lord will honor—Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

This lesson discusses the blessings that come from honoring the Lord.

OVERVIEW:

1 Samuel 2–3; 8

• The sons of Eli honor themselves above the Lord.
• Eli honors his sons above the Lord.
• Samuel honors the Lord.
• The Israelites honor the world.

Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: Old Testament Lesson 21.

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The period of the Reign of Judges covers a period between 159 and 319 years, from the death of Joshua until the prophet Samuel. Israel is not united. Judges rule much like among the Nephites. There were 12 judges, although only one was actually a judge. They were more like heroes or leaders. But the book of Judges is not a history of Israel during this time, but rather stories that show the cycle of apostasy and repentance among the Israelites. Some of those mentioned are types of how Israel was. And some were called to deliver Israel during their times of repentance. Some of the judges lived at the same times as others. Some judges were only to certain localities, and were not to Israel as a whole.

• The strength of righteous parents and the consequences of forsaking their ways
• Gideon–the strength of faith in God
• Samson–the strength of covenants and the consequences of breaking them

Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: Old Testament Lesson 19.

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This lesson is about Joshua, the prophet who led the children of Israel in their conquest of the promised land. When calling Joshua to be a prophet and succeed Moses, the Lord counseled him to“be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:6) and commanded him to study the scriptures and keep the commandments. Joshua became strong as he allowed God to shape his character. Similarly, as we allow God to shape our character, we can become strong in living the gospel of Jesus Christ and accomplish the things the Lord wants us to do.

OVERVIEW:

Joshua 1–6; 23–24

• Joshua 1. The Lord calls Joshua to succeed Moses. Joshua prepares the Israelites to possess the land that the Lord has promised them.
• 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.
• Joshua 23; 24:14–31. Joshua and his people covenant to serve the Lord.

Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: Old Testament Lesson 18.

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Consider objects scattered around your home. There should be some common objects (scriptures, pictures, books, and musical recordings) that remind you of the Lord and the   covenants you have made with him. This lesson discusses some physical objects that the     ancient Israelites used to remind themselves of the Lord and their covenants with him.

In Deuteronomy, Moses taught the children of Israel to fashion an environment that would help them to resist Satan’s temptations. This lesson reviews his counsel, encouraging us to  remember the Lord and our sacred covenants by creating an environment, including physical objects, that will help us do so.

OVERVIEW:

Deuteronomy 6; 8; 11; 32

Study the following scriptures:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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).

Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: Old Testament Lesson 17.

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