Some Background:
From the website: Reform judaism.org
The Book of Ruth, appears in the third section of the Hebrew Bible, K'tuvim, Writings, is a beautiful folktale written in four short chapters. I celebrates the loyalty and reward of a young Moabite widow (Ruth) who chooses to follow her Israelite mother-in-law (Naomi) back to Bethlehem.
Jewish law assigns this book to the festival of Shavuot or festival of weeks. The events take place during the summer harvest.
Although the story is set in the period of theJudges (1200-1000 B. C. E.), it is unlikely that it was written at the time. According to the Talmud, "Samuel the prompt wrote his own books, Judges and Ruth." Most biblical scholars, however, argue for a post exilic date (i.e.., after 70 C.E.). Furthermore, as Rowley noted long ago: "the simple story of the Book of Ruth abounds in problems for which no final solution can ever be found, since the materials for their solution are denied us."
Why was this book written? The purpose is not apparent. Some say that it is simply "an interesting tale of long ago" (Pfeiffer). Others suggest that the author's goal was to promote the inclusion of outsiders, such as Ruth, in the Assembly of Israel (Smith), especially during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Ruth is like a four-act play. Here are the characters:
ELIMELECH
e-lim'-e-lek ('elimelekh,"My God is King")
I am Elimelech. I am a member of the tribe of Judah, a native of Bethlehem Judah, a man of wealth and probably head of a family or clan. I lived during the period of the Judges, had a hereditary possession near Bethlehem, and am chiefly known as the husband of Naomi, the mother-in-law of Ruth and ancestress of David the king. Because of a severe famine in Judea, I emigrated to the land of Moab with my wife and sons, Mahlon and Chilion (lil-yon). Not long afterward I died, and my two sons married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. Ten years in all were spent in Moab, when my two sons died, and the three widows were left. Soon afterward Naomi decided t return to Judah.
NAOMI
na'-o-mi, (probably = "pleasantness)
I am Naomi. I am the wife of Elimelech and mother - in-law of Ruth. I went with my husband to the land of Moab, and after his death returned to Bethlehem. When greeted on my return, I told the women of the town to call me, Marah ("bitterness"), "for," I said, "the Almighty hah dealt very bitterly with me." I advised Ruth in her dealing with Boaz.
MAHLON
ma'-lon
I am Mahlon, Ruth's first husband I am one of the two sons of Elimelech and Naomi, Ephrathites of Bethlehem-judah". With my mother and my brothers I came into Moab and we both married Moabite women.
CHLION
kil'-i-on (kilyon, "pining,""wasting away")
I am Chilean. I am one of the two sons of Elimelech and Naomi, Ephrathites of Bethlehem-judah" With my mother and my brother I came into Moab and we both married Moabite women. Orpah being the name of my wife and Ruth was the wife of Mahlon. We both died early.
ORPAH
or'-pa ('orphan)
I am Orpah and I am a Moabitess. I am the wife of Mahlon (marlin), son of Elimelech and Naomi. Unlike my sister Ruth, I returned to my own people after escorting Naomi on her way to Judah. My name is supposed to be derived from the Hebrew word for "neck" ('oreph), and so to mean "stiff-necked" because of my turning-back from following my mother-in-law.
RUTH
tooth (ruth; Rhouth)
I am Ruth and my name is found in the Old Testament only in the book which is called by my name. It is a contraction for re'uth perhaps signifying "comrade,""companion." The word is an abstract noun that = friendship." The Book of Ruth details the history of the one decisive episode owing to which I became an ancestress of David and of the royal house of Judah. From this point of view its peculiar interest lies in the close friendship or alliance between Israel and Moab, which rendered such a connection possible. There is also an allusion to this win the name itself.
My piety and fidelity exhibited as I refused to abandon my mother-in-law, although thrice exhorted to do so by Naomi herself, on account of her own great age and the better prospects for Ruth in her own country. Oprah yielded to persuasion, and returned Moab; but I remained with Noami.
At Bethlehem I employed myself in gleaning in the field during the harvest and was noticed by Boaz, the owner of the field, a near kinsmen of my father-in-law Elimelech. Boaz gave me permission to glean as long as the harvest continued; and told me that he had heard of my conduct toward my mother-in-law. Moreover he directed the reapers to make intentional provisions for me by dropping in my way grain from their bundles.
My life and history are important because I form a link in the ancestry of the greatest king of Israel.
It shows how my faithful and loving service to m mother-in-law met with its due reward in the
restored happiness of a peaceful and prosperous home-life for myself. Incidentally ancient. marriage customs of Israel, which becoming obsolete.
BOAZ
bo'-az (o'az; "quickness")
I am a resident of Behtlehem and kinsman of Elimelech, Naomi's husband. I am a gibbor chayil, a phrase which can mean either "a mighty man of valor" or else " a man of piston and wealth." The latter is probably the sense in which the phrase is applied to. I had fields outside the town, which were where Ruth went to glean. I noticed her and extended special kindness and protection to her, bidding her remain with my female workers, and charging the me not to mistreat her, and slap giving her of the reapers' food at mealtime.
I "am used a model of piety, generosity and chastity". I found virtue and rewarded it.
One of the two bronze pillars erected infant of Solomon's temple is named after me, and the other is named after Jachin.
Additional information:
There are 45 definitions of light. Definition #13 = exposed in view or limelight.
Ephrathite-citizen of Ephratah the old name of Bethlehem.
The post exilic period- exile of Jews in Babylonia 597-538 B.C.
Reaper- cuts standing grain.
Gleaner - gathers after the reapers.
One of only two books of script maned for women.
Ruth is great-grandmother of King David.
Ruth converted.
Important to remember > she represents hope and optimism.
* Ruth 1:1-5
Elimelech and his family (Naomi, Mahlon and Chilion ) go to Moab. Elimelech dies. Mahlon and Chilean marry Orpah and Ruth - Moabite women.
Ruth 1:8-18 and 19-20
Ruth stays with Naomi and they return to Bethlehem.
Ruth 2:1-5
Ruth wants to be noticed by Boa. He did notice her.
Gem: Faithfulness is more important than ethnicity.
President Monson said this of Ruth:
"A model of ideal womanhood is Ruth. Sensing the grief-stricken heart of her mother-in-law Naomi -- who suffered the loss of her tow fine sons--feeling perhaps the pangs of despair and loneliness the plagued the very soul of Naomi, Ruth uttered what has become that classic statement of loyalty: 'Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go and were thou longest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.' Ruth's actions demonstrated the sincerity of her words.
"Through Ruth's undeviating loyalty to Naomi, she was to marry Boaz, by which she--the foreigner and Moabite convert--became a great-grandmother of David and, therefore, an ancestor of our Savior Jesus Christ."
* Ruth 3-4
Characteristics of who our youth want to marry.
Emily - "His aura fits my aura."
Mason - "Someone who loves me."
Ruth wants Boaz and lets him know it but he respects her virtue and chastity. Naomi is pleased with this.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Feast December 7 through December 11 2015
* Joshua prepared Israel to enter Canaan. The Lord spoke to Joshua. He sent spies to Jericho where Rahab, the harlot, lived. She protected the spies when trouble came.
* 33 Kings were defeated. The land was divided between 9 1/2 tribes, but not the Levites. Caleb gives his daughter to his nephew to marry. Judah gets most of the land when it's divided. There is a refuge for accidental killings. There were 48 cities given tot he Levites. Joshua is old. He tells them not to marry Canaanites because they will not be protected. The Lord tells all that He has done for them. Joshua died. Eleazar died.
* Israelites were strong and united but didn't drive the people out. They worshiped false gods again. Rules the Israelites were given. (1) Israelites sin against the Lord. (2) Israelites are afflicted by their enemies. (3) Israel cry unto the Lord for deliverance. (4) Lord raises up judges who delivered the Israelites for their enemies. Deborah, prophetess, who judged. Joel killed the general with a tent stake. The Lord was angry with the Israelites so he rested the land 40 years.
I really liked Mason's statement - "Don't sin!"
* The Children of Israel were delivered to Midian for 7 years. Midianites, Amalekites, Children of the East came against them. The Lord sent a prophet to answer their cries. Gideon is a man of Valor and will save Israel. He removes false idols and prepares for battle. He is also called Jerubbaal. He has 30,000 men and the Lord said to reduce so he reduced to 10,000. Then the Lord said to reduce again but to only keep the men who lap the water like a dog. There were 300 who lapped their water.
Midianites fled> Gidianites pursued them. they had many years of peace. Gideon died. Abimelech, Gideon's son was made king. An assassin was paid 70 pieces of silver to kill 70 men. Jotham tells the Fable of the trees: Olive tree > not to leave his fatness.
Fig tree > forsake his sweetness and good fruits.
Vine > not to leave his wine.
Bramble > trust my shadow
Shechemites slay Abimelech.
* Israelites were bad again. They needed a righteous leader. Samson was a Nazarite and was given specific directions:
don't shave his head, don't drink wine or strong drink, don't touch unclean things. He desired a Philistine woman marry. He had great strength because of his hair and his wife told the men that.
Melany said basically to "Stay in your own lane"
Samson saw Delilah.
If we place our own desires ahead of the Lord's we night not have success.
* 33 Kings were defeated. The land was divided between 9 1/2 tribes, but not the Levites. Caleb gives his daughter to his nephew to marry. Judah gets most of the land when it's divided. There is a refuge for accidental killings. There were 48 cities given tot he Levites. Joshua is old. He tells them not to marry Canaanites because they will not be protected. The Lord tells all that He has done for them. Joshua died. Eleazar died.
* Israelites were strong and united but didn't drive the people out. They worshiped false gods again. Rules the Israelites were given. (1) Israelites sin against the Lord. (2) Israelites are afflicted by their enemies. (3) Israel cry unto the Lord for deliverance. (4) Lord raises up judges who delivered the Israelites for their enemies. Deborah, prophetess, who judged. Joel killed the general with a tent stake. The Lord was angry with the Israelites so he rested the land 40 years.
I really liked Mason's statement - "Don't sin!"
* The Children of Israel were delivered to Midian for 7 years. Midianites, Amalekites, Children of the East came against them. The Lord sent a prophet to answer their cries. Gideon is a man of Valor and will save Israel. He removes false idols and prepares for battle. He is also called Jerubbaal. He has 30,000 men and the Lord said to reduce so he reduced to 10,000. Then the Lord said to reduce again but to only keep the men who lap the water like a dog. There were 300 who lapped their water.
Midianites fled> Gidianites pursued them. they had many years of peace. Gideon died. Abimelech, Gideon's son was made king. An assassin was paid 70 pieces of silver to kill 70 men. Jotham tells the Fable of the trees: Olive tree > not to leave his fatness.
Fig tree > forsake his sweetness and good fruits.
Vine > not to leave his wine.
Bramble > trust my shadow
Shechemites slay Abimelech.
* Israelites were bad again. They needed a righteous leader. Samson was a Nazarite and was given specific directions:
don't shave his head, don't drink wine or strong drink, don't touch unclean things. He desired a Philistine woman marry. He had great strength because of his hair and his wife told the men that.
Melany said basically to "Stay in your own lane"
Samson saw Delilah.
If we place our own desires ahead of the Lord's we night not have success.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Feast for 30 November through 4 December 2015
* Deuteronomy 14
We learn to pay a full tithe of our increase.
Deuteronomy 15
We learn about the Sabbatical year. It is just like the Sabbath. It occurred every seventh year. Debts were released, or forgiven and fields were left untilled for the year.
From the Bible Dictionary we learn this about the Hebrew Feasts:
Three times a year all the males of the covenant people were to appear before the Lord in the place that He should choose. In the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. This ordinance presupposed a state of settled peace rarely if ever realized in the history of the people in Old Testament times.
The Old Jewish festivals continued to be observed and had additional associations connected with them. Other present-day Christian festivals date from a time subsequent to New Testament and are not authorized by the scripture.
Feast of Passover is divided into two parts:
The first two days and last two days (the latter commemorating the splitting of the Red Sea) are full-fledged holidays. Holiday candles are lit at night, and Kiddish and Sumptuous holiday meals are enjoyed on both nights and days. They don't go to work, drive, write or switch on or off electric devices. They are permitted to cook and to carry outdoors. It was instituted to commemorate the passing over the houses of the Children of Israel in Egypt. The first Passover differed somewhat from those succeeding it. It became (1) a sanctuary feast, (2) a seven days' feast of unleavened bread. (3) feast was connected with the harvest. The first and seventh days were Sabbaths and days of holy convocation. The eight-day festival of Passover is celebrated in the early spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month Nisan. It commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. And, by following the rituals of Passover, they have the ability to relive and experience the true freedom that our ancestors gained.
Feast of Unleavened Bread:
Often called Passover because only unleavened bread was eaten during these seven days immediately following Passover. Unleavened Bread reflected the fact that the Israelites had no time to put leaven in their bread before their hasty departure from Egypt; it was also apparently connected to the barley harvest (Leviticus 23:4-14).
A common Jewish tradition in preparing for the Feast of Unleavened Bread is to sprinkle leavened (yeast) bread crumbs throughout the house and then subsequently sweep them all up and collectively burn the outside. You might be asking yourself, Why would they do this? Well, in the bible, leaven symbolizes error or evil. It is the substance that causes fermentation. The Lord said to His disciples "Beware of the leaven (false doctrine) of the Pharisees". In addition, the apostle Paul warned the church at Corinth that a "a little leaven (yeast) leaveneth (ferments) the whole lump". Paul was simply saying that if sin goes unchecked, it will permeate and infect everything and everyone around them.
The Lord Christ Jesus was crucified on the cross at Golgotha on the day of Passover. He was then buried in a newly hewn tomb donated by Joseph of Arimathea. However, unlike all other corpses, the body of Jesus would not decay in the grave. There would be no decomposition of His body, no, none indeed. God the Father would not "allow thine Holy One (His Son Jesus) to see corruption. This feast proclaims that Christ's physical body would not experience the ravages of death while in the grave; for He was sanctified (set apart) by God the father. The unleavened bread signifies Israel's period of consecration.
Feast of Weeks:
"The word Shavuot means weeks, and the festival of Shavuot marks the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot. Shavuot is one of the lesser-known Jewish holidays among secular Jews in the Jewish diaspora, while those in Israel are more aware of it.
In traditional Judaism, the festival marks the culmination of the experience of redemption, the Conclusion of Passover. Since the Exodus from Egypt was intended to lead to the revelation of Sinai, the goal is he giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. God took the Jews out of Egypt so that they would be His won treasured people, holy and separated from the pagan cultures around them. Indeed, all of the holidays are connected with this event, including the fall festivals of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkoth.
Feast of Tabernacles:
The third of the three major Jewish festivals. All adult males were required to travel to the sanctuary to take part. Tabernacles was the only feast with specific instructions to rejoice. This festival began on the 15th day of September-October, the 5th day after the Day of Atonement. It was quite a transition, from the most solemn day of the year to one of the most joyous. It lasted 7 days. During the festival the Jewish people lived in tents or booths, as they had done in the wilderness. It celebrated the completion of the great fall harvest and commemorated the Hebrews living in booths and wandering in the wilderness for 40 years because of their unbelief and disobedience.
The first day of the festival was observes as a day on which not work was permitted, and proceeded with a gathering at the Tabernacle.
It is the last of the appointed feasts and concludes the festive calendar. It anticipates the culmination of God's purpose for Israel, the final fulfillment of God's promises for and through that nation. To emphasize perfection and completion, it occurs in the seventh month, lasts for seven days and the number of tis sacrifices are divisible by seven.
(It is interesting to me that the feasts use the number 7 many times. It is one of the numbers Heavenly Father seems to use numbers times throughout all of the scriptures to emphasize the importance of things to Him)
* Israelites come to land that is spoiled and they are told "fear not I'll be with thee"
Exceptions for battle:
house not dedicated
vineyard
wife
Proclaim peace
If they don't accept it they will be killed
Emily was reminded of the Punic Wars in Carthage and Rome.
The people were ripe with iniquity and the Lord said to kill all wicked.
Laws talked about:
- lost property returned
- (dress code) women shouldn't wear mens' clothing and men shouldn't wear women's clothing
- don't harvest all food; leave some for the poor
- pay tithing
They should be a peculiar people
* Deuteronomy 27:1
Keep the commandments. President Russel M. Nelson and President Harold B. Lee spoke to us about this. President Nelson cautions us about treating the Commandments like a cafeteria where we pick and choose which commandments we obey.
Deuteronomy 27:12; 14-26
The tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, Benjamin went to Mt. Gerizim and were blessed.
Deuteronomy 27:13; 28:2-6
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, Naphtali went Mt. Ebla and were cursed.
Sachem was in the middle of the two mountains.
* At the end of Deuteronomy Moses died (actually translated) but gave Joshua fine counsel to rise up and lead - "be strong and of good courage" - a phrase we have been hearing more and more lately from our General Authorities and General Auxiliary leaders.
Joshua tells us to meditate and observe > be prosperous and successful. He sends spies to Jericho and Rahab protects then by hiding them and tying a red ribbon on the door so it will be passed by.
* Joshua 3-5
They traveled three days. They picked up the Ark of the Covenant/Testimony and twelve rocks, and the priests were the ones who carried them. They were told to cross the Jordan River, and that when they stepped into the water and began to walk the river would part-like the Red Sea. They had to have faith. Joshua told the priests to stand in the middle while the people crossed and when they finished crossing the priests were placed the twelve rocks in a sick in the middle of the river as a memorial. They were to remember Being taken out of Egypt by the Lord. The males born while in the wilderness had to be circumsized. The Children of Israel came upon some old corn and began eating it. Once this happened the manna stopped coming to them because they no longer needed food.
We learn to pay a full tithe of our increase.
Deuteronomy 15
We learn about the Sabbatical year. It is just like the Sabbath. It occurred every seventh year. Debts were released, or forgiven and fields were left untilled for the year.
From the Bible Dictionary we learn this about the Hebrew Feasts:
Three times a year all the males of the covenant people were to appear before the Lord in the place that He should choose. In the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. This ordinance presupposed a state of settled peace rarely if ever realized in the history of the people in Old Testament times.
The Old Jewish festivals continued to be observed and had additional associations connected with them. Other present-day Christian festivals date from a time subsequent to New Testament and are not authorized by the scripture.
Feast of Passover is divided into two parts:
The first two days and last two days (the latter commemorating the splitting of the Red Sea) are full-fledged holidays. Holiday candles are lit at night, and Kiddish and Sumptuous holiday meals are enjoyed on both nights and days. They don't go to work, drive, write or switch on or off electric devices. They are permitted to cook and to carry outdoors. It was instituted to commemorate the passing over the houses of the Children of Israel in Egypt. The first Passover differed somewhat from those succeeding it. It became (1) a sanctuary feast, (2) a seven days' feast of unleavened bread. (3) feast was connected with the harvest. The first and seventh days were Sabbaths and days of holy convocation. The eight-day festival of Passover is celebrated in the early spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month Nisan. It commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. And, by following the rituals of Passover, they have the ability to relive and experience the true freedom that our ancestors gained.
Feast of Unleavened Bread:
Often called Passover because only unleavened bread was eaten during these seven days immediately following Passover. Unleavened Bread reflected the fact that the Israelites had no time to put leaven in their bread before their hasty departure from Egypt; it was also apparently connected to the barley harvest (Leviticus 23:4-14).
A common Jewish tradition in preparing for the Feast of Unleavened Bread is to sprinkle leavened (yeast) bread crumbs throughout the house and then subsequently sweep them all up and collectively burn the outside. You might be asking yourself, Why would they do this? Well, in the bible, leaven symbolizes error or evil. It is the substance that causes fermentation. The Lord said to His disciples "Beware of the leaven (false doctrine) of the Pharisees". In addition, the apostle Paul warned the church at Corinth that a "a little leaven (yeast) leaveneth (ferments) the whole lump". Paul was simply saying that if sin goes unchecked, it will permeate and infect everything and everyone around them.
The Lord Christ Jesus was crucified on the cross at Golgotha on the day of Passover. He was then buried in a newly hewn tomb donated by Joseph of Arimathea. However, unlike all other corpses, the body of Jesus would not decay in the grave. There would be no decomposition of His body, no, none indeed. God the Father would not "allow thine Holy One (His Son Jesus) to see corruption. This feast proclaims that Christ's physical body would not experience the ravages of death while in the grave; for He was sanctified (set apart) by God the father. The unleavened bread signifies Israel's period of consecration.
Feast of Weeks:
"The word Shavuot means weeks, and the festival of Shavuot marks the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot. Shavuot is one of the lesser-known Jewish holidays among secular Jews in the Jewish diaspora, while those in Israel are more aware of it.
In traditional Judaism, the festival marks the culmination of the experience of redemption, the Conclusion of Passover. Since the Exodus from Egypt was intended to lead to the revelation of Sinai, the goal is he giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. God took the Jews out of Egypt so that they would be His won treasured people, holy and separated from the pagan cultures around them. Indeed, all of the holidays are connected with this event, including the fall festivals of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkoth.
Feast of Tabernacles:
The third of the three major Jewish festivals. All adult males were required to travel to the sanctuary to take part. Tabernacles was the only feast with specific instructions to rejoice. This festival began on the 15th day of September-October, the 5th day after the Day of Atonement. It was quite a transition, from the most solemn day of the year to one of the most joyous. It lasted 7 days. During the festival the Jewish people lived in tents or booths, as they had done in the wilderness. It celebrated the completion of the great fall harvest and commemorated the Hebrews living in booths and wandering in the wilderness for 40 years because of their unbelief and disobedience.
The first day of the festival was observes as a day on which not work was permitted, and proceeded with a gathering at the Tabernacle.
It is the last of the appointed feasts and concludes the festive calendar. It anticipates the culmination of God's purpose for Israel, the final fulfillment of God's promises for and through that nation. To emphasize perfection and completion, it occurs in the seventh month, lasts for seven days and the number of tis sacrifices are divisible by seven.
(It is interesting to me that the feasts use the number 7 many times. It is one of the numbers Heavenly Father seems to use numbers times throughout all of the scriptures to emphasize the importance of things to Him)
* Israelites come to land that is spoiled and they are told "fear not I'll be with thee"
Exceptions for battle:
house not dedicated
vineyard
wife
Proclaim peace
If they don't accept it they will be killed
Emily was reminded of the Punic Wars in Carthage and Rome.
The people were ripe with iniquity and the Lord said to kill all wicked.
Laws talked about:
- lost property returned
- (dress code) women shouldn't wear mens' clothing and men shouldn't wear women's clothing
- don't harvest all food; leave some for the poor
- pay tithing
They should be a peculiar people
* Deuteronomy 27:1
Keep the commandments. President Russel M. Nelson and President Harold B. Lee spoke to us about this. President Nelson cautions us about treating the Commandments like a cafeteria where we pick and choose which commandments we obey.
Deuteronomy 27:12; 14-26
The tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, Benjamin went to Mt. Gerizim and were blessed.
Deuteronomy 27:13; 28:2-6
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, Naphtali went Mt. Ebla and were cursed.
Sachem was in the middle of the two mountains.
* At the end of Deuteronomy Moses died (actually translated) but gave Joshua fine counsel to rise up and lead - "be strong and of good courage" - a phrase we have been hearing more and more lately from our General Authorities and General Auxiliary leaders.
Joshua tells us to meditate and observe > be prosperous and successful. He sends spies to Jericho and Rahab protects then by hiding them and tying a red ribbon on the door so it will be passed by.
* Joshua 3-5
They traveled three days. They picked up the Ark of the Covenant/Testimony and twelve rocks, and the priests were the ones who carried them. They were told to cross the Jordan River, and that when they stepped into the water and began to walk the river would part-like the Red Sea. They had to have faith. Joshua told the priests to stand in the middle while the people crossed and when they finished crossing the priests were placed the twelve rocks in a sick in the middle of the river as a memorial. They were to remember Being taken out of Egypt by the Lord. The males born while in the wilderness had to be circumsized. The Children of Israel came upon some old corn and began eating it. Once this happened the manna stopped coming to them because they no longer needed food.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Feast for 23 November and 24 November - 2015
* 23rd - Numbers 30-36
Vows and covenants. Children of Israel wanted to avenge the tribes. They made oblations to God. They made offerings - time, tithing, etc. Tribes of Israel camped on East side of Moab. Reuben and Gad were inheritance. Moses warned them that if they turned away from God His anger would increase.
Gem - We must help others obtain blessings.
Emily was impressive with her favorite scripture being D&C 64:10.
* 24th Deuteronomy 1-13
** Deuteronomy means repetition of law.
** Prototype means the original pattern or model something is based on.
** Shema is several scripture passages, from the first books of the Bible, which are written on parchment paper then rolled up and placed inside a tefillin or Phylactery and a Mezuzah and recited daily by Devout Jewish men. The Phylactery is worn on the forehead and the arm when reciting the prayers. The Mezuzah is hung on the door frame of the dwelling.
Deuteronomy contains Moses' final words to the Children of Israel before they entered Canaan with Joshua as their leader. Moses was a prototype of the Messiah. Moses' sermons were given about 40 years after the Children of Israel were brought out of Egypt. Deuteronomy contains three great final sermons and heartfelt pleas. Deuteronomy is the most quoted book of scripture by Old Testament Prophets and referred to almost 100 times in the New Testament.
The Children of Israel were reminded to keep the Commandments and remember that they had heard God speak to Moses in Sinai.
* The first discourse reminded them that the Lord had rescued them from Egypt and helped Moses part the Red Sea to save them from Pharaoh and his army.
* The second discourse reminded them that the Lord provided Manna for them to eat in the wilderness so they wouldn't go hungry.
* The third discourse reminded the children of Israel that when Moses came down from Mount Sinai he had to chastise them for worshipping a golden calf.
Vows and covenants. Children of Israel wanted to avenge the tribes. They made oblations to God. They made offerings - time, tithing, etc. Tribes of Israel camped on East side of Moab. Reuben and Gad were inheritance. Moses warned them that if they turned away from God His anger would increase.
Gem - We must help others obtain blessings.
Emily was impressive with her favorite scripture being D&C 64:10.
* 24th Deuteronomy 1-13
** Deuteronomy means repetition of law.
** Prototype means the original pattern or model something is based on.
** Shema is several scripture passages, from the first books of the Bible, which are written on parchment paper then rolled up and placed inside a tefillin or Phylactery and a Mezuzah and recited daily by Devout Jewish men. The Phylactery is worn on the forehead and the arm when reciting the prayers. The Mezuzah is hung on the door frame of the dwelling.
Deuteronomy contains Moses' final words to the Children of Israel before they entered Canaan with Joshua as their leader. Moses was a prototype of the Messiah. Moses' sermons were given about 40 years after the Children of Israel were brought out of Egypt. Deuteronomy contains three great final sermons and heartfelt pleas. Deuteronomy is the most quoted book of scripture by Old Testament Prophets and referred to almost 100 times in the New Testament.
The Children of Israel were reminded to keep the Commandments and remember that they had heard God speak to Moses in Sinai.
* The first discourse reminded them that the Lord had rescued them from Egypt and helped Moses part the Red Sea to save them from Pharaoh and his army.
* The second discourse reminded them that the Lord provided Manna for them to eat in the wilderness so they wouldn't go hungry.
* The third discourse reminded the children of Israel that when Moses came down from Mount Sinai he had to chastise them for worshipping a golden calf.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Feast 16 November through 20 November 2015 - Book of Numbers
* 16th - Excellent beginning of the lesson taught by Hailey and Mason:
Hailey - (the Children of Israel were still in the wilderness)
When the people complained Moses went to the Lord. They were reminded of all the blessings
they did have - manna, fruits, and meat.
I loved Emily's interpretation "You want meat, I'll give you meat . . . so much meat
it's gonna spill out your nose."
At this time the Lord's anger was kindled and he caused a fire.
We found a great Gem - Failing to recognize our blessings can cause ungratefulness.
Mason - Moses was overwhelmed and the Lord told him to get help. He called 70 elders to assist
him. The Lord speaks to His prophets through revelation. He also appears to them. Sometimes He
appears to those who are not prophets, but who have pure hearts and inquire of Him through, such
as Joseph Smith. If we are spiritually prepared, we can receive revelation. Miriam and Aaron
were disobedient, thus Miriam was truck with Leprosy and was banished for a week. Thus we
see that the Lord does punish the disobedient.
* 17th - There were 12 spies. 10 were not very righteous and were told to explore Canaan and report what the saw. They saw that it was a land of milk and honey but they were afraid and wanted to go where it was safe. Joshua and Caleb thought the people could be defeated, that they were weak Giants. They had the Lord on their side. They noticed that the rebels were sneaking in. If we overcome fear the Lords will be with us.
Emily always has profound interpretations of the scriptures we discuss. She said Jesus was being an "angry mom".
* 18th - Ignorant sin is forgiven. willfull sin is cut off. "His iniquity shall be upon him".
Three rebels - Korah, Dathan, Abiram led 250 against Moses and Aaron. Moses told the congregation to leave the rebels because the Lord would consumed them with fire. Then Moses was told to leave because the Lord was going to consume the congreagation. Twelve rods with the names of the twleve tribes were placed out over night. The one that blossomed would show who was chosen to be a leader and would be a token against the rebels that the Lord pkeas to His people.
* 19th - Miriam dies. Then later Aaron dies. Children of Israel are still complaining - no water. Moses made water come out of a rock by tapping it twice with his rod. The Lord sent poisonous serpents (snakes) because the Israelites spoke against God and Moses. Moses made a brass serpent and placed it on top of a pole. He told the people they just needed to look at the brass serpent and they would be protected from the bites. Such simple instruction - and they didn't heed. It showed a lack of faith. They don't seem to ever learn.
* 20th - God told Balaam not to go, but if the men come to him then he may go. Balaam went on his own and angered God. He was asked to cursse the Israelites, but istead he chose to bless them. Balak is angered over Balaam's disobedience. The Chidlren of Israel wiwll rule over Moabites and the Savior is foretold will come. The Lord's anger is kindled because of the Israelites worshipping idols and the Israelites are slain. Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, slays Zimbri and Cozbi for adultery. 24,000 die from the plague. The people are given a covenant of peace. Inheritances are given. Son > daughter> brother> brother of brother> down to whatever kin is left. We are reminded of Joshua and Caleb being the two that were righteous and Joshua is given repsonsibility.
The Gem we found is that "We will earn a great inheritance with our Heavenly father if we will ignore the adversary's empty promises"
Hailey - (the Children of Israel were still in the wilderness)
When the people complained Moses went to the Lord. They were reminded of all the blessings
they did have - manna, fruits, and meat.
I loved Emily's interpretation "You want meat, I'll give you meat . . . so much meat
it's gonna spill out your nose."
At this time the Lord's anger was kindled and he caused a fire.
We found a great Gem - Failing to recognize our blessings can cause ungratefulness.
Mason - Moses was overwhelmed and the Lord told him to get help. He called 70 elders to assist
him. The Lord speaks to His prophets through revelation. He also appears to them. Sometimes He
appears to those who are not prophets, but who have pure hearts and inquire of Him through, such
as Joseph Smith. If we are spiritually prepared, we can receive revelation. Miriam and Aaron
were disobedient, thus Miriam was truck with Leprosy and was banished for a week. Thus we
see that the Lord does punish the disobedient.
* 17th - There were 12 spies. 10 were not very righteous and were told to explore Canaan and report what the saw. They saw that it was a land of milk and honey but they were afraid and wanted to go where it was safe. Joshua and Caleb thought the people could be defeated, that they were weak Giants. They had the Lord on their side. They noticed that the rebels were sneaking in. If we overcome fear the Lords will be with us.
Emily always has profound interpretations of the scriptures we discuss. She said Jesus was being an "angry mom".
* 18th - Ignorant sin is forgiven. willfull sin is cut off. "His iniquity shall be upon him".
Three rebels - Korah, Dathan, Abiram led 250 against Moses and Aaron. Moses told the congregation to leave the rebels because the Lord would consumed them with fire. Then Moses was told to leave because the Lord was going to consume the congreagation. Twelve rods with the names of the twleve tribes were placed out over night. The one that blossomed would show who was chosen to be a leader and would be a token against the rebels that the Lord pkeas to His people.
* 19th - Miriam dies. Then later Aaron dies. Children of Israel are still complaining - no water. Moses made water come out of a rock by tapping it twice with his rod. The Lord sent poisonous serpents (snakes) because the Israelites spoke against God and Moses. Moses made a brass serpent and placed it on top of a pole. He told the people they just needed to look at the brass serpent and they would be protected from the bites. Such simple instruction - and they didn't heed. It showed a lack of faith. They don't seem to ever learn.
* 20th - God told Balaam not to go, but if the men come to him then he may go. Balaam went on his own and angered God. He was asked to cursse the Israelites, but istead he chose to bless them. Balak is angered over Balaam's disobedience. The Chidlren of Israel wiwll rule over Moabites and the Savior is foretold will come. The Lord's anger is kindled because of the Israelites worshipping idols and the Israelites are slain. Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, slays Zimbri and Cozbi for adultery. 24,000 die from the plague. The people are given a covenant of peace. Inheritances are given. Son > daughter> brother> brother of brother> down to whatever kin is left. We are reminded of Joshua and Caleb being the two that were righteous and Joshua is given repsonsibility.
The Gem we found is that "We will earn a great inheritance with our Heavenly father if we will ignore the adversary's empty promises"
Friday, November 13, 2015
Feast of October 26 thru October 30 2015 - Exodus
Exodus
* Moses was born while the Hebrews were slaves to the Egyptians, but because of an order to kill all male infants (much like he decree that was put out when Christ was very young - probably a toddler based on the scriptural account of the visit by the Wise men), his mother placed him in a covered basket then placed him in the bulrushes. Pharaoh's daughter found him and asked for her handmaid, whom was Moses' mother to be his nursemaid.
* As Moses grows he becomes a leader among the Egyptians and is respected by Raamses. Time passed and he became a prince. Eventually he spoke with God at the burning bush where God told him to remove his shoes because it was Holy ground. God wanted Moses to lead the children of Israel our of Egypt. He didn't feel like he was qualified because his speech was not good - he had a slight stutter, so the God told him to get his brother Aaron who was three years older to be his mouthpiece. And again we see a younger brother being called to lead over an older brother. It reminded us of Joseph Smith and Hyrum, Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, Ephraim and Mannaseh. Aaron has a staff and the Lord tells Moses to throw Aaron's staff on the ground and it will turn into a snake to show the power of the priesthood. Moses follows the Lord's commands.
* Moses asks Pharaoh to let his people go but Pharaoh says no. This makes God unhappy so he sends 10 plagues to Egypt. The rivers turn to blood; Frogs come; Lice come; Flies come; Cows die; People get boils; Hail storm; Locusts come; 3 days of darkness; Firstborn of Egyptians die. When the plagues end the people are told to place blood across the top of their door and the people would know to pass over them without stopping.
* Moses continued to ask Pharaoh to let the Children of Israel go. After the plagues he finally let them go. Moses and the Israelites headed toward the wilderness (of which they complained and said they would rather be slaves again than travel to the wilderness) but Pharaoh and his army were right behind them. They ended up trapped between the army of Pharaoh and the Red Sea. The Lord told Moses to raise his staff/rod and make a path for the Israelites to walk on - Moses did this and the Res Sea parted so they had ground to walk on. There was a cloud of darkness over the water and as the Israelites passed through the Red Sea on dry ground. The water was crashing down on Pharaoh's men. As the Israelite travel in the wilderness for 40 years they ate Manna every morning for breakfast (five days they had to eat their fill before the sun touched it or it would melt in the sun but the sixth day they could get enough for that day and the Sabbath). the bad water that came out of the rock was made drinkable also and the were supplied with quail to eat in the evenings.
Parting of the Red Sea and Mann from Heaven
* The children of Israel had finally been freed from Egypt by Pharaoh after much pleading by Moses and were traveling with Moses to get to the wilderness. However, Pharaoh and his army were following them with plans to attack. The children of Israel ended up between the Red Sea and Pharaoh with his army. Moses was told by the Lord to hold up the staff and command the Sea to part so they could travel through. Once they got through the Sea the Red Sea went back together with a vengeance on top of Pharaoh and his army. The Children of Israel had a difficult time finding food and water after getting to the wilderness. The Lord provided water for them, then he provided Manna every morning that they had to eat their fill of except on the sixth day of the week when they could take enough to make a meal for the next day as well - which was the Sabbath. Every evening quail were provided as their meat. They did this every day for 40 years.
* Moses was born while the Hebrews were slaves to the Egyptians, but because of an order to kill all male infants (much like he decree that was put out when Christ was very young - probably a toddler based on the scriptural account of the visit by the Wise men), his mother placed him in a covered basket then placed him in the bulrushes. Pharaoh's daughter found him and asked for her handmaid, whom was Moses' mother to be his nursemaid.
* As Moses grows he becomes a leader among the Egyptians and is respected by Raamses. Time passed and he became a prince. Eventually he spoke with God at the burning bush where God told him to remove his shoes because it was Holy ground. God wanted Moses to lead the children of Israel our of Egypt. He didn't feel like he was qualified because his speech was not good - he had a slight stutter, so the God told him to get his brother Aaron who was three years older to be his mouthpiece. And again we see a younger brother being called to lead over an older brother. It reminded us of Joseph Smith and Hyrum, Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, Ephraim and Mannaseh. Aaron has a staff and the Lord tells Moses to throw Aaron's staff on the ground and it will turn into a snake to show the power of the priesthood. Moses follows the Lord's commands.
* Moses asks Pharaoh to let his people go but Pharaoh says no. This makes God unhappy so he sends 10 plagues to Egypt. The rivers turn to blood; Frogs come; Lice come; Flies come; Cows die; People get boils; Hail storm; Locusts come; 3 days of darkness; Firstborn of Egyptians die. When the plagues end the people are told to place blood across the top of their door and the people would know to pass over them without stopping.
* Moses continued to ask Pharaoh to let the Children of Israel go. After the plagues he finally let them go. Moses and the Israelites headed toward the wilderness (of which they complained and said they would rather be slaves again than travel to the wilderness) but Pharaoh and his army were right behind them. They ended up trapped between the army of Pharaoh and the Red Sea. The Lord told Moses to raise his staff/rod and make a path for the Israelites to walk on - Moses did this and the Res Sea parted so they had ground to walk on. There was a cloud of darkness over the water and as the Israelites passed through the Red Sea on dry ground. The water was crashing down on Pharaoh's men. As the Israelite travel in the wilderness for 40 years they ate Manna every morning for breakfast (five days they had to eat their fill before the sun touched it or it would melt in the sun but the sixth day they could get enough for that day and the Sabbath). the bad water that came out of the rock was made drinkable also and the were supplied with quail to eat in the evenings.
Parting of the Red Sea and Mann from Heaven
* The children of Israel had finally been freed from Egypt by Pharaoh after much pleading by Moses and were traveling with Moses to get to the wilderness. However, Pharaoh and his army were following them with plans to attack. The children of Israel ended up between the Red Sea and Pharaoh with his army. Moses was told by the Lord to hold up the staff and command the Sea to part so they could travel through. Once they got through the Sea the Red Sea went back together with a vengeance on top of Pharaoh and his army. The Children of Israel had a difficult time finding food and water after getting to the wilderness. The Lord provided water for them, then he provided Manna every morning that they had to eat their fill of except on the sixth day of the week when they could take enough to make a meal for the next day as well - which was the Sabbath. Every evening quail were provided as their meat. They did this every day for 40 years.
Feast of 9 Nov. through 13 Nov. 2015 - Leviticus through Numbers 10
* Scripture Mastery
* We began the book of Leviticus, learning that two of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu were devoured by fire when the Lord it down for them disobeying the Lord. The Lord isn't pleased when we disobey. We learned clean things could be eaten and uncleaned couldn't be eaten.
* We learned that goats were used as a sacrifice and that because of the Atonement of Christ, He is our "scapegoat" for sins.
We also the learned the difference between burnt offerings and sin offerings:
Burnt offering is the whole animal.
Sin offering is the choicest part of the flesh.
* We finished the book of Leviticus learning that we can obey the Lord by keeping the commandments, we should love our neighbors, we should not shave our heads (except for medical reasons) nor mark our bodies by cutting or tattooing, we shouldn't get vexed (or angered) by people.
* We began the book of Numbers by learning about the Camp of Israel which was comprised of 603, 550 men from the 12 tribes of Israel. The Levites were the workers at the Tabernacle. To the North were the tribes of Naphtali, Dan, and Asher. To the East were the tribes of Zebulun, Judah, Issachar. To the South were the tribes of Simeon, Reuben, and Gad. To the West were the tribes of Manessah, Ephraim, and Benjamin. The each tribe had captains appointed to lead them. It was the pattern that Joseph Smith used when he organized the Camp of Zion with the Pioneers which is found in Section 136 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
* We began the book of Leviticus, learning that two of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu were devoured by fire when the Lord it down for them disobeying the Lord. The Lord isn't pleased when we disobey. We learned clean things could be eaten and uncleaned couldn't be eaten.
* We learned that goats were used as a sacrifice and that because of the Atonement of Christ, He is our "scapegoat" for sins.
We also the learned the difference between burnt offerings and sin offerings:
Burnt offering is the whole animal.
Sin offering is the choicest part of the flesh.
* We finished the book of Leviticus learning that we can obey the Lord by keeping the commandments, we should love our neighbors, we should not shave our heads (except for medical reasons) nor mark our bodies by cutting or tattooing, we shouldn't get vexed (or angered) by people.
* We began the book of Numbers by learning about the Camp of Israel which was comprised of 603, 550 men from the 12 tribes of Israel. The Levites were the workers at the Tabernacle. To the North were the tribes of Naphtali, Dan, and Asher. To the East were the tribes of Zebulun, Judah, Issachar. To the South were the tribes of Simeon, Reuben, and Gad. To the West were the tribes of Manessah, Ephraim, and Benjamin. The each tribe had captains appointed to lead them. It was the pattern that Joseph Smith used when he organized the Camp of Zion with the Pioneers which is found in Section 136 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Feast for 2 Nov. thru 6 Nov. 2015
* As of General Conference in October 2015 we have 148 Temples in Operation; 14 under construction; and 11 have been announced. We are blessed by building temples. Moses and the Children of Israel were commanded to build a Tabernacle. Their Tabernacle was a portable one so they could take everywhere they went. They valued it as greatly as we value our temples today. The tabernacle and the temples are similar because they both are a house of the Lord where people can feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus, but they have different functions. Their tabernacle and our temples both act as sanctuaries, which are holy places or places of safety. The Tabernacle consisted of The Most Holy Place(Holy of Holies) which was the location of the Ark of Testimony (commonly referred to as the Ark of the Covenant) and The Holy Place was the location of the Altar of Incense, the Candlestick, and the Table of Shewbread. These two rooms were separated by the veil. Outside these two rooms was the Laver, which was a water basin, and the Altar of Sacrifice. There was also and Outer Courtyard. There was a fence that surrounded the Tabernacle and it had a gate which opened up for entry and exit.
The symbolism: Candlestick (with seven lamps): The Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost
Table of shewbread: The Savior's body (similar to the symbolic meaning of the
sacrament)
Altar of sacrifice: Giving ourselves completely to God, giving up sin, and relying on
the great and last sacrifice of the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Altar of Incense: Prayer (we can approach God through prayer)
Laver (basin of water): Cleansing, such as through repentance and baptism.
Some of the ordinances required for exaltation can only be received in the the Temples.
* Moses blessed (consecrated) Aaron, his brother, to be a priest. Because Aaron was a priest he wore sacred clothing. It was described in great detail. The ephod which is an apron; the mitre which a cap; the breastplate which had twelve gems representing the 12 tribes of Israel with their names on it.
The Lord of uses symbols to teach or remind us of gospel truths. Items of clothing are sometimes used this way, especially in the temple. While God wanted the priests to be physically clean, their spiritual cleanliness was more important. The priests were set apart to perform their sacred duties in the tabernacle much like the temple workers today. In Exodus 29:43-46 God promised the Israelites:
He would meet them, He would sanctify them, He would dwell among them, He would be their God, and they would know He's God. The Lord prepares certain people to build the tabernacle.
Before the Lord finished speaking to moses on Mount Sinai He gave him an additional reminder. God told Moses to make stone tables and He would write His law on them.
* Moses had been on the Mount 40 days even though it wasn't until his seventh day there that the Lord actually did any thing. The people had begun to wonder if something had happened to Mose because he was gone so long. While Moses on the Mount, Aaron had the people bring their gold jewelry and he melted it down and made a golden calf idol. the people were riotus, unruly, and immoral. When Moses came down from the Mount with the tables in his hands, he was so angry at what he saw that he threw the table down on a rock a broke them in to pieces. Then he burnt the golden calf, crushed it to powder, and made the people drink it. He said that the people who wanted to follow him should come and stand with him. The sons of Levi stood by him.
Moses pleaded with Heavenly Father for the people. Because He did't participate in sin with the Children of Israel, he was worthy to be in the Lord's presence. He offered himself as an atonement for them. The Lord commanded Moses to create another set of tables and he would write on them again. The second set of tables had less on them. Israel was not given the Melchizedek Priesthood the second time. They only got to keep the Aaronic Priesthood because they were not ready for the higher law.
* Moses told the Children Israel to observe the Sabbath Day. Bezaleel and others were called to build the tabernacle. Israel brought there offerings to these workers. They are given instructions for setting up, equipping, dedicating for washing, anointing, clothing the priests to properly officiate.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Feast of October 2015 - Maiden Voyage - Moses, Abraham, and Genesis
This year in Seminary we are studying the Old Testament along with Moses and Abraham from The Pearl of Great Price. The students will read most of the 1,184 pages of the Old Testament as well as all 42 pages of Moses and Abraham.
We will memorize 25 Scripture Mastery selections that are chosen by the leaders in Salt Lake City, UT which will be most beneficial to the Youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout their lives.
Thus far we have discussed the following:
The role of the learner and the role of the teacher. The Holy Ghost needs to be present in order for either person to be able to fulfill his/her role. The three main jobs of the Holy Ghost are to let know when we need to STOP what we are doing that may be wrong and REPENT. To WARN us of DANGER. And to TESTIFY, TEACH AND PROMPT. It is important that we live so we always invite the Holy Ghost to be with us as our constant companions as we are promised when we are confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Priesthood authority after we are baptized.
The Plan of Salvation - We lived with Heavenly Father before we were born. There was a grand council where two plans were presented. One plan was presented by Jesus Christ, our older brother, and gave us the opportunity to come to earth and make choices for ourselves - to learn and grow thus enabling us to return and live with Heavenly father again one day, and gave all the credit to Heavenly Father. One plan was presented by Lucifer, also our older brother, and took away our ability to choose for ourselves, but gave all the credit to Lucifer. We chose Jesus' plan. This plan is also called the Great Plan of Happiness. By choosing this plan which doesn't restrict us or entangle us in harmful and deadly addictions, but gives us freedom to grow and learn with a clear mind, and understand Heavenly Father's desire for us.
When we are born we have an invisible veil placed over our mind so we cannot remember Heaven. We learn and grow but do eventually die thus causing our body and our spirit to separate. Our body goes into the grave of our choice and our spirit goes to the spirit world where it will reside in paradise or spirit prison (based on how will lived our life here on earth) until resurrection day. At this point Jesus will judge us to determine whether we lived worthy to live eternally in the Telestial Kingdom, the Terrestrial Kingdom, the Celestial Kingdom, or Outer Darkness.
In the Book of Moses:
* Heavenly Father's glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (His sons and daughters).
* Moses was transfigured so he could be in the presence God. Satan tried to deceive Moses by appearing to him as an angel but Moses remembered that he wasn't able to see God in his natural state and told Satan to leave him.
In the Book of Abraham:
* Abraham was abused by his father. His father tried to sacrifice him to the False god Elkinah. Heavenly Father told Abraham to leave that place so he could be safe. He also told him to take his nephew Lot with him and go to Canaan. They obeyed the Lord's command and went to Canaan.
In Genesis:
* The Creation - Heavenly Father created the earth in 6 days (one of His days is 1,000 years in our time) and rested on the 7th day which is the Sabbath.
* Enoch and his people were translated (went to heaven while still alive) because of their righteousness. However because Methuselah was not at home so he was not translated with the rest of the people. But we also learned that he had to be left behind because he was Noah's father so if he had been translated Noah could not have been born to him and he was righteous.
* He commanded Noah to build an Ark (or a big boat) before the rain even began to fall. The people thought Noah was crazy and didn't want to listen to him. The Ark was built of Gopher wood or Cypress tree. It was 3 stories tall with a window and a door. Heavenly Father closed the door once everyone was inside. Water was on earth for 150 days. When the rainbow appeared it was sign or token of God's covenant with Noah that the earth would not be covered by water again. We discussed Noah's descendants as well.
* Three holy messengers visited Abraham on there way to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and their wicked inhabitants. The messengers met Lot and he invited them to tay with his family. The men of Sodom wanted to meet with the men of the household. Abraham and the holy men protected lot's family. The holy men told Lot and his family to leave Sodom and they obeyed, however, Lot's wife looked back. And we learned from Elder Holland that the reason she turned to salt wasn't because she just casually glanced back, it was because in her heart she wanted to be back there. Remember that Heavenly Father knows our hearts even if we try to hide our doings.
* Abraham was married to Sarah. They desperately wanted children but Sarah was't able to have any. Sarah gave Abraham her handmaid, Hagar to also be his wife. Hagar gave birth to Ishmael when Abraham was 80 years of age. It was actually after Ishmael was born that Abraham's name was changed from Abram to Abraham (Abram meaning Exalted Father and Abraham meaning Father of a multitude) and Sarah's name was changed from Sarai to Sarah (Sarah meaning Princess). When Sarah's named was changed she was also blessed to be able to bear a son. At this time Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90. Still bore Isaac and he was the favored one.
* Hagar and Ishmael were sent away. Abraham was commanded to sacrifice Isaac which was a test of his faith and obedience more than for him to actually sacrifice Isaac. The Lord provided a lamb for the sacrifice.
* When Isaac was grown he married Rebekah. History kind of repeated itself and Rebekah couldn't have children. Isaac went to the Lord and in Genesis 25 we learned that the Lord answered Isaac's prayer and Rebekah had twins - Esau and Jacob, in birth order. The brothers were different from birth and their nations would be separated. We learned about birthright and what it meant in the Old Testament time. It wasn't just about being the oldest male, it was also dependent on righteousness. Then we saw that birthright meant nothing to Esau as he sold it to Jacob for a bowl of pottage (which is basically vegetable soup). Rebekah wanted Jacob to have the birthright because he was her favorite, even though Esau was Isaac's favorite. Jacob was a good and righteous man and the Lord promised him posterity. Although he is righteous he tricked Esau twice. He wanted to marry Rachel
so he worked 7 years for her and was given Leah instead because she was the older daughter. He then worked another 7 years for Rachel because that is who he loved. After those two wives he also had two handmaids.
* Jacob's twelve sons from his two wives and their two handmaids (not in their exact
order):
Leah - Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, ad Dinah.
Rachel - Joseph and Benjamin (were the two youngest)
Bilhah - Dan and Naphtali
Zilpah - Gad and Asher
* Jacob and Esau reunite. Shechem defiles Dinah, the only sister of the 12 sons. He claims he loves her and wants to marry her. The brothers didn't believe him so they tell him he can marry her is he is willing to live by the Law of Moses which means he and his men would have to be circumsized. He agreed but after he and his had agreed and had been drinking for a while and were intoxicated and knocked out, the brother killed them all. (Poetic justice right?)
* Joseph and Benjamin were his favorites. Joseph was the most favorite and the brothers knew it.
Jacob gave him a colorful as a gift because of his standing. Joseph had had two different dreams both of which basically said his brothers would be serving him. This made them jealous thus they wanted to get rid of him. Reuben tried to convince them not to, but they threw him in to a pit anyhow, then sold him into Egypt (to Potifer, the Pharaoh) and tore his coat wiping it with animal blood to make Jacob think he had been killed.
* Pharaoh began having dreams. His men told him that Joseph could interpret them thus putting him in good standing with Pharaoh and being made the Governor-who was second in command of the area.
* Joseph was very strong and righteous even though Rotifer's wife was relentless in her attempts to sway him in her direction. She tricked him them ore his clothing as he ran away from her. From this we learned t is a bad idea to tempt Satan to tempt us. We need to stay away from places Satan can easily access.
* Pharaoh dreams of 7 years of plenty and 7 years of famine. Because of these dreams Pharaoh tells Joseph to buy allah grain during the plentiful years and store it for when the famine hits thus causing the people to come and buy from him. Joseph's marries Asenath and they have tow sons - Mannaseh and Ephraim.
* Famine hits and Jacob tells his sons to go and buy grain in Egypt but not to take Benjamin - who is favorite for fear that something will happen to him. Joseph recognized them but they didn't recognize him. He accused them of being spies and put them in prison. They said they were just there to buy food and they were all brothers but one was with their father and one was not. He kept them in prison three days then sent all but one to bring back Benjamin before the last one could be released. Judah offers himself responsibility for Benjamin to Jacob. Benjamin recognizes Joseph. Joseph has his brothers' bags filled with food but also has a silver cup placed in one bag. The brothers realize that God what they did and is repaying them. Joseph finally tells he is their brother - twice. They are all happy and hug at the reunion.
* Joseph goes back with them and reunites with Jacob. Jacob is happy to see Joseph again. Jacob's name is changed to Israel. Joseph is told that Jacob/Israel is ill and Joseph goes to see him. He took his sons with him. Jacob is blind now. Joseph wants Jacob to bless his sons so he places them at his sides according to their birth order, which is indicative of birthright usually. However, Jacob places his hands on opposite heads (not seeing which one is which because of his blindness), and gives the younger son, Ephraim, the birthright - again based on righteousness. He then gives each of his sons blessings, with Judah and Joseph receiving the longest and most detailed ones.
* After giving instructions to his sons, Jacob dies and his sons took him to Canaan for burial. Then Joseph dies at 110 after making an oath that God would visit them. And that ended the book of Genesis.
We will memorize 25 Scripture Mastery selections that are chosen by the leaders in Salt Lake City, UT which will be most beneficial to the Youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout their lives.
Thus far we have discussed the following:
The role of the learner and the role of the teacher. The Holy Ghost needs to be present in order for either person to be able to fulfill his/her role. The three main jobs of the Holy Ghost are to let know when we need to STOP what we are doing that may be wrong and REPENT. To WARN us of DANGER. And to TESTIFY, TEACH AND PROMPT. It is important that we live so we always invite the Holy Ghost to be with us as our constant companions as we are promised when we are confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Priesthood authority after we are baptized.
When we are born we have an invisible veil placed over our mind so we cannot remember Heaven. We learn and grow but do eventually die thus causing our body and our spirit to separate. Our body goes into the grave of our choice and our spirit goes to the spirit world where it will reside in paradise or spirit prison (based on how will lived our life here on earth) until resurrection day. At this point Jesus will judge us to determine whether we lived worthy to live eternally in the Telestial Kingdom, the Terrestrial Kingdom, the Celestial Kingdom, or Outer Darkness.
In the Book of Moses:
* Heavenly Father's glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (His sons and daughters).
* Moses was transfigured so he could be in the presence God. Satan tried to deceive Moses by appearing to him as an angel but Moses remembered that he wasn't able to see God in his natural state and told Satan to leave him.
In the Book of Abraham:
* Abraham was abused by his father. His father tried to sacrifice him to the False god Elkinah. Heavenly Father told Abraham to leave that place so he could be safe. He also told him to take his nephew Lot with him and go to Canaan. They obeyed the Lord's command and went to Canaan.
In Genesis:
* The Creation - Heavenly Father created the earth in 6 days (one of His days is 1,000 years in our time) and rested on the 7th day which is the Sabbath.
* Enoch and his people were translated (went to heaven while still alive) because of their righteousness. However because Methuselah was not at home so he was not translated with the rest of the people. But we also learned that he had to be left behind because he was Noah's father so if he had been translated Noah could not have been born to him and he was righteous.
* He commanded Noah to build an Ark (or a big boat) before the rain even began to fall. The people thought Noah was crazy and didn't want to listen to him. The Ark was built of Gopher wood or Cypress tree. It was 3 stories tall with a window and a door. Heavenly Father closed the door once everyone was inside. Water was on earth for 150 days. When the rainbow appeared it was sign or token of God's covenant with Noah that the earth would not be covered by water again. We discussed Noah's descendants as well.
* Three holy messengers visited Abraham on there way to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and their wicked inhabitants. The messengers met Lot and he invited them to tay with his family. The men of Sodom wanted to meet with the men of the household. Abraham and the holy men protected lot's family. The holy men told Lot and his family to leave Sodom and they obeyed, however, Lot's wife looked back. And we learned from Elder Holland that the reason she turned to salt wasn't because she just casually glanced back, it was because in her heart she wanted to be back there. Remember that Heavenly Father knows our hearts even if we try to hide our doings.
* Hagar and Ishmael were sent away. Abraham was commanded to sacrifice Isaac which was a test of his faith and obedience more than for him to actually sacrifice Isaac. The Lord provided a lamb for the sacrifice.
* When Isaac was grown he married Rebekah. History kind of repeated itself and Rebekah couldn't have children. Isaac went to the Lord and in Genesis 25 we learned that the Lord answered Isaac's prayer and Rebekah had twins - Esau and Jacob, in birth order. The brothers were different from birth and their nations would be separated. We learned about birthright and what it meant in the Old Testament time. It wasn't just about being the oldest male, it was also dependent on righteousness. Then we saw that birthright meant nothing to Esau as he sold it to Jacob for a bowl of pottage (which is basically vegetable soup). Rebekah wanted Jacob to have the birthright because he was her favorite, even though Esau was Isaac's favorite. Jacob was a good and righteous man and the Lord promised him posterity. Although he is righteous he tricked Esau twice. He wanted to marry Rachel
so he worked 7 years for her and was given Leah instead because she was the older daughter. He then worked another 7 years for Rachel because that is who he loved. After those two wives he also had two handmaids.
* Jacob's twelve sons from his two wives and their two handmaids (not in their exact
order):
Leah - Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, ad Dinah.
Rachel - Joseph and Benjamin (were the two youngest)
Bilhah - Dan and Naphtali
Zilpah - Gad and Asher
* Jacob and Esau reunite. Shechem defiles Dinah, the only sister of the 12 sons. He claims he loves her and wants to marry her. The brothers didn't believe him so they tell him he can marry her is he is willing to live by the Law of Moses which means he and his men would have to be circumsized. He agreed but after he and his had agreed and had been drinking for a while and were intoxicated and knocked out, the brother killed them all. (Poetic justice right?)
* Joseph and Benjamin were his favorites. Joseph was the most favorite and the brothers knew it.
Jacob gave him a colorful as a gift because of his standing. Joseph had had two different dreams both of which basically said his brothers would be serving him. This made them jealous thus they wanted to get rid of him. Reuben tried to convince them not to, but they threw him in to a pit anyhow, then sold him into Egypt (to Potifer, the Pharaoh) and tore his coat wiping it with animal blood to make Jacob think he had been killed.
* Pharaoh began having dreams. His men told him that Joseph could interpret them thus putting him in good standing with Pharaoh and being made the Governor-who was second in command of the area.
* Joseph was very strong and righteous even though Rotifer's wife was relentless in her attempts to sway him in her direction. She tricked him them ore his clothing as he ran away from her. From this we learned t is a bad idea to tempt Satan to tempt us. We need to stay away from places Satan can easily access.
* Pharaoh dreams of 7 years of plenty and 7 years of famine. Because of these dreams Pharaoh tells Joseph to buy allah grain during the plentiful years and store it for when the famine hits thus causing the people to come and buy from him. Joseph's marries Asenath and they have tow sons - Mannaseh and Ephraim.
* Famine hits and Jacob tells his sons to go and buy grain in Egypt but not to take Benjamin - who is favorite for fear that something will happen to him. Joseph recognized them but they didn't recognize him. He accused them of being spies and put them in prison. They said they were just there to buy food and they were all brothers but one was with their father and one was not. He kept them in prison three days then sent all but one to bring back Benjamin before the last one could be released. Judah offers himself responsibility for Benjamin to Jacob. Benjamin recognizes Joseph. Joseph has his brothers' bags filled with food but also has a silver cup placed in one bag. The brothers realize that God what they did and is repaying them. Joseph finally tells he is their brother - twice. They are all happy and hug at the reunion.
* Joseph goes back with them and reunites with Jacob. Jacob is happy to see Joseph again. Jacob's name is changed to Israel. Joseph is told that Jacob/Israel is ill and Joseph goes to see him. He took his sons with him. Jacob is blind now. Joseph wants Jacob to bless his sons so he places them at his sides according to their birth order, which is indicative of birthright usually. However, Jacob places his hands on opposite heads (not seeing which one is which because of his blindness), and gives the younger son, Ephraim, the birthright - again based on righteousness. He then gives each of his sons blessings, with Judah and Joseph receiving the longest and most detailed ones.
* After giving instructions to his sons, Jacob dies and his sons took him to Canaan for burial. Then Joseph dies at 110 after making an oath that God would visit them. And that ended the book of Genesis.
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