Old Testament Lessons, Stories, & Learning
Section Summaries and Sample Stories
FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE TWELVE SECTIONS OF HOW OFTEN WOULD I HAVE GATHERED YOU. INCLUDED IS A BRIEF SUMMARY OF EACH SECTION AND A LINK TO A SAMPLE STORY WITHIN THE SECTION.
I. The Council, the Creation, the Fall, and the Early Patriarchs.
Stories 1—9 cover the scriptural account from the Grand Council down to the tower of Babel. Such events as the creation, the fall, and the great flood are in this section.
Sample story: 4—Because of My Brother’s Flocks
II. Abraham and Isaac.
Stories 10—24 tell the story of Abraham’s life, beginning at Ur of Chaldees and then of the life of his son Isaac until his experience among the Philistines.
Sample story: 15—The Birth of Ishmael
III. Jacob and Joseph
Stories 25—43 tell of Jacob receiving the blessing of the covenant, his years in Padan−Aram, and his reconciliation with his brother Esau. They also tell of how Jacob’s son Joseph was sold into Egypt where he rose to power and saved his father’s family.
Sample story: 37—My Master Trusts Me
IV. From Egypt to Sinai
Stories 44—61 relate the account of Moses and his deliverance of the Children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. They tell of the beginning of Israel’s encampment in the wilderness and how they received the Law at Mount Sinai and built the tabernacle.
Sample story: 57—Forgotten Covenants and a Golden Calf
V. Through the Wilderness and Into Canaan
Stories 62—78 take the camp of Israel on its 40−year sojourn from the wilderness of Sinai and into the land of Canaan.
Sample story: 77—From a Very Far Country
VI. The Reign of the Judges
Stories 79—96 tell of that bitter and difficult period when Israel was ruled and led in battle by judges. The stories of Gideon, Samson, Deborah, Ruth, and Samuel come from this period.
Sample story: 91—I Am Loaning Him to Jehovah
VII. Saul and David: The Rise and Fall of King Saul
Stories 97—116 tell how Saul became king of Israel and then how he became the victim of his own pride and lost the right for the kingdom to continue in his family. They tell of his loss of the Spirit, his depraved jealousy for David, and his ignominious demise.
Sample story: 103—Arise and Anoint Him
VIII. David and Solomon: The House of Judah on the Throne
Stories 117—142 tell of the glorious period when David and his son Solomon sat on Israel’s throne. Though the temple was built in Jerusalem and Israel was greatly blessed, there were bumps in the road and both men made serious mistakes.
Sample story: 123—David and the Tenth Commandment
IX. Divided Israel (Part I): Two Separate Kingdoms
Stories 143—165 begin with the death of Solomon and the resulting division of Israel into two kingdoms. They tell how the kings and their people turned away from Jehovah. Amidst the wickedness there were some righteous kings and stories of great faith.
Sample story: 157—Naboth’s Vineyard
X. Divided Israel (Part II): Good Kings, Bad Kings, and the Threat of Captivity
Stories 166—188 give more accounts of the wickedness and consequent suffering of the Israelites. Again, amidst wickedness and suffering, there are many inspirational stories. The kingdom of Israel is taken captive by the Assyrians.
Sample story: 173—Jehu’s Sacrifice to Baal
XI. Judah’s Captivity: The Prophecies, the Siege, and the Reality
Stories 189—210 recount the final decline of Judah—because of wickedness—and downfall of the kingdom.
Sample story: 208—The Fall of Jerusalem
XII. The Captivity of Judah, the Return, and Beyond
Stories 211—229 tell of events during the captivity of Judah in Babylon, of Judah’s return from captivity, and the rebuilding of the temple and city of Jerusalem.
Sample story: 227—Let Us Rise Up and Build
ANNOTATED TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE STORIES IN HOW OFTEN WOULD I HAVE GATHERED YOU AND, IN EACH CASE, A NOTE RELATING TO THE STORY’S CONTENT.
Section I: The Council, the Creation, the Fall, and the Early Patriarchs
1—Whom Shall I Send? (Moses 4; Abraham 4; Revelation 5)Tells of the council in heaven before the foundations of the earth were laid and of Lucifer’s rebellion.
2—A Home for His Children (Genesis 1-2; Moses 2-3; Abraham 4-5) Tells of the creation of the earth.
3—Were It Not for Our Transgression (Genesis 2-3; Moses 3-4, 6) Tells of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and of the Fall.
4—Because of My Brother’s Flocks (Genesis 4; Moses 5) Tells of Cain being influenced by Satan and slaying his brother Abel.
5—Cain’s Legacy (Genesis 4; Moses 5) Tells about the descendants of Cain and their problems.
6—The Mountains Will Flee Before You (Moses 6-7) Tells of the call and mission of Enoch and of the City of God.
7—A Prince Over Them Forever (Doctrine & Covenants 107; Daniel 7) Tells about the council at Adam-Ondi-Ahman before Adam’s death.
8—The Great Flood (Genesis 6-9; Moses 8) Tells the story of Noah and the ark.
9—A Tower and a City Called Babel (Genesis 10-11; Ether) Tells of the Tower of Babel and the confusion of languages.
Section II: Abraham and Isaac
10—Saved By God’s Power(Genesis 11; Abraham 1-2) Tells of Abra(ha)m being saved from death on the altar of the priest of Pharaoh.
11—Lot Chooses Sodom(Genesis 12-13; Abraham 2) Tells of Abra(ha)m and Lot leaving Haran and eventually separating their flocks, with Lot choosing the fertile plains of the Jordan.
12—In You and in Your Seed(Genesis 12; Abraham 2) Tells of Jehovah’s eternal covenant with Abra(ha)m.
13—Abram and Lot Go to Egypt (Genesis 12; Abraham 3) Tells of Abra(ha)m’s sojourn in Egypt.
14—The Rescue of Lot (Genesis 14) Tells of Lot’s rescue by Abraham in the Battle of the Kings and of Abra(ha)m paying tithes to Melchizedek.
15—The Birth of Ishmael (Genesis 15-16) Tells of Sarai giving her handmaid Hagar to Abra(ha)m so that he could have children.
16—A Changed Name and a Promised Son (Genesis 17-18) Tells of Jehovah giving Abram and Sarai new names and promising Abraham a covenant son through Sarah.
17—For the Sake of Ten (Genesis 18-19) Tells of the destruction of Sodom and the cities of the plains when ten righteous men could not be found there.
18—A Man of Great Influence (Genesis 20) Tells of Abraham’s visit among the Philistines where he told Abimelech that Sarah was his sister.
19—Hearken to the Voice of Sarah (Genesis 21) Tells of the birth of Isaac, the son of the covenant, and of Abraham sending Hagar and her son Ishmael away.
20—The Son Whom You Love (Genesis 22) Tells of Jehovah’s command to Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, how Abraham obeyed, and how Isaac was spared.
21—This Thing is of Jehovah (Genesis 23-24) Tells how Abraham’s servant secures Rebekah to be Isaac’s wife in the land of Abraham’s family.
22—Abraham is Gathered to His People (Genesis 25) Tells of Abraham’s marriage to Keturah and of Abraham’s death.
23—The Elder Shall Serve the Younger (Genesis 25) Tells of the birth of Jacob and Esau and of Esau selling his birthright to Isaac for lentil soup.
24—Man of Patience (Genesis 26) Tells of Isaac’s sojourn among the Philistines and of his covenant with King Abimilech.
Section III: Jacob and Joseph
25—Jacob Receives the Blessing (Genesis 26-28) Tells how Rebekah and Jacob trick Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing of the firstborn and of Jacob’s departure for Haran.
26—A Ladder That Reaches to Heaven (Genesis 28) Tells of Jacob’s dream of a ladder that reaches to heaven and Jehovah’s renewal to Jacob of the Abrahamic covenant.
27—The Younger Daughter (Genesis 29) Tells of Jacob’s labors for the hand of Rachel, how Laban gave him Leah, and how he also received Rachel as a wife with the agreement to work seven more years.
28—One Man’s Family (Genesis 30) Tells of the births of Jacob’s 11 sons and one daughter.
29—Jacob’s Prosperity (Genesis 30-31) Tells how Jacob prospered in Laban’s service even though his wages were changed.
30—A Covenant of Peace (Genesis 31) Tells of Jacob and his family leaving Haran to return to Canaan, of Laban’s anger, and of the covenant of peace between Jacob and Laban.
31—Face to Face (Genesis 32, 35) Tells of Jacob’s wrestle with Jehovah and of his being given the name of Israel.
32—The Reunion (Genesis 32-33) Tells of Jacob’s joyous reunion with his brother Esau, after much fear and trepidation.
33—In Defense of Dinah’s Honor (Genesis 34) Tells how Simeon and Judah deceive and slay the people of Shechem to avenge a wrong done to their sister.
34—The Last Son is Born (Genesis 35) Tells of the death of Rachel giving birth to Benjamin—also the death of Isaac.
35—Sold into Egypt (Genesis 37) Tells how Joseph’s brothers hate him and sell him into Egypt.
36—Judah’s Folly (Genesis 38) Tells of Judah begetting a child by his daughter-in law, Tamar.
37—My Master Trusts Me (Genesis 39) Tells of Joseph’s prosperity as master of Potiphar’s house and then his imprisonment because of the jealous lies of Potiphar’s wife.
38—Ruler over All Egypt (Genesis 39-41) Tells how Joseph is brought out of prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dream and is then made ruler over all Egypt to prepare for famine.
39—Israel Goes into Egypt (Genesis 41-47) Tells of Joseph’s brothers coming to Egypt for grain during the famine and how all of Joseph’s family is brought to live in Egypt.
40—Blessings with Crossed Hands (Genesis 47-48) Tells how Jacob adopts Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, as his own and then crosses his hands to give Ephraim the blessing of the firstborn.
41—Jacob’s Passing (Genesis 49-50) Tells of Jacob’s patriarchal blessings to his twelve sons, of his death, and of his family’s trip back to Canaan for his burial.
42—A Choice Seer (Genesis 50; 2 Nephi 3) Tells Joseph’s prophecy of Moses and of a latter-day seer named Joseph, son of Joseph.
43—The Faithfulness of Job (Job 1-42) Tells of Job’s faithfulness amidst great suffering and wrongful accusations by his “friends.”
Section IV: From Egypt to Sinai
44—The Son of Pharaoh’s Daughter (Exodus 1-2) Tells how Israel had fallen into bondage in Egypt and how the baby Moses was preserved and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter.
45—From Prince to Shepherd (Exodus 2) Tells of Moses flight from Egypt to Midian after killing an Egyptian taskmaster.
46—I Have Seen the Afflictions of My People (Exodus 3-4) Tells of the burning bush and Moses’ call to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage.
47—This is My Work and My Glory (Moses 1) Tells of Moses’ visions of God’s creations, of his encounter with Satan, and the explanation he is given of the work and glory of God.
48—Let My People Go (Exodus 4-6) Tells of Moses’ return to Egypt, his request to Pharaoh for Israel to go into the wilderness to worship, and Pharaoh’s rejection.
49—The Plagues of God (Exodus 7-11) An account of all the plagues that were visited upon Egypt because of Pharaoh’s hard heart.
50—The Last Plague and the Passover (Exodus 11-12) Tells of the deaths of all the firstborn of Egypt while Israel is spared—Pharaoh finally agrees to Israel’s departure.
51—Stand Still and See the Salvation of Jehovah (Exodus 12-14) Tells of the dividing of the Red Sea to deliver Israel on dry ground—then the drowning of the Pharaoh’s army.
52—The Bread That Jehovah Has Given You (Exodus 15-17) Tells of Israel in the wilderness, their penchant for complaining, and how Jehovah gave them manna to eat.
53—As Long As His Hands Were Raised (Exodus 17; Deuteronomy 25) Tells of Israel’s battle with the Amalekites and how Israel prevailed over them.
54—The Task is too Great for One Man (Exodus 18) Tells of the visit to Israel’s camp by Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, and his counsel to Moses on delegating responsibility.
55—God is Come to Prove You (Exodus 19-23) Tells of Israel coming to Sinai, Moses receiving the Ten Commandments, and Israel’s covenant to be righteous.
56—Come Up into the Mountain (Exodus 24-31) Tells of Moses, the priests, and 70 of the older men go to the mountain to meet Jehovah; Moses takes Joshua and goes onto the mountain for 40 days.
57—Forgotten Covenants and a Golden Calf (Exodus 32-33; Deuteronomy 9) Tells how Aaron makes a golden calf for the people to worship while Moses is on Sinai; Moses breaks the tablets of stone and punishes the guilty.
58—A Lesser Law (Exodus 34; Deuteronomy 10) Tells how Moses was given a lesser law for Israel because of their disobedience, their hard hearts, and their inability to live the higher law.
59—The Tabernacle (Exodus 35-40; Leviticus 8) Tells of the tabernacle being built in the wilderness, with the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat, according to instructions Moses received on Sinai.
60—My Presence Shall Go with You (Exodus 33; Leviticus 9; Deuteronomy 9) Tells of Jehovah’s displeasure with Israel. He promises to go with them into Promised Land and sends fire from heaven to light the temple altar.
61—The Levites Shall Be Mine (Leviticus 10; Numbers 3, 18; Deuteronomy 10) Tells how two of Aaron’s sons were slain for using “strange fire,” and how Jehovah designated the tribe of Levi to assist the priests with the tabernacle.
Section V: Through the Wilderness and Into Canaan
62—The Burden of an Ungrateful People (Numbers 10-11) Tells of Israel’s first move from Sinai, their complaints and their greediness, and how Jehovah had Moses call 70 of the older men to share in his spirit; the prophesying of Medad and Eldad.
63—What Kind of Prophet? (Numbers 12) Tells of the rebellion of Aaron and Miriam and how they were chastised and punished by Jehovah.
64—Forty Years for Forty Days (Numbers 13-14; Deuteronomy 1) Tells of the scouts that went into Canaan and how they failed to trust the Lord; Israel condemned to spend 40 years in the wilderness. Caleb and Joshua were faithful.
65—The Priesthood and the Plague (Numbers 16-17) Tells of men who rebelled against the priesthood authority, bringing about their destruction and a plague on many others. God also gives a sign using Aaron’s rod.
66—Speak to the Rock (Numbers 20) Tells how Moses and Aaron followed their own will rather than Jehovah’s and were told they would not enter the Promised Land. Aaron dies and is replaced by Eleazar.
67—The Brass Serpent (Numbers 21; Deuteronomy 29; Helaman 8) Tells of Moses raising a serpent of brass on a pole to heal the serpent bites of those who would look at it.
68—The Curse of Balaam (Numbers 21-24) Tells of Balaam being brought by the king of Moab to curse Israel, but he blesses Israel instead.
69—He Was Zealous for His God (Numbers 25) Tells how Phinheas, the son of the priest, killed an adulterous couple to halt a plague.
70—Preparation for the Promised Land (Numbers 26-36) Tells of Jehovah requesting that the people of Israel be counted before entering the Promised Land—also of the designation of Joshua to be Moses’ successor.
71—Moses’ Farewell (Deuteronomy 1-34) An account of the three speeches that Moses gave to the people before his departure; Moses translation.
72—Jehovah Has Given You This Land (Joshua 1-2) Tells of the spies that Joshua sent into Jericho, how Rahab protected them, and of their promise to save her family.
73—Jehovah Will Do Wonders Among You (Joshua 3-4) Tells how Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground under Joshua’s leadership.
74—The Captain of Jehovah’s Army (Joshua 5) Tells of Joshua’s encounter with the Captain of Jehovah’s Army near Gilgal.
75—The Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6) Tells how Jehovah’s instructions were implemented to bring about the destruction of Jericho.
76—The Price of Disobedience (Joshua 7-8) Account of Israel’s failure to capture the city of Ai because Achan, a man of Judah took spoils at Jericho contrary to Jehovah’s instruction; he is put to death
77—From a Very Far Country (Joshua 9) Tells how the men of Gibeon, to prevent their destruction, deceived Israel so that Israel made a covenant of peace with them.
78—A Land For Which You Did Not Labor (Joshua 10-24) Brief account of the conquest of the land of Canaan by the Israelites; tells also how the land was divided between the tribes and the interment of Joseph’s bones, which Israel brought out of Egypt.
Section VI: The Reign of the Judges
79—A Message for You From God (Judges 3) Tells of Ehud killing Eglon, king of Moab, and freeing Israel from bondage to Moab.
80—The Man Whom You Seek (Judges 4) Tells of Deborah and Barak leading Israel to defeat the Canaanites and deliver Israel from bondage; the slaying of Sisera by Jael.
81—The Sword of Jehovah and of Gideon (Judges 6-8) Tells of Gideon leading Israel to defeat the Midianites with an army of 300 men.
82—The Wickedness of Abimelech (Judges 9) Tells how Abimelech, a son of Gideon, slew his 69 brothers and made himself king in Shechem; his wickedness and his downfall.
83—The Victory and the Vow (Judges 11) Tells how Jephthah led Israel to defeat the Ammonites; how he made a vow that ultimately cost the life of his daughter.
84—Shibboleth (Judges 12) Tells how the Ephraimites who were at odds with Jephthah to battle the Ammorites were identified and slain.
85—He Shall Begin to Deliver Israel (Judges 13) Account of how an angel foretells the birth and Nazarite mission of Samson to his parents.
86—Samson, the Bane of the Philistines (Judges 14-15) Tells how Jehovah used the wayward life of Samson as a weapon against the Philistines.
87—Tell Me the Source of Your Strength (Judges 16) Tells how the Philistines captured Samson, imprisoned him, and blinded him; also how, in the end, he brought down the House of Dagan to destroy a thousand Philistines.
88—Micah and the Danites (Judges 17-18) Tells how the people of Dan obtained an additional inheritance in the North and also of their worship of false gods.
89—The Desolation of Benjamin (Judges 19-21) Tells how and why the rest of Israel virtually destroyed the tribe of Benjamin; how they provided for the tribe’s survival.
90—The Loyal Moabitess (Ruth 1-4) Tells of Ruth coming from Moab with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and marrying Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi’s late husband.
91—I Am Loaning Him to Jehovah (1 Samuel 1-2) Tells of the childless Hannah who is blessed to have a son, Samuel, and gives him to Jehovah.
92—Jehovah Can No Longer Honor You (1 Samuel 2) Tells of a visit to Eli, the judge and priest, by a man of God who foretells the fall of Eli’s house because he had not controlled his wicked sons.
93—Speak, Lord, for Thy Servant Hears Thee (1 Samuel 2-3) Tells of Jehovah calling young Samuel in the night and telling him of the judgments to come upon Eli’s house.
94—The Glory Departs from Israel (1 Samuel 4) Tells of Israel taking the Ark of the Covenant into battle and losing it to the Philistines; also tells of the deaths of Eli and his wicked sons.
95—The Ark of the Covenant Among the Philistines (1 Samuel 5-7) Tells of the destruction caused by the Ark of the Covenant among the Philistines; also, of the return of the ark to Israel.
96—Samuel’s Victory Over the Philistines (1 Samuel 7) Tells of Samuel leading Israel to victory in their defense against the Philistine army, bringing peace to the land.
Section VII: Saul and David: The Rise and Fall of King Saul
97—That We May Be Like Other Nations (1 Samuel 8) Tells of how Israel asks for a king and will not listen to the disadvantages enumerated by Samuel.
98—Jehovah Has Anointed You (1 Samuel 9-10) Tells of the choosing and anointing of Saul as king of Israel.
99—Victory for King Saul (1 Samuel 11-12) Tells of Saul’s victory over the Ammonites who had invaded Jabesh Gilead; he is reanointed at Gilgal.
100—You Have Acted Very Foolishly (1 Samuel 13) Tells of Saul taking it upon himself to offer a sacrifice instead of waiting for Samuel; he is told his kingdom will not continue after him.
101—Victory—and Nearly Death—for Jonathan (1 Samuel 14) Tells how Jonathan’s heroism led to a great victory for Israel; also, how his breaking of a fast of which he was not aware nearly cost his life.
102—To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice (1 Samuel 15) Account of Saul disobeying Jehovah when complete destruction of the Amalekites was commanded; he is rejected by Jehovah.
103—Arise and Anoint Him (1 Samuel 16) Tells of Samuel’s visit to Bethlehem and of his anointing of David to be king of Israel.
104—Send Me David, Your Son (1 Samuel 16) Account of David being brought to live at the palace so his harp will soothe Saul’s troubled spirit.
105—David vs. Goliath (1 Samuel 17) Tells of David’s great faith in God and of his slaying of the Philistine giant.
106—A Victim of Saul’s Jealousy (1 Samuel 18-19) Tells how Saul becomes jealous of David and tries to kill him when David becomes more popular with the people than he is.
107—True Friends (1 Samuel 20) Tells of the great bond of friendship and love between David and Jonathan and how Jonathan sends David away to protect him from Saul.
108—David on the Run (1 Samuel 21-22) Tells of David’s wanderings to keep away from Saul, how he gathers a following, and how Saul has the priests and peoples of Nob slain.
109—The Hunted Spares the Hunter (1 Samuel 23-24) Continues to tell about David’s efforts to stay out of Saul’s way; he has an opportunity to kill Saul but refuses to harm Jehovah’s anointed.
110—The Foolishness of Nabal (1 Samuel 25) Tells of David’s intent to destroy Nabal after being insulted by him and how that intent is thwarted by Nabal’s wife Abigail; Nabal dies and David marries Abigail.
111—You Shall Do Great Things (1 Samuel 26) Tells of David declining another opportunity to slay King Saul.
112—David Among the Philistines (1 Samuel 27-28) Account of David and his followers living among the Philistines to avoid Saul’s wrath.
113—Light from a Dark Source (1 Samuel 28) Account of Saul’s clandestine visit to the witch of Endor in an effort to communicate with the now-deceased prophet Samuel; Saul’s death is foretold.
114—Advantageous Rejection (1 Samuel 29-30) Tells of the Philistines rejecting the offer by David and his men to fight with the Philistine army against Saul and Israel; they rescue their families from the Amalekites
115—The End of King Saul (1 Samuel 31; 1 Chronicles 10) Tells of the deaths of Saul and his sons and the crushing defeat of Israel’s army.
116—Your Own Mouth Testified Against You (2 Samuel 2) Tells of David having a young man slain for his claim to have killed King Saul.
Section VIII: David and Solomon: The House of Judah on the Throne
117—The King of Judah Only (2 Samuel 2-4) Tells of David returning to Hebron after Saul’s death to be king of Judah; Saul’s son Ishbosheth reigns over Israel with Abner’s support; Abner and Ishbosheth are both killed and the kingdom is united under David.
118—Shall the Sword Devour Forever? (2 Samuel 2) Tells of a skirmish between the forces of Abner and of Joab in which Abner killed Joab’s brother Asahel.
119—The Ark Comes to the City of David (2 Samuel 5-6; 1 Chronicles 11, 13-15) Account of David conquering Jerusalem and bringing the Ark of the Covenant there.
120—Love Turns to Hate (2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 15) Tells of the events leading to the alienation of David and his wife Michal.
121—Your Son Shall Build My House (2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17) Tells of Jehovah giving instruction through the Prophet Nathan that David should not build a temple but that David’s son would do so.
122—Honor for the House of Saul (2 Samuel 9) Tells of David honoring Jonathan’s lame son Mephibosheth and restoring the properties of Saul to him.
123—David and the Tenth Commandment (2 Samuel 10-11) Tells the sad story of David coveting the wife of Uriah, committing adultery with her, and then having Uriah slain in battle.
124—The Ewe Lamb and the Curse (2 Samuel 12) Account of the prophet Nathan telling David a story of a rich man who stole a poor man’s ewe lamb—the rich man in the story was David; punishments are prescribed; the child of David’s adultery is born and then dies.
125—Absalom’s Revenge (2 Samuel 13) Tells the sad story of Absalom killing his half-brother Amnon for the rape of his sister Tamar and then fleeing to Geshur.
126—Absalom’s Return from Exile (2 Samuel 14) Tells of Joab’s efforts to bring Absalom back from Geshur and then the reconciliation of David and Absalom.
127—The Man Who Would Be King (2 Samuel 15) Tells of Absalom’s conspiracy to steal the throne of his father David, causing David to flee for his life.
128—The Flight from Jerusalem (2 Samuel 16) Tells of the flight of David and his people from before Absalom.
129—The Rejection of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 16-17) Tells of David’s friend Hushai knowingly giving bad counsel to Absalom that was accepted in preference to the better counsel of Ahithophel.
130—Absalom’s Death and David’s Sorrow (2 Samuel 18) Tells of the battle between the forces of King David and the forces of his son Absalom; Absalom is slain by Joab contrary to David’s command; David mourns.
131—David’s Return from Exile (2 Samuel 19) Tells of David being chastised by Joab because of his mourning for Absalom; he repents, returns to Jerusalem, and is restored as king.
132—Sheba, the Benjamite (2 Samuel 20) Tells of the rebellion and secession from David’s kingdom of Sheba and his followers in the northern tribes; Joab slays Amasa; and a woman of Abel Beth-maachah delivers Sheba’s head to Joab.
133—Rizpah’s Faithful Vigil (2 Samuel 21) Tells of a famine in Israel because Saul broke his covenant not to slay the Gibeonites; David allows several of Saul’s descendants to be slain, one being a son of Saul’s concubine, Rizpah. Her faithfulness in protecting the bodies was rewarded by bringing the bones of Saul and Jonathan to be buried in the land of Benjamin.
134—That Which Costs Me Nothing (2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21) Tells of a plague caused because of David’s disobedience. When he went to offer a sacrifice, David rejects Araunah’s offer to provide the sacrifice because it cost him nothing.
135—All These Things Have Come from Thee (1 Chronicles 22, 28-29) Tells of David gathering materials to build the temple, his instruction, and his prayers for Solomon.
136—Adonijah’s Ambition (1 Kings 1) Tells of the failed plot of David’s son Adonijah to take the throne and how it is thwarted by Bathseba’s intervention and Solomon’s anointing.
137—Be Strong and Show Yourself a Man (1 Kings 1, 2) Tells of David’s final instructions to Solomon concerning David’s enemies. It then tells of David’s death.
138—Justice for His Father’s Enemies (1 Kings 2) Tells of Solomon carrying out David’s instructions concerning his (David’s) enemies, including Adonijah.
139—A Wise and Understanding Heart (1 Kings 3) Tells of Solomon’s dream asking God for an understanding heart and how that petition was answered.
140—Divide the Living Child in Two (1 Kings 3) Tells of a situation that shows Solomon’s wisdom in rendering a hard decision.
141—The Holy Temple (1 Kings 4-8; 2 Chronicles 2-7) Tells of the building and dedicating of Solomon’s temple.
142—Because You Have Broken My Covenant (1 Kings 11) Tells of Solomon’s breaking his covenants and serving false gods; tells also of the prophecy that much of the kingdom would be given to Jeroboam.
Section IX: Divided Israel (Part I): Two Separate Kingdoms
Chart Showing the Kings of Israel and Judah
143—Israel Divided (1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10-11) Account of King Solomon’s death and the division of the kingdom with Rehoboam as king of Judah and Jeroboam and king of Israel; it also tell of Jeroboam setting up golden calves for worship.
144—A Prophet Comes to Beth-el (1 Kings 13) Tells of a prophet from Judah coming to Bethel and prophesying to Jeroboam then meeting a terrible death because he trusted in the words of a man rather than in the words of God.
145—Judah: Rehoboam’s Kingdom (1 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 11-12) Tells how Rehoboam led Judah away from Jehovah so that the Egyptians conquered his kingdom.
146—The Fall of Jeroboam’s House Foretold (1 Kings 14) Tells of Ahijah’s prophecy to Jeroboam’s wife that their son would die and that Jeroboam’s house would fall.
147—Righteous King Asa (1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13-16) Tells of the reigns in Judah of Abijam, then Asa, after the death of Rehoboam.
148—Prophecies Against Jeroboam and Baasha Fulfilled (1 Kings 15-16; 2 Chronicles 16) Tells of turmoil in the kingdom of Israel after Jeroboam’s death, with short, wicked reigns by Nadab, Baasha, Elah, and Zimri; tells also of Judah uniting with Syria against invasion from Israel.
149—The Righteous Reign of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17) Tells of the death of Asa and subsequent reign of Jehoshaphat and how Jehoshaphat teaches the people the law.
150—Greater Wickedness in Israel (1 Kings 16) Tells of the short time in Israel when they divided into two factions, then of their reuniting under King Omri, who was succeeded by his wicked son Ahab.
151—The Curse of Jericho Fulfilled (1 Kings 16) Tells of the rebuilding of Jericho and fulfillment of the curse on Jericho foretold by Joshua.
152—Your Barrel of Meal Shall Not Waste (1 Kings 17) Tells of Elijah sealing the heavens so that it did not rain and of his miracles to save the widow of Zarephath and to restore her son to life.
153—Showdown at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18) Tells of Elijah’s return to Israel and his meeting with King Ahab; Elijah calls down fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice.
154—The Rains Return and Elijah Flees for His Life (1 Kings 18-19) Tells how, after the return of rain, Jezebel threatens Elijah’s life for slaying her pagan prophets; Elijah flees for his life.
155—A Still, Small Voice (1 Kings 19) Tells of Elijah’s experience with Jehovah on Mount Horeb (Sinai) and of his meeting with Elisha.
156—King Ahab Defeats Syria (1 Kings 20) Tells how Jehovah delivered the Syrian army into King Ahab’s hands when the Syrians invaded Israel.
157—Naboth’s Vineyard (1 Kings 21) Tells how Jezebel had Naboth killed so she might take his vineyard and give it to Ahab; Elijah prophecies against Ahab and Jezebel.
158—King Ahab is Slain in Battle (1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18) Tells of King Jehoshaphat of Judah uniting with Ahab to battle against the Syrians, a battle in which King Ahab is slain.
159—A Miraculous Victory for Judah (2 Chronicles 19-20) Tells of Jehovah turning the three invading armies against each other to preserve Judah.
160—He Shall Not Come Down from His Bed (2 Kings 1) Tells how King Ahaziah of Israel was allowed to die from his accidental injuries because he sought healing from false gods; Elijah calls down fire from heaven.
161—I Have Seen the Chariot and the Horsemen of Israel (2 Kings 2) Tells of Elijah being taken into heaven and Elisha takings up his mantle.
162—Moab Falls to Israel and Her Allies (2 Kings 3) Tells of the miraculous victory of Israel, Judah, and Edom over Moab.
163—The Widow’s Oil (2 Kings 4) Tells of the miracle by which Elisha multiplied a widow’s oil so she could pay her creditors and save her sons.
164—Death—Then Life—for the Promised Son (2 Kings 4) Tells how Elisha promised a woman a son because of her kindness to him, and then when the boy died, Elisha restores him to life.
165—Miracles at Gilgal (2 Kings 4) Tells of Elisha’s healing of the poison pottage and expanding twenty barley cakes to feed 100 men.
Section X: Divided Israel (Part II): Good Kings, Bad Kings, and the Threat of Captivity
166—The Healing of Naaman (2 Kings 5) Tells how Naaman, the captain of the Syrian army, was healed of his leprosy by following Elijah’s simple instructions and how Elisha’s servant got the leprosy.
167—The Floating Ax Head (2 Kings 6) Tells of a miracle performed by Elisha when a borrowed ax head fell into the river.
168—Those Who Are with Us (2 Kings 6) Tells of Elisha blinding and subduing the Syrian army that was sent to capture him.
169—By This Time Tomorrow (2 Kings 6-7) Tells how the famine caused by Syria’s siege of Samaria was ended and Israel was blessed with abundance according to Elisha’s prophecy.
170—The Murder of Ben-hadad (2 Kings 8) Tells of Elisha’s prophecy of the death of the Syrian king and of the prophecy’s fulfillment.
171—The Wickedness of Jehoram (2 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 21) Tells of Elisha’s prophecy of the death of the wicked king of Judah fulfilled; also Judah’s suffering at the hands of the Philistines and the Arabians.
172—The Beginning of the End for the House of Ahab (2 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 22) Tells of Judah joining forces with Israel to fight against Syria, of Jehu being anointed king of Israel, and then of Jehu’s slaying of the kings of both Israel and Judah who were a son and grandson of King Ahab, and of his slaying of Queen Jezebel.
173—Jehu’s Sacrifice to Baal (2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22) Tells how Jehu tricked all Baal worships to come together to offer a great sacrifice and how he then slew all of them.
174—Farewell to Athaliah (2 Kings 11; 2 Chronicles 22-23) Tells how Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab, made herself queen of Judah after her son’s death and how she was slain after her surviving grandson, Joash, was crowned king.
175—King Joash Forsakes Jehovah (2 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 24) Tells how righteous King Joash of Judah became wicked, how he was defeated by Syria and then killed by his own servants.
176—The Arrow of Jehovah’s Deliverance (2 Kings 13) Tells of Israel’s oppression by the Syrians and of Elisha’s prophecy of Israel’s deliverance.
177—Defeat on the Heels of Victory (2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25) Tells of King Amaziah of Judah’s victory over the Edomites and then his crushing defeat by Israel because he worshipped the false gods of Edom.
178—Jeroboam’s Success and Uzziah’s Pride (2 Kings 14-15; 2 Chronicles 26) Tells how King Jeroboam II liberated Israel from Syria and how King Uzziah of Judah was cursed with leprosy because he went into the temple and burned incense on the altar.
179—A Lesson for Jonah (Jonah 1-4) Tells of Jonah’s failed attempt to run away from his missionary call to Ninevah, the success of his missionary labors, his anger because of that success, and the lesson taught to him by Jehovah with a castor bean plant.
180—The End of Israel is in Sight (2 Kings 15-16; Isaiah 7) Tells of many wicked kings in Israel and of an invasion by the Assyrians, carrying many people captive.
181—The Kings of Judah Forsake Jehovah (2 Kings 15-16; 2 Chronicles 27-28; Isaiah 7) Tells of the reigns in Judah of Jotham and his wicked son Ahaz, of Judah’s suffering at the hands of Israel and Syria because Ahaz worshipped false gods, but Jehovah would not allow Judah to be overcome.
182—Assyria’s Victory and Israel’s Captivity (2 Kings 17) Tells of Israel’s defeat and captivity by the Assyrians during the reign of Hoshea; scattered remnants were left behind and Assyria sent people from other places into the land.
183—The Renewal of Judah’s Righteousness (2 Kings 18; 2 Chronicles 29-31) Tells of righteous King Hezekiah bringing Judah back to the worship of Jehovah; he repaired, cleansed, and reopened the temple and also celebrated the Passover.
184—Judah’s Escape from Assyria’s Grasp (2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 32; Isaiah 36-37) Tells of the fall of all Judah, except Jerusalem, to the Assyrians and how Judah was delivered when the entire army of the siege died in the night.
185—Fifteen Additional Years (2 Kings 20; 2 Chronicles 32; Isaiah 38) Account of how Hezekiah’s pleadings on his death bed convinced Jehovah to extend his life by 15 years; the shadow on the sundial went back 10 degrees as a sign.
186—Judah’s Captivity Prophesied (2 Kings 20; Isaiah 39) Tells of Hezekiah entertaining visitors from Babylon and of Isaiah’s prophecy that these people would take Judah captive.
187—The Prophecy of the Sealed Book (Isaiah 29; 2 Nephi 27) Tells of Isaiah’s prophecy of a book that was sealed by the power of God to come forth in the last days.
188—The Abominations of King Manasseh (2 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 33; Jeremiah 15) Tells of the reign of Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, the most wicked king that Judah ever had, and of Manasseh’s repentance after his capture by the Assyrians.
Section XI: Judah’s Captivity: The Prophecies, the Siege, and the Reality
189—King Josiah Fulfills the Prophecy (2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34-35) Tells of King Josiah repairing the temple, wherein the Book of the Law was found. He read the Law to the people and made a covenant to serve Jehovah. He destroyed idols throughout the land and worshipped Jehovah with all his heart.
190—A Prophet to the Nations (Jeremiah 1-2) Tells of Jehovah’s calling of Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations and to warn the people that, because of their wickedness, the judgments of Jehovah would come upon them.
191—After This Manner Will I Mar the Pride of Judah (Jeremiah 13) Tells of Jeremiah’s prophecies concerning the judgments about to come upon the people because they served other gods.
192—The Potter and His Clay (Jeremiah 18) Tells more of Jeremiah’s prophecies of Judah’s destruction, but also tells them of Jehovah’s promise to forgive if they turn from their evil ways.
193—One More Chance for Judah (Jeremiah 26) Tells of Jeremiah’s prophecies in the days of King Jehoiakim; some sought Jeremiah’s life but he was preserved.
194—As This Jug is Broken (Jeremiah 19-20) Tells of Jeremiah’s dire prophecy against Tophet because of their human sacrifices; also of Jeremiah’s night in stocks because of his prophecy.
195—The Burning of the Book (2 Kings 23-24; 2 Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 21, 25, 36, 45) Tells of Jeremiah’s prophecies being written down, how they came to be burned by King Jehoiakim, and how Jehovah commanded that they be written again.
196—Judah on the Brink of Destruction (2 Kings 24; 2 Chronicles 36; 1 Nephi 1) Tells of Jeremiah’s prophecies and warnings to King Zedekiah and the Jews of their impending destruction unless they surrender to the Babylonians.
197—Hananiah (Jeremiah 27-28) Tells of a false prophet named Hananiah prophesying deliverance from the Babylonians. Jehovah commands Jeremiah to tell the people they were trusting in a lie; he foretells the death of Hananiah that year, which prophecy was fulfilled.
198—Jeremiah’s Imprisonment (Jeremiah 32, 37, 38, 39) Tells of Jeremiah’s imprisonment and his various conversations with Zedekiah—which Zedekiah would not heed. It also tells how Ebed-Melech was to be spared because he intervened to save Jeremiah’s life.
199—A Watchman to the House of Israel (Ezekiel 1-5, 18) Tells of Ezekiel’s call as a prophet to Israel. It includes the three demonstrations he was to give to the people of the siege and of the taking of Jerusalem.
200—Judah, the Harlot Wife (Ezekiel 6-16) Tells Ezekiel’s parable depicting Judah as an unfaithful wife to Jehovah, but promising that Jehovah would remember His covenant to her and would redeem her in the last days.
201—The Eagles, the Cedar Tree, and the Vine (Ezekiel 17) Tells a parable told to Ezekiel by Jehovah—the problems that come by their embracing Egypt when they have made a covenant with Babylonia.
202—Why Will You Die, O Israel? (Ezekiel 18) Tells of Jehovah explaining to Ezekiel the error in the saying, “The fathers have eaten sour grapes and their children’s teeth are set on edge.”
203—You Shall Not Mourn for Her (Ezekiel 24) Tells of Ezekiel following Jehovah’s instructions not to mourn for his deceased wife and how this action was given as a sign to captive Judah.
204—I Will Save My Flock (Ezekiel 34, 36, 37) This story is based on Jehovah’s instructions to Ezekiel that the shepherds of Israel are not properly caring for the flock. It foresees the latter-day gathering of Israel when He will be their shepherd.
205—Can These Bones Live? (Ezekiel 37) Tells the story of a valley filled with dry bones that are gathered together, flesh put upon them, and life breathed into them as a symbol of Israel’s latter-day restoration.
206—The Two Shall Be One (Ezekiel 37) This is a story of Jehovah informing Ezekiel of two sticks—one of Judah and one of Joseph (or Ephraim) that would come together as one stick in the eyes of Israel; also of two nations—Judah and Ephraim—that would come together as one in the latter days.
207—Water from Under the Temple (Ezekiel 38) Tells of Ezekiel being shown a vision of the holy city and of the temple, in great detail. At the end, he sees water coming from under the temple that would heal the Dead Sea and give life to everything it touched.
208—The Fall of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25; Jeremiah 39-40) Tells of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Many of the people were killed and many taken captive to Babylon; a remnant, including Jeremiah, was left under the leadership of Gedaliah.
209—Judah’s Remnant Flees to Egypt (Jeremiah 40-43) Tells of Gedaliah’s murder and the flight of the remnant into Egypt, contrary to instruction given to them by Jehovah through Jeremiah.
210—We Will Burn Incense to the Queen of Heaven (Jeremiah 44) Tells of the idolatry of the Jewish remnant in Egypt; Jeremiah prophesies of their destruction.
Section XII: The Captivity of Judah, the Return, and Beyond
211—The Babylonian and Persian Empires (Miscellaneous sources) Tells the historical background of the kingdom that took Judah captive and of another kingdom that conquered these captors some years later.
212—The Preparation of Daniel (Daniel 1) Tells of Daniel and other young Hebrews in special preparation for service to the Babylonian king; they were blessed for their obedience to Jehovah.
213—You Beheld a Great Image (Daniel 2) Tells of Daniel interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream through God’s power where the magicians and wise men could not; the dream was of many kingdoms, including a latter-day kingdom that would break these other kingdoms into pieces and fill the earth.
214—We Cannot Serve Your Gods (Daniel 3) Tells of the Hebrew captives—Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego—being thrown into a fiery furnace because they refusing to bow before a pagan idol; they were protected from harm and promoted to high positions by the king.
215—The Great Tree (Daniel 4) Tells of Daniel interpreting the king’s dream in which a great tree represented King Nebuchadnezzar and whose dominion extended to the ends of the earth; the tree was cut down to a stump, and was then restored; the dream was fulfilled.
216—An Everlasting Kingdom (Daniel 7) Tells of Daniel’s dream of four great beasts representing powerful kingdoms of the earth; it tells how all these kingdoms lost dominion when Jehovah set up His own everlasting kingdom.
217—The Time of This Vision is the Time of the End (Daniel 8) Tells of another dream of Daniel in which he saw the rise and fall of many kings and kingdoms, represented by various beasts and their horns. The last king, represented by a stout horn of fierce countenance, will stand against the Prince of princes and will be destroyed.
218—The Handwriting on the Wall (Daniel 5) Tells of Daniel being called to interpret strange handwriting that appeared on the wall at a great feast. The message was of the overthrow of Babylonia, which took place that very night.
219—In the Lions’ Den (Daniel 6) Tells of Daniel being cast into the lions’ den because jealous men tricked the king into enacting a statute prohibiting prayer. King Darius prayed for Daniel; Daniel was unharmed, and his accusers were thrown to the lions.
220—He Shall Confirm His Covenant (Daniel 9) Tells of Daniel’s contrition and a visit to him by the Angel Gabriel informing him that the captivity of the Jews would end according to a prophecy of Jeremiah and that the Messiah would confirm his covenant.
221—Another Vision of Judah’s Future (Daniel 10-12) Tells of Daniel’s vision of Jehovah, foretelling much of the future of the kingdoms of the world and their kings.
222—The Return of Judah’s Exiles (Ezra 1-4; Isaiah 44, 45) Tells of King Cyrus of Persia ordering the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple, giving the vessels stolen from the temple to Zerubbabel, the prince of Judah. It also tells how the Jews proceeded to rebuild the temple amidst great opposition.
223—King Darius Supports the Temple Project (Ezra 5-6; Haggai 1-2) Tells how, with the passage of time, the authorization for rebuilding the temple became obscure. Research by King Darius verified Cyrus’s original decree, and the support from Persia was enhanced resulting in the temple being completed and dedicated.
224—For Such a Time As This (Esther 1-10) Tells how Esther, a Jewess, became Queen of Persia and how she saved the Jewish people from destruction.
225—Ezra Brings More Exiles (Ezra 7-8) Tells how a priest named Ezra, eighty years after Zerubbabel, obtained a Commission from King Artaxerxes to lead more Jews back to Jerusalem.
226—Marriages to Unbelievers (Ezra 9-10; Nehemiah 8) Tells of Ezra finding many problems among the returned exiles and calling them to repentance. The people agreed to put away their heathen wives and Ezra read to them from the Law.
227—Let Us Rise Up and Build (Nehemiah 1-7) Tells of Nehemiah, a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, going to Jerusalem with the commission of governor to rebuilt the walls of the city; tells how this was accomplished in the face of great opposition and of Nehemiah’s return to Persia.
228—Should You Not Walk in the Fear of God? (Nehemiah 5) Tells of Nehemiah resolving the problem found among wealthy Jews at Jerusalem of putting their brethren into financial bondage and taking their property.
229—Judah’s Struggle to be Obedient (Nehemiah 9-13) Tells of Nehemiah dealing with several pressing issues and making every effort to help the Jews live by the commandments.
The Old Testament: understand it, love it!
