Old Testament Questions and Notes

Come Follow Me: Thoughts to Keep in Mind: Reading Poetry in the Old Testament Preparation for reading the Books of Poetry found in the Bible. You will see much parallelism in Hebrew poetry. (Some of the other elements are lost in the translation.) Some of the examples of parallelism shown in this lesson, could be rewritten as metaphors. Sometimes parallel phrases can be repetitious with variation, in order to bring more clarity to the reader. Sometimes they can be contrasting, to show the reader two possible difference outcomes or scenarios. Question for self while reading: How does parallelism help you understand the writer’s message? Isaiah 52:1: There is strength and power associated with the covenants we make in the temple and with the temple garment itself. Proverbs 15:1 When we see two huge differences in outcome, we can determine to be kinder in our interactions with others. Read the Bible’s poetry with the Spirit. Slow down to enjoy both the language and the mes...

Come Follow Me Lesson 31: Esther Introduction Nothing of divine consequence happens by mere coincidence: whether it be an orphan girl becoming the queen of Persia who saves the Israelites, or her cousin (uncle) overhearing a plot to over assassinate the king. How have you witnessed the Lords involvement in the details of your life? How has he guided your path and prepared you for “such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 How does it feel knowing that you have been an instrument in the hands of the Lord, to help His purposes be fulfilled? Esther, book of Personal Study: Esther: We all are needed in the building of the Lord. Each instrument is valued in the work. How did the Lord make it possible for Esther’s faith and actions to save her people? How has the Lord guided you to be able to bless others? When have you felt that you were guided or inspired for “such a time as this” that you found yourself in? Are you reading your patriarchal blessing for inspired direction in your...

Come Follow Me Reading: Nehemiah 1, 3, 7, 9-13 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/neh/1?lang=eng Nehemiah mourns, fasts, and prays for the Jews in Jerusalem. Vs 4-10 Nehemiah prays vervently that the Lord will forgive His people their tresspasses and again bring them to the lands of their inheritance. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/neh/3?lang=eng The names and order of those who help to build the walls and gates of Jerusalem are listed. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/neh/7?lang=eng Provision is made to protect Jerusalem—The genealogy is given of the Jews who returned from Babylon—Priests without genealogical records are denied the priesthood. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/neh/9?lang=eng The Jews fast and confess their sins—The Levites bless and praise the Lord and recite His goodness toward Israel. A recounting of God's covenant with Abraham, the history of Israel, a...

Come Follow Me Reading: Ezra 2, 8-10 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezra/2?lang=eng The descendants of the Jews taken captive who return to Jerusalem and to Judah are listed—The children of priests whose genealogy is lost are denied the priesthood—Faithful people contribute to the building of the temple. The people, their animals, and their goods were numbered. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezra/8?lang=eng Those who go up from Babylon to Jerusalem are listed—The Levites are called to accompany them—Ezra and the people fast and pray for and gain guidance and protection in going to Jerusalem. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ezra/9?lang=eng Many Jews intermarry with the Canaanites and others and follow their abominations—Ezra prays and confesses the sins of all the people. Vs 6-15 Ezra's humble prayer acknowledging the trespasses of the people. The have intermarried with many of other faiths and...

Come Follow Me Lesson 30: Ezra 1, 3-7; Nehemiah 2, 4-6, 8 Introduction President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “The word of God … has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life” ( Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson  [2014],  118 ). The Jewish people were captive for about 70 years in Babylon. Even though they had forgotten about God and lost so much, He did not forget about them. Read Jeremiah 29:10 . He raised servants to help gather them and to rebuild. Read Nehemiah 6:3 These servants included a governor named Zerubbabel, who oversaw the rebuilding of the house of the Lord; Ezra, a priest and scribe who turned the hearts of the people back to the Lord’s law; and Nehemiah, a later governor of Judah who led the work of rebuilding the protective walls around Jerusalem. Their experiences can inform and inspire ours, because we too are doing a great work. And l...

Come Follow Me Reading: 2 Chronicles 1-36 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/2-chr/1?lang=eng The Lord honors Solomon before all Israel—The Lord appears to him—Solomon chooses and is given wisdom—His kingdom is blessed with splendor and riches. Vs 7-12 Because of Solomon’s righteousness, the Lord asked what he could do for him. Because Solomon asked for wisdom to fulfill his calling, the Lord, granted him wisdom, plus riches and honor. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/2-chr/2?lang=eng Solomon engages Huram of Tyre to supply timber for the temple—Laborers are organized to do the work. Vs 4-6 Solomon realizes that He cannot build anything grand enough for God, because God has created and owns all; but there needs to be a house for worship and ordinances to God. Vs 12 Huram is thankful that God chose Solomon to lead His people, and he acknowledges Israel’s God. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/2-chr/3?lang...