2 Samuel 18 - 1 Kings 7

The Savior taught the people in the Americas -

"...seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 13:33)

As King David was near unto death, he admonishes Solomon -

"...keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself..." (Old Testament 1 Kings 2:3)

"...And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father..." (Old Testament 1 Kings 3:3)

And because he did so -

"...the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee?..." (Old Testament 1 Kings 3:5)

Solomon knew he was young with little experience saying -

"...I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in..." (Old Testament 1 Kings 3:7)

He also knew the Lord -

"...hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee..." (Old Testament 1 Kings 3:6)

So Solomon sincerely prays -

"...thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?" (Old Testament 1 Kings 3:8 - 9)

Solomon could have prayed for power and the riches of the world, but instead he did first seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness of which his -

"...speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing." (Old Testament 1 Kings 3:10)

And in answer to his prayers the Lord pronounces the blessing -

"...Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;
12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee." (Old Testament 1 Kings 3:11 - 12)

It didn't end there -

"...And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.
14 And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments...then I will lengthen thy days." (Old Testament 1 Kings 3:13 - 14)

The principle of -

"...seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you..." (New Testament Matthew 6:33)

...was demonstrated to the children of Israel long before the Savior's teachings in the people of both continents.

2 Samuel 14 - 17

Parents generally love their children and want the best for them. They understand good choices and good behavior. But sadly, many times their counsel tends to suggest "do what I say, not what I do". Many times children will try to justify their inappropriate behavior and actions with the excuse that their parents had done the same. The truthfulness of this reasoning can be very painful for a parent. I kind of sense this with David and his relationship with his son, Amnon.

It is my understanding that Amnon was the eldest of David's sons and most likely was heir to the throne. David had a daughter by another wife named Tamar making Amnon and Tanon brother and sister. We read that -

"...Amnon the son of David loved her.
2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 13:1 - 2)

It doesn't take long to realize that this vexation with Tamar was lust not love. After some plotting with his friend jonadab, they figure out if Amnon plays sick, they can get Tamar to come in to take care of him. When she comes to care for him, Amnon entices her -

"...Come lie with me, my sister." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 13:11)

She strongly resists answering -

"...Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 13:12)

Whether she just wants to protect her innocence or that she really cares for Amnon, she suggests -

"...I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 13:13)

The reader immediately knows it is lust and not love for Amnon -

"...would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 13:14)

And sadly, as is in all cases after the conquer and satisfaction -

"...Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 13:15)

This is a very disturbing and sad story as -

"...Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 13:19)

But what is just as sad is that -

"...when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 13:21)

But doesn't seem to do anything about it. At least nothing is even suggested in the least that David did anything. I think I know why. What could David do? As soon as he put any pressure on Amnon, I'm sure Amnon would remind David that he did almost the same thing with Bath-sheba. What a terrible experience this must have been for David. I know - I can think of several occasions that I have been less than exemplary to my children.

I think the simple lesson here is to live by the same counsel that you would give to your children.

"O be wise; what can I say more?" (Book of Mormon Jacob 6:12)

2 Samuel 11 - 13

We learn so much as we study the goodness of King David. He never seemed to take on authority that was not his nor seemed to practice unrighteous dominion. He was just and fair. Pride didn't seem to overpower his as it did to Saul. Even his refusal to lift his hand against Saul because he was the Lord’s anointed is one of the finest examples of loyalty anywhere in the scriptures. He was was a great example to us all until he let his guard down in self-mastery of his physical desires which led to one of the greatest tragedies of all scripture. Things must have become somewhat "easy" for David for -

"...the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him...But David tarried still at Jerusalem." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 11:1)

And while he was probably kicking back and relaxing on a hot summer night on his roof -

"...he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 11:2)

The fact that he saw her was not necessarily the sin, but -

"...whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (New Testament Matthew 5:28)

The lust is apparent as David -

"...sent and enquired after the woman..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 11:3)

He failed to leave it alone and -

"...sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 11:4)

This was a grevious sin. Speaking of adultery or sexual sin, Alma told Corianton -

"...Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?" (Book of Mormon Alma 39:5)

But with sincere and sore repentance, David could have repented from this terrible failure, but instead upon learning that Bath-sheba was pregnant, he sent a letter to Joab, the leader of his army to -

"...Set ye Uriah, [Bath-sheba's husband], in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 11:15)

Obviously a willful and pre-meditated instruction to murder Uriah. Upon learning of the incident, The prophet Nathan came and shared this parable with David -

"...There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.
2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:
3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.
4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 12:1 - 4)

David was appalled and angrily responded -

"...As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 12:5)

To which Nathan responded -

"...Thou art the man...." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 12:7)

And if that wasn't enough -

"...Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.
9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him" (Old Testament 2 Samuel 12:7 - 9)

And David remorsefully confessed -

"...I have sinned against the LORD..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 12:13)

And then his sin, Nathan told him -

"...The LORD also hath not put away thy sin that thou shalt not die" (JST 2 Samuel 12:13)

David’s grievous sin would not put away by God. It is difficult for many but the Lord revealed -

"..David's wives and concubines were given unto him of me, by the hand of Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets who had the keys of this power; and in none of these things did he sin against me save in the case of Uriah and his wife; and, therefore he hath fallen from his exaltation, and received his portion; and he shall not inherit them out of the world, for I gave them unto another, saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:39)

For it is clear that -

"...if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 14:7)

2 Samuel 5 - 10

David seemed to be nothing like prideful Saul. David was humble and approached Nathan the prophet asking -

"...See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 7:2)

I'm sure Nathan sensed David's sincere love for the Lord and instructs David -

"...Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 7:3)

And then that night -

"...the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying
5 Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 7:4 - 5)

And Nathan tells David what the Lord said -

"...Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?
6 Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 7:5 - 6)

The Lord tells David -

"...he will make thee an house..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 7:11)


David is told that he will not build the Lord a house, but -

"...when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
13 He shall build an house for my name..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 7:12 - 13)

David reveals later that -

"...the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight.
9 Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
10 He shall build an house for my name..." (Old Testament 1 Chronicles 22:8 - 10)

But of greater significance is that the Lord told the prophet Nathan -

"...I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever...." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 7:13)

And of that prophecy, Isaiah also prophecied of the Savior -

"...For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever." (Old Testament Isaiah 9:6 - 7)

And Jeremiah prophecied of the Messiah -

"...But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them...."(Old Testament Jeremiah 30:9)

And the angel said to Mary -

"...Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David..." (New Testament Luke 1:30 - 32)

What a great promise David was given for his sincere love of the Lord.

1 Samuel 31 - 2 Samuel 4

As I have read about the rise of King David, one of the character traits that seemed to bring him to power over all of Israel was his expectations that men should have loyalty and integrity whether they be friends or enemies. We see this in himself when on two occasions had the opportunity to slay Saul. On the first occasion David -

"...cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 24:4)

while Saul slept because -

"...The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD...." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 24:6)

On the second occasion -

"...David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 26:7)

And

"...David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 26:12)

"Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 26:8)

But David tells Abishai -

"...Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD's anointed, and be guiltless?" (Old Testament 1 Samuel 26:9)

Even upon the death of his enemy Saul-

"...David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son..."
(Old Testament 2 Samuel 1:17)

When an Amalekite comes to gain favor with David with the fabricated story -

"...I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.
7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me, and called unto me. And I answered, Here am I.
8 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite.
9 And he said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me.
10 So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 1:6 - 10)

David recognizes he -

"...thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 4:10)

David knew he had only plundered the battle field to find the items. David's allegiance was still to Saul and asked the Amalekite -

"...How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?" (Old Testament 2 Samuel 1:14)

"...And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 1:15)

When Joab on his own accord took Abner-

"...aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 3:27) -

"...when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:
29 Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 3:28 - 29)

"...And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
36 And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 3:35 - 36)

And we also see David's expectations that men are loyal when two of Saul's captains came to
the enemy of David, Ish-bosheth, Saul's son and-

"...came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 4:7)

"...And they brought the head of Ish-bosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed...."(Old Testament 2 Samuel 4:8)

Even though Ish-bosheth was David's enemy, David expected more of those that should have been allegiant to Ish-bosheth. He answers them -

"...How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?
12 And David commanded his young men, and they slew them..." (Old Testament 2 Samuel 4:11 - 12)

I believe it was this type of character, integrity and loyalty that allowed David to rise to King over all of Israel.

1 Samuel 26 - 30

Alma taught -

"...I would that ye should remember that the Lord God ordained priests, after his holy order, which was after the order of his Son, to teach these things unto the people.
2 And those priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption...." (Book of Mormon Alma 13:1 - 2)

As the Savior organized his Church, men who had become in a sense, a member of this holy order, were ordained as Paul taught -

"....apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ..." (New Testament Ephesians 4:11 - 12)

Of these, some were set apart or anointed to preside for a period over other members of his holy order. Some of those that preside are given special keys to authorize ordinations to this holy order of God. To Peter the Savior said -

"...I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (New Testament Matthew 16:19)

In modern day, the Lord said of the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"...Unto whom I have given the keys of the kingdom, which belong always unto the Presidency of the High Priesthood..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 81:2)

Within this holy order, we recognize and honor those that preside. We may love and respect the individual who presides, but it is more the position that we recognize and honor. Most that preside only preside of a period of time and then are released and another presides in his stead. As members of this holy order, we have an obligation to recognize and honor the position and he that has been set apart to do so.

We see this great principle evidenced between Saul and David. Saul felt a significant threat to his role as King from David. He desired to take David's life. David knew that and on two occasions could have easily ended the threat to his life killing Saul, but David recognized that Saul had been set apart or anointed to be King by the prophet Samuel. On the first occasion that David had a chance to take Saul's life, he opted to -

"...cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 24:4)

while Saul slept. David explained to his men why he didn't kill him -

"...The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD...." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 24:6)

The second time -

"...David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 26:7)

And David -

"...David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 26:12)

"Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 26:8)

But again, David taught this great principle -

"...Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD's anointed, and be guiltless?" (Old Testament 1 Samuel 26:9)

Whether we necessarily agree or like those that have been anointed to preside, we should continue to recognize and honor those in the position for -

"...for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD's anointed, and be guiltless?" (Old Testament 1 Samuel 26:9)

1 Samuel 21 - 25

The Lord has instructed those who are called to preach -

"...hearken ye elders of my church, whom I have appointed: Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 43:15)

We witnessed the power to teaching by the Spirit with the Prophet Samuel. With the conflict between David and Saul -

"...David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth....and Saul sent messengers to take David..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 19:18 - 20)

And when these messengers came to Naioth -

"...they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 19:20)

As I read this, I thought that this was nothing more than a school of prophets with Samuel presiding and teaching ancient prophets or men who held the priesthood, much like the School of the Prophets in modern day presided over by the Prophet Joseph Smith in Kirtland, Ohio. So powerful must have been the instruction that -

"...the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 19:20)

The instruction most likely was in regards to the coming the Savior and the great plan of redemption for John stated -

"...for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy..." (New Testament Revelation 19:10)

The prophecy described here in 1 Samuel could have easily been nothing more the the bearing of pure testimony of the coming of Jesus Christ upon hearing the teachings of Samuel. Two more groups of messengers were sent who also prophesied. I can picture in my mind, Samuel the Prophet asking each messenger to bear his testimony. Even Saul himself came -

"...and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 19:23)

The instruction of Samuel must have been marvelous for the Lord has commanded of his priesthood leaders -

"...they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit.
14 And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:13 - 14)

During his mission in England, President Wilford Woodruff relates -

“When I arose to speak at Brother Benbow’s house, a man entered the door and informed me that he was a constable, and had been sent by the rector of the parish with a warrant to arrest me. I asked him, ‘For what crime?’ He said, ‘For preaching to the people.’ I told him that I, as well as the rector, had a license for preaching the gospel to the people, and that if he would take a chair I would wait upon him after meeting. He took my chair and sat beside me. For an hour and a quarter I preached the first principles of the everlasting gospel. The power of God rested upon me, the spirit filled the house, and the people were convinced. At the close of the meeting I opened the door for baptism, and seven offered themselves. Among the number were four preachers and the constable. The latter arose and said, ‘Mr. Woodruff, I would like to be baptized.’ I told him I would like to baptize him. I went down into the pool and baptized the seven. We then came together. I confirmed thirteen, administered the Sacrament, and we all rejoiced together.
“The constable went to the rector and told him that if he wanted Mr. Woodruff taken for preaching the gospel, he must go himself and serve the writ; for he had heard him preach the only true gospel sermon he had ever listened to in his life. The rector did not know what to make of it, so he sent two clerks of the Church of England as spies, to attend our meeting, and find out what we did preach. They both were pricked in their hearts, received the word of the Lord gladly, and were baptized and confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The rector became alarmed, and did not venture to send anybody else.” (In Cowley, Wilford Woodruff, p. 118.)

To his modern day priesthood holders, the Lord asks -

"...unto what were ye ordained?" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:13)

He answers the question -

"To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:14)

And if he that hears also has the Spirit of the Lord, he explains -

"...he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:22)

It becomes clear that all instruction given by priesthood leaders, whether in a school of prophets, or in any meeting that -

"...notwithstanding those things which are written, it always has been given to the elders of my church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:2)

1 Samuel 16 - 20

It seems almost everytime there is rumors or news that there will be a change in a bishopric or presidency, members immediately begin to speculate who may be called to serve as the new bishop or the new president such as a stake president. Some go as far as to predict who will serve in these positions long before any changes are even considered.

There may be little harm in this if the member has a firm testimony or spirit of prophecy -

"...that a man must be called of God, by prophecy..." (Pearl of Great Price Articles of Faith 1:5)

But when members are offended by not being selected or when members feel others "deserve" to be called to a position, expectations and speculations may be quite harmful. We learn a great deal of how this process works as Samuel is told to select a new King due to Saul's disobedience. The Lord instructs Samuel -

"...I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:1)

As Samuel meets with Jesse and his sons he naturally -

"...looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD's anointed is before him." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:6)

In the spirit of prophecy, the Lord reveals that Eliab is not to be annointed and then provides this great statement that all members should be familiar with and understand -

"...Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:7)

I can testify that I have witnessed that men are called of God by prophecy. I can also testify, that contrary to a man's outward appearance, those in the fold of the shepherd who was called by the will of the Lord, will come to know of his heart and the shepherds divine calling.

This becomes evident after Samuel interviews all the sons of Jesse then asks -

"...Are here all thy children?" (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:11)

Jesse answers -

"...There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:11)

And as David enters the rooms the Lord instructs Samuel -

"...Arise, anoint him: for this is he." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:12)

"Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:13)

This story is all summed of the Article of Faith taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."
(Pearl of Great Price Articles of Faith 1:5)

1 Samuel 15

Samuel reminds Saul –

“…The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel…” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:1)

And then speaking as a prophet, Samuel says -

“…now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:1)

The Lord commands Saul to –

“…go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:3)

So Saul gathered –

“…two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah.” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:4)

“And Saul smote the Amalekites…and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:7 - 8)

Saul didn’t completely follow the directions given –

“But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:9)

Then the word of the Lord comes to Samuel –

“It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments.” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:11)

Having called and anointed Saul to be King –

“…it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:11)

So Samuel rises early to confront Saul on the matter. Having what seems as a great victory Saul exclaims –
“…Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:13)

Samuel knows better and asks –

“…What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?...” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:14)

I’m sure this caught Saul off guard. Oh yea! The sheep and oxen. Saul, probably scrambling, responds –

“…They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:15)

And then Samuel tells Saul –

“…Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night.” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:16)

But before he does, he reminds Saul –

“…When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:17)

And now there is no question he is king –

“…the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.
19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD?...” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:18 - 19)

And then the truth comes out that Saul was more concerned about his constituents than the commandments of the Lord with the excuse –

“…Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed…” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:20 - 21)

“…because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:24)

And with that, Saul tries to justify himself suggesting the reason they had taken the spoil was -

“…to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God…” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:21)

Samuel sees through it all with the profound response –

“…Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:22)

It is then that Samuel tells Saul the consequences –

“…For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” (Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:23)

And from there, the Lord commands Samuel to look for a new king.

There are many that assume that if they sacrifice and give of their time and resources it will justify a little sin. But Samuel makes it clear that “to obey is better than sacrifice”. For the Lord has made it perfectly clear –

“…I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance…” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:31)

1 Samuel 11 - 14

Contempories Samuel and Saul both came from humble beginnings. Samuel answered the Lord -

"...Speak; for thy servant heareth...." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:10)

"And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:19)

Samuel lived righteously such that -

"...the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:21)

And because of that -

"...all Israel...knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:20)

Saul also was -

"...a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 9:2)

And we recognize his humility when he answered Samuel -

"...Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?" (Old Testament 1 Samuel 9:21)

And after Samuel anointed Saul to be "captain" or king, for prophesies -

"...thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:
6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 10:5 - 6)

"And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.
10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.
11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets.." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 10:9 - 11)

We see Saul at his finest upon hearing of the threats of the Ammonites -

"...the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.
7 And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 11:6 - 7)

He lead all of Israel to a great victory. From then on, the burden of his ego and appeasing the people changed his heart from doing the will of the Lord. You can sense desire when he says to his men -

"...that I may be avenged on mine enemies..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 14:24)

Because of this, Samuel tells Saul -

"...But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 13:14)

Saul would have been a great king of Israel had he been more like Samuel. I was particularly touched by Samuel's counsel -

"...If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 12:14)

You can sense the character of Samuel as he delivers this prophetic counsel to the people -

"...Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;
21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 12:20 - 24)

1 Samuel 5 - 10

At the time the child Samuel began to serve the Lord being taught by Eli -

"...the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:1)

Not because the Lord did not want to communicate with the children of Israel, but because they had turned their backs to him -

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (New Testament Revelation 3:20)

Samuel was a righteous and obedient child. The said said -

"...My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me..." (New Testament John 10:27)

"...for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:7)

And -

"...the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:4)

But -

"...Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:7)

So he ran to Eli inquiring -

"...Here am I; for thou didst call me..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:6)

It is apparent that to Samuel, the still small voice was very real. Upon the third time -

"...Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:8 - 9)

And on the fourth time -

"...the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:10)

Samuel did hear and did open the door. The Lord then reveals -

"...Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:11)

Again, those that heareth are those whose ears will tingle. We see almost the same experience with the Nephites just before the resurrected Savior appeared to them as that with Samuel -

"...that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 11:3)

And it is not just hearing the voice of the Savior, it is following the still small voice and doing the Lord's will. We learn that -

"...all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:20)

Why? Because as Samuel did grow and did hear and was obedient -

"... and the LORD was with him..."( Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:19)

And Samuel -

"...did let none of his words fall to the ground..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 3:19)

Ruth 1 - 1 Samuel 4

In just a few continuous chapters of the Old Testament, two exemplary great women are briefly mentioned. Our stake young women leaders would describe both of them as "Women of Christ". Ruth was a moabite which I believe were descendants of Lot. Her people like many in the region had turned to false Gods. Ruth had obviously become converted to the on and only true God. After losing her husband and being allowed to stay with her people, you can sense her conversion to the truth as well as her deep love for her mother-in-law when she responds -

"...Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." (Old Testament Ruth 1:16 - 17)

Ruth willingly accepted the poverty of Naomi and did all she could to care for her saying -

"...Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace..." (Old Testament Ruth 2:2)

Ruth recognized the goodness of Boaz which the reader can also sense as Boaz says to the reapers -

"...The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee." (Old Testament Ruth 2:4)

Ruth must have been quite fair to look upon for the elderly Boaz asks -

"...Whose damsel is this?
6 And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab..." (Old Testament Ruth 2:5 - 6)

He even tells her -

"...Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:
9 Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn." (Old Testament Ruth 2:8 - 9)

Boaz then sets her apart and takes special care of her. I believe the Spirit of the Lord rested upon Ruth for -

"...for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman..." (Old Testament Ruth 3:11)

And with the Spirit she pursued after that which she knew would be best for her for Boaz recognized she -

"...followedst not young men, whether poor or rich..." (Old Testament Ruth 3:10)

But was guided by the Spirit. Boaz was respectable and being a close kinsman followed the law and went -

"...up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.
2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down." (Old Testament Ruth 4:1 - 2)

And after all the kinsman declined, Boaz said to the Elders -

"Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.
10 Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
11 And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses." (Old Testament Ruth 4:9 - 11)

"So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife..." (Old Testament Ruth 4:13)

And after Ruth did bare a son, in a touching scene for all grandmothers -

"...Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it...." (Old Testament Ruth 4:16)

It was her son that became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David, an ancestor of Mary, the mother of the Savior.

Hannah was another faithful mother who was barren and thought herself worthless. After having been provoke by her husband's other "fruitful" wife, in great faith, Hannah -

"...Hannah rose up ...And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.
11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 1:9 - 11)

"Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 1:13)

What a difficult promise for a mother. Eli thought she was drunk but as she explained why she was so emotional, he said -

"...Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 1:17)

You can sense the faith of Hannah as she answers -

"...Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
19 ¶ And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house ... and the LORD remembered her." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 1:18 - 19)

"...when she had weaned him, she took him up with her...unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 1:24)

It must of been very difficult to drop off a very young child to be "lent to the Lord". But Hannah rejoiced, praising God, saying-

"...My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 2:1 - 2)

The child became the great prophet Samuel. And later on -

"...the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 2:21)

"..Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." (Old Testament Psalms 2:12)

Judges 19 - 21

At the end of the Book of Judges, the writer seems to sum up the life of the children of Israel with -

"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Old Testament Judges 21:25)

To Moses the children of Israel promised -

"...All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient."
(Old Testament Exodus 24:7)

And not many years before they had covenanted to Joshua -

"All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.
17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses." (Old Testament Joshua 1:16 - 17)

During the days of the Judges, the people had digressed to where -

"...every man did that which was right in his own eyes..." (Old Testament Judges 21:25)

They seemed to become much like that of which prophesied by Paul of the last days saying -

"THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof..." (New Testament 2 Timothy 3:1 - 5)

It becomes apparent in the Book of Judges -

"...how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one." (Book of Mormon Alma 46:8)

"O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil, and devilish, and how quick to do iniquity, and how slow to do good, are the children of men; yea, how quick to hearken unto the words of the evil one, and to set their hearts upon the vain things of the world!
5 Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom's paths!
6 Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide." (Book of Mormon Helaman 12:4 - 6)

As you can tell, this not much different than the people of our day in the people today -

"...put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain and grind upon the face of the poor." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:20)

May we live to walk in wisdom's path, live righteously, keep the commandments, and do what is right in the Lord's eyes, not our "own eyes".

Judges 13 - 18

The story of Samson is one of the great tragedies of scripture. It becomes apparent that Samson was foreordained to -

"...begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines..." (Old Testament Judges 13:5)

There are many gifts of the Spirit or gifts from God. In Samson's case, it was almost superhuman strength. The truth of his foreordination becomes apparent as -

"...the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.
4 Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing:
5 For, lo, ...no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb..." (Old Testament Judges 13:3 - 5)

His great strength becomes immediately apparent as -

"...a young lion roared against him.
6 And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand..." (Old Testament Judges 14:5 - 6)

We know that only -

"...they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness...shall be filled with the Holy Ghost."
(Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 12:6)

By being obedient for -

"...he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us." (New Testament 1 John 3:24)

King Benjamin said of the who do not keept his commandents -

"...the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 2:37)

Samson was not necessarily living righteously or keeping the commandments. I wonder if the writer really meant "Gift of the Lord" instead of "Spirit of the Lord". For after Samson saw of a Philistine women in Timnath, he was not willing to follow the counsel of the Lord or his parents when the asked -

"...Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well." (Old Testament Judges 14:3)

It seems everything Samson did was more of a result of his passions and anger than that of self-mastery and obedience. We see this when he lost his wager regarding his riddle and -

"...he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle." (Old Testament Judges 14:19)

When he seeked revenge as his wife was given away and he -

"...went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.
5 And when he had set the brands on fire, he let them go into the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the standing corn, with the vineyards and olives." (Old Testament Judges 15:4 - 5)

And in his anger as he -

"...he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith...." (Old Testament Judges 15:15)

There was little self mastery as he -

"...to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her..." (Old Testament Judges 16:1)

When he fell for Delilah revealing all his vows as -

"...he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man." (Old Testament Judges 16:17)

Even in the end, you wonder if most of his motive was more revenge than a desire to serve the Lord as he blinded -

"...took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left.
30 And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life." (Old Testament Judges 16:29 - 30)

We need to remember -

"For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:4)

Being foreordained with great gifts does not necessarily mean pre-destination. We are still given our agency. All is dependent upon our obedience and righteousness.

Judges 9 - 12

After the passing of Joshua, the scriptures reflect that there was no successor. Generally each of tribe was left to provide their own leadership. The Israelites generally fell back into their wicked ways worshipping idols. Because of their failure to keep the covenants of their forefathers, the Lord left them to their own strength. In my opinion, the seemed to desire worldly appetites, riches, and to be left alone to do their own thing - much like many today. They didn't seem to want to fight against anything. The just wanted worldly "peace".

It was under these circumstances that other nations came in and held different parts of the land in captivity. It was when they became humble and began to remember the Lord (much like the Nephites), that God fearing individuals that worshipped the Lord would step forward to lead the people. It seems to me that these were the individuals they called "Judges".

One of those that I read about today was of Jephthat who -

"...was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot..." (Old Testament Judges 11:1)

Because of that his family -

"...thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman." (Old Testament Judges 11:2)

But Jephthah was one that loved the Lord and when things got rough on his family -

"...they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon." (Old Testament Judges 11:6)

Jephthah thought that interesting and asked -

"...Did not ye hate me, and expel me out of my father's house? and why are ye come unto me now when ye are in distress?" (Old Testament Judges 11:7)

But agrees with the condition -

"...If ye bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head?
10 And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words." (Old Testament Judges 11:9 - 10)

And after some communication with the leaders of the Ammonites -

"...the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon." (Old Testament Judges 11:29)

Then Japhthah made an interesting vow where he -

"...vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,
31 Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering." (Old Testament Judges 11:30 - 31)

I wonder of the writer of this book really got this story straight. This vow does not seem to be in line with what a God fearing man would commit to do. I wonder if he really meant a spiritual offering or commitment. We do know that -

"...Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon to fight against them; and the LORD delivered them into his hands.
33 And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel." (Old Testament Judges 11:32 - 33)

And when Jephthah came home -

"...behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter...." (Old Testament Judges 11:34)

"And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back" (Old Testament Judges 11:35)

And his daughter faithfully said -

"...My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth..." (Old Testament Judges 11:36)

What happens next seems to support my thoughts of a spiritual offering where his daughter would devote her life to the Lord because she responds -

"...Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity..." (Old Testament Judges 11:37)

And when she returns -

"...at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man..." (Old Testament Judges 11:39)

The emphasis of bewailing her virginity and that she knew no man tends to support the idea that the vow dealt more with a life long offering. And I'm sure Jephthah's great disappointment in renting his clothes may have had more to do with no posterity.