2 Chronicles 29

In studying the Old Testament, there becomes an obvious cyle of apostasy from righteous kings then to wicked kings, and when things do not go well and the people become humble, a righteous king seems to step forward.  Hezekiah was on of those righteous kings where -

"...he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD..."  (Old Testament | 2 Chronicles 29:2)

And he -

"...opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them.
4 And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street,
5 And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place."  (Old Testament | 2 Chronicles 29:3 - 5)

Hezekiah was blessed to reign during the days of Isaiah.  After years of faithfulness -

"IN those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 38:1)

And as a result of this prophecy -

"...Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,
3 And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 38:2 - 3)

I think that these words are signficant.  Hezekiah could approach the Lord in great faith and confidence to consider his life because he has been faithful.  I think as we are faithful, pay our tithes, keep his commandments and do everything we can, we too can approach the Lord in great faith and confidence.  Obviously, when one desperately pleads for help from the Lord, when they have never followed his counsel, must be greatly lacking in hope and confidence.  Because of Hezekiah's good works and faith -

"...came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,
5 Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.
6 And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city.
7 And this shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing that he hath spoken..."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 38:4 - 7)

As he is given this great blessing, Hezekiah writes how he felt as he approached death and how he felt with the promise of the Lord as he wrote -

"The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.
20 The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 38:19 - 20)

2 Samuel 11

Alma said of sexual immorality -

"...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)

Breaking the law of chastity seems to be the downfall of mankind. John taught of

 "...the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel...to commit fornication."  (New Testament | Revelation 2:14)

This was their downfall.  And thus as we read of king David and Bath-sheba that -

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

This was his downfall.  Immorality has destroyed more men than any other sin.  It may even lead, as in David's case, to commit murder.  Sadly we learn in modern revelation -

"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)

I could not bear having Terri given to another!

2 Samuel 2

Sometimes in reading the Old Testament, I struggle to find anything inspiring.  Many times disappointing as the followers of Saul son battle with the followers of David where  -

"...Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.
14 And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.
15 Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.
16 And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together..."  (Old Testament | 2 Samuel 2:12 - 16)

I  find this very disturbing as twenty four young men, all of which being the children of Israel fight amongst themselves where all die while everyone else watches.

I can't help but ask myself, what's the point?  It always seems to come down to pride, power, and personal gain.

1 Samuel 28

I think that that at times, the writers of the Old Testament many times wrote of the event but failed to point out the truth related to that event.  I think this is the case as Saul, having lost all communications with the Lord due to his disobedience, pride, wicked heart, and loss of the Spirit of the Lord, and also the prophet Samuel with his passing, approaches a sorcerer (woman with a familiar spirit) to get direction whereby -

"Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 28:11)

According to the Joseph Smith translation, the woman would only hear words.  Saul asked

"...What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.

15 ¶ And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.
16 Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?
17 And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David:
18 Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day.
19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.
20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel..."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 28:14 - 20)

As one reads these words, it almost seems like Samuel really was called up from the dead.  Obviously this is not how true revelation comes for we know  -

"...Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 52:14)

And in doing so, John taught -

"For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles..."  (New Testament | Revelation 16:14)

I believe this writer failed to make this clear.  This was not true revelation from the Lord.

 

1 Samuel 19

Last week (Tuesday), I shared my thoughts concerning Samuel and the company of Prophets, that David, Saul, and several messengers visited.  In each case, they were inspired and prophesied or testified of Christ.  In modern day, Wilford Woodruff had a similar experience -

“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, page 118.)

In my mind, this company of prophets overseen by Samuel was nothing different than the "School of the Prophets" setup by the Prophet Joseph Smith to teach the brethren doctrine and their priesthood duties.

1 Samuel 17

Following the instructions fo his father, David comes to the battlefield to see the status of his older brothers.  As the Israelites and Philistines stood in array, while Goliath daily mocks the Israelites, David can't help but question the faith and courage of, not only his brothers, but the other soldiers.  As he did, I'm sure as older brothers do -

"...Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 17:28)

But it is David's response that caught my attention -

"...What have I now done? Is there not a cause?"  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 17:29)

My thoughts are..."is there not a just and righteous cause to this conflict?  In other words, do we coward and fall back in the works of righteousness when the Lord is on our side?  These words even stirred Saul who already knew and liked David as he played comforting music and at times was his armor bearer.

We learn a great deal about David that he was a special and prepared young man for when Saul questioned his your and fighting ability, David responded -

"...Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 17:34 - 36)

These we not insignificant feats in themselves.  No wonder David was such a brave and courageous young man... and obviously physically gifted too.  I find his faith and confidence in himself and the Lord as he only -

"...chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had..."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 17:40)

That was all he thought would be required.  We all know the results as David killed Goliath with one shot of a sling and stone.

1 Samuel 15

Last week I blogged on some of my favorite scriptures in 1 Samuel.  I wanted to return to one of those.  We are all familiar with Saul's disobedience when the Lord commanded him to destroy everything associated with the Amalekites where he spared Agag and to the spoil of the best of the sheep, oxen, lambs with the excuse that these were for the purpose of sacrifice to the Lord.  As Samuel approached Saul -

"...Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 15:13)

And then the coversation continued and Samuel responded -

What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?
15 And Saul said, 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.
16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.
17 And Samuel said, 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?
18 And 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, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?
20 And Saul said unto Samuel, 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, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 15:14 - 21)

I find it interesting that as Saul feels the chastisement of Samuel, he begins to poin the finger, "the people took of the spoil".   And when he was really cornered, Saul confessed -

"...I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 15:24)

Obviously -

"...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)

How often we begin to justify our opinions and actions because we fear the people?

 

1 Samuel 14

I was so impressed with Jonathan and his armor bearer's great faith and courage.  Seeing that the Israelites were having trouble defeating the Philistines, -

"...Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 14:1)

Upon sneaking to the other side -

"...Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.
7 And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.
8 Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.
9 If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them.
10 But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 14:6 - 10)

Their faith was so great in the Lord the their numbers did not matter "for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few."  And the sign that the Lord would deliver them was that after being discovered, if the Philistines challenged them to "come up unto us", they would find success.  And sure enough -

"...the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel.
13 And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him.
14 And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.
15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 14:12 - 15)

And also as sign the Lord was with them, the Lord caused and earthquake.  These two men seemed to have much the same faith and righteousness as the sons of Helaman.

1 Samuel 12

Samuel counseled Israel (and us), knowing that at times we may be led by wicked leaders -

"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:
15 But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you..."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 12:14 - 15)

And -

"...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)

And then warns -

"But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 12:25)

I notice in most of the teachings and instructions that we get from our leaders is an if...then what.  This was the case with Samuel. 

1 Samuel 9

After the people requested that Samuel anoint a king, the Lord instructed Samuel to warn the people of the consequence of a king as -

"Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.
11 And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
12 And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
13 And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.
14 And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
15 And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.
16 And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
17 He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
18 And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 8:10 - 18)

Nonetheless -

"Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;
20 That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.
21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD.
22 And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 8:19 - 22)

What I find interesting as a king is selected, that Samuel follows much the same pattern we do in our day extending calls.  First, the Lord sets up the way as he arranges that -

"...the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 9:3)

And as they could not find the asses, Saul and his servant considered approaching Samuel for directions. At the same time -
 
"Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel..."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 9:15 - 16)

I have experienced that with the face of a member seems to remain in my mind.  Samuel wants to get to know Saul a little bit  first so he asks Saul to  -

"...go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 9:19)

There even a interview that took place for -

"...Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 9:27)

Saul was then called to be king.

1 Samuel 5

When I read some of the stories in the Old Testament, I can't help but ask myself - What does it take to be converted?  Obviously, it is really about one not wanting to give up his or her power and  lifestyle.

After the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant -

"...the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.

3 ¶ And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again.
4 And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 5:2 - 4)

Then -

"...the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods..."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 5:6)

For -

"...he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 5:9)

My understanding it this is large infected boils much like the Bubonic plague.  The Philistines finally concluded that the Ark and Israel's God was the cause so they attached two cows to a cart upon which the Ark was placed and concluded that if the cows actually took the cart, leaving their calves, to Beth-shemesh, that this would be a proving sign that their conclusions were true for -

"...when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day." (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 6:16)

Having had this great witness, why wouldn't the Philistines repent?

 

1 Samuel 19

As Saul sent messengers to find and take David, it just happend as they went forth they came upon Samuel and some of his brethren.  And as they did -

"...when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 19:20)

Some might wonder what happened to these messengers that they "prophesied".  John the Revelator explained -

"...I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."  (New Testament | Revelation 19:10)

This would explain that upon feeling the Spirit of God, they received a testimony of Jesus Christ and bore testimony of such which is the spirit of prophecy.  What is interesting is that -

"...when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 19:21)

Samuel must have been a powerful teacher for all these to be converted.  Even as the frustrated Saul took it upon himself to pursue David, he asked -

"...Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah.
23 And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.
24 And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 19:22 - 24)

Even Saul felt the Spirit of the Lord on this occasion.

1 Samuel 16

As I read 1 Samuel, I first wanted to list some favorite scriptures and then some comments -

As Samuel anointed Saul to be king -

"...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."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 10:9 - 10)

...Or in other words, Saul bore his testimony of Jesus Christ among them.  This reminds of the words of the people of Zarahemla -

"...we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."  (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:2)

When Saul was disobedient, Samuel told him -

"...Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice..."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 15:22)
When young David confronted Goliath he declared -

"...Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts..."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 17:45)

Later the Lord teaches Samuel -

"...for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 16:7)

David even remained faithful to king Saul acknowledging -

"...for he is the LORD's anointed."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 24:10)

My thoughts this morning is that both Saul and David, when young were faithful to the Lord.  But after receiving great power as kings, this seemed to corrupt their hearts.  It is a warning to any that acquire much honor and power in society and even in the Church that may lead one from humility to unrighteous dominion, thus -

"We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:39)

1 Samuel 2

As a stake Aaronic priesthood committee, we have recently felt a need to impress upon the minds of our young Aaronic priesthood holders the importance and sacred nature of the sacrament and sacrament meetings.  Worthiness is an important component of that.  The consequence can be great.  In the First Book of Samuel, we learn that -

"...the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 2:12)

"Belial" would suggest wicked and unworthy.  In performing their sacred priesthood duty -

"...if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.
17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 2:16 - 17)

Not only did they take this sacred duty lightly but -

"Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 2:22)

Obviously, they were far from being worthy.  Eli even approached them -

"...Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.

24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD's people to transgress.
25 If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him?"  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 2:23 - 25)

Eli's failure was that he allowed his sons to continue for -

"...there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?
28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?
30 Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 2:27 - 30)

And -

"...this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 2:34)

This is a great warning to priesthood leaders.  We later see the fulfillment of this prophecy as -

"...the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain."  (Old Testament | 1 Samuel 4:11)

Ruth 3

During the period of Judges when we find so much wickedness, we learn the integrity and obedience of Boaz after Ruth somewhat proposes to Boaz, that -

"...now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning."  (Old Testament | Ruth 3:11 - 13)

Even though Boaz committed that he was willing to marry Ruth, he was obedient to the law of Moses being -


"If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her.
6 And it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel.
7 And if the man like not to take his brother's wife, then let his brother's wife go up to the gate unto the elders, and say, My husband's brother refuseth to raise up unto his brother a name in Israel, he will not perform the duty of my husband's brother.
8 Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him: and if he stand to it, and say, I like not to take her;
9 Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.
10 And his name shall be called in Israel, The house of him that hath his shoe loosed."  (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 25:5 - 10)

Boaz followed that procedure and ended up taking Ruth to wife and Ruth bore Boaz as son being the great grandparents of David from whose posterity the Savior was born.  I was touched with the words to Naomi and couldn't help but think of Terri as a wonderful grandmother -

"...the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.
15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.
16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it."  (Old Testament | Ruth 4:14 - 16)

Ruth 1

I feel it was only appropriate that the Book of Ruth was not included in the Book of Judges but it's own record.  Where the Book of Judges seems to be much of a record of potential faithful leaders that arose in times of conflict and war, the Book of Ruth is the record of a true love story during that period.  Not only a "romantic" love story, but a true story of love between family and relationships.

The first demonstration of love is in the relationship of a mother (Naomi) and her daughter-in-law (Ruth).  Ruth's love and commitment after much tribulation and hardship is shown as Naomi allows her to return to her people, but -

"...Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will 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)

The story is a story of much kindness and commitment one to another.

Judges 17

As the children of Israel continued to fall into idol worship and wickedness, the writer of Judges comments  -

"In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes"  (Old Testament | Judges 17:6)

Even concluding this book -

"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)

Much of this philosophy is happening today as men attempt to justify their actions.

As I read parts of the Book of Judges, I sensed that many of the happenings that were recorded were more of an attempt to explain conditions in Israel more as a result of history than real spiritual blessings.

Judges 6

As Gideon threshed wheat -

"...the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?"  (Old Testament | Judges 6:12 - 13)

These same questions are easily be had amongst the youth and members of our day.  I believe it is an issue that -

"...these signs shall follow them that believe..."  (New Testament | Mark 16:17)

Moroni taught -

"For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them..."  (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:12)

As Moses taught his people, blessings follow obedience and cursings follow disobedience.

I think the story of Samson is a type and symbolic of Israel.  In Samson's case, just as Israel, he was given great strength and power if only he would remain faithful to God.  But Samson did not and took his gift lightly and selfishly, not following the counsel of God.  Thus a cursing followed Samson to a devastating consequence where if he had always remained faithful, can on imagine how Israel would have been blessed.  He may have been included amongst the greatest of the Judges and Kings of Israel.

 

Judges 3

As Israel failed to complete the instructions to destroy all the wicked nations in the promised land, we read -

"...there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
11 ¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
12 And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.
13 And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth."  (Old Testament | Judges 2:10 - 13)

For -

"...the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:
6 And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods.
7 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves."  (Old Testament | Judges 3:5 - 7)

In Smith's Bible Dictionary we learn why -

“Many have wondered why the Israelites were so easily led away from the true God, into the worship of idols. (1) Visible, outward signs, with shows, pageants, parades, have an attraction to the natural heart, which often fails to perceive the unseen spiritual realities. (2) But the greatest attraction seems to have been in licentious revelries and obscene orgies with which the worship of the Oriental idols was observed. This worship, appealing to every sensual passion, joined with the attractions of wealth and fashion and luxury, naturally was a great temptation to a simple, restrained, agricultural people, whose worship and laws demanded the greatest purity of heart and of life” (Smith, Dictionary of the Bible, s.v. “Idolatry,” page 264).

I see this happening even in our day.

One more point I wanted to make this morning.  In Judges, we are introduced to -

"...Deborah, a prophetess..."  (Old Testament | Judges 4:4)

Of which, Elder James E. Talmage wrote -

“No special ordination in the Priesthood is essential to man's receiving the gift of prophecy; bearers of the Melchizedek Priesthood, Adam, Noah, Moses, and a multitude of others were prophets, but not more truly so than others who were specifically called to the Aaronic order, as exemplified in the instance of John the Baptist. The ministrations of Miriam and Deborah show that this gift may be possessed by women also” (James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, pages 228– 29)

In my mind, the gift of prophecy is to be a teacher and testifier under the influence of the Holy Ghost, recognizing the consequences that may come due to obedience and disobedience.  Moses commented -

"...would God that all the LORD's people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!"  (Old Testament | Numbers 11:29)

Joshua 24

After the Lord testified concerning all the miracles and blesings he had provided for the children of Israel, Joshua declares to the people as he was near passing -

"...choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."  (Old Testament | Joshua 24:15)

To which he followed -

"Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.
20 If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.
21 And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.
22 And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses."  (Old Testament | Joshua 24:19 - 22)

Even with this commitment, the tribes of Israel failed to rid the Canaanites and other nations as instructed from among them, thus as history proves, they lost the promised blessings of the Lord.

One may wonder why these people could not leave idolatry of these wicked nations alone.  I believe it was because of the titillating and enticing immorality had with idolatry worship.  It seemed just to tempting to some.  Sounds much like our day, doesn't it.

Joshua 7

The hardest part in reading the record of the Israelites as they enter the promised land, is that they just can't seem to follow the constant warnings of the prophets and restrain themselves from the worldly practices and idols of the Canaanites for we read that in the destruction of Jericho -

"...the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel."  (Old Testament | Joshua 7:1)

The consequence was that the Lord would not defend them against Ai and many warriors died.  It seems that Achan's family was part of this and the final result Achan confessed -

"Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:
21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
22 ¶ So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it.
23 And they took them out of the midst of the tent, and brought them unto Joshua, and unto all the children of Israel, and laid them out before the LORD.
24 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor.
25 And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.
26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day."  (Old Testament | Joshua 7:20 - 26)

Alma taught his people -

"...now I say unto you, all you that are desirous to follow the voice of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate, and touch not their unclean things; and behold, their names shall be blotted out, that the names of the wicked shall not be numbered among the names of the righteous, that the word of God may be fulfilled, which saith: The names of the wicked shall not be mingled with the names of my people..."  (Book of Mormon | Alma 5:57)

As we come to Christ, we must leave wickedness touching not he unclean things.  Before Joshua was to pass away, he counsels Israel to continue the work saying -

"I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward.
5 And the LORD your God, he shall expel them from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and ye shall possess their land, as the LORD your God hath promised unto you.
6 Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;
7 That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:
8 But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day."  (Old Testament | Joshua 23:4 - 8)

Remember that these other nations were "ripe in inquity".  As one continues to read the Old Testament, Israel did not completely follow the Lord's instruction, and as a result, wars with neighboring so called nations continued for many years.

Joshua 1

Even in Moses's last blessings to the tribes of Israel, we see the prophecy and responsibility of Ephraim and Manasseh in the last days -

"...of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,
14 And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon,
15 And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills,
16 And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren.
17 His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh."  (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 33:13 - 17)

Where Moses says "with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth".  This is what the hastening of the work is in these latter days, is to push or gather people together throughout the world.

Of those that are called to serve, just as He had done previously, the Lord again counsels Joshua just as he would all that are called  -

"...I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
6 Be strong and of a good courage...Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law...turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest."  (Old Testament | Joshua 1:5 - 7)

"...Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."  (Old Testament | Joshua 1:9)

And then the Lord instructs how his servants may prosper in their callings -

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."  (Old Testament | Joshua 1:8)

As we study the scriptures and ponder them and do and teach them, then we will prosper and have good success.