The Book of Exodus

The book of Exodus is the second of the five books of Moses. In Exodus we read about Moses’ birth, his calling as a prophet, and how he led the children of Israel out of Egypt. Exodus means “exit” or “departure.”

Why Read Exodus?

There are many reasons the book of Exodus is significant to Latter-day Saints today. The first half of Exodus tells the inspiring story of how the prophet Moses led the Israelites in a miraculous escape from slavery.

We also learn about notable events in religious history, like the Passover, the parting of the Red Sea, and the giving of the Ten Commandments. From the teachings in Exodus, we can gain faith that the Lord will lead His people to Him by raising up prophets to teach and lead them, by giving them His law, by inviting them to enter covenants to keep that law, and by giving them temples where they can receive covenants and more fully worship Him. The Lord promises that those who are true and faithful can enter His presence.

Getting Ready to Study Exodus

There is a period between the end of Genesis and the beginning of Exodus that is not written about in the Bible. During that time, the children of Israel increased in number and prospered in the land assigned to them by the pharaoh who ruled at the time of Joseph. After some years, a new line of pharaohs who did not have respect for Joseph’s family came to power and enslaved the Israelites.

The first part of Exodus tells the story of Moses and the role he played in delivering the children of Israel from bondage (see chapters 1–18). The rest of Exodus tells about how worship and religious laws and covenants were reestablished among the children of Israel. These laws and covenants were given to prepare the Israelites to enter the land God promised them as descendants of Abraham (see chapters 19–40).

Unfortunately, the Israelites often complained about God’s dealings with them, which led them to rebellion and disobedience. Their complaining and rebellion kept them from receiving all the blessings the Lord desired to give them. As you read, you may be amazed at how merciful the Lord was to the Israelites—even when they complained against Him. (For more information on the book of Exodus, see the Bible Dictionary, “Exodus, book of,” p. 668.)

Exodus 1
Courageous Midwives

What do you do when you know something is wrong but you are told by powerful and important people to do it anyway? Exodus 1 gives an example of a group of women faced with that kind of a situation.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do either activities A and B or activity C only as you study Exodus 1.

Finish These Sentences

1. Pharaoh made life more difficult for the children of Israel because . . .

2. Pharaoh commanded the midwives to . . .

3. The midwives disobeyed Pharaoh’s commands because . . .

Identify the Principle

Read Doctrine and Covenants 3:7–8. How does it apply to what the midwives did? You may want to write “Exodus 1:15–22” in the margin next to verses 7–8.

Apply the Principle

1. Write about whether you think it is easier to fear what friends think or to fear God, and explain why.

2. Name a way you think people your age fear man more than God. Write a letter in your notebook to a person with this challenge to help him or her understand what should be done. Use what you learn in Doctrine and Covenants 3:7–8 and the story in Exodus 1 in what you write.

Exodus 2
Moses’ Early Life

In the Church, we know that “a man must be called of God” before he can represent God to the people (Articles of Faith 1:5). Acts 7 records that Moses apparently knew he would be the one to help deliver the Hebrews from Egypt. As you read Exodus 2, look for ways the Lord prepared Moses to do a great work for his people and what Moses might have learned from his experiences. Thinking about Moses’ experiences may also help you think about some ways you may serve the Lord in your life. How are you preparing yourself for these responsibilities now? What are you doing to make the most of these preparatory experiences?

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Exodus 2.

Get Help from the New Testament

Read Acts 7:22–29 and Hebrews 11:24–27. Then complete the following activities:

1. Explain how the situation in which Moses was raised specially prepared him to deliver the children of Israel.

2. Explain what Moses was trying to do when he killed an Egyptian (see Exodus 2:11–12).

Moses’ Preparation

In order to more fully understand what happened to Moses while in Midian, read Exodus 2:15–22. Read the other name for Reuel in Exodus 3:1 (see Exodus 2:18). Then read Doctrine and Covenants 84:6 to see what Reuel had to offer Moses. List in your notebook the three experiences Moses had in Midian that you think were important ones in preparing him for his work with the children of Israel.

Exodus 3
The Burning Bush

Have you ever been given an assignment you felt you could not successfully complete because you felt inadequate? If you have had this experience, why did you try? If you haven’t, what would it take for you to try? Exodus 3–4 tells about when the Lord called Moses to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt. We read that Moses felt he wasn’t good enough to deliver his people, and then we read what the Lord did to reassure and help him. What does Ether 12:27 teach you about the Lord’s promise to you as well as to Moses?

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Exodus 3.

Learn More about God

Exodus 3 tells us about God revealing himself to Moses and calling him to be a prophet. By studying chapter 3 we not only learn about what Moses was called to do, but we also learn something about God Himself.

1. Describe what you learn about God from what He said and did in Exodus 3.

2. How might the truths you learned about God from this chapter help someone who is in the bondage of sin (as Israel was in bondage to Egypt) or who is required to accomplish a difficult task (as Moses was).

Exodus 4
Moses Returns to Egypt

Refer to the introduction to Exodus 3.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Exodus 4.

What If They Won’t Believe Me?

Make a chart like the one shown. Fill in the chart with what you learn in Exodus 4 about Moses’ concerns about his assignment and what the Lord did to help resolve his concerns.

Exodus 5
Hard-Hearted Pharaoh

When we do what is right, we are not always immediately rewarded or may not be immediately successful in the ways we desire. To do what we know is right when the rewards are not immediate or when things seem to get worse instead of better is an important test of faith (see Ether 12:6).

At the end of Exodus 4 we read that Moses returned to Egypt and showed signs and wonders to his people. They believed in him and appeared anxious to follow him in his role as deliverer. As you read Exodus 5, notice how and why the attitudes of the people changed. Also think about what you would do in a similar circumstance.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A, then do either activity B or C.

Summarize the Chapter

Summarize Exodus 5 by following the example below. Finish each sentence in your own words.

Moses and Aaron asked Pharaoh . . .

and so

Pharaoh responded by . . .

and so

The Israelites said to Pharaoh . . .

and so

Pharaoh said . . .

and so

The Israelites said to Moses and Aaron . . .

Write an Imaginary Journal Entry

Record what you would have written at the end of Exodus 5 if you had experienced what Moses and Aaron did.

Explain an Important Idea

Write to the Israelites, telling why the Lord sometimes allows circumstances to get harder for us rather than making them easier when we do what is right. You may use any scripture, ancient or modern, in your answer, or you may use General Authority statements you might have access to.

Exodus 6
I Am the Lord

At the close of Exodus 5, both Moses and the children of Israel were discouraged; it seemed like obeying God only caused them more trials. Exodus 6 contains the Lord’s promises that He would deliver and sustain them.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Exodus 6.

Find Messages of Encouragement

Choose what you think are two encouraging things the Lord said to the Israelites in Exodus 6. Explain why you think both messages were encouraging to the children of Israel and could be encouraging to someone with trials and challenges today. Make sure you read the Joseph Smith Translation for Exodus 6:3.

Exodus 7–10
The Plagues

In Exodus 5, the Lord gave Pharaoh the opportunity to simply let the children of Israel go, but Pharaoh refused. Exodus 7 begins a series of confrontations Moses and Aaron had with Pharaoh. Moses and Aaron asked Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, declaring that if he did not, God would display His power by plaguing or causing problems for Egypt. As a result, the signs God sent are known as “the plagues of Egypt.” Exodus 7–10 records nine different plagues. A tenth plague will be discussed in Exodus 11–13.

The fact that the Lord plagued Egypt so many times shows how merciful He is. Instead of immediately destroying Pharaoh and the Egyptians, He gave them many chances to acknowledge Him and His power. The Lord’s purpose is to have all of His children turn to Him. Only after nine impressive displays of the Lord’s power and Pharaoh completely hardening his heart did the Lord prepare the destructive tenth plague.

To help you see this story as a whole, “Understanding the Scriptures” will help you with words and phrases by chapter, and “Studying the Scriptures” will combine all four chapters into one section.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Exodus 7–10.

Why Did God Send Plagues?

Read Exodus 7:1–7; 9:16 and tell what the Lord said about why He would show signs and miracles.

Find the Plagues

Make a chart like the following and fill it in with information you find about each of the nine plagues.

Exodus 11–12
The Passover

Exodus 11 is a continuation of the face-to-face meeting between Moses and Pharaoh that occurred at the end of Exodus 10. While still in the presence of Pharaoh, Moses received a revelation about the tenth and final plague. He declared to Pharaoh that the final plague would be the death of the firstborn in all the land. Pharaoh responded to Moses as he had before—he hardened his heart and ignored Moses’ warning. Moses then left, seeing Pharaoh’s “face again no more” (Exodus 10:29; see also v. 28).

The tenth and final plague, described in Exodus 11–12, was a great tragedy for the Egyptians. The final plague was also one of the most significant events in Israelite history when God showed His power as He delivered His people. To all who believe in Jesus Christ, this event—known as the Passover—is one of the most powerful symbols of Christ found in the Old Testament and can strengthen our testimony of His Atonement. As you read, look for how God’s miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage can be compared to Christ’s Atonement and think of how Jesus Christ delivers us from the spiritual bondage of sin.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Exodus 11–12.

Learn about Christ from the Passover

The Passover is a type, or symbol, of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Make a chart like the one shown here. Using Exodus 12:1–20, 43–49, list the elements of the Passover and then write what you think those elements represent as they apply to Christ, His Atonement, and our deliverance through repentance from the bondage of sin and worldliness. The following scripture references may help you as you look for meanings to symbols: Jeremiah 51:6; John 19:30–36; 1 Peter 1:18–20; Mosiah 27:24–26; Alma 5:21, 27, 57; 34:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19, 31.

Try to find at least the following elements: new calendar, lamb (without blemish), blood on the doorposts, unleavened bread, eaten with bitter herbs. There is a small section in the front of this study guide entitled “Look for Types and Symbolic Meanings” (on p. 4) that will help you interpret or find the spiritual significance of scriptural symbols. The first two elements are provided for you as examples.

What about Today?

Following His Resurrection, Jesus Christ gave instructions regarding sacrifices and offerings under the law of Moses.

1. Read Matthew 26:17–30 and tell which ordinance the Lord asked us to participate in today that helps us remember the same spiritual things that the Passover did in ancient times.

2. Read 1 Corinthians 5:7–8 and tell why we no longer observe the Passover.

Exodus 13
The Firstborn

Suppose you were condemned to die in another land. Before your execution, someone made arrangements, at great cost, to purchase your freedom. How would you feel about that individual? What would your relationship to that person be for the rest of your life? This scenario is like the situation of the firstborn males in Israel. They would die as part of the tenth plague unless they had the blood of a lamb on their doorposts. The blood literally redeemed, or saved, them from death. Exodus 13 records what the Lord said to these firstborn who from that time forward, in a sense, lived on “borrowed time” because they were unable to save themselves. Only through the blood were they spared from death.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Exodus 13.

The Firstborn

1. Imagine you are a father in Israel in the days of Moses. Write what you would say to your firstborn son about who he is and why special things are done for him and expected of him. Pay special attention to Exodus 13:1–3, 8–16 as you consider what you will say.

2. Read 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18–19; 2 Nephi 2:8; 9:7–9; and Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–12 and write about how you are like the firstborn in Israel. Also write about what you can do to always remember what the Lord has done and show Him your gratitude for the redemption provided through His Atonement.

Exodus 14
Crossing the Red Sea

One of the blessings of having trials in life is that trials often prompt us to turn to the Lord for help (see Ether 12:27). When we receive the Lord’s power and help, our faith and confidence to trust Him in future trials increase. We must remember that in most instances, divine help comes only after we exercise faith by first doing all we can (see Ether 12:6). When help does come, it generally comes in a manner that helps us see the hand of the Lord.

In Exodus 13:17–18, the Lord told Moses which direction to lead the children of Israel on their way to the promised land. He said He would not lead the Israelites in the straightest and most direct course because they did not yet have enough faith to face the Philistines, who would seek to prevent them from entering the land. We can find comfort knowing that the Lord will not give us challenges greater than we can handle (see 1 Nephi 3:7). He will, however, allow us to experience challenges He knows we can overcome in order to build our faith and confidence. Exodus 14 tells about one such challenge. After their faith was tested, the Israelites experienced a miracle that once again demonstrated the power of God as He helped them overcome what seemed to be an impossible circumstance.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A or B as you study Exodus 14.

Give Some Advice

Use specific ideas and phrases from Exodus 14 to write a letter of advice to someone who recently converted to the Church or has become active who is having a difficult time with former friends and ways and seems to be drifting back to them.

Make a Match

Match items in the first column to items in the second column and explain how they are related. If you need some help, read 1 Corinthians 10:1–4. You may want to write the reference 1 Corinthians 10:1–4 in the margin next to the beginning of Exodus 14.

Exodus 15
Murmuring, Part 1

How do you express happiness and gratitude? What do you do to show the Lord how you feel? Exodus 15 tells how the Israelites wrote and sang a song to the Lord after their miraculous escape at the Red Sea. Not long after their deliverance, the children of Israel experienced another challenge. Read Exodus 15:22–27 to find out how they faced this next challenge.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A–C as you study Exodus 15.

What Is Your Favorite Hymn?

When the Israelites were happy and grateful they sang to the Lord. Which hymn helps you feel closer to God? Explain why. Use the lyrics of the hymn in your explanation.

What Are You Going to Do about It?

1. Read Exodus 15:22–27 and compare what the people did and what Moses did when they realized there was no water.

2. What can you learn from the different ways Moses and the people responded to this challenge?

Optional Activity

Read Exodus 15:22–27 and Alma 36:17–21 and explain what spiritual meaning the physical experience at Marah could have.

Exodus 16
Murmuring, Part 2

Exodus 15 records that the children of Israel “murmured,” or complained, about Moses and the Lord when they had a problem. It is hard for us to understand how they could have complained so quickly after the great miracle of the Red Sea. We must remember, however, that although slavery limited the Israelites’ freedom, slavery also provided the Israelites’ necessities of life in a way similar to that of a person in prison. Because the children of Israel had limited freedom to make choices, they were spiritually immature. Because the Lord is interested in our growth, He wants—even requires—that we make choices. As we need His help, He provides help for us in a way that requires us to do difficult things that build and strengthen us. To murmur against the Lord is to show that we lack faith that He knows what is best for us.

Exodus 16–17 contains much murmuring by the children of Israel. As you read these chapters, look for what the Lord taught the children of Israel to strengthen them and give them greater reason to trust Him.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A–C as you study Exodus 16.

What Was the Purpose of Manna?

1. According to Exodus 16:4, what was one of the purposes of manna?

2. Based on what you read in chapter 16, how do you think manna could accomplish the purpose verse 4 gives?

Manna Was a Type of Christ

Read John 6:31–35, 48–51 and write about how manna is like Jesus Christ and how we are like the children of Israel. You may be interested to know that in Hebrew Bethlehem (the city where Jesus was born) means “house of bread.”

Who Are You Really Complaining Against?

When you murmur against your leaders, who are you really murmuring against? (see Exodus 16:8; D&C 84:36).

Exodus 17
Murmuring, Part 3

As you read Exodus 17, consider this: Being thirsty and wanting a drink of water are not sins. So why was the Lord displeased with the children of Israel?

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A or B as you study Exodus 17.

What Would You Say?

If you were given five minutes to speak to the Israelites after the events recorded in Exodus 17, what would you say to them, and why?

How Does It Happen Today?

Compare what people wanted to do to the prophet Moses in Exodus 17:4 with what Aaron and Hur did for Moses in verses 10–13.

Exodus 18
Keeping Moses from Wearing Away

How do you react when people criticize you? What if they are right? Do you accept their opinions and change or do you argue just to save your pride? Moses was a great prophet set over all the people. Notice, however, what happened in Exodus 18 when someone criticized how Moses acted and suggested how he could change. In this case, the person who criticized Moses had nothing to gain personally; he was only interested in helping someone he loved.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Exodus 18.

Keeping Moses from Wearing Away

Moses tried to do it all.

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The Lord taught Moses the organization of leadership over the children of Israel.

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Make a chart like the one shown on the left and fill in information from what you read in Exodus 18:13–26.

What Do We Learn from Moses’ Example?

What do we learn about Moses from the way he responded to Jethro’s criticism?

Exodus 19
At Mount Sinai

Moses was on Mount Sinai when the Lord called him to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage (see Exodus 3). The Lord promised Moses that after he led the children of Israel out of Egypt, they would “serve God upon this mountain,” meaning Mount Sinai” (Exodus 3:12). After the miracle at the Red Sea, Moses wrote a song in which he said that the Lord led the Israelites out of Egypt so they could be in his “Sanctuary,” which is “in the mountain of thine inheritance” (Exodus 15:17).

From the time Moses was called as a prophet, it was part of God’s plan to lead the children of Israel to Mount Sinai—a place made holy by the Lord. According to the Doctrine and Covenants, Moses sought to bring his people into the presence of the Lord through the ordinances of the priesthood (see D&C 84:19–24). Today we might say he wanted to take them to the temple to receive power from on high. For Moses and the children of Israel, Mount Sinai was a temple—a place where the Lord could make Himself known to His people. Keep this in mind as you read Exodus 19.

Understanding the Scriptures

Exodus 19 Peculiar (v. 5)—“‘Valued treasure,’ ‘made’ or ‘selected by God’” (Russell M. Nelson, in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 44; or Ensign, May 1995, 34) Sanctify, sanctified (vv. 10, 14, 22–23)—Make holy, pure, and clean Against (vv. 11, 15)—In preparation for Bounds (vv. 12, 23)—Limits Take heed to yourselves (v. 12)—Be careful Border (v. 12)—Boundary Descended (v. 18)—Came down Ascended (v. 18)—Went up Charge, chargedst (vv. 21, 23)—Command Lest (vv. 21–22, 24)—Unless Gaze (v. 21)—See Break forth upon them (vv. 22, 24)—Appear to them Exodus 19—The Exodus As a Symbol of Our Journey Back to the Presence of God The following diagram shows an outline of the journey of the children of Israel as a group and how their journey is a type of the one we make as we seek to return to the presence of God. [click for scalable version]

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Exodus 19.

Moses Goes up and down Mount Sinai

Exodus 19 contains the account of three times Moses went up and came down Mount Sinai. Moses ascended Sinai to speak with the Lord and then traveled down the mountain to deliver the words of the Lord to the people. At the same time, Moses tried to prepare the people to be worthy enough to also ascend the mountain and commune with the Lord. The following diagram may help you organize the chapter by outlining Moses’ trips up and down Sinai.

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Summarize what happened on each of the occasions noted above. Read in Exodus 20–23; 24:1–8 what happened on the next occasion Moses went up Mount Sinai.

Prepare for the Temple

Elder J. Ballard Washburn, of the Seventy, said, “We cannot go to His holy house unworthily without bringing upon ourselves the judgments of God. For God will not be mocked” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 12–13; or Ensign, May 1995, 11–12).

1. List the truths Moses or the Lord said in Exodus 19 that emphasize the importance of what Elder Washburn taught.

2. Why is it important to be worthy before entering the temple? (see D&C 97:15–17 for important help).

Exodus 20
The Ten Commandments

On one of the three trips Moses made up Mount Sinai (see Exodus 19), God taught him the commandments we read about in Exodus 20. These teachings are widely known as the Ten Commandments. The Lord said later that the Ten Commandments are the “words of the covenant,” or the requirements to receive the covenant (see Exodus 34:28). Consequently, the Ten Commandments were given to the Israelites for their acceptance before they were allowed to go up Mount Sinai. The Ten Commandments at that time were much like the standards required today to obtain a temple recommend.

Later, the Ten Commandments were written on stone tables, placed in the ark of the covenant (which you will read about later), and called “the testimony.” Having a testimony of the principles of the Ten Commandments is basic to understand the gospel principles which the Savior and the Prophet Joseph Smith later taught (see Deuteronomy 10:1–5).

Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, “The God-given Ten Commandments are still a basic part of God’s way of life and a basic part of the gospel of the kingdom. The way we live and respect the Lord and his commandments in the home has a relationship to the degree of Glory that we will merit in the hereafter. If all mankind would live the Ten Commandments, we would have self-respect, peace, love, and happiness on this earth” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1971, 41; or Ensign, Dec. 1971, 63).

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A–C as you study Exodus 20.

Scripture Mastery—Exodus 20:3–17

The fourth and fifth commandments (see Exodus 20:8–12) tell us what we should do. The other commandments tell us what not to do. Rewrite these “thou shalt not” commandments as “thou shalt” statements so you can see ways to keep each commandment.

What Do You Think?

Which of the Ten Commandments do you think the world needs to pay more attention to today? Why?

How Did They Respond?

1. What did the children of Israel do after hearing and seeing the things in Exodus 19–20? (see also Exodus 20:18–21).

2. Why do you think some people choose to not get any closer to God or to draw away from Him?

Exodus 21–23
An Eye for an Eye, and a Tooth for a Tooth

Exodus 21–23 contains specific, case-by-case applications of God’s laws. For example, “thou shalt not kill” is one of the Ten Commandments, but what if you hurt someone badly? Or what if you kill an animal versus a human? Exodus 21–23 discusses many of these kinds of questions and also describes the punishment that may come from breaking a commandment. The punishments given are the maximum penalty for a violation and are not necessarily automatic. This Old Testament principle was replaced by the gospel of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 5:38–48).

Exodus 24
Seventy Elders See God

Moses’ explanation of God’s laws to the children of Israel are found in Exodus 20–23. For them to progress any further, they first needed to commit themselves to live those laws. Exodus 24 tells of the commitment the Israelites made that prepared them to receive the higher laws associated with the temple. Consequently, the Lord again called Moses up to Sinai for a fourth time to receive further information about ordinances that would allow the people to enter His presence.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Exodus 24.

How Important Are Covenants?

1. After Moses gave the people God’s laws, what did they covenant to do? (see Exodus 24:3–8).

2. According to Exodus 24:9–11, what happened to seventy elders in Israel because they made this covenant?

3. What has the Lord promised will occur as you make and keep covenants with Him? (see Mosiah 18:8–10; D&C 20:77, 79). How do these promises relate to what happened to Moses and the seventy elders?

Exodus 25–27; 30
The Tabernacle

Exodus 25–27, 30 contain the Lord’s instructions to Moses about building the tabernacle. The tabernacle was a sacred place to the children of Israel, just as the temple is a sacred place to us today. This tabernacle was designed to be portable because the children of Israel moved often while in the wilderness. The instructions for building the tabernacle are very detailed, helping us understand that everything about a temple is important to the Lord as He teaches and inspires His people. A temple’s structure and furnishings teach us important principles that help us want to feel closer to Him and keep His commandments. The following tabernacle diagrams label each item or element in the tabernacle. Also included are some suggestions of what these elements help teach us about God and His plan for His children.

Information from Exodus 25–27, 30 about the tabernacle replaces the usual sections entitled “Understanding the Scriptures” and “Studying the Scriptures.” Each item below includes a studying-the-scriptures type activity for you to complete in your notebook that should help you better understand how the tabernacle and its furnishings taught principles of the gospel.

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Only authorized people were allowed to touch the ark of the covenant (see Exodus 25:10–22), so there were poles attached to it so it could be carried. Inside the ark were the stone tables containing the law written by the Lord. Later, a pot of manna and Aaron’s budding rod were also placed inside it. The lid represents the presence of God and is called the mercy seat. Once a year the priest performed an ordinance at the mercy seat to make atonement for the people (see the information for Leviticus 16 on p. 60). What did the Lord say to Moses in Exodus 25:22 about the mercy seat?

The table of shewbread (see Exodus 25:23–30) held twelve large loaves of bread. The bread was changed each Sabbath and eaten by the priests. Although Exodus does not say so, Jewish tradition holds that wine was also placed on the table. What could the bread and wine represent?

The candlestick or lampstand (see Exodus 25:31–40) is a famous symbol of the Jewish faith and is frequently called by its Hebrew name menorah. The seven candle cups at the top were filled with pure olive oil, into which a wick was placed and lit. The number seven represents wholeness or perfection among the Hebrews. The parable of the ten virgins that Jesus told gives a clue about what oil in a lamp represents (see Matthew 25:1–13; D&C 45:56–59). Write what you think the oil symbolized.

All burnt offerings were performed on the altar of sacrifice (see Exodus 27:1–8). Sacrifice was the first thing an individual did when entering the tabernacle if he desired to progress any further. What does the Lord ask of His people today by way of sacrifice? (see 3 Nephi 9:19–20). Which of the first principles and ordinances of the gospel did this altar represent? (see Articles of Faith 1:4). Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, “The real act of personal sacrifice is not now nor ever has been placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal that is in us upon the altar—then willingly watching it be consumed! Such is the ‘sacrifice unto [the Lord of] a broken heart and a contrite spirit.’ (3 Nephi 9:20.)” (Meek and Lowly [1987], 94).

Hot coals were placed on the altar of incense (see Exodus 30:1–10) each morning and evening when the high priest burned incense. Read Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 5:8; 8:3–4 and explain what you think this altar represented.

The priests used the laver for washing (see Exodus 30:18–21) in preparation for entering the holy places of the tabernacle. In Moses’ time the laver was simply a large basin; however, when Solomon built a permanent temple he placed the laver on the backs of twelve oxen. What do you think the Lord was trying to teach His people by putting the laver in front of the entrance to the holier places of the tabernacle?

Exodus 28–29
The Priests in the Temple

Exodus 28–29 contains the Lord’s revelations to Moses concerning the priests who worked in the tabernacle performing ordinances for the people. These revelations include instructions on how to set apart and consecrate the priests, what they were to wear, and what some of their duties were. As with the tabernacle, considering the symbolism of what was done can teach us more about the gospel and what the Lord expects of us.

Understanding the Scriptures

Exodus 28 Minister unto (v. 1)—Serve Bear (vv. 29–30)—Carry For a memorial (v. 29)—To remember Exodus 29 Perpetual statute (v. 9)—Everlasting ordinance Savour (vv. 18, 41)—Smell Mingled (v. 40)—Mixed Hin (v. 40)—About six liters Sanctified, sanctify (vv. 43–44)—Make holy [click for scalable version]

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Exodus 28–29.

How Were They Called?

Read Exodus 28:1; Hebrews 5:1, 4; and Articles of Faith 1:5. Explain how Aaron and his sons were called to be priests and how the way they were called is a pattern for all who receive a priesthood office in the Church.

Outline a Sacred Ceremony

Exodus 29:1–21 describes how a priest was consecrated, or set apart, to work in the tabernacle. Outline the ceremony by describing what happened according to the following verses:

• First event (see v. 4)

• Second event (see vv. 5–6)

• Third event (see v. 7)

• Fourth event (see vv. 10–14)

• Fifth event (see vv. 15–18)

• Sixth event (see vv. 19–21)

What Is the Symbolism?

Aaron and his sons had their ears, hands, and feet consecrated with blood. We know that blood symbolized the Atonement of Christ, which has the power to make us holy. What do ears, hands, and feet symbolize, and what does that symbolism teach us about preparing to attend to temple duties?

Exodus 31
Men Called to Work on the Tabernacle

Exodus 31 tells how the Lord called skilled men to help build the tabernacle and its furnishings. Moving the kingdom of God forward requires many different kinds of talents. Therefore, skill in building, the arts, business, and so on can all help build the Lord’s kingdom when we dedicate those talents to Him. Exodus 31 also contains the Lord’s reminder to Israel to refrain from work on the Sabbath—even work on His tabernacle.

Exodus 32
The Golden Calf

Exodus 24 tells how Moses went up Mount Sinai and communed with the Lord for forty days. Moses consequently received the revelations found in Exodus 25–31. Before Moses went up the mountain, the children of Israel covenanted with God to keep the commandments revealed up to that time through Moses, including the Ten Commandments. As was mentioned earlier, the Israelites’ committing to live the Ten Commandments was important so that they could receive the greater blessing Moses asked the Lord for on Mount Sinai. If the Israelites broke the Ten Commandments, they would lose additional blessings the Lord desired to give them. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A–C as you study Exodus 32.

Did They Have a Short Memory?

Read Exodus 20:3–6; 24:3; 32:1–6, 8 and answer the following questions:

1. Which of the Ten Commandments did the children of Israel break in Exodus 32?

2. Why do you think they did what they did?

Apply the Principle

1. In what ways are people today tempted to become impatient with God’s way of doing things and break His commandments?

2. How could this lack of patience be considered worshiping a false god?

Learn about Sin and Repentance

In Exodus 32:19–29, Moses swiftly called the people to repentance. From how Moses acted and what happened, what lessons can we learn about the effects of sin and the requirements of repentance?

Exodus 33
Moses Sees the Lord Again

Because the children of Israel broke their covenant with the Lord by worshiping the golden calf, they made themselves unworthy to have the Lord’s presence with them. The Lord did not abandon His people, however. Even though the children of Israel could not be in His presence, in Exodus 32:34, the Lord promised that His angel would go with them to the promised land. Exodus 33 contains stories that show the difference between the Israelites’ relationship with the Lord and Moses’ relationship with the Lord. This difference should lead us to ask ourselves if we desire and will seek the Lord’s full blessings or if we will just let the prophets and other Church leaders have significant spiritual experiences. If we desire the Lord’s full blessings, what must we do?

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Exodus 33.

What Did They Lose?

1. Find the word the Lord used in verses 3 and 5 of Exodus 33 to describe the children of Israel. You may want to highlight it in your scriptures. What does the word symbolize?

2. According to verses 7–11, what blessings did the children of Israel lose because of the attitude described above?

3. Write a brief example of how someone today could lose great blessings because of this same attitude.

Scripture Mastery—Exodus 33:11

Some nonmember friends do not believe the Joseph Smith story of the First Vision because they believe the Bible says man cannot see God. They may read to you Exodus 33:20. Explain how you would answer them using Exodus 33:11; JST, Exodus 33:20; and two other Bible scriptures showing that man can see God. You may need to use the study helps in your scriptures. Write the references you find in your scriptures next to Exodus 33:11.

Exodus 34
The Lesser Law

At Mount Sinai Moses received laws, commandments, ordinances, and covenants from the Lord that were written on stone tablets. When Moses came down from Sinai and saw the children of Israel worshiping the golden calf, he threw the tablets on the ground and broke them (see Exodus 32:15–19). The Israelites had not proved worthy to receive all that was written on them.

We may also lose great blessings if we are disobedient. The Lord was patient with the children of Israel, however, and gave them opportunities to repent and return to Him. Because the Lord desires to help us, He frequently gives additional or new, more strict commandments that allow us the opportunity to repent and eventually receive the full blessings He desires to give us. Exodus 34 records additional commandments the Lord gave to the disobedient children of Israel.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Exodus 34.

Get Help from the Joseph Smith Translation

Read the Joseph Smith Translation for Exodus 34:1–2 and write about how the second set of tablets was different from the first.

Why Were They Different?

Read Mosiah 13:29–30 and Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–27 and write about why the second set of tablets was different from the first.

Exodus 35–40
The Tabernacle Is Built and Dedicated

Exodus 35–40 tells how the children of Israel carried out the Lord’s commands given in Exodus 25–30 concerning the tabernacle. Much of what is written in Exodus 35–40 is worded like Exodus 25–30 to show that the Israelites tried to keep the Lord’s commands exactly.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Exodus 35–40.

What Happened at the Dedication of the Tabernacle?

Read Exodus 40:24–38 and write about what happened when the tabernacle was finished.

The Book of Leviticus

Leviticus is the third of the five books of Moses (see “The Books of Genesis, Moses, and Abraham,” p. 9). We assume that the instructions in Leviticus were revealed to Moses either while he was on Mount Sinai or sometime shortly after the events described in Exodus because part of the instructions deal with sacrifices to be offered in the tabernacle. Leviticus means “having to do with the Levites.” The Lord chose the tribe of Levi to take care of the tabernacle, work in it, and help the rest of the house of Israel perform ordinances in that sacred place. Much of Leviticus gives instructions concerning the ordinances to be performed in the tabernacle, the qualifications of the priesthood holders who would perform those ordinances, and the duties of the people with regard to the ordinances.

A “Handbook” for the Levites

Because Leviticus is a “handbook” for the Levites serving in the tabernacle, it contains many detailed instructions concerning different kinds of sacrifices and religious practices that may seem strange or unfamiliar to the modern reader. If you look past these unfamiliar practices, you can learn important truths about sin, repentance, forgiveness, holiness, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Getting Ready to Study Leviticus

Leviticus 1
The Burnt Offering

The Apostle Paul taught that the law of Moses was a “schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ” (Galatians 3:24). In other words, the purpose of the law of Moses was to help the Israelites focus their attention on principles that would point them to Jesus Christ (see Jacob 4:4–5; Jarom 1:11; Alma 34:13–14). The law of Moses was very strict and required many specific performances designed to help the children of Israel continually remember God and their duty toward Him. For example, killing an animal as a sacrifice for sin reminded an individual that the consequences of sin are “deadly.” On the other hand, the innocent animal who died in the place of the person who sinned also served as a symbol of what would occur when the sinless Savior would come to earth and have His blood shed for us, saving us from sin.

Leviticus 1 gives instructions for a burnt offering. The priests made this offering twice a day. Individuals could also make a burnt offering to show their devotion and commitment to God. Many of the instructions concerning the burnt offering are the same as for other offerings explained in Leviticus. The biggest difference between the burnt offering and other offerings is that to make a burnt offering the entire animal was burned on the altar, symbolizing total commitment or surrender to God.

As you read, think about different ways the burnt offering can teach us about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how it reminded the Israelites of their duty to God.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Leviticus 1.

Find the Symbols of Repentance

Highlight the specific requirements of the burnt offering found in Leviticus 1:1–9 that are listed in the following chart. Make the chart in your notebook and explain what each element of the burnt offering teaches us about repentance through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Leviticus 1:8–9 speaks of offering various parts of the animal’s body. The head represents our thoughts. The legs represent our walk, or the direction we are going. The “inwards” represent our feelings, desires, and motivations. The fat represents our strength and health. What is symbolized by the events in verses 8–9? (see also D&C 59:5).

Leviticus 2–7
Other Offerings

Leviticus 2–7 describes in detail the different sacrifices the Israelites were to offer. Leviticus 2 describes the meat, or meal, offering. Leviticus 3 describes the peace offering. Leviticus 4–5 describes the different kinds of sin and trespass offerings. Leviticus 6–7 contains additional instructions concerning all of the various offerings. The Bible Dictionary explains these sacrifices and their relationship to each other (see “sacrifices,” pp. 765–67).

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Leviticus 2–7.

The Law of Sacrifice

The sacrifices described in Leviticus are no longer required of Church members today. The principles taught by the sacrifices, however, are still true and must be a part of our lives if we want to be right with God.

1. Read 3 Nephi 9:19–20 and write what the Lord said we sacrifice instead of animals.

2. Give examples of how you think you can do what Jesus commanded in 3 Nephi 9:19–20.

Leviticus 8–9
The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons

Leviticus 8–9 records the actual setting apart of Aaron and his sons to serve in the priest’s office in the tabernacle (see Exodus 28–29). The setting apart was followed by a dramatic display of the Lord’s glory, showing that he approved of what was done.

Leviticus 10
Priesthood Holders Must Be Holy

Leviticus 10 is one of the few chapters in the book of Leviticus that tells a story instead of simply giving instructions. It contains a powerful message about faithfulness in the priesthood. As you read, consider this question: How does the Lord feel about the way we perform sacred ordinances?

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Leviticus 10.

Give Counsel on Properly Respecting the Priesthood

The Lord obviously does not strike dead all unrighteous, disrespectful priesthood holders today. In Leviticus 10, however, it was important that the Lord give this forceful lesson since Aaron’s sons treated the priesthood lightly so soon after the dramatic display of God’s glory at their setting apart (see Leviticus 9). To emphasize the importance of properly respecting the priesthood, use Leviticus 10:1–7 and Doctrine and Covenants 121:36–38 to give counsel to a young man who might be considering playing a “practical joke” as part of his involvement with the sacrament.

Why Not?

1. What did the Lord command Aaron and his living sons not to do? (see Leviticus 10:8–11).

2. What reason did the Lord give for this commandment?

Leviticus 11
A “Word of Wisdom” for the Israelites

On any given day, people may forget to pray or neglect to work or worship, but they seldom forget to eat. Since one purpose of the law of Moses was to provide continual daily reminders to the Israelites of their duty to God, the law included instructions concerning what the children of Israel could and could not eat. Leviticus 11 contains these instructions. The rules and instructions are commonly known as “kosher laws.” Kosher comes from a Hebrew word that means “religiously clean.” Like the Word of Wisdom revealed in our day, the kosher laws promoted good health, but their major purpose was to teach obedience. This law of health, like the Word of Wisdom today, helped set God’s people apart from the world in habits and practices, which was another purpose of the law of Moses, and helped them become clean and holy.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Leviticus 11.

Is It Kosher?

Kosher means proper or sanctified by Jewish law. List the following animals in your notebook: snail, sheep, mouse, locust, stork, pig, cow, camel, eagle, shark. For each animal, write whether they were “kosher” or “not kosher” for Israelites to eat, and then explain why. For each reason, give a verse from Leviticus 11 that supports your answer.

Review the Word of Wisdom

Read Doctrine and Covenants 89:5–17 and list what the Lord commanded Church members in our day to eat or not eat. Compare these instructions to Leviticus 11 where the Lord taught the children of Israel what they could and could not eat.

Why Does It Matter?

Why do you think the Lord has commanded His people not to eat certain things? (If you need help, see Leviticus 11:43–47; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; D&C 89:1–4, 18–21.)

Leviticus 12
Clean and Unclean

In Leviticus 12–15, the Lord gave instruction on what was “clean” and “unclean” under the law of Moses regarding bodily functions and diseases. Leviticus 12 explains the laws that applied to women after they gave birth. For a period of time they were considered “unclean,” but the Lord also outlined specific ordinances that could make them ceremonially “clean” again after a certain period of time. Mary, the mother of Jesus, followed these ordinances after Jesus was born (see Luke 2:21–24, 39).

Some people are puzzled by the idea that natural bodily functions make someone unclean. We must understand, however, that under the law of Moses, “unclean” did not mean dirty or disgusting but simply not acceptable to participate in sacred ordinances. Remember also that the law of Moses was designed to provide outward physical reminders found in daily life to remind the Israelites of deeper spiritual truths.

Leviticus 13–14
Leprosy

Leviticus 13–14 addresses the disease of leprosy. From the descriptions in these chapters, it appears that leprosy included several different infectious skin diseases. For more information about leprosy, see “leper” and “leprosy” in the Bible Dictionary (pp. 723–24).

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Leviticus 13–14.

Compare the Cleansing of Leprosy to the Cleansing of Our Sins

Because leprosy was so visible and involved the decay or corruption of the body, it served as an excellent symbol of sinfulness. Sin corrupts someone spiritually the way leprosy corrupts someone physically. Leviticus 14 describes what a man must do to be ceremonially, or religiously, clean after being healed of leprosy. We can see parallels between the process of being cleansed of leprosy and how we overcome the effects of sin.

Before you study Leviticus 14, you should know that when an individual acquired leprosy, he or she was required to live outside the camp. The same is true of sin. When we sin, we cut ourselves off from full communion with the Lord and His Church. For example, we may not be permitted to take the sacrament or receive a temple recommend.

The steps in becoming ceremonially clean of leprosy are found in the following groups of verses. Read each group of verses from Leviticus 14, summarize each step, and explain how the steps teach the process of sin and repentance. With each group of verses you will find a question to help you focus your thinking.

1. Verses 2–3. If leprosy symbolizes sin, who might the priest represent?

2. Verses 4–8. You should know that (a) cedar wood is known as something that helps preserve other things from decay and corruption; (b) the color scarlet is red, reminding us of blood, which is the symbol of life and the Atonement; (c) hyssop was used in the Old Testament as a purifying plant; and (d) blood and water are symbols of birth (see Moses 6:59). Considering this information, what do you think is symbolized in these verses?

3. Verse 9. Newborns usually have little or no hair, except for on their heads. What might the message of this verse be? (see 3 Nephi 11:37).

4. Verses 10–14. Recall similar symbolism in Exodus 28–29. How might the symbolism apply here?

5. Verses 15–18. The olive tree is an emblem of peace and purity, and the olive oil became a symbol of the Holy Ghost and doing righteous deeds and acts of service (see D&C 45:56–57). How is this part of the process of becoming clean from sin? (see 2 Nephi 31:17).

6. Verses 19–20. Ultimately, what makes repentance possible?

Leviticus 15–16
The Day of Atonement

The first fifteen chapters of Leviticus all have something to do with how individuals became “right” with God through sacrifice or how they become ceremonially “clean” before Him by obedience to His laws of cleanliness. Leviticus 15 contains further instructions about how human functions relate to being clean or unclean under the law of Moses. We must realize, however, that there is no real forgiveness of sins without sincere repentance and the Atonement of Christ. Leviticus 16 describes a sacred ceremony that the Lord commanded the Israelites to perform once a year at a specific time that symbolized how Jesus Christ would atone for the sins of all people. While the rites described in Leviticus 1–15 were individual in application, the Day of Atonement described in Leviticus 16 symbolized atonement for the sins of the whole Israelite nation and was a day when the entire house of Israel fasted and rested.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Leviticus 15–16.

A Sacred and Important Ceremony

Leviticus 16:3–28 contains instructions for the priest on the Day of Atonement. The following outline gives six general steps involved in the ceremony. Write answers to the questions about each step.

1. What is symbolized by what the Lord asked Aaron to do in verse 4? (see vv. 3–5). (Hint: Make sure you know what “linen” is.)

2. Why did Aaron need two goats? (see vv. 6–10).

3. Why do you think Aaron needed to make atonement for himself before making atonement for the people? (see vv. 11–14). How is this step different from when Christ performed His Atonement? (see Hebrews 9:6–14; Alma 34:8–12).

4. Why would Aaron need to cleanse the holy place of the temple? What does this requirement tell you about the importance of cleanliness in the sight of God and about the power of the Atonement? (see vv. 15–19).

5. How do both goats (the one used for the offering and the one used as the scapegoat) represent Christ and His Atonement? (see vv. 20–22).

6. What do Aaron’s responsibilities and the responsibilities of the man who led the scapegoat into the wilderness symbolize? (see vv. 20–22; see also D&C 36:5–6).

Leviticus 17–18
Avoid Idolatrous Practices

Leviticus 17–18 records the Lord’s instructions to the Israelites about practices that would clearly separate them from the false religions of their time. Leviticus 17 contains instructions on what to do when the Israelites killed an animal. Even when an animal was not going to be offered as a sacrifice, the Israelites had to present it before the Lord at the tabernacle. This practice helped prevent any sacrifice to false gods and helped the Israelites to remember that all they had came from the Lord. In Leviticus 17, the Lord also commanded the Israelites not to eat blood. Blood is a common symbol for life, and some false religions of the day included the drinking of blood as part of their religious rituals. By this practice the believers sought to extend their own lives. The Lord gave Israel various sacrifices symbolizing the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ, in which His blood would be shed to give eternal life to all who would believe in Him and obey His commandments (see Leviticus 17:11).

Leviticus 18 contains the Lord’s warning to the Israelites that immoral sexual behavior could cause the destruction of nations and that the Israelites would be destroyed if they participated in these practices.

Leviticus 19–20
“Be Holy for I Am Holy”

Leviticus 19–20 records the Lord’s emphasis on being holy. The word for holy in Hebrew is “qadash,” which means to be sanctified, consecrated, and dedicated or to be separated from the world and worldliness. Not only did the Lord command the Israelites to be holy, but in these two chapters He gave specific examples of things they could do in their daily lives to obey this commandment. Each of these specific practices helped remind the Israelites to separate themselves from the world and its ungodly practices. Jesus later explained the basic principle behind holiness when He taught His Apostles that He would not take them out of the world but would keep them from evil (see John 17:14–16).

As you read, determine the principle behind each commandment the Lord gave. In what ways has He asked us to live these principles today as we strive to be “not of the world”?

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Leviticus 19–20.

Find the Principle

If you consider the principle behind each commandment in Leviticus 19, nearly every commandment in the chapter applies to Latter-day Saints today. Some are obvious (like the ones in vv. 11–12), but others seem strange to us. Choose two of the commandments in Leviticus 19 that seem to be specifically for the people of that day. Identify the principles behind the commandments and rewrite them to apply to our time. For example, in verse 19 the Lord said not to have a field with two different kinds of plants or a piece of clothing with two different kinds of fabric in it. Through these commandments, the Lord reminded Israel that they could not mix themselves with the world and remain holy. Today we might apply this principle to the idea of dating or marriage. We should date members of the Church and marry within the covenant.

Scripture Mastery—Leviticus 19:18

Read Jesus’ commandment in Matthew 22:35–39. What did the Lord say in Leviticus about the importance of this commandment?

Leviticus 21–22
Holiness of the Priesthood

Leviticus 21–22 contains commandments regarding the holiness of the priests, their families, and the sacrifices they offered. Today we also have special standards for those who serve on missions and in positions of authority, as well as standards for the way our ordinances are performed.

Leviticus 23–25
Holy Days and Events

Leviticus 23 tells how the Lord established five holy times when all Israel was to make a special effort to be holy and draw closer to him. These times were on the Sabbath (see vv. 1–3); at the Feast of the Unleavened Bread, or Passover (see vv. 4–14); at the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost (see vv. 15–23); on the Day of Atonement (see vv. 26–32); and at the Feast of the Tabernacles (see vv. 33–44). For more information about these times, see “feasts” in the Bible Dictionary (pp. 672–74).

Leviticus 25 is related to chapter 23 in theme. In Leviticus 25 we read that the Lord commanded the Israelites to not only have a Sabbath every seventh day but to declare every seventh year a Sabbath year. In this Sabbath year they were not to grow crops but were to let the land rest. Furthermore, after seven times seven years (forty-nine years), the fiftieth year was to be a special Sabbath year, called the jubilee year. Not only were the Israelites not to plant or harvest during the jubilee, but they were to forgive all debts and free all slaves. Jubilee helped remind Israel that since God was merciful to them, they were to be merciful to others and the land.

Leviticus 24 contains some instructions for using the candlestick and the table of shewbread in the tabernacle. Chapter 24 then relates the story of an individual who blasphemed the name of God and was put to death, since blasphemy was specifically prohibited in the commandments God gave the children of Israel. Part of the explanation for his punishment includes the famous phrase “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (v. 20).

Leviticus 26–27
Blessings or Cursings

Having explained what He expected of the Israelites regarding religious cleanliness and holiness, the Lord concluded the book of Leviticus with an explanation of the consequences of obeying or disobeying these commandments (see Leviticus 26). The Lord also gave some concluding counsel about fully consecrating oneself to the Lord’s service.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Leviticus 26–27.

Identify Choices and Consequences

Make a chart on your paper with two columns like the one below. Label one column “If” and one column “Then.”

1. As you read Leviticus 26, find the word if. You may want to mark or circle it in your scriptures. Write in the “If” column the things the Lord said Israel could do.

2. Find the word then somewhere close after the ifs you found in the first step. Mark or circle it in your scriptures. List in the “Then” column what the Lord said would happen if Israel made certain choices. Continue through the chapter and find more “if-then” connections.

The Book of Numbers

Wanderings in the Wilderness

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The book of Numbers was named when it was translated into Greek because it contains the account of two occasions when Moses “numbered,” or counted, the people of Israel (see Numbers 1–4; 26). Some Hebrews call it Vayedabber (the first word in the book in Hebrew), which means “And He spoke.” This name seems appropriate since Numbers contains over 150 accounts of God speaking to Moses. The book is more commonly called Bemidbar in Hebrew, which means “In the wilderness,” describing the setting of nearly the entire book. Although the title “Numbers” sounds rather plain, the book actually contains some very significant and inspiring stories of Israel’s forty-year wandering in the desert of Sinai.

Getting Ready to Read Numbers

Numbers contains several stories of the murmuring, complaining, and rebellion of even Moses’ closest associates and family members. The Lord gave the children of Israel the opportunity to enter their land of promise about a year after they left Egypt, but they feared, murmured, and rebelled, so they lost the opportunity. As you read, you should consider that we, like the children of Israel, have a prophet today. How do we receive his counsel? What are the consequences of following or not following the prophet’s counsel?

The book of Numbers can be divided into three sections: (1) leaving Sinai (see chapters 1–10), (2) journeying in the wilderness (see chapters 11–21), and (3) preparing to enter the promised land (see chapters 22–36).

Numbers 1–4
The Census

Numbers 1–4 relates how Israel was numbered by tribe, or family. Joseph’s tribe received a double inheritance because of the birthright. This double inheritance was divided between Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. As a result, these two sons were given status as separate tribes in Israel (see Genesis 48:5), making thirteen tribes in Israel. The tribe of Levi had a special calling to hold the priesthood and perform ordinances under the law of Moses. Because of this calling, they lived among all the other tribes and were not counted in the same way. Israel was generally considered to have twelve tribes—plus the Levites. Numbers 1–2 tells that the twelve tribes were counted and organized into groups for marching and camping. Numbers 3–4 records how the Levites were counted and given their assignments.

Numbers 3–4 also explains that all the firstborn among the children of Israel belong to the Lord because they were saved only through the Lord’s mercy when they put blood on their doorpost at the time of the tenth plague in Egypt (see Exodus 12–13). The Lord explained, however, that instead of having the firstborn of every family serve him full-time, he would have Levites serve in their place. To show they recognized that the Levites served in their place, each firstborn son in the other twelve tribes was required to pay a certain amount of money each year to support the Levites’ work in the tabernacle. This was called “redemption money” (see Numbers 3:44–51).

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Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Numbers 1–4.

It Could Be You

Read Numbers 3:12–13; 4:40–41 and the explanation of Numbers 1–4 above to learn what the Lord said about the firstborn in all Israel. Then read 2 Nephi 9:6–9 and explain how we could be compared to the firstborn in Israel. In other words, without the Atonement of Christ, what would happen to us? (see also 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 1 Peter 1:18–19).

What Should You Do?

Considering what you learned in activity A, how should knowing who we belong to affect our priorities? What does the Lord ask us to do that could be compared to “redemption money”?

Numbers 5–8
Additions to the Law of Moses

Numbers 5–6 contains additional instructions the Lord gave concerning disease (see 5:1–4), repentance (see 5:5–10), what a husband is to do when he thinks his wife has been unfaithful to him (see 5:11–31), those who make a special vow to serve the Lord (Nazarites; see 6:1–21), and a blessing priests should pronounce upon the people (see 6:22–27). In Numbers 7–8 we read about offerings that were made at the dedication of the tabernacle and the setting apart of the Levites to perform their special priesthood callings.

This study guide pays special attention to Numbers 6, which describes the laws of the Nazarite. In Hebrew, nazir means “one consecrated or devoted.” Thus, when people committed themselves in a special way to the Lord, or if their parents committed them to the Lord, they were called “Nazarites.”

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–D) as you study Numbers 6.

Write an Advertisement

Write an imaginary advertisement to recruit men to become Nazarites. Your ad should include at least three things the Lord expected of a Nazarite (pay special attention to Numbers 6:3–7).

Who Were Some Famous Nazarites?

Read the following scriptures and name three people who were Nazarites: Judges 13:5, 24; 1 Samuel 1:11, 19–20, 28; Luke 1:13–15.

Apply It to Today

What are we asked to do today to dedicate ourselves to God that makes us different from many other people in the world?

Think of a Blessing from Your Leaders

Choose one of the blessings from the “Understanding the Scriptures” section above that you would like to receive, and explain why. What must you do to receive that blessing?

Numbers 9
The First Passover in the Wilderness

Numbers 9 marks the beginning of the second year of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the promised land. Chapter 9 tells what the children of Israel should do to stay committed to the Lord and how they could know He was with them. How do we show the Lord today that we are committed to Him, and how does He let us know He is with us?

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Numbers 9.

Always Remember

The first half of Numbers 9 tells about the first anniversary of the Passover in Egypt. Consider the following key words and phrases and describe how they relate to the Passover (you may want to look back to your study of Exodus 12):

1. Fourteenth day of the first month

2. Unleavened bread and bitter herbs

3. No broken bones

How Did the Lord Lead Them?

1. Describe how Numbers 9:15–23 says the Lord led the children of Israel.

2. What do you think the children of Israel learned by being led through the wilderness in this way?

3. How does the Lord lead His people today?

Numbers 10
Leaving Sinai

Numbers 10 tells of the camp of Israel’s first movement away from Mount Sinai after a lengthy stay there. When the Israelites left, they met Moses’ brother-in-law and invited him to join them—just as we should invite others to join us in our journey back to God.

Numbers 10 also explains that the tabernacle—representing the place where the Lord dwells—was the focus of their attention as they journeyed.

Numbers 11
The Israelites Driven by Their Appetites

Consider how the following questions apply to the Israelites as you read Numbers 11: How do you feel when you do something good for another person and he or she complains in response? What would happen if the Lord gave you everything you asked for, without any consideration of whether or not what you asked for was good for you?

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do three of the following activities (A–E) as you study Numbers 11.

Some Complaints and Criticisms Today

Imagine you felt the way the Israelites did in Numbers 11:1–9. Write a note of complaint to Moses that reflects what you think the people were saying at the time.

Write a Response

Use what Moses said in Numbers 11:10–15 and what you have learned about this journey so far and write how you might respond to the Israelites’ complaint if you were their leader.

What Happens When We Complain?

Look at Numbers 11:1–4 and Jude 1:14–16 and tell what eventually happens to people who complain or murmur against the Lord and His servants. Notice in Numbers 11:20 what the Lord said the children of Israel were really doing when they complained against Moses.

Find Important Words

Find what you think are three important words or phrases that describe what the seventy men did and why they were called in response to Moses’ discouragement.

What Is the Lesson?

Read Galatians 5:16–17 and tell how these verses express what could be considered the main idea of Numbers 11. Think about the meaning of the word lust and what the Lord did to the seventy elders in response to the situation.

Numbers 12
Sustaining or Rejecting the Prophet

One of the wonderful things about the Lord’s Church is that it makes available the gifts of the Spirit to all who worthily seek them. This truth was demonstrated in Numbers 11, when the Lord’s Spirit came upon seventy Israelite men and they prophesied. While anyone may experience these gifts, there still must be order in God’s kingdom. He calls men to preside and He gives them special inspiration needed to govern the Church. To experience spiritual gifts does not mean that we are no longer subject to the priesthood leaders God has chosen to preside over us.

Having received spiritual gifts or knowledge, some members begin to see themselves as better than those who preside over them. This pride often leads to criticism of a leader and an unwillingness to follow counsel. Unless critical people humble themselves and repent of their feelings, they soon find themselves cut off from the Spirit and on the road to apostasy. Numbers 12 not only teaches the principle of supporting our leaders but it also shows that even those who should know better may fall to this temptation.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Numbers 12.

What Happens When We Criticize the Prophet or Other Church Leaders?

1. What lessons do you think are symbolized by what happened to Miriam?

2. How is Miriam’s punishment related to what we read in Doctrine and Covenants 1:14?

Numbers 13–14
Scoping Out the Promised Land

What is the most difficult thing you ever had to do to keep the Lord’s commandments or receive a promised blessing from Him? Why did you do it? What would have happened if you hadn’t?

When the Lord delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He said He would lead them into the land of Canaan, which was the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their posterity forever. After many miracles and over a year of difficult travels in the wilderness, the Israelites finally arrived at the borders of this promised land. Numbers 13–14 tells the story of twelve men, one from each tribe, who were sent to find out what the land looked like and who lived there. We also read about their report to the people and what the people decided to do about what they heard.

As you read Numbers 13–14, ask yourself the following question: When faced with what seems to be a very difficult task from the Lord, do I react with fear or with faith? If most people around you chose fear over faith, how might you be affected? (see D&C 30:1–2). The way you respond tells how much you trust the Lord—how much you believe that if He gives a commandment or a promise He has also prepared a way for you to accomplish it (see 1 Nephi 3:7).

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–D) as you study Numbers 13–14.

Create an Advertisement

Create an advertisement from the point of view of Joshua or Caleb to encourage the Israelites to enter the promised land.

Convince the Israelites

1. Give the reasons why most of the Israelites did not want to enter the promised land.

2. Use the events and teachings you already read about in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, or the first part of Numbers to convince the Israelites to go forward and enter their land of promise.

Compare Events in the Story

1. Summarize the response of the children of Israel to the report of the spies (found in Numbers 14:1–4).

2. Read Numbers 14:28–33 and compare what the children of Israel said to what the Lord said about their lack of faith.

 “We Can Do This on Our Own”

What did the Israelites decide to do, and why didn’t they succeed?

Numbers 15
Obtaining Forgiveness

After the main body of Israelites showed their lack of faith (see Numbers 13–14) and sinned against the Lord, it is not surprising that Numbers 15 speaks about sacrificial offerings necessary for forgiveness of sins. Numbers 15 specifically speaks of sinning “presumptuously,” which means to sin knowing that what you are doing is wrong (compare Numbers 14:44 with Numbers 15:30–31). Numbers 15 closes with a commandment that could help Israel always remember the importance of obeying the commandments.

Numbers 16
Rebellion against the Prophet

Sometimes people think that they don’t really have to follow the teachings of the prophets because they think prophets are human just like the rest of us and are just giving their opinion on things. Elder Harold B. Lee, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, “I want to bear you my testimony that the experience I have had has taught me that those who criticize the leaders of this Church are showing signs of a spiritual sickness which, unless curbed, will bring about eventual spiritual death” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1947, 67). Some years later, as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a member of the First Presidency, President Lee said, “Your safety and ours depends upon whether or not we follow the ones whom the Lord has placed to preside over his church” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 153).

Those whom the Lord chooses to preside over us are given sacred keys to receive revelation in directing the Church and directing us in righteousness. How we respond to our leaders reflects our feelings for and faith in our Heavenly Father. Read what the Lord said to latter-day Israel in Doctrine and Covenants 1:14; 121:16–17; 124:45–46. Look for how Numbers 16 dramatically illustrates the truth of these statements.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Numbers 16.

Tell the Story in Your Own Words

1. Write the story of Numbers 16 in your own words.

2. Explain how this story is an example of President Harold B. Lee’s statements in the introduction to this chapter.

Numbers 17–19
A Follow-up to a Tragic Incident

You will be able to understand Numbers 17–19 more completely when you read thinking about what happened in Numbers 16. The real issue in chapter 16 was that a group of men felt they should be able to perform certain priesthood ordinances that were assigned to only the priests, which at this time were Aaron and his sons. This rebellion resulted in the rebels’ death. Many who followed the rebels also died.

Note that the punishment of death inflicted as a result of serious sin was the Lord’s way of teaching ancient Israel, and us, that serious or continuous sin may result in spiritual death, since fully repenting is much more difficult.

Numbers 17 tells how the Lord provided a miracle for those who survived so they could know that God chose Aaron and authorized him to perform the priesthood ordinances of their day.

Numbers 18 describes additional duties that belonged only to Aaron and his sons who were ordained to the priest’s office. Numbers 18 also describes duties that belonged to other Levites, showing the difference between the priest’s office and all other duties of the Levitical priesthood.

Finally, Numbers 19 explains rules and commandments concerning what to do with dead bodies, which surely was an issue after the events in Numbers 16.

Numbers 20
Thirty-Eight Years of Frustration

Numbers 20 recounts events that occurred approximately thirty-eight years after the rebellion incident in Numbers 16. We do not know what occurred during those years or why we don’t have a record of that period. Perhaps nothing was recorded because nothing really changed over those years. For example, Numbers 20 begins with a story of Israel murmuring against Moses and Aaron, which is exactly where the story left off thirty-eight years before. This time the story is a little different, however, in that Moses and Aaron became so frustrated that they used poor judgment in how they responded to the people. Because they used poor judgment, the Lord chastised them and told them they would not be privileged to lead the children of Israel into the promised land.

By reading Deuteronomy 1:37; 3:25–28 we learn that Moses was chastised because of his disobedience. By punishing Moses, the Lord powerfully taught the children of Israel that obedience was required to enter the promised land—even (perhaps especially) if one happened to be the prophet. If Moses had varied from the Lord’s commands and gone unpunished, this hard-hearted people might possibly have excused their own sins on a greater matter by saying they saw Moses vary from the Lord’s commands and go unpunished. As evidence that the Lord did not seriously condemn Moses, we read in other scripture that he was translated into heaven without tasting death and that he appeared on earth at very important occasions to confer priesthood keys to future generations (see Luke 9:28–36; Alma 45:19; D&C 110:11).

Numbers 20 also contains an account of Israel attempting to pass peacefully through the land of Edom and being met with resistance. The land of Edom was the land of Esau’s (Jacob’s brother) descendants. You may want to look at map 2 in the back of the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible to trace the path of the Israelites.

The beginning of Numbers 20 tells of the death of Moses’ sister, Miriam; the end of the chapter tells about the death of Moses’ brother, Aaron, and of Aaron’s son Eleazar becoming the high priest.

Numbers 21
The Brass Serpent

Like Miriam and Aaron in Numbers 20, it is likely that many of the Israelites died during the thirty-eight years of dwelling in the wilderness. The Lord said, however, that all who were over twenty years old at the beginning of the exodus (except for Joshua and Caleb, who gave positive reports of the promised land) would die before the camp of Israel entered the promised land. Numbers 21 records an incident where many more died. This story is especially significant because it involves a type of Christ—the brass serpent. Because an entire generation of Israelites would not look upon the serpent, they died physically and spiritually and were denied entrance into the promised land. This event appears to have separated those whose faith was weakest from those whose faith was strong, because the rest of Numbers 21 tells how the Israelites conquered those who opposed them and successfully moved toward the promised land. When the Israelites were stronger in faith, they had much more success.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Numbers 21.

Tell the Story in Your Own Words

Imagine you are a Primary teacher. Tell the story of Numbers 21:4–9 in words that children could understand. Draw a picture or two you could show the children while you tell the story.

Find Important Interpretations from Other Scriptures

Make a chart like the one below and fill it in with insights that relate to the event in Numbers 21.

Numbers 22–24
The Story of Balaam

Would you accept money to do something you knew wasn’t right? Numbers 22–24 tells the story of a man who had to make that decision. His name was Balaam. He was a soothsayer (one who professes to foretell the future) who believed in, or at least knew about, the God of Israel to the degree that he could be influenced by the Spirit. The king of Moab tried to hire Balaam to curse Israel so the Moabites could defeat them in battle. As you read, think about what you would have done if you had been Balaam and what you might have learned from the experience.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Numbers 22–24.

Is Your Integrity for Sale?

Just like Balak wanted Balaam to go against what he knew was right for money (see Numbers 22), how do you see people today going against what they know is right for money or the opportunity to be “promoted . . . unto very great honour”? (v. 17).

or

Write about someone you know who gave up money and honor to do what he or she knew was right.

Give a Character Reference

Imagine you are Balak, and another king in the area wrote you because he was thinking about hiring Balaam to curse his enemies. Write what your response would be and include what happened the three times he asked Balaam to curse Israel (first time: Numbers 23:1–13; second time: Numbers 23:14–30; third time: Numbers 24:1–13).

Interpret the Prophecy

In Numbers 24:17, who do you think is the “Star of Jacob” and the “Sceptre of Israel”? (see also vv. 14–16, 18–29). Why do you think so?

Numbers 25–26
Cursing Israel

In Numbers 22–24, although Balaam did not curse Israel, his desire for the riches the Moabites offered was too much for him to resist. Numbers 31:7–8, 15–16 and Revelation 2:14 lead us to believe that Balaam taught the Moabites that they could not defeat Israel as long as Israel was righteous, so Balaam told the Moabites to tempt Israel with immorality and idolatry and cause them to lose the help of the Lord. Consequently, Numbers 25 tells about the final plague that killed many Israelites before the camp of Israel entered the promised land. This plague came upon them because of immoral acts with Moabite women.

By the end of the plague, nearly all who left Egypt as adults were dead. Numbers 26 is another numbering, or census, of the next generation of Israelites thirty-nine years after their fathers rejected the opportunity to enter the promised land and were cursed to wander and die in the wilderness.

Numbers 27
Choosing a New Leader for Israel

Obviously, Moses could not be with the children of Israel forever. Consider the following questions as you read Numbers 27:12–23: What kind of leader would the Israelites need when Moses was gone? How are leaders chosen in the Church today? Why is the way they are selected important?

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Numbers 27.

We Believe . . .

What principles of the fifth Article of Faith were used in choosing Joshua as a leader in Israel?

Numbers 28–30
Old Commandments Still Apply

Numbers 28–30 tells how Moses reminded a new generation of Israelites that they were under the same obligation to keep the sacrifices, feast days, laws, and commandments that the Lord gave at the beginning of the journey nearly forty years earlier.

Numbers 31
Balaam Dies

Numbers 31 records how the Lord sent the army of Israel against the Midianites because the Midianites sought to destroy the Israelites through immorality and idolatry. Among the slain was the soothsayer Balaam, who turned against the Lord and His people. To show gratitude for their victory, the armies of Israel dedicated to the Lord much of what they captured.

Numbers 32
Land for Reuben and Gad

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While the children of Israel were on the east side of the Jordan River waiting to cross over into Canaan, the tribes of Reuben and Gad asked Moses if they could have their inheritance on the east side because they thought the land looked good for cattle. Moses told them the other tribes would be upset if they did not help conquer the land on the west of the Jordan (Canaan); the main body of Israelites felt that conquering Canaan’s inhabitants would be hard enough with all twelve tribes. Reuben and Gad agreed to send their men to help with the conquest until every tribe had an inheritance. They would, however, leave their women, children, and cattle behind on the eastern shore. Moses agreed to this arrangement and also gave half the tribe of Manasseh an inheritance on the east of the Jordan as well (see Bible map 3).

Numbers 33–36
Instructions for the Promised Land

Numbers 33–36 contains additional instructions the Lord gave to the Israelites as they camped near the borders of their promised land.

Numbers 33 records that the Lord had Moses record forty separate journeys the Israelites had taken to get to Canaan, perhaps to remind the Israelites of how fortunate they had been in their travels. We are not able to geographically identify most of the places on the list. The Lord then commanded the Israelites to completely drive out or destroy the inhabitants of Canaan so they would not be a spiritual plague to them.

Numbers 34 tells how the Lord outlined the borders of the land the Israelites were to conquer and how He named the men who would be in charge of dividing the land among the twelve tribes and the families of those tribes.

Numbers 35 contains the Lord’s commandment that special cities be created throughout Canaan for the Levites. This would allow the Levites to be among all the tribes and perform ordinances for them. The Lord also named some of these cities as cities of refuge for those who had slain another person. Having these places of refuge would help prevent anyone taking revenge on these people before proper justice could be accomplished.

Numbers 36 contains counsel from the Lord concerning marrying within one’s own tribe so that land inheritances might stay within the same tribe.

The Book of Deuteronomy

A Repetition of the Law

Deuteronomy is the final book of Moses. The events in Deuteronomy occurred approximately forty years after the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt. Because they refused to exercise faith in the Lord thirty-nine years earlier, all Israelites—except Moses, Joshua, and Caleb—who were adults at the time they left Egypt died in the wilderness (see Numbers 13–14).

At the time Moses wrote Deuteronomy, the children of those who had died were prepared to enter their promised land. The prophet Moses knew he would not enter with them, but he was given the opportunity to instruct and counsel this generation of Israelites before he left. Moses gave the “speeches” recorded in Deuteronomy on the plains of Moab, just east of the Jordan River and the promised land. After teaching the people one last time, Moses was translated, or taken into heaven without tasting death (see Alma 45:19).

Getting Ready to Study Deuteronomy

The first four chapters of Deuteronomy are a “remembering” of Israelite history. On over twenty additional occasions in Deuteronomy, Moses told the people to “remember” or “forget not” certain important teachings to help them remain faithful. Note the following about Deuteronomy:

• The Ten Commandments are repeated in Deuteronomy 5.

• Deuteronomy is quoted over a hundred times in the New Testament. Two notable instances include when Jesus used three verses from Deuteronomy to dismiss the temptations of Satan (see Deuteronomy 6:13, 16; 8:3; Matthew 4:1–11) and when Jesus quoted a verse from Deuteronomy in response to the question “Which is the great commandment in the law?” (Matthew 22:36; see also vv. 35, 37–38; Deuteronomy 6:5).

To find out more about the book of Deuteronomy, see “Deuteronomy” in the Bible Dictionary (p. 656).

Deuteronomy 1–3
A Review of History

Deuteronomy 1–3 records how Moses introduced his message to the children of Israel by reviewing their previous forty-year history. In many ways this review is a good summary of the book of Numbers. Moses used examples from this history of Israel throughout the rest of Deuteronomy to emphasize certain ideas.

Deuteronomy 4
“Take Heed to Thyself”

Deuteronomy 4 tells how Moses used the Israelites’ history to teach them about their duty to God and their religion. Moses also said that his teachings applied to all future generations of Israelites, and he told parents to teach their children the truths he taught them.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Deuteronomy 4.

Be a Missionary

Your friend who is not a member of the Church says that Christians should use only the Bible for scripture. To prove her point, she quotes to you Revelation 22:18–19. Look up these verses and compare them to Deuteronomy 4:2. Write a note to your friend that explains how these two scriptures are alike and what would happen if you used Deuteronomy the same way she used Revelation 22. Also explain what these scriptures really mean.

Notice a Pattern in the Scriptures

Find and mark the similar phrase in Deuteronomy 4:9, 15, 23. How do these three verses help us understand who is responsible for our keeping the commandments? (Notice also the statement from Elder Ballard in the “Understanding the Scriptures” section for how to apply this counsel.)

Use the Scriptures to Help Someone Who Has Sinned

Use the ideas in Deuteronomy 4:25–31 to give advice and hope to someone who has strayed from what he or she knows to be right. Write your advice in your notebook.

Deuteronomy 5
The Ten Commandments

Deuteronomy 5 contains Moses’ review of the Ten Commandments originally recorded in Exodus 20. Moses emphasized that these Ten Commandments are important to each generation of Israelites because they are the foundation of righteousness among God’s covenant people.

Deuteronomy 6
The Great Commandment

Do you have a scripture that has been a special strength and guide to you? Why has it had this influence? How often do you remember it? How often do you share it with others?

Deuteronomy 6 contains a passage that is one of the Jews’ most frequently quoted scriptures. This passage is also what Jesus called “the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:38; see also vv. 36–37). As you find and read this passage, ask yourself why this is the great commandment. Why is this the “first and great commandment” when it was given hundreds of years after the Ten Commandments? Deuteronomy 6 also includes Moses’ explanations concerning how the Israelites should observe this commandment and why.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A–C as you study Deuteronomy 6.

Cross-Reference

Write the reference Matthew 22:35–38 next to Deuteronomy 6:4–5 (the Shema). Read the verses in Matthew and summarize what Jesus said about the Shema.

How Can You Remember?

1. List the things Moses told the people to do in Deuteronomy 6:7–9 so they could better remember and keep the commandment in verses 4–5.

2. Write about ways you could better remember this same commandment. Choose and put into practice at least one of the ideas you thought of.

Write a Question

Write what you think is an important, meaningful question that can be answered by Deuteronomy 6:24.

Deuteronomy 7
Marry in the Covenant

The people in the land of Canaan were extremely wicked. Because of their wickedness, the Lord commanded the Israelites to completely destroy them. Deuteronomy 7 records that Moses explained a very important reason why the Israelites should follow this commandment and how the Lord would bless them in such a challenging task.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Deuteronomy 7.

Scripture Mastery—Deuteronomy 7:3–4

A friend asks your advice on marrying someone who is not a member of the Church. Write how you could use Deuteronomy 7:1–6 to counsel your friend.

Deuteronomy 8
Remember!

Elder Spencer W. Kimball, when he was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said: “When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be ‘remember.’ Because all of you have made covenants . . . our greatest need is to remember” (Circles of Exaltation [address to religious educators, 28 June 1968], 8). Deuteronomy 8 recounts what Moses told the covenant people of Israel about things they needed to remember and why. He also told them what would happen if they forgot those things.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Deuteronomy 8.

What Is the Message?

Determine the main ideas of Moses’ message in Deuteronomy 8 by looking at the following group of verses and choosing one key word from each group that you feel identifies the most important idea in that group. Briefly explain why you chose the word you did. Make the following chart in your notebook to help you organize the information.

Deuteronomy 9–10
The Lord Will Help

One of the primary reasons the previous generation of Israelites refused to enter the promised land was that they were afraid of the people who already lived there. Deuteronomy 9–10 tells that Moses assured the Israelites that the Lord would help them destroy the Canaanites and enter the promised land. Moses warned the Israelites, however, to not be prideful about the help they would receive.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Deuteronomy 9–10.

What Does the Lord Require?

1. What did the Lord say He required of Israel, and why? (see Deuteronomy 10:12–22).

2. List what you learn about God in these verses that would help you want to do what He requires.

Deuteronomy 11
Blessings or Cursings—You Choose

The Fall and the Atonement preserved the agency of all mankind (see 2 Nephi 2:25–27). Agency is a great blessing, but there are risks involved because it requires that we must accept and be responsible for the consequences of our decisions. Deuteronomy 11 says that Moses put before Israel “a blessing and a curse” (v. 26). In other words, Moses told the children of Israel that they could receive blessings or cursings depending on how they chose to live in the promised land. The outcome was up to them.

Deuteronomy 12–13
Avoid Evil Practices

Deuteronomy 12–13 contains Moses’ warning to the Israelites about worshiping false gods. The covenant people were to be different from all other nations and avoid not only false practices but apparent involvement with false practices. In chapter 12, Moses told the Israelites to avoid the places where false gods were worshiped and warned them about imitating the practices of false religions. In chapter 13, Moses warned the Israelites about people who participate in or might lead them to the worship of false gods.

Deuteronomy 14–17
Practices of God’s People

Deuteronomy 14–17 contains reminders of the Lord’s previous commandments. Chapter 14 contains laws concerning food (see also Leviticus 11). Chapter 15 contains commandments regarding the release of debts and slaves every seventh year (see also Leviticus 25). Chapter 16 records the Lord’s reminder to the Israelites about the importance of participating in the major feasts: Passover, Pentecost (the Feast of Weeks), and Tabernacles. Commandments concerning these feasts were given previously in Exodus 12; 23; Leviticus 23; and Numbers 28. Chapter 17 contains instructions for certain sacrificial practices, for dealing with those who worship false gods, and for judging others. Chapter 17 also gives instructions to future Israelites should they ever decide to have a king. In each of these chapters, all the instructions the Lord gave were to help separate Israelites from worldly practices.

Deuteronomy 18
True and False Prophets

The Canaanite people held many superstitions. Such superstitions often attract people because these practices seldom require any standard of conduct and often promise results such as worldly success or healing by “magic” without any effort on the part of the individual. Deuteronomy 18 tells how Moses warned the Israelites not to follow any of these practices. Moses also counseled them that the true source of guidance is the true and living God who speaks through His prophets—not through an idol or performer of the magical or mystical arts. He told the people how they could discern a true prophet.

Deuteronomy 19–25
Specific Laws for a Chosen People

Deuteronomy 19–25 contains specific laws and commandments concerning many different areas of daily life, including farming, family relationships, warfare, religious cleanliness, and doing business. Some of these laws may sound odd, but each is based on some principle the Lord wanted Israel to remember. By giving these rules and commandments, the Lord provided continual, sometimes daily, reminders of principles He wanted the Israelites to learn. For example, in Deuteronomy 22:9 the Lord told the Israelites not to sow a field with two different kinds of seeds. Sowing seeds was an important part of life, and whenever they sowed they were reminded that, as Israelites, they were not to mix their seed with another, or, in other words, they were not to marry out of the covenant. Some of the principles behind the laws in Deuteronomy 19–25 may be harder to see than others, but if we read these chapters and seek for the principle that could be drawn from each specific practice, we may find that these laws are not so strange at all—especially for a people “slow to remember the Lord their God” (Mosiah 13:29).

Deuteronomy 26
Our Debt to God

Does the Lord get some benefit when we pay our tithing? Why does He ask us to pay it? What does paying tithing do for us? What do you think is the difference between people who willingly pay their tithing and people who pay their tithing grudgingly? Think about these questions as you read what Moses taught the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 26.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Deuteronomy 26.

Make a List

From Deuteronomy 26, list what Moses said the Lord had done for Israel.

Write a Thank You Note

Consider all the Lord has done for you. If you need help thinking of some of His blessings, read Mosiah 2:21–25. Write how we can show our gratitude to the Lord for His blessings to us.

Deuteronomy 27–28
Blessings and Cursings

In Leviticus 26, the Lord set before Israel the blessings they could receive if they kept His commandments and the punishments they would receive if they disobeyed. Deuteronomy 27–28 tells how Moses spoke to the Israelites about these same blessings and commandments, since they were children at the time of the events in Leviticus 26. This time, however, Moses gave more detailed instructions and used an “object lesson.” The object lesson began with a command to go to two mountains in the land of Canaan, Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, which were very close together. Six tribes were assigned to one mount where they were told to declare the promised blessings while the other six tribes stood on the other mount and responded by proclaiming the cursings. This event was to help remind the children of Israel that they were privileged to choose their future by their obedience.

Think about the following statement of President Joseph F. Smith, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as you read Deuteronomy 28:

“These are the promises that the Lord made to the people of Israel anciently, if they would hearken unto His words and obey His laws.

“Now, I want to say to you without any hesitancy . . . that the words [in Deuteronomy 28:1–13] are as applicable to you as they were to the children of Israel. You are modern Israel and they were ancient Israel. The same God spake through His servant Moses that speaks today through His servant [the prophet]. Obedience to the laws of God will produce the same results today that it did anciently” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1899, 45).

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do at least two of the following activities (A–D) as you study Deuteronomy 28.

How Does It Apply Today?

Deuteronomy 28:1–13 tells of blessings Israel will receive if they are faithful. Tell what you think each blessing means for the people of today, and record them in your notebook in a chart like the one below.

Which One Would You Like?

From the list of blessings above, write which one you would like to receive and explain why.

Consider the Curses

Deuteronomy 28:15–68 contains a very long section of curses. As you read them, choose two that you have seen happen to people who do not obey God’s commandments, and write about them. Your examples may come from people you know or know about or from the scriptures. You need not identify the people you know.

Optional Activity

If God loves us, why must we suffer if we don’t repent? (see D&C 19:17). The following scriptures may help you answer this question: Alma 39:7; 42:16–24; Helaman 12:2–3; Doctrine and Covenants 90:36; 95:1–2.

Deuteronomy 29–30
Returning to the Lord

Deuteronomy 29–30 contains the conclusion of Moses’ address to the Israelites. He continued to explain the blessings that come from obedience and the cursings that come from disobedience. Deuteronomy 30 tells what the Lord would do for the Israelites if they fell away from Him and then repented, and what they would have to do if they desired to be acceptable to Him again. From this chapter we learn that the Lord is very merciful and longsuffering with His children.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Deuteronomy 29–30.

Make a Chart

Deuteronomy 30:1–10 contains the Lord’s counsel to the Israelites about what to do if and when the curses spoken of in Deuteronomy 28 came upon them. Notice that there are several things the Lord said the people must do and several promises of what the Lord would do.

Make two columns on a page in your notebook. Label one column “If,” and the other column “Then.” Under “If,” list the things the Lord said the Israelites must do in their cursed condition (see vv. 1–2, 6, 8, 10). In the “Then” column list what the Lord promised to do for the Israelites (see vv. 3–7, 9).

Apply These Teachings

Which verses would you use from Deuteronomy 30 to help someone who had sinned and strayed from the Church? Explain how you would use the verses.

Deuteronomy 31–32
The Song of Moses

After Moses taught this new generation of Israelites the laws of God and the consequences of obedience and disobedience to those laws, he was ready to leave them. Before he left, however, he encouraged them and their new leader, Joshua, to love and obey God above all other things. At this time the Lord revealed to Moses a song that he was to teach the Israelites (see Deuteronomy 32:1–43). The song would help them remember the Lord and the commandments Moses taught them.

Understanding the Scriptures

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A–C as you study Deuteronomy 31–32.

Find a Song Title

Deuteronomy 32 is called the “song of Moses.” As you read through the chapter, look for phrases that you think could be a good hymn title. List at least four titles.

How Does Music Help You Stay Righteous?

1. Of all that the Lord could have given the Israelites, why do you think He gave them a song to help them remember Him and to be a testimony to them?

2. Write in your notebook the words of a Church hymn or song that helps you want to keep the commandments and remember the Lord. If you don’t have the words memorized, try to learn them this week so you can sing the song to yourself in time of need.

Optional Activity

1. Notice how many times the word rock is used in the song of Moses. According to 1 Corinthians 10:1–4, what is the Rock?

2. List what this song says about the Rock.

Deuteronomy 33
Blessings for Each Tribe

Like Jacob (Israel) did in Genesis 48–49, Moses blessed each of the tribes of Israel before he left them. The blessing for the seed of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) is especially interesting (see Deuteronomy 33:13–17). The blessing of the tribes of Joseph tells of their future prosperity and of their role in pushing together the rest of God’s children “to the ends of the earth” (v. 17). As part of the scattering of Israel, the children of Joseph were scattered to all parts of the earth. In our day they are being gathered back to the Church of Jesus Christ, thus fulfilling this prophetic blessing of Moses.

Deuteronomy 34
Farewell to Moses

You have now covered over three hundred pages in the Bible that the prophet Moses wrote, which is more than any other Old Testament prophet wrote. Deuteronomy 34 says that Moses died; however, as was noted earlier (see “A Repetition of the Law,” p. 71), Alma 45:19 teaches us that Moses did not die but was translated. See “Moses” in the Bible Dictionary (pp. 734–35) for more information concerning Moses’ translation.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Deuteronomy 34.

Write a Life Sketch

When famous people die, the newspapers usually do a brief life history, or “sketch,” that outlines things that occurred in their lives, emphasizing notable achievements. If you were a newspaper writer of Moses’ day, what would you include in Moses’ life sketch? Include what impressed you significantly as you studied the life and teachings of Moses.