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STEADY YOURSELF, NOT THE ARK
BACKGROUND
To begin this week, I need to give you a little bit of background. Last week we talked about King Saul. In the final chapter of 1 Samuel, Saul and all his sons are killed in battle, paving the way for David to become the new king. This of course came as a result of Saul’s failure to follow the Lord’s commandments and his subsequent descent into outright wickedness at the latter end of his life. So now David is the king and he’s anointed such by the people in 2 Samuel chapter 5. One of the first things David does as King is conquer Jerusalem from the Jebusites and establish it as Israel’s capitol, which it remains to this day, I might add. So it’s David that really puts1 Jerusalem as a holy city on the map. And in this chapter, right away we see David including the Lord in all his decisions. He does not have Saul’s problem of honoring the people over the Lord. A very promising beginning for the reign of King David. But, so did Saul. We’ll come back to that.
2 Samuel 6 is where I’d like to spend a little additional time with a very short but significant story.
ICEBREAKER
As an Icebreaker, I like to ask my students What they think would happen if they decided to touch one these specific items?
Poison Ivy—You’d get a rash
Sulfuric Acid-This is a very corrosive substance, so it would start to eat away at your flesh.
Hot stove-You’d be burned
Cactus-That would hurt. Quick story. When I moved to Arizona, I noticed that in the fall, the cactus in my front yard lost all it’s spines. And I thought, cool, just like trees, they lose their “leaves” so to speak in the fall and I took the opportunity to feel the rough skin of the cactus. That was a mistake. Because later my hand started to hurt. I looked up closely and my hand was covered in hundreds of tiny little spines. I learned a very painful lesson about living in Arizona. Don’t touch the plants, ever! Every plant in Arizona is trying to hurt you. No touchy.
Electrical fence-You’d’ be electrocuted
Crown Jewels-What if you broke the glass and reached out to touch these? Alarms would go off and those guys in red jackets and the tall furry hats will come in and arrest you.
The Ark of the Covenant-But what about this? What were the consequences of touching this? This, of course, is the ark of the covenant, and like some of these other objects we just talked about, there were some very specific rules as to their handling and some consequences for touching it.
TRANSITION
Unless you were specifically authorized to move or handle it, it was strictly forbidden to touch it. As the sacred container of the tablets of the ten commandments, the ark represented the very presence of God. The message behind that, I believe, was to communicate the principle that no unclean thing could dwell in the presence of God. Nobody was permitted to touch the ark, and only the Levites were authorized to even carry it. And that was only with sticks that were attached by rings to the outer corners. Even they weren't permitted to touch the actual ark itself. Well, at this time in Israelite history, King David decides to move the ark to Jerusalem with the intended plan to build a temple there. Which is eventually going to happen when his son Solomon takes power. The ark is placed on a cart drawn by oxen and a man named Uzzah is walking alongside it. And something happens. I’d like to invite you to read this short story with just one simple question. Why do you think the Lord does this? Also, with what happens afterwards to the ark. Is there a message in that too?
2 Samuel 6:6-11
6 And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.
7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
8 And David was displeased, because the Lord had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day.
9 And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and said, How shall the ark of the Lord come to me?
10 So David would not remove the ark of the Lord unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.
So . . . wait, what? Uzzah dies? Yeah. As they're walking along, the cart passes over a rut or a pothole and it shakes the ark. Well, Uzzah, when he sees this, reaches out his hand to steady the ark, worried that it might fall. But as soon as he touches the ark . . . zap! He falls over dead. The end. That's it!
Now you just let your students react and I can almost guarantee you that somebody is going to say: That’s not fair, he was just trying to help! My students are often shocked by the story (pun intended). Now the question: Why would God do that to him? The punishment doesn't seem to fit the crime. Let your class wrestle with that story a little bit.
Well, there is one conclusion about this story that we must not come to. The lesson is not that God is a capricious and vengeful God, just waiting to strike dead those who don't happen to do what he likes. There are too many other stories in the scriptures that would refute that conclusion. We know that God is loving, and forgiving, and merciful. So if that's not the message, what is the moral of the story?
I believe that God wished to make a very important point with the story of Uzzah. I don't man to steady my ark. I don't mortals to keep my affairs in order. I am well able to take care of my own things. Yes, I do give mankind a measure of my power and authority, but I’m in charge here. I don't need man's puny arm to manage my kingdom. Instruction and counsel come from the top-down, not vice versa.
That's what we mean by steadying the ark. We steady the ark when we presume to counsel God or feel we have a better plan for managing his world and kingdom. President David O. McKay said it best:
"However well-meaning his intentions, Uzzah approached casually what could only be approached under the strictest conditions. He had no faith in God's power. He assumed that the ark was in danger, forgetting that it was the physical symbol of the God who has all power. What man can presume to save God and his kingdom through his own efforts? . . .
In modern revelation the Lord referred to this incident to teach the principle that the Lord does not need the help of men to defend his kingdom (see D&C 85:8). Yet even today there are those who fear the ark is tottering and presume to steady its course. . . .These are ark-steadiers. The best intentions do not justify such interference with the Lord's plan."
David O. McKay
(Gospel Ideals, p. 258)
I personally believe the Lord allowed this to happen to Uzzah to give us a strong visual to help us remember that principle. The story needed to be “shocking” so that it would be more memorable and stick in our minds. Don’t seek to steady the ark of the church. "Steadying the ark" is going to be a phrase that will help a lot of future disciples understand the principle of respecting God’s wisdom in running his kingdom. Now I'm kind of joking here, but perhaps even God and Uzzah had a good laugh about it afterwards. I can just see the Lord up there afterwards saying, "Thank you Uzzah, for letting me use your life as a powerful object lesson to all the members of my church for the rest of time". And perhaps Uzzah would say, "Ah, don't mention it, any time. Glad to help out." I really doubt this incident would have affected Uzzah’s exaltation. Additionally, I feel the story has added power in the very fact that Uzzah WAS well-intentioned. Now, if he had pridefully reached out, or was deliberately looking for an opportunity to do so, so that he could boast about it later, well, in that case, the punishment maybe seems a bit more justified. But I personally believe that Uzzah sincerely was trying to help. Latter-day ark-steadiers probably fall into the same category. They probably feel very passionately and sincerely about their ideas as to how the Church should function. Still, steadying the ark is a spiritually hazardous proposition.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
Let’s put this idea into some more concrete terms. Can you think of any possible examples of ark-steadying today?
Perhaps there are members of the Church who vocally voice their opinion that they feel the church is getting certain things wrong—that they're not up to date with their policies on social issues or administrative matters. Some may voice their disapproval of the church's handling of women's issues, LGBTQ policies, abortion, marijuana use, or the way the church manages its financial affairs. Perhaps there are people who feel the church is tipping and needs their help to "right" it. On a more local level, perhaps they complain about the decisions or actions of their bishop, relief society president, or youth leaders. I believe that in most cases these members are well-intentioned. And I'm not saying that this feedback is always totally inappropriate. Sometimes leaders can use counsel, and benefit from critique and relevant information that they might have missed. Leaders aren't perfect and not even the Church itself is infallible in all regards. But the spirit in which that counsel is offered makes all the difference. If it's offered as something for leaders to consider in the spirit of constructive criticism or information, then I think that can be appropriate and helpful at times. But if it's a blatant declaration of wrongdoing or a demand of change or a public outcry of disapproval to others around them, then that's ark-steadying. And unfortunately, just like with the story of Uzzah, what is often the result of this ark-steadying? These individuals often die. Now God doesn't strike them physically dead, like with Uzzah, but they often separate themselves from the Church, or they lose faith, or they get offended and drift into inactivity. They die spiritually. I know of a fellow seminary teacher who began to publicly criticize some of the brethren's statements and church policies. He eventually not only removed himself from church education, but the church itself. He allowed his political opinions on just a few topics topple his entire testimony. His ark steadying was his downfall. His faith died, his commitment to the restored gospel died. This is so often the fate of ark-steadiers. As a result, their names are removed from the records of the church, often at their own request.
But, there is one more principle that I wish to highlight here. After this event with Uzzah happens, David fears the ark and decides not to bring it into the city. He leaves it at the house of a man named Obededom. And what happens? Read the next three verses.
D
Do you see a principle in this? Was the ark something David needed to fear? No. As long as you respected the simple rules that governed it, it blessed you. Obededom didn’t touch the ark. He followed the instructions. Therefore, he and his household were blessed! To me this says that when I put my trust in God’s wisdom and counsel, and lean not to my own understanding, this allows God’s church and its authority to bless me. We never want to put ourselves in an adversarial position to the authority and understanding of God. I know the world and the adversary are constantly putting pressure on us to question and resist all kinds of authority—even when it’s benevolent. That can often be a dangerous proposition when it becomes a way of life.
TRUTH
When I seek to counsel, criticize, or correct God or his appointed leaders, I put myself in danger of spiritual death. But, when I respect the Lord and his wisdom, then me and my household will be blessed.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
A personal question to ponder. Are there any areas in my life where I am seeking to "steady the ark"?
What can I do instead?
CONCLUSION
My friends, I hope that we can all avoid the dangers of steadying the ark. I've unfortunately seen this kind of scenario play out on more occasions than I wish to admit. I invite us to be very careful about fault finding and criticizing the way that God runs his universe, his world, and his Church. There is nothing wrong with wrestling with some of these issues and doubts within in our own minds as our testimonies are challenged and strengthened by adversity and trials of faith. But those wrestles should probably be more private than public. Let's seek to steady ourselves rather than steadying the ark. If we respect that ark and the rules governing it, then that ark will bless us immensely and bring glory and joy to our households. Uzzah, up there in heaven, would eagerly approve of this. “Please,” he whispers, “learn from my mistake.”
SUMMARIZE 2 SAMUEL 7
In the following chapter, after David brings the ark into the city, he desires to build a permanent structure to house it. A temple of stone, rather than just curtains. I think it’s interesting to note that this idea to build a temple did not come from God as a revelation to David. The Lord didn’t come down and say, “Build me a house.” It was David’s idea, and the Lord approved of that desire. And I think that may reveal something about the way in which God runs his kingdom or Church. He doesn’t micromanage his leaders. I believe he allows them to make decisions and act on their own ideas. He trusts them and allows them to lead and learn. Last year as we studied the Doctrine and Covenants, I think it became abundantly clear that that’s how he worked with Joseph Smith. He allowed Joseph to live and learn as a leader, and even make some mistakes along the way. Often the direction of inspiration did not come top-down first, but bottom-up. Joseph recognized an issue, had a question, and even proposed a solution and brought it to the Lord. Then the Lord offered counsel, or revelation, or a “OK Joseph, why don’t you try that, and let’s see what happens.” And he learned. And the church learned and was better off because of it. I believe that’s the way the Lord continues to run his Church. And we’re still learning and developing as a people. With David here, the inspiration to build a temple of stone for God’s ark came from the bottom-up. And the Lord blesses David for his righteous desire, and in the following chapters, David experiences great success, political and spiritual victories, and blessings. That is, until we reach chapter 11. Everything is going to change after that. So let’s turn their now.
DAVID’S REAL GOLIATH
ICEBREAKER
As an icebreaker to this chapter I like to do the following simple object lesson. I pull out my cell phone and open up my navigation app and hold it up for all to see. Now, Have you ever used a navigation app on your phone to get somewhere? And I’m sure most of you have. It’s so convenient. Back in the old days, we had to use paper maps or atlases to get anywhere. Now you can just push the button and Siri will tell you each and every turn to make and how to get right to your destination. However, even with that guidance, how many of you have still missed your turn or exit? Have you failed to follow the guidance for whatever reason? More than likely you have. And what happens? Does your phone start making fun of you? Does it say, “All right you idiot, you missed your turn, you might as well give up, good luck getting to your destination now.” No? What does it do? It calculates a new route and gives you a new set of directions on how to still arrive at your destination. You’ll just have to take a different road or pathway. It’s capable of giving you course corrections if you go wrong. It’s the final destination that matters most. The route you take to get there can change depending on the choices you make. Granted that it may take you longer or be more difficult to get there.
TRANSITION
Well life can be a lot like that as well. We all know our desired final destination, right? We all want to make it back to the presence of our Heavenly Father. That’s the purpose of the plan of salvation. But do we sometimes take some wrong turns? Do we ever veer away from the strait and narrow path? Sure. But what should we do when we make a wrong turn? We make a course correction and get try to get back to the right path. We’re going to use that little analogy to examine this episode from the life of King David. Now we know that King David is an amazing man isn’t he. He’s a very righteous king. I mean, this is the man who had the courage and the faith to take on a Goliath with a slingshot. Yet, in 2 Samuel chapter 11 David is going to take series of wrong turns which are going to lead him to a place I’m sure he never imagined he would be. Each wrong turn leads to another set of choices, and another, and another. And sadly, by the end of the chapter, David will have broken the 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th commandments. But every turn did have a way back. There was a course correction available at each turn. It didn’t have to get as bad as it did. And it’s in those possible course corrections that I believe the real lessons for us are concealed.
SEARCH
So this is how we’re going to study this story. We’ll use this handout to visualize what happens here. Start by reading 2 Samuel 11:1-5 and identify any places you think David took a wrong turn or made a mistake.
Where did David go wrong? That’s what we’ll write in these spaces here going upwards and away from the strait and narrow path. Then, we also want to write in a possible course correction David could have taken at each of these turning points. Then finally, in this section here, we’re going to list all the lessons we’re learning on how to avoid being led away from God’s path. Here we go.
Are there any wrong turns here in verse 1. Now I don’t think we’re going to find any “sins” per se in these first couple of verses. There’s no way David is just going to go out and do terrible things from one moment to the next. There were some initial missteps that led to the conditions being ripe for sin to occur. What were they?
I think the very first misstep comes in the phase: At the time when kings go forth to battle. The author of 2 Samuel is offering us a hint as to where he felt David started to go wrong. Before this time, in the interceding chapters that we haven’t studied, David lead the Israelites into many battles, and we always see him out at the front of his armies leading the charge. But for some reason, this time, he remains in Jerusalem. What’s the problem with that? Well, think about it. If all the men of the city are out at battle, Jerusalem like? He’s in a city full of women. All the women’s husbands are away, and there’s David. He’s put himself in a tempting environment. David should have been in battle as well that day. So what’s the course correction here? What should David do? Go to battle. Get into the fight. Leave that situation and get to where he should have been in the first place.
What’s the lesson for us if we wish to avoid sin and consequence? Avoid places where you might be tempted. Sitting alone in the dark with someone you are mutually attracted to. Being alone with unfiltered access to the internet. Finding yourself in a serious relationship too young and pushing the boundaries of physical intimacy with them. Spending time with people whose influence you know is detrimental to your spirit. Don’t place yourself into situations where you are more likely to fall.
There’s another phrase in 11:1 that I like to highlight. It’s “But David tarried still at Jerusalem.” I like to focus my attention on the word “tarried” here. He’s just relaxing in the city with not much to do. What’s the course correction? Get to work. He should have engaged himself in meaningful activity. Sin is much more likely to strike us when we are tarrying. When we don’t have something good to do. So what’s the lesson for us if we wish to avoid David’s fate. I’ll draw a phrase from the Doctrine and Covenants here. We should always be anxiously engaged in a good cause. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop but an object in motion tends to remain in motion. If David had been out, engaged in the battle against evil, we wouldn’t even be talking about the problems that come to him next.
In 11:2 we learn that David saw a woman washing herself and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
Now personally, I don’t think David is doing anything wrong here. He has come upon something unintentionally. He wasn’t out there searching for something inappropriate to look at. It just happened. Another point I want to make here, I know that traditionally we interpret this to mean that Bathsheba is bathing, and that David is seeing her unclothed. Though possible, I feel that that scenario is highly unlikely. This was a very modest society, and for a woman to be bathing herself, naked, in a public place where she could be seen is not very probable. In fact, the Hebrew word for “washing” in this passage is most often used to mean the washing of the hands, feet, or face. But still, based on what eventually happens, David is not looking at her in this moment with pure intents or thoughts. He is looking with lust in his heart. Now I’m pretty sure we will all see or come upon things that we didn’t intend to. There is no sin in that. It’s what we do next that matters. I think the problem came not when David “saw” her, but when he took the time to “look upon her”, notice how beautiful she was and let his thoughts turn lustful. We all see things that we would rather not, but do we look upon them? What should he have done when he saw her? Instead of looking upon, he should have looked away. He should have left it at that and not allowed his thoughts to dwell on her. This is good advice for us as well. What should we do if we come upon something pornographic, immoral, or that inspires lust? Look away, walk away, put it out of our minds.
In 11:3 David takes another step in the wrong direction. He’s so smitten that he goes to enquire after her. He wants to learn more about her. Now we could give David the benefit of the doubt here and still say that him seeing her, finding her beautiful, and inquiring after her is still not necessarily a sin. This is in the day of sanctioned polygamy and there was nothing wrong in David being interested in marrying another wife. But what do his servants discover about this woman after he inquires after her? She’s married. This is Uriah’s wife. Now what should David have done then? THAT should have been the end of it, for sure. Oh, ok, she’s already married. End of story, move on David. She’s taken. The lesson for us, when we come upon something of a sinful nature, don’t send and enquire after it. Don’t research it. Don’t dwell on it. Don’t familiarize yourself with the world that surrounds it. Forget about it. Get back to being anxiously engaged in a good cause and move on.
Sadly, that’s not what David decides to do. Let’s go to our next wrong turn, and it’s a doozy. 11:4. He took her, and he lay with her. Well, now, it’s serious. No longer are we in the territory of foolishness and misstep. Now David has broken the 7th commandment and committed adultery. Serious sexual sin. Now we don’t know how much responsibility Bathsheba bears for this adulterous relationship. It’s clear that the writer of 2 Samuel clearly places the weight of this sin squarely on David’s shoulders. I mean, can you imagine the pressure of that situation on her. This is the king whose asking you do something. And not just any king. A king that is held up as a national hero. A “seemingly” righteous, faithful man. A man in a position of great power and influence. So I tend to go way easy on Bathsheba here. And it’s clear from later in the story that she truly loved her husband Uriah. When he dies, she mourns him. David’s lust shatters not only his own life, but hers as well. What should David have done instead? He should have pulled a Joseph of Egypt and fled from the situation. He should have turned and “got him out.” Which is perhaps the lesson for us in this one. When confronted with temptation, we should flee from it.
Well, what does this illicit affair lead to? Consequences. David learns that Bathsheba is pregnant. Now this is no longer a matter of a secret affair. In nine months, anyone who can do the math is going to realize that Uriah was not around at the time she would have conceived. So David has an issue here. What’s he going to do about this situation? What should David do in your mind? I have a suggestion: confess and repent. David still isn’t condemned here. He hasn’t lost his exaltation yet. But David does what a lot of people do when their sins start to bear consequences. What is it that he does. I’ll summarize this next part. He calls Uriah back from the battle, gives him food and drink and sends him to go back home for the night, hoping that he will spend the night with his wife and the problem will be solved. David could get away with it without being discovered. So now what sin is he adding to his repertoire. Lying. He’s engaging in an attempt to deceive. Alas, though. Uriah refuses to go back home. And why? Look at his reasons.
11 And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.
Ah. You see. Uriah is the real hero of this story. He says what David should have said. David is the one that should be saying that. I should also be out encamped in the open fields, rather than staying in his own house, eating, and drinking and lying with someone else’s wife. He should have been strong enough to say, “As my soul liveth, I will not do this thing”.
What’s David trying to do? He’s trying to hide his sin. Hiding our sins is never the way to go. When we seek to hide our sins, we actually make matters worse and compound the problem. It is always best to not make a bad situation worse by lying or seeking to hide it. Eventually, all the truth will come out. Even if it’s not until the next life. The lesson for us: When we sin, we should confess and forsake, not suppress, and partake.
But David tries once again to get Uriah to go home, but to no avail. So now how is he going to cover this thing up? Lying hasn’t worked. So then David gets an idea. An awful idea. Uriah is at war. Hmmm. He decides to send a letter back to Joab, his war captain by the hand of Uriah. Little does Uriah know that he is carrying his own death sentence. David encourages Joab to place Uriah at the forefront of the battle, into (get this) into a place where valiant men are. How ironic. Uriah was a valiant man, and therefore dies fighting for the king who has betrayed him deeply. Therefore: 26-27
26 And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.
27 And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.
Maybe another personal lesson we could add here: Seeking to hide our sins will only draw us deeper and deeper into more sin. So, by looking at this visual we’ve created, can you see how a good and righteous person can end up straying so far from the strait and narrow? Little by little. By the yard it’s hard, by the inch it’s a cinch. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When we notice that we’re straying, take the escape routes! Use the course corrections as soon as you can. Don’t allow things keep getting worse. There’s a way back. Get there!
THE FALLOUT
Now even at this point, David could have sought to make amends. Repented. Gone to the prophet Nathan and confessed and tried to make things right. But that’s not what David does. He thinks he’s gotten away with it and doesn’t seem to have any intention of making it known or trying to fix it. It’s the Lord and the prophet that have to confront him. And that’s what comes in the next chapter. And the Lord confronts David in a very intriguing way. He confronts him with a parable. Nathan comes to David and says, “David, I’d like to tell you a story.”
Let’s see if you can figure out the meaning of the parable. I’ve gone ahead and listed out the elements of the parable, and you see if you can figure out the interpretation. So you have:
The Rich Man=
The Poor Man=
The Ewe Lamb =
The Traveler=
The killing of the poor man’s lamb=
And here’s the parable:
And the Lord sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.
2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:
3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.
4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.
All right, can you interpret the parable?
Who is the rich man in the story? David is the rich man who has been given so much.
Who is the poor man in the story? Uriah is the poor man who has nothing near what David has. But he does have one great blessing in his life. What or who?
His little ewe lamb that he has brought up and that he loves dearly. Who is the ewe lamb? Bathsheba.
However, one day, a traveler appears, hungry. Who is the traveler? The traveler is lust. David’s lust. A power that can often visit unexpectedly but always comes hungry, demanding to be fed. And so what does David give that lust? The poor man’s ewe lamb. He takes Bathsheba to feed his lust. And I suppose that Nathan could have made the parable even worse by saying that the rich man also decides to kill the poor man so that he can’t tell anyone that the rich man took his ewe lamb. That would have been accurate as well.
Now this parable is a really brilliant strategy from the Lord when you think about it. He’s going to allow David to judge himself. Rather than rebuking him. Rather than openly cursing him, the Lord allows David to see things from Uriah’s perspective. And how does David react? Verses 5 and 6
5 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:
6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.
David is angry at this action and demands that the rich man be punished for this ungrateful and unmerciful act. Now, can you imagine how David must have felt as Nathan looked him squarely in the eye and shouted out, “Thou art the man”. David, you are the rich man in the story. After which Nathan goes on to explain to him that because he has done this thing, great negative consequences will befall him and his household. On top of that, the child that was to come of the relationship will die. And that is exactly what happens. The rest of the book of 2 Samuel chronicles the fallout of this decision. David’s sons, for the most part, are a real mess and many of them also struggle with sexual sin.
TRUTH
Well there are a lot of lessons this story has taught us about sin and straying from the path. Perhaps the overall message: When we stray from the path of righteousness, we should “course correct” as soon as possible. When we don’t, we will be led to “thou art the man” moments and painful consequences.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
Are there any roads you are traveling down that are leading to “Thou art the man” moments?
What could you do right now to get off that road? Do you need to recalculate your route? Now, to do that,
you may have to take a different road. You may need to take a walk down sorrow street, repentance row, or humility heights. But you can get back. The sooner the better.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, David was really great at fighting giant warriors and armies, but he struggled to fight the natural man lurking within his own heart. Last week we spoke about having our own Goliaths. Well what was David’s real goliath? Lust. Lust was his real Goliath. And he lost that battle, which was a far more critical one in the long run. I pray that we can learn from David’s mistakes in this story. We too are going to find ourselves veering from the path, but instead of going deeper and deeper into sin, we can course correct, we can recalculate our route. And through God’s mercy and grace, we can still arrive at our eternal destination.
MOVIE
Before we move on, one other teaching suggestion. You could show the David and Bathsheba movie. It does a very good job of relating this story to the sin of pornography which is such a problem these days. If you’re interested in this little film, I’ll place a link to it in the video description. (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2011-03-0020-to-look-upon?lang=eng)
SOLOMON-MAN OF WISDOM, MAN OF FOOLISHNESS
ICEBREAKER
Moving on to the next king of Israel. David’s son, Solomon. For the icebreaker here, one question for your students to consider. If you only had one wish, what would you wish for? Now for fun you could tell them that they have to abide by the Aladdin rules, and do they remember what those were. You can’t wish for more wishes. You can’t kill anyone, you can’t make anyone fall in love with you, you can’t bring anyone back from the dead. Then just allow your students to have some fun with that and share the things that they would wish for.
TRANSITION
Interestingly enough, there was someone In the scriptures who was actually given that very opportunity by God. His name, was Solomon. Up to that point in his life, Solomon had lived a very righteous life, dedicated to God. Therefore, God approaches him in a dream and basically says: Solomon, “Make a wish”. You’ll find that in 1 Kings 3:5.
5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
SEARCH
Now read 1 Kings 3:6-15 and be prepared to answer the following questions:
1. What does Solomon wish for?
2. How does the Lord feel about Solomon’s desire?
3. The gift that Solomon asks for is better than what other possible things he could have wished for?
4. What truth do you feel verses 13-14 is teaching us?
1. What does Solomon wish for?
In verse 9, Solomon wishes for an understanding heart. As the king, he knows that he will have to make decisions and issue judgments on the people, and he doesn’t feel prepared for it. He says “I am but a little child, I know not how to go out or come in.” So he’s very humble in his desire. He recognizes his own limitations and wishes for God to bless him with this special gift. In the Church today, we might refer to this as the gift of discernment. The ability to discern truth, honesty, and integrity. And his motivation behind this desire is so that he can be a good king. He wants to be a good leader and to judge the people in righteousness. So just as with Saul and David, when you first meet them, it’s really hard not to be impressed with these men. Each of them were extraordinary youths with remarkable gifts.
2. How does the Lord feel about Solomon’s desire?
He’s pleased with it. There are so many other things that he could have asked for. Just think about how you imagined you would answer that question. Did you wish for something that would only benefit yourself, or did you wish for something that benefited and was focused on blessing others? I imagine most of us would wish for something a little more self-focused. But not Solomon. No wonder God was pleased.
3. The gift that Solomon asks for is better than what other possible things he could have wished for?
Just look at this list of other things that God mentions he could have wished for. He says he could have asked for a long life, riches, or the life of his enemies. What does that teach us about wisdom or the gift of discernment. Wisdom is better than riches, it’s better than power, it’s better than a long life. Discernment is something to be desired and cultivated.
4.What truth do you feel verses 13-14 is teaching us?
Do you see a principle in verses 13-14? Here’s what I see. God tells Solomon that not only will he bless him with the wisdom he asks for, but all the other things too! The things that you would expect him to ask for. He says he will give him riches, and power over his enemies and a long life too. As long as he’s willing to continue keeping God’s statutes and commandments. The principle here. When our desires are sincere, righteous, and non-demanding, God usually gives us more than we ask for. You see this principle in a number of places in the scriptures. The Brother of Jared went to the mountaintop to ask for the 16 stones to light the Jaredite’s way, but comes away with a vision of Jehovah himself. Nephi prayed to understand his father’s dream of the tree of life but came back with a vision of the entire future of the Americas. And Joseph Smith, he walked into the sacred grove only wanting to know which church was true, and just think of what he came out with? A whole lot more. Apparently, God is a very generous and gracious giver. If you ask for the right things, he often gives you more than you ask! And all these blessings do come to pass in the life of Solomon. He will rule over the golden age of Israel where the kingdom reaches its highest level of status and influence. People will come from all over the ancient world to honor and pay their respects to Solomon the wise.
SOLOMON’S WISDOM
Now the purpose of the little story that follows Solomon’s dream is to give an example of Solomon’s wisdom. And if I were teaching, I would probably just summarize it for my students. And most of you are probably familiar with this story. There are two harlots that come to Solomon both claiming to the be the mother of a certain child. Now both of them had given birth to children, but one of the harlots had fallen asleep with her baby and inadvertently rolled on top of the child in the night, smothering it. Upon waking and realizing her error, she decided to switch her dead baby with the live baby of the other mother while they slept. So when the other mother woke up, the baby she held in her arms was no longer alive. But then she realized, wait a minute, this isn’t even my son. But the other woman claims, “Oh yes, the dead baby is your son, this one is mine”. So without access to a DNA test, what is Solomon to do?
He says: I know the solution. If both women are claiming the baby, well, just split it down the middle and give each woman half. There, everyone’s happy. It’s like he’s using the ol’ break in half the last cookie so that everyone’s happy tactic, but with a baby. And we say: Solomon, the wise??? I mean that sounds terrible. But, it turns out, that this really was a wise tactic. Because Solomon just sits back and watches the reaction of the two mothers. The one says, “Oh no, no. Let her have it. Don’t slay the child. I’ll go home empty handed just as long as the baby lives.” The other mother however says, “Fine with me, let the child be divided. I guess that’s fair.” And Solomon says, “Ah, now we know who the real mother is. Give it to her who pleaded for the child’s life. Only a real mother’s love would be strong enough to make that kind of sacrifice for the life of her child.” And isn’t that true? A mother’s love can truly save a child. Solomon the wise.
TRUTH
Wisdom is greater than riches, power, or long life. God can give us wisdom if we unselfishly seek it.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
How can you cultivate the gift of wisdom more in your own life?
A couple of possible suggestions. Seek it through experience, through education, through scripture study, by learning from the mistakes and successes of others, and most importantly, by asking God directly for it. If any of you lack wisdom, let them ask of God. All of these efforts can yield a greater understanding and sense of discernment.
MAN OF FOOLISHNESS
Now I wish we could just end the story of Solomon with a “And they all lived happily ever after”. Unfortunately, we can’t. Solomon does go on to judge Israel with great wisdom and he enjoys great wealth, power, and prestige. He goes on to build the temple that his father David had envisioned. In 1 Kings 8 we see Solomon dedicate the temple to God. So everything seems to be going great for this new king. However, then we reach 1 Kings 11 where things change. Just like with David 2 Samuel chapter 11. How does the latter part of Solomon’s life go?
But (ohhh, tragic word. I hate it when I see that word in the scriptures.) king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites:
2 Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go into them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.
5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father.
7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.
8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
9 And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,
10 And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the Lord commanded.
11 Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.
Now we actually do have cause to question Solomon’s wisdom, don’t we. Where does he go wrong? Maybe even more than the fact that he married women outside the covenant, it was what he allowed them to do to his heart that was the biggest problem, in my opinion. Now these were the days of God sanctioned polygamy so I’m not so sure the number of his wives is what is more concerning to God, but it does seem as if he went a little overboard. These marriages were probably more of an effort to create alliances between kingdoms, but he allowed these wives from other countries to convince him to allow idolatry in the kingdom. His wives turned his heart away from fully worshipping God. This is another warning for all of us to be careful of whose influence we allow into our lives. Choose your friends (and spouses) carefully. Choose to be with people that will help you to keep your heart fully turned towards the Lord and not turn away from it.
CONCLUSION
So was Solomon the wisest man that ever lived or the most foolish. His later life would seem to prove the latter. Though he did many great things in his life, including building a beautiful temple to house the ark of the Lord, he didn’t endure to the end in righteousness. Therefore we could be considered wiser than the wisest man in the Bible if we simply keep ourselves free from the influence of the world around us and keep ourselves fully committed to God. Wisdom is obedience. Foolishness is caving to the pressures of the world around us. In the words of Jacob: O be wise, what can I say more! (Jacob 6:12)
WE THREE KINGS
One final brief thought. We’ve now studied the lives of the first three and most well-known kings of Israel. Saul, David, and Solomon. Each one began with such a promising future. Saul was the most humble man we’d ever seen, David the most faithful and courageous, and Solomon the most wise. Now, if the most humble, and the most faithful, and the most wise can fall, then certainly any of us could. Perhaps the big picture message of the first three kings is to always stay on your guard. None of us is immune to temptation. None of us is beyond spiritual catastrophe. Perhaps that thought can keep us all humble and wary of the adversary. Don’t get complacent or overconfident in your discipleship. The stories of the first three kings of Israel remind me of Peter’s fateful words when the Savior told the apostles that they would all abandon him that night. Peter indignantly exclaimed, “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” Peter had great confidence in his ability to resist temptation. Yet, by that very next morning, Peter would discover that he was not as strong as he thought he was as he heard the cock crow. I wonder if Saul, David, or Solomon ever felt the same way. If you met Saul the day after he was crowned king, and told him that one day he would try to murder an innocent man out of jealousy and turn to witchcraft, what do you imagine he would have said to you? Not I. I would never. If you told David the day after he killed Goliath that one day, he would commit adultery with one his most faithful servants wives and then have him killed to hide the sin, what would he have said to you? No, no, not I. I would never. If you told Solomon the day after he was blessed with great wisdom that one day he would allow idolatry and child sacrifice in his kingdom, what do you imagine he would have said to you? Not I. I would never. And yet, each of these men did what they never would have fathomed doing before. Hopefully this thought keeps all of us humble and vigilant. If a Saul, or a David, or a Solomon can fall, then a Brother Wilcox most certainly could. That thought should help to keep me away from tempting places and diligent in doing all those simple things that are meant to keep me strong and faithful.
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