Lesson 92

Lesson 92: 2 Samuel 12:10–24:25

I. 2 Samuel 12:10–31  Nathan prophesies of the consequences of David’s sins

---Before class write the following phrases on the board:

Cheating on a homework assignment

Lying to parents

Refusing to forgive someone

---Invite students to read the phrases on the board aloud.

                ---What are some possible unforeseen consequences of making these choices?

---Who wants to recount the sinful choices King David made involving Bathsheba and Uriah.

---After the prophet Nathan taught the parable of the ewe lamb, he told David the consequences of his choices and actions. Look for principles as you study 2 Samuel 12–24 that can help you when you are tempted to sin.

2 Samuel 12:10–14 looking for the consequences of King David’s sinful choices.

---Mark these consequences in their scriptures.

                ---What consequences would result from David’s sins?

                ---What do you think the phrase “the sword shall never depart from thine house” means (verse 10)?

(the sword is symbolic of violence & war. For the rest of his life & reign, conflict and war would plague his family & kingdom.)

                ---Who else would be affected by David’s sins?

(People in his kingdom, including his wives and children.)

                ---What principle can we learn from these verses about the consequences of sin?

When we choose to sin, we may bring unforeseen and long-term consequences upon ourselves and others.

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

“It is a fundamental truth that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed. We can become virtuous and pure. However, sometimes our poor choices leave us with long-term consequences. One of the vital steps to complete repentance is to bear the short- and long-term consequences of our past sins.”

                ---What are some examples of poor choices that might result in unforeseen and long-term consequences both for us and for others?

---Summary of the rest of 2 Samuel 12:  As Nathan had prophesied, “The child born of [David and Bathsheba’s] illicit union did not live, but there is no reason to look upon that as ‘punishment’ of the child for the sins of the parents. Removal from this earth by the hand of the Lord must come at one time or another and can be a blessing to an individual, brought about for his best interest at whatever time the Lord sees it to be optimum.” . David and Bathsheba had another son, whom they named Solomon.

II. 2 Samuel 13–18  Turmoil and strife in David’s family lead to civil war

---2 Samuel 13–18 describes tragic events involving two of King David’s sons, Amnon and Absalom. These chapters also show the fulfillment of the prophesied consequences of David’s sins.

Three groups. Each group will be assigned to study a scripture block and to prepare to do the following (put ? on board):

1. Summarize the events described in these verses.

2. Explain the possible short-term consequences of Amnon’s or Absalom’s choices.

3. Explain what you think might have been some of the unforeseen or long-term consequences of Amnon’s or Absalom’s choices.

Group 1: Amnon

---Read 2 Samuel 13:1–18 aloud in your group, and look for the sin that Amnon committed against his half-sister Tamar.

Group 2: Absalom

---In 2 Samuel 13:1–20 we read that David’s son Amnon lusted after his half-sister Tamar. Using deception, Amnon raped her.

---Read 2 Samuel 13:21–39 aloud in your group, and look for how Tamar’s brother Absalom responded to what Amnon did to Tamar.

Group 3: Absalom

---In 2 Samuel 13–14 we read that David’s son Absalom conspired to have his half-brother Amnon killed because Amnon had raped Tamar, Absalom’s sister. Absalom fled to the land Geshur for three years before he returned to Jerusalem.

---Read the following verses aloud in your group, and look for what Absalom planned to do and what his actions led to: 2 Samuel 15:1–6, 10–17; 2 Samuel 16:20–22.

---Give students several minutes to read their assigned verses and discuss their responses to the instructions on the board.

FIRST GROUP

---Write the words love and lust on the board.

                ---Which word best describes Amnon’s behavior?

---Read 2 Samuel 13:4 silently, looking for how Amnon described his feelings toward Tamar.

---Report what you find.

                ---Why might some people mistake lust for love?

Brother Tad R. Callister, Sunday School general president, given while he was a member of the Presidency of the Seventy:

“Satan is the great counterfeiter. He tries to [present] lust as love. There is a simple test to detect the difference. Love is motivated by self-control, obedience to God’s moral laws, respect for others, and unselfishness. On the other hand, lust is motivated by disobedience, self-gratification, and lack of discipline.”

---How would you summarize the difference between love and lust?

2 Samuel 13:10–15 looking for evidence that Amnon lusted after Tamar rather than loved her.

                ---According to verses 12–13, how did Tamar respond to Amnon’s desire to lie with her?

                ---How did she try to persuade him not to commit sin?

---The word folly in this context means something that is morally wrong.

                ---Why do you think Amnon “would not hearken unto her voice” (verse 14)? What may have caused him to dismiss or ignore the consequences of his actions?

                ---How did yielding to lust affect Amnon’s attitude and actions toward Tamar?

Speaking of the need to bridle the passions and desires of the natural man, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

“The precise nature of the test of mortality … can be summarized in the following questions: Will my body rule over my spirit, or will my spirit rule over my body? Will I yield to the enticings of the natural man or to the eternal man? That, brothers and sisters, is the test. We are here on the earth to develop godlike qualities and to learn to bridle all of the passions of the flesh

---Write the following incomplete statement on the board: If we lust, then …

---Ask students to complete the principle on the board.

---Write their responses on the board. If students do not identify principles similar to the following, write them on the board as well.

---If we lust, then we lose the Spirit and may dismiss or ignore the consequences of our actions, and if we lust, then we lose the Spirit and our love and concern for others may diminish.

                ---Why do you think yielding to lust destroys our love and concern for others?

                ---What are some things we can do to avoid and resist lust?

VIDEO presentation—“Watch Your Step”

                ---Watch for the consequences of the choice to lust and the choice to remain morally pure.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught how we can avoid lustful desires:

“Let’s talk for a moment about how to guard against temptation. …

“Above all, start by separating yourself from people, materials, and circumstances that will harm you. … Like Joseph in the presence of Potiphar’s wife [see Genesis 39:1–13], just run—run as far away as you can get from whatever or whoever it is that beguiles you. …

“… Seek … help and welcome it. Talk to your bishop. Follow his counsel. Ask for a priesthood blessing. … Pray without ceasing. Ask for angels to help you.

“Along with filters on computers and a lock on affections, remember that the only real control in life is self-control. … If a TV show is indecent, turn it off. If a movie is crude, walk out. If an improper relationship is developing, sever it. Many of these influences, at least initially, may not technically be evil, but they can blunt our judgment, dull our spirituality, and lead to something that could be evil. …

“… Replace lewd thoughts with hopeful images and joyful memories. …

“Cultivate and be where the Spirit of the Lord is. Make sure that includes your own home or apartment, dictating the kind of art, music, and literature you keep there. … Go to the temple as often as your circumstances allow. Remember that the temple arms you ‘with [God’s] power, … [puts His] glory … round about [you], and [gives His] angels … charge over [you]’

SECOND GROUP

---What caused Absalom to hate his brother Amnon (see 2 Samuel 13:22)?

---Replace “lust” with “are angry” in the principles written on the board.

                ---How can anger cause us to ignore or dismiss the consequences of our actions? How can anger cause our love and concern for others to diminish?

---Replace angry with prideful in the principles written on the board.

THIRD GROUP

                ---How was Absalom’s conspiracy to become king a form of pride?

                ---How can pride cause us to ignore or dismiss the consequences of our actions? How can pride cause our love and concern for others to diminish?

---Summarize 2 Samuel 18: During the battle between Absalom’s supporters and King David’s men, Absalom became entangled in a tree. When Joab, the captain of King David’s army, found Absalom, he killed him.

2 Samuel 18:33 aloud looking for how David reacted to the death of his son.

                ---Despite Absalom’s rebellion, why do you think David wept over his son’s death?

                ---What effects did the choices of King David, Amnon, and Absalom have on their family?

--- testimony of the short- and long-term effects your choices have had on you and your family.

---Encourage students to make righteous choices that can bless them and their families both now and in the future.

---Provide students with copies of the following instructions, as well as pieces of paper they can use to record their responses. Explain that they will not be asked to share their responses with anyone.

---Consider both the positive and negative choices you are currently making and how those choices affect those around you, especially your family. Select one or two of your choices and answer the following questions:

                ---What effects might these choices be having on you and your family?

                ---What might be some of the long-term consequences of these choices and behaviors?

                ---As you make these choices, what changes could you make that could bless you and your family both now and in the future?

III. 2 Samuel 19–24  Insurrection, famine, and pestilence threaten David’s kingdom

---Summary of 2 Samuel 19–24: After Absalom’s death, David returned to Jerusalem. Another rebellion among the tribes of Israel was quickly put down by Joab, who led David’s army. Israel suffered a famine that lasted three years. King David displeased the Lord by counting the number of men in Judah and Israel who could serve in the military. The scriptures do not explain why this numbering of the people was offensive, but it might have been representative of David’s trust in the strength of his army rather than in the power of God. To save the people from a plague, David offered sacrifices to the Lord.

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

“It is a fundamental truth that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed. We can become virtuous and pure. However, sometimes our poor choices leave us with long-term consequences. One of the vital steps to complete repentance is to bear the short- and long-term consequences of our past sins.”

---Summary of the rest of 2 Samuel 12:  As Nathan had prophesied, “The child born of [David and Bathsheba’s] illicit union did not live, but there is no reason to look upon that as ‘punishment’ of the child for the sins of the parents. Removal from this earth by the hand of the Lord must come at one time or another and can be a blessing to an individual, brought about for his best interest at whatever time the Lord sees it to be optimum.” . David and Bathsheba had another son, whom they named Solomon.

Speaking of the need to bridle the passions and desires of the natural man, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

“The precise nature of the test of mortality … can be summarized in the following questions: Will my body rule over my spirit, or will my spirit rule over my body? Will I yield to the enticings of the natural man or to the eternal man? That, brothers and sisters, is the test. We are here on the earth to develop godlike qualities and to learn to bridle all of the passions of the flesh

2 Samuel 13:1–18. “Come lie with me, my sister”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught how we can avoid lustful desires:

“Let’s talk for a moment about how to guard against temptation. …

“Above all, start by separating yourself from people, materials, and circumstances that will harm you. … Like Joseph in the presence of Potiphar’s wife [see Genesis 39:1–13], just run—run as far away as you can get from whatever or whoever it is that beguiles you. …

“… Seek … help and welcome it. Talk to your bishop. Follow his counsel. Ask for a priesthood blessing. … Pray without ceasing. Ask for angels to help you.

“Along with filters on computers and a lock on affections, remember that the only real control in life is self-control. … If a TV show is indecent, turn it off. If a movie is crude, walk out. If an improper relationship is developing, sever it. Many of these influences, at least initially, may not technically be evil, but they can blunt our judgment, dull our spirituality, and lead to something that could be evil. …

“… Replace lewd thoughts with hopeful images and joyful memories. …

“Cultivate and be where the Spirit of the Lord is. Make sure that includes your own home or apartment, dictating the kind of art, music, and literature you keep there. … Go to the temple as often as your circumstances allow. Remember that the temple arms you ‘with [God’s] power, … [puts His] glory … round about [you], and [gives His] angels … charge over [you]’

Brother Tad R. Callister, Sunday School general president, given while he was a member of the Presidency of the Seventy:

“Satan is the great counterfeiter. He tries to [present] lust as love. There is a simple test to detect the difference. Love is motivated by self-control, obedience to God’s moral laws, respect for others, and unselfishness. On the other hand, lust is motivated by disobedience, self-gratification, and lack of discipline”

---Summary of 2 Samuel 19–24: After Absalom’s death, David returned to Jerusalem. Another rebellion among the tribes of Israel was quickly put down by Joab, who led David’s army. Israel suffered a famine that lasted three years. King David displeased the Lord by counting the number of men in Judah and Israel who could serve in the military. The scriptures do not explain why this numbering of the people was offensive, but it might have been representative of David’s trust in the strength of his army rather than in the power of God. To save the people from a plague, David offered sacrifices to the Lord.

Group 1: Amnon

---Read 2 Samuel 13:1–18 aloud in your group, and look for the sin that Amnon committed against his half-sister Tamar.

Group 2: Absalom

---In 2 Samuel 13:1–20 we read that David’s son Amnon lusted after his half-sister Tamar. Using deception, Amnon raped her.

---Read 2 Samuel 13:21–39 aloud in your group, and look for how Tamar’s brother Absalom responded to what Amnon did to Tamar.

Group 3: Absalom

---In 2 Samuel 13–14 we read that David’s son Absalom conspired to have his half-brother Amnon killed because Amnon had raped Tamar, Absalom’s sister. Absalom fled to the land Geshur for three years before he returned to Jerusalem.

---Read the following verses aloud in your group, and look for what Absalom planned to do and what his actions led to: 2 Samuel 15:1–6, 10–17; 2 Samuel 16:20–22.

---Consider both the positive and negative choices you are currently making and how those choices affect those around you, especially your family. Select one or two of your choices and answer the following questions:

                ---What effects might these choices be having on you and your family?

                ---What might be some of the long-term consequences of these choices and behaviors?

                ---As you make these choices, what changes could you make that could bless you and your family both now and in the future?

---Consider both the positive and negative choices you are currently making and how those choices affect those around you, especially your family. Select one or two of your choices and answer the following questions:

                ---What effects might these choices be having on you and your family?

                ---What might be some of the long-term consequences of these choices and behaviors?

                ---As you make these choices, what changes could you make that could bless you and your family both now and in the future?

---Consider both the positive and negative choices you are currently making and how those choices affect those around you, especially your family. Select one or two of your choices and answer the following questions:

                ---What effects might these choices be having on you and your family?

                ---What might be some of the long-term consequences of these choices and behaviors?

                ---As you make these choices, what changes could you make that could bless you and your family both now and in the future?

---Consider both the positive and negative choices you are currently making and how those choices affect those around you, especially your family. Select one or two of your choices and answer the following questions:

                ---What effects might these choices be having on you and your family?

                ---What might be some of the long-term consequences of these choices and behaviors?

                ---As you make these choices, what changes could you make that could bless you and your family both now and in the future?

---Consider both the positive and negative choices you are currently making and how those choices affect those around you, especially your family. Select one or two of your choices and answer the following questions:

                ---What effects might these choices be having on you and your family?

                ---What might be some of the long-term consequences of these choices and behaviors?

                ---As you make these choices, what changes could you make that could bless you and your family both now and in the future?

---Consider both the positive and negative choices you are currently making and how those choices affect those around you, especially your family. Select one or two of your choices and answer the following questions:

                ---What effects might these choices be having on you and your family?

                ---What might be some of the long-term consequences of these choices and behaviors?

                ---As you make these choices, what changes could you make that could bless you and your family both now and in the future?

88 & 89 combined for 1-21 scripture dig

Everyone:  Name some poor choices that people could make because of anger or jealousy.

---As you study 1 Samuel 18, you will learn principles that will help them better understand the dangers of anger and jealousy and help them know how to respond when others are angry or jealous.

---Summary of 1 Samuel 18:1–5: After David defeated Goliath, he became close friends with Saul’s son Jonathan. Saul set David over the army. Jonathan could have been jealous of David’s success, but he instead rejoiced. When Jonathan gave his clothing and weapons to David, he was showing his friendship and his support of David becoming the next king.

1.

---Read 1 Samuel 18:6–9 and look for how Saul felt about David’s success.

                ---How did Saul respond to David’s success and recognition in battle?

---The phrase “Saul eyed David from that day and forward” in verse 9, and explain that it refers to Saul’s growing jealousy and anger toward David.

---Read 1 Samuel 18:10–11 looking for what Saul did because of his jealousy and anger toward David.

---Remember that the Joseph Smith Translation changes the phrase “the evil spirit from God” to “the evil spirit which was not of God.”

                ---According to verse 11, what did Saul do because of his jealousy and anger toward David?

                ---Based on this account, what happens to us when we allow ourselves to be jealous and angry?

When we are jealous and angry, we allow_____________________________________________________________.

                ---Why do you think jealousy and anger allow the influence of the adversary into our lives?

VIDEO CLIP Avoid Envy

2.

---Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:

“There are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other. … The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.”

                ---What reasons did Elder Holland give for why we should not feel envious when others receive blessings?

---Remember to strive to avoid jealousy when others receive a blessing or some other recognition but instead to be excited for others’ blessings or achievements.

---Read 1 Samuel 18:12–16 looking for how David behaved in response to Saul’s jealousy and anger.

                ---What do you think it means to behave wisely?

---Read Alma 37:35 looking for what Alma taught his son about being wise.

                ---Based on what Alma told his son, what does it mean to behave wisely?

                ---What does the phrase “behaved himself wisely in all his ways” in 1 Samuel 18:14 tell us about David?

                ---What can we learn about behaving wisely from this account about David?

As we behave wisely, we invite ______________________________________________________________________________.

                ---When have you seen someone behave wisely in a difficult situation? What lessons did you learn?

                ---What can you do to behave wisely in your everyday life? Give specific examples.

---Summary of 1 Samuel 18:17–27: Saul devised a plan to have David killed. He offered one of his daughters for David to marry if David would kill one hundred Philistines. Saul hoped that David would be killed in battle, but David was victorious and married Saul’s daughter Michal.

---What differences do you see in the choices Saul and David made in 1 Samuel 18:28–30?

3.

---What would you do if someone was chasing you and trying to harm you?

---Summary of 1 Samuel 19:1–17: Saul commanded his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. Jonathan informed David of his father’s plans and persuaded Saul to promise not to kill David. However, after David returned victorious from another battle with the Philistines, Saul’s jealousy returned and he tried repeatedly to kill David.

---Read 1 Samuel 19:18 looking for whom David fled to for help.

                ---Why do you think it was wise for David to flee there?

---Summary of 1 Samuel 19:19–24: When Saul found out David was with the prophet Samuel, he attempted to capture David. However, because of the Lord’s influence, Saul was unable to take him.

---In 1 Samuel 20 we learn that after David left the prophet Samuel, David met with Jonathan and they made a covenant of friendship. Jonathan covenanted to warn David of danger from his father and David covenanted to watch over Jonathan’s family, including his posterity. David decided to hide from the king the next day instead of eating with him, and he requested Jonathan’s help in discovering Saul’s plot against him. When Saul did not see David at his table the next day, he became angry and told Jonathan that if David was allowed to live then Jonathan would never be king. Jonathan sent a message to David to flee for safety.

---Read the chapter headings for 1 Samuel 21–22 looking for whom David fled to for safety and what Saul did to those who helped David.

4.

---Imagine the following scenario:

You are being continually ridiculed and belittled by a peer at school. This peer also tries to turn your friends against you. One day, you discover a way to get revenge or retaliate.

                ---How should you respond to the opportunity to get revenge? Why?

---Look for a principle as you study 1 Samuel 23–24 that can guide you when you are tempted to retaliate against others.

---Summary of 1 Samuel 23: When Saul discovered David’s location, he again sent his men to capture David. These men pursued David into the wilderness. While in the wilderness, Jonathan found David and encouraged him in his ordeal. While chasing David, Saul learned that the Philistines had again invaded his land, and he returned home to fight the Philistines.

---Read 1 Samuel 24:1–3 looking for the situation David found himself in when Saul resumed his pursuit.

                ---What situation did David find himself in?

                ---How might you have felt if you had been in David’s position and realized that the man who had been trying to kill you was vulnerable and in the cave where you were hiding?

---Read 1 Samuel 24:4–7 looking for what David did to Saul.

                ---What did David do to Saul?

Cutting off the skirt of Saul’s robe meant that David cut off the border of Saul’s robe that symbolized Saul’s authority. It also showed that David had been close enough to Saul to harm him, but he had chosen not to.

                ---Why didn’t David kill Saul? (If you need help, see verse 6.)

                ---If you had been in Saul’s position, how might you have felt when you found out that David had spared your life?

---Read 1 Samuel 24:8–15 looking for why David said he would not kill Saul. Then discuss the following questions:

                ---Who did David say was the judge between him and Saul?

                ---What does David’s remark that he would not stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed (see verses 6 and 10) teach us about David?

---What principle can we learn from David about not seeking revenge against those who have hurt us?

Because the Lord is a perfect judge, we do not need _________________________________________________.

---Consider how this principle might help someone know what to do when they have a chance to retaliate against someone who has hurt them.

                ---What might be the danger in our trying to judge others?

---Remember to let the Lord be the judge in situations when others hurt you and to not seek revenge. Pray for help to overcome any desires to seek revenge you may have.

Note: Seeking revenge is different from seeking justice. Letting the Lord be the judge does not mean you should not seek help when it is needed. For example, victims of any type of abuse should still seek help from parents and priesthood leaders as needed.

Everyone together:

Demonstration

                ---How might the effect of the first domino falling relate to the good choices we make in our lives?

---Look for a principle as you study 1 Samuel 25 that relates to the effects your good choices have on the people around you.

Summary of 1 Samuel 25–31: Samuel the prophet died and all the Israelites gathered to mourn his loss. After Samuel’s funeral, David and his men went into the wilderness. While fleeing from Saul, David’s men sought supplies from a wealthy man named Nabal. Nabal, who was described as being “rude, rough, [or] hard,” insulted David’s men and refused to help them. One of Nabal’s servants told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, how her husband had mistreated David’s men. The servant also told Abigail how David and his men had provided protection to Nabal’s servants and had never tried to take any of Nabal’s animals. David intended to slay Nabal and his servants, but Nabal’s wife, Abigail, interceded. When Abigail found David in the wilderness, she bowed before him and humbly asked him to spare her household despite the iniquities of her husband. She calmed David, who spared Nabal’s life. Nabal died shortly after he found out that Abigail had made peace with David. After Nabal’s death, David sent for Abigail and the two were married.

5.

---What principle does this account illustrate about the potential influence of one person’s righteous choice?

Our righteous choices can bless not only us but also _________________________________________________.

---How does Abigail’s action relate to the effect the first domino had on the other dominoes?

---Think about a time when you were blessed because one of your peers made a righteous choice.

---Remember to make righteous choices and to look for blessings that come to others because of those righteous choices.

---Summary of 1 Samuel 26–27: King Saul took 3,000 men into the wilderness to find and kill David. When Saul and his men were asleep in their camp one night, David and one of his servants went to where Saul was sleeping. David’s servant wanted to kill Saul, but David refused. Later, when King Saul discovered that David had spared his life again, he said he would no longer seek David’s life. David did not believe Saul, so he moved his family to live among the Philistines.

When Saul was unable to receive guidance from the Lord, he sought help from the witch of Endor. The Amalekites attacked the Philistine kingdom where David had fled, but David’s army repelled the attack. Three of Saul’s sons were killed in battle with the Philistines, and Saul took his own life.

Another demonstration:

---Earlier you discussed how these dominoes could illustrate the effects of righteous choices.

                ---How might the effect of these dominoes represent poor choices?

---As you study 1 Samuel 28, look for a principle that relates to the effects our poor choices can have.

---In 1 Samuel 28:1–5 we learn that the king of the Philistines wanted David to go with him to war against Israel.

---Read 1 Samuel 28:5–6 aloud and look for how Saul felt when he saw the Philistines and what happened when he asked the Lord for help.

                ---Why do you think the Lord did not answer Saul?

                ---Why can our disobedience make it difficult to receive personal revelation and answers to our prayers?

                ---What can we learn from this account about what happens to us when we disobey God

When we willfully disobey God, _________________________________________________________________.

6.

---What major decisions will you have to make in the next few years?

                ---Why might it be important for you to have God’s strength and guidance in your life as you face those decisions?

                ---If you had been one of King Saul’s advisers, what would you have told him he should do to receive answers to his prayers?

Instead of being obedient to the Lord and continuing to seek and strive to be worthy of revelation, Saul chose to turn to wicked sources. By seeking out the woman from Endor, Saul broke God’s command not to turn to those with familiar spirits. The phrase “hath got a familiar spirit” in verse 7 refers to a person who claimed to be able to speak with the dead.

---Summary of 1 Samuel 28:11–25: The woman Saul went to see claimed that she had called the prophet Samuel from the dead to speak to Saul. She told Saul that he and his sons would be killed the next day in battle with the Philistines. Despite what she said, it is not possible for a person like this woman to be able to summon the spirits of the Lord’s departed servants. She either pretended to see Samuel or was under the influence of evil powers when she delivered her message to Saul.

From Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith Jr.:

“It is beyond rational belief that such persons could at any period in ancient or modern times, invoke the spirits of departed servants or handmaidens of the Lord. They are not at the beck and call of witches, wizards, diviners, or necromancers. Pitiable indeed would be the condition of spirits in paradise if they were under any such control. They would not be at rest, nor be able to enjoy that liberty from the troubles and labors of earthly life which is essential to their happiness, but be in a condition of bondage, subject to the will and whims of persons who know not God and whose lives and aims are of the earth, earthy”

---Refer back to the list of major decisions you made.

                ---What are some of the positive consequences that might come from making righteous decisions?

---What are some of the negative consequences that might come from making unrighteous decisions?

---Summary of 1 Samuel 29:1–11; 30:1–3: David and his men were with the armies of the Philistines as they went to fight the Israelites. Several Philistine leaders did not want David and his men in the battle, so the king commanded David and his men to return to the land of the Philistines. When they returned, they found that their city had been destroyed by the Amalekites and that their families had been taken captive.

---Read 1 Samuel 30:4

---How did David and his men responded?

---Read 1 Samuel 30:6–8 looking for what David did during this time of tragedy. The phrase “encouraged himself in the Lord his God” meant that he trusted in the Lord (see verse 6, footnote a). The breastplate of the high priest, which held the Urim and Thummim, was attached to the ephod (part of the dress of the high priest; see Exodus 28:26–30). These were divinely approved instruments of revelation. David had asked the high priest to bring the ephod so David could inquire of the Lord through the Urim and Thummim.

                ---Why do you think David was blessed with the Lord’s direction but King Saul was not?

                ---What principle can this account teach us about inviting the Lord to direct our lives

When we are faithful, we invite ____________________________________________________________________.

---Think of a time when you have felt that the Lord directed their lives.

---Summary of 1 Samuel 30:9–31; 31:1–13: David and his army conquered the Amalekites and rescued their families. David then shared the enemy’s supplies with his people. In the meantime, the Philistines went to battle against the Israelites. Three of Saul’s sons were killed. Saul was badly wounded, and when he feared he would be killed in battle by the Philistines, he took his own life.

---Consider what effect the choices you are making now will have on you and the people around you. Make righteous choices so you can be directed by the Lord.

VIDEO CLIP: Finding Your Purpose in Life: Does Faith Matter? (5:08)