Ezekiel was a prophet in exile. Along with other Israelites, he had been captured and sent to Babylon. In Jerusalem, Ezekiel would have been a priest serving in the temple. In Babylon, he was among âthem of the captivity,â and he âsat where they satâ (Ezekiel 3:15), hundreds of miles from the beloved house of God and with little hope of returning. Then one day Ezekiel had a vision. He saw âthe glory of the Lordâ (Ezekiel 1:28)ânot back in the temple at Jerusalem but there in Babylon among the exiles. The wickedness in Jerusalem, he learned, had become so severe that Godâs presence was no longer there (see Ezekiel 8â11; 33:21).
And yet thereâs something hopeful about Ezekielâs message. Despite how far the covenant people had fallen, God had not totally abandoned them. If they would âhear the word of the Lordâ (Ezekiel 37:4), what was once dead could be revived. Their âstony heartâ could be replaced with âa new heartâ (Ezekiel 36:26). And in the future, the Lord would establish a new temple and a new Jerusalem, âand the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is thereâ (Ezekiel 48:35).
For an overview of the book of Ezekiel, see âEzekielâ in the Bible Dictionary.
Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church
Ezekiel 3 ; 34 — The Lord invites me to feed His sheep.
In Ezekiel 3 and 34, the Lord refers to leaders of His people as watchmen and shepherds. As you read these chapters, consider what these titles suggest about what it means to be a leader.
Who are the âsheepâ the Lord wants you to feed? What do you find in Ezekiel 34 that could help someone preparing to serve a mission, raising children, or fulfilling a ministering assignment? How can you follow the Saviorâs example as our shepherd? (see verses 11â31).
You might also ponder the symbolism you find in this chapter. What might the âgood pastureâ and âgood foldâ represent in verse 14? Whatâs the difference between a sheep who is âlostâ and one who is âdriven awayâ? (verse 16). What other symbols do you find?
âIf our ⊠sins be upon us,â the captive Israelites wondered, âhow should we then live?â (Ezekiel 33:10). In response, the Lord taught them about repentance and forgiveness. These questions might help you ponder what He taught:
What do you think it means to âtrust to [your] own righteousnessâ? (see Ezekiel 33:12â13).
What do you find in these verses that helps you understand what it means to repent? What additional insights do you find in Ezekiel 36:26â27 and Alma 7:14â16?
Ezekiel 37 — The Lord is gathering His people and giving them new life.
The gathering of Israel is portrayed in Ezekiel 37 through two symbols. As you read about the first oneâdead bones being restored to life (see verses 1â14)âponder what it suggests to you about gathering Israel on both sides of the veil (see also Ezekiel 36:24â30). Consider questions like these:
What is the Lord trying to accomplish through the gathering of Israel?
How is He accomplishing it?
You could ask yourself these same questions as you read about the second symbol, in verses 15â28. This symbol involves two sticks, which many scholars interpret as wooden writing boards joined by a hinge. The stick of Judah can represent the Bible (since much of the Bible was written by Judahâs descendants), and the stick of Joseph can represent the Book of Mormon (since Lehiâs family were descendants of Joseph of Egypt). With that in mind, what do these verses teach you about the role of the scriptures in the gathering of Israel?
Think about how the Bible and Book of Mormon have worked together in your lifeâin particular, to help you come to Christ. What passages have been especially meaningful to you?
Ezekiel 47:1â12 — I can find spiritual healing in the house of the Lord.
As you read Ezekiel 47:1â12, it might help to know that the Dead Sea is so salty that fish and plants canât live in it. What impresses you about the waters described in verses 1â12? (see also Revelation 22:1). What might these waters symbolize? What could the trees described in verse 12 represent?
What does Elder Dale G. Renlundâs message âFamily History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healingâ add to your understanding? (see Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 47â48). Ponder how you have found spiritual life and healing because of the temple.
01 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar , that the heavens were opened , and I saw visions of God.02 In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachinâs captivity,03 The word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was there upon him.04 ¶ And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself , and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.05 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures . And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.06 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.07 And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calfâs foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass .08 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.09 Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.010 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.011 Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.012 And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.013 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps : it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.014 And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.015 ¶ Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.016 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.017 When they went , they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went.018 As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.019 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.020 Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.021 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.022 And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal , stretched forth over their heads above.023 And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies.024 And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.025 And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.026 ¶ And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.027 And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.028 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord . And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
Ezekiel 3
01 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll , and go speak unto the house of Israel.02 So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.03 And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.04 ¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.05 For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel;06 Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee.07 But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted .08 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.09 As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.010 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears.011 And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord God ; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.012 Then the spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of the Lord from his place.013 I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing.014 So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the Lord was strong upon me.015 ¶ Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.016 And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,017 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.018 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die ; and thou givest him not warning , nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity ; but his blood will I require at thine hand.019 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.020 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness , and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.021 Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned ; also thou hast delivered thy soul.022 ¶ And the hand of the Lord was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain , and I will there talk with thee.023 Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the Lord stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face.024 Then the spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, Go, shut thyself within thine house.025 But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them:026 And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb , and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house.027 But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth , and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God ; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.
Ezekiel 33
01 Again the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,02 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman :03 If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people;04 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.05 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.06 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned ; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchmanâs hand.07 ¶ So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.08 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.09 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity ; but thou hast delivered thy soul.010 Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?011 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God , I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die , O house of Israel?012 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression : as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.013 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity , all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.014 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die ; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right;015 If the wicked restore the pledge , give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.016 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.017 ¶ Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal : but as for them, their way is not equal .018 When the righteous turneth from his righteousness , and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.019 But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.020 ¶ Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.021 ¶ And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month, that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten.022 Now the hand of the Lord was upon me in the evening, afore he that was escaped came; and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb .023 Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,024 Son of man, they that inhabit those wastes of the land of Israel speak, saying, Abraham was one, and he inherited the land: but we are many; the land is given us for inheritance.025 Wherefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God ; Ye eat with the blood , and lift up your eyes toward your idols, and shed blood: and shall ye possess the land?026 Ye stand upon your sword , ye work abomination, and ye defile every one his neighbourâs wife: and shall ye possess the land?027 Say thou thus unto them, Thus saith the Lord God ; As I live, surely they that are in the wastes shall fall by the sword , and him that is in the open field will I give to the beasts to be devoured, and they that be in the forts and in the caves shall die of the pestilence.028 For I will lay the land most desolate, and the pomp of her strength shall cease; and the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, that none shall pass through.029 Then shall they know that I am the Lord , when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed.030 ¶ Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord .031 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness .032 And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.033 And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.
Ezekiel 34
01 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,02 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?03 Ye eat the fat , and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.04 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick , neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.05 And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.06 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.07 ¶ Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord ;08 As I live, saith the Lord God , surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;09 Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord ;010 Thus saith the Lord God ; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.011 ¶ For thus saith the Lord God ; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.012 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep , and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.013 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land , and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.014 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.015 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God .016 I will seek that which was lost , and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick : but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment .017 And as for you, O my flock , thus saith the Lord God ; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle , between the rams and the he goats.018 Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet?019 And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet.020 ¶ Therefore thus saith the Lord God unto them; Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.021 Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;022 Therefore will I save my flock , and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle.023 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David ; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.024 And I the Lord will be their God , and my servant David a prince among them; I the Lord have spoken it.025 And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.026 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing .027 And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the Lord , when I have broken the bands of their yoke , and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them .028 And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely , and none shall make them afraid.029 And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.030 Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord God .031 And ye my flock , the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God .
Ezekiel 36
01 Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord :02 Thus saith the Lord God ; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession :03 Therefore prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord God ; Because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that ye might be a possession unto the residue of the heathen, and ye are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people:04 Therefore, ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord God ; Thus saith the Lord God to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers , and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes , and to the cities that are forsaken, which became a prey and derision to the residue of the heathen that are round about;05 Therefore thus saith the Lord God ; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea , which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.06 Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord God ; Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury, because ye have borne the shame of the heathen:07 Therefore thus saith the Lord God ; I have lifted up mine hand, Surely the heathen that are about you, they shall bear their shame.08 ¶ But ye, O mountains of Israel, ye shall shoot forth your branches , and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they are at hand to come.09 For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown:010 And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited , and the wastes shall be builded :011 And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates , and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the Lord .012 Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you, even my people Israel; and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance, and thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them of men.013 Thus saith the Lord God ; Because they say unto you, Thou land devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations;014 Therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nations any more, saith the Lord God .015 Neither will I cause men to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more, neither shalt thou cause thy nations to fall any more, saith the Lord God .016 ¶ Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,017 Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman.018 Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it:019 And I scattered them among the heathen , and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.020 And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the Lord , and are gone forth out of his land .021 ¶ But I had pity for mine holy name , which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.022 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God ; I do not this for your sakes , O house of Israel, but for mine holy nameâs sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.023 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen , which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord , saith the Lord God , when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.024 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land .025 ¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness , and from all your idols , will I cleanse you.026 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.027 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.028 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.029 I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn , and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.030 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.031 Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.032 Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord God , be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.033 Thus saith the Lord God ; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded.034 And the desolate land shall be tilled , whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by.035 And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced , and are inhabited.036 Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it.037 Thus saith the Lord God ; I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.038 As the holy flock , as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the Lord .
Ezekiel 37
01 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord , and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,02 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.03 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live ? And I answered, O Lord God , thou knowest.04 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord .05 Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:06 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord .07 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.08 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.09 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind , prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God ; Come from the four winds , O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.010 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.011 ¶ Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost : we are cut off for our parts.012 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God ; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves , and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel .013 And ye shall know that I am the Lord , when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,014 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord .015 ¶ The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,016 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick , and write upon it, For Judah , and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph , the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:017 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.018 ¶ And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?019 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God ; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph , which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.020 ¶ And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.021 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God ; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen , whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:022 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:023 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols , nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.024 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd : they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.025 And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their childrenâs children for ever : and my servant David shall be their prince for ever.026 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.027 My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God , and they shall be my people.028 And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.
Ezekiel 47
01 Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house , at the south side of the altar.02 Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.03 And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles.04 Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.05 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.06 ¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.07 Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.08 Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea : which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.09 And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.010 And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from En-gedi even unto En-eglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.011 But the miry places thereof and the marshes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.012 And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine .013 ¶ Thus saith the Lord God ; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions.014 And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another: concerning the which I lifted up mine hand to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall unto you for inheritance .015 And this shall be the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;016 Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazar-hatticon, which is by the coast of Hauran.017 And the border from the sea shall be Hazar-enan, the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath. And this is the north side.018 And the east side ye shall measure from Hauran, and from Damascus, and from Gilead, and from the land of Israel by Jordan, from the border unto the east sea. And this is the east side.019 And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife in Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And this is the south side southward.020 The west side also shall be the great sea from the border, till a man come over against Hamath. This is the west side.021 So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of Israel.022 ¶ And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.023 And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord God .
Ezekiel 48
01 Now these are the names of the tribes . From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazar-enan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east and west; a portion for Dan .02 And by the border of Dan, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Asher.03 And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Naphtali.04 And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Manasseh .05 And by the border of Manasseh, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Ephraim .06 And by the border of Ephraim, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Reuben.07 And by the border of Reuben, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Judah.08 ¶ And by the border of Judah, from the east side unto the west side, shall be the offering which ye shall offer of five and twenty thousand reeds in breadth, and in length as one of the other parts, from the east side unto the west side: and the sanctuary shall be in the midst of it.09 The oblation that ye shall offer unto the Lord shall be of five and twenty thousand in length, and of ten thousand in breadth.010 And for them, even for the priests, shall be this holy oblation; toward the north five and twenty thousand in length, and toward the west ten thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward the south five and twenty thousand in length: and the sanctuary of the Lord shall be in the midst thereof.011 It shall be for the priests that are sanctified of the sons of Zadok; which have kept my charge, which went not astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray.012 And this oblation of the land that is offered shall be unto them a thing most holy by the border of the Levites.013 And over against the border of the priests the Levites shall have five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length shall be five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.014 And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for it is holy unto the Lord .015 ¶ And the five thousand, that are left in the breadth over against the five and twenty thousand, shall be a profane place for the city, for dwelling, and for suburbs : and the city shall be in the midst thereof.016 And these shall be the measures thereof; the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred.017 And the suburbs of the city shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty, and toward the south two hundred and fifty, and toward the east two hundred and fifty, and toward the west two hundred and fifty.018 And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy portion shall be ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be over against the oblation of the holy portion; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city.019 And they that serve the city shall serve it out of all the tribes of Israel.020 All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city.021 ¶ And the residue shall be for the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy oblation, and of the possession of the city, over against the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and westward over against the five and twenty thousand toward the west border, over against the portions for the prince: and it shall be the holy oblation; and the sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst thereof.022 Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, being in the midst of that which is the princeâs, between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, shall be for the prince.023 As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side, Benjamin shall have a portion.024 And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side, Simeon shall have a portion.025 And by the border of Simeon, from the east side unto the west side, Issachar a portion.026 And by the border of Issachar, from the east side unto the west side, Zebulun a portion.027 And by the border of Zebulun, from the east side unto the west side, Gad a portion.028 And by the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall be even from Tamar unto the waters of strife in Kadesh, and to the river toward the great sea.029 This is the land which ye shall divide by lot unto the tribes of Israel for inheritance , and these are their portions, saith the Lord God .030 ¶ And these are the goings out of the city on the north side, four thousand and five hundred measures.031 And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben , one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi.032 And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates; and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan.033 And at the south side four thousand and five hundred measures: and three gates; one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun.034 At the west side four thousand and five hundred, with their three gates; one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali.035 It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there.
Ezekiel 8
01 And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord God fell there upon me.02 Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire : from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of amber.03 And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven , and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.04 And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain .05 ¶ Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry.06 He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations.07 ¶ And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall.08 Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door.09 And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here.010 So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed upon the wall round about.011 And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up.012 Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The Lord seeth us not; the Lord hath forsaken the earth.013 ¶ He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do.014 Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord âs house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz .015 ¶ Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these.016 And he brought me into the inner court of the Lord âs house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord , between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord , and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.017 ¶ Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose.018 Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.
We learned Gilly and Mary are friends from England. When Mary joined the Church, she lost her place to live. Gilly generously invited Mary to come live with her. Full of faith, Gilly says, âIâve never doubted the Lord is with me.â At conference, Gilly also had a joyful reunion with the sister missionary who taught her 47 years ago.
Jeff and his wife, Melissa, were attending general conference for his first time. Jeff played professional baseball (he was a catcher) and is now a physician anesthesiologist. He told me, âMuch to my surprise, I am moving toward baptism because it feels like the most authentic and honest way to live.â
Earlier, Melissa had apologized to Jeffâs assigned ministering brother, âJeff does not want âwhite shirtsâ in our house.â The ministering brother said, âIâll find a way.â Now he and Jeff are good friends. At Jeffâs baptism, I met a congregation of Latter-day Saints whom Jeff, Melissa, and their daughter, Charlotte, love.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we seek to minister to others as He would because lives are waiting to change.
When Peggy told me her husband, John, after 31 years of marriage, was going to be baptized, I asked what had changed.
Peggy said, âJohn and I were studying the New Testament Come, Follow Me, and John asked about Church doctrine.â
Peggy said, âLetâs invite the missionaries.â
John said, âNo missionariesâunless my friend can come.â Over 10 years, Johnâs ministering brother had become his trusted friend. (I thought, What if Johnâs ministering brother had stopped coming after one, two, or nine years?)
John listened. He read the Book of Mormon with real intent. When the missionaries invited John to be baptized, he said yes. Peggy said, âI fell off my chair and started to cry.â
John said, âI changed as I drew closer to the Lord.â Later, John and Peggy were sealed in the holy temple. Last December, John passed away at age 92. Peggy says, âJohn was always a good person, but he became different in a beautiful way after he was baptized.â
Sister Gong and I met Meb and Jenny by video during the COVID pandemic. (We met many wonderful couples and individuals by video during COVID, each prayerfully introduced by their stake president.)
Meb and Jenny humbly said concerns in their lives made them wonder if their temple marriage could be saved and, if so, how. They believed Jesus Christâs Atonement and their covenant commitments could help them.
Imagine my joy when Meb and Jenny received new temple recommends and returned together to the house of the Lord. Later Meb almost died. What a blessing Meb and Jenny have restored covenant relationships with the Lord and each other and feel the ministering love of many around them.
Everywhere I go, I gratefully learn from those who minister and care as our Savior would.
In Peru, Sister Gong and I met Salvador and his siblings. Salvador and his siblings are orphans. It was Salvadorâs birthday. The Church leaders and members who faithfully minister to this family inspire me. âPure religion and undefiled ⊠is this, To visit the fatherless and widows,â âsuccor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, ⊠strengthen the feeble knees.â
In Hong Kong, an elders quorum president modestly shares how their quorum consistently conducts 100-percent ministering interviews. âWe prayerfully organize companionships so everyone can care for someone and be cared for,â he says. âWe regularly ask each companionship about those for whom they minister. We do not check boxes; we minister to the ministers who care for our people.â
In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Bokolo shares how he and his family joined the Church in France. One day, as he was reading his patriarchal blessing, the Spirit inspired Brother Bokolo to return with his family to the DR Congo. Brother Bokolo knew they would face many challenges if they returned. And their church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was not yet established in Kinshasa.
Yet, in faith, as have many others, the Bokolos followed the Lordâs Spirit. In Kinshasa, they ministered to and blessed those around them, overcame challenges, received spiritual and temporal blessings. Today, they rejoice in having a house of the Lord in their country.
A convert was ministered to by personal example. As a young man, he said he spent his days lounging at the beach. One day, he said, âI saw an attractive girl in a modest swimsuit.â Amazed, he went to ask why such an attractive girl would wear such a modest swimsuit. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and asked with a smile, âWould you like to come to church Sunday?â He said yes.
Years ago, while we were on an assignment together, Elder L. Tom Perry shared how he and his companion regularly ministered to a sister who lived alone in a rough Boston neighborhood. When Elder Perry and his companion arrived, the sister cautiously directed, âSlide your temple recommends under the door.â Only after seeing the temple recommends would she unbolt multiple locks and open the door. Of course, I am not saying ministering companionships need temple recommends. But I love the thought that as those who honor covenants minister, homes unlock and hearts open.
Elder Perry also offered practical advice. He said, âGive companionships a reasonable number of assignments, prayerfully chosen, clustered geographically where appropriate so travel time is used well.â He would counsel, âStart with those who most need visits. Build from those most likely to welcome and respond well to visits.â He concluded, âFaithful consistency brings miracles.â
Higher and holier ministering comes when we pray for âthe pure love of Christâ and follow the Spirit. It also comes as elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies, under the bishopâs direction, oversee ministering efforts, including assigning ministering companionships. Please give our young men and young women needed opportunity to accompany and be mentored by experienced ministering brothers and sisters. And please let our young rising generation inspire ministering brother and sister companions.
In some places in the Church, we have a ministering gap. More say they are ministering than say they are being ministered to. We do not want checklist concern. But often we need more than a sincere hello in the hall or a casual âCan I help you?â in the parking lot. In many places, we can reach out, understand others where they are, and build relationships when we regularly visit members in their homes. Inspired invitations change lives. When invitations help us make and keep sacred covenants, we draw closer to the Lord and each other.
It is said that those who understand the true spirit of ministering do more than before, while those who do not understand do less. Letâs do more, as our Savior would. As our hymn says, it is âa blessing of duty and love.â
Ward councils, elders quorums, and Relief Societies, please hearken to the Good Shepherd and help Him âseek that which was lost, ⊠bring again that which was driven away, ⊠bind up that which was broken, ⊠strengthen that which was sick.â We may entertain âangels unawaresâ as we make room in His inn for all.
Inspired ministering blesses families and individuals; it also strengthens wards and branches. Think of your ward or branch as a spiritual ecosystem. In the spirit of the Book of Mormon allegory of the olive trees, the Lord of the vineyard and his servants bring forth precious fruit and strengthen each tree by binding together the strengths and weaknesses of all the trees. The Lord of the vineyard and his servants repeatedly ask, âWhat more can I do?â Together, they bless hearts and homes, wards and branches, through inspired, consistent ministering.
Ministeringâshepherdingâmakes our vineyard âone bodyââa sacred grove. Each tree in our grove is a living family tree. Roots and branches intertwine. Ministering blesses generations. When service is needed, wise bishops and elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies ask, âWho are the ministering brothers and sisters?â Ward councils and ministering interviews ask not only about challenges or problems but also look with eyes to see and rejoice in the Lordâs many tender mercies in our lives as we minister as He would.
Our Savior is our perfect example. Because He is good, He can go about doing good. He blesses the one and the 99. He is ministering personified. We become more like Jesus Christ when we do âunto ⊠the least of theseâ as we would unto Him, when we love our neighbor as ourselves, when we âlove one another; as I have loved you,â and when âwhosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.â
Jesus Christ ministers. Angels minister. Followers of Jesus Christ âminister one to another,â ârejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep,â âwatch over [and] ⊠nourish [the people] with things pertaining to righteousness,â âremember ⊠the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted,â let His name be known through our ministry. As we minister as He would, we witness His miracles, His blessings. We obtain âa more excellent ministry.â
We may tire physically. But in His service we do ânot weary in well-doing.â We diligently do our best, do not run faster than we have strength, but trust, as the Apostle Paul teaches, that âGod loveth a cheerful giver.â For God who âministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown.â In other words, God enriches âevery thing to all bountifulness.â They âwhich soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.â
Wherever we are in this Easter season, let us reach out and care as our Savior would, especially to those whom we are privileged by love and assignment to minister. In so doing, may we draw closer to Jesus Christ and each other, becoming more like Him and the followers of Jesus Christ He would have us each be. In His sacred name, Jesus Christ, amen.
Sister Gong and I joined together with Elder Enrique and Sister Ruth Falabella for this visit. Salvador and his siblings are now older than these earlier photos but are still part of a caring community of brothers and sisters who minister with faithful kindness.
This theme appears throughout Jacob 5, including in verses 17â18, 20, 24, 75. Verse 28 reminds us, âAnd it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard and the servant of the Lord of the vineyard did nourish all the fruit of the vineyardâ (emphasis added).
The Lord of the vineyard asks twice, âWhat could I have done more for my vineyard?â (Jacob 5:41, 49; emphasis added) and once, âWhat could I have done more in my vineyard?â (Jacob 5:47; emphasis added).
See Jacob 5:74: âAnd they became like unto one body; and the fruits were equalâ; see also, for example, 1Â Corinthians 12:12: âFor as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.â
The scriptures are replete with examples of how our Savior ministers. For example, amidst the pressing throng, He is present in the moment when the woman touches the hem of His garment, and He feels healing flow to her (see Mark 5:24â34). Or, with âno leisure so much as to eatâ (Mark 6:31), Jesus and His disciples are physically tired and seeking a place to rest. Yet, seeing the multitude without a shepherd, our Savior heals, teaches, feeds them. He gathers basketfuls of loaves and fishes afterward (see Mark 6:31â44).
1.Israel, Israel, God is calling, Calling thee from lands of woe. Babylon the great is falling; God shall all her towârs oâerthrow. Come to Zion, come to Zion Ere his floods of anger flow. Come to Zion, come to Zion Ere his floods of anger flow.
Verse
2.Israel, Israel, God is speaking. Hear your great Delivârerâs voice! Now a glorious morn is breaking For the people of his choice. Come to Zion, come to Zion, And within her walls rejoice. Come to Zion, come to Zion, And within her walls rejoice.
Verse
3.Israel, angels are descending From celestial worlds on high, And to man their powâr extending, That the Saints may homeward fly. Come to Zion, come to Zion, For your coming Lord is nigh. Come to Zion, come to Zion, For your coming Lord is nigh.
Verse
4.Israel! Israel! Canst thou linger Still in errorâs gloomy ways? Mark how judgmentâs pointing finger Justifies no vain delays. Come to Zion, come to Zion! Zionâs walls shall ring with praise. Come to Zion, come to Zion! Zionâs walls shall ring with praise.
The stories in the Bible date back thousands of years. They describe people, cultures, and situations that are often very different from ours today. And yet when we study the Bible, we find that much of it is familiar. We read about families who experience joy and conflict, individuals who hold on to their faith in the face of disappointment, and nations that experience wars and natural disasters. Most of all, we read about people seeking a connection to Godâand who find it through their faith and hope in Jesus Christ.
The Bible is the word of God. It contains writings by prophets and other inspired authors from the time of Adam and Eve to the days of the Apostles of Jesus Christ following His Resurrection. These writings include Godâs commandments, His covenants, His revelations, and His interactions with His children. The Bible has two parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the Old Testament, prophets testify of the coming of the Savior. The New Testament is a record of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we treasure and respect the Bible as the word of God. In the Bible, we learn the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which includes His commandments and teachings (see Doctrine and Covenants 42:12).
Jesus Christ is the focal point of the Bible. He is known by many names within its pages, such as Jehovah, Lord God, Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, Immanuel, and Lamb of God. His earthly mission was foretold by prophets in the Old Testament, and the New Testament gives eyewitness accounts of that mission (see Isaiah 9:6; John 20:31). The Bible testifies of Godâs love for us, manifested through Jesus Christ, who made it possible for us to receive forgiveness of our sins and return to live in Godâs presence. We can find comfort and guidance in studying the Bible as we strive to be disciples of Christ.
Things to think about
The Prophet Joseph Smith said of the Bible that âhe who reads it oftenest will like it best, and he who is acquainted with it, will know [Godâs] hand wherever he can see it.â How has the Bible strengthened your faith in Jesus Christ? What do you learn about God as you read it? Consider recording how you see His hand in the lives of those who lived in ancient times and how you have seen His hand in your life today.
When you seek wisdom or guidance, you can receive direction through Godâs word. You could read Proverbs 3:5â6; Jeremiah 29:12â13; John 14:23; Colossians 3:16; and James 1:5 for examples of how the Lord gives us guidance through the Bible. Then write down a few Bible verses that have blessed you with hope and direction.
Activities for learning with others
We can come to know the Savior by studying the Bible, which witnesses of Jesus Christ. Consider reading together Exodus 3:6â14; Matthew 3:13â17; and Luke 2:25â38 for examples of how the Bible testifies of the Savior. You could also watch a Bible video about the Saviorâs mortal ministry. Discuss what you learn from these accounts about Christâs divine mission. How do both the Old Testament and the New Testament testify that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer?
The fact that we have the Bible to study and learn from today is truly a miracle. Thanks to the Lord and courageous individuals in history, we can learn from this remarkable record, âwhich has turned menâs hearts for centuries, leading them to pray, to choose right paths, and to search to find their Savior.â This holy book helps us feel the Spirit of God.
Originally the Bible was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. But over the centuries and many revisions of the book, some plain and precious truths were lost (see 1Â Nephi 13:26â29; Articles of Faith 1:8). Because of this, God instructed the Prophet Joseph Smith to restore some of those truths in what is now called the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. The Prophetâs inspired translation demonstrates how important it is to the Lord that His children correctly understand the Bible and its teachings.
Things to think about
Godâs word has endured throughout the ages to bless His children, and His word is everlasting. You could read Isaiah 40:8; John 1:1; and 1Â Peter 1:25 to learn about the eternal nature of His word. What do these verses teach you about the gospel of Jesus Christ? How do they inspire you to increase your commitment to study the Bible?
Joseph Smith felt that making inspired revisions to the Bible was part of his calling as a prophet. While he had completed most of his translation of the Bible by 1833, he modified his work for publication up until his death in 1844. Consider reading the Joseph Smith Translation for Matthew 4:1â11; Matthew 18:11; and Mark 16:3â6. How do these revisions change your understanding of each passage? Why is it important to you that these truths were restored?
Activity for learning with others
Because of the Bible, âtens of millions of individuals have come to a faith in God and in Jesus Christ.â What brought the Bible forth to so many? In President M. Russell Ballardâs talk âThe Miracle of the Holy Bible,â you can learn about the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to bring us this sacred book of scripture. Or you may choose to watch a video about the Bible provided in the following languages:
After the video, you could share your feelings about those who helped make the Bible available to us today. How do their stories affect the way you think about and study the Bible?
Ancient prophets wrote the Book of Mormon for people in our day. As companion scripture with the Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ. Those who sincerely read and study the book will feel the Holy Ghost and find answers to many of lifeâs most important questions. By reading the Book of Mormon, people can learn for themselves that God lives, that He loves them, and that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth.
Modern prophets have frequently invited Church members to study the Book of Mormon regularly. For example, President Russell M. Nelson declared: âI promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisionsâevery day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life. I promise that as you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day.â
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is a book of holy scripture. It contains the writings of ancient prophets who lived in the Western Hemisphere. As the Prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God (see Doctrine and Covenants 135:3). Alongside the Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ and contains the fulness of the gospel (see Ezekiel 37:15â17; Doctrine and Covenants 20:8â9). The Book of Mormon also serves as evidence of Joseph Smithâs prophetic calling and the Restoration of the gospel.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints consider the Bible to be holy scripture. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament are witnesses of Jesus Christ and of His work to bring about the salvation of Godâs children. The Book of Mormon was written by prophets of God in the Americas and stands as another testament of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon includes âthe fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christâ and confirms to the world that accounts of Jesus Christ and His prophets as found in the Bible are true (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:8â12). Together with the Bible, the Book of Mormon helps people have a clearer understanding of Godâs plan and prepares them to follow Jesus Christ (see Ezekiel 37:15â17; 2Â Nephi 3:12).
The Book of Mormon is a great blessing to Godâs people today. It contains the words of Jesus Christ (see 2 Nephi 33:10). President Russell M. Nelson explained:
â[The Book of Mormon] contains the answers to lifeâs most compelling questions. It teaches the doctrine of Christ. It expands and clarifies many of the âplain and preciousâ [see 1Â Nephi 13:29â33] truths that were lost through centuries of time and numerous translations of the Bible.
âThe Book of Mormon provides the fullest and most authoritative understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be found anywhere. ⊠The full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is contained in the Book of Mormon. Period.â
Things to think about
Joseph Smith taught that the Book of Mormon is âthe keystone of our religionâ (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2011), 64). In architecture, a keystone is a wedge-shaped stone in the center of an arch, which keeps the other stones in place and prevents the arch from collapsing. Like an architectural keystone, the Book of Mormon is integral to our belief in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. How does your testimony of the Book of Mormon influence your testimony of other aspects of the gospel?
Activity for learning with others
The central message of the Book of Mormon is that Jesus is the Christ. Invite members of your group to read the title page of the Book of Mormon, paying special attention to the second paragraph. How does the title page emphasize the importance of the Book of Mormon? The following scriptures may also be helpful: 1Â Nephi 6:4; Jacob 1:7; Omni 1:26; 3Â Nephi 11:13â17; Moroni 10:32â33. Why is it important to help others understand that the purpose of the Book of Mormon is to testify that Jesus is the Christ?
The Book of Mormon was brought forth by the gift and power of God. The book was originally recorded by ancient American prophets on metal plates. For centuries, they lay buried near Joseph Smithâs home in upstate New York in the United States, until a heavenly messenger, Moroni, showed Joseph Smith where to find them. An instrument for translating the record, the Urim and Thummim, was also stored with the plates, along with other ancient artifacts (see Joseph SmithâHistory 1:30â35).
Although Joseph Smith was only 23 years old and had little formal education, he translated the Book of Mormon into English at a rate of about eight pages per day. He had no understanding of ancient languages, and he did not use any notes. He completed the entire translation of the book in about 85 days. When people asked how he was able to translate, Joseph said simply that it was done âby the gift and power of Godâ (title page of the Book of Mormon; see also Russell M. Nelson, âA Treasured Testament,â Ensign, July 1993).
The Book of Mormon was published in English just a few days before the organization of the Church in 1830 (see Church History Topics, âPrinting and Publishing the Book of Mormon,â Gospel Library). Today, the Book of Mormon has been translated into more than 100 languages and is used throughout the world.
Things to think about
Joseph Smith was commanded to guard the plates carefully. During the translation process, few people actually saw the plates. However, Joseph Smith was told to show the plates to a few of his close associates. These people became formally known as the âThree Witnessesâ and the âEight Witnesses.â You can read their testimonies in âThe Testimony of Three Witnessesâ and âThe Testimony of Eight Witnesses.â Why is it important to help others be aware of the experiences of the Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses? What might you do to share your own witness of the Book of Mormon with others?
Activity for learning with others
Though many people have wondered what the Book of Mormon translation process was like, Joseph Smith gave little specific information about it other than to say that it was translated âby the gift and power of Godâ (introduction to the Book of Mormon; Doctrine and Covenants 135:3). Invite your group members to read âBook of Mormon Translationâ in Church History Topics (Gospel Library). Ask them what insights they gained from the reading. Why do you think Joseph Smith emphasized âthe gift and power of Godâ when discussing the translation of the Book of Mormon?
Becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ is a lifelong process. Each of us is at a different place on the spiritual path back to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. But wherever you are on that path, the Book of Mormon can help you draw closer to Them. The word of God is full of converting power (see Alma 5:7; 31:5). The Book of Mormon can help you avoid worldly deception and lead you on the path to spiritual safety (see 1Â Nephi 15:24; Helaman 3:29â30).
Because of the importance of the Book of Mormon, the Lordâs servants have emphasized that all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should seek to know for themselves that the Book of Mormon is true. The introduction to the Book of Mormon states: âWe invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3â5.)â
Things to think about
Read the following statement by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: âI testify that one cannot come to full faith in this latter-day workâand thereby find the fullest measure of peace and comfort in these, our timesâuntil he or she embraces the divinity of the Book of Mormon and the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it testifies.â How has the Book of Mormon influenced your testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Activity for learning with others
The Book of Mormon is a divinely prepared conversion tool that has the power to change minds, hearts, and lives as we align ourselves with Jesus Christ and His teachings. Read the following statement by President Ezra Taft Benson with members of your group:
âThe Book of Mormon is the instrument that God designed to âsweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out [His] elect.â (Moses 7:62.) This sacred volume of scripture needs to become more central in our preaching, our teaching, and our missionary work. âŠ
âI challenge all of us to prayerfully consider steps that we can personally take to bring this new witness for Christ more fully into our own lives and into a world that so desperately needs it.â
What are some ways we can assist the Lord in His work by flooding the earth with the Book of Mormon?
Family relationships can be some of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences we encounter. Many of us have faced a fracture of some sort within our families. Such a fracture developed between two heroes of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in these latter days. Parley and Orson Pratt were brothers, early converts, and ordained Apostles. Each faced a trial of faith but came through with an unshakable testimony. Both sacrificed and contributed greatly for the cause of truth.
During the Nauvoo era, their relationship became strained, culminating in a heated, public confrontation in 1846. A deep and prolonged rift developed. Parley initially wrote to Orson to resolve the rift, but Orson did not reply. Parley gave up, feeling that correspondence was over forever, unless initiated by Orson.
Several years later, in March 1853, Orson learned about a project to publish a book on the descendants of William Pratt, the brothersâ earliest American ancestor. Orson began to weep âlike a little childâ as he glimpsed this treasure trove of family history. His heart melted, and he determined to repair the breach with his brother.
Orson wrote to Parley, âNow my dear brother, there are none among all the descendants of our Ancestor, Lieut[enant] William Pratt, who have so deep an interest in searching out his descendants as ourselves.â Orson was one of the first to understand that Latter-day Saints have an obligation to research and compile family histories so that we can perform vicarious ordinances for our ancestors. His letter continued: âWe know that the God of our fathers has had a hand in all this. ⊠I will beg pardon for having been so backward in writing to you. ⊠I hope you will forgive me.â Despite their unshakable testimonies, their love for their ancestors was the catalyst to heal a rift, mend a hurt, and seek and extend forgiveness.
When God directs us to do one thing, He often has many purposes in mind. Family history and temple work is not only for the dead but blesses the living as well. For Orson and Parley, it turned their hearts to each other. Family history and temple work provided the power to heal that which needed healing.
As Church members, we do have a divinely appointed responsibility to seek out our ancestors and compile family histories. This is far more than an encouraged hobby, because the ordinances of salvation are necessary for all of Godâs children. We are to identify our own ancestors who died without receiving the ordinances of salvation. We can perform the ordinances vicariously in temples, and our ancestors may choose to accept the ordinances. We are also encouraged to help ward and stake members with their family names. It is breathtakingly amazing that, through family history and temple work, we can help to redeem the dead.
But as we participate in family history and temple work today, we also lay claim to âhealingâ blessings promised by prophets and apostles. These blessings are also breathtakingly amazing because of their scope, specificity, and consequence in mortality. This long list includes these blessings:
Increased understanding of the Savior and His atoning sacrifice;
Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives;
Increased faith, so that conversion to the Savior becomes deep and abiding;
Increased ability and motivation to learn and repent because of an understanding of who we are, where we come from, and a clearer vision of where we are going;
Increased refining, sanctifying, and moderating influences in our hearts;
Increased joy through an increased ability to feel the love of the Lord;
Increased family blessings, no matter our current, past, or future family situation or how imperfect our family tree may be;
Increased love and appreciation for ancestors and living relatives, so we no longer feel alone;
Increased power to discern that which needs healing and thus, with the Lordâs help, serve others;
Increased protection from temptations and the intensifying influence of the adversary; and
Increased assistance to mend troubled, broken, or anxious hearts and make the wounded whole.
If you have prayed for any of these blessings, participate in family history and temple work. As you do so, your prayers will be answered. When ordinances are performed on behalf of the deceased, Godâs children on earth are healed. No wonder President Russell M. Nelson, in his first message as President of the Church, declared, âYour worship in the temple and your service there for your ancestors will bless you with increased personal revelation and peace and will fortify your commitment to stay on the covenant path.â
An earlier prophet also foresaw blessings for both the living and the dead. A heavenly messenger showed Ezekiel a vision of a temple with water gushing out of it. Ezekiel was told:
âThese waters issue out ⊠and go down into the desert, and go into the [dead] sea ⊠, [and] the waters shall be healed.
âAnd it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: ⊠for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.â
Two characteristics of the water are noteworthy. First, though the small stream had no tributaries, it grew into a mighty river, becoming wider and deeper the farther it flowed. Something similar happens with the blessings that flow from the temple as individuals are sealed as families. Meaningful growth occurs going backward and forward through the generations as sealing ordinances weld families together.
Second, the river renewed everything that it touched. The blessings of the temple likewise have a stunning capacity to heal. Temple blessings can heal hearts and lives and families.
Let me illustrate. In 1999 a young man named Todd collapsed from a ruptured blood vessel in his brain. Although Todd and his family were members of the Church, their activity had been sporadic, and none had experienced the blessings of the temple. On the last night of Toddâs life, his mother, Betty, sat at his bedside stroking his hand and said, âTodd, if you really do have to go, I promise Iâll see to it that your temple work gets done.â The next morning, Todd was declared brain dead. Surgeons transplanted Toddâs heart into my patient, a remarkable individual named Rod.
A few months after the transplant, Rod learned the identity of his heart donorâs family and began to correspond with them. About two years later, Toddâs mother, Betty, invited Rod to be present when she went to the temple for the first time. Rod and Betty first met in person in the celestial room of the St. George Utah Temple.
Sometime thereafter, Toddâs fatherâBettyâs husbandâdied. A couple of years later, Betty invited Rod to vicariously represent her deceased son in receiving his temple ordinances. Rod gratefully did so, and the proxy work culminated in a sealing room in the St. George Utah Temple. Betty was sealed to her deceased husband, kneeling across the altar from her grandson who served as proxy. Then, with tears streaming down her cheeks, she beckoned for Rod to join them at the altar. Rod knelt beside them, acting as proxy for her son, Todd, whose heart was still beating inside Rodâs chest. Rodâs heart donor, Todd, was then sealed to his parents for all eternity. Toddâs mother had kept the promise she made to her dying son years before.
But the story does not end there. Fifteen years after his heart transplant, Rod became engaged to be married and asked me to perform the sealing in the Provo Utah Temple. On the wedding day, I met with Rod and his marvelous bride, Kim, in a room adjacent to the sealing room, where their families and closest friends were waiting. After briefly visiting with Rod and Kim, I asked if they had any questions.
Rod said, âYes. My donor family is here and would love to meet you.â
I was caught off guard and asked, âYou mean theyâre here? Right now?â
Rod replied, âYes.â
I stepped around the corner and called the family out of the sealing room. Betty, her daughter, and her son-in-law joined us. Rod greeted Betty with a hug, thanked her for coming, and then introduced me to her. Rod said, âBetty, this is Elder Renlund. He was the doctor who took care of your sonâs heart for so many years.â She crossed the room and embraced me. And for the next several minutes, there were hugs and tears of joy all around.
After we regained our composure, we moved into the sealing room, where Rod and Kim were sealed for time and all eternity. Rod, Kim, Betty, and I can testify that heaven was very close, that there were others with us that day who had previously passed through the veil of mortality.
God, in His infinite capacity, seals and heals individuals and families despite tragedy, loss, and hardship. We sometimes compare the feelings we experience in temples as having caught a glimpse of heaven. That day in the Provo Utah Temple, this statement by C. S. Lewis resonated with me: â[Mortals] say of some temporal suffering, âNo future bliss can make up for it,â not knowing that Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into a glory. ⊠The Blessed will say, âWe have never lived anywhere except in Heaven.ââ
God will strengthen, help, and uphold us; and He will sanctify to us our deepest distress. When we gather our family histories and go to the temple on behalf of our ancestors, God fulfills many of these promised blessings simultaneously on both sides of the veil. Similarly, we are blessed when we help others in our wards and stakes do the same. Members who do not live close to a temple also receive these blessings by participating in family history work, collecting the names of their ancestors for temple ordinances to be performed.
President Russell M. Nelson, however, cautioned: âWe can be inspired all day long about temple and family history experiences others have had. But we must do something to actually experience the joy ourselves.â He continued, âI invite you to prayerfully consider what kind of sacrificeâpreferably a sacrifice of timeâyou can make [to] do more temple and family history work.â As you accept President Nelsonâs invitation, you will discover, gather, and connect your family. Additionally, blessings will flow to you and your family like the river spoken of by Ezekiel. You will find healing for that which needs healing.
Orson and Parley Pratt experienced the healing and sealing effects of family history and temple work early in this dispensation. Betty, her family, and Rod experienced it. You can too. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus Christ offers these blessings to all, both the dead and the living. Because of these blessings, we will find that we, metaphorically, âhave never lived anywhere except ⊠Heaven.â I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
See Parley P. Pratt to Orson Pratt, May 25, 1853, Orson Pratt Family Collection, Church History Library, Salt Lake City; in Terryl L. Givens and Matthew J. Grow, Parley P. Pratt: The Apostle Paul of Mormonism (2011), 319.
Orson Pratt to Parley P. Pratt, Mar. 10, 1853, Parley P. Pratt Collection, Church History Library, Salt Lake City; in Givens and Grow, Parley P. Pratt, 319.
Notably, not only did Orson Pratt help publish the book on the descendants of William Pratt, but some years later, in 1870, he and his family performed over 2,600 proxy baptisms in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City for the deceased individuals in the book (see Breck England, The Life and Thought of Orson Pratt [1985], 247).
See Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:312â13.
See âNames Submitted for Temple Ordinances,â First Presidency letter, Feb. 29, 2012. Ancestors whose names are submitted for proxy temple ordinances should be related to the submitter. Without exception, Church members must not submit names from any unauthorized group, such as celebrities and Jewish Holocaust victims.
While Ezekiel was in Babylonian captivity, he saw a vision and beheld Godâs glory. The Lord called Ezekiel to be a prophet and serve as a watchman for the house of Israel. The Lord later condemned some of the Israelitesâ leaders for not caring for the people as they should. He then compared Himself to a good shepherd who loves and protects His flock. The Lord promised that Israelâs enemies would one day be defeated and that His people would be restored to their land. Through a vision of dry bones being brought back to life, Ezekiel learned and prophesied of the restoration of the house of Israel. He prophesied of a time when the stick of Judah (representing the Bible) and the stick of Joseph (representing the Book of Mormon) would become one. Ezekiel also saw in vision a latter-day temple that will be built in Jerusalem.
Note: The citation of a source not published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not imply that it or its author is endorsed by the Church or represents the official position of the Church.
What is the book of Ezekiel?
The book of Ezekiel records the visions and prophecies of Ezekiel, a priest among the Israelites who were carried away to Babylon in about 597Â BC. He prophesied there from about 592 to 570Â BC. Ezekielâs ministry overlapped with those of other prophets, each called by the Lord to minister to different audiences: Jeremiah was called to warn the Israelites in Judah prior to the destruction of Jerusalem. Daniel prophesied within the royal courts of Babylon. And Lehi was commanded to leave Jerusalem and lead his family and others to âa promised land in the western hemisphere.â
The book of Ezekiel can be organized into the following sections:
Ezekiel 1â3: Ezekielâs vision of God in His glory and his call to be a watchman for Israel.
What do we know about the creatures described in Ezekielâs vision?
In his symbolic vision, Ezekiel saw four creatures, each with four facesâthat of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. He also saw four wheels that moved with the creatures. While some have attempted to explain what these figures represent, the full meaning of Ezekielâs vision has not been revealed to us by the Lord.
Most significantly, Ezekiel beheld âthe glory of the Lordâ on His throne. For Ezekiel, this vision likely deepened his understanding of Godâs majesty and provided assurance that the Lord could still be with the people, even though they had been exiled to Babylon.
Ezekiel is called âson of manâ over 90 times throughout the book. The original Hebrew phrase can also be translated as âson of a human.â The term seems to be emphasizing Ezekielâs mortality in contrast to the divine, eternal nature of God. âIt is not to be confused with the title âSon of Man,â which refers to Christ.â
Why might the Lord have commanded Ezekiel to eat a scroll?
In Ezekielâs vision, the Lord gave him a âroll of a book,â or a scroll, and commanded him to eat it. This symbolic act likely represented Ezekiel accepting and internalizing the Lordâs message. The scriptures record similar symbolic experiences involving other ancient prophets.
How are the Lordâs prophets like watchmen on a tower?
Ancient watchmen stood on a wall or in a tower so they could see threats coming from afar. The Lord compares His prophets to watchmen numerous times in the Old Testament. This is also true of the Lordâs prophets today. Elder Neil L. Andersen taught, âA prophet is a watchman on the tower, protecting us from spiritual dangers we may not see.â
What did the Lord teach Ezekiel about sin and forgiveness?
After calling Ezekiel to be a watchman, the Lord emphasized the prophetâs responsibility to warn the people to turn from their sins. The Lord spoke about the despair and complaints of the exiled Israelites, who felt that their sins were causing them to waste away without hope. The Lord assured them that He takes âno pleasure in the death of the wickedâ and that those who turned from their wickedness would live. He also explained that past righteousness does not excuse present sin, just as past wickedness will not condemn those who repent.
Commenting on these verses, Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught: âFar from being anxious to condemn, our Heavenly Father and our Savior seek our happiness and plead with us to repent, knowing full well that âwickedness never was [and never will be] happiness.â So Ezekiel and every prophet before and since, speaking the word of God out of a full heart, have warned all who will to turn away from Satan, the enemy of their souls, and âchoose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all menâ [2 Nephi 2:27].â
Who does the âone shepherd, ⊠even my servant Davidâ refer to?
Ezekiel 34 begins with the Lordâs rebuke of the leaders of Israel, whom He compared to shepherds who selfishly âfed themselves, and fed not [His] flock.â The Lord declared that He would deliver the people from these unfaithful shepherds and personally gather and care for His flock. He then promised that He would âset up one shepherd over them, ⊠even my servant David.â This does not refer to King David, who died about four centuries before Ezekielâs ministry. Rather, it is a reference to Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who was a descendant of David.
What does it mean that the Lordâs name was âprofaned among the heathenâ?
Through Ezekiel, the Lord reminded the people that their wickedness had defiled the promised land and that their exile had caused His name to be profaned among other âheathenâ (Gentile) nations. Many of these people saw that the Israelites were scattered and assumed that the Lord had abandoned or failed them. But the Lord promised that when He gathered Israel back to their lands, He would âsanctify [His] great name ⊠among the heathenâ and that âthe heathen shall know that [He is] the Lord.â
What did Ezekielâs vision of the valley of dry bones represent?
The Lord showed Ezekiel a vision of a valley filled with dry bones, which came to life at His command. He explained that the bones represented the house of Israel in their lost and hopeless state. The bones receiving new life can represent the house of Israel being restored to a new spiritual life. Ezekielâs vision can also be understood as a prophecy of the Resurrection of the dead.
The Lord used the symbolic act of joining two sticks to represent the future reunification of Israel and Judah into one nation under a single king.
The âsticksâ can also represent written records. A latter-day fulfillment of Ezekielâs prophecy is seen in the coming forth of the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The stick of Judah (the Bible) represents the record preserved primarily by the Jews, many of whom were of the tribe of Judah. The stick of Joseph (the Book of Mormon) represents the record kept by Lehi and his descendants, who were descendants of Joseph, Judahâs brother. The stick of Joseph is also called the stick of Ephraim because Ephraim was one of Josephâs sons and a dominant tribe among his descendants.
President Russell M. Nelson taught: âToday, Saints living in many nations of the earth gratefully hold the Bible (the stick of Judah) and the Book of Mormon (the stick of Ephraim) bound as one in their hands.â
When will the temple in Jerusalem that Ezekiel prophesied of be built?
The Prophet Joseph Smith prophesied, âJudah must return, Jerusalem must be rebuilt, and the temple, and water come out from under the temple, and the waters of the Dead Sea be healed [see Ezekiel 47:1â9]. It will take some time to rebuild the walls of the city and the temple, etc.; and all this must be done before the Son of Man will make His appearance.â
What is the meaning of the healing waters coming from the temple?
As a heavenly messenger brought Ezekiel to the door of the temple, the prophet beheld water flowing from underneath it. This water increased gradually as Ezekiel walked through it until it was too deep to be passed over. The water ultimately flowed from Jerusalem down into the Dead Sea, where it brought life and healing.
Teaching about the symbolism of this water, Elder Dale G. Renlund explained:
âTwo characteristics of the water are noteworthy. First, though the small stream had no tributaries, it grew into a mighty river, becoming wider and deeper the farther it flowed. Something similar happens with the blessings that flow from the temple as individuals are sealed as families. Meaningful growth occurs going backward and forward through the generations as sealing ordinances weld families together.
âSecond, the river renewed everything that it touched. The blessings of the temple likewise have a stunning capacity to heal. Temple blessings can heal hearts and lives and families.â
Watchmen on the tower
Neil L. Andersen, âThe Prophet of God,â Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 24â27
D. Todd Christofferson, âThe Voice of Warning,â Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 108â11
See Guide to the Scriptures, âEzekiel,â Gospel Library.
Guide to the Scriptures, âLehi, Father of Nephi,â Gospel Library. See also Guide to the Scriptures, âJeremiahâ; âDaniel,â Gospel Library; Gerald N. Lund, âEzekiel: Prophet of Judgment, Prophet of Promise,â in Isaiah and the Prophets: Inspired Voices from the Old Testament, ed. Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate Jr. (1984), 77.
See Ezekiel 1:10. The Apostle John saw a similar vision, as recorded in the book of Revelation. The Prophet Joseph Smith explained that the four beasts in Johnâs vision represented classes of beings (see Doctrine and Covenants 77:3). It is unclear whether the animals in Ezekielâs vision represent the same thing.
See Neil L. Andersen, âThe Prophet of God,â Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 25.
See Ezekiel 33:10. The Hebrew word translated as âpine awayâ in the King James Version can also mean to âputrefy,â ârot,â or âwaste awayâ (Tremper Longman III and Mark L. Strauss, eds., The Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words [2023], entry 4743, page 985).
D. Todd Christofferson, âThe Voice of Warning,â Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 108.
Ezekiel 34:8. See also verses 1â7. This was likely referring not only to Israelâs spiritual leaders but also to its kings, who were often compared to shepherds in ancient Near Eastern culture (see David Rolph Seely and Jo Ann H. Seely, âJesus the Messiah: Prophet, Priest and King,â in Approaching Holiness: Exploring the History and Teachings of the Old Testament, ed. Krystal V. L. Pierce and David Rolph Seely (2021), 32â33.
See John 10:1â18. See also Dana M. Pike, âJesus, the Great Shepherd-King,â in Celebrating Easter, ed. Thomas A. Wayment and Keith J. Wilson (2007), 75â78.
See Ezekiel 36:16â21. See also J. D. Douglas and Merrill C. Tenney, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary (2011), âheathen,â 586.
The fact that the bones were âvery dryâ seems to indicate that they had been there for a long time (see Kenneth L. Barker and others, NIV Study Bible: Fully Revised Edition [2020], 1437, note on Ezekiel 37:2).
See Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah: The First Coming of Christ (1978), 271.
See Ezekiel 37:15â22. See also Robert L. Millet, ââThe Most Correct Bookâ: Joseph Smithâs Appraisal,â in Living the Book of Mormon: Abiding by Its Precepts, ed. Gaye Strathearn and Charles Swift (2007), 56â57. This prophecy of a future king to rule over all of Israel will ultimately be fulfilled by Jesus Christ after His Second Coming (see Holzapfel and others, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament, 346).
Although it is not specifically mentioned in the text, scholars agree that the sea mentioned is the Dead Sea. Because the Dead Sea has no outlet and loses water through evaporation, salt builds up as much as 25 percent, making it so salty that fish canât survive. (See Radmacher and others, NKJV Study Bible [2018], 1238, note on Ezekiel 47:7â12. See also Ellis T. Rasmussen, A Latter-day Saint Commentary on the Old Testament [1993], 614.)
When the Savior commanded Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to preach His gospel, He promised them, âThe Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall sayâ (Doctrine and Covenants 100:8; see also Doctrine and Covenants 42:15â17; 50:17â22). The same promise applies to all those who teach the gospel, including you. As you teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, you can have the Holy Ghost with you to guide you and to testify of the truth to the minds and hearts of those you teach (see Doctrine and Covenants 8:2). You are not alone when you teach, for âit is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghostâ (Mark 13:11).
The Holy Ghost is the true teacher. No mortal teacher, no matter how skilled or experienced, can replace His role in witnessing of truth, testifying of Christ, and changing hearts. But all teachers can be instruments in helping Godâs children learn by the Spirit.
Prepare yourself spiritually.
Always be ready to respond to spiritual promptings about the needs of learners.
Create settings and opportunities for learners to be taught by the Holy Ghost.
Help learners seek, recognize, and act on personal revelation.
Bear testimony often, and invite learners to share their feelings, experiences, and testimonies.
To prepare for His ministry, the Savior spent 40 days in the wilderness âto be with Godâ (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 4:1 [in Matthew 4:1, footnote b]). But His spiritual preparation had begun long before. When Satan tempted Him, He was able to draw upon the âwords of lifeâ that He had treasured up for the âvery hourâ when He would need them (Doctrine and Covenants 84:85). Think about your own efforts to prepare yourself spiritually to teach. What do you learn from Matthew 4:1â11 about how you can follow the Saviorâs example in your spiritual preparation?
The Spirit is the real teacher and the true source of conversion. Powerful gospel teaching requires not just preparing a lesson but preparing yourself spiritually well before you begin to teach. If you are spiritually prepared, you will be better able to hear and follow the guidance of the Spirit as you teach. The way to invite the Holy Ghost into your teaching is to invite Him into your life. This includes diligently striving to follow the Saviorâs example and live His gospel with all your heart. And because none of us does this perfectly, it also means repenting each day.
Questions to Ponder: What does it mean to you to prepare yourself spiritually to teach? What do you feel inspired to do to improve the way you prepare yourself spiritually? How do you think spiritual preparation can make a difference in your teaching?
Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, had fallen at Jesusâs feet, begging Him to help his dying daughter. Jesus and His disciples were pressing their way through the crowded streets toward Jairusâs house when suddenly Jesus stopped. âWho touched me?â He asked. It seemed like an odd questionâin the press of people, who wasnât touching Him? But the Savior perceived that in that multitude, someone had approached Him with a specific need and with the faith to receive the healing He offered. There would still be time to visit Jairusâs daughter. But first He said to the woman who had touched His clothes, âDaughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peaceâ (see Luke 8:41â48).
As a teacher, you might sometimes find yourself in a rush to cover something you had prepared to teach. While that may be important, be sure that in your haste you donât unintentionally hurry past an urgent need of someone youâre teaching. In addition to the spiritual guidance you sought as you prepared to teach, seek also the Spiritâs guidance while you are teaching. Try to be aware of the needs, the questions, and the interests of learners. The Holy Ghost can help you discern how a learner is receiving or understanding something you have taught. He may prompt you, at times, to alter your plans. For example, you might be impressed to spend more time than you had intended on a topic or to leave some discussions for later in favor of something that is more important to learners now.
Questions to Ponder: When have you felt that a parent or other teacher was aware of your needs as a learner? Do those you teach know that you are more interested in their learning than in completing a lesson? How can you better communicate your interest?
It was difficult for many in Jesusâs time to understand who He really was, but there were plenty of opinions. âSome say that thou art John the Baptist,â His disciples reported, âsome, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.â But then Jesus asked a question that invited His disciples to set aside the opinions of others and look inside their own hearts: âWhom say ye that I am?â He wanted them to find their answer not from âflesh and bloodâ but directly from âmy Father which is in heaven.â It was this kind of witnessâpersonal revelation from the Holy Ghostâthat enabled Peter to declare, âThou art the Christ, the Son of the living Godâ (see Matthew 16:13â17).
To survive spiritually in the latter days, the people you teach will need a spiritual witness of the truth. You canât give it to them, but you can invite, encourage, inspire, and teach them to seek it. You can make clearâthrough your words and actionsâhow crucial the Holy Ghost is to gospel learning. Consider, for example, the learning environment you create and encourage. Something as simple as the arrangement of the chairs in a room or the way you greet and interact with learners sets a spiritual tone for the experience the learners will have. You can also invite learners to prepare themselves spiritually to learn, just as you prepare spiritually to teach. Ask them to take responsibility for the spirit they bring. And you can provide opportunities for them to feel the Spirit testify of Jesus Christ and His gospel. That witness will become a ârockâ for them, âand the gates of hell shall not prevail against [them]â (Matthew 16:18).
Questions to Ponder: What have you observed that contributes to a spiritual environment for learning the gospel? What detracts from it? What helps the people you teach learn from the Spirit? Think about the setting where you most often teach. How do you feel when you are there? How can you more effectively invite the Spirit to be present there?
As we teach, we can invite learners to seek their own spiritual witness of the truth.
The Lord wants to communicate with usâand He wants us to know that Heâs communicating with us. In 1829, a 22-year-old schoolteacher named Oliver Cowdery was learning about the bold, exciting doctrine that anyone can receive personal revelation. But he had questions similar to what many of us have asked: âIs the Lord really trying to speak to me? And how can I know what He is saying?â To answer these questions, Jesus Christ invited Oliver to think back on a private moment of spiritual searching. âDid I not speak peace to your mind?â He asked (see Doctrine and Covenants 6:21â24). Later, He taught Oliver about other ways the Spirit could speak to him (see Doctrine and Covenants 8:2â3; 9:7â9; see also Doctrine and Covenants 11:12â14).
Living in a world that is so often oblivious to spiritual things, we all need help recognizing the voice of the Spirit. We may have felt the Spirit without realizing it. And we all can learn more about how to seek the Spirit, recognize His influence, and act on the promptings He gives us. As you teach, help learners discover the ways the Spirit can communicateâand how He has communicated with them. One of the greatest gifts you can give as a teacher is to help those you teach progress in this lifelong pursuit of personal revelation.
Questions to Ponder: Why is it important to learn to receive personal revelation? Has someone ever helped you understand how to seek and recognize revelation? How can you encourage those you teach to seek, recognize, and act on revelation from the Holy Ghost?
During an especially tender moment of teaching and ministering, Jesus sought to comfort His friend Martha, whose brother had died. He shared with her a simple testimony of an eternal truth: âThy brother shall rise againâ (John 11:23). His witness prompted Martha to share her own testimony: âI know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last dayâ (John 11:24). Notice how this pattern repeats in John 11:25â27. What impresses you about the Saviorâs example? Why is sharing testimony of gospel truths such an important part of teaching?
Your testimony can have a powerful influence on those you teach. It doesnât need to be eloquent or lengthy. And it doesnât need to begin with âIâd like to bear my testimony.â Simply share what you know by the power of the Holy Ghost. A testimony of truth is most powerful when it is direct and heartfelt. Bear testimony often of the Savior, His gospel, and His power in your life, and encourage those you teach to do the same. And remember that sometimes the most powerful witness is borne not by the teacher but by a fellow learner.
Questions to Ponder: Look for examples in the scriptures that illustrate the powerful influence of someone bearing testimony. What do you learn from those examples? When have you been blessed by someoneâs testimony? How has sharing your testimony influenced those you teach? How has it influenced you?
1.I have a famâly here on earth. They are so good to me. I want to share my life with them through all eternity.
Verse
2.While I am in my early years, Iâll prepare most carefully, So I can marry in Godâs temple for eternity.
Chorus
Famâlies can be together forever Through Heavânly Fatherâs plan. I always want to be with my own family, And the Lord has shown me how I can. The Lord has shown me how I can.
Ezekiel 3:17 ; 33:1â5 — Prophets are like watchmen who warn us of danger.
Young children might enjoy doing actions that go with Ezekiel 3:17. For example, they could point to their eyes, ears, and mouth when you read the words âwatchman,â âhear,â and âmouth.â They might also like going on a hikeâoutdoors or just around the room. As they walk, warn them about things on the trail, like rivers to jump over, branches to duck under, or animals to avoid (real or pretend). This could lead to a conversation about how the Lordâs prophet warns us of dangers we cannot see.
Hereâs another way to illustrate Ezekiel 3:17; 33:1â5. One of your children could pretend to be a âwatchmanâ by looking out a window and telling everyone else what is happening outside. You could also watch the video âWatchman on the Towerâ (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How is our living prophet like a watchman for us?
Ezekiel 37:15â23 — The Bible and the Book of Mormon help âgatherâ us to Jesus Christ.
After reading Ezekiel 37:15â23 together, you and your children could find two sticks and write on one For Judah (Bible) and on the other For Joseph (Book of Mormon). You could then share stories or scriptures from the Bible and Book of Mormon that help you feel closer to the Savior and become â[His] peopleâ (verse 23). Why is it good to have both of these two books of scripture?
Donât try to cover everything. You may not be able to explore every truth in Ezekiel with your children. Prayerfully consider what they need to understand, and seek spiritual guidance to determine what to focus on. (See Teaching in the Saviorâs Way, 17.)
Ezekiel 47:1â12 — Our hearts and families can find healing in the house of the Lord.
Ezekiel 47 describes Ezekielâs vision of water flowing from the temple and healing the Dead Seaâa sea so salty that fish and plants cannot live in it. Maybe your children could each draw one or two objects from the vision, like a temple, a river, a desert, the Dead Sea, a multitude of fish, or a fruitful tree. Then, as you read verses 1â12 together, they could share their drawing when that object is mentioned. What blessings came from the river in this vision? Help the children see how these blessings are like the blessings the Savior offers those who keep temple covenants. The video âAnd the River Will Growâ (Gospel Library) can help.
You could also sing together a song that describes temple blessings, such as âFamilies Can Be Together Foreverâ (Childrenâs Songbook, 188). What does this song teach about how the Lord blesses us in His holy house?
For more, see this monthâs issue of the Friend magazine.
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