Seminary
Ether 7–11: “Surely This Thing Leadeth into Captivity”

“Ether 7–11: ‘Surely This Thing Leadeth into Captivity,’” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“Ether 7–11,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

Ether 7–11

“Surely This Thing Leadeth into Captivity”

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woman in jail cell

Because God loves us, He calls prophets to warn us of evil and encourage us to keep the commandments. The Jaredites did not hearken to a warning from the brother of Jared, and it resulted in difficult consequences for many generations. This lesson can help you feel the importance of following the Lord’s prophets.

Captivity

Look at the following image. What might this person be thinking or feeling?

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man in prison cell

Consider what previous choices may have gradually led to these circumstances and why this person may have made those choices.

Engaging in sinful behavior can lead people to spiritual and physical captivity.

Today you will study an account that will help you understand an important way to avoid spiritual captivity. As you study, pay attention to the promptings of the Spirit that can help you see how to apply what you learn to your own life.

“Surely this thing leadeth into captivity”

After the Jaredites arrived in the promised land, they faithfully served the Lord and multiplied and grew strong in the land (see Ether 6:17–18). As Jared and his brother neared the end of their lives, they gathered their people together to speak with them.

Read Ether 6:19–23, looking for what the people desired.

  • What warning did the brother of Jared give to the people in verse 23?

Imagine being there when this warning was given. Ponder how you would have responded in these circumstances. Think about what you know about God and His prophets and how this might have influenced your decision.

Warnings fulfilled

Despite the brother of Jared’s warning, the people still chose to have a king. After several of their sons refused, Jared’s son Orihah finally agreed to become king and reigned in righteousness throughout his life (see Ether 6:24–29; 7:1). However, the brother of Jared’s prophecy that having a king would lead to captivity was fulfilled many times throughout the history of the Jaredites.

Read the following passages, looking for examples of how the brother of Jared’s prophecy was fulfilled. You may want to list these references in your scriptures next to Ether 6:23.

  • What stood out to you from these verses?

  • What truth can we learn from this account about the consequences of rejecting the Lord’s prophets?

One truth we can learn from this account is that rejecting the Lord’s prophets can lead to captivity.

  • What are some examples of how someone might experience captivity through ignoring or rejecting the Lord’s prophets?

  • Why do you think people choose to ignore the counsel and warnings the Lord gives through His prophets?

Modern-day counsel from the Lord’s prophets

Find counsel or warnings from modern-day prophets and apostles. These could come from For the Strength of Youth (booklet, 2022), or from recent general conference addresses. See if you can find specific words or phrases that describe how we will be blessed as we follow this counsel, as well as consequences we can experience for ignoring it.

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icon, record

  1. Answer the following questions:

    • What warnings or counsel were you able to find?

    • What are some ways the Lord will bless us as we follow this counsel?

    • How might ignoring this counsel or these warnings lead someone to captivity?

Applying it to your life

Think about how you respond to the counsel and warnings of the Lord’s prophets, blessings you have received for following them, and counsel you might need to follow more faithfully.

Some may feel discouraged when they experience consequences for disregarding the Lord’s counsel and warnings through His prophets. But even when we have made mistakes, the Savior can deliver us from our captivity when we turn to Him. For example, read Ether 7:25–27, and notice what happened when the people repented and turned back to God.

  • What does this passage teach you about the Lord? (see also Mosiah 7:33).

To see an example of how someone experienced the Lord’s deliverance after experiencing spiritual captivity, consider watching “The Immediate Goodness of God,” found on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 3:37 to 6:33.

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In your study journal, write down what you have learned and felt today about following the Lord’s prophets. Record any spiritual impressions you have received and make a plan to act on them.