Illustration of Noah leaving the ark, by Sam Lawlor

January 31–February 6

Genesis 6–11; Moses 8

“Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord”

Stories in the scriptures can often teach us multiple spiritual lessons. As you read about the Great Flood and the Tower of Babel, seek inspiration about how these accounts apply to you.

Record Your Impressions

Generations of Bible readers have been inspired by the story of Noah and the Flood. But we who live in the latter days have special reason to pay attention to it. When Jesus Christ taught how we should watch for His Second Coming, He said, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:41). In addition, phrases that describe Noah’s day, like “corrupt” and “filled with violence,” could just as easily be describing our time (Genesis 6:12–13; Moses 8:28). The story of the Tower of Babel also feels applicable to our day, with its description of pride followed by confusion and division among God’s children.

These ancient accounts are valuable not just because they show us that wickedness repeats itself throughout history. More important, they teach us what to do about it. Noah “found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Moses 8:27) despite the wickedness around him. And the families of Jared and his brother turned to the Lord and were led away from the wickedness in Babel (see Ether 1:33–43). If we wonder how to keep ourselves and our families safe during our own time of corruption and violence, the familiar stories in these chapters have much to teach us.

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Genesis 6; Moses 8

There is spiritual safety in following the Lord’s prophet.

Thanks to the restored gospel, we know a lot more about Noah than what is found in the Old Testament. Joseph Smith’s inspired translation of Genesis 6, found in Moses 8, reveals that Noah was one of God’s great prophets. He was ordained and sent forth to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, he walked and talked with God, and he was chosen to reestablish God’s children on the earth after the Flood (see also Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 104, 201). What do you learn about prophets from Noah’s experiences?

As you read about Noah’s day, you might notice similarities to our day. For example:

• Moses 8:18, 20–21, 23–24 (rejection of God’s servants)

• Moses 8:21 (complacency and worldliness)

• Moses 8:22 (evil imaginations and thoughts)

• Moses 8:28 (corruption and violence)

What are prophets teaching today about the gospel of Jesus Christ that could keep you safe in today’s world? As you read about Noah’s experiences, what inspires you to follow the Lord’s prophets today?

See also Mosiah 13:33; Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–7.

Genesis 9:8–17

Tokens or symbols help us remember our covenants with the Lord.

Gospel covenants can be represented by a sign, symbol, or “token” (Genesis 9:12). For example, think about how the bread and water of the sacrament or the waters of baptism bring to mind sacred truths related to your covenants. According to Genesis 9:8–17, what can a rainbow bring to your mind? What does Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 9:21–25 (in the Bible appendix) add to your understanding? Why does the Lord want you to remember Him and the covenants you have made?

See also Gerrit W. Gong, “Always Remember Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 108–11.

Genesis 11:1–9

The only way to reach heaven is by following Jesus Christ.

Ancient Babel, or Babylon, has long been used as a symbol for wickedness and worldliness (see Revelation 18:1–10; Doctrine and Covenants 133:14). As you study Genesis 11:1–9, ponder the insights provided by the prophet Mormon, who wrote that it was Satan “who put it into the hearts of the people to build a tower sufficiently high that they might get to heaven” (Helaman 6:28; see also verses 26–27). What warnings does the story of the Tower of Babel have for you?

See also Psalm 127:1.

Illustration of the Tower of Babel, by David Green

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Genesis 6–8.How might you use the story of Noah’s ark to teach your family how following the prophet can keep us spiritually safe? (see “Noah and His Family” in Old Testament Stories). Maybe your family could work together to build a simple toy boat out of paper or blocks. As you read Genesis 6–7, you could compare the safety provided by the boat to the safety we find in following the prophet. You may want to discuss recent counsel from the prophet and write his words of counsel on your boat.

What else has God given us that might be compared to the ark that saved Noah’s family? These resources suggest some answers, though there are many others: 2 Nephi 9:7–13; Doctrine and Covenants 115:5–6; and President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 113–14).

Moses 8:17.What does it mean for the Lord’s Spirit to “strive” with us? (see 1 Nephi 7:14; Doctrine and Covenants 1:33). When have we experienced the Spirit striving with us?

Genesis 9:8–17.Young children might enjoy drawing or coloring a rainbow while you talk about what it represents (see also Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 9:21–25 [in the Bible appendix]). You might also discuss things that help us remember our covenants, such as the sacrament, which helps us remember our baptismal covenant to follow Jesus Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79).

Genesis 11:1–9.It might be helpful to read Ether 1:33–43 as your family studies Genesis 11 and learns about the Tower of Babel. What do we learn from the families of Jared and his brother that can help our family find spiritual safety despite the wickedness in the world? What additional lessons do we learn from Noah and his family as they faced a similar challenge? (see Moses 8:13, 16–30).

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “Follow the Prophet,” Children’s Songbook, 110–11 (verse 3).

Improving Personal Study

Share your insights. When you share what you learn from the scriptures, you not only bless others but also deepen your own understanding. What do you feel inspired to share from the scriptures with your family, friends, or ward members?

Depiction of Noah’s ark, by Adam Klint Day