33

1 Kings 17–22; 2 Kings 1–2

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
1 Kings 17–19. Elijah Showed the Lord’s Divine Powers before the Israelites Elijah sealed the heavens against rain, replenished a widow’s oil and flour, and raised her son from the dead (see 1 Kings 17). After a period of hiding, Elijah returned and challenged Ahab and the priests of Baal (see 1 Kings 18:1–24). In a contest with Baal’s prophets, Elijah called fire from heaven, which consumed his sacrifice (see 1 Kings 18:25–40). The sealing of the heavens was ended (see 1 Kings 18:41–46). Elijah fled to Mount Horeb to escape Jezebel’s wrath (see 1 Kings 19:1–14). The Lord gave final assignments to Elijah, and he called Elisha as his successor (see 1 Kings 19:15–21).	Religion 302 student manual, 5-1 through 5-22; 5-43 through 5-44. TPJS, pp. 337–38. What special powers did Elijah the prophet hold? TPJS, p. 172. What is significant about Elijah? DS, 2:100–106. Several events in the ministry of Elijah are reviewed. DS, 2:105. Why was Elijah’s challenge to the priests of Baal particularly fitting? Bruce R. McConkie, in CR, Apr. 1979, pp. 132–33. How might the incident with Elijah and the widow whose oil and meal did not waste relate to our time?
1 Kings 20–22. Ahab Sinned Against the Lord Until It Was Too Late Ben-hadad, king of Syria, waged war against Israel, but Israel prevailed by the power of the Lord (1 Kings 20:1–29). Ahab preserved the life of Ben-hadad, whom God had ordered slain, and greatly displeased the Lord (see 1 Kings 20:35–43). Ahab killed Naboth through the connivance of Jezebel and obtained the vineyard he had coveted (see 1 Kings 21:1–16). Through Elijah the prophet, the Lord condemned Ahab and Jezebel for their sins (see 1 Kings 21:17–29). Jehoshaphat and Ahab joined forces against Syria and requested Micaiah to prophesy their success (see 1 Kings 22:1–14). The two kings fought against Syria despite Micaiah’s counsel; Ahab disguised himself but was killed as Micaiah had prophesied (see 1 Kings 22:15–40). Jehoshaphat reigned righteously in Judah; Ahaziah, son of Ahab, ruled wickedly in Israel (see 1 Kings 22:41–53).	Religion 302 student manual, 5-23 through 5-31. Religion 301–2 instructor’s guide, Appendix A, 44–49. Exodus 20:17. “Thou shalt not covet … any thing that is thy neighbor’s.” Proverbs 10:25. What will befall the wicked? D&C 63:2–6. What has the Lord decreed against the wicked and the rebellious? 2 Kings 9:1–10:17. How was the prophecy in 1 Kings 21:17–29 fulfilled? (see also 1 Kings 22:34–38). DBY, pp. 306–7. Covetousness leads to sin, as in the case of Ahab and Naboth.
2 Kings 1–2. Elijah Completed His Mission and Was Translated King Ahaziah sought help from a heathen god; Elijah prophesied the king’s death (see 2 Kings 1). Ahaziah sent soldiers to get Elijah, but Elijah called fire from heaven to consume them (see 2 Kings 1:9–12). The third captain of fifty sent to Elijah humbled himself before the prophet and was preserved; Elijah went to Ahaziah, who died as prophesied (see 2 Kings 1:13–18). Elijah was translated, and his mantle fell upon Elisha, who was promised a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (see 2 Kings 2:1–13). Elisha performed miracles similar to those Elijah performed (see 2 Kings 2:14–25).	Religion 302 student manual, 5-32 through 5-42. Religion 301–2 instructor’s guide, Appendix A, 50. Deuteronomy 21:17. What was the right of the firstborn in Israel? How might this law relate to Elisha’s request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit? (See also Bible dictionary, s.v. “firstborn.”) TPJS, pp. 242–48. The gifts and powers of the Spirit are discussed (see also 2 Kings 2:9, 15). TPJS, pp. 170–71, 191. What is the doctrine of translation? Why have some individuals been translated? DS, 2:107, 110–11. What is one reason Elijah was translated?

Some Suggestions for Presentation

You are not expected to teach everything in the scripture content outline. Select those concepts that you feel will be the most helpful to your students.

The Mission of Elijah (Sections A, C)

Briefly review the manifestations of priesthood power in some of the miracles Elijah performed (sealing up the heavens against rain, causing the widow’s flour and oil to continually be replenished, raising the woman’s son from the dead, and calling down fire from heaven). Refer students to Matthew 16:19. Through the power of the priesthood men not only may perform miracles on earth but also may perform ordinances that are binding for eternity. Teach that Elijah was the last prophet in ancient Israel to hold the keys of the priesthood (see Doctrines of Salvation, 2:112–14).

Review the account of Elijah’s translation and discuss why he was translated (see Matthew 17:1–13; Doctrines of Salvation, 2:107, 110–11). Read Malachi’s statement that Elijah would be sent before the “great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Malachi 4:5), lest the earth be smitten with a curse. Indicate that Elijah’s appearance on the Mount of Transfiguration partly fulfilled this prophecy; the prophecy was completely fulfilled only in this dispensation. Read Joseph Smith—History 1:36–39 with the class and call attention to verse 37. Ask students what is meant by being left with “neither root nor branch” (JS—H 1:37). Explain that “roots” are ancestors and “branches” are posterity. To be left with neither is to be unsealed to either by priesthood power throughout all eternity. Teach the students that if the Saints fail to be sealed to both their progenitors and their posterity, the purposes of the earth will be utterly wasted (see Joseph F. Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:121–22). Read from Doctrines of Salvation, 2:154–55, to explain that Elijah was sent, according to Malachi’s prophecy, to fulfill the covenants God had made with the ancient patriarchs and prophets.

Conclude by discussing Elijah’s visit to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple on 3 April 1836 to restore the priesthood keys he held. Point out that these keys apply to both the living and the dead (see Doctrines of Salvation, 2:117). Point out that Latter-day Saints do genealogical research and build temples so that ordinances can be performed on earth in behalf of the dead. Elijah’s mission to restore the sealing keys of the Holy Priesthood made it possible for Saints, living and dead, to receive the fulness of the ordinances of salvation and exaltation.

The Folly of Wickedness (Sections A–C)

The lives of Ahab, Jezebel, and Ahaziah show that though the wicked may seek to hinder the Lord’s prophets, they cannot overthrow the Lord’s work; rather, they themselves are overthrown. Illustrate that fact by using the following examples.

Event	Lesson Taught
Elijah challenged the priests of Baal (see 1 Kings 18:17–39). Ahab destroyed Naboth to obtain his vineyard (see 1 Kings 21;22:34–39; 2 Kings 9:1–10:17). Ahab’s effort to subvert Micaiah’s prophecy was futile (see 1 Kings 22:1–40). Elijah called fire from heaven to consume soldiers (2 Kings 1:1–16).	God’s power is supreme, and he will support his righteous servants. Covetousness leads to greater sin. Those who sin and do not repent cannot escape the wrath of God. The Lord’s word through his prophets will be fulfilled, despite the efforts of the wicked. The wicked cannot destroy the Lord’s prophets before they have fulfilled their mission. The wicked will only bring judgments upon themselves.