Institute
Lesson 6: Genesis 18–23

“Lesson 6: Genesis 18–23,” Old Testament Instructor’s Guide, Religion 301–2 (1994), 11–12

“Genesis 18–23,” Old Testament Instructor’s Guide, 11–12

6

Genesis 18–23

Scripture Content Outline

Supplementary Study Sources

  1. Genesis 18:1–19; 21:1–21. Abraham Received Isaac, His Promised Son

    1. Messengers from the Lord prophesied of the birth of Isaac (see Genesis 18:1–19; JST, Genesis 18:3, 9, 13–14, 16–18).

    2. Isaac was born (see Genesis 21:1–8; JST, Genesis 21:1–2, 5–7).

    3. Though Isaac was given the birthright, Ishmael was given great blessings and promises (see Genesis 21:9–21).

Religion 301 student manual, 6-2 through 6-5.

Hebrews 11:9. Isaac was named heir to what promise?

Hebrews 11:18. Paul gives his testimony of the birthright of Isaac.

Spencer W. Kimball, in CR, Oct. 1973, pp. 148–49. The Lord’s promises are fulfilled.

Spencer W. Kimball, “When Will the World Be Converted?” Ensign, Oct. 1974, p. 7. Is anything too hard for the Lord?

  1. Genesis 18:20–19:38. Sodom and Gomorrah Were Destroyed

    1. Abraham besought the Lord to refrain from destroying Sodom (see Genesis 18:20–33; JST, Genesis 18:19–42).

    2. Lot’s household was miraculously preserved (see Genesis 19:1–11; JST, Genesis 19:9–15).

    3. Lot was warned, so he fled with his wife and daughters to safety (see Genesis 19:12–23; JST, Genesis 9:18–20).

    4. The cities were destroyed through the power of the priesthood (see Genesis 19:24–29; JST, Genesis 19:31).

    5. Through the wickedness of Lot’s daughters, two nations were established as descendants of Lot (see Genesis 19:30–38; JST, Genesis 19:35, 37, 39).

Religion 301 student manual, 6-6 through 6-9.

2 Peter 2:6; Jude 1:7. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is an example to whom?

DS, 3:39. Why did the Lord destroy these wicked cities?

MF, pp. 78, 136. What was one of the most serious sins of Sodom and Gomorrah? Why were these cities not preserved from destruction?

Spencer W. Kimball, in CR, Apr. 1975, pp. 161–62. Why were Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed? How similar to theirs are the circumstances of people today?

Marion G. Romney, in CR, Oct. 1977, pp. 19–22. How can such calamities as came upon Sodom and Gomorrah be avoided? What does God require?

Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., and David O. McKay, in Messages of the First Presidency, 6:112–13. Under what conditions will God spare a people?

  1. Genesis 22. Abraham Was Tried by a Severe Test

    1. Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice (see Genesis 22:1–2).

    2. The sacrifice of Isaac was in similitude of the atonement of Christ (see Genesis 22:3–14).

    3. Abraham was greatly blessed because of his obedience (see Genesis 22:15–24).

Religion 301 student manual, 6-1; 6-11 through 6-12; 6-14 through 6-15.

Hebrews 11:17–19. What hope and promise gave Abraham the faith that made him willing to offer Isaac?

Jacob 4:5. What was God’s purpose in asking Abraham to sacrifice his son?

Abraham 1:5–7, 11–12. Why was it particularly difficult for Abraham to be willing to offer his son as a sacrifice?

D&C 132:29–30, 36–37. What was Abraham’s reward for obedience?

Moses 5:7; D&C 138:13. What is the symbolism of sacrifice?

TPJS, p. 322. What is required to obtain exaltation?

History of the Church, 4:260. What part did the premortal life play in the selection of Abraham as the“father of the faithful”?

Bruce R. McConkie, in CR, Apr., 1975, pp. 74–77. What is expected of us in sacrifice and consecration?

Spencer W. Kimball, in CR, Oct. 1952, pp. 48–49. What did Abraham manifest through this experience?

Spencer W. Kimball, “The Example of Abraham,” Ensign, June 1975, pp. 3–7. This article gives an excellent overview of the faithfulness of Abraham.

Melvin J. Ballard, “The Sacramental Covenant,” New Era, Jan. 1976, pp. 9–11. This article compares the sacrifices of Abraham and God the Father.

  1. Genesis 20; 21:22–34; 23. Abraham Lived in the World but Was Not of the World

    1. Abraham was challenged and tested by Abimelech (see Genesis 20; JST, Genesis 20:3–6).

    2. Abraham negotiated over water rights (see Genesis 21:22–34).

    3. When Sarah died, Abraham secured a family burial plot (see Genesis 23; JST, Genesis 23:8).

Religion 301 student manual, 5-5; 6-13.

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; however, sections A and C contain concepts that should probably be taught.

The Law of Sacrifice Today (Section C)

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What is the law of sacrifice? (see Bruce R. McConkie, in Conference Report, Apr. 1975, p. 74).

  2. How does the law of sacrifice apply to gospel living today?

  3. What are some of the ways we can implement the law of sacrifice in our lives?

Use excerpts from President Ezra Taft Benson’s talk in Conference Report, April 1979, pages 45–48, to help students understand how the principle of sacrifice applies to them.

List on the chalkboard and then discuss the four ways President Benson said that the principle of sacrifice may be practiced today.

Use the material under the heading “Principles of sacrifice and consecration” in Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s talk in Conference Report, April 1975, pages 74–75, to help the students see the importance of their intent, their willingness, and their attitude in making sacrifice.

President Harold B. Lee said: “I bear witness that not until a person has been willing to sacrifice all he possessed in the world, not even withholding his own life if it were necessary for the upbuilding of the kingdom, can he claim kinship to Him who gave his life that men might be” (“A Sure Trumpet Sound: Quotations from President Lee,” Ensign, Feb. 1974, p. 79).

Read the following statement from Lectures on Faith: “It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, unless they, in like manner, offer unto him the same sacrifice” (6:8).

Discuss some of the specific sacrifices we are asked to make and bear testimony of the fact that sacrifice is a prerequisite to faith (see Lectures on Faith 6:10).

In Similitude of the Sacrifice of Christ (Section C)

Review with the students the story of the near sacrifice of Isaac. The following verses might be emphasized as you examine the scriptural text:

  1. Genesis 22:3. Did Abraham resist obeying the commandment or procrastinate obeying it?

  2. Genesis 22:2, 12, 16. What is significant about the fact that Abraham was commanded to offer his “only son”? (see also Hebrews 11:17–20). Though in fact Isaac was not Abraham’s only son, he was Abraham’s only son with the legal right to the birthright and the only son through whom the promises of the covenant could be fulfilled.

  3. Genesis 22:7–8. How does this experience typify the Savior? (see also Moses 5:7; D&C 138:43).

  4. Jacob 4:5. What was the Lord’s purpose in testing Abraham in this manner?

Do you think Abraham understood the future atonement of Christ better because of this experience?

Melvin J. Ballard’s talk in the New Era, January 1976, pages 9–11, could be very helpful in this discussion. You can also find the talk in the following sources: Improvement Era, Oct. 1919, pp. 1029–31; Alan P. Johnson, The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, pp. 201–4; Melvin R. Ballard, Melvin J. Ballard, Crusader for Righteousness, pp. 135–37.

Sodom and Gomorrah: A Lesson for Our Time (Section B)

Discuss the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the message that that event conveys to people today.