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Jeremiah 23; 30–31; 33; 46–51; Obadiah

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
Jeremiah 23; 30–31; 33; 50:4–8, 17–20. Jeremiah Spoke of Israel’s Restoration in the Latter Days Righteous shepherds would be called to teach and help Israel while they were gathered in from their long dispersion (see Jeremiah 23:1–4; 30:18–24). David (Christ) their king would rule 6ver Israel in the last days (see Jeremiah 23:5–8; 30:8–9; 33:14–22). False prophets who corrupted God’s people would be cursed (see Jeremiah 23:9–40). Israel and Judah would be restored to their own lands (see Jeremiah 30:1–3). There would be a time of distress and punishment before Israel would be gathered (see Jeremiah 30:4–7, 10–17; JST, Jeremiah 30:12, 15). The kingdoms of Israel and Judah would be restored and receive the gospel of Jesus Christ (see Jeremiah 31; 33:1–14, 23–26; 50:4–8, 17–20).	Religion 302 student manual, 25-1 through 25-18; 25-30. 3 Nephi 14:15. What special warning did the Savior give about false prophets? Deuteronomy 13:1–5. What was the law regarding false prophets? (see Deuteronomy 18:20). AF, pp. 328–44. The gathering of Israel is summarized (with annotated references). Ezekiel 34. The Lord rebuked the shepherds of Israel who allowed his flocks to be scattered, and he prophesied of the gathering under the True Shepherd (see also Ezekiel 37:21–25). DS, 3:247. Which tribe is to play the leading role in gathering the house of Israel? Why? TPJS, pp. 14–15. What did the Prophet Joseph Smith say about the fulfilling of the covenant as Jeremiah and other prophets had foretold? Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah, pp. 192–93. Who is the David of the latter day?
Jeremiah 46–49; 50:1–3, 9–16, 21–46; 51. Jeremiah Pronounced Judgments upon Nations That Had Been Enemies of Israel The Egyptians and Philistines would be destroyed by Babylon (see Jeremiah 46–47). Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam would also feel the wrath of God by the hand of Babylon (see Jeremiah 48–49). Because of their own pride and wickedness, Babylon would be destroyed (see Jeremiah 50:1–3, 9–16, 21–46; 51).	Religion 302 student manual, 25-19 through 25-24. D&C 1:16, 36; 133:14. Because of their wickedness, Babylon and Idumea (Edom) became symbols of the wickedness of the world. Isaiah 14:1–3. What promise is made to Israel? D&C 121:23–25. What eventually will happen to the wicked who oppress the Lord’s people, Israel?
Obadiah. Obadiah Prophesied of the Downfall of Edom and of the Lord’s Great Work in the Latter Days Doom would overtake Edom because of her pride and wickedness (see Obadiah 1:1–9). Edom would fall because she had dealt treacherously with Judah by siding with Babylon (see Obadiah 1:10–14). A day of judgment will come upon all nations (see Obadiah 1:15–16). Israel will be delivered and regain the lands and position that her enemies have taken from her (see Obadiah 1:17–20). Saviors would “come up on mount Zion” (Obadiah 1:21).	Religion 302 student manual, 25-25 through 25-29; 25-31. Ezekiel 35; 25:12–14. What judgments were pronounced upon Edom, or Mount Seir? (see also Isaiah 34:5–15; Amos 1:11–12). Genesis 36:1. What is another name for Esau? TPJS, p. 223. Who are the saviors on Mount Zion that Obadiah spoke of?

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.

Jeremiah Taught about the Gathering of Israel (Section A)

Lesson 42, on Isaiah 48–54, dealt with the scattering and gathering of Israel, so review it before preparing this lesson.

Prepare the following as a handout, or write the scripture references on the chalkboard for discussion. Point out that Jeremiah testified of the gathering and made the following prophecies:

1. Israel would be gathered from among all nations (see Jeremiah 23:3–4).

2. The gathering of Israel from the four corners of the earth and the bringing of the ten tribes from the north would be a greater miracle than ancient Israel’s crossing the Red Sea on dry ground (see Jeremiah 23:7–8; 16:14–15).

3. Israel and Judah would be restored to their own lands (see Jeremiah 30:1–4; 3:18; 16:15; 32:37).

4. Israel would be gathered individually (probably a reference to missionary work; see Jeremiah 3:14–15).

5. Jerusalem would be “the throne of the Lord” (Jeremiah 3:17), and Judah and Israel would walk together (see Jeremiah 3:17–18; 50:4–5).

6. The covenant God had made with both Israel and Judah would be renewed; they would know him, and he would be their God (see Jeremiah 31:31–34; 32:36–44; 50:4–5).

7. Ephraim, as the firstborn, would have the rights of the priesthood, thus being responsible for gathering Israel in the latter days (see Jeremiah 31:6–9).

Discuss President Joseph Fielding Smith’s statement about Ephraim’s being at the head of Israel in the latter days (see Doctrines of Salvation, 3:252–53).

Ask students what responsibility rests on them to fulfill the prophetic words of Jeremiah. Help them to see the following concepts:

1. For the most part they are the Ephraim of the latter days foreseen by the prophets.

2. They share in the responsibility to gather Israel from the four corners of the earth.

3. When the ten lost tribes return from the north, they will come to Ephraim to receive their blessings.

4. Ephraim has the responsibility of doing work for the dead. Those who would accept this responsibility were called “saviors … on mount Zion” (Obadiah 1:21; see also Religion 302 student manual, 25-31). Share your testimony that even though the work seems immense and the burden great, the Lord will help us accomplish it.

The Branch, a Descendant of David, Will Rule Israel (Section A)

An important truth taught by Jeremiah and other prophets is that a “Branch” (Isaiah 11:1), a descendant of David, will rule Israel. Isaiah testified of this truth, and so did Zechariah and Jeremiah (see Zechariah 3:8; Jeremiah 23:5–6; 33:15–18).

List on the chalkboard the following characteristics of the “Branch”:

1. He will be a king who will reign and prosper.

2. He will execute judgment and justice.

3. In his day, Judah will be saved and Israel will dwell safely.

4. He will be called “the Lord our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:6).

Ask who this Branch is who is a descendant of David. Read the following statement by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:

“Christ is the Son of David, the Seed of David, the inheritor, through Mary his mother, of the blood of the great king. He is also called the Stem of Jesse and the Branch, meaning Branch of David. Messianic prophecies under these headings deal with the power and dominion he shall wield as he sits on David’s throne, and have reference almost exclusively to his second sojourn on planet earth …

“That the Branch of David is Christ is perfectly clear … he is also called David, … he is a new David, an Eternal David, who shall reign forever on the throne of his ancient ancestor.” (Promised Messiah, pp. 192–93.)

Testify that Christ will return to be king over his people Israel as Jeremiah and other prophets have prophesied.

Righteous Israel Will Personally Know Her King (Section A)

The day will come when the gospel will go to all nations and righteous Israel will be safely gathered in. Jeremiah foresaw that day with its attendant blessings.

Write Jeremiah 31:31–34 and 33:7–11 on the chalkboard. Ask students to read those references. Outline on the chalkboard the message of those passages. You might want to include the following:

1. The Lord will make a new covenant with Israel and Judah.

2. The covenant will be spiritual and will be lived by each individual so that they will personally know the Savior, who will walk in their midst, and it will be a time of joy and happiness.

Challenge students to live so that they can enjoy the blessings of that great day.