37

Micah; 2 Kings 14–20

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
>Micah 1–3. Micah Denounced the Wickedness of Samaria and Jerusalem and Prophesied of Punishments That Would Come upon Them He prophesied that the Lord would come in judgment and destroy the wicked (see Micah 1). Micah warned of destruction of the greedy and covetous Israelites who rejected the counsel of the prophets (see Micah 2). He indicted oppressive leaders and hireling prophets who were leading the people to destruction (see Micah 3).	Religion 302 student manual, 11-1 through 11-8. D&C 133:40–44. What will be the result of the Lord’s return in power and glory? (see D&C 49:23). John 10:1–15. Why should we follow the Lord and his prophets rather than the hireling prophets of the world? 2 Nephi 26:29. What is priestcraft? (see also D&C 33:4).
Micah 4–5. Micah Prophesied of Great Blessings That Would Come to Israel in Later Times Micah prophesied that the Lord’s house would be built and that the nations would gather to it (see Micah 4:1–2). Micah prophesied of the millennial era of peace in which the Lord would reign over his people (see Micah 4:3–7). Micah prophesied of the redemption of Israel when the Lord would give them dominion over all their enemies (see Micah 4:8–13). Micah prophesied of the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem and of the Messiah’s allowing Israel to suffer tribulations until they receive him in the last days (see Micah 5:1–4). Micah prophesied that the remnant of Jacob would triumph over the Gentiles in the last days (see Micah 5:5–15).	Religion 302 student manual, D-6; 11-9 through 11-12. Isaiah 2:1–5. Isaiah also prophesied of the gathering to the Lord’s house in the last days. John 7:41–42. Where did some of the Jews of Jesus’ time feel the Messiah would be born? 3 Nephi 21:12–29. What teachings of the Savior help us understand the fulfillment of Micah’s words? (see Micah 5:8–15; 3 Nephi 20:16–19; D&C 87:5). DS, 2:248–50. Who are the remnant of Jacob? TPJS, p. 308. Why do the Lord’s people gather in the last days?
Micah 6–7. The Lord Reprimanded His People for Their Ingratitude, Yet He Said He Would Pardon Their Iniquities When They Repented The people lacked gratitude for their blessings and were told of the consequences of sin and how they must repent (see Micah 6). Despite Israel’s rebellion, the Lord said that in the last days he would pardon her and fulfill his covenants with her (see Micah 7).	Religion 302 student manual, 11-13 through 11-17. Franklin D. Richards, in CR, Apr. 1970, pp. 11–14. How do we do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly? (see Micah 6:8; D&C 11:12).
2 Kings 14–17. The Captivity of Israel Was Precipitated by Many Wicked Kings Three kings of Judah did right before God, though not with perfect hearts, but Israel’s kings reigned in gross wickedness (see 2 Kings 14–15). King Ahaz of Judah walked in the ways of the evil kings of Israel and changed the manner of worship to show homage to Assyria (see 2 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 28). Because of their extreme wickedness, Israel was carried away captive into Assyria (see 2 Kings 17:1–23). The king of Assyria replaced the transported Israelites with a people who worshiped both Jehovah and the false gods of Assyria (see 2 Kings 17:24–41).	Religion 302 student manual, A-1 through A-3; D-1 through D-7; 12-1 through 12-19. Religion 301–2 instructor’s guide, Appendix A, 51–59. 1 Kings 14:15. The prophet Ahijah prophesied of the captivity of Israel. Amos 7:17. Amos prophesied of Israel’s captivity. 1 Nephi 22:3–5. What did Nephi say about the scattering of Israel? Deuteronomy 28:25, 37, 64. What did Moses prophesy about the scattering of Israel? DS, 1:165. Why was Israel scattered? AF, pp. 325–26. What eventually happened to the lost tribes? McConkie, Bruce R. Mormon Doctrine, pp. 455–58. Observations and apocryphal writings about the journeys and return of the lost tribes of Israel are discussed. Bible dictionary, s.v. “Assyria.” A brief overview is given of Assyrian history and its relationship to the Israelites.
2 Kings 18–20. King Hezekiah Reigned Righteously in Judah Hezekiah turned to the Lord to a greater extent than did all the kings of Judah, and the Lord was with him (see 2 Kings 18:1–8; Isaiah 38:3). King Sennacherib of Assyria overran Israel, invaded Judah, and tried to intimidate Jerusalem to surrender (see 2 Kings 18:9–37; 19:8–13; Isaiah 36; 37:8–13). Hezekiah sent messengers to Isaiah and sought the help of the Lord in prayer (see 2 Kings 19:1–5, 14–19; Isaiah 37:1–5, 14–20). Isaiah prophesied the destruction of the Assyrians and the death of Sennacherib; both prophecies were fulfilled (see 2 Kings 19:6–7, 20–37; Isaiah 37:6–7, 21–38). Despite being appointed unto death, Hezekiah pleaded with the Lord, and his life was miraculously lengthened by fifteen years (see 2 Kings 20:1–11; Isaiah 38). Hezekiah showed messengers from Babylon his treasures, and Isaiah prophesied of Judah’s captivity in Babylon (see 2 Kings 20:12–21; Isaiah 39).	Religion 302 student manual, 12-20 through 12-34. Religion 301–2 instructor’s guide, Appendix A, 60–66. 2 Chronicles 32:7–8. Why did Hezekiah have no reason to fear the Assyrians, despite their great strength? (see also Psalms 20:7; 44:5–6). D&C 42:48. Is there a time appointed for individuals to die? (see also Ecclesiastes 3:1–2). Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, pp. 103–5. This reference comments on the phrase “there is a time to die,” and gives a modern-day example of one whose life was extended by the Lord.

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.

Scattering of Israel (Sections A; C–D)

Discuss the following questions with the class:

1. What did Moses prophesy about the scattering of the house of Israel? (see Deuteronomy 28:25, 37, 64).

2. Why was the house of Israel scattered? (Micah 1:6–7; 2:1–3, 9; 3:8–11; Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:165).

3. Who took the kingdom of Israel captive? (see 2 Kings 15:29; 17:6–13, 20, 23). Give your students some background information on the Assyrian empire (see D-1 through D-7 and the Bible dictionary).

4. Why wasn’t the kingdom of Judah taken captive when the kingdom of Israel was? (see 2 Kings 18–19). Use transparencies 23 and 24 to show that the kings of Israel had been almost wholly evil, whereas some of the kings of Judah had sought the Lord. The corruption of Judah was therefore more slow.

5. What are the positive effects of Israel’s being scattered? “‛If a complete history of the house of Israel were written, it would be the history of histories, the key of the world’s history for the past twenty centuries’ (Compendium, p. 85) and more, for Israel has been scattered among all the nations of the earth and has acted as a leavening and enlightening influence wherever her scattered remnants have found lodgement” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 678).

6. What future blessings have been prophesied for the house of Israel? (see Deuteronomy 30:1–10; Amos 9:8–15; Micah 4–5; D&C 133:26–34).

Israel Will Be Blessed in the Latter Days (Section B)

The restoration of Israel in the last days is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. Review lessons 39; 42–43; 47; 49 before you decide where or how to teach this lesson.

The Lord Supports Those Who Seek Him (Sections D–E)

Hezekiah’s appeal to the Lord when Jerusalem was threatened with destruction by the Assyrians is an excellent example of faith. The results of Hezekiah’s appeal show that the Lord will support those who trust in him. Review the story with students. Point out the contrast between 2 Kings 18:33–35 and 2 Chronicles 32:7–8. Only faith in the true and living God can save anyone.

This principle also applies in our age. Discuss the effects that turning from the Lord has on a nation. Contrast the captivity of Israel with the preservation of Judah under Hezekiah to show that the Lord will support those who follow and trust in him and that he will not support those who reject him.