Choose you This Day…...

Choice 1: Joshua 7-24. “Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve”

1. Read Joshua 10:12-14 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Joshua 10:12-14,“Did the Sun Really Stand Still in the Heavens?” (pg. 240). Did the sun really stand still in the heavens? Write a paragraph how you could explain these verses to someone who says he or she won’t believe the Bible because of this obvious contradiction with science.

I think anyone who argues this issues probably does not believe in God.  God has all power over the universe.  If he wanted to make the sun revolve around the earth, he could.  Remember that just because you are a prophet, it does not mean that you know everything there is to know.  Besides, Joshua made a statement about what appeared to be happening when one looks outside, not what was actually happening. When we wake up and got to sleep why do we say, “The sun is coming up”, or “The sun is going down”.  The sun is not going up and down!  This is a false statement, therefore we must all be uneducated and unable to understand science.  Why don't we say, “The earth has rotated this morning”.  That would be absurd.  Hence the statement made was about what seemed to be happening to the naked eye, not what was scientifically happening.  

I also think this is a great verse to show the importance of the Book of Mormon in clarifying gospel principles and various aspects of the Bible.  The Lord has given us more of his word, why would you reject it.  

1. Read the chapter summaries of Joshua 7-22. Make two lists—one that identifies Israel’s successes and another that identifies Israel’s failures.

Israel’s Successes	Israel’s Failures
Ambushes and eventually defeats Ai	Defeated by People of Ai
Builds an Altar	Joshua complains
Israel takes Gibeonites as servants	Achan & house destroyed because of disobedience
Israel  defeats Amorites and other cities.	Gibeonites trick Israel into a treaty
The Lord Fought for Israel
Israel conquers whole land
Israel conquers 2 east kings and 31 west
Confirmed inheritance of Reuben, Gad, 1/2 of Manasseh
Land divided up and inheritance given
Drive out remaining canaanites
Tabernacle of Congregation set up
The Lord Fulfills all his promises and gives Israel rest
Israel builds an altar of testimony.

1. Read Joshua 23-24 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Joshua 24:1-28, “Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve” (pg. 242). What do you think was the major theme of Joshua’s final address to his people? Based on the lists you created from Joshua 7-22, write a paragraph that explains why Joshua chose to deliver his final address on this particular topic.

I think he final address mostly pointed to obedience.  Coupled with obedience is the idea that you have to be on the Lords side in order to accomplish it.  So, so he wanted Israel to choose the Lord and be obedient to him.  He reminded them several times that it was only due to their obedience that the Lord fought their battles and they prevailed over their enemies.  Reading through the chapter headings I noticed that Israel had many successes, but failures came also.  Those failures were all attributed to disobedience.  It is not hard to see the blessings that came to Israel as a result of their obedience.  Obedience brings happiness, peace and a freedom from many of the problems plaguing the world.  A prophet has much responsibility.  I think giving this last speech was his way of making his last effort to encourage his people to pursue righteousness.

Wickedness of Canaan

Choice 1: Deuteronomy 2-3, 7, 9, 20, 25. Israel Commanded to Destroy the Wicked

1. Read Deuteronomy 20:17 and make a list of the different nations the Lord identified in these verses. Then read Deuteronomy 2:15, 7:2, 12:2-3, and write a paragraph about what the Lord commanded Israel to do with these nations.

The Lord commanded them to destroy the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and the Jebusites.

The Lord commanded Israel to destroy these people “from among the host, until they were consumed.” (Deut. 2:15)  The Lord also commands them to “smite them, and utterly destroy them;”, not to make a covenant with them or “shew mercy unto them” (Deut. 7:2).  The Lord further instructs Israel to destroy all of the religious locations of the nations they possess, whether these locations be on a high mountain or under a tree.  This included their altars, pillars, groves, graven images and the names of the gods.  

I think the Lord was showing that he was a jealous God, and that he wanted no other gods before him.  I think by having his chosen people destroy those who were worshiping other gods, He was showcasing his own might.

1. Read Deuteronomy 9:4-5 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Deuteronomy 7:1-5, “Why Did the Lord Command the Israelites to Utterly Destroy the Canaanites?” (pg. 219). Add to your previous paragraph any other reasons why these nations were destroyed.

The Lord is destroying these other nations because of their wickedness.  Interestingly, the Lord says that these nations are not being destroyed because of the Israelite righteousness, but rather the nations’ wickedness. The Lord was giving the Israelites these lands because of promises He had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  In the end the Lord was slaying the wicked to promote his righteous purposes.  If the wicked were allowed to be, they may attempt to thwart the ways of the Lord.  The Student Manual states that the Canaanite wickedness was “full” or complete and that is why they were spared mercy.

1. Many of the sins found among the people living in Canaan are prevalent in today’s society. Write a paragraph explaining how you think we can protect ourselves from these sins.

The Canaanites were caught up in much wickedness.  Their main source of wickedness was their idolatrous behavior.  The Lord has said, and it is a commandment, thou shalt have no other gods before me.  In our day their are many forms of idolatry.  The worship of celebrities, the worship of reality TV, social media worship, the church of the NFL and so forth.  Interestingly the Canaanite wickedness was said to threaten the the spiritual existence of a future nation.  What we do now, where we spend our time, where we put our heart is going to be taught either through word or action to our rising generation, and they will stumble and fall if we have not built the correct foundation for them.  I think we can protect ourselves from these sins by adhering to the word of God.  The teachings of the Gospel are the only way to truly and fully avoid the pitfalls of this life.

The Downfall of Balaam

Choice 5: Numbers 22-24. Balak and Balaam

1. Read Numbers 22:2-14 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Numbers22-24, “The Story of Balaam” (pgs. 209-10). Describe in writing what Balak wanted Balaam to do and how Balaam felt about it. Include in your paragraph a note about how the enticements of the world sometimes tempt people today.

Balak wanted Balaam to curse the Israelites.  Balak was afraid of them because the Israelites had become so powerful.  Balak needed them to be curse in order for him to overcome them if needed.  Balak sent for Balaam, who appeared to be someone with the ability to commune with God.  Balak used much flattery, gifts and the idea of prominence to seduce Balaam into doing what he wanted.

Balaam seemed to not really have a personal opinion.  I wonder if he just understood that the task at hand was bigger than his personal judgement.  Balaam completely relied on the Lord for what he should do.  I thought it was interesting that Balaam allowed himself to ask the Lord three times.  Why did he not tell to go away after the first time?  It must have been the enticements, flattery, and bribery of Balak that kept him asking.  Funny how when Joseph Smith went to the Lord three times about a question, the Lord eventually told him to do what he wanted the third time after denying him twice.  The Lord did not do that in this instance.  

We learn in the student manual that Balaam eventually succumbed to Balak’s enticements and he instructed Balak in what he needed to do to defeat the Israelites, which was to get them to commit sin so that they could not be worthy of God’s assistance.

We see in our world how luring the things of the world are.  People will sacrifice/ compromise their integrity and the principles of the gospel to get gain.  Gain comes in the form of flattery, money, position, celebrity status and so forth.  

1. Whose company was Balaam still keeping in Numbers 23:1-3, 25-30; 24:12? Make a list from these verses of the ways that Balak tried to influence Balaam. Why do you think Balaam continued to entertain Balak and his officers?

Balaam continued to entertain Balak, Balak’s messengers, and the Princes of Moab.  Balak influenced Balaam through gifts, flattery, promises of promotion, bringing him to high places and being willing to do all that Balaam required (sacrificing seven oxen and seven rams three different times).  I think Balaam really wanted what Balak was offering him.  I think he was seduced by the gifts and honors that Balak wanted to give him.  He went to the Lord three times, obviously hoping the Lord would change his mind.  

1. Write a summary paragraph about what these verses teach about the power of temptation if we allow ourselves to be continually exposed to it. Read Numbers 31:7-8; 2 Peter 2:14-15; Revelation 2:14. Identify who Israel destroyed and write the name of the man who was living with them at the time. Write a sentence or two describing what sins Balaam was eventually guilty of.

We can only fall to temptation when we allow ourselves to entertain it.  The Lord has promised that he will not allow us to be tempted by more than we can bear. He has even said he will “make a way to escape” the temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13) The devil will use many methods to entice us to do his bidding.  More often than not, the devil uses small and simple steps to bring about our great destruction (Alma 37:6)  Continuing to entertain Balak is what was driving Balaam further downward.  I believe you will eventually succumb to what you surround yourself with.

The Israelites eventually destroyed the Midianites along with Balaam, who was living with the Midianites.  Balaam was guilty of loving the wages of unrighteousness and misusing his power to get gain.  

Clean & Unclean

Choice 1: Leviticus 11-14. Clean versus Unclean
 

a.       Study Leviticus 11:1-30 and make two lists—one list consisting of clean animals that Israel could eat and a second list consisting of unclean animals that Israel could not eat.

Clean	Unclean
Clovenfooted beasts cheweth cud	Only clovenfooted or only cheweth  cud
Those with fins and scales in the sea	Camel, coney, hare, swine
Locust, bald locust, beetle, grasshopper	Those in the sea without fins or scales
	Eagle, ossifrage, ospray, vulture, kite
	Raven, owl, nite hawk,cuckow, hawk
	Little owl, cormorant, great owl, swan
	Pelican, grier eagle, stork, heron
	Lapwing, bat, fowls on all fours
	Weasek, mouse, tortoise, ferret, chameleon
	Lizard, snail, mole

b.      Read the Institute Student Manual introduction to Leviticus 11-18 (pgs. 173-74) and the commentary for Leviticus 11, “Clean and Unclean Food” (pg. 173). From your reading, write three or four sentences detailing the purposes of the Lord’s ancient dietary laws.

                The Lord had several reasons for His dietary laws. One was to keep them in remembrance of their God and their duty towards them.  The strict laws and subsequent observances were a continual reminder of God and his love towards them.  Another reason is mere sanitation.  We know even in our day that many of the animals that the Lord deemed unclean are actually unsanitary to eat.  Disease would be widespread and difficult to cure in those days without modern medicine.  The Lord gave strict rules to keep them clean.

c.       Read Doctrine and Covenants 89:5-17. Make another list of what the Lord ordained for the use of man and a list of what He has restricted.

For use of man	Restricted
Strong drinks for washing the body	Strong drinks for the belly
Tobacco as herb for sick cattle	Tobacco not for body or belly
Wholesome herbs	Hot drinks
Fruit
Flesh of beasts and fowl- sparingly
Grain
wheat

d.      Read Leviticus 11:43-47; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Doctrine and Covenants 89:1-4, 18-21 and  write an explanation of why you think the Lord has declared some things “clean” and others “unclean.” Explain how the Word of Wisdom is part of the sanctification process. Then list one way you could be more clean in your life.

                I think the Lord has declared some things clean and others unclean for spiritual and temporal reasons.  This is done in part for obedience reasons.  The Lord is testing us, but also with those test he wants to bless us.  I think the Lord also has foresight.  D&C 89:4 speaks about “evil designs” and “conspiring men” in the last days.  Again, the Lord is also concerned with our health.  He knows that in order to perform his will, we need to take care of the tabernacles he has given us.  The Lord is teaching cleanliness and holiness and wants us to be like him.

The Ten Commandments

Choice 1: Exodus 20:3-17. The Ten Commandments

1.       Read Exodus 20:3-17 and make a list of the Ten Commandments. Read Matthew 22:36-40, and identify what the Lord said were the two “great” commandments. Verse 40 states that “all” other commandments are part of these two great commandments. Place each of the Ten Commandments within one of these two great commandments by writing “love God” or “love neighbor” next to each of the commandments on your list.

The Ten Commandments:

1.	Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.	Love God
2.	Thou shalt not make any graven image	Love God
3.	Thou shalt not take the Lord’s name in vain	Love God
4.	Keep the Sabbath Day holy	Love God
5.	Honor thy father and thy mother	Love Neighbor
6.	Thou shalt not kill	Love Neighbor
7.	Thou shalt not commit adultery	Love Neighbor
8.	Thou shalt not steal	Love Neighbor
9.	Thou shalt not bear false witness	Love Neighbor
10.	Thou shalt not covet	Love Neighbor

The Lord has identified the two great commandments as:” Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy  neighbor as thyself.”

I think all of the commandments could be linked to loving God and/ or your neighbor in some way.

Crossing the Red Sea

Choice 4: Exodus 14. Crossing the Red Sea

Read Exodus 14:19-30 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-4. Explain in writing how the children of Israel were symbolically saved by water and fire.

The Lord has long used symbolism to teach principles of the gospel.  Everything he did for the Israelites was symbolic of aspects of the higher law.  This includes the necessity to have daily manna (daily spiritual feeding) and looking towards the serpent on the cross to be healed (the atonement).  In crossing the red sea the Lord used water and fire as symbols of their salvation. 

The Lord literally saved Israel from the pursuing Egyptians by way of creating a barrier or fire and dividing the waters of the sea for them to pass through.  I think this was also symbolic of their spiritual conversion.  At this point the Children of Israel still did not fully trust their God.  I think passing through the divided water was symbolic of baptism and the barrier of fire was symbolic of the Holy Ghost.  After the ordeal, the Israelites were converted.  The final scripture of Exodus 14 reads: “And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.”

The Student manual states, “…the action displayed His (God’s) awesome and great protective power.  He was the only warrior in this battle against one of the most formidable armies in the world. Therefore, this event was the prelude and proof of His demand henceforth for trust and obedience.”  This tells me that form hence forth the Children of Israel would have to make covenants with God to receive his blessings, just as we do with baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost.