Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual

Contents
Old Testament Lessons
Title Page
Lessons 1–2
Introduction to the Teacher Manual
- Lessons 1–2
  Welcome to the Old Testament
- Lessons 3–6
  Moses 1; Abraham 3
- Lessons 7–9
  Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5
- Lessons 10–12
  Genesis 3–4; Moses 4–5
- Lessons 13–15
  Genesis 5; Moses 6
- Lessons 16–18
  Moses 7
- Lessons 19–21
  Genesis 6–11; Moses 8
- Lessons 22–24
  Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2
- Lessons 25–28
  Genesis 18–23
- Lessons 29–32
  Genesis 24–33
- Lessons 33–34
  Genesis 37–41
- Lessons 35–37
  Genesis 42–50
- Lessons 38–40
  Exodus 1–6
- Easter
- Lessons 41–44
  Exodus 7–13
- Lessons 45–47
  Exodus 14–18
- Lessons 48–51
  Exodus 19–20; 24; 31–34
- Lessons 52–55
  Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 4; 16; 19
- Lessons 56–57
  Numbers 11–14; 20–24; 27
- Lessons 58–60
  Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34
- Lessons 61–64
  Joshua 1–8; 23–24
- Lessons 65–67
  Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16
- Lessons 68–70
  Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–7
- Lessons 71–73
  1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–16
- Lessons 74–76
  1 Samuel 17–18; 24–26; 2 Samuel 5–7
- Lessons 77–80
  2 Samuel 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 6–9; 11
- Lessons 81–82
  1 Kings 12–13; 17–22
- Lessons 83–85
  2 Kings 2–7
- Lessons 86–89
  2 Kings 16–25
- Lessons 90–91
  2 Chronicles 14–20; 26; 30
- Lessons 92–93
  Ezra 1, 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8
- Lessons 94–96
  Esther
- Lessons 97–99
  Job 1–3; 12–14; 19; 21–24; 38–40; 42
- Lessons 100–103
  Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46
- Lessons 104–106
  Psalms 49–51; 61–66; 69–72; 77–78; 85–86
- Lessons 107–108
  Psalms 102–103; 110; 116–119; 127–128; 135–139; 146–150
- Lessons 109–112
  Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12
- Lessons 113–116
  Isaiah 1–12
- Lessons 117–118
  Isaiah 13–14; 22; 24–30; 35
- Lessons 119–122
  Isaiah 40–49
- Lessons 123–125
  Isaiah 50–57
- Lessons 126–129
  Isaiah 58–66
- Lessons 130–133
  Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20
- Lessons 134–137
  Jeremiah 31–33; 36–38; Lamentations 1; 3
- Lessons 138–141
  Ezekiel 1–3; 33–34; 36–37; 47
- Lessons 142–145
  Daniel 1–7
- Lessons 146–148
  Hosea; Joel
- Lessons 149–151
  Amos; Obadiah; Jonah
- Lessons 152–154
  Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah
- Lessons 155–157
  Haggai 1–2; Zechariah 1–4; 7–14
- Lessons 158–160
  Malachi
Lessons 166–170
Life Preparation Lessons
- Doctrinal Mastery: Finding Answers to My Questions
- Lessons 166–170
  Scripture Study Skills
- Lessons 171–176
  For the Strength of Youth Guide
- Lessons 177–180
  Building Self–Reliance
- Lessons 181–187
  Physical and Emotional Health
- Lessons 188–191
  Preparing for Future Education and Employment
- Lessons 192–195
  Succeed in School
- Lessons 196–200
  Missionary Preparation
- Lessons 201–204
  Temple Preparation
- Lessons 205–208
  Teachings of Church Leaders
Appendix

Esther, Part 2: “If I Perish, I Perish”

“Esther, Part 2: ‘If I Perish, I Perish,’” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual (2026)

“Esther, Part 2: ‘If I Perish, I Perish,’” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual

Esther: Lesson 95

Esther, Part 2

“If I Perish, I Perish”

Screenshot from the video Esthers Courage

As followers of Jesus Christ, we all will have times when we need to demonstrate courage, even though our circumstances may be different. Esther demonstrated courage as she relied on the Lord while facing potential death in order to save her people. This lesson can help students act with courage to do the Lord’s will.

Student preparation: Invite students to prepare to share an example of when someone they know demonstrated courage to do the Lord’s will

Possible Learning Activities

A call for courage

Consider beginning class by sharing an experience of when someone demonstrated courage, such as in the following story.

President Thomas S. Monson shared the following story:

16:18

While serving in the United States Navy in World War II, I learned of brave deeds, instances of valor, and examples of courage. One which I shall never forget was the quiet courage of an 18-year-old seaman—not of our faith—who was not too proud to pray. Of 250 men in the company, he was the only one who each night knelt down by the side of his bunk, at times amidst the jeers of bullies and the jests of unbelievers. With bowed head, he prayed to God. He never wavered. He never faltered. He had courage. (“Be Strong and of a Good Courage,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 67)

Who do you think of when you hear the word courage?
What are situations where Latter-day Saint teenagers might need to demonstrate courage?

Ponder a specific situation, such as at school, at home, or with friends, where you feel Heavenly Father might want you to demonstrate greater courage. Write this situation in your study journal.

As you study the remainder of the story of Esther, invite the Holy Ghost to help you know how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can help you face that situation with courage.

Esther’s courage

Mormon Messages: Having Courage & Trusting the Lord: Stand Up for What You Believe In

Esther became the queen to King Ahasuerus of Persia. Esther’s guardian, Mordecai, refused to bow to Haman, the king’s chief minister. Haman was angered and received permission from the king to destroy all of the Jews in the kingdom. Mordecai asked Esther to seek intervention from the king, telling her that perhaps God placed her in this position “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

If students need help answering the following question, you could invite them to read Esther 4:10–11.

Why would approaching the king require great courage?

Read Esther 4:15–17, looking for how Esther demonstrated courage as she prepared to approach the king.

What stands out to you about Esther?
What principles can we learn from verses 15–17 that can help us when we need courage?

Thank students for the meaningful principles they shared. If not already mentioned, you could help them identify the following principle: As I rely on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, They will give me courage.
What evidence do you see that Esther relied on the Lord? How might this have helped her?

Courageous acts

The following scripture passages can help students see how the Lord continued to bless Esther with courage.

Consider organizing students into small groups or pairs. Assign each group or pair one of the following passages of scripture. Or students within the same group could each study one of the passages and prepare to share with each other.

Study one of the following passages of scripture, looking for how Esther demonstrated courage.

Esther 5:1–4. Esther approached the king.
Esther 7:1–4. Esther, the king, and Haman held a private banquet.
Esther 8:3–6. Esther discussed with the king his edict to slay the Jews.

Then, discuss the following questions:

How were Esther’s actions a demonstration of courage?
What do you think a person needs to know about God to make the choice Esther made?

Invite willing students to share what they discussed with the class.

Helping students place Jesus Christ at the center of their learning invites the Holy Ghost to testify of Him. This can help students have a more personal and powerful learning experience. One way we can do this is by connecting the story of Esther to the life and example of Jesus Christ.

(For additional training on helping students connect what they are learning to the life and example of Jesus Christ, see “Emphasize the example of Jesus Christ” in Teacher Development Skills [2022], 5.)

Display a picture of Jesus Christ on the board. Consider asking one or both of the following questions.
How does Esther remind you of the Savior?
What are examples from the Savior’s life where He demonstrated courage?

To prepare students to share their own experiences, consider showing students a video such as “Having Courage and Trusting the Lord” (3:18), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

3:18
When is a time you, or someone you know, relied on the Lord and were blessed with courage?

My personal act of courage

The following suggestions can help students apply what they learned from the account of Esther.

Reflect on the situation you thought about at the beginning of the lesson. Seek guidance from the Spirit as you ponder how you can demonstrate courage and rely on the Lord in that situation.

Read Esther 4:16 again, emphasizing the following statement: “… and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”

To help students emphasize the statement in verse 16, they could mark or highlight it if desired. Then, consider inviting them to rewrite the statement in their study journal using the prompts below.

Reword this statement to reflect your commitment to show courage and rely on the Lord with your situation. To help you do this, consider completing the following prompts:

And so I will (the action you would like to do to demonstrate courage). And if (a possible consequence), I (something you will do to rely on the Lord).

It might be helpful to provide an example, such as the following:

Imagine you feel that Heavenly Father wants you to have the courage to stop using crude and offensive language with your friends. You could reword Esther 4:16 to say: “And so I will not use bad language anymore, even when joking. And if my friends tease or mock me, then I will pray for the strength to keep trying.”

Invite willing students to share what they wrote. If time permits, students could share advice with each other regarding the situations they share.

Testify of the Lord’s example of courage. Express your belief in your students’ ability to face their challenges with courage as they rely on the Lord to do His will.

Additional Resources

How can I be blessed for demonstrating Christlike courage?

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

10:35

I promise the Lord will empower you. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power” [2 Timothy 1:7]. He will reward you for your courage and righteous behavior—with happiness and joy. Such courage will be a byproduct of your faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, your prayers, and your obedience to commandments. (“Be Valiant in Courage, Strength, and Activity,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 52)

President Thomas S. Monson exhorted:

16:18

We will all face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us—all of us—have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully but also as the determination to live decently. As we move forward, striving to live as we should, we will surely receive help from the Lord and can find comfort in His words. (“Be Strong and of a Good Courage,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 69)

What are additional lessons I can learn from the book of Esther?

President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President, explained:

10:8

Esther is another beautiful example of letting God prevail. Rather than sticking with a cautious narrative of self–preservation, she exercised faith, turning herself completely over to the Lord. …

Esther was willing to let the Savior write her story even though, through the lens of mortality, the ending may have been tragic. Blessedly, the king received Esther, and the Jews in Persia were saved.

Of course, Esther’s level of courage is rarely asked of us. But letting God prevail, letting Him be the author and finisher of our stories, does require us to keep His commandments and the covenants we have made. It is our commandment and covenant keeping that will open the line of communication for us to receive revelation through the Holy Ghost. And it is through the manifestations of the Spirit that we will feel the Master’s hand, writing our stories with us. (“Invite Christ to Author Your Story,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2021, 81)

Supplemental Learning Activities

An alternative way of reading Esther’s story

For an alternative way to study the story of Esther under the heading “Courageous acts,” students could be invited to read the account in a way that resembles how it is read on the Jewish holiday of Purim. As part of this celebration, the story of Esther is read aloud to children. When the name Mordecai is read, they all cheer; when the name Haman is read, they all boo or show disapproval.

Invite two students to read the following scriptures while another student reads the part of the narrator.

Narrator: After the king asked Esther what she wanted from him, she asked if he and Haman would come to a banquet that she would prepare for them. The king and Haman accepted the invitation.

Student 1: Esther 5:9, 12–14

Narrator: The king could not sleep the night before the banquet. He had some official reports read to him and learned that Mordecai had saved his life by stopping an assassination attempt. As a result, he had Haman bestow a great honor on Mordecai, further fueling Haman’s hatred of Mordecai and the Jews.

Student 2: Esther 7:1–6, 9–10

Narrator: After Haman died, King Ahasuerus gave a second decree to preserve the Jews and give them power to destroy their enemies within the kingdom. The Feast of Purim was instituted to help the Jews remember their deliverance from Haman. Mordecai was elevated to second-in-command in the kingdom.

The importance of fasting

If you did not teach about fasting in Lesson 92: Ezra, you could emphasize it in this lesson. After students study Esther 4:15–17, you could ask them why they think Esther and the Jews chose to fast during such dire circumstances. You could then display the following statement:

Elder Jorge F. Zeballos of the Seventy taught:

Fasting brings us spiritual strength and prepares us to be resistant to the trials of this life. (“Building a Life Resistant to the Adversary,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 51)

Help students identify truth, such as: The Lord can bless us with spiritual strength as we sincerely fast. Students could share other examples they know from the scriptures or from their own lives where the Lord blessed someone with spiritual strength as a result of a sincere fast.

Pride and anger can lead to downfall

If students would benefit from a discussion of the dangers of pride and anger, consider inviting students to read Esther 3:1–6, 8–11 and 5:9–14. Students could look for Haman’s feelings, words, and actions. Ask students what they learn about Haman and his motivations. Then consider reading or summarizing Esther 7 to see what happened to Haman.

Students could evaluate what motivates their own feelings and actions. Invite them to turn to Heavenly Father for help when they notice any of these feelings or actions in their lives.