Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual

Contents
Title Page
Introduction to the Teacher Manual
Lessons 1–2
Welcome to the Old Testament
- 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

Ezekiel 34: “He Shall Be Their Shepherd”

“Ezekiel 34: ‘He Shall Be Their Shepherd,’” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual (2026)

“Ezekiel 34: ‘He Shall Be Their Shepherd,’” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual

Ezekiel 1–3; 33–34; 36–37; 47: Lesson 139

Ezekiel 34

“He Shall Be Their Shepherd”

Jesus Christ depicted as the Good Shepherd. Christ is portrayed with a small herd of sheep. He is carrying a sheep (or lamb) over His shoulders. Christ is also carrying a staff in His hands.

We all feel lost, broken, sick, or needy at times. Heavenly Father sent Jesus Christ to “bind up that which was broken” and “strengthen that which was sick” (Ezekiel 34:16). In Ezekiel 34, the prophet Ezekiel likens how a good shepherd cares for his flock to how Jesus Christ cares for Heavenly Father’s children. This lesson can help students follow the Savior’s example to seek out and care for others.

Student preparation: Invite students to think of ways that “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, 14) is an appropriate name for Jesus Christ. They could ponder how this name for the Savior helps them understand His love and desire to care for Heavenly Father’s children.

Possible Learning Activities

A symbol for the Savior

On a trip to Morocco, Elder John R. Lasater of the Seventy learned about Jesus Christ’s love for Heavenly Father’s children when a sheep was hit by a royal car, entitling the shepherd to a large compensation. Elder Lasater’s interpreter said the shepherd wouldn’t accept the money. Elder Lasater then shared what happened next:

Startled, I asked him why. And he added, “Because of the love he has for each of his sheep.” It was then that I noticed the old shepherd reach down, lift the injured lamb in his arms, and place it in a large pouch on the front of his robe. He kept stroking its head, repeating the same word over and over again. When I asked the meaning of the word, I was informed, “Oh, he is calling it by name. All of his sheep have a name, for he is their shepherd, and the good shepherds know each one of their sheep by name.” (“Shepherds of Israel,” Ensign, May 1988, 74)

What can you learn about Jesus Christ from the actions of the shepherd?

As you study today, seek the help of the Holy Ghost to learn how we can follow the example of Jesus Christ to care for Heavenly Father’s children.

Shepherds

In Ezekiel 34, the Lord compared the leaders of Israel to shepherds who were not taking care of their flocks. Read Ezekiel 34:1–6, marking phrases the Lord used to describe the Israelite leaders.

What do you learn about the Lord from His concerns expressed in these verses?

To help the leaders of Israel better care for their flocks, Jesus Christ described how He cares for His flock (see John 10:11, 14, where Jesus also describes Himself as “the Good Shepherd”).

Consider displaying a picture of Jesus Christ depicting Him as a shepherd, like the picture at the beginning of this lesson. On the left side of the picture, consider writing “As the Good Shepherd, the Savior …” Students could summarize what they mark in Ezekiel 34:11–16 under this heading.

Read Ezekiel 34:11–16, marking phrases that describe what Jesus Christ does for Heavenly Father’s children.

Summaries students provide from the verses could include:

Seeks out those that are lost (verses 11–12, 16)
Delivers them from darkness (verse 12)
Nourishes them and provides for their needs (verses 13–15)
Binds up the broken (verse 16)
Strengthens the sick (verse 16)

You might invite students to share some stories from the scriptures of how the Savior demonstrated some of these actions toward Heavenly Father’s children.

To help students reflect on their efforts in following the Savior’s example to care for others, consider displaying the following self-assessment.

Compare what you have marked in the two sets of verses you have studied in Ezekiel 34, then ponder how you would respond to the following questions:

What are some ways you feel you are like the Savior?
Are there ways where you might be more like the shepherds in Israel?
What are possible obstacles you face in caring for others like the Savior?

Caring for His sheep

Consider writing “I can follow the Savior’s example by …” on the right side of the picture of the Savior. Place students in small groups and provide the following instructions.

Using what you found in Ezekiel 34:11–16, make a list of practical ways youth can care for others as the Savior does.

Some possible ideas students might come up with could be the following:

Visiting with someone they haven’t seen in a while (“I will both search my sheep, and seek them out” [Ezekiel 34:11])
Being generous with their time or resources (“I will feed my flock” [Ezekiel 34:15])
Inviting someone to participate in an activity with you (“I will… bring again that which was driven away” [Ezekiel 34:16])
Being aware of physical or emotional needs of others (“I will… bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick” [Ezekiel 34:16])

After making this list in groups, you may want to have each group list one of their ideas on the board. After there are several ideas listed on the board, it may be helpful to have students discuss the following questions:

What can make it difficult to do these things?
How can the Savior help you overcome these difficulties?

Consider displaying the following questions and inviting students to select at least one to answer. As students reflect on personal experiences, the Holy Ghost can help them feel the truth and importance of what they are learning.
How has the Savior blessed you or your family by sending someone to seek out and care for you?
How has the Savior used you or your family to seek out and care for others?

Make a plan

Making a plan in class to act on what they have learned can help students deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ.

Take a moment to think of people in your life who may be like the sheep (lost, scattered, broken, weak) in Ezekiel 34. These might be people in your class or quorum, your family and friends, or people at school. Seek the Holy Ghost’s help in considering who might need your help.

From the ideas we’ve discussed, or another you feel inspired to do, write how you can follow the Savior’s example to seek out and care for this individual.

To remind yourself of your plan, you could write it down on a piece of paper or set it as a reminder on your phone.

You may want to plan a few minutes in an upcoming lesson to follow up with students about their plans and check on their progress. To conclude, you could share how someone has cared for you or how you have cared for others as the Savior does.

Additional Resources

How did the Savior care for others?

Sister Jean B. Bingham, then Relief Society General President, taught:

13:4

Sometimes we think we have to do something grand and heroic to “count” as serving our neighbors. Yet simple acts of service can have profound effects on others—as well as on ourselves. What did the Savior do? Through His supernal gifts of the Atonement and Resurrection … “none other has had so profound an influence [on] all who have lived and who will yet live upon the earth” (The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles). But He also smiled at, talked with, walked with, listened to, made time for, encouraged, taught, fed, and forgave. He served family and friends, neighbors and strangers alike, and He invited acquaintances and loved ones to enjoy the rich blessings of His gospel. Those “simple” acts of service and love provide a template for our ministering today. (“Ministering as the Savior Does,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 104)

How can we follow the Savior’s example to help others?

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, then Young Women’s General President, taught:

12:29

Our sheep may be hurting, lost, or even willfully astray; as their shepherd, we can be among the first to see their need. We can listen and love without judgment and offer hope and help with the discerning guidance of the Holy Ghost.

Sisters and brothers, the world is more hope-filled and joyful because of the inspired acts of kindness you perform. As you seek the Lord’s direction on how to convey His love and see the needs of those to whom you minister, your eyes will be opened. (“Becoming a Shepherd,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 76)

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared:

15:19

As the “Shepherd of Israel” (Psalm 80:1), Jesus Christ exemplifies how shepherds in Israel minister in love. … The Lord promises that when His shepherds feed His lambs and sheep, those in His fold “shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking” (Jeremiah 23:4).

Our Good Shepherd cautions that shepherds in Israel must not slumber, nor scatter or cause the sheep to go astray, nor look our own way for our own gain. God’s shepherds are to strengthen, heal, bind up that which is broken, bring again that which was driven away, seek that which was lost. (“Good Shepherd, Lamb of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 98)

Supplemental Learning Activities

The Savior’s promises to His sheep

In Ezekiel 34, not only do we see how the Savior seeks out and cares for His sheep, but we also learn of some of the promises He has given His sheep. Identifying His promises can help students see why they want to gather to Jesus Christ.

Students could list the Savior’s promises as they read Ezekiel 34:22–31. You could divide the verses in half and assign half of the students to read verses 22–26 and the other half to read verses 27–31. You could tell students that many of the promises begin with the phrase “I will.”

Students could then share what stood out to them and why someone would want these blessings from the Lord.

Ministering

One way you could help students identify ways that they can follow the Savior’s example to seek out and care for others is to discuss ministering. Consider inviting students to find the Young Women or Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Themes and look for any phrases that teach about ministering. Students could identify something they learn in Ezekiel 34 that could help them do what these phrases teach.

Students could then share personal experiences, or experiences from others, of how they have ministered to others. If it would help students to see examples of how to minister, you could show “Ministering as the Savior Does” (6:08).

13:4