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 37: The Bible and the Book of Mormon Testify of Jesus Christ

“Ezekiel 37: The Bible and the Book of Mormon Testify of Jesus Christ,” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual (2026)

“Ezekiel 37: The Bible and the Book of Mormon Testify of Jesus Christ,” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual

Ezekiel 1–3; 33–34; 36–37; 47: Lesson 140

Ezekiel 37

The Bible and the Book of Mormon Testify of Jesus Christ

2026 Old Testament Seminary Teacher Materials

In Ezekiel 37, Ezekiel saw a future gathering and reuniting of all the tribes of Israel to the Lord (see Ezekiel 37:20-28). Modern prophets have also interpreted Ezekiel’s vision as the stick of Judah (the Bible) and the stick of Joseph (the Book of Mormon) being united as companion testaments of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel (see Ezekiel 37:15–17). This lesson can help students understand ways the Bible and the Book of Mormon work together as witnesses of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Student preparation: Invite students to imagine they are asked, “Why do you need the Book of Mormon if you believe in the Bible?” and prepare to share how they would respond. They could ask a friend or family member how they would respond to the question.

Possible Learning Activities

A sure second witness

Imagine you see a social media post that asks, “Why do you need the Book of Mormon if you believe in the Bible?”

You could invite students to ponder this question while you write it on the board. Then, invite students to ask themselves:

How confident do you feel in your ability to answer this question?
If a friend were to ask you this question, what would you share?

As you study Ezekiel 37 today, invite the Spirit to help you recognize ways the Bible and Book of Mormon testify of Jesus Christ and His gospel. At the end of the lesson, you will have a chance to practice responding to this question.

The stick of Judah and the stick of Joseph

The prophet Ezekiel was sent to preach repentance to the Israelites who were captives in Babylon. In Ezekiel 37, the prophet recorded a vision in which the Lord taught that the House of Israel, spiritually dead because of apostasy, would return to life through the Restoration of the gospel. As part of the vision, Ezekiel saw two sticks or wooden tablets upon which messages would be written.

As students study the following passage, you may want to point out that the “stick of Judah” refers to the Bible. The “stick of Joseph” refers to the Book of Mormon (see Guide to the Scriptures, “Ephraim”; “Judah”). Students could include this information as a note in their scriptures next to verse 16.

Ezekiel 37:15–17 is a doctrinal mastery passage. Consider inviting students to mark doctrinal mastery passages in a distinctive way so they can locate them easily.

Read Ezekiel 37:15–20, looking for the Lord’s promise about the scriptures in the latter days.

What do you think the phrase “they shall become one in thine hand” (verse 17) could mean?

To help us understand how the Bible and the Book of Mormon would become “one” testament of the Savior, President Russell M. Nelson taught:

14:33

The Bible and the Book of Mormon are both witnesses of Jesus Christ. They teach that He is the Son of God, that He lived an exemplary life, that He atoned for all mankind, that He died upon the cross and rose again as the resurrected Lord. They teach that He is the Savior of the world.

Scriptural witnesses authenticate each other. This concept was explained long ago when a prophet wrote that the Book of Mormon was “written for the intent that ye may believe [the Bible]; and if ye believe [the Bible] ye will believe [the Book of Mormon] also” (Mormon 7:9). Each book refers to the other. Each book stands as evidence that God lives and speaks to His children by revelation to His prophets. …

Today, Saints living in many nations of the earth gratefully hold the Bible (the stick of Judah) and the Book of Mormon (the stick of Ephraim) bound as one in their hands. (“Scriptural Witnesses,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 43, 44)

How would you summarize what we learn from Ezekiel 37:15–20 and President Nelson?

Although students may use different words, help them share a truth such as the Bible and the Book of Mormon both witness of Jesus Christ.
Why do you think it’s important to have both the Bible and Book of Mormon witnessing of Jesus Christ?

Companion witnesses of Jesus Christ

The following activity could help students increase their understanding of how the Bible and the Book of Mormon both testify of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

You could provide some or all of the chart below. Students could select one or more topics to study individually, with a partner, or in a small group.

Gospel Topic	Companion Scriptures
Gospel Topic The Atonement of Jesus Christ	Companion Scriptures Bible: Isaiah 53:3–5 Book of Mormon: Alma 7:11–13
Gospel Topic Resurrection of all because of Jesus Christ	Companion Scriptures Bible: 1 Corinthians 15:20–22 Book of Mormon: Alma 11:42–45
Gospel Topic The Savior promises to gather and redeem His people	Companion Scriptures Bible: Ezekiel 37:21–23, 26–27 Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 10:14
Gospel Topic The attributes of Jesus Christ	Companion Scriptures Bible: Isaiah 63:7 Book of Mormon: Mosiah 4:11
Gospel Topic The Savior’s ordinance of baptism	Companion Scriptures Bible: Matthew 3:13–17 Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 31:5–12
Gospel Topic You choose a topic	Companion Scriptures Bible: Book of Mormon:

Think of a way to help students share what they have learned. One way to do this is to provide the accompanying handout for students to use to create a social media post. If students are unfamiliar with social media, you can adapt this activity to have students role-play what they would share with someone. The activity invites students to answer the question posed at the beginning of the lesson.

Select one of the topics you studied and create a social media post that could be used to answer the question, “Why do you need the Book of Mormon if you believe in the Bible?” Include the verses from the Bible and Book of Mormon you studied. Explain the value you find and how they both teach about Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Share what you have learned

You could tape the students’ posts or posters on the wall around the room or place them on desks. Then, invite students to walk around the room and review their classmates’ work. Provide small papers or sticky notes for students to use as they complete the following instructions.

Write a “comment” to one or more of the other social media posts. In your comment, complete at least one of the following options:

Add an additional scripture reference from either the Bible or the Book of Mormon that could help someone understand more about the Savior and this topic. Include a few thoughts about the value of the scripture you shared.
Share how the Bible and the Book of Mormon have helped you understand the Savior and this teaching.
Write an experience you have had when scriptures from the Bible or Book of Mormon helped increase your testimony of the Savior and His gospel.
Instead of writing your thoughts on a paper, share something you have learned today about the Savior and His gospel teachings on your personal social media account. Include scripture passages and how the Bible and Book of Mormon have helped you better understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.

You could conclude the class by inviting students to continue to use the Bible and the Book of Mormon to increase their understanding of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Memorize

You may want to help students memorize the doctrinal mastery reference and key scripture phrase during this lesson and review them in future lessons. The key scripture phrase for “Ezekiel 37:15–17” is “The Bible and the Book of Mormon shall become one in thine hand.” Ideas for memorization activities are in the appendix materials under “Doctrinal Mastery Review Activities.”

Additional Resources

Why is it important to have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon?

While serving in the Presidency of the Seventy, Elder Tad R. Callister taught:

10:15

Have you ever wondered why there are so many Christian churches in the world today when they obtain their doctrines from essentially the same Bible? It is because they interpret the Bible differently. If they interpreted it the same, they would be the same church. This is not a condition the Lord desires, for the Apostle Paul declared that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). To help bring this oneness about, the Lord established a divine law of witnesses. Paul taught, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1).

The Bible is one witness of Jesus Christ; the Book of Mormon is another. (“The Book of Mormon—a Book from God,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 75).

Elder L. Tom Perry (1922–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:

14:28

Neither the Bible nor the Book of Mormon in and of themselves is sufficient. Both are necessary for us to teach and learn about the full and complete doctrine of Christ. The need for the other does not diminish either one of them. Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon are necessary for our salvation and exaltation. As President Ezra Taft Benson so powerfully taught, “When used together, the Bible and the Book of Mormon confound false doctrines” (“A New Witness for Christ,” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 8). (“The Power of Deliverance,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 96).

Supplemental Learning Activities

The message of the Book of Mormon

In the lesson, before students create a social media post from what they have studied, it might be helpful to give a recent example from a Church leader’s social media account. Alternatively, you could show the video “What Is the Book of Mormon?” (0:57) from ChurchofJesusChrist.org, which demonstrates how the Book of Mormon is a companion witness to the Bible of Jesus Christ.

0:58

The blessing of two witnesses

An object lesson could be used to teach the importance of having a second witness of important truths. At the beginning of the lesson, place a piece of paper on the board with one magnet in its center. Invite students to think about how many different ways to rotate the paper with only one magnet holding it in place. Then, place a second magnet on the paper and invite students to share the differences they see. Another way to demonstrate this is to draw a dot on the board and ask how many straight lines could be drawn through the dot (infinite). You could then draw two dots on the board and ask students how many straight lines could be drawn (one).

The power of the gathering of the sticks of Judah and Joseph

As students discuss the gathering together of the “sticks” of Judah and Joseph, you could invite them to cross–reference or link Ezekiel 37:15–17 with 2 Nephi 3:12. On the board, you could write a partial truth such as, “Together the Bible and the Book of Mormon …” Invite students to complete the statement from 2 Nephi 3:12. Students could list examples such as the following:

Confound false doctrine.
Resolve contention.
Establish peace.
Help Lehi’s descendants know of their fathers.
Help all the Lord’s people learn about His covenants.

Students could share how they or someone they know have seen this blessing because of the Bible and Book of Mormon.

“One in thine hand” (Ezekiel 37:17)

To help students understand how Ezekiel’s prophecy continues to be fulfilled in our day, you could invite students to review some of the latest features of the Gospel Library. Students could look for some of the ways the Bible and the Book of Mormon have become one in our hands today. You might point out the footnote links, videos, and images available. Invite students to see the cross-references for the Bible and Book of Mormon that point to “Jesus Christ” in the index.

After students have reviewed how this prophecy has continued to be fulfilled, you could share some of the story of the 1982 printing of the Bible and Book of Mormon. This edition included the creation of footnotes that linked Bible verses to relevant Book of Mormon passages for the first time. The story of the printing of this complicated work was shared by President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles (“Scriptures,” Ensign, Nov. 1982). You could provide a QR code link for students to access this talk on their electronic device. Students could review the account and discuss the challenges of the 1982 edition and the technological miracles that have led to the Gospel Library today.

You might point out that the cross-references they reviewed under “Jesus Christ” were unavailable until the 1982 edition of the scriptures was finished.

You could also show the video of President Packer’s message explaining this process in the video “Scriptures” (timecode 3:17–10:09).

18:30