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

The Importance of Education: Temporal and Spiritual Blessings of Education

“The Importance of Education: Temporal and Spiritual Blessings of Education,” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual (2026)

“The Importance of Education: Temporal and Spiritual Blessings of Education,” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual

Preparing for Future Education and Employment: Lesson 188

The Importance of Education

Temporal and Spiritual Blessings of Education

While obtaining an education can be very challenging, it is worth the sacrifice and effort. Not only can an education bless our lives and those around us, but it prepares us to be better instruments in accomplishing the Lord’s work. This lesson can help students understand the importance of education both temporally and spiritually.

Student preparation: Invite students to ponder something they love learning about and how they developed that interest. They could also ponder how learning about this interest has been valuable to them.

Possible Learning Activities

Freedom or limitation

Consider drawing two funnels on the board, as shown below. Students could draw these funnels in their journals. You might also bring a funnel to class or create a simple one out of paper.

Invite students to point out the end of the funnel that looks more restricting and the end that looks more open or free. Then write Obtaining an Education above the first picture.

Imagine the small opening of this funnel represents obtaining an education.

In what ways might obtaining an education initially seem restricting or limiting to some people?
What could the larger opening on the bottom represent? Why?

Students may explain that while obtaining an education requires much effort, discipline, and sacrifice, it can lead to blessings from the Lord, including increased freedom, opportunities, and growth.

Write Choosing Not to Obtain an Education above the second picture.

Now imagine the larger opening of this funnel represents choosing not to obtain an education.

What could the small opening on the bottom represent? Why?

Students may explain that choosing not to put forth effort to obtain an education may initially seem freeing, but could lead to limited or restricted freedom, opportunities, and growth.

Ponder the following questions:

How important is education to you? Why?
How might your choice to obtain or not obtain an education affect you and those around you?

The Holy Ghost can help you recognize messages just for you. As you learn about education, pay attention to impressions that may help you with your educational and life goals.

Always be learning

Display the following statements. You could distribute the For Strength of Youth guide to each student, or invite them to locate it in the Gospel Library app.

You might invite students to study the statements individually then discuss the questions that follow in small groups.

Read the following statements, looking for what you learn about learning and education.

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

Our Creator expects His children everywhere to gain an education as a personal endeavor. (“Education—A Religious Responsibility” [Brigham Young University–Idaho devotional, Jan. 26, 2010], byui.edu)

For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices explains:

Heavenly Father wants His daughters and sons to always be learning. You have both temporal and spiritual reasons to seek and love learning. Education is not just about earning money. It is part of your eternal goal to become more like Heavenly Father. …

Always be learning. Look for opportunities to expand your mind and your skills. These opportunities can include formal education at school or vocational training as well as informal learning from sources you trust. Involve the Lord in your efforts, and He will guide you. As you learn about the world around you, learn also about the Savior, who created the world. Study His life and teachings. Make seminary, institute, and personal gospel study part of your lifelong learning. …

Education increases your ability to serve the Lord. It empowers you to bless others, especially your family. The more you learn, the more you can help build God’s kingdom and influence the world for good. (For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices [2022], 31–32)

Which phrases from these statements are most meaningful to you? Why?
What eternal truths can we learn from these statements?
Record the truths that students share next to the first funnel on the board. Students can do the same with their drawing. They may share truths such as the following:
- Education is part of our eternal goal to become more like Heavenly Father.
- Heavenly Father wants His daughters and sons to always be learning.
- Education increases our ability to serve the Lord and bless others.
Why is learning and education an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan?
How might these truths help someone who sees education as restricting and limiting?

Importance of education

Learning and education have always been essential parts of progression for Heavenly Father’s children. For example, Adam and Eve taught their children both spiritual and secular things (see Moses 5:10–12; 6:5–6), thus helping them become more like Heavenly Father.

2026 Old Testament Seminary Teacher Materials

What blessings from the Lord have you seen in your life or the life of others because of learning and education?
What experiences have you had that help you see that Heavenly Father cares about your education?

Conclusion

Imagine you have a friend who hates school and is considering options that will not require further education after high school. Write what you would share with your friend using what you learned today. The following are examples of what you might want to include:

Temporal and spiritual blessings that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can bless us with from obtaining an education.
Scriptures, quotes, or personal thoughts or experiences that are meaningful to you.

Invite a few students to share with the class. Consider testifying of the great blessing that education can be in our lives—especially in helping us become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Additional Resources

Why is it important to get an education?

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) taught:

You must get all of the education that you possibly can. Life has become so complex and competitive. You cannot assume that you have entitlements due you. You will be expected to put forth great effort and to use your best talents to make your way to the most wonderful future of which you are capable. Sacrifice a car; sacrifice anything that is needed to be sacrificed to qualify yourselves to do the work of the world. That world will in large measure pay you what it thinks you are worth, and your worth will increase as you gain education and proficiency in your chosen field. (“Words of the Prophet: Seek Learning,” New Era, Sep. 2007, 3–4)

President Dallin H. Oaks and Sister Kristen M. Oaks explained:

The more knowledge we have of heavenly laws and earthly things, the greater influence we can exert for good on those around us and the safer we will be from scurrilous [offensive] and evil influences that may confuse and destroy us. (“Learning and Latter-day Saints,” Ensign or Liahona, Apr. 2009, 22–23)

What if formal education is not available to me?

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then of the First Presidency, said:

18:45

If formal education is not available, do not allow that to prevent you from acquiring all the knowledge you can. Under such circumstances, the best books, in a sense, can become your “university”—a classroom that is always open and admits all who apply. Strive to increase your knowledge of all that is “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.” Seek knowledge “by study and also by faith.” (“Two Principles for Any Economy,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 58) (time code 15:28 to 16:05)

Supplemental Learning Activities

Alternate beginning

Consider beginning class by displaying a picture of an open door.

Then display the following quote, leaving the first word blank. Invite students to guess what the missing word is. As they share possible answers, they could explain why they chose the word they did.

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) taught the following:

is the key which will unlock the door of opportunity for you. It is worth sacrificing for. (“Inspirational Thoughts,” Ensign, June 1999, 4)

After enough time, write Education in the blank. Invite students to share how the statement could be true. If students do not say it, consider explaining how one way education unlocks doors of opportunity for us is because it helps us learn and grow, thus becoming more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 93:36).

Then display a picture of a closed door.

Invite students to share reasons some people may choose not to seek learning and education. You could invite students to ponder their personal views of education.

Education is the key to opportunity

For another activity option in the section “Importance of education,” consider showing the video “Education Is the Key to Opportunity” (1:38). In this video, Thomas S. Monson and Gordon B. Hinckley talk about the importance of education. You could invite students to refer to the funnel on the board, looking for ways education opens the door for further opportunity and blessings.

1:38