“Lesson 51: Exodus 24; 32-34—The Justice, Mercy, and Long-Suffering of the Lord,” Old Testament Seminary Student Manual (2026)
Fulness of Times, by Greg K. Olsen
Exodus 19–20; 24; 31–34: Lesson 51
Exodus 24; 32–34
The Justice, Mercy, and Long-Suffering of the Lord
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
How have the Savior’s justice, mercy, and long-suffering worked together to bless your life? When Moses returned from the presence of the Lord, he found that the Israelites had broken the covenants they had made. This lesson can help you understand that the Lord is just, merciful, and long-suffering.
Study the Scriptures
What are some things in today’s world that people are tempted to put before their covenants or relationship with God? In Exodus 24:3–8 the Israelites promised to be the Lord’s covenant people.
Read Exodus 32:1–8, looking for how the Israelites broke their covenant.
In the Old Testament, idolatry (worship of idols or excessive attachment to something) hindered many in their relationships with God. Even though the Israelites broke their covenants, God’s plan allowed them to experience His love through mercy and long-suffering (see Exodus 34:6–7). As you continue to study, listen to the Spirit and look for evidence of the mercy and long-suffering the Lord offers.
The Lord’s law of justice
Read Exodus 32:15–20, looking for consequences Israel suffered because of their sin.
While we can use our agency to sin, the Lord is always just. Therefore, we cannot escape the consequences of our sins. Because of the Israelites’ sin, Moses broke the tablets that contained instructions for Melchizedek Priesthood ordinances (see Exodus 32:15–19; Joseph Smith Translation, Exodus 34:1–2 [in the Bible appendix]; Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–26). He also moved the tabernacle outside the camp (see Exodus 33:7), symbolizing Israel losing the presence of the Lord.
Respond to the following questions in your notebook:
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Why do you think building and worshipping the golden calf was such a serious sin?
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How might consequences of sin help someone return to the Lord?
The Lord’s law of mercy
Read Exodus 34:6–7. Tag the passage as “Christlike attributes.”
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained how the Savior’s mercy satisfies the law of justice:
Without the Savior’s Atonement, the eternal principle of justice would require punishment. Because of the Savior’s Atonement, mercy can prevail for those who have repented, and it can allow them to return to the presence of God. We would do well to ponder this wonderful doctrine. (“Be True to God and His Work,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 119)
Review the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the “Now What?” section at the end of the lesson.
Option A
How does the Lord respond to our weaknesses?
Your friend Kylie recently learned about the Savior’s gospel. She wanted to follow God’s plan and covenant with Him to keep His commandments. Kylie made changes in her life and was baptized into His Church.
After her baptism, Kylie began spending time with her old friends, and it led to old habits. Before long, she returned to old, familiar ways. She broke the covenant she made at baptism.
Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:
The joyful news for anyone who desires to be rid of the consequences of past poor choices is that the Lord sees weaknesses differently than He does rebellion. Whereas the Lord warns that unrepented rebellion will bring punishment, when the Lord speaks of weaknesses, it is always with mercy. (“Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 83)
Imagine that Kylie read Elder Scott’s words. In your notebook, use the following statements to finish Kylie’s story:
Because of her experiences, Kylie may have learned that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ .
Because of what she learned about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, Kylie decides to .
Option B
How can we receive Christ’s mercy?
Juan was baptized when he was eight years old. He was raised in a faithful family. But a few years after his baptism, he wanted to try things that were contrary to God’s commandments. Before long, he was regularly breaking his baptismal covenant.
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:
As an eight-year-old, I had mistakenly presumed that the water of baptism washed away sins. Not so. In the years since my baptism, I have learned that sins are cleansed by the power of Jesus Christ through His atoning sacrifice as we make and keep the baptismal covenant. Then, through the gift of repentance, we can remain clean. I have also learned that the sacrament brings a powerful virtuous cycle into our lives, enabling us to retain a remission of our sins. (“Jesus Christ Is the Treasure,” Liahona, Nov. 2023, 97)
Respond to the following questions in your notebook:
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What consequences might Juan face for breaking his baptismal covenant?
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What would you share with Juan to help him see the Lord’s mercy and long-suffering?
Now What?
Review Exodus 34:6–7, and think about why it might have been important for the Lord to remind the children of Israel that He is just, merciful, and long-suffering.
In your notebook, write a letter to Kylie or Juan that could help them return to the covenant path. Refer to the children of Israel’s experience with God. Also include the following:
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How the Lord demonstrated His mercy and long-suffering toward the Israelites
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How Kylie or Juan might see the Lord’s mercy and long-suffering in their life
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Your testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you understand that the Lord is just, merciful, and long-suffering.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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The letter you wrote to Kylie or Juan.
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How you can see the Lord’s mercy and long-suffering in your life.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?