Week 9
February 23–Mar 1
Genesis 18–23
Today’s Assignment
Genesis 18:1–15 Abraham and Sarah receive a visit from the angels; prophecy of Isaac.
Today’s Assignment
Genesis 22:1-24 and Genesis 23:1-20 The sacrifice of Isaac; Sarah’s death and burial.
“Dwelling on past lives, including past mistakes, is just not right! It is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. In some ways it is worse than Lot’s wife because at least she destroyed only herself. In cases of marriage and family, wards and branches, apartments and neighborhoods, we can end up destroying so many others.”
In the Pearl of Great Price, Abraham is nearly sacrificed by his father as part of a false religious practice. Why would God later test Abraham with a command that mirrors that traumatic experience?
In the Pearl of Great Price, Abraham’s near-sacrifice by the priest of Elkenah represents a false, idolatrous practice tied to Egyptian religious rites, not a divine command (see Abraham 1:12; Facsimile 1) . This traumatic encounter shows Abraham’s resolve to reject corrupt rituals and to seek the true God.
When God later commanded Abraham to offer Isaac in Genesis 22, the test was entirely different. It was not about condemning a wrongful human sacrifice, but rather aout demonstrating Abraham’s unwavering faith and willingness to obey divine direction, even when it mirrored past trauma. With this test, God provided the ultimate corrective: Isaac was spared, and a ram was substituted, underscoring divine mercy and illustrating that God never desires innocent death or cruelty, even in testing times.
Together, these accounts portray a God who allows trials calibrated to individual spiritual growth, not reckless repetition of pain. Abraham’s earlier brush with evil fortified him, preparing him to pass a far more profound and redemptive test in faith and obedience.
FAIR Response to claims made in Chapter 11: Fall of the Book of Abraham
FAIR Mormon teachings/Obedience/Ancient penalties
Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual Lesson 28: Genesis 22
February 14–20. Genesis 18–23: “Is Any Thing Too Hard for the Lord?”
In Genesis 18 God listens to Abraham and spares the righteous, but in other passages He commands destruction. Why does God show mercy in one case yet endorse violence in another?
In Genesis 18, God’s willingness to spare Sodom if even a few righteous souls are found highlights His compassion and deference to righteousness. Abraham intercedes, and God listens, demonstrating that the prayers of the faithful can affect divine action.
Such texts reflect ancient literary styles which sometimes employ hyperbolic language, and must be read within their specific cultural, archaeological, and moral contexts. These events occurred within a different covenant framework, and records of warfare in the Bible often serve symbolic or theological purposes rather than literal reportage.
Thus, the apparent contrast between mercy and judgment isn’t inconsistency in God’s character but varying circumstances. When individuals are truly righteous, God’s mercy prevails, as we see with Sodom and Abraham’s pleading. Judgment is warranted in other contexts, such as pervasive wickedness conveyed in conquest accounts. Through these differing narratives, the Church teaches that God is both just and merciful, responding differently based on the context and individuals involved.
Old Testament Seminary Teacher Resource Manual Genesis 18–23
Old Testament Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students Genesis 17–18
In Genesis 18, Abraham pleads for compassion toward Sodom if righteous people are found there. How do Latter-day Saints reconcile God’s justice with showing love and support for LGBT individuals today?
In Genesis 18, Abraham intercedes for Sodom, emphasizing God’s willingness to honor and preserve righteousness wherever it is found. This passage underscores the principle that God values individuals and listens with compassion to those who seek Him (Genesis 18:23–32). For Latter-day Saints, this theme connects with how we approach sensitive issues today, including relationships with LGBT individuals.
The Church teaches that every person is a beloved child of God and should be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect regardless of their circumstances. While the law of chastity and the doctrine of marriage remain central in the restored gospel, members are counseled to “create a community where all are welcomed and valued”.
Supporting LGBT individuals does not require compromising faith. Instead, disciples can follow Christ’s example by balancing truth with love and standing by revealed teachings while also extending compassion and inclusion. Just as Abraham sought mercy for the righteous, modern Saints are invited to seek ways to honor God’s laws while offering friendship, understanding, and genuine support to LGBT individuals.
FAIR : Beyond the Rainbow: Supporting LGBT+ Saints Faithfully
FAIR Questions: Homosexuality and the Church of Jesus Christ
Topics and Questions: Chastity
Old Testament Seminary Teacher Resource Manual: Genesis 18–23
Week 10
March 2–8
Today’s Assignment
Genesis 26:1–35 Isaac’s struggles and blessings; he makes a covenant with Abimelech.
“One of the Hebraic meanings of the word Israel is “let God prevail.” Thus the very name of Israel refers to a person who is willing to let God prevail in his or her life... The Lord is gathering those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives. The Lord is gathering those who will choose to let God be the most important influence in their lives.”
If marriage in Genesis 24 depended on divine signs, why do we not practice arranged marriages now?
While Genesis 24 illustrates Abraham’s servant seeking divine guidance in selecting a spouse for Isaac, it’s essential to understand that the principles of eternal marriage, as taught in our faith, encompass both divine guidance and personal agency.
In our doctrine, marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant ordained by God, not merely a contractual agreement. The Lord has established the new and everlasting covenant of marriage, which is central to His plan for our happiness and eternal progression. This covenant is not just a temporal arrangement but a divine ordinance that extends beyond this life. As President Spencer W. Kimball emphasized, “Marriage is by nature a covenant, not just a private contract one may cancel at will” .
Regarding the selection of a spouse, while Abraham’s servant sought divine guidance, the process also involved personal choice and agency. Similarly, in our faith, individuals are encouraged to seek the Lord’s guidance through prayer and the Holy Spirit when choosing an eternal companion. However, this divine guidance works in harmony with our agency, allowing us to make choices that align with God’s will.
The concept of eternal marriage emphasizes the importance of making covenants with God. As we enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage, we are not only committing to our spouse but also to God, thereby inviting His presence into our relationship. This sacred union becomes a partnership with God, and it is imperative that we seek His counsel regarding whom to marry.
While the process of selecting a spouse in ancient times may have differed in some respects, the underlying principles of seeking divine guidance and exercising personal agency remain consistent. We believe that by combining personal agency with divine guidance, we can enter into an eternal marriage that aligns with God’s plan for our happiness and eternal progression.
Sources:
FAIR: Latter-day Saint interpretation of “neither marry nor given in marriage”
FAIR: Why Marriage, Why Family?
How can Jacob’s act of deceit in regards to Esau’s blessing be reconciled with the church teachings on honesty and integrity, especially considering that Jacob is later blessed and becomes a patriarch in Israel?
In Genesis 27, Jacob’s actions, disguising himself to receive his father’s blessing, may seem deceitful at first. However, within the context of Latter-day Saint teachings, several factors provide clarity.
First, Jacob’s receipt of the blessing aligned with God’s will. Rebekah, his mother, had received a revelation indicating that Jacob was to receive the birthright over Esau (Genesis 25:23). This shows that the blessing was intended for Jacob, regardless of the method employed.
Second, while the act involved deception, Jacob’s life afterward reflects a journey of personal growth and repentance. His experiences, including wrestling with the angel and becoming Israel, demonstrate his striving for righteousness and alignment with God’s will.
The scriptures teach that “the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). While Jacob’s actions were imperfect, his intentions aligned with God’s plan. His story reminds us that God can accomplish His purposes through imperfect individuals and that seeking His guidance helps us act in accordance with His will, even in challenging circumstances.
Sources:
Can modern temple practices of receiving a new name be justified as connected to the story of Jacob receiving a new name, and is there evidence that the practice actually originates from Jacob’s experience ?
In Genesis 32, Jacob’s encounter with a divine being, resulting in his name change to Israel, signifies a profound personal transformation and covenantal blessing. This event really shows the importance of divine encounters in shaping one’s identity and purpose.
In Latter-day Saint theology, the act of receiving a new name in the temple is deeply symbolic. It represents a personal covenant with God, marking a commitment to follow Him and receive His blessings. This practice aligns with the biblical precedent set by Jacob’s experience, where a new name signified a new covenantal relationship and a transformed identity.
The concept of receiving a new name is not unique to Jacob. Throughout scripture, individuals who enter into significant covenants with God often receive new names as a sign of their commitment and transformation. This tradition continues in modern temple practices, reinforcing the continuity of God’s covenantal dealings with His people.
The practice of receiving a new name in the temple is deeply rooted in scriptural precedent and reflects a personal commitment to God’s covenant. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of divine encounters and the blessings that come from faithfully following God’s will.
Sources:
Week 11
March 9–15
“You will notice in each situation in which Joseph found himself that the Lord was with him. It was easy to recognize the special spirit in him because of the way he lived and heeded the voice of the Lord to direct him. That same recognition will surely be with each of us as we are led and directed by His Holy Spirit. ”
If Joseph was righteous and ‘the Lord was with him,’ why did he still face slavery, false accusations, and prison? Doesn’t that challenge the idea that faithfulness brings blessings and protection?
Joseph’s life shows that righteousness does not shield us from trials, but it does invite God’s sustaining presence. Genesis repeatedly affirms, “the Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2–3, 21, 23), even during slavery and imprisonment. Joseph’s suffering was not meaningless; it prepared him to save his family and others from famine, becoming a “life-saving sufferer” who foreshadows Christ’s role of redeeming through unjust suffering.
This teaches that God’s blessings are not always immediate comfort or temporal safety, but growth, preparation, and influence beyond what we can see. As the Come, Follow Me manual notes, Joseph’s trials remind us that “adversity can be a means of preparing us for greater blessings”.
The story also resonates with Latter-day Saint history. Joseph Smith, like Joseph of Egypt, was faithful yet imprisoned and falsely accused. He declared that “deep water is what I am wont to swim in,” showing that trials refine God’s servants for their mission. Both Josephs exemplify that God does not abandon His covenant people; rather, He transforms their adversity into instruments of deliverance. Thus, faithfulness brings the greatest blessing of all: God’s abiding presence and eventual deliverance.
Sources:
Come, Follow Me Week 11 – Genesis 37–41
March 7–13. Genesis 37–41: “The Lord Was with Joseph”
Chapter 45: Joseph Smith’s Feelings about His Prophetic Mission
Joseph’s dreams predicted his rise and gave him influence over others. Does this suggest that God’s plan is predetermined, and that revelation is only useful when it benefits others? If so, what does that mean for ordinary individuals seeking guidance today?”
Joseph’s life shows that God’s plan can include both foreknowledge and individual agency. While his dreams predicted future events and gave him influence (Genesis 37:5–11), they did not force his brothers’ choices. God’s foreknowledge does not negate human agency; Joseph’s brothers acted according to their own decisions, and Joseph exercised faith and righteousness throughout his trials.
Revelation in Joseph’s life was indeed used to bless others, as he was guided to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and organize Egypt’s resources to preserve many lives (Genesis 41:14–57). This shows that revelation is often meant for the good of others, but it also demonstrates principles that ordinary individuals can apply. The Come, Follow Me manual notes that God “communicates guidance according to His purposes, often in ways that prepare individuals to help and bless others”.
Thus, ordinary people can seek and receive revelation in their own lives. God’s guidance is available to everyone, even if the timing, form, and impact differ from the extraordinary experiences of prophets like Joseph. Faith, prayer, and obedience allow individuals to receive direction suited to their circumstances.
If Joseph’s coat had such spiritual significance, why did God allow it to be stolen and misused? What does this tell us about how God uses symbols in the Bible to teach or guide people?
Joseph’s coat of many colors was more than a symbol of Jacob’s love; it represented Joseph’s divine calling and birthright. Genesis 37:3 notes that Jacob loved Joseph “more than all his children,” which stirred his brothers’ jealousy. Some scholars suggest the coat signified Joseph’s receipt of the birthright, a position traditionally held by the firstborn son. However, due to Reuben’s actions, the birthright was transferred to Joseph, the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob’s second wife. This transfer is reflected in the special garment Joseph received.
The coat’s significance extends beyond family dynamics. In Latter-day Saint tradition, the “coat of Joseph” is believed to have been passed down through generations, from Adam to Noah, and eventually to Joseph of Egypt, symbolizing God’s favor and protection. This illustrates how God often uses tangible symbols in the Bible to teach spiritual truths and reveal His plans.
Thus, the coat teaches that even ordinary objects can carry deep spiritual meaning, pointing to God’s hand in guiding His children, preparing them for divine purposes, and revealing lessons for future generations.
Sources:
Genesis 36–37: Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors
Week 12
March 16–22
Genesis 42–50
Today’s Assignment
Genesis 42:1–38 Joseph’s brothers go to Egypt for grain, Joseph tests his brothers
Today’s Assignment
Genesis 43:1–34 Joseph continues to test his brothers.
Today’s Assignment
Genesis 44:1–34 Joseph’s final test: the cup in Benjamin’s sack.
Genesis 45:1-28 Joseph reveals himself to his brothers.
Today’s Assignment
Genesis 48:1-22 Jacob blesses his family.
Today’s Assignment
Genesis 49:1-33 Jacob continues to bless and counsel his children.
Genesis 50:1-26 Jacob is laid to rest.
“The Lord...forgives whom He will; we are to forgive all. As we come to our Savior, we focus less on ourselves. We judge less and forgive more. Trusting His merits, mercy, and grace can free us from contention, anger, abuse, abandonment, unfairness, and the physical and mental challenges that sometimes come with a physical body in a mortal world. ”
Why did God allow Joseph to withhold his identity and test his brothers instead of revealing Himself sooner? Does this suggest that God uses delayed recognition to teach lessons, and how do we reconcile that with divine love?”
Joseph’s decision to conceal his identity and test his brothers can seem puzzling, but the scriptures show that God was working through Joseph to bring about repentance and reconciliation. Genesis 42–45 records that Joseph’s brothers, who once betrayed him, were given the chance to demonstrate change by protecting Benjamin. Joseph’s actions allowed his brothers to face their past sins and show that their hearts had softened, which was essential for true forgiveness and unity.
The Come, Follow Me manual emphasizes that Joseph recognized God’s hand in his trials: “God did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). His withholding of identity was not cruelty but part of a divine process that turned tragedy into preparation. This teaches us that sometimes God allows delays, tests, or even confusing circumstances to refine His people and prepare them for blessings.
Far from contradicting divine love, Joseph’s story shows that God’s purposes are often larger than immediate relief. In the end, Joseph’s patience and inspired testing led to reconciliation, healing, and the preservation of Israel.
Sources:
If Joseph’s brothers sinned by selling him, why did God use it for good? Does that mean sin is sometimes part of God’s plan?
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that God never requires us to sin, but He is able to work through and even redeem the consequences of people’s wrong choices. In Joseph’s story, his brothers acted out of jealousy and hatred, and their decision to sell him was still a sin. Yet God, in His foreknowledge and mercy, turned that terrible act into an opportunity for Joseph to save countless lives during the famine. This shows God’s ability to bring good out of human mistakes without excusing the sin itself.
In Latter-day Saint belief, agency is central—God allows people to choose, even if those choices cause pain. What we see in Joseph’s life is that no sin or hardship is beyond God’s power to transform into something meaningful. Rather than meaning sin is part of His plan, it teaches that His plan is bigger than sin, and that through His wisdom and Christ’s atonement, even broken things can be made whole.
Sources:
March 14–20. Genesis 42–50: “God Meant It unto Good”
What was the significance of the birthright if Joseph had the birthright? Why did Jesus come through Judah’s family line instead of Joseph’s?
Joseph received the birthright blessing because of his faithfulness and his role in preserving Israel during the famine. The birthright meant Joseph’s posterity would receive special temporal and spiritual blessings, including a “double portion” and a responsibility to gather Israel in the last days. This is fulfilled in part through the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, who carry the responsibility of proclaiming the gospel and gathering God’s children.
On the other hand, the Messiah came through Judah. This was in fulfillment of Jacob’s prophecy that “the sceptre shall not depart from Judah”, symbolizing kingship and the covenant line leading to Christ. Thus, Joseph’s birthright prepared his descendants for the work of gathering Israel, while Judah’s lineage provided the royal and Messianic line through which salvation would come.
Together, both lineages show that God’s plan distributes sacred responsibilities across His covenant people.
Sources:
Rich Symbolism in Jacob’s Blessings of Judah and Joseph? (Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson 12A)
Come, Follow Me Week 12 – Genesis 42–50
Week 13
March 23-29
Today’s Assignment
Exodus 3:1-22 God calls Moses from the burning bush and reveals His name and promises.
“My beloved brothers and sisters, Christianity is comforting, but it is often not comfortable. The path to holiness and happiness here and hereafter is a long and sometimes rocky one. It takes time and tenacity to walk it. But, of course, the reward for doing so is monumental.”
If the Israelites were God’s chosen people, why did He let them suffer as slaves in Egypt for so long before sending Moses to deliver them?
The scriptures teach that even though Israel was God’s chosen people, He allowed them to suffer in Egypt for many years. This was first because of prophecy and also so their deliverance would display His power and teach enduring truths. In Genesis 15, God promised Abraham that his descendants would be “afflicted,” serve in a foreign land, and later be delivered.
Israel’s bondage prepared them to become a covenant people who knew God’s promises, learned patience, and learned to trust in His timing. The Exodus did not happen immediately because certain conditions needed to be fulfilled. Slavery deepened, their cries for help increased, and their deliverance would more clearly show God’s mercy and power.
Joseph’s prophecy (as recorded in the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis) foresaw that Moses would be raised to deliver Israel out of bondage. This helps us see that God had a long-term plan, and the suffering in Egypt was both foreknown and part of His covenant unfolding. It was not because He willed evil but because He used adversity to bring about greater good and build faith.
Sources:
Why did the Lord tell Moses he would become ‘God to Pharaoh’ in the story of the plagues?
When the Lord told Moses that he would be “as God to Pharaoh” (Exodus 7:1), it did not mean Moses was taking God’s place. Instead, it showed that Moses would act as God’s authorized representative in carrying out His will. The Lord gave Moses power and authority so Pharaoh would recognize that Moses spoke with divine commission, not as an ordinary man.
In scripture, the word “god” can sometimes mean a ruler or one who exercises divine authority when acting under the Lord’s direction. In this case, Moses stood in God’s place before Pharaoh, with Aaron serving as his prophet or spokesman, just as prophets act in God’s name on earth today.
This teaches us that God empowers His chosen servants with authority to represent Him. Just as Moses bore God’s word and power before Pharaoh, modern prophets are called to represent the Lord, declare His will, and invite all to recognize His authority.
Sources:
What Did the Lord Mean When He Said Moses Would Become “God to Pharaoh” During the Plagues of Egypt?
Did Moses really exist as a historical person, or is he just a legend or symbolic figure?
Many biblical scholars believe there likely was someone like Moses in history. They may doubt or debate some of the miracles attributed to him, but they don’t dismiss the possibility that he lived. Evidence includes his Egyptian-style name “Moseh,” which means “is born,” and that there are signs in archaeology and historical study that support some form of exodus event.
The Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and Covenants also affirm Moses as a real person. Also, in 1836, Latter-day Saint belief holds that Moses appeared in the Kirtland Temple and gave priesthood keys to Joseph Smith.
Sources:
“Written in the Books of Moses”: Mosaic Authorship and Authority in the Book of Mormon
This guide is not meant to replace the Come, Follow Me curriculum by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is merely a study tool and a helpful guide to aid in your study as you follow along the church’s curriculum. If there are any questions feel free to reach out to us.
We cover some frequently asked questions, include some criticisms that occur often, as well as the answers to them with some helpful resources from our website and of course, the Church’s website. While we cannot address every question and criticism and cannot provide every resource, we hope what we have included in this guide will be helpful to you.
