Lesson 40: “Enlarge the Place of Thy Tent”, Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, 190
Purpose
To encourage class members to strengthen the stakes of Zion and prepare for the Second Coming and the Millennium.Preparation
- 1. Prayerfully study the passages from Isaiah 54–56 and 63–65 that are discussed in the lesson.
- 2. If you use the attention activity, bring a tent stake.
- 3. If the picture The Resurrected Jesus Christ is available, you may want to use it during the lesson (62187; Gospel Art Picture Kit 239).
Suggested Lesson Development
Attention Activity
You may want to use the following activity (or one of your own) to begin the lesson.Draw on the chalkboard a picture of a tent like the one shown below. Then display a tent stake and ask the following questions.
- • Why does this tent need stakes? What would happen if the tent were not supported by stakes?
- • What does the tent mentioned in Isaiah 54:2 represent? (The Church of Jesus Christ.) What do the tent stakes represent?
- President Ezra Taft Benson said:
- “The term stake is a symbolic expression. Picture in your mind a great tent held up by cords extended to many stakes that are firmly secured in the ground.
- “The prophets likened latter-day Zion to a great tent encompassing the earth. That tent was supported by cords fastened to stakes. Those stakes, of course, are various geographical organizations spread out over the earth. Presently, Israel is being gathered to the various stakes of Zion” (“Strengthen Thy Stakes,” Ensign, Jan. 1991, 2).
- President Ezra Taft Benson said:
Explain that this lesson will discuss how we can strengthen the stakes of Zion. It will also discuss Isaiah’s powerful teachings about the Second Coming and the Millennium.
Scripture Discussion and Application
As you teach the following scripture passages, discuss how they apply to daily life. Encourage class members to share experiences that relate to the scriptural principles.1. “Lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes” (Isaiah 54:2).
From http://seminary.lds.org/content/languages/english/Seminary%20Materials/Student%20Study%20Guides/Old%20Testament%20Seminary%20Student%20Study%20Guide~eng.pdf
In speaking to the scattered and captive children of Israel in
Isaiah 54, the Lord compared His relationship with them to a
marriage relationship. Although they were separated for a time,
He promised to receive them back with mercy and kindness and
to be their “husband” forever (Isaiah 54:5). This promise can
also be taken as a personal message of hope for individuals in
sin who think that the Lord would never take them back even if
they repented.
- • What do you think is the meaning of the phrase “Enlarge the place of thy tent”? (Isaiah 54:2). (The Lord wants Church members to share the gospel with many people so it can cover the earth. Isaiah prophesied that in the latter days, the Church would grow rapidly and many people throughout the world would be converted to the truth [Isaiah 54:3]).
- • What other counsel is given in Isaiah 54:3 regarding the tent, or Church? How can we follow this counsel? You may want to summarize the discussion on the chalkboard, as illustrated below.
- • What can we do to strengthen the stake in which we live? (Answers could include the following: Develop personal spiritual strength, influence our families and friends to do the same, serve our member and nonmember neighbors, and accept calls from priesthood leaders to serve in the Church.)
- • How can stakes bless people’s lives? (See D&C 115:5–6.) How are the stakes of Zion places of defense and refuge for us?
5 Verily I say unto you all: aArise and shine forth, that thy blight may be a cstandard for the dnations;
2. “With great mercies will I gather thee” (Isaiah 54:7).
- • Although Israel was scattered for many years, the Lord promised that he would gather her to the true Church in the last days (Isaiah 54:4–10). What can we learn about the Lord in Isaiah 54:4–10? What specific blessings does the Lord promise his righteous servants? (See Isaiah 54:13–14, 17.) Why are these promises important?
- • Who is invited to find refuge by gathering with the Saints? (All of Heavenly Father’s children.) Review the following passages from Isaiah that describe groups of people whom the Lord wants to come to him and find safety in the gospel:
- 1 Ho, every one that athirsteth, come ye to the bwaters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, cbuy wine and milk without money and without dprice.The very first word, “ho,” isa call for someone to pay attentionand come. “Ho” would normallybe combined with the waving ofthe hand in an invitation to come. -- Seminary Lesson Manual
- a. Isaiah 55:1–3. (All who thirst.) What kind of thirst is referred to in these verses? What happens when we try to satisfy spiritual thirst by spending money and effort on temporal things? How can our spiritual thirst be truly satisfied? (See 2 Nephi 9:50–51; 3 Nephi 20:8.)
- b. Isaiah 55:6–7. (The wicked who will repent.) What promise is extended to those who repent?
- c. Isaiah 56:3, 5–8. (Strangers who do not know the Lord.) What must the stranger do to be accepted by the Lord?
- a. Isaiah 55:1–3. (All who thirst.) What kind of thirst is referred to in these verses? What happens when we try to satisfy spiritual thirst by spending money and effort on temporal things? How can our spiritual thirst be truly satisfied? (See 2 Nephi 9:50–51; 3 Nephi 20:8.)
- • What do these passages teach about the mercy of the Lord? What do they teach about how we should view all of Heavenly Father’s children?
- • Isaiah wrote that God’s word can nourish our souls much like rain and snow nourish seeds (Isaiah 55:10–13). How does God’s word nourish our souls? (See Alma 32:28, 41.)
3. The Millennium will be a time of peace and joy.
- • Throughout his writings, Isaiah testified that although there would be struggles, temptations, and suffering in this world, good would overcome evil in the end, and for the righteous, the future would be full of joy. Isaiah prayed fervently for the Second Coming of the Savior, which would bring retribution for the wicked and great rejoicing for the righteous (Isaiah 64). What message of hope and joy is contained in Isaiah 64:1–4? How does this message increase your desire to endure to the end in serving the Lord?
- • The closing chapters of Isaiah’s record present a beautiful picture of the Millennium, the thousand-year period of peace that will be ushered in by the Savior’s Second Coming. As recorded in Isaiah 65:17–25, what conditions will exist during the Millennium? (You may want to list these conditions on the chalkboard; see also Isaiah 11:6–9.)
- a. The Lord will create new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17).
- b. There will be great joy and no more weeping for the Lord’s people (Isaiah 65:18–19).
- c. People will not die young; they will live to be 100 years old (Isaiah 65:20).
- d. People will enjoy the fruits of their own labors (Isaiah 65:21–23).
- e. Prayers will be answered immediately (Isaiah 65:24).
- f. There will be no enmity among beasts (Isaiah 65:25).
- a. The Lord will create new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17).
- • What does Isaiah 63:7–9 teach about the infinite goodness and love of the Lord? (Ask class members to suggest words and phrases from these verses that show the Savior’s love for us. You may want to write these on the chalkboard.) In what ways has the Savior shown you “the multitude of his lovingkindnesses”?
Conclusion
Testify that as we strengthen the stakes of Zion and share the gospel with the world, the riches of eternity await us. We can look forward to the Second Coming of the Savior and the peace and joy that will exist during the Millennium. The prophecies of Isaiah encourage us to remember that it is a privilege to serve the Lord and that he blesses his disciples.Additional Teaching Ideas
The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. You may want to use one or more of these ideas as part of the lesson.1. The true law of the fast (Isaiah 58:3–12)
- • What can we learn from Isaiah 58 about fasting? What are the elements of a true fast? (See Isaiah 58:3–7.)
- One element of a true fast is giving a generous fast offering. President Spencer W. Kimball said, “I think that when we are affluent, as many of us are, that we ought to be very, very generous … and give, instead of the amount we saved by our two meals of fasting, perhaps much, much more—ten times more where we are in a position to do it” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, 184).
- One element of a true fast is giving a generous fast offering. President Spencer W. Kimball said, “I think that when we are affluent, as many of us are, that we ought to be very, very generous … and give, instead of the amount we saved by our two meals of fasting, perhaps much, much more—ten times more where we are in a position to do it” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, 184).
- • What blessings for living the law of the fast are promised in Isaiah 58?
- a. We become stronger in resisting temptation (Isaiah 58:6).
- b. Our burdens are lightened (Isaiah 58:6).
- c. Our physical and spiritual health are improved (Isaiah 58:8).
- d. We become humble and prepared to communicate with the Lord (Isaiah 58:9).
- e. We assist the poor and the needy (Isaiah 58:10).
- f. We receive continual guidance from the Lord (Isaiah 58:11).
- g. We have our souls satisfied in drought and become “like a spring of water, whose waters fail not” (Isaiah 58:11).
- a. We become stronger in resisting temptation (Isaiah 58:6).
- • How can we become more diligent in living the law of the fast?
2. Description of the Savior’s ministry
- • Isaiah 61:1–3 is a declaration of the Savior’s calling and ministry. Early in his ministry in Nazareth, the Savior quoted these verses and said to the people, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Luke 4:14–21). What do these verses teach about the character and mission of Jesus Christ?
3. Christ’s Second Coming (Isaiah 63:1–6)
- • The Second Coming of the Savior is described in Isaiah 63:1–6. What color will the Savior’s robe be when he comes in his glory? (See Isaiah 63:2; Revelation 19:11–13; D&C 133:46–48.) What does the red color symbolize? (The blood that he shed when he suffered for our sins in Gethsemane and on the cross.)
THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET
ISAIAH
ISAIAH
CHAPTER 54
In the last days, Zion and her stakes shall be established, and Israel shall be gathered in mercy and tenderness—They shall triumph—Compare 3 Nephi 22.
2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy astakes;
3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the awaters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.
11 ¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy astones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.
14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.
15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.
16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the awaster to destroy.
© 2010 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Rights and use information. Privacy policy.
______________________________________________
THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET
ISAIAH
ISAIAH
CHAPTER 55
Come and drink: Salvation is free—The Lord will make an everlasting covenant with Israel—Seek the Lord while he is near.
2 Wherefore do ye aspend money for that which is not bread? and your blabour for that which satisfieth not? hearken cdiligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and anations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.
11 So shall my aword be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the afir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
__________________________________________
THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET
ISAIAH
ISAIAH
CHAPTER 56
All who keep the commandments shall be exalted—The sons of strangers will join Israel—The Lord will gather others to the house of Israel.
4 For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;
6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
© 2010 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Rights and use information. Privacy policy.
_____________________________________________________________________
THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH CHAPTER 63 Second Coming shall be a day of vengeance and also the year of the redeemed of the Lord—Then shall the saints praise the Lord and acknowledge him as their father. 5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought asalvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. 6 And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and amake them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth. 7 ¶ I will mention the alovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great bgoodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. 16 Doubtless thou art our afather, though Abraham bbe ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O Lord, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from ceverlasting.
|
_________________________________________________________
THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET
ISAIAH
ISAIAH
CHAPTER 64
Israel prays for the Second Coming and for the salvation that shall then be hers.
2 As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may atremble at thy presence!
5 Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.
7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy aface from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.
9 ¶ Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy apeople.
12 Wilt thou arefrain thyself for these things, O Lord? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?
________________________________________________
THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET
ISAIAH
ISAIAH
CHAPTER 65
Ancient Israel rejected for rejecting the Lord—The Lord’s people will rejoice and triumph during the Millennium.
2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a arebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;
4 aWhich remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
5 Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am aholier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
6 Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will arecompense, even recompense into their bosom,
7 Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the Lord, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and ablasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.
10 And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of aAchor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.
12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I acalled, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.
13 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:
14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall ahowl for vexation of spirit.
18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a arejoicing, and her people a joy.
19 And I will arejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.
21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and aeat the fruit of them.
22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a atree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will aanswer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
© 2010 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Rights and use information. Privacy policy.
________________________________________________________________________
Additional Materials
PDF Handout http://beardall2000.com/ot/ot40.pdf
http://beardall2000.com/ot/ot40.html
Tedd Gibbons: http://www.ldsgospeldoctrine.net/tg/tg-2002-ot-40.pdf
http://www.neumanninstitute.org/ot40.html
more at http://www.ldsgospeldoctrine.net/
http://ideawarehouse.typepad.com/idea_warehouse/102206.pdf flyer
http://www.sargart.com/diane_cienki.htm -- Trees Clap Hands
From the Seminary Student Manual: Isaiah 66 summarizes the Lord’s message through Isaiah: If you
are faithful, the day will come that you will be rewarded, even though you suffer persecution and trials at this time. Wait upon the Lord and you and the whole world will know the day when everything is made right—the wicked punished and the righteous rewarded.
are faithful, the day will come that you will be rewarded, even though you suffer persecution and trials at this time. Wait upon the Lord and you and the whole world will know the day when everything is made right—the wicked punished and the righteous rewarded.