Some Important Principles, Doctrines, and Events
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Abraham and his family left Ur to travel to the land of Canaan. Along the way they stopped to live for a time in the land of Haran. The Lord appeared to Abraham in Haran and promised him that the land of Canaan would be an everlasting possession for Abraham and his descendants (see Abraham 2:1–8; see also Genesis 11:27–32; 12:1–5; 15:18–21; Acts 7:2–5; Abraham 1:16).
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The Lord sometimes uses nature or natural calamities to teach and test us (see Abraham 2:1, 5; see also Genesis 47:13–20; 50:18–21; 1 Kings 17:1; 18:1–2; Helaman 11:3–18; Abraham 1:29–30).
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The Lord promised Abraham that his descendants would take the priesthood and the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the nations of the earth (see Abraham 2:9–11; see also Genesis 12:2–3; 2 Nephi 29:14; D&C 27:10).
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All those who receive the ordinances and live the gospel of Jesus Christ receive the same promises that the Lord gave to Abraham. They will be called Abraham’s seed (posterity), and will receive eternal life (see Abraham 2:10–11; see also Galatians 3:6–9, 14, 26–29; D&C 84:33–34; 132:29–32).
Suggestions for Teaching
Media Suggestion. “The Abrahamic Covenant”
Consider showing the first few minutes of Old Testament Videopresentation 9, “The Abrahamic Covenant” (10:05), which deals with the meaning and power of covenants (see Old Testament Video Guidefor teaching suggestions).
Abraham 2. Overview
Ask students what they think they would do if a prolonged food shortage occurred in their area. You may want to have students search Abraham 1:29–2:21and mark the word famine.Have students explain how each famine in these verses influenced Abraham and his family (see also Alma 32:13–16; Helaman 12:3–5). Invite students to tell about adversity or other circumstances in their lives or in the lives of others that have helped them remember the Lord.
Abraham 2:6–8, 12–20. “And the Lord Appeared”
Have students tell about the two appearances of the Lord to Abraham, in Abraham 2:6–8, 12–20. Invite students to tell what gospel doctrines and principles they learn from these experiences of Abraham (for example, Abraham 2:6teaches about the Lord’s desire for us to take the gospel message to others).
Abraham 2:6, 9–11. Promise of the Abrahamic Covenant
Consider dividing the class into four small groups of students and discussing the promised blessings in the Abrahamic covenant (land, posterity, priesthood and the gospel, and salvation or eternal life; see also the
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When and how were each of these promised blessings restored to the Church in the dispensation of the fulness of times?
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What can each of these promised blessings mean to me personally? What can I do to qualify for them?
Abraham 2:9–11. The Abrahamic Covenant
Assign students to study Abraham 2:9–11and list the principles these verses teach about faithful members of the Church (see also the
Abraham 2:12–14. “Now I Have Found Thee”
Have students read Abraham 1:2, 4, 15; 2:3–6, 12and discuss phrases that show Abraham sought the Lord “earnestly.” What does a person do who is earnestly seeking the Lord? Compare Abraham’s thoughts and actions in Abraham 2:13–14to the thoughts and actions of today’s righteous Church members.
