The following assignments include various learning activities, such as questions, lists, essays, charts, comparisons, contrasts, and surveys. To receive credit for this lesson, you must complete the number of assignments indicated below and submit them to your institute instructor or administrator. You may submit your work either electronically or on paper, handwritten or typed.
Each lesson should take approximately 60–90 minutes to complete, the same amount of time you would typically spend in a weekly institute class. Since reading the scripture block listed in the lesson heading is expected of all institute students prior to class, the estimated time for each assignment does not include the time you need to spend reading the scripture block.
Complete assignment 1 and one of the other assignments:
1. 2 Samuel 13–18. The Sins of David’s Children
Read 2 Samuel 12:10–11 and summarize in writing Nathan’s prophecy of David’s family, which came as a result of David’s sins.
Read each of the following references and describe in writing what happened in the verses that fulfilled Nathan’s prophecy. The first one is done for you as an example:
- 2 Samuel 12:18. The child of David and Bathsheba died.
- 2 Samuel 13:1, 11–18
- 2 Samuel 13:19–22
- 2 Samuel 13:28–29
- 2 Samuel 15:1–12
- 2 Samuel 15:13–17
- 2 Samuel 16:20–22
- 2 Samuel 17:1–4
- 2 Samuel 18:6–8
- 2 Samuel 18:14–15
Read 2 Samuel 13:37; 18:33 and describe in writing how these verses describe David’s feelings toward Absolom. How do Alma 41:10; Mosiah 2:41; Doctrine and Covenants 59:23 relate to David’s feelings? How can people today avoid the unhappiness David experienced?
2. 2 Samuel 19. How We Treat Others
Read 2 Samuel 19:1–7 and describe in writing what Joab told David. Write a paragraph explaining how this relates to family members today (see Mosiah 4:12–15).
3. 2 Samuel 20–23. David Experienced Trials but Praised the Lord
Read the chapter summaries for 2 Samuel 20–23 and write a brief review of the events of this time period.
Read the chapter summary for 2 Samuel 22 as well as 2 Samuel 22:21–25. Describe in writing what David said in these verses. How could the praises of these chapters be applied today?
4. 2 Samuel 24. The End of David’s Kingship
Read 2 Samuel 24 and the institute student manual commentary for 2 Samuel 24:1–10, “Why Was the Lord Angry with David for Numbering the People When ‘He Moved David’ to Do So?” (p. 299). Then answer the following questions:
- What is one possible reason the Lord was displeased with David for attempting to number the people in Israel?
- How was the plague upon Israel stayed?
Write an essay of two to three paragraphs summarizing what a Latter-day Saint can learn from the life of King David.
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