Saul, Jonathan, and Mephibeseth 2 Samuel 1-10

At what point would a human’s life be in jeopardy? Obligatory warning followed by a heavy sigh: Don't try any of this at home, okay? Toothpaste Eating 13 Tubes Water Drinking 1.75 Gallons Chewing Gum Chewing 404 Packs Blue Cheese Eating 22 Pounds Carrots Eating 39 Pounds

David: The King! 2 Samuel 1:1-12 Chapter headings for 2 Samuel 2,3,4,5 Look at what he does to ensure his success: 2 Samuel 5:18–25 What do you notice about David? PRINCIPLE: If we inquire of the Lord and follow His direction, then He can guide us and help us succeed in our righteous endeavors. When have you asked for and received direction from the Lord? What were you prompted to do? What was the result as you acted on that prompting?

The Importance of Jerusalem (the City of David) Beth-el means ‘house of God’ Bethlehem means ‘house of Bread’ Gethsemane means ‘oil press’ Moriah Mor which comes from the verb ra’ ah, meaning TO SEE; -iah which is a contraction of the Divine Name YHWH. Moriah means ‘TO SEE JEHOVAH’. Each of these locations are at Jerusalem.

After the death of Saul, the first king of united Israel, David went up to Hebron and was anointed king over Judah. Following the death of Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth, ‘all Israel” went to Hebron to anoint David king over the whole land (2 Samuel 5:1-3). Recognizing the political need for a neutral capital, David removed the Jebusites and settled in Jerusalem right between the southern tribe of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel. There had been altars on Mount Moriah from the days of Melchizedek, Abraham, David and Jesus. All sacrifices offered from Moriah were supposed to be a type for the Great Sacrifice. Believers were to “see” the Savior in all of the sacrifices on this mount! Where father Abraham unwaveringly offered his beloved son and where Father in Heaven offered his beloved Son, at that same mountain the Lord will again be seen. David’s move from Hebron to Jerusalem is probably the single most important event— geographically—in the Bible. David selected the site of Jerusalem not only for water and for political convenience between the northern and southern tribes but also because it was a sacred place.

DAVID: THE KING Choose a challenge: Write name or draw a happy face with your foot Tie shoe with one hand Write a sentence with the opposite hand Do you know anyone that has special needs? Read 2 Samuel 9:1-8 of Mephibosheth (Cross Reference: John 9:1-3)

(Pres. Monson, 1999) I remember as a deacon watching the priests as they would officiate at the sacrament table. One priest by the name of Barry had a lovely voice and would read the sacrament prayers with clear diction—as though he were competing in a speech contest. The other members of the ward, particularly the older sisters, would compliment him on his "golden voice." I think he became a bit proud. Jack, another priest in the ward, was hearing impaired, which caused his speech to be unnatural in its sound. We deacons would twitter at times when Jack would bless the emblems. How we dared to do so is beyond me, for Jack had hands like a bear and could have crushed any one of us. On one occasion Barry, with the beautiful voice, and Jack, with the awkward delivery, were assigned together at the sacrament table. The hymn was sung; the two priests broke the bread. Barry knelt to pray, and we closed our eyes. But nothing happened. Soon we deacons opened our eyes to see what was causing the delay. I shall ever remember the picture of Barry frantically searching the table for the little white card on which were printed the sacrament prayers. It was nowhere to be found. What to do? Barry's face turned pink and then crimson as the congregation began to look in his direction. Then Jack, with that bearlike hand, reached up and gently tugged Barry back onto the bench. He himself then knelt on the little footstool and began to pray: "O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it.... "1 He continued the prayer, and the bread was passed. Jack also blessed the water, and it was passed. What respect we deacons gained that day for Jack who, though handicapped in speech, had memorized the sacred prayers! Barry, too, had a new appreciation for Jack. A lasting bond of friendship had been established.

What Would you Do? What if your leaders planned a Mutual Activity that was a complete waste of time? You see a young woman wearing inappropriate clothing to a dance? What would you do? At the dance, people are dancing way too close? What would you do? Have you ever heard a priest mess up on the sacrament prayer? What’d you do? If somebody ended a testimony with “In the name of thy son Jesus Christ Amen?” What would you do?

THE ARK “The ark was the symbol of God’s presence, His glory and majesty. When first given to Israel, the ark was placed in the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle, and not even the priest was allowed to approach it. Only the high priest, a type of Christ, could approach it, and then only after going through an elaborate ritual of personal cleansing and propitiation regaining God’s favor by repenting for his sins” (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, 2nd ed. [Church Educational System manual, 2001], 188).

The Ark Let’s read 2 Samuel 6:2-7 Application? April 1936 President David O McKay: “Do your duty, that is best. Leave unto the Lord the rest (write in your margin next to 2 Samuel 6:2-7)

Don’t Steady the Ark “Some may reason that Uzzah was only trying (though mistakenly) to help out. But given the numerous times the Lord had saved and spared Israel, including the high dramas of the Red Sea and of the manna from heaven, surely the Lord knew how to keep the ark in balance!” (Meek and Lowly [1987], 15).

Don’t Steady the Ark “You remember the case of Uzzah who stretched forth his hand to steady the ark. He seemed justified when the oxen stumbled in putting forth his hand to steady that symbol of the covenant. We today think his punishment was very severe. The incident conveys a lesson of life. Let us look around us and see how quickly men who attempt unauthoritatively to steady the ark die spiritually. Their souls become embittered, their minds distorted, their judgment faulty, and their spirit depressed. Such is the pitiable condition of men who, neglecting their own responsibilities, spend their time in finding fault with others” (President David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Apr. 1936, 60).

How are people today trying to correct or direct God’s work even though they lack the authority to do so?

Saul, Jonathan, and Mephibeseth 2 Samuel 1-10