Ether 6
Reading for Monday, May 7: Ether 6
Learning Activities:
1) Introduction: After making preparations according to the commandments of the Lord, the Jaredites boarded their vessels, trusting that the Lord would bring them through their difficult journey to the promised land. The Lord sent a wind that tossed the barges on the waves and buried them in the sea many times, yet that wind propelled the vessels toward the promised land. Upon establishing themselves in the new land, the people chose a king, despite warnings from the brother of Jared.
2) What can you learn from the Jaredite journeys that would help us in our journey back to our Heavenly Father?
3) What does this story teach about faith and trust in the Lord?
3) What does this story teach about faith and trust in the Lord?
4) Where the the Brother of Jared get the idea for Shining Stones? Check out this podcast/video/article to learn more.
President Thomas S. Monson taught how we can be prepared for the challenges that face us:
“We live at a time when many in the world have slipped from the moorings of safety found in compliance with the commandments. It is a time of permissiveness, with society in general routinely disregarding and breaking the laws of God. We often find ourselves swimming against the current, and sometimes it seems as though the current could carry us away.
“I am reminded of the words of the Lord found in the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon. Said the Lord, ‘Ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come’ [Ether 2:25]. My brothers and sisters, He has prepared us. If we heed His words and live the commandments, we will survive this time of permissiveness and wickedness—a time which can be compared with the waves and the winds and the floods that can destroy. He is ever mindful of us. He loves us and will bless us as we do what is right” (Thomas S. Monson, “Closing Remarks,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 109).
The brother of Jared warned his people that having a king would lead them into captivity (see Ether 6:23).
King Mosiah warned his people about the dangers of being led by an unrighteous king. He suggested that they establish a system of judges instead. (See Mosiah 29.)
The Old Testament prophet Samuel warned of the problems of kingly rule when his people wanted to have a king, that they may be “like all the nations” (see 1 Samuel 8).
Want More?
Ether 6:1–12. The Jaredites safely cross the ocean
President Thomas S. Monson taught how we can be prepared for the challenges that face us:
“We live at a time when many in the world have slipped from the moorings of safety found in compliance with the commandments. It is a time of permissiveness, with society in general routinely disregarding and breaking the laws of God. We often find ourselves swimming against the current, and sometimes it seems as though the current could carry us away.
“I am reminded of the words of the Lord found in the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon. Said the Lord, ‘Ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come’ [Ether 2:25]. My brothers and sisters, He has prepared us. If we heed His words and live the commandments, we will survive this time of permissiveness and wickedness—a time which can be compared with the waves and the winds and the floods that can destroy. He is ever mindful of us. He loves us and will bless us as we do what is right” (Thomas S. Monson, “Closing Remarks,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 109).
Ether 6:22–24. The Jaredites select a king
Throughout the scriptures, prophets have warned against the dangers of having kings. Consider the following examples:The brother of Jared warned his people that having a king would lead them into captivity (see Ether 6:23).
King Mosiah warned his people about the dangers of being led by an unrighteous king. He suggested that they establish a system of judges instead. (See Mosiah 29.)
The Old Testament prophet Samuel warned of the problems of kingly rule when his people wanted to have a king, that they may be “like all the nations” (see 1 Samuel 8).