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Ezekiel 25–48

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
Ezekiel 25:1–28:23; 29–32; 35. Ezekiel Pronounced Judgments against Nations Surrounding Israel	Religion 302 student manual, 27-1 through 27-12; 27-18. Nahum 1:2. What assurance did Israel’s prophets have that Israel’s enemies would receive their just reward? (see also Deuteronomy 32:35; Micah 5:15).
Ezekiel 33–34. Ezekiel Spoke of the Great Responsibility That Rests upon Israel and Her Leaders Watchmen in Israel have a great responsibility to warn the people (see Ezekiel 33:1–9). Those who turn from righteousness to wickedness or from wickedness to righteousness will receive the consequences of their changed condition, not those of their former condition (see Ezekiel 33:10–20). The land of Israel would be desolated because of wickedness (see Ezekiel 33:21–33). Leaders who did not feed the flock would be held responsible for Israel’s scattering (see Ezekiel 34:1–10). The Shepherd of Israel would gather His sheep and reign in their midst (see Ezekiel 34:11–31).	Religion 302 student manual, 27-13 through 27-17. Jacob 1:19. What must Church leaders do to avoid having the blood of the people on their garments? D&C 1:14. What warning is extended to Israel today? DS, 1:310–11. What are the responsibilities of the Saints as the Lord’s modern watchmen?
Ezekiel 28:24–26; 36–37. Ezekiel Prophesied of the Restoration of Israel The heathen would be removed from the promised land, and Israel would receive it as their inheritance (see Ezekiel 36:1–15). Although the Lord scattered Israel among the heathen because of their wickedness, he would yet restore them to their own land, where they would dwell in peace and prosperity (see Ezekiel 28:24–26; 36:16–38). The resurrection and restoration of Israel was represented to Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 37:1–14). Ezekiel was instructed to prophesy of the uniting of the stick of Joseph with the stick of Judah (see Ezekiel 37:15–20). The children of Israel would be united as one nation in their own land and would live in righteousness with Christ, the new David, as their eternal head (see Ezekiel 37:21–28).	Religion 302 student manual, 27-19 through 27-23. Jacob 5. The scattering and gathering of Israel was foretold by the prophet Zenos. Amos 9:14. What did the Lord promise his people Israel? (see also Isaiah 61:4). Isaiah 29:11–24. What role would the Book of Mormon play in the latter-day restoration? 2 Nephi 3:12. What did Lehi say the Book of Mormon and the Bible would help do? (see also 1 Nephi 13:39–40; 2 Nephi 25:18, 21; 29:7–14). D&C 27:5. What is the stick of Ephraim, or “the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim”? (Ezekiel 37:19). Jeremiah 32:36–44. The Lord will gather Israel, give them a new heart, and make an everlasting covenant with them.
Ezekiel 38–39. The Battle of Gog and Magog (Armageddon) Will Be Fought in the Land of Israel In the latter days, many nations will combine against Israel (see Ezekiel 38:1–17). The Lord will fight for Israel, and the army of Gog and Magog will be plagued and destroyed (see Ezekiel 38:18–39:8). Israel will cleanse the land of the remains of the dead, and the beasts and fowl will eat the carcasses of the slain (see Ezekiel 39:9–20). From that day forward, Israel will dwell in safety; and both they and the heathen will know that Christ is the Lord (see Ezekiel 39:20–29).	Religion 302 student manual, 27-24 through 27-28, 1-1 through I-9. Revelation 19:17–18. What is “the supper of the great God” that will follow the battle of Gog and Magog? (see also D&C 29:18–21). DS, 3:45–48. What great event will immediately precede the Savior’s second coming?
Ezekiel 40–44; 45:9–46:24. Ezekiel Saw and Described the Latter-day Temple in Jerusalem and Its Ordinances Ezekiel described in detail the house of the Lord that would be built in Jerusalem in the latter days (see Ezekiel 40–42). Ezekiel saw that the Lord would come to the temple and his glory would be there (see Ezekiel 43:1–12; 44:1–4). The measurements of the altar and the manner of the offerings upon it were given (see Ezekiel 43:13–27). Only worthy Levites and priests were to administer in the house of the Lord; instructions were given to regulate their conduct and worship (see Ezekiel 44:5–31; 45:9–46:24).	Religion 302 student manual, 27-29 through 27-32.
Ezekiel 45:1–8; 47–48. The Land of Israel Would Be Renewed and Divided among the Tribes of Israel A part of the land would be set aside for the temple and the priests (see Ezekiel 45:1–8). The Dead Sea would become fresh water, and the land surrounding it would produce in abundance (see Ezekiel 47:1–12). The borders of the land were defined, and the inheritances of the various tribes of Israel were given (see Ezekiel 47:13–48:35).	Religion 302 student manual, 27-33 through 27-37. Genesis 15:18. With whom did the Lord first covenant that the land of Israel would be given to him and his descendants? How much land did the Lord promise them? (See also Joshua 1:3–4.) TPJS, p. 286. What great signs did the Prophet Joseph Smith prophesy would precede the second coming of the Savior?

Some Suggestions for Presentation

You are not expected to teach everything in the scripture content outline. Select those concepts that you feel will be the most helpful to your students.

The Records of Judah and Joseph Would Be United (Section C)

Review with the students that throughout the Old Testament the Lord made clear to Israel that if they continued in rebellion against him they would be punished and scattered; but he also promised that in the latter days they would be gathered back to their own lands and be blessed as his people. Review Ezekiel 37:1–14 in which the Lord teaches of the Resurrection and relates it to the restoration of Israel.

Read Ezekiel 37:15–20 with the students. Teach what is meant by the “sticks” (see Religion 302 student manual, 27-21 through 27-22). Point out that the coming together of these two records plays an important part in the restoration of Israel. Shortly after the joining of these two records, the Prophet Joseph Smith was given the keys to the gathering of Israel (see D&C 110:11). Missionaries in the Lord’s kingdom were sent to the world to declare the gospel message contained in those two records. The heralding of the restored gospel brings people to Christ and brings about the latter-day gathering of Israel. That work will eventually lead to Israel’s being restored to their lands of promise. They will become the Lord’s people in very deed and receive Christ as their eternal king.

The Battle against the Forces of Gog and Magog (Section D)

Do not confuse this battle with the one after the Millennium, which is also called the battle of Gog and Magog (see Revelation 20:7–10).

Many prophets have spoken about the battle against the forces of Gog and Magog, and their words on this topic are found throughout the standard works. Using Ezekiel 38 and 39 as a basis, review this battle and supplement Ezekiel’s account with the writings of other prophets who also testified of it (see Enrichment I in the Religion 302 student manual).

Transparency 27 lists several references on this subject in a suggested chronological order. Uncover the references and concepts on the transparency as you discuss them.

Even though the battle of Gog and Magog will be a tragic event brought about by wicked men who uphold their master, Satan, it will have some positive consequences. Read Ezekiel 39:21–29, and point out the following benefits of the conflict:

1. Israel will know from that day on that Jesus Christ is their God.

2. The heathen will know the judgments of God, recognize his supremacy, and know why Israel went into captivity.

3. Israel will be sanctified in the sight of all nations.

4. Israel will dwell in their land in safety, and the Savior will reign in their midst.