35

Joel, Amos, Jonah

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
Joel 1:1–2:17; 3:1–17. Joel Foresaw That Great Destruction Would Come upon Israel and the World Using symbolism, Joel spoke of judgments and destruction that would come upon Israel and the world before the Lord’s second advent (see Joel 1). Joel prophesied of warfare and natural disasters that would precede Christ’s second coming (see Joel 2:1–11; 3:1–17). Israel was called to repentance (see Joel 2:12–17; JST, Joel 2:13–14).	Religion 302 student manual, 7-1 through 7-10; 7-12 through 7-13; 7-16; 1-1 through I-9. DS, 3:11. When will the Lord bring vengeance against the ungodly?
Joel 2:18–32; 3:18–21. Joel Promised Future Blessings to Israel The Lord promised to bless Israel abundantly, and Israel would realize that he is their God (see Joel 2:18–27). Joel prophesied that in the latter days the Lord would pour out his Spirit upon mankind and show wonders in the heavens (see Joel 2:28–31). The Lord said he would deliver and bless his people (see Joel 2:32; 3:18–21).	Religion 302 student manual, 7-11; 7-14 through 7-15. Joseph Smith—History 1:41. Moroni told Joseph Smith that the prophecies in Joel 2:28–32 would soon be fulfilled. Acts 2:16–20. Manifestations of the Spirit, such as Joel prophesied for the last days, were poured out on the day of Pentecost (see also History of the Church, 1:xxxii).
Amos 1:1–2:3. Israel’s Neighbors Were Condemned for Their Transgressions	Religion 302 student manual, 8-2 through 8-6.
Amos 2:4–9:15. Israel Was Told That Her Fate Would Be Like Her Neighbors’ The transgressions of Israel and Judah were outlined and their consequences foretold (see Amos 2:4–4:13; JST, Amos 3:6–7; 4:3). Israel was called to repent or face severe judgments (see Amos 5). Amos told of his call to warn Israel and prophesied against Amaziah, who sought to divert him from his mission (see Amos 7; JST, Amos 7:3, 6). Amos prophesied of the downfall and scattering of Israel (see Amos 6; 8; 9:1–10). The latter-day gathering and prosperity of Israel was prophesied (see Amos 9:11–15).	Religion 302 student manual, 8-1; 8-7 through 8-19. 2 Nephi 25:9. What does the Lord always do before destroying a generation or a nation? Alma 42:14–25. How does the law of justice apply to mankind? TPJS, p. 218. Upon what criteria will the Lord judge each of his children? DS, 2:30. Is acknowledging that God’s justice and judgment are fair an equivalent of accepting him?
Jonah 1–3. Jonah Reluctantly Fulfilled a Mission for the Lord The Lord called Jonah to preach repentance in Nineveh (see Jonah 1:1–2). Jonah fled from the Lord and was swallowed by a great fish (see Jonah 1:3–17). Jonah repented, was delivered, and fulfilled his calling (see Jonah 2:1–3:4). The inhabitants of Nineveh repented because of Jonah’s preaching (see Jonah 3).	Religion 302 student manual, 9-1 through 9-12; 9-14. Matthew 12:39–40. For what special reason should we believe Jonah’s story about being swallowed? (see also Matthew 16:4; Luke 11:29–30, 32). 2 Kings 14:25. One of the prophet Jonah’s prophecies was fulfilled in the time of Jeroboam II, king of Israel. Nahum 2–3. Did the city of Nineveh remain repentant after Jonah’s preaching?
Jonah 4. The Lord Taught Jonah about Mercy Jonah became angry when the Lord did not destroy Nineveh (see Jonah 4:1–5). The Lord helped Jonah understand why Nineveh was spared (see Jonah 4:6–11).	Religion 302 student manual, 9-13. Acts 10:34–35. What principle did Peter learn that Jonah would have profited by understanding? (see also 2 Nephi 26:23–28, 33; Alma 19:36). DS, 3:33–34. How can the Saints escape the judgments of the Almighty?

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. You may find it difficult to cover the salient teachings of Joel, Amos, and Jonah in one day. Prophecies of the battle of Armageddon are the main subject of Joel; they are also given in Ezekiel 38–39 and Zechariah 12–14. That subject can be effectively taught in lesson 49 or 54.

The Lord Castigated Israel (Sections C–D)

Have students identify the nations that Amos spoke against in the first two chapters of his book. Ask the students why they think Israel and Judah were included among those nations.

Read Amos 4:1, and explain that the “kine of Bashan” addressed by Amos were the unrighteous women of Israel (see Religion 302 student manual, 8-11). These women were gratifying themselves at the expense of the poor and the needy, and they had turned away from God.

Amos pointed out the serious plight of Israel by rebuking the unrighteous women for their sins. Point out that women are generally more inclined to love and do right than men are (see Brigham Young, in Journal of Discourses, 12:194; 18:233). When the men and priesthood of God fail to provide the support and leadership upon which the women depend, the results can be disastrous. The women’s turning against God very seriously affects society because they nurture the children of that society. (See Brigham Young, in Journal of Discourses, 18:263).

Ask students what Amos’ harsh rebuke of Israel’s women suggests about the moral decay of Israel. Point out Israel’s many sins for which Amos chastised them (see Amos 5:11–15; 6:1–6; 8:4–6).

Refer to Amos 4:6–13, and ask students to list the punishments that God sent Israel to induce them to repent.

Famine. “Cleanness of teeth” and “want of bread” (v. 6).

Drought. Scarcity of water (see vv. 7–8).

Pestilence. Mildew, worms, lack of harvest (see v. 9).

War. See verses 10–11.

None of the punishments caused Israel to repent (see vv. 6, 8–11). Point out some of the curses that Amos prophesied would come upon unrepentant Israel (see Amos 2:14–16; 3:11–15; 5:16–20, 24, 27; 6:7–8; 8:9–12; 9:1–4, 8–10). Indicate that as a result of their sins, shortly after Amos prophesied, Israel was led away captive by the Assyrians. They later became the ten lost tribes.

Conclude by discussing Amos 9:11–15, which indicates that though Israel would be punished for their rebellion, the day would come in which they would be restored. This restoration is now in progress.

God’s Love Is Universal (Section E)

Throughout the Old Testament, the Lord repeatedly affirmed his love for Israel (see Isaiah 49:15; Jeremiah 31:3). Explain that love is an integral characteristic of deity (see Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 174). Nothing, not even their disobedience to divine precepts, can sway the Lord from loving his children. That was true in Old Testament times, and it is true today.

Stress that God has concern for all mankind. That concern is an important message of the book of Jonah, which contrasts the prophet’s narrowness with the benevolence of God. Jonah learned that God loves everyone, even pagans from Nineveh; they, too, were his children. So it is in our day: the Lord loves all and accepts everyone who comes unto him (see 2 Nephi 26:23–28, 33).

The book of Jonah provides an excellent basis for discussing the importance of accepting and fulfilling assignments from the Lord despite fear or personal desires. Point out how the Assyrians treated their enemies and give possible reasons for Jonah’s fears (see D-1 through D-7). Teach that the Lord will provide the way for us to accomplish any task he asks us to do (see 1 Nephi 3:7).

The Role of a Prophet (Sections D–F)

The Lord referred to Jonah as a prophet (see Matthew 16:4). Students need to understand the difference between the way the term prophet is used today and the way the term was used in Old Testament times (see B-1 through B-8). Help students understand that the term prophet, which means one who has the gift of prophecy, can refer to someone who is called by God and given authority to go forth as a spokesman for him. A prophet is thus not necessarily the one who presides over all of the Lord’s people, as the President of the Church does.

The book of Amos gives some important information about the call and the role of the Lord’s prophet. Discuss Amos 3:7; 7:14–15.