Seminary
Lesson 170: Making Comparisons
The Grand Council

The Grand Council, by Robert Barrett

Scripture Study Skills: Lesson 170

Making Comparisons

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

Making Comparisons to Identified Implied Truths from the Scriptures

An angel told Nephi that the scriptures contain truths that “are plain and most precious” (1 Nephi 13:26). However, sometimes it can be difficult to identify these truths or feel the scriptures are meaningful. There are skills that can help you find truths hidden in the scriptures.

Can you tell what is in the bowls?

bowls of salt and sugar

The bowl on the left has salt. The bowl on the right has sugar. Imagine you could touch and taste them. Would comparing in this way help you know what they are?

Similarly, as we make comparisons in the scriptures, we can more clearly understand and appreciate many of the Savior’s precious teachings. We can better see how He can bless our lives when we live these teachings.

As you learn about this scripture study tool, be open to impressions from the Holy Ghost that can help you recognize how you can make your scripture study more meaningful.

Lesson Purpose: To help you make comparisons in the scriptures to identify implied truths.

Learn How

Skill: Making comparisons

Making comparisons in the scriptures means noticing similarities and differences between stories, ideas, or people. These comparisons can help you identify implied truths (truths you might not otherwise see). You can make comparisons in single verses, in chapters, or across multiple books. Doing this can improve your personal scripture study. This can deepen your understanding of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Dig Deeper: For a reminder of what principles are, see “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” by Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015).

notebook iconAsking yourself the following questions can help you make comparisons. You might want to record these in your notebook with a title like “Scripture study skills: Making comparisons.”

  1. How are the stories, ideas, or people similar in this account? How are they different?

  2. What can I learn from making this comparison?

  3. How can what I learn from this comparison help me today?

  4. How can what I learn help me love or follow the Lord more?

Example

Making comparisons can deepen your understanding of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Look at the following depiction of the Council in Heaven. Before the earth was created, Heavenly Father shared His plan for us (see Abraham 3:21–26). But a Savior was needed. Jesus Christ (Jehovah) offered to be our Savior (see Abraham 3:27), and Heavenly Father chose Him. Satan (Lucifer) chose to rebel against the Father’s plan (see Moses 4:3–4). We can compare Jesus’s and Lucifer’s actions to learn more about Jesus Christ.

Read Moses 4:1–4, looking at how Jesus Christ and Satan both responded to God. Review some possible answers to the questions listed above. You might make a note next to Moses 4:1–4 summarizing what you learned.

  1. How are the stories, ideas, or people similar in this account? How are they different?

    Differences: Jesus wanted to follow God and give Him the glory. Satan wanted the glory for himself.

  2. What can I learn from making this comparison?

    Jesus Christ loves God and wants His will to be done. Satan rebelled against God and His plan, and he wants us to be as miserable as he is (see 2 Nephi 2:27).

  3. How can what I learn from this comparison help me today?

    Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want what is best for me. Satan wants me to disobey God’s commandments and to become captive to his power.

  4. How can what I learn help me love or follow the Lord more?

    Seeing Jesus Christ’s actions helps me know He loves Heavenly Father, and They want the best for me.

Practice

Now is your chance to practice making comparisons!

  1. Choose one of the following scripture stories.

  2. Practice making comparisons by answering the questions listed above, as well as any other questions the Spirit prompts you to ask.

  3. notebook iconRecord in your notebook what you learn as you study.

Joshua and Caleb: obedient spies

The report of the 12 spies. Moses sent 12 spies to scout the land of Canaan to see what the land and people were like (see Numbers 13:17–20). When they returned, 10 spies gave a different report from the one Caleb and Joshua (the two other spies) gave. Read Numbers 13:26–33; 14:6–9, comparing the different reports.

mark iconAs you study, you could mark important details that help you make comparisons.

Solomon’s Wisdom

Solomon’s Wisdom, by Severino Baraldi

The reign of King Solomon. King Solomon became the next king after the death of his father, David. Solomon’s desires and the Lord’s promises to him changed over time. Read 1 Kings 3:3, 7–12; 11:4–6, 9–11, comparing Solomon’s desires and the Lord’s promises to Him at the beginning and at the latter part of his reign.

tag iconAs you study, you could tag passages as “desires.”

Annunciation to the Shepherds

Annunciation to the Shepherds, by Del Parson

Shepherds of Israel. Through His prophet Ezekiel, the Lord counseled Israelite leaders, calling them “shepherds of Israel” (Ezekiel 34:2). Read Ezekiel 34:2–6, 11–16, comparing the shepherds of Israel with the Lord, our Good Shepherd.

tag iconAs you study, you could tag passages as “titles of Jesus Christ.”

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you make comparisons in the scriptures to identify implied truths.

share iconShare the following with your teacher or class:

  • Your experience making comparisons as you studied the scriptures. You could include what was helpful and any challenges you faced.