June 22-28: 2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Kings 3; 6-9; 11

Written By Center for Latter-day Saint Arts

"Hear Thou in Heaven Their Prayer"

Namon Bills (American, born 1977)

Sacré Coer (2017)

Mixed media, 27.5 x 27.5 inches

Private collection

Used with permission of the artist

King David falls into sin with Bathsheba and arranges the death of her husband Uriah to cover it up. The prophet Nathan confronts David with a parable, leading David to repent, though serious consequences follow within his family. Solomon becomes king and asks God for wisdom rather than wealth or power. God grants him great wisdom, demonstrated through his judgment concerning a custody matter of two women and a child. Solomon builds the temple in Jerusalem and dedicates it to the Lord, and God promises continued blessing if Israel remains faithful. However, Solomon turns away from God, and as a result, God declares that the kingdom will eventually be divided.

David’s story shows that even strong leaders can fall into grave sin, but also demonstrates the importance of confession and repentance. Solomon’s request for wisdom highlights the value of seeking God’s guidance above personal gain. At the same time, Solomon’s later unfaithfulness warns that success and prosperity can slowly lead the heart away from devotion if vigilance is lost. These chapters remain relevant today because they address power, integrity, enduring to the end, and temptation.

Namon Bills' artwork Sacré Coer comes from a series of work the artist exhibited called, Sacred Text. Regarding this work, the artist writes, "While scripture is deeply important to me, I chose to focus on something more personal for this series: names of family members. This piece is based on my wife's name, Katie. The title is French for 'Sacred Heart' and references a famous Parisian cathedral of that name, while also expressing the love I feel for my wife, which intertwines the sacred and the romantic for me."

Gospel Questions

1. What success in your life has made you more vulnerable to temptation?

2. What habits help ensure that early spiritual or moral passion does not fade over time?

3. How do you grow in widsom?

For Children and Youth

Hi. King David makes a big mistake but apologizes to God. Solomon asks God for wisdom and builds a beautiful temple. Later, Solomon stops following God completely, showing that it is important to stay faithful and make wise choices.

1. What does it mean to be wise?

More from the Art Companion

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June 29-July 5: 1 Kings 12-13; 17-22
June 29-July 5: 1 Kings 12-13; 17-22

The House of Israel is in disarray. The kingdom of Israel divides after Solomon’s death when Rehoboam’s harsh policies cause the northern tribes to follow Jeroboam. Jeroboam establishes alternative worship centers with golden calves to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem, leading Israel into idolatry. The prophet Elijah confronts King Ahab and Queen Jezebel during a time of severe drought, performs miracles for a widow, and challenges the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, where God demonstrates His power.

June 22-28: 2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Kings 3; 6-9; 11
June 22-28: 2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Kings 3; 6-9; 11

King David falls into sin with Bathsheba and arranges the death of her husband Uriah to cover it up. The prophet Nathan confronts David with a parable, leading David to repent, though serious consequences follow within his family. Solomon becomes king and asks God for wisdom rather than wealth or power. God grants him great wisdom, demonstrated through his judgment concerning a custody matter of two women and a child. Solomon builds the temple in Jerusalem and dedicates it to the Lord, and God promises continued blessing if Israel remains faithful.

June 15-21: 1 Samuel 17-18; 24-26; 2 Samuel 5-7
June 15-21: 1 Samuel 17-18; 24-26; 2 Samuel 5-7

David defeats the Philistine giant Goliath with a sling and a stone, gaining fame throughout Israel and forming a close friendship with Jonathan, Saul’s son. Saul becomes jealous of David’s success and begins to see him as a threat, leading to growing tension and attempts on David’s life. Although David has multiple opportunities to kill Saul, he refuses, choosing instead to spare Saul because he is the Lord’s anointed king.

June 8-14: 1 Samuel 8-10; 13; 15-16
June 8-14: 1 Samuel 8-10; 13; 15-16

To obey is better than to sacrifice. The Israelites demand a king so they can be as the other nations, and though Samuel warns them of the consequences, God tells him to grant their request. Saul is chosen and anointed as Israel’s first king. Saul is initially a humble leader, but he disobeys God by offering a sacrifice himself instead of waiting for Samuel.

Center for Latter-day Saint Arts
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June 29-July 5: 1 Kings 12-13; 17-22

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June 15-21: 1 Samuel 17-18; 24-26; 2 Samuel 5-7