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

Written By Center for Latter-day Saint Arts

"If the Lord Be God, Follow Him"

Daniel T. Barney (American, born 1968)

Untitled from the series, Appearing (2000)

Silver gelatin print, 10 x 8 inches

Collection of the artist

Used with permission of the artist

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. Despite moments of repentance, Ahab continues in wickedness, and dies in battle as foretold.

These chapters speak to leadership failures, cultural compromise, and the courage required to uphold truth. They show how fear of losing influence can lead to harmful decisions and outcomes. Elijah’s example encourages individuals to remain faithful even when society moves in a different direction.

Daniel T. Barney created a series of photographs, Appearing, along with his daughter when she was about six years old. The artist is examining appearance, dress, and interobjectivity. Consider how this layered image is like the complexity of the Biblical figures in this week's scripture study.

Gospel Questions

1. Is there room for more bravery within your faith?

2. How do you ensure that you are not surrounding yourself with voices that only tell you what you want to hear?

3. Pride is often at the root of hardship. How do you recognize and address your own pride?

For Children and Youth

Hi. Israel’s kingdom splits into two parts, and some kings choose to follow false gods instead of the Lord. The prophet Elijah bravely trusts God, and God shows His power to help His people learn to follow Him again.

1. When have you had to be brave when following the Lord?

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.

June 1-7: Ruth; 1 Samuel 1-7
June 1-7: Ruth; 1 Samuel 1-7

A famine drives Elimelech, Naomi, and their two sons from Bethlehem to Moab, where the sons marry Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After Elimelech and the sons die, Naomi is left widowed with her daughters-in-law and decides to return to Bethlehem upon hearing that the famine has ended. Orpah tearfully returns to her people, but Ruth pledges unwavering loyalty to Naomi, declaring that Naomi’s people and God will be her own. In the Book of Samuel, Hannah prays fervently for a son and promises to dedicate him to the Lord; God grants her request, and Samuel is born and later serves under Eli the priest.

Center for Latter-day Saint Arts
Next

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