Lesson 14

Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi



Complete all four assignments:

1.   Zephaniah. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Read Zephaniah 1:1–10 and write a description of the condition of the people in his day. How does their condition compare to the people of our day?

Read the chapter summary for Zephaniah 1 as well as verses 14–18. Explain in writing how the events of these verses apply to our day.

List the ways we could be better prepared for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ as found in Zephaniah 2:1–3; 3:7 and the institute student manual commentary for Zephaniah 2, “Is There Hope of Any Escaping the Wrath When the Day of the Lord Comes?” (p. 224).

Study Zephaniah 3:8–20. Write your answers to the following questions and make note of the verse where you find your answer:

  • How will the Lord destroy the wicked before and at His coming? (see also D&C 5:19; 29:11; JS–H 1:37).
  • In the millennial day, what language will people speak?
  • Why will we be able to rejoice?
  • Where will the Lord be?

2.   Haggai. The Value and Importance of the Temple

Read Haggai and write responses to the following questions:

The Importance of the Temple. What did Haggai say were the consequences for delaying the building of the temple? What do you think it means to put your wages “into a bag with holes”? What does Haggai 1:4–6 tell about the priority of the temple in the lives of the people? (see also student manual commentary for Haggai 1:7–11, “The Consequences of Disobedience,” p. 325).

The People’s Response to Haggai. What did the people do because of Haggai’s message? Explain how you are making the temple the symbol of your membership and how the temple affects the way you live.

The Lord’s Promise If They Build the Temple. From Haggai 2 list the blessings and knowledge the people would have if they worked to rebuild the temple. Also, record three main points that describe how the temple is a place of peace.

3.   Zechariah. Preparing for the Coming of the Lord

Like Haggai, Zechariah encouraged the people to continue rebuilding the temple. But he also challenged the people to rebuild their personal spiritual lives. Zechariah’s visions are both Messianic and apocalyptic. Zechariah’s prophecies about Jesus Christ in chapters 9–14 are quoted often in the four Gospels of the New Testament.

Explain in writing what the Lord called upon His people to do and to become in Zechariah 7:9–10. When the people rejected the Lord’s counsel, Zechariah described their response. Read Zechariah 7:11–12 and write scriptural phrases used by Zechariah that describe how the people rejected the Lord.

Read Zechariah 9:9 and the student manual commentary for Zechariah 9:9, “What Special Relevance Did This Verse Have to the Life of Jesus?” (p. 345).

Read Zechariah 10:6–12; Doctrine and Covenants 29:7–11; 101:63–68; 115:5–6 and write two to three paragraphs on what you learned about the gathering of Israel and why it is important.

Read Zechariah 12–14 and the student manual commentary for Zechariah 14:16–19, “Will There Be ‘Heathen,’ or Non-Israelites, Who Survive Armageddon?” (p. 348). Then write your answers to the following questions:

  • What miracles will the Lord perform for the Jews at the Second Coming? (see also D&C 45:47–53).
  • List the differences of the earth after the Lord comes from those that exist now. Include not only the surviving people but physical changes of the earth as well.
  • What events related to Zechariah’s prophecy of the Second Coming help you look forward to when the Savior comes again?
  • Read the student manual Points to Ponder section “Finishers Wanted” (p. 349). Identify insights about what you can do to be prepared for the Second Coming if it should come in your lifetime.

4.   Malachi. Last Prophet Whose Writings Are Included in the Old Testament

From Malachi 1:6–14 identify in writing the sins of those holding the priesthood. What was wrong with Israel’s offerings? How can priesthood leaders today avoid making poor offerings of their time, means, or service to the Lord?

According to Matthew 11:7–11, identify in writing the messenger who helped fulfill Malachi 3:1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 45:9 and the student manual commentary for Malachi 3:1, “Who Was the Messenger Sent to Prepare the Way of the Lord, and Who Was the Messenger of the Covenant?” (p. 352). Then explain how Malachi 3:1 was fulfilled again in the latter days.

List the blessings contained in Malachi 3:8–12 for those who live the law of tithing. How could not paying our tithes and offerings be considered “robbing God”?

Record the two questions Malachi asked in chapter 3:2. Search Malachi 3–4 and create a list comparing those who will not abide His coming and those who will abide His coming:

Malachi 4:5–6 contains verses of scripture found in all the standard works of the Church (see 3 Nephi 25:5–6; D&C 2; 128:17; Joseph Smith—History 1:36–39). Write a paragraph describing why you think this is so important. Read Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16; 128:10, 14–17 and the student manual commentary for Malachi 4:5–6, “What Is the Great Work Elijah Commenced” (pp. 355–56). Then explain when and how this prophecy was fulfilled. List some ways this has personally affected you.