The Lord Looketh on the Heart

Biblical Style and Western Literature

Herbert N. Schneidau

Literature of Belief: Sacred Scripture and Religious Experience (1981)

On God’s opposition to kings leading his people: “In accord with a tradition of Yahweh as warrior, Israel maintained itself in the Judges’ period as a theocracy with no human king. Thus, the proposal to establish one presented them with what I have called an identity crisis. . . . The tradition is clear that would indicate powerful religious opposition to dynastic kingship. That is the major reason why the acts of Samuel, Saul, and David must be so scrupulously recorded and interpreted. Parts of this story were undoubtedly written down in the belief that in allowing David to succeed where Saul failed, Yahweh was validating and endorsing the monarchy. But other parts, such as 1 Samuel 8, were written to show that in allowing a king Yahweh was simply giving the people enough rope to hang themselves.”

Kingship, Democracy, and the Message of the Book of Mormon

Gregory Steven Dundas

BYU Studies Quarterly 56, no. 2 (2017)

This article discusses kingship in the Old Testament and Book of Mormon. Tradition sees kings in both a positive light because they bring stability to society and a negative light because they can cause great damage when they are sinful. We can understand people’s desire for a king who would be a protector of his people. Samuel resisted people’s demands at first, but the Lord instructed Samuel to grant the people’s wish for a king (1 Samuel 8).

Anointing in Bethany in Mark 14:3–9

Julie M. Smith

The Gospel according to Mark, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Mar. 2016)

The main theme of Mark 14 concerns Jesus’s identity. Significantly, each foray into that identity is literally surrounded by the idea of betraying Jesus.

Chart 101: Benjamin’s and Mosiah’s Covenant Ceremonies Compared with Old Testament Rituals

John W. Welch, J. Gregory Welch

Charting the Book of Mormon (1999)

The Tragic Dimensions of Saul

Richard G. Ellsworth

Ensign 20, no. 6 (Jun. 1990)

“Saul’s tragic flaw was pride, often manifested as a fear of criticism and a love of popular approval. This flaw resulted in a tendency to make significant errors in judgment that consistently resulted in complication and misfortune. But Saul also had great strength and courage. Faced with God’s condemnation, Saul did not duck or hide but turned toward his future with violent and almost foolhardy bravery, yet without repentance, and determined to fight the Lord’s condemnation.”

The Tragic Dimensions of Saul

Richard G. Ellsworth

Ensign 20, no. 6 (Jun. 1990)

“Saul’s tragic flaw was pride, often manifested as a fear of criticism and a love of popular approval. This flaw resulted in a tendency to make significant errors in judgment that consistently resulted in complication and misfortune. But Saul also had great strength and courage. Faced with God’s condemnation, Saul did not duck or hide but turned toward his future with violent and almost foolhardy bravery, yet without repentance, and determined to fight the Lord’s condemnation.”

1 Samuel 16–31: King David’s Call to Lead Israel

Church Educational System

Old Testament Student Manual, Genesis–2 Samuel: Religion 301 (2003)

An overview of chapters with commentary, such as: “The story of David and Goliath is so well known that some readers take David’s courage for granted. But his courage was not born of self-confidence alone, although he did believe in his own skills in battle. As a young shepherd, he had much practice at slinging stones. It was an effective way both to keep wolves and other vicious animals away from the sheep and to attract the attention of straying sheep and drive them back to pasture. As a result of his experience, David had confidence in his skills, but the true source of his courage was faith in the power of the living God.”

David, King

Norman J. Barlow

Encyclopedia of Mormonism (1992)

David was perhaps the greatest king of Israel. His strength and reliance on the Lord marked him as an exceptional leader and hero. His name is linked with that of the Messiah. His sins are apparent, yet he sought to take responsibility (see 2 Samuel 24:15–17).

The Chronicles of Zacharias and Elisabeth: Part Three of Three, the Birth of John

S. Kent Brown

The Testimony of Luke, BYU New Testament Commentary, excerpted on the BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2014)

Luke’s Gospel does not spell out how long Zacharias and Elisabeth wait for the birth of their son following the angel’s announcement. But hints exist that John’s birth occurs the prior October or perhaps late September. A lot happens on the eighth day after Elisabeth’s baby is born.

The King Called David

Arthur R. Bassett

Ensign 3, no. 10 (Oct. 1973)

David, one of the most complex and tragic heroes of all Israelite history, was a powerful and influential king. This article lists David’s accomplishments and trials. David was not only a skilled warrior and statesman, he was also a musician and poet. While we do not know which psalms David wrote, these psalms prophesied often of Jesus’ anguish, and Jesus quoted Psalm 22 from the cross.

Why Were the Shepherds in the Field at Night When the Angel Came?

S. Kent Brown

BYU New Testament Commentary website (Dec. 2013)