The Old Testament Made Easier [Part 3] - Helps to Simplify and Understand the Bible - Great for Every Latter-day Saint in the LDS Church - Ridges Wrote Best Selling Series; "The Book of Mormon Made Easier" and "The Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier"

by David J. Ridges

“A Teacher in Your Hand!” In this study guide, noted teacher and gospel scholar David J. Ridges brings the Old Testament to life with his well-known teaching skills. In addition to a verse-by-verse study of Isaiah and Jeremiah, he provides helps for Ecclesiastes and Ezekiel through Malachi. In-the-verse notes provide a highly effective, unique teaching tool. Notes between the verses provide additional insights and teach principles and doctrines. Join the tens of thousands of readers who have experienced spiritual growth from reading and pondering the books in this Gospel Studies Series. A Powerful Study Guide Quickly gain a basic understanding of this part of the Old Testament with the help of brief notes within and between the verses, accompanied by the use of bold for teaching emphasis. Isaiah 1:18–19 Verse 18, next, is among the most famous of all quotes from Isaiah. With verses 1–15 as a backdrop, this verse wonderfully and clearly teaches the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to cleanse and heal completely. 18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the though your sins be as scarlet [cloth dyed with scarlet, a color-fast dye], they shall be as white as snow [even though you think your sins are “colorfast,” the Atonement can cleanse you]; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool [a long process is required to make wool white, but it can be done]. 19 If ye be willing [an agency choice] and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land [you will prosper]. Transfer these brief notes into your own scriptures to increase your understanding now as well as in the future. 1-55517-957-6, 6" x 9" LDS Non-Fiction/Study Aids

Genres: Lds, Church, Nonfiction, Religion, Reference

488 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2006

About the author

David J. Ridges taught for the Church Educational System for thirty-five years. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Brigham Young University and taught adult religion and Know Your Religion classes for BYU Continuing Education and spoke at BYU Campus Education Week for many years.

Ridges has served as a curriculum writer for Sunday School, seminary, and institute of religion manuals. His callings in the Church include Gospel Doctrine teacher, bishop, stake president, and patriarch. He and his wife, Janette, have served two full-time Church Educational System missions. They are the parents of six children and are enjoying a growing number of grandchildren. They reside in Springville, Utah.

Reviews

[T.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, this was really well done. Isaiah and Jeremiah were especially amazing. I understand them so much better now! I was a little disappointed that Daniel and Malachi were abbreviated, though there is still some good information there. I wish the Old Testament had been broken into four study guides instead of three, then the author wouldn't have to constantly apologize for skipping parts due to lack of space. I would even happily read a five-book series from him.

[Cassaronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for help with basic understanding and some definitions. Definitely didn’t agree with all of his “interpretations.” It’s good for a seminary-student-level of inquiry. I would recommend Skinner or Welch for deeper scholarship.

[Shara Ogilvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spectacular study guide

A good read and study help. The amount of info in this series must have taken decades to learn. It is chuck of interesting facts and really increased my understanding of the Old Testament.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ridges continues to provide helpful insights to a variety of verse and passages. I like how much of the information I learn is also reiterated in my Old Testament scripture podcasts. It feels like the information is accurate when it is stated by more than one "scholar."

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all the David Ridges books, all three of the Old Testament volumes are exceptional! It's like having a teacher there with you to help with understanding of the scriptures. My family all refer to him as "Brother Ridges" as we get so much information and discussion ideas from his books.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series. I wished he wouldn't have skipped so many books in this one.

[Classic reverie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish it would have had more from the books other than isaiah and jeremiah, but than it would have probably been too long. Would like if this series had another volume.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books have help me understand the Old Testament so much better. It also gave me more confidience that when I did read it I understood it more. I made a goal to read the whole old testament this year not just the study guide. It has been a wonderful experience. These books do not cover every page of the old testament there is not enough room. I have enjoyed to old testament so much more than other times when I have attempted to read it.

11/25/2022. Reread.

[Kayla Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I love these series of books. It was great to wrap up my study of the Old Testament -- and I learned soooo much. I think from now on I need to keep these books one hand for all my scripture study as they are so helpful!

[Katherine Woodin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I only wish it covered all the books in the Old Testament completely. It has helped a lot in understanding the scriptures.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books really break down the scriptures so they are easy to understand.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this series very helpful in my study of the Old Testament.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Ridges knows the scriptures in a way I wish I did. I am so grateful for these books - it makes my study of the scriptures so much more meaningful.

[Thebarrys10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like reading the scriptures with extra help, especially the Old Testament! I really liked this book for Isiah.

[Ann Hollon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, love the series despite typo errors and name mix ups in some of the books. Great companion study to myself as I've been preparing my seminary lessons.

[Stephanie]

This is written by my favorite institute teacher. Such a wonderful series to give insights to the scriptures!

[Alicia]

Read most of this book while preparing seminary lessons. I especially loved the explanations for Jeremiah and Isaiah.