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The Old Testament Made Easier, Part 1
Noted teacher and gospel scholar David J. Ridges brings the books of Moses and Abraham, in the Pearl of Great Price, and the book of Genesis, in the Bible, to life with his well-known teaching skills. As with his other books in the Gospel Studies Series, the full text of the scripture is included. 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 series.
A Powerful Study Guide:
Quickly gain a basic understanding of Moses, Abraham, and Genesis with the help of brief notes within and between the verses, accompanied by bolding for teaching emphasis.
537 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2005
176 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
David J. Ridges
132 books52 followersDavid 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 27, 2018
I have found this very helpful though I am not a Mormon. It has helped me understand many passages which when I tried to read the Old Testament alone did not help me but I felt lost. This helpful guide was like a guiding light in my understanding. I have been reading The Bible after reading the sections here first which brought it full center.
I will continue with Part 2.
I will continue with Part 2.
April 27, 2022
I am really enjoying these reference books in my study of the Old Testament. In previous years when I studied the Old Testament there were many stories that made me uncomfortable. I feel like the author David Ridges does a great job of explaining and providing other contextual resources to understand the time and culture in the verse-by-verse study.
Starting part 2.
I bought the set of these books on a clearance sale from Cedar Fort, and happy to lend to others.
Starting part 2.
I bought the set of these books on a clearance sale from Cedar Fort, and happy to lend to others.
May 6, 2022
I really enjoy David Ridges' commentaries. Here's one enlightening example from this book:
"In Genesis 3:16-19 the Lord talks to Adam and Eve about their choice to partake of the fruit. David Ridges points out that neither Adam nor Eve were cursed. The devil was cursed (verse 14) and the ground was cursed (verse 17). But in verses 16-19, it's easy to read them as God cursing Adam and Eve. Here's how we often read these verses:
16 Unto the woman he said, [shame, shame on you for disobeying Me. Because of your disobedience] I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception [I will make it hurt badly every time you have a child as a punishment for your disobedience]; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children [as part of your punishment, you will have much of sadness and heartache because of your children]; and thy desire shall be to thy husband [you will have the basic status of a servant to your husband], and he shall rule over thee [because you started it all by your disobedience in the Garden of Eden, I will make you subject to your husband and he will be your superior].
Now, we will quote Spencer W. Kimball. He was the President of the Church at the time he taught this; therefore, we can consider it doctrine. He will help us see this verse the way it should be understood: “The Lord said to the woman: ‘. . . in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children.’ I wonder if those who translated the Bible might have used the term distress instead of sorrow. It would mean much the same, except I think there is great gladness in most Latter-day Saint homes when there is to be a child there. As He concludes this statement he says, ‘and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.’ (Gen. 3:16.) I have a question about the word rule. It gives the wrong impression. I would prefer to use the word preside because that’s what he does. A righteous husband presides over his wife and family” (“The Blessings and Responsibilities of Womanhood,” Ensign, March 1976, page 72).
Before we reread verse 16, we would also do well to consult with Eve as to her view of the Fall. After all, she was there and can give us an accurate view of the results, as she later thought back upon them. We can do so by reading her response to it in Moses 5:11:
11 And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have [would have] had seed [children], and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.
We will now reread verse 16 and include verses 17–19, adding notes that place our understanding of it into the greater context of the overall gospel and plan of salvation, including Eve’s teachings and President Kimball’s teaching, above, along with other helps, including the idea that “sorrow” can mean the trials and tribulations of mortality, or mortality itself. Again, we may overdo it a bit, for purposes of emphasizing the positives of this great and vital step in the plan. Genesis 3:16 (repeated) and verses 17–19
16 Unto the woman he said [Thank you, thank you, thank you!], I will greatly multiply thy sorrow [because of your unselfish choice in the Garden of Eden, I can now give you many years in mortality] and thy conception [I can now send many of My spirit sons and daughters into your home to gain mortal bodies and learn the lessons of mortality]; in sorrow [in mortality, with the joys and sorrows, pains and distresses that attend it] thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [your highest loyalty, other than to God—compare with Moses 3:24, Doctrine and Covenants 42:22] shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over [preside and serve you as the Savior does] thee.
Notice, in verse 17, next, that “sorrow” is also used for Adam, as he begins the toil and labor that will be his responsibility and opportunity, as he also begins mortal life. This is perhaps another indicator that we can consider “sorrow” to be a term for mortality, rather than a description of punishment. The same Hebrew word is used in verse 17 as was used for Eve in verse 16, translated as “sorrow” in English.
One of the important lessons we can learn from verse 17, next, is that the ground was cursed for Adam’s “sake”—in other words, for his blessing and benefit. It will be good for his growth and development to have to work for a living. We will add notes that emphasize this verse in the larger context of the plan of salvation.
17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife [which was a very wise thing to do—see quote by Dallin H. Oaks, given after this verse], and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it [unless you choose to become mortal and leave the Garden—see Moses 3:17 and the note that follows in this study guide]: cursed is the ground for thy sake [in order to bring blessings to you]; in sorrow [in an environment of work, toil, pain—in other words, in mortality] shalt thou eat of it [take your living from the soil] all the days of thy life;
Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke of the choices made by Adam and Eve that led to the Fall and spoke of Adam’s wisdom in following the lead of his wife, Eve, on this matter. He said (bold added for emphasis): “It was Eve who first transgressed the limits of Eden in order to initiate the conditions of mortality. Her act, whatever its nature, was formally a transgression but eternally a glorious necessity to open the doorway toward eternal life. Adam showed his wisdom by doing the same. And thus Eve and ‘Adam fell that men might be’ [2 Nephi 2:25]” (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, November 1993).
The Lord continues to describe the conditions of “sorrow,” or “mortality,” in verses 24–25, next. Anyone who has seen the benefits of hard work can appreciate the blessings of such “sorrow.” 18 Thorns also and thistles [weeds, symbolic of the difficulties encountered in earning a living from the soil; symbolic of the trials and tribulations of mortal life] shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb [produce] of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken [your mortal body is made from the elements of the earth]: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
"In Genesis 3:16-19 the Lord talks to Adam and Eve about their choice to partake of the fruit. David Ridges points out that neither Adam nor Eve were cursed. The devil was cursed (verse 14) and the ground was cursed (verse 17). But in verses 16-19, it's easy to read them as God cursing Adam and Eve. Here's how we often read these verses:
16 Unto the woman he said, [shame, shame on you for disobeying Me. Because of your disobedience] I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception [I will make it hurt badly every time you have a child as a punishment for your disobedience]; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children [as part of your punishment, you will have much of sadness and heartache because of your children]; and thy desire shall be to thy husband [you will have the basic status of a servant to your husband], and he shall rule over thee [because you started it all by your disobedience in the Garden of Eden, I will make you subject to your husband and he will be your superior].
Now, we will quote Spencer W. Kimball. He was the President of the Church at the time he taught this; therefore, we can consider it doctrine. He will help us see this verse the way it should be understood: “The Lord said to the woman: ‘. . . in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children.’ I wonder if those who translated the Bible might have used the term distress instead of sorrow. It would mean much the same, except I think there is great gladness in most Latter-day Saint homes when there is to be a child there. As He concludes this statement he says, ‘and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.’ (Gen. 3:16.) I have a question about the word rule. It gives the wrong impression. I would prefer to use the word preside because that’s what he does. A righteous husband presides over his wife and family” (“The Blessings and Responsibilities of Womanhood,” Ensign, March 1976, page 72).
Before we reread verse 16, we would also do well to consult with Eve as to her view of the Fall. After all, she was there and can give us an accurate view of the results, as she later thought back upon them. We can do so by reading her response to it in Moses 5:11:
11 And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have [would have] had seed [children], and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.
We will now reread verse 16 and include verses 17–19, adding notes that place our understanding of it into the greater context of the overall gospel and plan of salvation, including Eve’s teachings and President Kimball’s teaching, above, along with other helps, including the idea that “sorrow” can mean the trials and tribulations of mortality, or mortality itself. Again, we may overdo it a bit, for purposes of emphasizing the positives of this great and vital step in the plan. Genesis 3:16 (repeated) and verses 17–19
16 Unto the woman he said [Thank you, thank you, thank you!], I will greatly multiply thy sorrow [because of your unselfish choice in the Garden of Eden, I can now give you many years in mortality] and thy conception [I can now send many of My spirit sons and daughters into your home to gain mortal bodies and learn the lessons of mortality]; in sorrow [in mortality, with the joys and sorrows, pains and distresses that attend it] thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [your highest loyalty, other than to God—compare with Moses 3:24, Doctrine and Covenants 42:22] shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over [preside and serve you as the Savior does] thee.
Notice, in verse 17, next, that “sorrow” is also used for Adam, as he begins the toil and labor that will be his responsibility and opportunity, as he also begins mortal life. This is perhaps another indicator that we can consider “sorrow” to be a term for mortality, rather than a description of punishment. The same Hebrew word is used in verse 17 as was used for Eve in verse 16, translated as “sorrow” in English.
One of the important lessons we can learn from verse 17, next, is that the ground was cursed for Adam’s “sake”—in other words, for his blessing and benefit. It will be good for his growth and development to have to work for a living. We will add notes that emphasize this verse in the larger context of the plan of salvation.
17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife [which was a very wise thing to do—see quote by Dallin H. Oaks, given after this verse], and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it [unless you choose to become mortal and leave the Garden—see Moses 3:17 and the note that follows in this study guide]: cursed is the ground for thy sake [in order to bring blessings to you]; in sorrow [in an environment of work, toil, pain—in other words, in mortality] shalt thou eat of it [take your living from the soil] all the days of thy life;
Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke of the choices made by Adam and Eve that led to the Fall and spoke of Adam’s wisdom in following the lead of his wife, Eve, on this matter. He said (bold added for emphasis): “It was Eve who first transgressed the limits of Eden in order to initiate the conditions of mortality. Her act, whatever its nature, was formally a transgression but eternally a glorious necessity to open the doorway toward eternal life. Adam showed his wisdom by doing the same. And thus Eve and ‘Adam fell that men might be’ [2 Nephi 2:25]” (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, November 1993).
The Lord continues to describe the conditions of “sorrow,” or “mortality,” in verses 24–25, next. Anyone who has seen the benefits of hard work can appreciate the blessings of such “sorrow.” 18 Thorns also and thistles [weeds, symbolic of the difficulties encountered in earning a living from the soil; symbolic of the trials and tribulations of mortal life] shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb [produce] of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken [your mortal body is made from the elements of the earth]: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
February 19, 2010
I just got this at the library last week and haven't finished it but it has made such a big difference in my reading of the Old Testament. I don't want to put it down (which is saying a lot for the Old Testament). I just might have to break down and buy these for my personal library!
April 9, 2018
This book provides a ton of contextual insight, and I like its format of inserting the notes and asides in between the verses of the text itself.
The author makes frequent assertions that I feel are unsupported by the text in order to present the image of the Old Testament offering a coherent theological account within the larger context of LDS theology. While the New Testament and Book of Mormon offer substantial insight into what was meant by the traditions and practices in the Old Testament, I disagree that those things are clearly visible (as author regularly asserts once pulling in contextual evidence) in the text. The incompleteness of the text could be explained by the loss of plain and precious truths - and idea fully at place in LDS theology - but the author is more concerned with reading the text as part of a beautiful whole.
For me, the text itself is far too problematic to offer itself to such a hagiographic reading. The book in the end is not without merit, but I suspect of many of the author’s conclusions.
The author makes frequent assertions that I feel are unsupported by the text in order to present the image of the Old Testament offering a coherent theological account within the larger context of LDS theology. While the New Testament and Book of Mormon offer substantial insight into what was meant by the traditions and practices in the Old Testament, I disagree that those things are clearly visible (as author regularly asserts once pulling in contextual evidence) in the text. The incompleteness of the text could be explained by the loss of plain and precious truths - and idea fully at place in LDS theology - but the author is more concerned with reading the text as part of a beautiful whole.
For me, the text itself is far too problematic to offer itself to such a hagiographic reading. The book in the end is not without merit, but I suspect of many of the author’s conclusions.
November 27, 2018
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING, thank you David J. Ridges. This book completely opened up the Old Testament to me like never before. It doesn't have to be difficult! I was loving - LOVING! - the Old Testament! I've got to brush up on the OT because next year my son goes to... EARLY MORNING SEMINARY!!!!!... and I can't exactly wake the poor kid up at 5 a.m. every morning to learn the OT if I'm not all that involved in it myself. But it's been awesome. I've been enjoying it immensely and it's really thanks in large part to this series by David J. Ridges. I highly recommend it for latter-day saint scripture study.
January 22, 2018
Great book
I really enjoyed reading this book. I like reading the scriptures but I do not always understand them. This book has helped me understand what Moses meant when he wrote Genesis and Exodus and what the culture was during that time period. The author uses several resources to help the reader gain a better understanding. I have read many of David J Ridges books. I plan to start reading the next book in this series tonight.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I like reading the scriptures but I do not always understand them. This book has helped me understand what Moses meant when he wrote Genesis and Exodus and what the culture was during that time period. The author uses several resources to help the reader gain a better understanding. I have read many of David J Ridges books. I plan to start reading the next book in this series tonight.
May 5, 2018
This book was everything I wanted it to be. There were wonderful, thorough explanations of difficult passages in between verses, as well as brief definitions interspersed in the scriptures themselves. I feel like I am gaining a new love and testimony of the truthfulness of my beloved Old Testament stories. Thank you, David Ridges for your knowledge, research, and love of the Savior and the gospel, and for the years of your life writing this book for all of us.
March 17, 2022
I really enjoyed how much detail Ridges gave from the Pearl of Great Price. I learned so much. I understand that there are lots of things he could have done with Genesis. I just wish there could have been more. I have absolutely loved all the learning Ridges' books provided. I highly recommend these books.
April 29, 2022
This series of books has transformed my study of the Old Testament. Before I was missing a ton of historical, political, and cultural context, as well as finding it really hard to understand what is going on. This series is making me love the Old Testament as much as I love other scripture. Spoiler alert: Moses parts the Red Sea.
June 9, 2018
This has really helped me read and understand the Old Testament. I'm looking forward to continuing on through the Old Testament with this resource. It has helped me understand better the culture and people of the Old Testament times.
December 24, 2021
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.
June 6, 2018
Great resource! I use it in my study for teaching Gospel Doctrine all the time.
September 5, 2018
Great notes and side bars
November 16, 2021
The authors knowledge and ability to simplify text is shown here. As with the rest of his made easier books this was a very easy and informative read.
December 27, 2021
I read this as part of my come follow me study for next year. It taught me a lot.
February 9, 2022
Not my style but that doesn’t mean it’s not someone else’s!
March 31, 2022
I found this book very helpful! The Old Testament can be hard to understand, but this made studying much easier. I look forward to reading the rest of the volumes.
April 19, 2022
This is a great tool to use with studying the Old Testament. It helped me understand so much more of the stories and meanings.
April 27, 2022
Ridges excellent resources and insights have helped me better understand difficult passages in the Old Testament. I'm loving the study of the Old Testament this year.
May 25, 2022
Having the commentaries along with the Biblical text adds so much enlightenment.
June 21, 2022
Could NOT understand the Old Testament without this book.
July 12, 2022
More editorial than fact/history in the notes. But not a bad resource.
March 29, 2010
This is a wonderful companion to the scriptures. David Ridges has an amazing command of the scriptures and the culture of the times that helps the reader to have a greater understanding of what is really being said. I love studying the Old Testament and with the help of this book it has become even more enjoyable.
April 6, 2012
This is a fantastic study guide. I love how the author doesn't tout his own "expertise" and make the book "all about him." He instead, quotes general authorities, includes the Joseph Smith translation, includes sections from our gospel study manuals, and includes basic historical background. I really love this book, and slowly collecting them all.
April 22, 2013
I only read the first third or so of this (the part on the Pearl of Great Price), but loved it. I'm actually thinking about buying it and other books in the series. It was really helpful in my study and helped me think deeper about what I was reading. I also like the author's writing style; it read like a really good institute class lesson.
March 15, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Ridges and I am completely hooked! His knowledge and teaching style really helped me to become encompassed in these oldest of scriptures. I plan on studying the entire scriptural canon using Ridges's Gospel Series. Highly recommended to anybody wishing to study the gospel.
March 17, 2014
I have to be honest, I don't love the Old Testament. However, this book really helped me understand it better. As I read the author's explanations about the customs of that day, I definitely understood more about the rituals and symbolism portrayed in the Old Testament, giving me a better understanding of Christ's Gospel.
March 25, 2010
David Ridges commentary on the first part of the Old Testament series goes into detail about the written verses in the book of Genesis. I enjoyed reading his thoughts and would recommend this book to anyone beginning a study of the Old Testament.
May 31, 2010
Reading this book along side the scriptures and lesson manual has made preparing my Sunday School lessons SO much easier. It has helped me understand the culture and language that has always been confusing for me. I'm sure there are other just as helpful books out there, but this one was great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews