Old Testament Reflections

Morgan Davis explores how the names of Hosea’s children move from signs of judgment to promises of renewal, and considers how Gomer’s name may echo that reversal.

Steven C. Harper reads Daniel 1–6 as a series of contests between the God of Israel and earthly powers, arguing that the stories point beyond their human heroes to the God of the whole earth.

Robbie Taggart explores the strange visions and vivid sign acts of Ezekiel, a prophet whose mystical encounters and earthy life testify that God meets people even in exile—and invites them to let his word transform them.

Rosalynde F. Welch explores how Lamentations gives voice to Jerusalem’s grief—and how its portraits of Daughter Zion, the suffering Man, and the Child speak to loss, worship, and hope.

Why did some people identify Jesus as Jeremiah? J.B. Haws explores the parallels between their ministries and the prophetic courage that called people beyond outward reform.

In this reflection on Isaiah 60, Rosalynde Welch explores homecoming as a scriptural image for the gathering of Israel, the Savior’s return, and God’s desire to dwell among his people. Tracing seven moments of divine presence—from Eden to the Restoration—she invites readers to see the world as God’s home and Christ as its homecoming.

Katie Paxman reflects on Isaiah 50–57, exploring shame, divine nearness, Christ’s redeeming work, and the hope of restoration.

Morgan Davis explores how Isaiah 40–49 contrasts God’s true creation with human-made idols and what that contrast teaches about self-deception, repentance, and God’s enduring care.

J. B. Haws reflects on Isaiah 35, President Gordon B. Hinckley’s words at Neal A. Maxwell’s funeral, and poetry’s unusual power to offer hope and consolation.

Joseph M. Spencer examines the structure of Isaiah 1–12 and how its shape, reflected in the Book of Mormon, reveals a story of covenant, disaster, promise, and redemption.

Philip Barlow explores Ecclesiastes, its poetic form and pessimistic outlook, and what its realism, skepticism, and uncertainty can contribute to Latter-day Saint faith.

Rosalynde Welch reflects on Psalm 102, showing how lament can become praise and deepen discipleship amid suffering.

Thomas B. Griffith reflects on Psalm 69 and the difficult psalms of complaint and vengeance, exploring how honest, inherited prayers can deepen discipleship, reshape the heart, and strengthen a believer’s relationship with God.

Kim Matheson reflects on the Psalms as prayers for every human season, showing how lament, fear, anger, gratitude, and praise can all draw us toward God.

Steve Peck reflects on Job, suffering, creation, and ancient bristlecone pines to consider how God’s world can humble, unsettle, and enlarge our search for meaning.

Rosalynde Welch reflects on Esther through a 1985 Relief Society performance by her mother, showing how scripture takes on new meaning as each generation interprets, performs, and applies it to its own time.

Rosalynde Welch examines Ezra and Nehemiah as a story of rebuilding religious authority through scripture, covenant renewal, temple worship, and the people’s renewed trust in God.

Morgan Davis reflects on Uzziah, Hezekiah, and Passover to explore the difference between prideful presumption and humble covenant-seeking when imperfect circumstances complicate obedience.