The Old Testament Made Easier Part 3: Selections from Ecclesiastes Through Malachi

“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. Example: 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 Lord: 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. A Quick Reference • Quickly get help for specific verses or chapters. • Review for a lesson, talk, or family night discussion.

David J. Ridges has been teaching in the Church Educational System for 30 years and has been associate director and instructor at Orem Institute of Religion adjacent to Utah Valley State College. He has taught for several years at BYU Campus Education Week and Know Your Religion programs. He has also served as a curriculum writer for Sunday School and Seminary manuals.