Elijah decreed a drought in Israel. How did he do this? The Book of Mormon explains that before the prophet Nephi did something similar, God conferred on him the authority to seal or loose the heavens. God expressed confidence that Nephi would use this power according to His will.
How Long Halt Ye?
Elijah and Nephi both summoned famines with the intent to turn their people's hearts back to God. Nephi's people eventually responded on their own. Elijah's people needed a nudge in the form of fire from heaven. But in both cases, the famine persisted until the prophet saw evidence of repentance.
A Giving and Receiving Heart
During a severe famine, Elijah was sent to a widow who was unusually generous. Alma was similarly led to Amulek, who invited him into his home and fed him. Both the widow and Amulek were blessed abundantly. An open heart that is willing to give is also able to receive.
“I Hate Him, for He Doth Not Prophesy Good”
Samuel the Lamanite observed that we prefer prophets who appeal to our pride over prophets who challenge us. King Ahab hated Micaiah because his prophecies were not flattering. He rejected Micaiah's warnings and died in battle. There is safety in hearing prophetic guidance that challenges us.
Rehoboam and the Rejected Counsel
Rehoboam rejected the counsel of his father's advisors, following counsel from some younger men that proved to be disastrous. King Noah similarly replaced his father's priests with new ones who propped up his own pride, resulting in catastrophe. Advice that requires us to humble ourselves may be harder to hear, but it is usually wiser.
If the Lord Be God, Follow Him
Why weren't the Israelites permanently converted to God after seeing Elijah call down fire from heaven? For the same reason that Elijah didn't find God in the wind, earthquake, or fire. Miracles may show us God's power, but listening to the still small voice brings us closer to Him.
My Name Shall Be There
God told Solomon that His name would be in the temple forever. He also warned that if Israel turned away from Him, the temple would be destroyed. How can both be true? The story of King Benjamin clarifies that those who worship in the temple can receive God's name in their hearts forever.
Will God Indeed Dwell on the Earth?
Solomon asked the searching question at the dedication of the temple, "Will God indeed dwell on earth?" The Book of Mormon provides a definitive answer when the resurrected Savior Jesus Christ visits a group of believers gathered at the temple in the land of Bountiful.
Hear Thou in Heaven
In his temple dedicatory prayer, Solomon repeatedly pleads with God to hear the prayers of repentant sinners, acknowledging that everyone sins. Joseph Smith echoed this sentiment in the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer. In the Book of Mormon, God provides an answer to this plea: as often as we repent, He will forgive.
Absalom
The name Absalom means "father of peace." King David's son did not live up to the name, but in spite of the anguish he caused, David loved him deeply. Alma demonstrated similar love for Corianton. Good parents love their children even when their children make mistakes and even when those mistakes harm the parents.