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.
Hear Thou in Heaven Their Prayer
David desired to build a temple. The Lord granted that privilege to his son Solomon, who built it using the finest materials available. When Nephi and his family later established a city in their promised land, they built a temple like Solomon's, with fewer precious materials but with equal devotion to God.
The Battle Is the Lord’s
From a humble shephered to Israel's most honored king, David's spectacular rise to power was not his own doing. God affirmed that He had established David's house, a house which would endure forever through the ultimate victory of a later member of his house: Jesus Christ.
The Lord Looketh on the Heart
How do you choose a king? God led Samuel first to Saul, whose self-consciousness seemed like humility and who received "another heart" and prophesied. When Saul failed to lead with integrity, God selected a new king, David, explaining to Samuel that people focus on physical appearance, but He looks on the heart.
My Heart Rejoiceth in the Lord
From the chaos described at the end of the book of Judges emerged two extraordinary women: Ruth and Hannah. Although one was a Moabitess and the other an Israelite, they both inherited Abraham's covenant in the same way: by choosing to embrace it.
The Lord Raised Up a Deliverer
Like the Book of Mormon, the book of Judges relates events which illustrate the pride cycle. Many of Mormon's observations explain what Judges leaves unsaid. Both books also have heroes, some deeply flawed. Even so, they are blessings from God, sent in response to the people's heartfelt prayers.
Be Strong and of a Good Courage
Moses charged Joshua to "be strong and of a good courage" when he called him to lead Israel. Nephi gave the same charge to his brothers as they worked to obtain the brass plates. We can also be strong and courageous as we fulfill difficult assignments from God.
Beware Lest Thou Forget the Lord
At the end of Moses's life, he delivered a series of discourses to prepare his people to enter their promised land. Book of Mormon prophets quote from these sermons, applying them to their own people and to us. Moses's words in Deuteronomy can help us prepare to enter our promised lands.
Rebel Not Ye Against the Lord, Neither Fear
The book of Numbers is an account of the Israelites' experiences during their forty-year sojourn in the wilderness. Its stories teach the importance of simple faith and of avoiding overcomplicating things.
Holiness to the Lord
Through Moses, the Lord gave the children of Israel a law. It's a wondrous set of objects, activities, and sacred times all intended to point their hearts to the salvation He would provide them. The Nephites lived this law, recognizing that it pointed their minds forward to Jesus Christ.