2 Kings 16–25 (July 13–19)

Segment 1

Scriptures:
2 Kings 20:1-6 (Hezekiah is granted time from the Lord)
2 Kings 17:25-26 (Lions slay some people)
2 Kings 18:11 (Scattering)

Words of the General Authorities:
We are whole in Jesus Christ when we exercise our agency to follow Him in faith, submit our hearts to Him so He can change them, keep His commandments, and enter a covenant relationship with Him, meekly enduring and learning from the challenges of this earthly estate until we return to His presence and are healed in every way. (Camille N. Johnson, “Spiritually Whole in Him”, April 2025 General Conference)

So who are you? First and foremost, you are a child of God. (Russell M. Nelson, “Choices for Eternity”, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults with President Nelson, delivered on May 15, 2022)

God’s universal and perfect love is shown in all the blessings of His gospel plan, including the fact that His choicest blessings are reserved for those who obey His laws…The love of God does not supersede His laws and His commandments, and the effect of God’s laws and commandments does not diminish the purpose and effect of His love.
Some seem to value God’s love because of their hope that His love is so great and so unconditional that it will mercifully excuse them from obeying His laws. In contrast, those who understand God’s plan for His children know that God’s laws are invariable, which is another great evidence of His love for His children. (Dallin H. Oaks, “Love and Law”, October 2009 General Conference)

Study Helps:
The Israelites didn’t always obey God’s voice, and over time they stopped keeping His covenant. Many worshipped other gods and adopted the practices of the cultures around them. They rejected the very thing that made them a distinct nation—their covenant relationship with the Lord. Without God’s power protecting them, there was nothing to stop their enemies. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, “Jesus Will Say to All Israel, ‘Come Home’”)

Segment 2

Scriptures:
1 Nephi 8:27-28 (Mocking at the tree of life)
2 Kings 18:29, 19:10 (Don’t be deceived)

Words of the General Authorities:
We live in a time of turmoil. Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising. We have great cause for concern. But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith…You will have days when you will be discouraged. So pray for courage not to give up! Sadly, some whom you thought were your friends will betray you. And some things will simply seem unfair. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming”, April 2020 Liahona)

Segment 3

Scriptures:
2 Kings 18:1-7 (Hezekiah was a good king)
2 Kings 19:1,2,14-15 (What to do when times are tough)

Segment 4

Scriptures:
2 Kings 19:20 (Thus saith God)
2 Kings 19:25 (All credit goes to God)
Romans 8:28 (Work together for good)
2 Kings 19:30 (Remnant of Judah takes root)
2 Kings 22:1 (Josiah begins his reign at 8-years-old)

Words of the General Authorities:
[The dedication of the Rome Italy Temple is] a hinge point in the history of the Church. Things are going to move forward at an accelerated pace, the Church is going to have an unprecedented future, unparalleled. We’re just building up to what’s ahead now. (Russell M. Nelson, from an interview at the Rome Italy Temple Dedication, story edited by Sarah Jane Weaver)

Segment 5

Scriptures:
2 Kings 22:2 (David, his father in the covenant)
2 Kings 22:14 (Huldah the prophetess)

Words of the General Authorities:
The story of King Josiah in the Old Testament is a most profitable one to “liken…unto [our]selves.” (1 Nephi 19:24) To me, it is one of the finest stories in all of the scriptures. (Spencer W. Kimball, “How Rare a Possession”, September 1976 Ensign, also referenced in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, and Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, “He Trusted in the Lord God of Israel”)

How you deal with life’s trials is part of the development of your faith. Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth.
The time is coming when those who do not obey the Lord will be separated from those who do (see D&C 86:1–7). Our safest insurance is to continue to be worthy of admission to His holy house.
Do whatever it takes to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ by increasing your understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth. Anchored in pure doctrine, you will be able to step forward with faith and dogged persistence and cheerfully do all that lies in your power to fulfill the purposes of the Lord.
I promise you that as you follow Jesus Christ, you will find sustained peace and true joy. As you keep your covenants with increasing precision, and as you defend the Church and kingdom of God on the earth today, the Lord will bless you with strength and wisdom to accomplish what only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can accomplish. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming”, April 2020 Liahona)

Since President Monson’s challenge six months ago, I have tried to follow his counsel. Among other things, I’ve made lists of what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, what it fulfills, what it clarifies, and what it reveals. Looking at the Book of Mormon through these lenses has been an insightful and inspiring exercise! I recommend it to each of you. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It?”, October 2017 General Conference)

Segment 6

Scriptures:
2 Kings 23:3 (Standing to the covenant)
2 Nephi 2:13-14 (To act or be acted upon)
Joshua 8:30-35 (Joshua’s covenant)

Words of the General Authorities:
Are there things on your metaphorical boat creating windage, or resistance, to your attachment to Him? What is keeping you from being bound securely to the Savior? (Camille N. Johnson, “Bound Securely to the Savior”, BYU Speeches delivered on January 11, 2022)

I went into the house and prayed, asking for strength to face this adversity. The words of the wonderful hymn, written by Emma Lou Thayne, came to my mind: “Where can I turn for peace?” I also remembered the words of our temple sealing and the promises we made to God and to each other. I felt great peace and reassurance that Nathalie and I are a daughter and a son of a loving and caring Heavenly Father. I felt the Savior’s love and His hand lifting me up. (Thierry K. Mutombo, “The Joy of a Covenant Relationship with God”, April 2026 General Conference)

Translations:
Made/pledge/joined/stood to (a covenant) - karat b'rit = cut a covenant (Hebrew)

Quotes:
Laws are sequential…When living a law feels difficult, it can help to return to the law that comes before it. Obedience creates a foundation. As our desire to obey increases, our capacity to live God’s laws can grow. (Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt, “Washing Their Nets”, BYU-I Devotional delivered on January 20, 2026)