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1830 — 1879
The first LDS biblical commentary
The first LDS biblical commentary
The first LDS biblical commentary
A translated Coptic text
A translated Coptic text
A translated Coptic text
A translated Coptic text
A translated Coptic text
A translated Coptic text
A Discourse by Elder Orson Pratt, Delivered in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, January 7, 1855. Reported By: G. D. Watt.
A Sermon by Elder Orson Pratt, Delivered in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, August 28, 1859. Reported By: G. D. Watt.
The development of different versions of the Bible
The development of different versions of the Bible
A pamphlet on a discussion held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle between Orson Pratt and Rev. Dr. J. P. Newman
Discourse by Elder Orson Pratt, delivered in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, July 18, 1875. Reported By: David W. Evans.
Discourse by Elder Orson Pratt, delivered in the Eighteenth Ward Meetinghouse, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, Feb. 25, 1877. Reported By: Geo. F. Gibbs.
Discourse by Elder John Taylor, delivered in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, July 29, 1877. Reported By: Rudger Clawson.
Discourse by Elder Orson Pratt, delivered in the Fourteenth Ward Assembly Rooms, on Sunday Afternoon, Dec. 2, 1877. Reported By: Geo. F. Gibbs.
Discourse by Elder Orson Pratt, delivered at the Thirteenth Ward Assembly Rooms, Sunday Evening, August 25, 1878. Reported By: Geo. F. Gibbs.
Discourse by Apostle Orson Pratt, delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, October 26, 1879. Reported By: John Irvine.
1880 — 1899
Reasons why the Bible should be read by the youth of the Church
Reasons why the Bible should be read by the youth of the Church
Discourse by President John Taylor, delivered at Malad, Oneida County, Idaho, Wednesday Morning, October 20, 1881. Reported By: Geo. F. Gibbs.
Discourse by Apostle Erastus Snow, delivered in the Salt Lake Assembly Hall, Sunday Afternoon, February 26, 1882. Reported By: Geo. F. Gibbs.
Discourse by Elder Lorenzo Snow, delivered in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, Thursday Afternoon (General Conference), October 5, 1882. Reported By: John Irvine.
How the scriptures were made more available through the translation of the Old Testament to Greek three hundred years before Christ
Discourse by President John Taylor, delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon (Annual Conference), April 8, 1883. Reported By: Gibbs and Irvine.
Discourse by Apostle Erastus Snow, delivered at the Quarterly Conference, Parowan, Sunday Afternoon, June 24, 1883. Reported By: John Irvine.
Discourse by President John Taylor, delivered at Parowan, Sunday Morning, June 24, 1883. Reported By: John Irvine.
Discourse by Apostle Erastus Snow, delivered in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, March 9, 1884. Reported By: John Irvine.
History of Aaronic Priesthood
History of Aaronic Priesthood
History of Aaronic Priesthood
Discourse by Apostle Erastus Snow, delivered in the Tabernacle, Provo, Sunday Morning, May 31 (Quarterly Conference), 1885. Reported By: John Irvine.
Discourse by Apostle Moses Thatcher, delivered in the Tabernacle, Logan, Cache County, Semi-Annual Conference, Thursday Afternoon, October 8, 1885. Reported By: John Irvine.
The Bible’s influence on language, law, and hope in the Lord
The timing and the materials of the Creation
The timing and the materials of the Creation
The timing and the materials of the Creation
The timing and the materials of the Creation
The timing and the materials of the Creation
The timing and the materials of the Creation
The folly of Darwinism/evolution
The need to know the geography of the Bible
The biblical canon and its organization
The biblical canon and its organization
The biblical canon and its organization
Evidence that the woman consulted by Saul truly was a witch
1900 — 1909
Solomon’s teachings
Amos’s prophecy of the great apostasy (Amos 8:11–12)
Speculation on the lost tribes, including Levi
The Old Testament theme of “to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (Samuel 15:22)
Speculation on the lost tribes, including Levi
The conditions in the premortal life including a description of the war in heaven, an account of the Fall, and what has been gained from it
Absence of priesthood keys between Moses and the Messiah
Old Testament examples of the consequences of disobedience
Abraham’s obedience
The immortality of the spirit in light of Genesis 2:7
The Savior and the division of the kingdoms
Argument as to when man was created, reconciling the apparent discrepancies in Genesis 1 and 2 and the Pearl of Great Price
David, Saul, and Solomon’s understanding of the Savior
A comparison of the Ten Commandments with the laws of Hammurabi of Babylonia
A speculative description of the city of Enoch and its inhabitants
How the Book of Mormon is the stick of Ephraim, even though Lehi was from Manassah
Archeological evidence. Reprinted from the Deseret News.
An article reprinted from Leslie’s Weekly maintains that the excavation of Giza supports the truthfulness of the Bible
1910 — 1919
The Book of Mormon fulfills prophecy
Speculation about the location of the lost tribes
How Book of Mormon evidence contradicts biblical scholarship, especially the theory of multiple authorship of Isaiah
How Book of Mormon evidence contradicts biblical scholarship, especially the theory of multiple authorship of Isaiah
Short lessons on the characters and teachings of the Old Testament
1920 — 1929
Explanations of bread in Ecclesiastes 11:1, Proverbs 23:7, and Malachi 3:8
A look at the giants in Genesis 6:4
One man’s experience at a Jewish funeral
An exposition on Judges 11 and human sacrifice in the Old Testament
The earth’s cleansing, death, and resurrection
The Creation, premortality, and evolution
The Creation, premortality, and evolution
Speculation as to where the lost tribes are located
Reconciling Joseph’s marriage to an Egyptian and his sons being heirs of the priesthood
Includes Eve, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Asenath, and Jezebel
1930 — 1939
The Church’s role in Abraham’s covenant
The reason Joseph could marry an Egyptian and still have the heirship of Israel placed on his son Ephraim
A correlation of the Book of Mormon and the history of Old Testament events
A list of biblical trees and their symbolic usage
An Old Testament textbook for seminary classes
The 1938–39 study manual for MIA
The Psalms
The family of Abraham and missionary work
1940 — 1949
Religious principles to be learned from stories and prophets
Seven scriptural accounts of the Creation arranged in parallel columns
An outline of time from Abraham to the birth of the United States written by W. J. Cameron and pedigree charts written by James H. Anderson showing the relationship of Mormonism to the past and the future of the covenant
Includes questions and answers about Bible passages
How the Bible has influenced the growth of civilization
How religion affects everyday life in aspects like health, marriage, and education
Temples in the Near East and America
1950 — 1959
Scattering and gathering of Israel
Textbook with review questions
A series of handouts prepared in the fifties and early sixties for distribution to various audiences. This report includes excerpts from the Expository Times by Nibley in the form of a G-2 Report. 14 pages, s.s., 1984. Most excerpts deal with the state of Christianity in 1983 and 1984.
““Years ago, it was my custom to communicate to the General Authorities in an occasional brash and self-appointed newsletter (called a ‘G-2 Report’) items of interest dealing with new discoveries which I considered significant. My boldness was not ill-received.” —Quoting a letter from Nibley to Elder Bruce R. McConkie, 2 October 1979.
Two topics or reports are included. Includes various quotations from the Expository Times on Old Testament biblical research. See “New Age of Discovery” in Since Cumorah, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 7.“
A series of handouts prepared in the fifties and early sixties for distribution to various audiences.
““Years ago, it was my custom to communicate to the General Authorities in an occasional brash and self-appointed newsletter (called a ‘G-2 Report’) items of interest dealing with new discoveries which I considered significant. My boldness was not ill-received.” —Quoting a letter from Nibley to Elder Bruce R. McConkie, 2 October 1979.
Topics include the flood, the patriarchal age, the Old Testament as history, the Old Testament in its Near Eastern setting, patterning, language of the Old Testament, and the integrity of the text.“
A comparison of the building of Solomon’s temple with the Saints’ building of the Salt Lake Temple
An edited version of The Message of the Twelve Prophets along with additional commentary on the Major Prophets
Commentary on the Old Testament with study questions
Includes a description of patriarchal blessings
Reprinted in The Prophetic Book of Mormon.
Writing on tally sticks is related to Ezekiel 37 and the meaning of the prophecy that two sticks shall become one. Extensive commentary on the traditional interpretations given to Ezekiel 37.
The Improvement Era was an official magazine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints between 1897 and 1970.
A look at what the sticks of Judah and Joseph were or what they referred to.
A description of the Tabernacle, Dome of the Rock, Solomon’s temple, and Zerubbabel’s temple
A travel journal of many Bible lands
A travel journal of many Bible lands
A travel journal of many Bible lands
A travel journal of many Bible lands
A travel journal of many Bible lands
A travel journal of many Bible lands
A travel journal of many Bible lands
Essays by Church leaders
Reprinted in Lehi in the Desert; The World of the Jaredites; There Were Jaredites, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 5.
Discussions of the book of Enoch and its relationship to the Book of Abraham and other ancient texts and folklore.
An explanation of Genesis 6:1–2
In this work the Book of Mormon is seen in a new perspective; we see it in a world setting, not in a mere local one. It takes its place naturally alongside the Bible and other great works of antiquity and becomes one of them.
In the light of the Dead Sea Scrolls, all the Apocryphal writings must be read again with a new respect. Today the correctness of the 91st Section of the Doctrine and Covenants as an evaluation of the Apocrypha is vindicated with the acceptance of an identical view by scholars of every persuasion, though a hundred years ago, the proposition set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants seemed preposterous. What all the apocryphal writings have in common with each other and with the scriptures is the Apocalyptic or eschatological theme. This theme is nowhere more fully and clearly set forth than in the Book of Mormon. Fundamental to this theme is the belief in a single prophetic tradition handed down from the beginning of the world in a series of dispensations but hidden from the world in general and often confined to certain holy writings. Central to the doctrine is the Divine Plan behind the creation of the world that is expressed in all history and revealed to holy prophets from time to time. History unfolds in repeating cycles in order to provide all men with a fair and equal test in the time of their probation. Every dispensation, or “Visitation,” it was taught, is followed by an apostasy and a widespread destruction of the wicked, and ultimately by a refreshing or a new visitation.
In this work the Book of Mormon is seen in a new perspective; we see it in a world setting, not in a mere local one. It takes its place naturally alongside the Bible and other great works of antiquity and becomes one of them.
The Latter-day Saint claim that Ezekiel’s account of the Stick of Joseph and the Stick of Judah is a clear reference to the Book of Mormon has, of course, been challenged. There is no agreement among scholars today as to what the prophet was talking about, and so no competing explanation carries very great authority. The ancient commentators certainly believed that Ezekiel was talking about books of scripture, which they also identify with a staff or rod. As scepters and rods of identification the Two Sticks refer to Judah and Israel or else to the Old Testament and the New. But in this lesson, we present the obvious objections to such an argument. The only alternative is that the Stick of Joseph is something like the Book of Mormon. But did the ancient Jews know about the Lord’s people in this hemisphere? The Book of Mormon says they did not, but in so doing specifies that it was the wicked from whom that knowledge was withheld. Hence it is quite possible that it was had secretly among the righteous, and there is actually some evidence that this was so.
An explanation of the Hebrew root behind “replenish” in Genesis 1:28
1960 — 1969
examples from the life of Joseph of Egypt
An explanation of differences in lineages of patriarchal blessings in the same family
Old Testament prophecies
Knowing the language and culture of the scriptures
How one can be a full-blooded non-Israelite and still be a literal descendant of one of the twelve tribes
A look at biblical examples of how man averted war
Elder Hunter discusses the relevance to Church members of Solomon’s plea to the Lord for an understanding heart and the critical need for that understanding in the world today, especially in our families.
The relevance to Church members of Solomon’s plea for an understanding heart
Archaeological evidence incorrectly used as proof of scriptural accounts
The identity of the Jews from an LDS perspective
A brief history of the lineage of Ephraim including Joseph Smith’s lineage
Short lessons discussing the interpretation of the writings of the Old Testament prophets with emphasis on Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, with material taken from Sperry’s book The Voice of Israel’s Prophets.
Israel’s language, religion, and culture were heavily influenced by Israel’s neighbors. Many early Christian practices were performed even before Christ.
Hugh Nibley presents interesting new scholarship about the relationship between Israelis and other Middle Eastern people in Biblical times.
Israel’s language, religion, and culture were heavily influenced by Israel’s neighbors. Many early Christian practices were performed even before Christ.
A continuation of Hugh Nibley’s presentation of interesting new scholarship about the relationship between Israelis and other Middle Eastern people in Biblical times.
Cf. “Unrolling the Scrolls: Some Forgotten Witnesses,” in Old Testament and Related Studies, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 1. 115–70.
Hugh Nibley draws parallels between language and traditions found in the Apocrypha to the culture of the people in the Book of Mormon. In the second half of his lecture, Hugh Nibley compares the linguistics and culture of the Book of Mormon to that found in the Apocrypha. The imagery and practices found in the Book of Mormon are compared with certain phrases and material concerns found in Jewish and Christian apocryphal writings.
Later published in Temple and Cosmos: Beyond This Ignorant Present.
In the second half of his lecture, Hugh Nibley compares the linguistics and culture of the Book of Mormon to that found in the Apocrypha.
The Ten Commandments and how Christ used them
Charts of prophets, dispensations, the family of Abraham, and maps of major historical events. Compiled from the Instructor.
Argument that the different sections of Genesis were originally written autobiographically by the patriarchs
As evidenced by the Dead Sea Scrolls, Isaiah was subject to the same abridging as the Book of Mormon prophets
As evidenced by the Dead Sea Scrolls, Isaiah was subject to the same abridging as the Book of Mormon prophets
As evidenced by the Dead Sea Scrolls, Isaiah was subject to the same abridging as the Book of Mormon prophets
As evidenced by the Dead Sea Scrolls, Isaiah was subject to the same abridging as the Book of Mormon prophets
An answer to the Deutero-, Trito-Isaiah question using the Book of Mormon
Dead Sea Scroll evidence witnesses that the text of the Bible has not been so much altered as mutilated by the removal of material from the original
Part a roundtable discussion. The status of the Bible in the Church; different ways of studying the Bible with a specific look at Nahum and the Revelation of John
Part of a roundtable discussion. The author’s response to scholars’ criticisms of prophetic interpretation of biblical scripture
Mormon views of the Bible
A nonmember’s response to the debate in Dialogue between Dr.&bsp;Sperry and Dr. Snell on the meaning of Ephraim’s sticks
BYU course manual, in two volumes
The LDS ties to the Jews and the foundation of the state of Israel as a partial fulfillment of the prophecies of the gathering
The difference between the two sets of stone tablets
A first-person description of the ancient city of Petra
A first-person description of Hezekiah’s Tunnel
Also circulated as “Teachings from the Dead Sea Scrolls.”
A survey of teachings in a large number of apocryphal, pseudepigraphal, and patristic writings.
“Unrolling the Scrolls—Some Forgotten Witnesses” (1967)
“Unrolling the Scrolls—Some Forgotten Witnesses” (1986)
The purposes for the Fall of Adam
“Now for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed.” So lamented Moses in utter humility after seeing in vision the complexities of the planet Earth and her countless inhabitants. Shortly thereafter Moses was to see once again the earth and her. Imagine, however, his profound astonishment when, in answer to his plea for an explanation, the Lord revealed himself to Moses and told him of even more wondrous creations. “And worlds without number have I created. . . . For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power.” Other heavens and earths had already expired. New heavens, star systems with inhabitable planets, would be born in the distant future. Moses would surely have felt even more insignificant had not the Lord reassured him with his presence and the counsel that “all things are numbered unto me.”
First-person experiences and photographs of Egypt
This article examines the Inspired Version of the Bible translated by Joseph Smith, the first president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Matthews compares Joseph’s Inspired Version with the Bernhisel Manuscript, which has never been published. He also illustrates how Joseph Smith’s revision of the Bible was significant to the establishment of the church.
Robert J. Matthew’s first article in the Autumn 1968 issue of BYU Studies dealt primarily with the making of the Inspired Version of the Bible. It considered two major aspects: (1) the preparation of the manuscript notes by the Prophet Joseph Smith and his scribes, and (2) the publication of the printed editions by The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS). This article will discuss a number of passages that are unique to the Inspired Version and also some of the implications in the text that are frequently overlooked. There are at least three levels at which one may read the Inspired Version. The first and simplest level is to compare it with the King James Version to find the variant readings. The second and perhaps the most informative level is to analyze each variant to determine the actual change in meaning that resulted from the Inspired Version rendition. The third and most difficult level is to examine the Inspired Version not only for content but also for style. This level is not limited to what is said but also involves an analysis of how it is said. The third level is particularly important because it deals with the question of whether the Inspired Version is a restoration of the original text of the Bible. Although not all of the variants in the Inspired Version are suitable for this kind of critical examination, a number of passages are thus suited, and these are highly interesting and even provocative when analyzed. Such passages have characteristics about them which strongly suggest inspiration and even restoration of the original text in some instances.
Assessment of the historical accuracy of Harry Anderson’s painting Moses Calls Aaron to the Ministry.
1970 — 1979
A collection of LDS perspectives
A critique of the New English Bible
The different scriptural accounts of the Creation and theories on the meaning of article eternity from a scientific perspective
LDS scholars on the Creation
No abstract available.
An explanation of what Adam and Eve did and why
poem
Church pamphlet
This article will attempt to look at the Church in the early 1830s and, so far as it is possible, will trace the introduction of several important doctrinal concepts into the Church during that time. In this context we will discuss the role of new translation of the Bible in the restoration of the gospel in this dispensation. When speaking of the “development” of the Church doctrine, we do not mean particularly to dwell on an evolutionary phenomena but rather simply to emphasize that all of the doctrines were not revealed at once and that there has been a developmental increase of doctrine from continuing revelation. It is in the spirit of this principle that we trace the historical relationship that exists between Joseph Smith’s new translation of the Bible and the increase of doctrine during the Kirtland period.
Milton R Hunter - The greatest of all laws in this gospel plan pertains to marriage for life and eternity. Thus it pertains to the family eternal. The sweetest joys and greatest blessings that can be gained in mortality and in the life to come are attained through family life lived in accordance with the gospel plan.
An exposition of the large stone cut out of a mountain
Eldred G. Smith - Free agency requires that there must be a choice. There must be an opposing force. There is no growth, no movement, no accomplishment or progress without overcoming an opposing force.
Howard W. Hunter - May the spirit of Elijah burn deep into our hearts and turn us toward the temples.
LDS teachings about Adam
Adam-ondi-Ahman seems to have had reference at an early date to a general area rather than to a specific spot. If the Prophet Joseph Smith knew at that time (March 1832) of a specific location in Missouri to which the name also applied, he left us no written evidence of it. A second reference came some thirty-six months later, on 28 March 1835: the “valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman” is specified in a revelation to the Prophet as the place where Adam met with his posterity.
Balaam and his actions
Definition, use, and examples of chiasmus
Original article.
These are comments about the roles of ancient temples in general, with an emphasis on Mesoamerican temples as centers of religion, culture, the arts, and world view.
“Ancient Temples: What Do They Signify?” (1994)
“Chapter 14: Ancient Temples: What Do They Signify?” (1989)
Chart
Chart
An exegesis of Genesis 1
Travel description of Palestine
One does not long study Mormon beginnings without realizing that the Bible held a special place in the hearts of the early Saints. Latter-day Saints use of its accounts and teachings greatly influenced the formulation of Mormon theology, and, in addition, helped the Saints find their personal and group identity in God’s Kingdom. The deep commitment of early Mormon intellectuals to the ancient scriptures is suggested by the frequency and nature of biblical references in their writings. Three Church periodicals published between 1832 and 1838, The Evening and the Morning Star (Independence, Missouri, 1832–33, and Kirtland, Ohio, 1833–34), the Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate (Kirtland, 1834–47), and the Elders’ Journal (Kirtland, 1837, and Far West, Missouri, 1838) are the most important representative samples of the written expression of early Mormon thought, and serve in this investigation as indicators of the attitudes of the Saints towards the Bible, and their uses of its contents. Let us begin by identifying two leading assumptions which governed Mormon biblical interpretation.
Map with explanation
Jesus showed impressive ability both to use the Old Testament and to depart from it, as he did in the Sermon on the Mount. Even speaking “as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matt. 7:29), he insisted that he had not come “to destroy the law, or the prophets” (Matt. 5:17).
Reprinted as “Treasures in the Heavens” in Nibley on the Timely and the Timeless (1978), 49–84; (2004), 53–93; and in Old Testament and Related Studies, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 1:171–214.
A complex and rich study of the cosmology of the Christian world, which is compared to other similar sources. — Midgley
“Treasures in the Heavens” (1986)
“Treasures in the Heavens” (2004)
Papers presented at the annual symposium, March 28, 1974.
Table of Contents:
Jeremiah’s Prophecies Concerning the Gathering of the Jews in the Last Days / Victor L. Ludlow
Toward a Better Understanding of the Old Testament as a Result of Joseph Smith’s “New Translation” of the Bible / Robert J. Matthews.
No abstract available.
Papers presented at the annual symposium, March 6, 1975.
Table of Contents:
The Gentle Tamers: Women of the Restoration / Kenneth W. Godfrey
Abraham, the Father of the Faithful / Monte S. Nyman
The Origin and Uses of the Sacred Hosanna Shout / Lael Woodbury
Reprinted in Enoch the Prophet, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 2. 91–301.
A discussion of the worldview and scenario of the Hopis. Editor’s note: With the October 1975 issue, the Ensign began a series on the book of Enoch authored by Hugh Nibley. As Part 1 recounts, early Christian writers knew and respected the book of Enoch, but biblical scholars neglected it in scorn after the excitement of the Reformation was over. However, James Bruce, exploring the sources of the Nile in 1773, brought back three copies. Part 2 describes the critical response—or lack of it—to these documents and then turns to examining the four versions of the book of Enoch against which Joseph Smith’s writing must be judged.
Reprinted in Enoch the Prophet, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 2.
Discusses the book of Enoch and its relationship with the Pearl of Great Price.
“Enoch the Prophet” (1976)
“Enoch the Prophet” (1986)
Reprinted in Enoch the Prophet, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 2.
Discusses the book of Enoch and its relationship with the Pearl of Great Price.
“Enoch the Prophet” (1975)
“Enoch the Prophet” (1986)
Concludes that Jasher is a medieval work and not the one mentioned in the Old Testament
The Creation from a scriptural and a scientific viewpoint
The prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah on the latter-day Church
Biblical criticism and how the brass plates shed light on the multiple strand theory of the Old Testament
In most forms of Gnosticism secret oral tradition is often associated with accounts of the creation of the world, the experiences of Adam and Eve in the Garden, and the fall of man. It is usually in this creation setting or in a temple or on a mountaintop that Gnosticism places the revelation of the esoteric mysteries and the knowledge needed to thwart the archontic powers and return to God.
Gnosticism is primarily concerned with the questions, Who am I? Where am I from? and What is my destiny? That the answers to these questions are often associated with the creation, the Garden, and the fall of man is probably due to the Gnostic presupposition that the end of all things is to be found in their beginning. Of those documents which manifest this concern, the Nag Hammadi Apocalypse of Adam is perhaps the prime example.
The doctrine of the gathering of Israel
Also published in ASBYU Academics Presents: Outstanding Lectures, 1978–79, Provo, UT: BYU Press, 1979. 71–88, and reprinted in Old Testament and Related Studies, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 1, 215–37.
Hugh Nibley dives into the book of Isaiah and how wonderful its teachings are, though they are occasionally difficult to comprehend.
“Great Are the Words of Isaiah” (1979)
“Great Are the Words of Isaiah” (1986)
“Great Are the Words of Isaiah” (2005)
Joshua’s role as the leader of the conquest of Canaan
Contents:
Moses, Man of Miracles / Mark E. Petersen
The Abrahamic Covenant / Ellis T. Rasmussen
John and His Writings / C. Wilfred Griggs
Significant Episodes in Jesus’ Life / Eldin Ricks
The Hebrew Background of the New Testament / Edward J. Brandt
How to Teach the Scriptures / Max W. Craner
The Testimony of Jesus Christ / David H. Yarn
Paul, Then and Now / Rodney Turner
Wisdom Literature / Robert C. Patch
Peter and His Writings / J. Lewis Taylor
Job: “Yet Will I Trust in Him” / Keith H. Meservy
The Mosaic Law in Ancient and Modern Scripture / Robert J. Matthews
Skill and Power in Reading the Authorized Version / Arthur Henry King
Great are the Words of Isaiah / Hugh W. Nibley
Commentary on women in the scriptures
Originally published in Sidney B. Sperry Symposium, 1978. Reprinted in Sperry Symposium Classics: The Old Testament, 2005.
Hugh Nibley dives into the book of Isaiah and how wonderful its teachings are, though they are occasionally difficult to comprehend.
“Great Are the Words of Isaiah” (1978)
“Great Are the Words of Isaiah” (1986)
“Great Are the Words of Isaiah” (2005)
The “sticks” in Ezekiel as writing boards
Helping students with reading disabilities to be able to understand the scriptures
Examples from the Old Testament of some of the methods the Lord uses to teach
Insights from the Old Testament to help strengthen the resolve for an eternal marriage
Following the Ten Commandments will build relationships between man and God
The need to study the Old Testament as more than literature
Abraham’s example in finding his son a celestial partner
This packet consists of a collection of translated statements by ancient Greek philosophers concerning their perceptions of divinity. It quotes Thales, Anaximander, Heraclitus, Pythagoras, and others on such abstract concepts as Absolute, causes, the One, the Nous (mind), and the uncreated.
The role of both the mind and the spirit in gaining knowledge
Teaching techniques
The scriptures can help clarify other scriptures
The symbolism and purpose of Israel’s tabernacle
Covenant-making and breaking in the Old Testament
Three themes from the Old Testament: the Atonement, preparation, and wisdom
1980 — 1989
Amos, Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Elijah
Bennion’s response to Melodie Moench Charles’s “The Mormon Christianizing of the Old Testament, which appeared in Sunstone.
Reprinted in Old Testament and Related Studies, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 1. 87–114.
An address given at the BYU Women’s Conference, 1 February 1980.
Criticism of the way Mormons interpret the Old Testament to support their views
Reprinted in Old Testament and Related Studies, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 1.
A controversial examination of evolution and the Latter-day Saint view on creation and the various roles of Adam.
The creation of man
The Sunday School Supplement on the Mosaic Hypothesis of authorship
Letter to the editor that criticizes Melodie Moench Charles’s article “The Mormon Christianizing of the Old Testament, which appeared in Sunstone.
A brief background and answers to commonly asked questions about each book
Selections from this book can be found in Sunstone 6 (May–June 1981): 56–58
Time line
The creation of the earth was repetitiously celebrated in rituals in civilizations of the ancient Near East—Babylon, Assyria, Persia, and Israel. Sources suggest that in Israel, perhaps as early as the Second Temple period, laymen recited the Genesis creation story while priests were offering sacrifices. The laymen were expected to recite the account in towns far away from Jerusalem for the benefit of those who could not go to the holy city. Hearing about the creation enabled listeners to experience a renewal of creation in their own setting.
Adam, Moses, Abraham, and Noah in apocryphal writings and traditions
A study of texts from biblical, classical, and other literatures
Extensive bibliography
Republished in 2000 in a second edition with new materials and illustrations as Abraham in Egypt, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley vol. 14.
Nibley examines the Book of Abraham’s striking connections with ancient texts and Egyptian religion and culture.
Joseph Smith’s study of Hebrew is related to the translation of the Book of Abraham
The Sunday School Supplement on the Rod of Aaron, an apocryphal account of Adam and the origin of sacrifice, cultural borrowing, and the Levitical Endowment
Tabs as inexpensive aids to scripture study
A letter to the editor agreeing with Melodie Moench Charles’s article “The Mormon Christianizing of the Old Testament,” which also appeared in Sunstone.
Blake Ostler examines what relationship exists between the papyri of the ancient Egyptian Book of Breathings possessed by Joseph Smith and the Book of Abraham. Ostler finds that Joseph Smith, in associating vignettes of the Book of the Dead to explain Abraham’s experiences, was actually duplicating an ancient practice about which he could not have known from secular sources available in his day.
Reprinted as “The Lachish Letters,” in The Prophetic Book of Mormon, The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 8. 380–406.
Suggests connections between the Lachish letters written at the time Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians and events associated with Lehi’s departure. Includes political pressures on prophets, types of proper names, and a possible identification of Mulek.
Chapter-by-chapter commentary
Includes Noah’s ministry as the angel Gabriel
Pre-Adamites, the location and return of the Ten Tribes, and the forbidden fruit
Major themes from the book of Isaiah and a computer study of the authorship of Isaiah
Roy Johnson examines the rituals and formulas of oaths, types of oaths, and the use of oaths in both the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon. Johnson compares the use of oaths, curses, and covenants in the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon to show that the relationship among those three acts is the same in both books.
An explanation of the three degress of righteousness using Old Testament stories, specifically Adamic stories to show them.
A review of Avraham Gileadi’s The Apocalyptic Book of Isaiah, A New Translation and Interpretative Key (Provo, UT: Hebraeus Press, 1982).
Consistency of gospel truths in all standard works
Isaiah’s prophecies reviewed in their historical context and compared with the later meanings attached by Christians and Mormons
A challenge to Anthony Hutchinson’s article “LDS Approaches to the Holy Bible,” published in Dialogue.
Emphasis on temples and sealing keys
Genesis 10 and 46 as a basis for the office
Some of the Andean Indians also have versions of the Flood story
The reality of prophecy is disputed by scholars but is ultimately a matter of faith
The law of obedience and sacrifice today
Using the Book of Mormon as a bridge between the Old Testament and us
Insights from the Old Testament that can help today’s children
Early LDS interpretations of the Bible
A description of the Abrahamic covenant and who its heirs are
Similarities between LDS doctrines and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not prove that Qumran had the gospel
Consistency of gospel truths in all standard works
Integrity as evidenced in the lives of Old Testament people
The Book of Mormon theme “Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land” evidenced in the Bible
The story of Job is an example for those wanting to know the Lord’s will
The story of Saul as a literary work of tragedy
How faith gives strength to avoid the natural fight or flight syndrome
A brief note in the History of the Church under the date of Sunday, 3 April 1836, records the appearance of the Lord, Moses, Elias, and Elijah to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple. Subsequent writers have noted that this date corresponds to the Jewish Passover, during which the arrival of Elijah is traditionally awaited. A parenthetical note in the Missionary Training Manual: For Use in the Jewish Proselyting Program states the correlation of the two events emphatically. There we are informed that Elijah appeared in the Kirtland Temple “at about the same hour that the Jewish families in that time zone would have been preparing to begin their feast of the Passover.” These statements, although correct in their identification of the Jewish Passover with the ritual expectation of Elijah and in their connecting the time of the appearance of Elijah in the Kirtland Temple with the Passover season, warrant further elucidation and modest chronological correction.
The answer to “What is a temple?” is partially the answer to “What was the temple?” Here a distinguished array of scholars trests this theme. This collection of essays—which grew out of a BYU symposium of experts—presents recent findings on the temple in antiquity: historical, linguistic, and archaeological data which bear on the idea of the temple in Israelite, Jewish, and Christian traditions. The book includes an expansive introduction to temple traditions and a bibliography for further clarification and comparison. ISBN 0-8849-4518-9
Gleaning from the expertise of an eminent array of Latter-day Saint scholars, a Brigham Young University symposium entitled “Isaiah and the Prophets” has brought to light a diversity of thought-provoking ideas relative to the Old Testament. This book contains ten of the addresses given at that symposium. Isaiah and the Prophets is rich in its outpouring of details. The book probes concepts that are pertinent to understanding the Old Testament as the Lord’s prophetic word and the gospel in its fullness. ISBN 0-8849-4522-7
A challenge to George D. Smith Jr.’s “Isaiah Updated,” which appeared in Dialogue.
Hutchinson defends his article “LDS Approaches to the Holy Bible,” (also in Dialogue) from a challenge by James E. Faulconer
Diseases and health issues
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream
The prophecies of Isaiah by topic and verse by verse
The apocryphal book Susanna.
Archaeology and textual evidence
The marriage of Hosea and Gomer illuminates the covenant relationship of Jehovah and Israel
Most scholars who reject the one-man authorship of Isaiah do so because they reject prophecy
Early Semitic temple and religious practices one thousand years before Israel entered Canaan