Scripture Blog

This weblog is my personal online scripture journal. I try to read the scriptures each morning as I exercise on my cross-trainer. It has a great impact on my life and my testimony of the Savior and his restored church. The journal is really for my own benefit but I have set it up as a web log in hopes to benefit anyone else that may be interested. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Nephi 10:19

Friday, February 26, 2010

Genesis 45

Joseph was dealt some very difficult cards. First he was thrown in a pit by his brothers left to die but then was only relieved to be sold as a slave. Later he is falsly accused and thrown into prison to remain there for several years. He remains faithful and obedient to the Lord's commandments and overcomes these challenges to become only second to Pharaoh in policital power.

It is only after all of this pain and suffering that he comes face to face with the very brothers that considered killing him. Most of us would be very vindictive and seek some form of revenge or punishment. But in what is one of the most positive statements, with a larger and godlike perspective, Joseph declares to -

"...I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.
5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life." (Old Testament | Genesis 45:4 - 5)

That statement in itself eptiomizes the character of Joseph. It is what perspective we should strive to develop within ourselves.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Genesis 41

In modern revelation, the Lord said -

"And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 59:21)

As Job was greatly blessed and also afflicted he acknowledged -

"...Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Old Testament | Job 1:21)

The Lord has made it clear that his hand is in all things and that where we are and what we do, we must confess and acknowledge his hand and blessings. This is more appropriate in His service. As we study the Old Testament, Joseph is a great example as he boldly declared to Pharoah even before he interpreted his dream -

"...It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace." (Old Testament | Genesis 41:16)

Joseph took no credit upon himself but gave all power and credit to God.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Genesis 40

Paul taught -

"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 12:4)

Moroni also taught -

"...I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many..." (Book of Mormon | Moroni 10:8)

And in modern day, the Lord has said -

"For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 46:11 - 12)

Even though every man is given a gift does not necessarily mean that every man has just one gift of the Spirit. Though the scriptures do not necessarily list the gift of interpretation of dreams as one of the gifts of the Spirit, it would have to be assumed that it is one of them "for theay are many" and comes from God. Joseph, son of Jacob, is one of those that was given the gift of dreams and the gift of the interpretation of dreams. He declared to his fellow prisoners -

"...Do not interpretations belong to God?" (Old Testament | Genesis 40:8)

Meaning God will grant or gift the interpretations of dreams those that are worthy and chosen according to His will. Joseph's gift of interpretation of dreams became apparent as the butler was restored to his butlership and the cheif baker was hanged.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Genesis 39

Joseph seemed to do very well as a servant of Potiphar as well as during his imprisonment. In fact he seemed to flourish under these conditions. Do the scriptures provide any insight on why? First we know that -

"...the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard." (Old Testament | Genesis 37:36)

We are then told -

"...the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand." (Old Testament | Genesis 39:2 - 3)

The "Lord was with" him would suggest that he was worthy of the Holy Ghost and the Spirit was with him. Which would also suggest that he was obedient to the commandments. He lived his life in a righteous way which would include honesty and integrity. It is interesting that he lived in such a manner that his master even noticed the Spirit was with him. As a result of having the Spirit with him, he and his works did prosper. We also learn that -

"...Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand." (Old Testament | Genesis 39:4)

This would also suggest that Joseph was not lazy, but worked hard to honor his master. This led Potifar to have great faith in him and put him in charge of many things. And as a result -

"...it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field." (Old Testament | Genesis 39:5)

And because of his commitment, integrity and ethics, his master -

"...left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured." (Old Testament | Genesis 39:6)

These principles are as applicable in our day as it was in the days of Potiphar. In our employment, if we follow the example of Joseph, I believe we will receive the same blessings.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Genesis 34

From the testimony of prophets, Jacob was a righteous man. He may not have been perfect in everyway, but he did strive to do what was right. Even though he was a good father and properly taught his children the way, it didn't mean his children did all they were suppose to.

As we read about the situation with Dinah, Shechem, Simeon, and Levi, each failed to live the commandments. It always comes down to obedience. Even though Shechem and his family were civil, they were not obedient to the commandments. This still did not justify the actions of Simeon and Levi.

We do know that with all these events, Jacob responded -

"Ye have troubled me..." (Old Testament | Genesis 34:30)

Not only because the situation it placed his family in relationship to their neighbors, but also because of their disobedience.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Genesis 28

Malachi revealed the commandment and the promise to those who obey the law of tithing -

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts." (Old Testament | Malachi 3:10 - 12)

It is apparent that this commandment and promise was apparent in the days of Abraham and Jacob. The Lord gave great promises to Abraham, so to Melchizedek, Abraham -

"...gave him tithes of all." (Old Testament | Genesis 14:20)

After great promises were given to Jacob, he responded -

"...and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee." (Old Testament | Genesis 28:22)

It becomes apparent that this commandment has been from the beginning. I wonder why few religions teach this great commandment.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Genesis 27

To some, the story of Isaac desiring to give his sons his final blessings seems to bring with it an air of deception and controversy. There are many opinions and readers try to read between the lines of what happened. But what I think is the most important was that Isaac was a patriarch to his sons and desired to give each of them a patriarchal blessing. With Isaac being a righteous and worthy priesthood holder, one would have to assume that his blessing was guided by the Holy Ghost. The Spirit was not confused under whose hands Isaac pronounced the blessing. In my mind, whether Isaac was deceived or not, the blessings would have been the same as they were so given if done under the influence of the Spirit. The blessings given were the mind and will of the Lord. In our day, patriarchs are set apart to do the same and be guided by the Spirit. Of patriarchal blessings in our day, Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote -

"Nearly every member of the Church is a literal descendant of Jacob who gave patriarchal blessings to his 12 sons, predicting what would happen to them and their posterity after them. (Gen. 49; Teachings, p. 151.) As inheritors of the blessings of Jacob, it is the privilege of the gathered remnant of Jacob to receive their own patriarchal blessings and, by faith, to be blessed equally with the ancients. Patriarchal blessings may be given by natural patriarchs, that is by fathers in Israel who enjoy the blessings of the patriarchal order, or they may be given by ordained patriarchs, specially selected brethren who are appointed to bless worthy church members. (Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 3, pp. 169-172; Gospel Kingdom, p. 146.)

The First Presidency (David O. McKay, Stephen L. Richards, J. Reuben Clark, Jr.), in a letter to all stake presidents, dated June 28, 1957, gave the following definition and explanation: "Patriarchal blessings contemplate an inspired declaration of the lineage of the recipient, and also where so moved upon by the Spirit, an inspired and prophetic statement of the life mission of the recipient, together with such blessings, cautions, and admonitions as the patriarch may be prompted to give for the accomplishment of such life's mission, it being always made clear that the realization of all promised blessings is conditioned upon faithfulness to the gospel of our Lord, whose servant the patriarch is. All such blessings are recorded and generally only one such blessing should be adequate for each persons life. The sacred nature of the patriarchal blessing must of necessity urge all patriarchs to most earnest solicitation of divine guidance for their prophetic utterances and superior wisdom for cautions and admonitions."" (Mormon Doctrine, Bruce R. McConkie)

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Genesis 24

In the days of Noah we learn that -

"...Noah and his sons hearkened unto the Lord, and gave heed, and they were called the sons of God." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 8:13)

But we also witness that -

"...daughters were born unto them, the sons of men saw that those daughters were fair, and they took them wives, even as they chose.
15 And the Lord said unto Noah: The daughters of thy sons have sold themselves; for behold mine anger is kindled against the sons of men, for they will not hearken to my voice." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 8:14 - 15)

Abraham understood the difference between sons of God and sons of men. This same concept would apply to the women. It was important to Abraham that Isaac married a "daughter of God" for Abraham must have been greatly disappointed with Ishmael in that he married a daughter of men. This is so important that Abraham said to his servant -

"...thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac." (Old Testament | Genesis 24:4)

Abraham was confident that those of "my country" were his kindred that had remained faithful in worshipping the Lord. This was true as we learn of the character of Rebekah as she worshipped the Lord. The results was a continuation of a righteous posterity.

Abraham continues to be a great example in so many ways.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Genesis 22

In the Church, we are taught that everything evolves around the family. In fact, one of the very purposes of the Church is to assist the family in becoming and eternal and celestial unit. One of the the most important works as parents to help our children know we love them. But in all our efforts, we must not lose focus on the greatest of all commandments -

"...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 59:5)

I believe that the most important thing we can do for our family members is to live such that they know that you love the Lord. This is the first great commandment.

This morning I read where -

"...God did tempt[prove] Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." (Old Testament | Genesis 22:1 - 2)

In our day, this is very hard to understand. Yet this was the test the Lord placed on Abraham. And Abraham obeyed for -

"...Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him." (Old Testament | Genesis 22:3)

The scriptures provide no information on the struggles and suffering that Abraham may have gone through from when he received the commandment to when he went forth to accomplish it. As much as Abraham loved Isaac, Abraham showed Isaac that he loved the Lord with all his heart, might, mind, and strenght.

Isaac became the father of many nations because of his obedience also. I'm sure he learned that as he witnessed the obedience of his father.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Genesis 21

As we read the Old Testament, especially Genesis, there is so little of information that we sometimes have to speculate or read between the lines what is going on. We find this after the birth of Isaac -

"...Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking." (Old Testament | Genesis 21:9)

By this time, Ishmael must have been somewhat older. Sarah then says to Abraham -

"...Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac." (Old Testament | Genesis 21:10)

This may seem very hard on Sarah's part. This is where I think we are not given enough information. We don't know but the two living with Abraham may have been causing a signficant family problem. We are not told but yet we sense that the status quo couldn't continue. We know with all that was going on that this -

"...thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son." (Old Testament | Genesis 21:11)

If things were unbearable as they seemed, something had to change. What is the key to this story is that -

"...God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called." (Old Testament | Genesis 21:12)

It is obvious that Abraham took this problem to the Lord and he received this revelation. Abraham was to send Hagar and Ishmael away. Something had to be done and the Lord counseled that this would be best and then assured Abraham -

"...also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed." (Old Testament | Genesis 21:13)

For many, this may seem mean and unrighteous for Abraham. I sense Abraham wanted to do the best thing for his wives and children, but he also knew that things would not work out if things continued as they did. He must have been comforted in his decision by revelation through the Holy Ghost.

I can personally relate this experience to myself. I have a handicap daughter. At a certain time in her lift, her behavior was such that things could not remain as they were. A choice had to be made. In my situation, my daughter ended up on a foster home and eventually a group home where everything has since worked out for the best - the best for my daughter and best for my family. We talk daily and visit with each other weekly. The most important to the overall picture was the Spirit whispering to us that this is the best decision.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Genesis 19

I would like to return to a topic I blogged on a couple of days ago. We learn that when Lot settled the plains of Jordan that he -

"...pitched his tent toward Sodom." (Old Testament | Genesis 13:12)

Knowing that -

"...the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly."
(Old Testament | Genesis 13:13)

In my mind, the reason one would pitch his tent toward Sodom would suggest a desire to observe the things of this world instead of totally avoiding the things of this world. Eventually, maybe because of some longing for things of the world, Lot and his family ends up living in Sodom. Even though Lot strived to keep the commandments, what is serious is the effects it had on his family. First, we know that when -

"...his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt." (Old Testament | Genesis 19:26)

It becomes apparent that even with warnings, she could not help but desire or long for Sodom. I personally wonder if she didn't just look back but went back.

The lifestyle of Sodom or the wickedness of Sodom seemed to have an effect on his daughters who later, in selfishness and with the influence of Sodom chose to unrighteously have incest with their drunken father. It all seems to have been triggered intitially by Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Genesis 18

This coming Saturday evening, I am going to give a talk on faith. I will probably post that talk next week. Even though I do not plan to include anything from today's blog in my talk, I think it is relevant -

In confirmation to a long promise to Abraham, three bethren came to Abraham and said -

"...I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son...." (Old Testament | Genesis 18:10)

What is interesting is -

"...Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him." (Old Testament | Genesis 18:10)

"Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?" (Old Testament | Genesis 18:12)

I am sure that even Abraham had the same thoughts. But the Lord gave what seemed to be a mild rebuking saying -

"Is any thing too hard for the LORD?.." (Old Testament | Genesis 18:14)

We always need to aske ourselves - Is any thing too hard for the Lord?.

In Abraham and Sarah's case, the miraculous transformation took place in them as the Lord said -

"At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life..." (Old Testament | Genesis 18:14)

It reminds me of the oath and covenant of the priesthood -

"For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:33)

Is any thing too hard for the Lord?

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Genesis 15

The Lord taught -

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Old Testament | Isaiah 55:8 - 9)

As we read the Old Testament, the Lord's timing in keeping His promises are also not of man's. The Lord promised Abraham -

"..to make of thee a minister to bear my name in a strange land which I will give unto thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession, when they hearken to my voice." (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 2:6)

One would think that the Lord would give Abraham this land permantly and immediately, but shortly after Abraham settled in the area there was a famine in the land and Abraham had to go to Egypt. After his return the Lord reveals to him that before that before He would again be given the land -

"Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again..." (Old Testament | Genesis 15:13 - 16)

And then the Lord reveals why -

"...for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full." (Old Testament | Genesis 15:16)

The Lord loves all His children. His blessings always seem to be hinged on obedience and worthiness. The Amorites were not fully ripe yet. When they were, they were to be removed. Years later, the Hebrews were not worthy even with the promise of Abraham and they were removed. Speaking of the Israelites return to the promised land, Nephi taught -

"...after they had crossed the river Jordan he did make them mighty unto the driving out of the children of the land, yea, unto the scattering them to destruction.
33 And now, do ye suppose that the children of this land, who were in the land of promise, who were driven out by our fathers, do ye suppose that they were righteous? Behold, I say unto you, Nay.
34 Do ye suppose that our fathers would have been more choice than they if they had been righteous? I say unto you, Nay." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:32 - 34)

It seems when the Lord gives promises, they are conditional upon righeousness, obedience, and the Lord's timing.

Monday, February 08, 2010

Genesis 13

Moses specifically noted that after Lot and Abraham seperated that -

"...Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom." (Old Testament | Genesis 13:12)

One would have to assume that even though Lot was not living in Sodom, the fact that he pitched his tent toward Sodom suggests an keen interest in Sodom for -

"...the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly." (Old Testament | Genesis 13:13)

What a great lesson we learn with this statement. Do we pitch our tents toward the world, Babylon, Idumea, or other references of carnal desires. If we do, we set ourselves up begin to move toward Sodom. If we choose to avoid even of the appearance of evil, we will refuse to pitch our tents toward Sodom.

Friday, February 05, 2010

Genesis 14

In a few chapters of Genesis, we gain insight of the character of Abraham. First we know that even though Abraham's father was in support of sacraficial killing of Abraham. Abraham still took care of him and brought him to Haran.

When the land could not handle both Lot's and Abraham's cattle, Abraham said -

"...Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left." (Old Testament | Genesis 13:8 - 9)

Lot chose what appeared to be the better land and Abraham took the land in Canaan to avoid contention. Abraham was obviously a peacemaker.

Having acquired a great deal of wealth, when -

"..Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all." (Old Testament | Genesis 14:18 - 20)

With obedience, Abraham followed the law of tithing.

Abraham was not greedy but very fair. Having rescued Lot, he couldn't help but acquire the spoil. Not wanting to be made rich at the expense of the Lord's protection, as -

"...king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion." (Old Testament | Genesis 14:21 - 24)

All Abraham wanted was to be reimbursed his costs to rescue Lot. It is apparent that Abraham was very honest in his dealings with men.

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Genesis 11

We read that in the days of Noah and his posterity -

"...the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech." (Old Testament | Genesis 11:1)

This must have been the pure adamic language from the beginning.

In those days, in an effort to gain all power over all men, such that all men would perceive a man to be "as if like God", a leader (some believe it to be Nimrod" planned

"...let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." (Old Testament | Genesis 11:4)

I sense what they were trying to do was establish a total tyranny (giving themselves a universal name) whereby all would be under their power and control. For of these wicked rulers the Lord noted -

"...they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do." (Old Testament | Genesis 11:6)


That is complete power and control

I also wonder if a secondary purpose of the tower was so that no flood, which had only happened several generations before, could not destroy them and their wickedness. Seeing the wickedness of the people, the Lord said -

"...let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.
8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city." (Old Testament | Genesis 11:7 - 8)

It seems the confounding of language was the vehicle that never allowed man to have overpowering control over all nations.

Even though the languages were confounded, the pure adamic language was not totally lost for we learn in the writings of Ether as -

"...the brother of Jared being a large and mighty man, and a man highly favored of the Lord, Jared, his brother, said unto him: Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words.
35 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon Jared; therefore he did not confound the language of Jared; and Jared and his brother were not confounded.
36 Then Jared said unto his brother: Cry again unto the Lord, and it may be that he will turn away his anger from them who are our friends, that he confound not their language.
37 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon their friends and their families also, that they were not confounded." (Book of Mormon | Ether 1:34 - 37)

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Genesis 9

We read that after the flood that on one occasion that Noah -

"...planted a vineyard:
21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent." (Old Testament | Genesis 9:20 - 21)

At first, I guess that one would assume that he had taken off his clothes and was naked in his tent. But with a little bit more review of the scriptures, you would have to assume that maybe someone else uncovered him or in other words took of his sacred robes or garments for -

"...Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.
23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness." (Old Testament | Genesis 9:22 - 23)

If Noah had lost sense of himself and had drunkenly removed his own clothes, you would have to assume he would have graciously given thanks to his sons. But Noah did not do that for -

"Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him.
25 And he said, Cursed be Canaan..." (Old Testament | Genesis 9:24 - 25)

With that, you would have to assume that there is more to the story. My studies of the Old Testament is the birthright was very important. I wonder (with no evidence)if Ham had taken some sacred priesthood clothing and placed it upon his son in hopes he might acquire the birthright. That may explain Noah's sharp cursing of Canaan.

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Genesis 7

Probably the greatest thing that could be said of man is that said of Noah -
"...Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him." (Old Testament | Genesis 7:5)

The would be a great epitaph. For -

"Noah and his sons hearkened unto the Lord, and gave heed, and they were called the sons of God." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 8:13)

Noah was commanded to preach repentance to the people for the Lord said -

"My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for he shall know that all flesh shall die; yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years; and if men do not repent, I will send in the floods upon them." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 8:17)

For a 120 years did Noah preach with no results. I think the warning was sufficient. And then again in obedience, he did -

"Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch." (Old Testament | Genesis 6:14)

The scriptures do not reflect how long it took him to do so. But the day of warning did arrive -

"And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood." (Old Testament | Genesis 7:7)

What is interesting is, when -

"In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark;
14 They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort.
15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.
16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in." (Old Testament | Genesis 7:13 - 16)

The animals followed after Noah and family had entered the ark as the Lord had commanded the animals. The other thing that caught my attention was the flood did not occur just from the rain for -

"...the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up..." (Old Testament | Genesis 7:11)

...or as the footnote says - "burst open". Later as the floods ended as -

"the fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped..." (Old Testament | Genesis 8:2)

The earth literally was flooded also by water coming out of the ground.

Monday, February 01, 2010

Genesis 2

Nephi prophesied of the writings of the prophets that -

"...these things go forth from the Jews in purity unto the Gentiles, according to the truth which is in God.
26 And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away.
27 And all this have they done that they might pervert the right ways of the Lord, that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 13:25 - 27)

As I read the Old Testament, there are many places that I can tell there was once more and there has been testimony, doctrine and teachings that have been removed. As I read the statement in Genesis -

"And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground." (Old Testament | Genesis 2:5)

...it just doesn't make sense the way it is written. As if there was once more and someone did not understand such so they took it out. In modern revelation on the matter we read -

"And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth. And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them; and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air..." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 3:5)

Now that makes sense.