Genesis 37

As much as we honor the "house of Israel" and the "tribes of Israel", we don't necessarily honor all the sons of Israel.  In fact, their hearts and conduct was not much different from many of the Jews in the days of the Savior.

First we learn of the nature of their hearts as they reasoned -

"Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him..."  (Old Testament | Genesis 37:20)

Then they reasoned -

"...What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh..."  (Old Testament | Genesis 37:26 - 27)

They justified selling Joseph for gain.  And finally they lied to Jacob -

"...The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?
31 And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no."  (Old Testament | Genesis 37:30 - 32)

And then they managed to watch their father mourn for years!  Murder, greed, and dishonesty as well as immorality was part of their nature.  This is sad yet Moses chose to include it in his record.

 

Genesis 37

In case anyone was wondering, I haven't blogged for over a week.  I came down with a cold that really nailed me.  Even though I read the Book of Mormon everyday (as I try to do everyday), I wasn't able to exercise on my crosstrainer and as a result, I wasn't up to blogging.

As I study each day, I'm always trying to ponder what great lessons can be had in this morning's reading.  Sometimes it is very difficult and sometimes, the inspiration flows.  This morning I read of the two dreams Joseph had concerning the obeisance of his brothers and his parents where  -

"...Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:
7 For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.
8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words."  (Old Testament | Genesis 37:5 - 8)

As well as -

"...he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying."  (Old Testament | Genesis 37:9 - 11)

As I read this in the past, I have thought that Joseph could have been much more tactful or refrained from even telling them.  It would have made his life a lot easier.  But then I thought of the Prophet Joseph Smith when the angel Moroni instructed him to tell his father.  Where he hadn't before, with this instruction he told his father and he believed the Prophet.  Maybe, Joseph of old was told to tell his brothers and parents which he did.  In his case, it brought captivity, but eventually led to the prophecy being fulfilled.

I find it interesting where Joseph Smith's father believed him, Joseph's father rebuked him, but "observed the saying" which means to me, that he may have felt guilty doing so knowing it was of God.

Genesis 33

As Jacob was returning to his own country, he learned that Esau was coming to see him with 400 men.  Obviously, because Esau had previously wanted to kill him -

"...Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed..."    (Old Testament | Genesis 32:7)

What I find interesting is Jacob -

"...took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;
14 Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams,
15 Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.
16 And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.
17 And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee?
18 Then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us.
19 And so commanded he the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him.
20 And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.
21 So went the present over before him..." (Old Testament | Genesis 32:13 - 21)

I find this an interesting stradegy, to soften the heart and judgement of his brother, there was a planned process of continual gifts to do so.  We find as Esau arrived that -

"...Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept."  (Old Testament | Genesis 33:4)

The scriptures do not necessarily say what Esau's initial intent was or if the plan changed his heart, but either way, there is not question that Esau's heart was softened.  After meeting with Jacob, Esau said -

"...I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself."  (Old Testament | Genesis 33:9)

I believe that in order to solidify the relationship, Jacob responded -

"...Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
11 Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it."  (Old Testament | Genesis 33:10 - 11)

For those that are striving to heal or strengthen a relationship with family or friends, they may consider this great lesson.

Genesis 31

Jacob provides a great example of how a father should preside in the home as the Lord said unto him -

"...Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee."  (Old Testament | Genesis 31:3)

Having been commanded of the Lord, he did not force his family to follow his revelation but -

"...sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,
5 And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me."  (Old Testament | Genesis 31:4 - 5)

In other words, he had a family council concerning what had and was going on with Laban, allowing his family to search and feel the same guidance of the Spirit.  And after they were allowed to consider the matter and how they had been treated unjustly, answered -

"...now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do."  (Old Testament | Genesis 31:16)

This is a simple story but of great value as a husband and wife work together for the benefit of the family.

Genesis 30

As I pondered the story of Jacob and his deal with Laban concerning his daughter Rachel, I was wondering what great message was hidden here that the Lord would have me understand.  What came to me later today may not necessarily be of great spiritual value, but more of temporal value.

It seems the young generation has developed a sense of entitlement.  Some feel if they get a good education, that they are entitled to a good, high paying job.  There is not sense of sacrifice or long term commitment to earn such.

First we see Jacob willing to work seven years for Rachel.  And even when Laban seemed to trick him with the marraige of Leah, he loves Rachel enought to work another seven years.  It appears Jacob worked hard and deserved what ever compensation he received for after having a family, Jacob approached Laban that he wanted to return to his own country and said to Laban -

"...Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country.
26 Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee." (Old Testament | Genesis 30:25 - 26)

I don't know how long this was after he married Rachel, but obvioulsy he had fulfilled his deal with Laban.  Jacob must have worked hard and been a great asset to Laban for Laban seemed somewhat concerned with Jacob leaving and pleaded -

"...I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
28 And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it."    (Old Testament | Genesis 30:27 - 28)

It seems Laban was willing to pay Jacob almost anything to stay and work for him.  With this leverage, Jacob made a deal with Laban, where Jacob took possession of the likely unwanted parts of the herd.  Later we read of Jacob that -

"...the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses."  (Old Testament | Genesis 30:43)

I believe the lesson here is that if one works hard for their employer that ones value greatly increases.  I have found that those willing to do so bring greater compensation and greater opportunities.

 

Genesis 28

As Jacob left home in Beer-sheba following instructions of his parents to head to Haran for protection -

"...he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.
12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;
14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of."  (Old Testament | Genesis 28:11 - 15)

I have two thoughts concerning this ladder Jacob saw over which the Lord stood.  First Jacob tells us that he saw "angels ascending and descending" on it.  I believe in the ministering of angels.  I believe then that there are ministering angels amongst us and they are coming and going as directed by the Lord.

The second is, Elder Marion G Romney taught -

 “When Jacob traveled from Beersheba toward Haran, he had a dream in which he saw himself on the earth at the foot of a ladder that reached to heaven where the Lord stood above it. He beheld angels ascending and descending thereon, and Jacob realized that the covenants he made with the Lord there were the rungs on the ladder that he himself would have to climb in order to obtain the promised blessings— blessings that would entitle him to enter heaven and associate with the Lord.

“Because he had met the Lord and entered into covenants with him there, Jacob considered the site so sacred that he named the place Bethel, a contraction of Beth-Elohim, which means literally ‘the House of the Lord.’ He said of it: ‘… this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.’ (Gen. 28: 17.)

 “Jacob not only passed through the gate of heaven, but by living up to every covenant he also went all the way in. Of him and his forebears Abraham and Isaac, the Lord has said: ‘… because they did none other things than that which they were commanded, they have entered into their exaltation, according to the promises, and sit upon thrones, and are not angels but are gods.’ (D& C 132: 37.)

“Temples are to us all what Bethel was to Jacob. Even more, they are also the gates to heaven for all of our unendowed kindred dead. We should all do our duty in bringing our loved ones through them” (“ Temples— The Gates to Heaven,” Ensign, March 1971, page 16)

I note that Elder Romney said " there were the rungs on the ladder that he himself would have to climb in order to obtain the promised blessings".  Mormon taught concerning -

"...that men might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored unto grace for grace, according to their works."  (Book of Mormon | Helaman 12:24)

I plan to talk on this subject of grace for grace in an upcoming conference.  I picture each rung of the ladders and upward climb based upon "grace for grace according to our works".

Genesis 27

As we read the story of Isaac's blessing to Isaac and Esau, many see this as blessings of deception.  I don't.  There is no question in my mind that Rebekah had had a vision and new with whom the promised covenants would be extended.

But the question I ask myself as "patriarchal blessings" are given in the Church, are they blessings by inspiration according to the will of God or are they blessings according to the will of the patriarch.  Obviously, it is may opinion that they are always blessings of inspiration according to the mind and will of the Lord.

I believe the same holds true herein as Isaac gave a patriarchal blessing to Isaac and later to Esau.  I believe whether he knew that his hands were on Isaac or on Esau, it didn't matter.  The blessings would have been the same.  I believe Isaac knew and understood that for when he learned that the first blessing that was given was really to Jacob, knowing that it had been according to the mind and will of the Lord, he said to Esau concerning the blessing given to Jacob, and thus  -

"...he shall be blessed."  (Old Testament | Genesis 27:33)

Declaring -

"...Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him..."  (Old Testament | Genesis 27:37)

I believe that this would have been Jacob's blessing no matter how things had transpired.

Genesis 26

This morning I read the words of the Savior -

"...blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 12:5)

Meek is defined as -

"enduring injury with patience and without resentment."  Merriam-Webster Dictionary

As I read of the nature of Isaac, meekness came to be as one of the qualities he possessed for -

"Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
18 And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.
19 And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.
20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
21 And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.
22 And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land."  (Old Testament | Genesis 26:17 - 22)

I note the patience with no resentment or Isaac as he seemed to have conflict and injury with the herdmen of Gerar, even praising the Lord being blessed with this last well.  It was then, maybe because of his meekness -

"...the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.
25 And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac's servants digged a well. (Old Testament | Genesis 26:24 - 25)

Obviously, in his meekness, Isaac acquired great wealth (inherit the earth) even to the point that Abimelech approached him to make a deal that Isaac and his servants would not over power them.

Genesis 25

I seems to me the story of Esau and Isaac if the first time in the Bible that we come upon the doctrine eof "birthright".

In the LDS Bible Dictionary we learn of the "birthright" -

Under the patriarchal order, the right or inheritance of the firstborn is known as birthright. This generally included a land inheritance as well as the authority to preside. The firstborn of flocks and of human families was considered as belonging to the Lord, and was expected to be dedicated to him. This dedication could be either literal or by the payment of redemption money (Ex. 13:11–16).

"From time to time certain prerogatives, opportunities, and blessings have attended those who were born of a particular lineage. Thus the office of high priest (of the Aaronic order) and the office of the patriarch to the Church (in the Melchizedek Priesthood) are hereditary in nature. Lineage alone does not guarantee the blessings or spiritual power of the office, but the opportunities are offered to the firstborn of the selected lineage. There are several instances in the scriptures of the one who was the firstborn losing his birthright because of unrighteousness, and his office being given to another; such is the case with Esau (Gen. 25:24–34; 27), and Reuben (1 Chr. 5:1–2; Jer. 31:9)." (Bible Dictionary | B Birthright:Entry)

Obviously, there was great responsibility with the birthright and not every "firstborn" was willing to honor and take on this responsibility.  It appears to me that the birthright extended beyond just spiritual things.  It appears to me the responsibility and obligation to take over the parents business or occupation and provide life ending care.  Not everyone would want to do that.  Thus the birthright could be extended down the line.

Obviously, the Lord can easily control the desire order of birth.  Yet at the same time, he provides opportunities for many to choose the right or choose an alternate course.  I find it interesting in Rebekah's case, as she was pregnant that -

"...the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.
23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger."  (Old Testament | Genesis 25:22 - 23)

By revelation, the Lord told Rebekah that the younger would assume the birthright.  As the Lord understood, even giving Esau the opportunity, that he would take this responsibility lightly for read that as -

"...Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:
30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?
33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.
34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright."  (Old Testament | Genesis 25:29 - 34)

Because Jacob would righteously honor this birthright, the great and promised blessings followed his posterity.

Genesis 22

As we read the story of Abraham being commanded to sacrifice his son, Isaac, I'm sure many would suggest that this was a test of obedience for Abraham and Isaac in order to receive the promised blessings.  It is my own opinion that Abraham had already shown his great faith and obedience to the Lord.  This would raise the question then - "why would the Lord then ask him to sacrifice his the son from whom the great promises were made?".

There is no question that this was a great test for Abraham, but again, it is my opinion, that this great trial was placed on Abraham shoulders to teach his posterity, symbolically of the the great and last sacrifice of the Son of God that was yet to come.  One cannot read this experience without having great empathy for Abraham.  It would be something of which we understand and teach us concerning the atonement of the Savior.  Some possible symbolism referencing the writings of David J. Ridges -

1.       The Father: Sacrificed His Only Begotten Son.  Abraham: Called upon to sacrifice his only covenant son, Isaac.
2.       The Savior’s birth: Was miraculous. Isaac’s birth: Was miraculous.
3.       The Savior: Voluntarily gave His life (John 10: 18).  Isaac: Voluntarily submitted to his father, Abraham.
4.       The Savior: Was in the tomb for three days. Abraham and Isaac: Took three days to journey to Moriah.
5.       The Savior: Carried His own cross on which He was sacrificed. Isaac: Carried the wood for his sacrifice.
6.       The Savior: Was sacrificed on Golgotha. Isaac: Was placed on the altar on Moriah, part of the same set of hills in Jerusalem as Golgotha.

I think it is important to understand that Isaac would have been in his thirties which would suggest that he to was obedient to the will of Abraham which would suggest "that his will be done".

After Abraham was stopped by the angel in sacrificing Isaac -

"...the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice."  (Old Testament | Genesis 22:15 - 18)

This seems to follow my opinion that all nations would be blessed as we study the obedience of Abraham and as we come to understand its symbolic comparison to the atonement.

Genesis 21

One of Abraham's great attributes is that he was a peacemaker.  We see his willingness to obey the Lord as he is commanded to leave Haran.  In my mind, it seemed apparent that there was family conflict.

Later we see him willing to let Lot choose what area or land he would prefer when the land on which they lived was not sufficient for both Abraham's and Lot's servants and animals.

We find him making peace with pharaoh, even the king of Sodom, but even though a peacemaker, still willing to defend his family when Lot is taken captive.

And we even see him being a peacemaker as there seemed to be a conflict with the king of the Philistines over a well where -

"...Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away."  (Old Testament | Genesis 21:25)

Obviously Abimelech was unaware of this conflict saying -

"...I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day."  (Old Testament | Genesis 21:26)

But even though Abraham was in the right, in order to keep peace -

"Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.
28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?
30 And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
31 Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them.
32 Thus they made a covenant at Beer-sheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines."  (Old Testament | Genesis 21:27 - 32)

Because of Abraham's willingness to make peace instead of being right, he was blessed for -

"...Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days."  (Old Testament | Genesis 21:34)

 

Genesis 19

The story of Lot is a story of warning to all those that live on the edge or in other words, those that want to live in Zion but keep one foot in Babylon.

There is no question that Lot was greatly blessed in wealth and prospered in the more choice land.  In doing so, he and his family ended up choosing to live in "Babylon" being Sodom.  Sodom seemed to be also a prosperous city allowing great idleness, thus becoming a hedonic society where pleasure seemed to become the common pursuit.  The same situation that seemed to be the fall of many great societies.

Even though it appears that Lot himself seemed to strive to keep himself apart, there is not question that his children and servants fell into the same lifestyle for when the angels told him of the destruction of Sodom -

"...Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law."  (Old Testament | Genesis 19:14)

It is obvious that this destruction was going to happen immediately for the angels literally -

"...hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city."  (Old Testament | Genesis 19:15 - 16)

Obviously, Lot didn't feel the need to move quickly.  Reminds of our day to hasten the work.

Fortunately, I believe because of the prayers of Abraham, Lot, his wife and daughters were saved.  But then we read after a warning not to look back -

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

I personally believe that "looked back" was missed translated and should have been written "turned back" for the Savior warned of His second coming -

"Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.
32 Remember Lot's wife."  (New Testament | Luke 17:30 - 32)

Sadly, because of Lot allowing his family to keep one foot in Babylon, he lost his wife and his posterity.  Thus the sad story continues and his daughters, knowing of this great loss, decided -

"...let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father."  (Old Testament | Genesis 19:32)

What a sad story as we see and family that could not leave the ways of the world.

Genesis 17

The translation of Moses's records suggests that as the Lord tells Abraham -

"...As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
16 And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?"  (Old Testament | Genesis 17:15 - 17)

The record that Abraham laughed and even questioned the Lord seem so contrary to the faithful Abraham we come to know in the scriptures.  In the JST of the Bible, the translation seems more like the Abraham we had come to know as we read -

"Then Abraham fell upon his face and rejoiced, and said in his heart, There shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old, and Sarah that is ninety years old shall bear."  (JST - Genesis 17:24)

I believe the word "laughed" was miss translated. 

There was something else I noticed in my reading -

"...Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year."  (Old Testament | Genesis 17:18 - 21)

There is no question in my mind that Abraham loved Ishmael just as much as he loved Isaac.  His greatest desire was that Ishmael would live or live righteously.  Thus the promises were great that he also would have a great posterity or nation.  And if they lived righteously, eternal blessings would be just as great as they would be for Isaac.  But not necessaril knowing exactly the mind and will of the Lord and purpose, it was through Isaac that the responsibility would be placed upon his posterity to bless all nations in the latter days with the priesthood and missionary work.  This was not to be the calling and burden of Ishmael.