The Book of Mormon builds on a biblical foundation, both historically and doctrinally. Here are some of the ways that a strong Old Testament foundation can enhance your study of the Book of Mormon.
The Old Testament and the Book of Mormon
The Book of Psalms and the Book of Mormon
The brass plates which Lehi and his family carried from Jerusalem contained a lot of content which overlaps with the Old Testament. Nephi describes three categories of writings, which correspond with three of the four groupings of books in the Old Testament: "The five books of Moses" - The Law (Genesis through Deuteronomy)"A record of... Continue Reading →
Josiah and Benjamin
Today I've been thinking about the parallels between two kings: Josiah, who reigned over Judah just before the Babylonian captivity (640-609 BCE), and Benjamin, who reigned over the Nephites about 500 years later. Both kings led their people in a spiritual reawakening. Here are some of their common experiences: ExperienceJosiahBenjaminInspired by the scripturesWas horrified when... Continue Reading →
The Book of Judges and the Book of Mormon
Did the authors of the Book of Mormon have access to the book of Judges? They did have the brass plates, which contained "the five books of Moses...and also a record of the Jews...and also the prophecies of the holy prophets" (1 Nephi 5:10-13). It seems reasonable to assume that some version of the book... Continue Reading →
All the Prophets
On the afternoon of the first Easter, two believers walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus, about 7.5 miles. A stranger joined them who seemed to know nothing about the events of the weekend in Jerusalem. When they shared their disillusionment at the death of Jesus and their bewilderment about reports that He was alive, the stranger... Continue Reading →
A Book of Remembrance
Nephi opens the Book of Mormon by expressing gratitude to his parents for, among other things, the gift of literacy. He writes his record in his parents' language, which consists of "the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians" (1 Nephi 1:2). Nephi's nephew, Enos, also expresses gratitude that his father taught... Continue Reading →
Every Word
As the children of Israel prepared to enter the promised land, Moses asked them to consider some of the lessons of their sojourn in the wilderness. One of those lessons came from the food they ate: manna, which mysteriously appeared every morning except the sabbath in sufficient portions to provide them with physical nourishment. (See... Continue Reading →
“As He Read, He Was Filled with the Spirit of the Lord”
The Book of Mormon opens with a vision. As the prophet Lehi prayed on behalf of his people, a "pillar of fire" appeared before him, "and he saw and heard much." Returning to his home, while lying on his bed, the vision continued. He saw "God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of... Continue Reading →
The Stick of Ephraim
The prophet Ezekiel received the following symbolic instruction from the Lord: Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: And join them one to another into one... Continue Reading →
“Give Heed to My Words” – 3 Nephi 23:4
After quoting a chapter from the book of Isaiah, Jesus emphasized the importance of studying the scriptures: I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah....Therefore give heed to my words; write the things which... Continue Reading →