Book trailer video

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The God of the Bible

For the sake of discussion, I would ask those who claim that the three-in-one God without body, parts, and passions of the Nicean (Nicene) and Athenasian Creeds is the God of the Bible to consider and explain the following scriptures. Some of these scriptures seem to suggest that the Father and the Son are two separate beings. Others suggest that they have bodies (in whose image mankind was created). And others suggest that those bodies have parts. Though there is always concern when one takes a scripture out of its context, I believe there is sufficient information in these scriptures to make my point.

Some words are underlined and in blue. This has no relevance to this discussion. They lead to links and references related to those words.

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· Genesis 1:27: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

· Genesis 5:1-2: This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

· ­ Genesis 9:6: Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

· Genesis 32:30: And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

· Exodus 24:9-11: Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.

· Exodus 31:18: And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

· Exodus 33:11: And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

· Exodus 33:22-23: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

· Numbers 12:7-8: My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

· Matthew 3:16-17: And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

· Matthew 14:23 (Mark 6:46): And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

· Matthew 17:5: While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

· Matthew 20:20-23: Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup tht I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

· Matthew 26:39-42: And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. … He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

· Matthew 26:63-64: But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

· Matthew 27:46: And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

· Mark 1:9-11: And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

· Mark 1:35: And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

· Luke 6:12: And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

· Luke 9:28, 35: And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray... And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

· Luke 10:16: He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

· Luke 10:21-22: In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou has hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

· Luke 23:46: And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

· Luke 24:39: And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

· John 3:16-18: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he tht believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

· John 3:34-35: For he whom God has sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

· John 5:17-27: But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say uinto you, He that heareth my words, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

· John 5:36-38: But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

· John 6:44: No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise them up at the last day.

· John 14:18-26: I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, who the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever i have said unto you.

· John 17:1-26: These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

. John 20:21,30-31: Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

· Acts 7:55-56: But he [Stephen], being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

· 2 Corinthians 4:4: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

· Philippians 2:6: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

· Colossians 1:15: Who is the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature:

· Hebrews 1:1-6: God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purgedright hand of the Majesty on high; our sins, sat down on the Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

· James 3:8-9: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

· 1 John 1:2: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

· Revelation 22:3-4: And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

Interesting New Article Says "There Were No Essenes"

Here is an interesting (and controversial) article that I came across lately. It is actually one among many on the same subject. It relates to a book whose author (Rachel Elior, a scholar at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem) claims that the people we have always been told were responsible for the Dead Sea Scrolls never actually existed---that we have been led astray by the Jewish historian Josephus to believe a falsehood. Read this article and let me know what you think.

Val

"Israeli Scholar Claims Essenes Didn’t Exist

"Rachel Elior, scholar of Jewish mysticism at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, claims in a new book that the Essenes, an ancient Jewish sect believed to have written the Dead Sea Scrolls, never existed.

"Elior has spent years studying the 930 documents of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were discovered in 1947 in Qumran, located on the Israeli side of the Dead Sea. There has been much debate over the origin of the scrolls, but most scholars believe that they were written by the Essenes, an ascetic sect that lived near Qumran.

"Elior contends that, because there is no mention of the Essenes in the scrolls themselves, it is unlikely that they were the authors. Instead, the authors identify themselves as following the practices of the high priest Zadok, indicating that they may be the Sadducees, a prominent class of Jewish priests who lived in Jerusalem.

Though other scholars have questioned whether the Essenes were the true authors of the scrolls, Elior is the first to argue that they did not exist. She bases her conclusion on the fact that there are no known mentions of the Essenes before the first century A.D., when Jewish historian Josephus, Jewish philosopher Philo and Roman author Pliny the Elder, wrote of them.

"Elior argues that a sect as large and as unusual as the Essenes would have been described in sources prior to the first century. “It doesn’t make sense that you have thousands of people living against the Jewish law and there’s no mention of them in any of the Jewish texts and sources of that period,” she said to Time."

ARCHEALOGICAL DISCOVERY IN VALLEY OF ELAH

This is a story that has been around for a while (posted Nov. 13, 2008), but I feel it is still timely enough that I should post it because it is of such great significance to students of the Old Testament. It relates to the discovery of an ancient city and a significant pottery shard--plus a whole lot more--at an new excavation in the Valley of Elah (where David slew the Philistine giant, Goliath). This particular story is from the New York Times. Read it and let me know what you think.

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"Find of Ancient City Could Alter Notions of Biblical David

"KHIRBET QEIYAFA, Israel — Overlooking the verdant Valley of Elah, where the Bible says David toppled Goliath, archaeologists are unearthing a 3,000-year-old fortified city that could reshape views of the period when David ruled over the Israelites. Five lines on pottery uncovered here appear to be the oldest Hebrew text ever found and are likely to have a major impact on knowledge about the history of literacy and alphabet development.

"The five-acre site, with its fortifications, dwellings and multi-chambered entry gate, will also be a weapon in the contentious and often politicized debate over whether David and his capital, Jerusalem, were an important kingdom or a minor tribe, an issue that divides not only scholars but those seeking to support or delegitimize Zionism.

"Only a tiny portion of the site has been excavated, and none of the findings have yet been published or fully scrutinized. But the dig, led by Yosef Garfinkel of Hebrew University in Jerusalem, is already causing a stir among his colleagues as well as excitement from those who seek to use the Bible as a guide to history and confirmation of their faith.

“'This is a new type of site that suddenly opens a window on an area where we have had almost nothing and requires us to rethink what was going on at that period,' said Aren M. Maeir, professor of archaeology at Bar-Ilan University and the director of a major Philistine dig not far from here. 'his is not a run-of-the-mill find.'”

NYT

The Deuteronomists

One problem we deal with in our study of the Old Testament is the problem of the Deuteronomists.
Webster defines Deuteronomist as follows: “Any of the writers or editors of a Deuteronomic body of
source material often distinguished in the earlier books of the Old Testament.”

If that definition leaves you knowing no more than you did before you read it, you are not alone. First,
note that the word comes from the book of Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Pentateuch in the Old
Testament. The word Deuteronomy actually means “Repetition of the Law.”

The book of Deuteronomy primarily comprises three discourses supposedly given by Moses. The second
discourse is in chapters 5 through 26. Chapters 5 through 11 contain the Ten Commandments and a
practical explanation of them. Chapters 12 through 26 contain what is referred to at the Deuteronomic
Code.a code of laws forming the basis of the entire book. It represents the law as interpreted by the 7th-
Century-B.C.E historians, the Deuteronomists. When the temple was being renovated for reopening
under the direction of King Josiah of Judah, about 621 B.C.E., a book of the law was discovered by the
workers that became the basis of a great reawakening. It is believed that the book found was likely the
book of Deuteronomy and that the Deuteronomic Code now in that book was either revised extensively
or actually written by the historians of the time (those whom we call Deuteronomists) to suit their own
interpretation of the law.

It is also believed by many that these Deuteronomists revised other parts of what is now our Old
Testament. (The popular theory is that what exists today in the books of Joshua through 2 Kings is
mostly the result of Deuteronomic revisions.)

When you look carefully at the situation, it seems curious that the Old Testament contains no writings of
some of the greatest prophets.such as Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha. Many believe that the writings of these
prophets were revised to give us writings about them.

In the Old Testament writings, both Elohim and Jehovah were clearly and distinctly identified. But it is
believed that the Deuteronomists obscured the distinction between them to satisfy their own beliefs.
These revisions have an effect on my Old Testament stories. As I wrote the stories, I changed the Old
Testament term “the LORD” (with "Lord" in small caps), as used by the King James translators, to
“Jehovah” in an attempt to clarify. Some of my changes, however, may in fact be.and most likely
are.incorrect. Some of them should probably have been changed to Elohim, but because of the work of
Deuteronomists, it is virtually impossible to tell.

The scholarly study of the work of the Deuteronomists is intricate and complicated. It is not something
that most people who read the Old Testament for spiritual uplift want to get involved with. Most of us
are happy to have the Old Testament as it is.with perhaps a little help in the comprehension
area.without becoming overly concerned about what the Deuteronomists changed and how they
changed it. For those interested in pursuing such a study, I recommend a book by Thomas Römer
entitled The So-Called Deuteronomistic History: A Sociological, Historical and Literary Introduction (London: T&T
Clark), 2007 [ISBN 9780567032126].

How Often Would I Have Gathered You is a practical Christmas gift

As Christmas approaches (and it does so very rapidly), I hope you will consider giving autographed copies of How Often Would I Have Gathered You as Christmas gifts to family members and friends.

Books make wonderful gifts and have lasting value for those who receive them. This is one that will be a significant addition to your gospel reference shelf. Buying it on line can also save a lot of hassles during the Christmas shopping rush.

You can click on any PayPal button on my website to make your purchase.

New, additional, website

For those who are interested, I am in the process of constructing a new website to go along with and promote my upcoming book of Old Testament stories for a general Christian audience. Some of it is up and running, but it is incomplete and other pages are not yet up. Please feel free to share any comments that you may have or to ask any questions about the book (it will be released on February 2, 2009).

I am not sure what is going on with my old website, "New View Old Testament" has not been up all day and it was not up last night. I guess I need to call my web hoster and find out what the problem is and how long this is going to continue. I am losing sales.

Holy Land Tour. April 21--May 5, 2009

I am going to be a tour director on an LDS Travel Study tour of Israel and Jordan (including Petra) next Spring. The tour title is "Bible Lands, Past and Present." We would like to have you join us for the experience of a lifetime. For more information go to:

http://www.ldstravelstudy.org/p_country.asp?pID=3&cID=264

Great deal! Limited time!

You can get a great deal at Amazon.com on my award-winning book, How Often Would I Have Gathered You. They have it for sale at $23.66. As much as I like to sell them on my website, I cannot beat this price.

Go there and buy it now. (The list price is $29.95. I sell it on my website for $28.45--and I ship it free.)

Don't wait! I don't know how long this price will last!

You might also be interested to know that The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy is also currently selling on Amazon.com for $23.66. (The list price is $29.95.)

Preface to How Often Would I Have Gathered You

[To assist you in understanding the purpose of this book and the nature of the work, I am publishing the Preface here for you to read. I hope it helps. Please let me know what you think.]

During 2002, while reading the Old Testament as part of the Church’s four-year scripture-study schedule, I was impressed that it would be very helpful to members of the Church if the wonderful stories from that great book of scripture were available in a simple, straightforward style consistent with the Latter-day Saint perspective. As this impression persisted, I felt inspired to undertake the project myself. And I can truthfully say that it has been a marvelous and exciting adventure.

Before I began writing, I thought there might be perhaps fifty or sixty good stories, but before I was through, I had written 229 stories, and I know that several more could have been found. Someone will surely ask why this or that story was not included, just as some will ask why some stories were included. In response to the latter question, I can only answer that every story was included because it is part of the Old Testament mosaic and provides important historical perspective, and not necessarily because of its inspirational or spiritual value. I trust that the overall effect of this collection of stories will be both inspirational and educational.

My stories are based on the King James Version of the Bible. And, insofar as possible, they are arranged in chronological sequence, beginning with the Grand Council in Heaven and continuing down through the return of the Jews from their Babylonian captivity and the rebuilding of the temple and Jerusalem. Some of the books of the Old Testament—notably the literary writings and the books of the prophets—are not included in the scope of these stories merely because they do not contain stories.

During the writing process, I was blessed with abundant inspiration. I received critical and profound insights important to the various stories from unexpected sources. It was amazing how the project unfolded and progressed.

Most of the stories are quite short (with some notable exceptions, such as the stories of Job and Esther). In some cases, such as with the life of Samson, I took what could have been one very long story and created two or three shorter ones. I have made every effort to keep the stories simple, straightforward, and free from fictionalizing and embellishment. I have also tried to tell each story as the scriptures tell it while, at the same time, eliminating redundancy and cumbersome (and sometimes sordid) details. I have also chosen not to draw any morals or lessons from the stories, but rather to let them speak for themselves.

Where appropriate, the stories contain dialogue, seeking to be faithful to the scriptural message while carefully using modern expressions rather than the cryptic language of the seventeenth-century King James Version translators. The old-style pronouns (thee, thy, thou, and thine) relating to people are replaced with modern equivalents. However, the old-style pronouns have been retained and capitalized when they relate to Deity. Along with these, I have also retained the old-style verbs (wilt, shalt, canst, dost, goest, sayest, couldest, etc.) to match the pronouns. After careful and agonizing deliberation, I chose not to capitalize the pronouns he, him, and his as they relate to Deity, for I discovered early on that trying to do so was very confusing. No disrespect is intended.

Because the King James translators replaced the name Jehovah with “the LORD” (with LORD in small caps, as you see here), I have chosen, in most cases, to reinsert the name of Jehovah into my stories. One exception (and there are some others) was in the phrase “the house of the LORD” in reference to the temple. I kept this wording because the usage is so familiar. In some cases (such as in the Ten Commandments) this usage may seem strange to you, but I think you will also find it enlightening.
Because many people struggle with the pronunciation of biblical names and places, a pronunciation guide (with suggested pronunciations) is included in the back of the book. Maps are also included to help provide perspective. Two indexes are also included: a name index and a subject index. I believe these indexes enhance the value of the book as a reference source.

Where various weights and measures are included in a story, I have given metric equivalents (mostly in footnote references) for the benefit of readers outside the United States.

One area of interpretation that I did not attempt to deal with relates to numbers. When large numbers—especially as they concern the sizes of armies or populations—are found in the Old Testament, they should be viewed with some skepticism. Though the numbers used in these stories are exactly as they appear in the scriptures, you should remember that there was a tendency among many Old Testament writers to greatly exaggerate.

I have used footnotes extensively in these stories. Though many of these notes are not essential to the understanding of a story, I have tried to provide insights and salient background information. Because the individual stories were intended to stand on their own, the same footnotes (or similar variations) are repeated in several stories; there are also many footnote cross-references to related stories.

To enhance understanding, I have—in addition to the King James text—relied heavily on the study helps contained in the Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures, including footnote references, the Bible Dictionary, and the Joseph Smith Translation. I have also used the modern scriptures (Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price) to provide additional understanding and insight, where applicable. Some of the stories were taken entirely from these other scriptures—such as the stories relating to the Grand Council in Heaven, the council at Adam-ondi-Ahman, Moses’ vision on the mountain, etc.

I wish I could say that these stories are perfect, but I cannot. Unfortunately, the biblical record is not always clear. There are cases where the record is incomplete and many pertinent facts are missing so that the events seem illogical. But I have full confidence that at some future time, when our understanding is perfected and the full story is known, the truth will be clear and enlightening. In the meantime, I have attempted to fill a few such gaps.

Another source of possible imperfection in my stories is the case where separate accounts of an event were included in the writings of more than one Old Testament writer. Because some of these duplicate accounts differ in their details, I have made interpretative decisions in order to write the stories. However, I have tried, in most cases, to give footnote explanations for my interpretations. I have also tried to explain my reasoning (in the footnotes) when my conclusions differ from traditional interpretations. Wherever my interpretations may prove to be inaccurate, I take full responsibility, as I do for everything else you find here.

I do not intend that this book should replace or upstage the scriptures in any way. I hope, rather, that these stories will introduce the Old Testament, enhance the scriptural experience, and help you gain greater appreciation for the Old Testament canon. Where many of our friends of other faiths consider much of the Old Testament to be myth, the Latter-day Saints hold a different view. We believe that the Old Testament accounts are essentially literal and accurate, insofar as they are translated correctly (Articles of Faith 8).

I am grateful to all who have offered encouragement, insight, and help. They kept me on track and provided the impetus for me to complete it. Thomas G. Chapman, director of the LDS Institute of Religion in Santa Barbara, California (now in Boston, Massachusetts), was one who offered continual encouragement. Another person who had an influence on the project (though he did not know it) was S. Michael Wilcox. He gave me many significant insights as I attended his Old Testament class. Dana Pike provided useful information about pagan deities.

I express appreciation to Brad Burgon, the editor assigned by American Book Publishing to work with me in pulling everything together. His careful scrutiny and helpful suggestions have added much value to the book. I also appreciate the painstaking efforts of Bonnie Schenck Darrington, my copy editor, for urging me to clarify some important issues, and to Jana Rade for her magnificent book cover design.

I would also be remiss if I did not thank Net Ministries for granting permission for me to use their phonetic system in my pronunciation guide, to Abigdon Press for allowing me to use their Old Testament maps, and to Owen Richardson for his illustrations.

I have special appreciation for the two women in my life—both of whom have been English teachers. My first wife, Peggy, before her passing in 2003, read most of an early draft and offered valuable suggestions. My present wife, Patty, read and offered suggestions on a later draft.

And lastly, I am grateful to you, the reader, for your willingness to look at another view. I hope you will find it refreshing and the effort rewarding.

Pictures from Israel tour

Top Ten Read for 2007

I was presently surprised and humbled when I discovered that my book of Old Testament stories for adults, How Often Would I Have Gathered You, was listed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson as one of her "top ten reads of 2007."

The website that shows this listing is http colon slash slash www dot myshelf dot com slash toptenreads dot html. You can read sample stories from my book at http colon slash slash newviewoldtestament dot com.

The Book of Greatest Influence

An editorial of January l, 1994, made the bold pronouncement that “the Old Testament has probably influenced the world of Judeo-Christian history and literature more than any other book ever written.” The editorial went on to say that the basis of this claim was the fact that this great book of ancient scripture “contains the stories and traditions and truths that generations of parents have handed down to their children and which pastors from innumerable pulpits have told with power and persuasion” ("A Most Powerful Witness," LDS Church News, 1994, 01/01/94).

The great influence of the Old Testament on the lives and destinies of mankind can scarcely be debated. Yet, in our day, this great book is increasingly considered to be old-fashioned and irrelevant. Many consider this great seldom-read book of scripture to be nothing more than myth and misguided tradition. Even though many of the great, well-known stories of the Old Testament are treasured for their moral message, they are considered by many to be little more than fairy tales of the same genre as those told by the Grimm brothers and Hans Christian Anderson.

If one needs an excuse not to read the Old Testament, many are available. For one thing, it is very long—nearly four times as long as the New Testament—and in some places it is tedious and uninspiring. Many parts are repetitive, and the tedious details of ancient rituals are less than moving. There is also a lot of blood and slaughter.

Yet, in spite of all the arguments raised against it, the Old Testament must still be considered one of the most important books ever written. It is, after all, the word of God and much of its content relates to our time. Brigham Young University professor John A. Tvedtnes, in the introduction to his book, The Church of the Old Testament, says that because all that God “has promised in the Old Testament, even in regard to Israel in the latter days, must come to pass, …the Old Testament is relevant to our modern era and has great value for us” (John A. Tvedtnes, The Church of the Old Testament [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1980], iii).

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in the value of the Old Testament. Though many people of other faiths think the Latter-day Saints have rejected the Bible in deference to the Book of Mormon—or “Golden Bible,” as it has been called—such is not the case. Every fourth year, the Latter-day Saint Sunday School curriculum devotes the entire year to Old Testament study. And the young people of high school age also study the Old Testament in their weekday religion (or seminary) classes.

In 2002, as I was reading the Old Testament, I was impressed once again with the wonderful, inspiring stories. I could not let go of the feeling of how great it would be if someone could retell those stories from the perspective of a Latter-day Saint. As this thought persisted, he began to write.

Some 229 stories later, I finished the book of stories that he had earlier envisioned―though with a great many more stories. I entitled the book How Often Would I Have Gathered You and gave it the subtitle, Stories from the Old Testament and Related Sources for Latter-day Saints.It is written for adults and young adults. The “related sources” mentioned in the subtitle include the other books accepted by the Latter-day Saints as scripture: the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Indeed, some stories are drawn entirely from the Pearl of Great Price. The writings of Flavius Josephus were also tapped.

The stories, insofar as possible, are told in chronological sequence—from the Grand Council in the premortal worlds down to the return of the Jews from their captivity in Babylon and the rebuilding of their temple at Jerusalem. But each story is also told so that it can stand alone. The book includes illustrations, maps, and a comprehensive pronunciation guide. There are also two indexes—a name index and a subject index. Copious footnotes provide background and interesting insights, as well as providing cross-references between related stories.

I believe that I have accomplished what no one else has ever done. This book is like no other. It not only gives an LDS perspective to the great Bible stories that we are all familiar with, but also tells many less familiar stories that are an important part of the scriptural mosaic.

I am also the author of the classic, The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy, first published in 1973 and now in its third edition. Before my retirement in 1999, I was employed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 37 years, working in both the Temple and the Family History departments. I also taught at Ricks College during six of those years, and I have taught Institute classes at Salt Lake City, Utah; Moscow, Idaho; and Santa Barbara, California.

The book is published by American Book Publishing of Salt Lake City and is available to order at a store near you and on Amazon.com. It is also available at a discount on the Publisher Direct Bookstore’s website ( http://www.pdbookstore.com ) and my own website ( http://newviewoldtestament.com ).

What is the Mormon Perspective of the Old Testament?

Isn't this the perfect time to find out?

With a Mormon running for President of the United States, there is a lot of discussion out there about what the Mormons believe. Unfortunately, much of that discussion is based on misinformation or is driven by misguided intentional efforts to mislead and demean. I must resist all efforts by those who are so anxious to tell us what we believe and who seem so anxious to rescue us from our "misguidedness."

Some claim that the Latter-day Saints (Mormons) do not believe in the Bible but accept only the Book of Mormon as scripture--which is of course blatantly false. And there are many other issues.

I have written an award-winning book of Old Testament stories (229 of them to be precise) for adults and young adults that will tell you what the Mormon (LDS) perspective of the Old Testament really is. The book is entitled "How Often Would I Have Gathered You."

I also have an Internet web site () where you can get much more information about the Old Testament and read samples of my stories. You can also buy my book on the web site if you choose. Or you can buy it on Amazon.com or get it from your local bookstore. It is for sale at , Barnes and Noble, and a multitude of other places on the web. A Google, Yahoo, or MSN search will turn up many possibilities.

If you really want to understand what the Mormons believe about the Old Testament, go to a reliable source rather than going to those who have an axe to grind. For those of you who are genuinely interested in learning what the Mormons really believe and teach about the Old Testament, my book is the answer.

Val D. Greenwood

This Award Winning Book of Old Testament Stories is Like No Other Book

I don't want to bashful, so I am going to jump right in and tell you about my new award winning book of Old Testament stories. The book is written for adults and young adults from a Latter-day Saint point of view. It is like no other book you will encounter.

The book, entitled How Often Would I Have Gathered You, is an intriguing collection of 229 stories from the Old Testament for adults and young adults, told in modern English from a Latter-day Saint perspective. They tell of Old Testament prophets, priests, and kings and of Jehovah’s dealings with His covenant people. They also include information from other related sources. The stories begin with the Grand Council before this world was created and end after the Jews returned from Babylon to rebuild their temple and city. The book contains original illustrations, two indexes (to names and to subjects), maps for geographical perspective, footnotes for insights and background, and an extensive pronunciation guide.

You may be interest in the following facts about the book:

Title: How Often Would I Have Gathered You
Subtitle: Stories from the Old Testament and Related Sources for Latter-day Saints
Author: Val D. Greenwood
ISBN-10: 1-58982-380X
ISBN-13: 978-1-58982-380-8
Release date: March 5, 2007
Binding: Soft cover (perfect bound)
Page count: 408
Features: Illustrations, maps, pronunciation guide, name index, subject index
Dimensions: 8 X 10 inches
Retail price: $29.95
Publisher: American Book Publishing, 5442 S. 900 East, #146, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 (Ph.: 801-455-4610; e-mail address: info@american-book.com)
Imprint: Millennial Mind Publishing


The award that was given to How Often Would I Have Gathered You is a League of Utah Writers 2007 "Our History--Our Heritage Publication Award" (Golden Quill).


Here are some of the nice things others have said about the book:

"How Often Would I Have Gathered You . . . fills a gap between published Church curriculum and the larger, more detailed studies available to the interested reader. It reads like a novel, but it tells a true story. Readers of all ages will appreciate this resource and enjoy the fine work that Val Greenwood has provided for us."
---Jeffrey Needle, (In book review for the Association for Mormon Letters [AML])


"The author has carefully gathered stories from the Old Testament that share the familiar theme of the title---then he has summarized those stories so that they can be quickly called to mind."
---Dennis Lythgoe, (Book editor, Deseret Morning News)


"Val Greenwood's How Often Would I Have Gathered You captures the essence of these wonderful Old Testament messages. His easy style brings the Old Testament to life without embellishing the stories and without fictionalizing the message. . . [The] stories are clear, cogent, and true to their sources."
---Desert Saints Magazine


"Val Greenwood has done a wonderful service for the Latter-day Saint people. He has provided an incredible tool for a better understanding of the Old Testament. The stories, told from the Latter-day Saint point of view, are true to the scriptures and are without ornamentation, embellishment, or fictionalization. How Often Would I Have Gathered You will surely become an indispensable and timeless addition to the library of every LDS family."
---Thomas G. Chapman, (LDS Institute Director)


"The Old Testament is a challenge for most students of the scriptures. The insights they will get from Val Greenwood's book will help the stories of the Old Testament come alive. I highly recommend it!"
---Robert K. McIntosh, (LDS institute director and author of How Do You Know When You're Really In Love?)


"Val [Greenwood] puts it all in historical perspective, and gives magnificent insights into the stories. I feel this book is going to be a great treasure for those who want to know more about the Old Testament. And that's all of us--both the teachers and the learners.
"As I read many the stories I found myself thinking, 'Oh yes! Now I remember how that goes.' It was quite a revelation to me to read the stories again and fix them in my mind. But more than that, Val goes into some stories that I've really never understood and makes them perfectly clear. I know, at least in part, something of each of these stories, but Val gives me the rest of the story.
"I have known, respected, and loved Val for many years. His mind and heart have made him a valuable resource to family history and temple work. His book on family history research in the United States is a classic. Now, with this book, he has written an equally meaningful book on another vital subject. Thanks, Val Greenwood."
---George D. Durrant, (LDS author and educator)


What Other readers are saying:

"[My husband] and I are really enjoying reading your book, How Often Would I Have Gathered You. It is absolutely wonderful! Every home should have a copy. It is so easy to read and understand... You have written so very well. Thank you for publishing such a wonderful book."

"I am so impressed with your book. I would like to purchase a book for each of my children. What a wonderful resource for understand the Old Testament. I hope you have plans to write more books."

"We are really enjoying your book and appreciate all your hard work. I want all my children to have copies and am also sharing with friends."

"I... like the easy-to-understand language your book is written in."


__________
There are samples of some of my stories on my website. Go and take a look and see what you think.

If you are a seminary teacher or student, you will want this award winning book. It is the ideal study aid.

As you know, the Old Testament is the seminary course of study during the 2007-08 school year. You will not want to be without How Often Would I Have Gathered You.

Your Favorite LDS Authors

I know this doesn't have anything to do with the Old Testament, but I would like to know who your favorite LDS authors are (excluding General Authorities who write doctrinal books). If you can list your top three, in order of preference, I will eventually correlate your choices and report my findings. Any comments you would like to add will be welcome--including the reasons for your choices and the one book by an author that you especially liked, and why.

vdg

Latter-day Saints and the Old Testament

As a result of my book, some have asked what differences there are between the Latter-day Saint view of the Old Testament and the view held by other Christians. There are a few key points, but I will mention only one here because that one is so important.

The main difference in our viewpoint---and perhaps the source of all differences---is the fact that we do not view the Old Testament in isolation, but rather through the lens of the modern scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Much information is given in these Latter-day scriptures that gives a better view or a better understanding of many things that are found in the Old Testament. These things provide perspective and give us a clearer view. Our modern-day lens helps bring things into focus so that we can understand them better.--vdg

Cleansing of Lepers Under the Law of Moses As a Type (or Shadow) of the Atonement of Christ

You will recall the Apostle Paul’s statement that the law of Moses was a “schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ” (see Galatians 3:24). That is a great description of the law. It was given to the children of Israel to help them understand the reality of Christ’s future coming and atonement and to prepare their hearts for those events.

Virtually every facet of the law pointed them to Christ. Jacob, the Book of Mormon prophet, stated the matter plainly when he said, “Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end has the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him [emphasis added].”

One problem you and I face as we read the Old Testament is that we have trouble seeing past the words and the complicated procedures, that seem to have little relevance in the modern world, to the richly symbolic message of Christ that is contained therein. But, whether we see it or not, the message is there.

To illustrate this point, let’s discuss just one small facet of the law of Moses---that part which relates to the cleansing of lepers keeping in mind that the same vistas can also be opened up in other parts of the law---for, truly, “all things” do indeed testify of him.

The ritualistic instructions relating to the cleansing of lepers under the Law of Moses are found in Leviticus chapter 14. Jehovah explains to Moses in some detail how the leper, whose plague has been healed, must proceed to gain readmittance into the congregation of Israel. As you read the requirements of this procedure, think of the healing of this physical ailment as if it were the healing of a spiritual ailment (we call it sin) and the workings of the Atonement of Christ become apparent in that process.

My discussion of these points is based on two separate explanations of this process. One of these explanations is found in a chapter written by Gerald R. Lund (chapter 2, “Old Testament Types and Symbols”) in a book by Neal A. Lambert entitled Literature of Belief: Sacred Scripture and Religious Experience (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft and BYU Religious Studies Center, 1979). The other is in a book entitled Gospel Symbolism by Joseph F. McConkie (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft Publishers, 1985).

Let’s look at the scriptures themselves, a few verses at a time, analyzing them as we go.

1. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying
2. This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest.
3. And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of the leprosy be healed in the leper;

The leprosy itself, the loathsome disease in the infected person, represents sin and corruption. It causes the sinner to be separated from the fellowship of the rest of Israel. The healing process actually begins as the one who has sinned recognizes his sin and stops the plague. At this point, he recognizes that he is in need of the healing power available through priesthood authority, to do for him what he cannot do for himself. To begin the healing process, he seeks that priesthood authority so that he can be cleansed from his sin.

4. Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet [woolen thread], and hyssop:
5. And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running [or fresh] water:
6. As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet [woolen thread], and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running [or fresh] water.
7. And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.
8. And he that is cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days.

The birds both represent the leper (or the repentant sinner), and two birds are needed because of the two different truths that are to be taught. The first bird, the one that is killed by shedding his blood, represents the dying of the unclean leper (or the sinner); the second bird, the one set free, represents the newness of life that the cleansed leper (or the repentant sinner) achieves by being reunited in fellowship with Israel.

The cedar wood is noted for its ability to keep out corrupting influences. The scarlet is a thread of wool, dyed bright red by the juice of an insect. This scarlet thread denotes the blood that cleanses by atoning for sin or impurity, symbolic of the blood of Jesus Christ. The hyssop, an ancient herb about which we know very little, was used anciently in connection with cleansing rituals. It is interesting to note that the cedar wood, the scarlet woolen thread, and the hyssop were also used in connection with the sacrifice of the red heifer to make the waters of purification (see Numbers, chapter 19).

The blood of the bird that was killed falling into the water also has significance. The blood and the water are symbolic of birth---in this case spiritual (rather than physical) birth. The bird being killed over the fresh water represents the death of the natural man. The second bird, the one dipped into the bloody water and then brought forth and released, symbolizes that man’s rebirth, innocent and free from his former corruption, through the Atonement of Christ.

The sprinkling of the mixture of blood and water upon the cleansed leper (or the repentant sinner) was a token of his covenant. The washing of clothes, shaving of hair, and washing of the body were additional symbols of the cleansing that took place. Yet it appears that there is still something lacking for, though the leper was able to reenter Israel’s camp, he could not yet have all the blessing of dwelling in his tent.

9. But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows. Even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean.

The reshaving after seven days, this time to include the eyebrows and, apparently, all of the hair of the body seems to symbolize rebirth by becoming as a newborn infant. The rewashing was an obvious symbol of cleansing.

10. And on the eighth day he shall take two he lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and three tenth deals of fine flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil.
11. And the priest that maketh him clean shall present the man that is to be made clean, and those things, before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
12. And the priest shall take one he lamb, and offer him for a trespass offering, and the log of oil, and wave them for a wave offering before the Lord.
13. And he shall slay the lamb in the place where he shall kill the sin offering and the burn offering, in the holy place: for as the sin offering is the priest’s, so is the trespass offering: it is most holy:
14. And the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot:
15. And the priest shall take some of the log of oil, and pour it into the palm of his own left hand:
16. And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lord:
17. And the rest of the oil that is in his hand shall the priest put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the blood of the trespass offering:
18. And the remnant of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall pour upon the head of him that is to be cleansed: and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord.
19. And the priest shall offer the sin offering, and make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed from his uncleanness; and afterward he shall kill the burnt offering:
20. And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the meat offering upon the altar; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean.

The following day, the priest presented the one to be cleansed at the door of the tabernacle. There three lambs were to be offered---two male lambs without blemish or spot and one female lamb of the first year without blemish or spot. There was also a meat (or, perhaps more properly, a meal offering) of fine flour mixed with oil. All offerings were to be made with oil. The first male lamb was then offered as a trespass offering, symbolic of the Son of God himself and of His coming Atonement. Both the oil and the lamb were waved before the Lord as a wave offering. The act of waving them symbolically transferred to God the life of the one who made the offering. This process was essential for his restoration to full fellowship with Israel.

When the priest smeared the blood of the lamb on the tip of the right ear, on the thumb of the right hand, and on the great toe of the right foot, this process suggested a sanctification of those parts of the body. There is significance in the three parts chosen. The ear suggests obedience (“he who has ears to hear, let him hear”). The hand suggests action (to labor in the work of God). And the foot suggests walking in paths of righteousness.

After this was accomplished, the priest offered the female lamb as a sin offering; then he offered the other male lamb as a burnt offering, along with the meat offering, to atone for the sins of the cleansed leper (or the repentant sinner).
….
26. And the priest shall pour the oil into the palm of his own left hand:
27. And the priest shall sprinkle with his right finger some of the oil that is in his left hand seven times before the Lord:
28. And the priest shall put of the oil that is in his hand upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the place of the blood of the trespass offering:
29. And the rest of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall put upon the head of him that is to be cleansed, to make atonement for him before the Lord.

When the priest anointed with oil the same body parts that he had previously anointed with blood, he reconfirmed and added to what he had done before. The olive tree, from which the oil came, is an ancient symbol of peace. And, in our day, the Lord has said that olive oil is a symbol of the Holy Ghost (Doctrine and Covenants 45:55-57). Thus, those same body parts previously cleansed and sanctified symbolically by the blood of Christ were endowed with the Spirit or the Holy Ghost. The surplus oil poured on the head symbolized giving the cleansed leper (or the repentant sinner) an extra portion of the Spirit of God.