"Towering above the city . . . rose the inner fortified area . . . the center of government and the main military stronghold . . . government buildings . . . temple, the offices of the
senior government officials, storehouses, and the like. This part was called the ‘tower’ or the ‘citadel.’" (Encyclopedia Judaica
Jr.)
Israelite Similarities in Central America: Many of the Book of Mormon locations and cities had biblical names, so I am guessing that their
fortifications were built in a similar fashion to and would look like biblical tels. My traveling experience in parts of Mexico and Guatemala has revealed many ruins that look like tels.
The Lord Remembers His Covenant and Covenant People: Sometimes the term "Jews" is meant as a separate
entity and at other times it means the whole house of Israel (representing twelve tribes or families). The plan of salvation was first given to the House of Israel. Later, a major part of
Israel was taken captive. The remainder, mostly Judah, became known as what was left of Israel, the Israelites or the Jews. These days, when referring to the Jews, most people usually think
of the Jews as the people of Israel.
". . . that the Father may bring about, through his most Beloved, his great and eternal purpose, in restoring the Jews, or all the house of Israel, to
the land of their inheritance, which the Lord their God hath given them, unto the fulfilling of his covenant;" (Mormon 5:14)
Constant Reminders of "Returning Home:" Several messages that can guide the people of Israel, help them
recognize true religion and the give Jews and Gentiles a pathfinder to a heavenly home with God.
"Therefore I write unto you, Gentiles, and also unto you, house of Israel, when the work shall commence, that ye shall be about to prepare to return to
the land of your inheritance;" (Mormon 3:17)
Scattering and Gathering of People and Their Records: The scattering and gathering of Israel as well as the
gathering of their records is succinctly characterized in Ezekiel 37. Of the two sticks or scrolls that Ezekiel speaks of, one represents Judah and the skeleton of what would be left of the
true religion – the Bible. The other stick or "scroll" represents Joseph and the record that some of his descendants gave us, the Book of Mormon. The scattering and gathering of
people, the apostasy and restoration of true religion, and our sojourn in earthly life with a subsequent return to a heavenly life is reflected in the metaphors that Ezekiel uses. He teaches
that the gathering of Israel and the full restoration of truth will occur when the scriptural records are "in our hands." There is a pleasant connection to hands, ours and God’s.
". . . Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph . . . with the stick of Judah . . . and they shall be one in mine hand." (Ezekiel
37:19-20)
Imagery of "Hand:" Even though the "hand of God" is used figuratively by the Jews –
"A pointer molded in the shape of a miniature hand (yad) is used to read (the Torah scroll) . . . the Torah is placed in a
specially built Ark covered by a decorated curtain (parokhet) . . ."
"In the Bible very often the acts of God are referred to figuratively using terms such as ‘the hand of God . . . At the same time, the image of God's
hands has been used to show benevolence and loving-kindness, as in the verse, ‘You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing with favor’ (Psalms 145)."
"In addition to references to God's hands, biblical history contains instances of miracles performed by the symbolic acts of human hands carrying out
the will of God. One such example is the war which Israel fought with Amalek. When Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed in battle, when he lowered his hands, Amalek prevailed. When his
hands felt heavy and tired, Aaron and Hur helped him to hold them up throughout the battle, so that Israel would be victorious." (Encyclopedia
Judaica Jr.)
Stay in the Hand of the Lord: The tragic accounts of the destruction of a great people are reminders that when
people do not keep the commandments of the Lord, they are not in his hands. Mormon’s written admonition to his son reminds him to stay in the hand of the Lord.
"My son, be faithful in Christ . . . may Christ lift thee . . . may the grace of God the Father, whose throne is high in the heavens, and our Lord
Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the right hand of his power . . . abide with you forever. Amen." (Moroni 9:25-26)
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