HIDDEN LDS/JEWISH INSIGHTS #37
OLD TESTAMENT Gospel Doctrine Supplement by Daniel Rona
Weekly E-mail Reminder
<< WE THANK THEE, O GOD, FOR A PROPHET >>
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(1.) Torah–Word of God:
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The Bible is holy to Jews because it represents the Word of God. ". . . the
Torah . . . is . . . God's direct statement. The halakhah, or Jewish law, which
is the authoritative guide for a Jew's life, is mainly based on the Torah. "The
custom of reading the Torah publicly . . . originat(es) with Ezra in the
fifth-fourth centuries
B.C.E. At some later date a reading from the Nevi'im was added; this
corresponding passage from the Prophets is known as the Haftorah."
(Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
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(2.) LDS "Reading of the Prophets:"
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Latter-day Saints' use of the Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price and
the Book of Mormon is the LDS Haftorah. Literally, the reading of the Nevi'im,
the "Prophets," with their explanations and heavenly insights.
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(3.) Jewish Definition of Revelation:
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For Judaism, "looking to God" and "revelation" are almost figurative and in
modern times have become unexplainable. "Revelation, the act by which the
hidden, unknown God shows himself to man. God is said
to `appear' to the patriarchs and prophets, and the appearances are described by
a series of anthropomorphic (i.e., human) expressions and concrete images.
Sometimes God manifests Himself `in a vision' or `in a dream' or he appears
through the mediation of an angel.
However, the Bible emphasizes that no direct, sensory perception of God is
possible. Thus, various phrases are used when describing appearances of the
Divine, for example kavod (`glory') or shekhinah (. . . `Divine Presence') or
davar (`word' of God). (Encyclopedia
Judaica Jr.)
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(4.) Prophet is Chosen:
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"A prophet is a charismatic individual endowed with the divine gift of both
receiving and imparting the message of revelation . . . does not choose his
profession but is chosen, often against his own will . . . although conscious of
being overwhelmed by the divine word and of being involved in an encounter with
God, is still capable of reacting and responding, and may even engage God in
dialogue. (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
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(5.) Prophets Witness of the Savior:
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In the New Testament, John knew who the Savior was. Like all prophets, he bore
witness of the Lord and desired to bring people to Him. "Any inference that the
Baptist was uncertain or doubtful in his own mind, as to the identity and
mission of the Master, is totally unwarranted. In reality, the imprisoned Elias
and forerunner
of our Lord was using this means to persuade his disciples to forsake him and
follow Jesus." (Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary,
Vol.1, p.251)
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