CITIES OF LIGHT AND THE NEPHITE ART OF WAR (Part 1)

"Now behold, this Lachoneus, the governor, was a just man, and could not be frightened by the demands and the threatenings of a robber; therefore he did not hearken to the epistle of Giddianhi, the governor of the robbers, but he did cause that his people should cry unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should come down against them. Yea, he sent a proclamation among all the people, that they should gather together their women, and their children, their flocks and their herds, and all their substance, save it were their land, unto one place...And they did fortify themselves against their enemies; and they did dwell in one land, and in one body, and they did fear the words which had been spoken by Lachoneus, insomuch that they did repent of all their sins; and they did put up their prayers unto the Lord their God, that he would deliver them in the time that their enemies should come down against them to battle." (3 Nephi 3:12-13,25)

When people come across the warfare chapters in the Book of Mormon they often read these chapters with a glazed look followed by their eyes rolling back in their heads.  At that point, their fingers subtly skip over the pages until they find other parts of the Book of Mormon that they find more interesting. Yet in passing over these accounts of ancient warfare we are passing over strategic information given to us-information that I call "The Nephite Art of War". 

Most people are unaware that in the Israelite Mind and conflict can fall under the category of warfare whether it be a conflict of nations, communities, economics, families, siblings, etc. In these Latter days, we are also engaged in a modern warfare against modern Gadianton Robbers who seek to subvert the liberty and freedom that exist in this country. While the word war often carries with it images of swords, arrows, guns, tanks, and missiles there are other types of warfare that should be considered. 

In modern business schools around the country, Sun Tzu's Art of War is often translated into tactics for the modern warfare of Business.  Yes, Business and Economics can also be considered a form of warfare. While the world is engaged in their "Gadianton Robbery" believers in the Book of Mormon and The Followers of Christ have been given an art of war to protect themselves and their families in their modern war with the modern Gadianton Robbers. One such tactic in the Book of Mormon's art of war is the tactic of communities designed to not only be beacons of light but fortified communities of safety and security.

As believers in The Book of Mormon, we should be anxiously engaged in studying and translating The Nephite Art of War into principles of Spiritual, Economic, and Physical Warfare to uphold the principles of liberty and freedom given by God.

THE POWER OF MICRO-ECONOMIES AND COMMUNITY:

Like their ancient counterparts modern Gadianton Robbers survive by politically and economically pillaging we the people.  In reality, they produce nothing but they consume everything while giving you the illusion that their works are noble and their intentions are just.  They are like the leader of robbers who wrote a letter to Lachoneus saying, "I write this epistle unto you, and do give unto you exceedingly great praise because of your firmness, and also the firmness of your people, in maintaining that which ye suppose to be your right and liberty; yea, ye do stand well, as if ye were supported by the hand of a god, in the defence of your liberty, and your property, and your country, or that which ye do call so...Therefore I write unto you, desiring that ye would yield up unto this my people, your cities, your lands, and your possessions, rather than that they should visit you with the sword and that destruction should come upon you." (3 Nephi  3:2,6)

By cutting off the robbers from their substance, the Nephites created  places of refuge for themselves.  In doing so they created micro-economies that provided their people protection from the greater threat of those robbers who could only survive by taking their substance and ultimately enslaving them to a system of secret works and thievery.  

Many people feel the need to belong to communities that stand as pillars of strength and sanctuaries of light.  People come together and create communities out of concern for the welfare of their families and the welfare of the neighbors.   This concern has the potential to blossom into the kind of love which fulfills the adage-Love One Another. As those of like desires join the community this ember of love turns into a flame that will provide light and heat to those who engaged in the community.  As things progress, the light then beckons others to join our community because it fulfills the physiological needs, the safety needs, the need to love and belong, the need for esteem, and the realization of true Joy.  In fact, this desire to receive from God to bestow upon others and to bless God is the epitome of a Zion Community. 

The fire of love we are discussing is not just an emotional feeling but is a love that provides opportunities of growth (physical, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional).  It is a love that causes members to experience an environment of belonging and deep connection. It is a love that provides the members of the community the mechanism to make real differences in the world.  It is a love whose ultimate goal is a fulfillment of Mankind’s purpose- Man is that he might have joy.

Communities represent groups of people who share common values whether they are centrally located or in different locations.  Sometimes these values me be spiritual values, shared interests, commercial values or endeavors, or the decision to manifest a shared vision or desire in the material world.  In the end, despite the varying paths and experiences that bring us to the common ground, the ultimate desire is to feel connection and oneness. People want to know that they are valued and understood.  They want to know that they are physically safe. They want to know that they are secure in their surroundings. They want to know, experience, and give love.  They want to feel valued and respected. They want to realize their full potential as children of God. 

Some communities may be small while others may be larger and more diverse. There are conditions where a smaller group may thrive where larger ones dwindle.  Sometimes the larger group thrives in conditions where a smaller group cannot take root.  Whatever the case may be, communities exist to fulfill our need for relationship-relationship with family, with our friends, and with God. 

While many feel the strong desire for community, they also feel at a loss on how to build a thriving community with strong and clear vision. Sometimes they do not understand the cultural identity and elements needed to cement real community. They face the challenges of getting the younger generation involved and to create a legacy of faith that can be perpetuated from generation to generation. 

There are many kinds of communities in this world, but if you are reading this then you are seeking the foundation of establishing a community based on the pattern given by God.  This pattern is very ancient, but despite its age its pattern holds the keys to a power that will provide safety and security from the onslaught of the modern warfare we face.

Washing The Feet of Your Brother’s and Sisters

To create a thriving community that will stand as a beacon of light it is important to keep in mind that the heart’s core of any city of light is the principle of service:

“And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.’ (Mosiah 2: 17)

If we aspire to a Zion, then we must never forget this one principle. The wisdom (chokmah) of Heaven is unleashed in the direct proportion to our desires and actions of service to our fellow beings.  In other words, if we as individual and community vessels seek to receive from God to bless and bestow upon others then the living waters poured out from Heaven pour forth to the same degree.  If we seek to receive from God to covet, the life-giving waters of heaven cease and our ground dries up.

Many have experienced or been part of various groups or communities.  They have experienced the mistreatment and abuses of ego-based leadership versus servant-based leadership.  They have had to endure those who promote themselves and exalt themselves above their brothers.  They have had to endure mistreatment and cliques.  The tendency of the natural man and woman to exalt themselves while disrespecting and diminishing others is all too common. If the community is self-serving it will only result in the creation of secret combinations, cults, and other destructive behavior. 

In the beginning many communities start out with high energy and what seems to be a promising future. Reality soon sets in along with the real concerns of everyday life and everyday personalities.  Without viable form and function, community dies.  Without every member being a leader and a servant community becomes scattered and chaotic. 

When people see that their brothers and sisters are at least as concerned about their welfare as they are about their own, then people become motivated to physically, emotionally, and spiritually invest in the building of a community composed of people of this caliber.  This is not to say that predators such as wolves in sheep’s clothing do not come into a community, but by establishing “the hedge” given by God their influence and damage can be minimized and if necessary expelled. Remember, “Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 2:3)

For a community to grow in the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood it is necessary for the community to clearly state the ideology and common principles that represent the purposes and goals of the community. If common values are not clearly stated, then the community can become easily manipulated and taken down a path very different than the path they originally desired. If members are asked or persuaded to disregard their ideology and common principles, then the community can be destroyed by opportunists and predators. Many communities have been destroyed by activities that are not in alignment with their ideology and common principles. 

The Building Blocks of Communities of Light (to be continued)

Behold the Tree- America's Ultimate Roadmap

"I will liken the United States of America like unto a tame olive tree

which a man took and nourished in his vineyard

And it grew and waxed old and began to decay" (Jacob 5:3)

This article is a serious case of likening the scriptures to ourselves. The words of the Prophet Zenos have multi-dimensional application. It might seem strange to some that I would replace the word House of Israel in Jacob 5:3 with the United States of America.  But in reality, the insertion of our nation into this allegory is just as applicable today as it was to the Nephites in the days Jacob.  If we examine this allegory from an Israelite perspective then it would also make sense to apply this parable to America today as in reality the whole of North America and specifically the United States of America contains one of the largest populations of both Jews, Ephraimites, and the The Ten tribes (not to mention the mixed multitude) in the world. 

To understand the words of Zenos we have to approach it from and Israelite perspective. In Israelite symbolism a “Tame Olive Tree”  is the ruling house or nation.  The branches are servants and those people connected with them.  The servants are those men and women who are the ruling political persons or entities, the spiritual persons or entities, and the social persons or entities that rule that nation. The parable/allegory is designed to explain how a kingdom (specifically a ruling covenant house) can be raised up again so that Messiah can be its Chief or Capstone once it has rejected him and the covenant relationship he offers. 

 

The covenant kingdom is the structure built below the capstone and to which it is laid once the structure is in place. Like Israel the United States of America fits this allegory on the eschatological (prophetic or last days) level of Israelite interpretation.  The prophet Jacob lays out the reason and they mystery of why he is including the words of Zenos in his record:

"And now I, Jacob, am led on by the Spirit unto prophesying; for I perceive by the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that by the stumbling of the Americans they will reject the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation.

But behold, according to the scriptures, this stone shall become the great, and the last, and the only sure foundation, upon which the Americans can build.

And now, my beloved, how is it possible that these, after having rejected the sure foundation, can ever build upon it, that it may become the head of their corner? (i.e. their capstone)

Behold, my beloved brethren, I will unfold this mystery unto you; if I do not, by any means, get shaken from my firmness in the Spirit, and stumble because of my over anxiety for you."  (Jacob 4: 15-17-insertions added)

Let's begin by examining the word stone or eben (אֶבֶן).  While the word for stone is eben it can also be mechanically broken down to mean "son (ben) of the father"  in addition using another interpretive key we would reverse the word to navi (נָבָא) or  to prophesy which is the base root for prophet.  The Messiah as The Son of the Father and as The Prophet is the chief and cornerstone- or capstone of the kingdom.

In Israelite thought a tree can represent both a King and a Kingdom.  The idea of being "tame" is related to the concept of ruling, birthright, and covenant keeping.  A "tame olive tree" being likened to a ruling covenant house or kingdom. The roots of the tree represent the Fathers -not only the Patriarchs but also the Fathers of This Nation who entered into covenant with God.  The trunk of the tree is the covenant  that God Made with the Fathers and extends as the source of nourishment from which those branches receive their strength (gevurah/power). In the case of the United States of America the covenant is the Constitution which is a derivative of the Sinai Covenant. 

The natural branches are those natural born citizens of the Kingdom who are the natural heirs to the covenant.  In drawing their nourishment from the covenant established with God they are able to produce the natural or covenant fruit.  After a period of time, the natural branches began to take the strength to themselves (i.e. instead of drawing their strength from the covenant/constitution the branches began to believe they were the trunk and became lofty).  In other words, the natural born sons of the republic in the process of time began to believe they were the source and the secret in the sauce.  Their introduction of non-covenantal principles produced bad or non-covenantal fruit.   The process is still going on today.

To rectify the situation God grafted in wild branches (servants and people from other nations born outside the US Covenant).  By grafting in the people or branches from non-covenant or foreign nations, God was able to save the trees at first and as they took their nourishment (i.e. abided in the terms and blessings of the covenant) the tree (nation) began to produce good or covenant fruit.  Time passed, and those wild branches also took strength (power) to themselves.  In other words those branches/servants/people began to disregard the covenant. They failed to uphold the terms of the covenant.  They became a law or covenant unto themselves and once again the top of the tree became too lofty and the tree became weighed down.

The Tree Is In Danger of Dying:

“But behold, the wild branches (non-covenant keeping servants) have grown and have overrun the roots (the Fathers and the covenant that proceeds forth from them) thereof; and because that the wild branches have overcome the roots thereof it hath brought forth much evil fruit (non-covenantal works); and because that it hath brought forth so much evil fruit thou behold that it begins to perish; and it will soon become ripened, that it may be cast into the fire, except we should do something for it to preserve it.” (Jacob 5:37 (insertions added))

In Hebraic thought that which is evil are those principles, policies, and actions which lead us away from fulfilling God’s commandments. Because the servants and people have legislated iniquity or lawlessness, the tree begins to perish.  When the tree becomes fully corrupted -branches, tree, and roots) the tree is become ripened with no possibility of salvaging the tree or kingdom.  At that point, the tree or nation is good for nothing but to be case into the fire. 

Preserving The Tree:

“And behold, there are all kinds of bad fruit; and it profiteth me nothing, notwithstanding all our labor; and now it grieveth me that I should lose this tree.” (Jacob 5:32)

God does not desire to lose his governing house/nation/ or Olive Tree.  His intent in establishing The Olive Tree is to produce good olives.  From Olives Israel of old produced the oil of anointing-the healing oil that was to heal and sustain not only his covenant people, but all the peoples of the world.  To save the tree he and his servants must take action.

“And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: What shall we do unto the tree, that I may preserve again good fruit thereof unto mine own self?

And the servant said unto his master: Behold, because thou didst graft in the branches of the wild olive tree they have nourished the roots, that they are alive and they have not perished; wherefore thou beholdest that they are yet good.

And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant: The tree profiteth me nothing, and the roots thereof profit me nothing so long as it shall bring forth evil fruit. Nevertheless, I know that the roots are good, and for mine own purpose I have preserved them; and because of their much strength they have hitherto brought forth, from the wild branches, good fruit.” (Jacob 5:33-26)

When those wild branches or servants took upon themselves to sustain and uphold the terms of the covenant/constitution they were able to draw from the nourishment of the trunk and roots to bring forth the covenant fruit (all men created equal…life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness…One nations under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all, etc. etc and all the principles of justice and mercy we associate with our constitution/covenant/ and covenant land grant. When they took the strength (gevurah or power) to themselves they like the natural branches began to produce evil or non-covenant fruit.

To preserve the tree or nation, God must prune the tree.  He must pluck off the non-covenant keeping servants and people and replace them with natural or covenant keeping branches again. In the case of the United States, the natural branches are those servants and people who will sustain and uphold the terms of the covenant/constitution associated with this covenant land grant.  The wild branches are those who want to destroy the covenant/constitution and become a law unto themselves (the epitome of priest craft and king craft).

“For it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard; wherefore ye shall clear away the bad according as the good shall grow, that the root and the top may be equal in strength, until the good shall overcome the bad, and the bad be hewn down and cast into the fire, that they cumber not the ground of my vineyard; and thus will I sweep away the bad out of my vineyard. And the branches of the natural tree will I graft in again into the natural tree; And the branches of the natural tree will I graft into the natural branches of the tree; and thus will I bring them together again, that they shall bring forth the natural fruit, and they shall be one. And the bad shall be cast away, yea, even out of all the land of my vineyard; for behold, only this once will I prune my vineyard.” (Jacob 5:66-69)

Pruning the tree involves plucking off the most bitter (non-covenantal) branches/servants/states/communities/individuals even as covenant keeping branches/servants/state/ communities/ individuals who connect in and uphold the terms of the covenant are nourished.  

The American Tree is overgrown with non-covenant keeping branches.  We are producing all manner of evil fruit .  The United States of America as we have known it is experiencing its’ death throes. Like all nations who have experienced The Day of the Lord (YHVH) the cycles of judgment are being poured out.  The purpose of these judgments is to cut off that which is most bitter so that the tree can have the chance to survive and thrive. The question remains-what will the tree look like once the top branches are leveled and the most bitter branches that weigh down the tree are pruned off.

Usually the top branches (ie. political leaders/governmental leaders/ top religious institutions/ and ruling families) get lopped off. The overgrowth is trimmed away and what we have is a much smaller but also much healthier tree in the long run.  By plucking off the branches whose fruit is most bitter he can then nourish those leaders and people who want to establish the covenant in their land to once again produce the fruits of Zion- even life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all who will keep covenant with God. 

The Mystery of Coriantumr and The Peoples of UR

Names Mean Things:

The purpose of this series of articles is to explore some of the meanings of the names that we find in the Book of Mormon.  In Hebraic thought names are meant to communicate much more than just a title or identifier such as Tom, Dick, or Harriet.  In the Israelite mindset names are often action oriented and descriptive in their usage so as to enrich our understanding of the text by embracing the depth of meaning contained within names.  In other words, sometimes there is more to a name than meets the eye.

As I have discussed in previous articles, it has always been my contention that many of the names for people and places in The Book of Mormon are the phonetic spellings of Hebrew words or Hebrew word constructs into English.  As the record itself was translated by a young man who had no real formal education, much less education in the Hebrew language and culture, I stand in awe of the record in its usage of Hebrew word constructs and Hebrew poetic parallelisms.  It follows an inherent adherence to many of the scribal laws of Israel and the Israelite teachings of interpretation that were preserved by various traditions of Judaism to this day.

ESROM: 

The name Esrom first appears in the record of Ether:

“ And now, in the days of the reign of Omer he was in captivity the half of his days. And it came to pass that he begat sons and daughters, among whom were Esrom and Coriantumr” (Ether 8:4)

The name Esrom comes from the Hebrew name Hezron, the son of the patriarch Reuben, and is first mentioned in Genesis: 46:9:

“And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi.”

The name Hezron (pronounced Chetsrown) meaning “surrounded by a wall”.  It’s primitive root meaning to surround with a barrier, fence, or stockade.  We can see this understanding preserved in the Hebrew parallelism couched in the text:

And now in the days of the reign of Omer
he was in captivity the half of his days.
And it came to pass
that he begat sons and daughters
among whom were Esrom and Coriantumr” (Ether 8:4)

Here the poetic parallelism connects the captivity of Esrom’s father Omer to the name of his son meaning surrounded by a wall; which would make sense as if someone was in captivity.

CORIANTUMR:

The name Coriantumr has been a subject of intense discussion among many scholars.  As Mormon himself appears to follow many of the Israelite scribal traditions, then to unlock the meaning of the word we need to begin to examine its Hebrew Parent Root and its usage in the text.  The name Coriantumr first appears in the Book of Omni:

“And they gave an account of one Coriantumr, and the slain of his people. And Coriantumr was discovered by the people of Zarahemla; and he dwelt with them for the space of nine moons.” (Omni 1:21)

The word Coriantumr does not appear as a name in any available Israelite text, but as a Hebrew word construct it reveals much more.  By examining the word as a phonetic Hebrew construct we can distill the name down as follows:

CoR = Koph Resh= meaning the bringing together of two peoples

Nun= seed or by seed

AM= people or of the people

UR= of UR as in Ur of the Chaldees where Abraham originated

According to the record of Ether, the Jaredites came out from the land of Sumer at the time of Nimrod and the Tower of Babel.  Ur of the Chaldees was in the region of Sumer or southern Mesopotamia where the Tower of Babel was located.  The city of UR itself considered to be the birthplace of Abraham and his brother Haran.

The poetic parallel in this first mention of Coriantumr yields something quite interesting:

“And they gave an account of one Coriantumr
and the slain of his people
and Coriantumr was discovered
by the people of Zarahemla
and he dwelt with them
for the space of nine moons.”

Here the name Coriantumr is connected with the phrase “space of nine moons” or the gestational period of a child; i.e. the joining of two peoples-Jaredites from the land of UR with the Israelite people of Zarahemla who were descendants of Abraham-who also came out of UR.  My! Oh My!  Could this be a soap opera or what? (LOL)

We see this meaning supported by a later descendant of Zarahemla whose name was Coriantumr who was a descendant of Zarahemla:

“And they came down again that they might pitch battle against the Nephites. And they were led by a man whose name was Coriantumr; and he was a descendant of Zarahemla; and he was a dissenter from among the Nephites; and he was a large and a mighty man.” (Helaman 1:15)

Here the connection is even further supported by the phrase “large and might man” as it was connected with Jared of whom Coriantumr(1) was descendant and who Coriantumr (2-in Helaman) was a descendant:

“And the brother of Jared being a large and mighty man, and a man highly favored of the Lord, Jared, his brother, said unto him: Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words.” (Ether 1:34)

In examining this name a great mystery is revealed in the identities of the various parties in The Book of Mormon.  Three peoples comprised of the Nephites, The People of Mulek/people of Zarahemla, and the Jaredites.  All three whose ancestors originated from the Land of UR in Mesopotamia near the Tower of Babel, received a covenant from God, whose descendants were brought to this Land of Promise, and who intermingled as one people. It would also explain many of the arguments between the various parties regarding who had the right to rule and the resulting wars.

The idea of pure lineage, birthright, and the right to rule are concepts that are intricately interwoven throughout the scriptures. An example of these is communicated by the Prophet Mormon when he made the declaration, "I am Mormon, and a pure descendant of Lehi." (3 Nephi 5:20)

(Names Mean Things series...to be continued)

Copyright May 2, 2020-Rob Kay

MORMON: THE BOOK OF PURE OR LIVING WATERS

"And it came to pass that as many as did believe him did go forth to a place which was called Mormon, having received its name from the king, being in the borders of the land having been infested, by times or at seasons, by wild beasts. Now, there was in Mormon a fountain of pure water, and Alma resorted thither, there being near the water a thicket of small trees, where he did hide himself in the daytime from the searches of the king." (Mosiah 18:4-5)

Over the past year I have received significant outrage from some because of the usage of the word "Mormon" in my blog Mormon Yeshiva.  In fact saying the word "Mormon" in some circles is now treated more like a 4-letter word than with the sacredness it should be revered with. The beauty of the Book of Mormon as an Israelite document is that not only is the narrative designed to bring our hearts and minds back to the God of Israel, but even the many names used are designed to draw our attention to many ancient and sacred teachings meant to be passed down to future generations.  The word or name "Mormon" is one example of a sacred word meant to draw a picture to draw our hearts and minds to the source of all righteousness.

Many scholars have debated over the years about the meaning and etymology of the word Mormon.  In fact it was an object of much speculation during the time of Joseph Smith when some scholars began to attribute the word Mormon to a Greek word 'mormoo'  meaning a hob-goblin or spectre.  In more recent LDS circles the name was associated with the idea of meaning "more good".  But the peoples oF the Book of Mormon were an Israelite people with deeply rooted Israelite/Jewish origins.  Examining the word "Mormon" from this perspective reveals an ancient Israelite teaching hidden in plain sight.

THE BEAUTY OF THE WORD "MORMON":

In Hebrew the word Mormon would be connected to the Hebrew root of Mem- Resh- Mem***:

Here the letter MEM carries the meaning of water as in waves of waters which can be clearly demonstrated from the Early Hebrew more so than in the Modern Block style hebrew that came into predominate use after the Babylonian captivity.

The Letter Resh is pictured as follows:

Here the letter Resh is puctured in the Early Hebrew as a head and is where we get the concepts associated with Rosh Hashana (Head of the Year) and Rosh Chodesh (Head of the Month).  It also carries with it the idea of being the origin or source of something.

If we put these these ideas and word pictures together we see that the word Mormon from the root Mem- Resh- Mem or even the base root Resh Mem carries with it the meaning of "The source, origin, or head of waters".   We find this idea demonstrated in the Book of Mormon in the Book of Mosiah where the name Mormon and it's origin are explained:

"And it came to pass
that as many as did believe him did go forth
to a place which was called Mormon
having received its name from the king
being in the borders of the land
having been infested
by times or at seasons
by wild beasts.

Now, there was in Mormon
a fountain of pure water
and Alma resorted thither,
there being near the water a thicket of small trees
where he did hide himself in the daytime
from the searches of the king."
(Mosiah 18:4-5)

A fountain is the head or source of water.  The source or head of the waters is where we would find the purest waters coming forth. The idea of a pure fountain is connected to the idea of living waters that come from the fountain head which in Israelite theology comes from the Throne of God and The Tree of Life. We see this concept demonstrated earlier in record of 1st Nephi:

"And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God." (1 Nephi 11:25)

The concept of Living Waters is among the most ancient of symbols employed in the TaNaKh (Old Testament) as well as in the writings of the New Testament.  The idea of living waters is connected to the grace and mercy (chesed) of God but is also a symbol for the living revelations that proceed forth from the Throne of God.  The fountain/head/ or source of these waters is the mouth of God himself as all the words or revelations of God are considered living waters.  This same concept is also preserved in the words of the Messiah:

"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38)

"Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water." (John 4:10)

In addition to this, the concept of ritual immersion called tevilah (often associated with baptism by immersion) in living waters or a gathering of waters (Mikveh) demonstrates this idea of being immersed not only in the grace and mercy of God but also in his word.  The Book of Mormon also preserves this ancient teaching where Alma the elder and his followers are baptized/immersed in the waters of Mormon:

"And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

 And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts.And now it came to pass that Alma took Helam, he being one of the first, and went and stood forth in the water, and cried, saying: O Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work with holiness of heart.

And when he had said these words, the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he said: Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve him until you are dead as to the mortal body; and may the Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon you; and may he grant unto you eternal life, through the redemption of Christ, whom he has prepared from the foundation of the world. And after Alma had said these words, both Alma and Helam were buried in the water; and they arose and came forth out of the water rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit. And again, Alma took another, and went forth a second time into the water, and baptized him according to the first, only he did not bury himself again in the water." (Mosiah  18:8-15)

Here the waters of Mormon (or the fountain of pure/living water) was the location where ritual immersion could take place legally fulfilling the legal requirements of this ordinance.  Over the years I have had people ask the question why did not Alma baptize like we do but instead go under the water himself.  This patter of immersion is actually quite traditional and is still preserved in some sects of Judasim to this day where at the commencement of a ritual immersion the priest or rabbi would go down under the water with the first recipient to be immersed.  In other words, the picture being described is very Israelite/Jewish.

WHEN THE WATERS BECOME FILTHY

Connected with the idea of pure of living/water we also see it's opposite portrayed in the vision of Nephi:

"And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the fountain of filthy water which thy father saw; yea, even the river of which he spake; and the depths thereof are the depths of hell." (1 Nephi 12:16)

And they said unto me: What meaneth the river of water which our father saw?

"And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water. And I said unto them that it was an awful gulf, which separated the wicked from the tree of life, and also from the saints of God." (1 Nephi 15:26-28)

Many critics of The Book of Mormon zone in on this "apparent contradiction" where Lehi describes a fountain of living waters and then Nephi describing the filthiness of the water.  However if we understand that the symbolism of the living waters also represents the pure revelations of God that come from his head/fountain/or source then Nephi's description of the waters as filthy would represent the corruption or pollution of the pure revelations of God.  In fact we see this motif played out in Nephi's description of  the taking away or many plain and precious truths:

"Wherefore, these things go forth from the Jews in purity unto the Gentiles, according to the truth which is in God. And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away. And all this have they done that they might pervert the right ways of the Lord, that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men." (1 Nephi 13:25-27)

THE BOOK OF PURE OR LIVING WATERS

The beauty of the word Mormon being associated with Pure of Living Waters carries with it deep Israelite roots and teachings.  Perhaps by re-examining this precious word we will begin to look beyond the Title of "The Book of Mormon"  to see its as "The Book of Pure or Living Waters" as this record was written to restore many of those plain and precious truths. And those who call themselves by that name being like Alma's followers having immersed themselves into the Pure or Living Waters of God.

*** The paleo-Hebrew graphics used in this article were taken from the marvelous work done by Jeff Benner.  Please check out his work at ancient-hebrew.org

THE MYSTERY OF ALMA- THE HIDDEN THINGS OF GOD

The Prophet Alma and his son Alma the younger stand as pivotal figures in The Book of Mormon. The usage of the name Alma seems strange and has been a focal point that many critics of the Book of Mormon zone in on as the name in Hebrew (Almah) means a young maiden/woman.  As the word is connected with something feminine in gender it would be highly irregular to name a male Israelite with this particular rendition of the word Almah. While at a cursory glance this criticism may appear to apply, in truth the name Alma reveals a hidden mystery and the deep Israelite roots of the Book of Mormon.


It has always been my contention that many of the names for people and places in The Book of Mormon are the phonetic spellings of Hebrew words into English.  The name Alma is one such name/word.   As mentioned, the Hebrew word Almah means a young maiden/woman. The first mention of this phrase in the Torah/Old Testament is in Genesis 24:43 where Abraham's servant Eliezar finds the young maiden Rebekah:

"Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin (ALMAH) cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink..."

While in the King James Version the word was translated as virgin the more accurate translation would be a young maiden.  In Middle Eastern culture when young maidens were sent to a well or outside the home, the wearing of a veil was common.  Also the idea of children (both boys and girls) were considered to be under the covering/veil of their father.  Just as Almah is translated as young woman the word Elem is translated as young man or stripling.  The two words Almah and Elem share a common root as follows:






The connection between the two Hebrew words is not just in the description of a young man or woman, but of family members who come under the concealment or covering of their father. They both share the common base letters of Ayin- Lamed- Mem:




The base root Alam meaning something that is hidden or concealed. The beauty of the Book of Mormon is that in true poetic form, the text itself reveals the mystery of Alma's name using a poetic parallel and play on words:

 But the king was more wroth
and caused that Alma
should be cast out from among them
and sent his servants after him
that they might slay him.

But he fled from before them
and hid himself 
that they found him not
And he being concealed 
for many days did write
all the words which Abinadi had spoken.
(Mos:17:3-4)

The prophet writer of the Book of Mormon uses similar devices throughout the text so that his definitions of many words are actually couched in the poetic structure of the text itself-VERY ISRAELITE OF HIM!  The name Alma as we have it in The Book of Mormon is defined as something that is hidden or concealed.  With this in mind it makes one wonder what is being hidden or concealed in The Book of Alma-"The Book of the Hidden or Concealed".

AN EVEN GREATER MYSTERY

The mystery of Alma does not stop there.  As the root of his name is constructed from the letters Ayin-Lamed-Mem we find an even greater mystery.  As we discussed in the articles regarding the 72 Names of God  we find couched in the Book of Mormon not only an ancient practice of meditation/prayer as taught in the prophetic schools of ancient Israel, but we also found that these names were connected to the Angelic language of God as given to the Prophet Enoch. In existing traditions of Judaism to this day, these 72 names were also connected to Angelic beings/forces.  Of note we find two in particular:

Among the 72 Names of God which is equated to angelic beings/forces we find the name ALMA (Ayin- Lamed- Mem) as the fourth name which in arrangement stands next to the fifth name Mem-Hey-Shin (associated with the Prophet Moses).  In traditional Jewish practice the 4th name Ayin -Lamed- Mem is pronounced phonetically "AA(long a)- LAH-Me" (short e).  That the 72 names capture the names of God associated with angelic forces or beings finds a unique fulfillment in The Book of Mormon as both Moses and Alma were taken by the Hand of God and translated into Heaven-i.e. They were angelified:

"And when Alma had done this he departed out of the land of Zarahemla, as if to go into the land of Melek. And it came to pass that he was never heard of more; as to his death or burial we know not of.Behold, this we know, that he was a righteous man; and the saying went abroad in the church that he was taken up by the Spirit, or buried by the hand of the Lord, even as Moses. But behold, the scriptures saith the Lord took Moses unto himself; and we suppose that he has also received Alma in the spirit, unto himself; therefore, for this cause we know nothing concerning his death and burial." (Alma 45)

Just as in the prophetic arrangement of the 72 names, we see Moses and Alma side by side connected to the idea of being angels or translated beings. We see the beauty of this mystery even as the Prophet Alma himself declares:

"O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might for forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with a voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth."

THE ROARING OF THE LIONS AND THE TONGUE OF ANGELS

"The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy?" 

(Amos 3:8)

In a prior article (see THE RESTORATION OF MIRACLES: THE BOOK OF MORMON AND THE 72 NAMES OF GOD)  we discussed the Israelite discipline of contemplative/meditative prayer as part of the prophetic teachings of Israel.  Among these teachings is the meditative practice known as calling on or upon THE NAME (YHVH).  References to this discipline have been recorded in many ancient texts such as The Sepher Yetzirah, The Bahir, The Zohar with many Jewish scholars pointing to the Prophet Enoch as the source of this great teaching.  While the 72 names of God are not names like Tom, Dick, or Harry, they were considered conduits through which the light of God is manifest in this world.

Among some of the oldest teachings preserved by the various traditions in Judaism regarding this discipline is a teaching often referred to as the 'Roaring of the Lions'.  This teaching is still to be found among various teachers such as Moses ben Nachman and Isaac Luria. This teaching is connected with the idea that both the voice of God and his angels are like unto a lion's roar. In some traditions it is referred to as the language of angels (mal'akim)  It is expressed by the prophet Amos wherein he declares, "The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy?"

In the Israelite prophetic tradition, it was taught that the 'Roaring of the Lions" was connected to the 72 letter name of God (72 names x 3 letters each = 216 letters) and the prayer/meditative discipline connected with it.  Those disciples who walked the paths of the prophetic undertook this discipline to connect with Heaven. It was taught that when the names were pronounced as one was filled with the ruach or spirit that the power of God would then be made manifest to fulfill the will of God. In following the prophetic science we find that the 216 letter name is equated to the word gevurah (strength) whose numeric value is also 216 and with the word aryeh (lion) whose numeric value is also 216, thus yielding the spiritual equation or teaching called 'The Roaring of the Lions'.

The Pearl of Great Price and The Roaring of the Lions

As we read through the scriptures of the restoration, we often pass-over (no pun intended) some of the greatest of truths standing before our very eyes.  In the Pearl of Great Price we read the record of Moses regarding the Prophet Enoch and the establishment of Zion:

"And so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the drivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him.” (Moses 7:13)

Here it is recorded that the "word" and the "power of the language" of the Prophet Enoch was so great that nations stood afar off, the earth trembled, and the mountains fled.  Hidden in plain site among the records of the restoration we find the same ancient teaching associated with Enoch that was passed down through the House of Israel regarding a "spiritual technology" given to the fathers by which they and those prophets of Israel connected with God and made manifest the powers of Heaven according to the principles of righteousness.

THE TONGUE OF ANGELS:

This ancient teaching is what came to be connected to the Israelite concept of "the tongue of Angels".  It was a gift and teaching open to all who sought to walk in the path of the ancients. It was this same teaching referred to by the Prophet Nephi in the Book of Mormon. After explaining that we are to enter in by the gate, he explains,"For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost...And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done?

He then goes on:

"Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure (heb. walk forward on the path) to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the away; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." (2 Nephi 31)

After entering in by the gate we then find ourselves in the way.  It is here that the prophet Nephi once again touches on this ancient teaching known as the language of angels, the 72 letter name of God, aka the roaring of the lions:

"And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts?

Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost (the record of heaven, the Ruach Elohiym) ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ (Hebrew code phrase: prayer and contemplative meditation); for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock (hebrew code phrase equated with prayer/meditation/ calling upon the name); wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark." (2 Nephi 32:1-4)

THE DESTROYING ANGEL SHALL PASS YOU BY- THE BLESSINGS OF SHABBAT

"So the message of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah was fulfilled. The land finally enjoyed its Sabbath rest, lying desolate until the seventy years were fulfilled, just as the prophet had said."
(2 Chronicles 36:21)

For many years prior to the Lord calling the Prophet Jeremiah, the people and specifically their government had not observed the commandments of God. In doing so they brought about a covenant violation and left themselves exposed to impending judgments.  Because the rulers and subsequently the people left the God of Israel, they then found themselves without a covering of protection.  This resulted in national judgment; financial ruin, slavery, massive homelessness, and disease. It was then that God decreed that because they had not followed his commandments he would take them from the land and allow the land to remain empty for seventy years to accomplish a Sabbath rest for the land.

It seems that history has a way of repeating itself. The new restrictions that have been placed on the people during the COVID19 crisis is causing a ceasing of all regular activities and commerce around the world. For the first time in many years, people are staying home with their families. The number of automobiles and other transportation has decreased.  For the first time in decades the air quality in many urban areas is starting to greatly improve, fish are returning to once overused water ways, and people are actually being forced to spend real time with their families instead of running from one activity to another.  Strangely enough, while this ceasing has been imposed upon the people, it is also demonstrating the importance of the Sabbath day.

In western culture we often see the Sabbath as just a day of religious observance. While religious observance can be good, the observances can become a heavy burden and in some cases a day of work for not only the people but the religious leaders. We get the word Sabbath from the Hebrew word Shabbat which mean 'rest' or 'ceasing'.  But while the weekly sabbath was one day in seven for rest it was in actuality part of a much large cycle of rest and renewal that God instituted for his covenant people to follow in the respective covenant land grants that they occupy.

You see far more than just a religious observance, the Sabbath is itself a blessing because in our rest or ceasing we and our land become renewed. Our strength is restored and the land will again yield it's abundance.  It serves as mark upon God's people so that the destroying angel will pass us by.

GOD'S APPOINTED TIMES-CYCLES OF REST AND RENEWAL

Each week when we observe the Sabbath Day we are observing an Appointed Time.  The Feasts (or Appointed Times) of Israel are what are termed ‘High Sabbaths’.  Like the weekly Sabbath they are days specifically set apart by God for all his people to observe:

 “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.

Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings. These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.” – (Leviticus 23:2-4)

The keeping or remembering (to both say and to do) the Appointed times falls under the commandment:

 “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”- (Exodus 20:8-11)

Besides fulfilling the commandment to ‘remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy’ the observance of God’s appointed times served as times for his people to come, appear before him, and call upon his name. In many ways the modern Mormon events of General Conferences and Solemn Assemblies echo back to the observance of these divine appointments.  Examples of the observance of God’s appointed times can be seen with Adam at Adam-Ondi-Ahman, Moses and Israel at Mount Sinai, Jacob and the Nephites at the Day of Atonement, King Benjamin at the Feast of Tabernacles, Christ at Passover, Christ at the Temple in Bountiful, Joseph Smith and the receipt of the plates at the Feast of Trumpets, Passover at the Kirtland Temple Dedication, among many others.

What are the specific Appointed times?

Besides the weekly Sabbath and the new moon of each month there are 7 High Holy Days appointed for all Israel to be observed through all their generations. There are Seven specifically appointed times divided into Three Seasons of Observance:

Appointed Times of Israel:

(Spring)

1. Passover (Pesach)
2. Unleavened Bread (Chag Ha Matzah)
3. First Fruits (Ha Bikkurim)

4. Pentecost (Shavuot)


(Fall)

5. Day of Trumpets (Yom Teruah)
6. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
7. Tabernacles (Sukkot)

What would be the purpose in observing the Appointed Times now?

Besides honoring God and fulfilling his commandments, the Lord warns his people of pending judgment soon to be poured out upon our nation and gives them instructions regarding his appointed times.  The Lord commands his people to call your solemn assemblies:

Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the Lord your God, and hear the word of the Lord concerning you— The Lord who shall suddenly come to his temple; the Lord who shall come down upon the world with a curse to judgment; yea, upon all the nations that forget God, and upon all the ungodly among you. For he shall make bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of their God.

Wherefore, prepare ye, prepare ye, O my people; sanctify yourselves; gather ye together, O ye people of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you that have not been commanded to tarry-go ye out from Babylon, be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord, call your solemn assemblies, and speak often one to another. And let every man call upon the name of the Lord. (D&C 133:1-6)

Through the mouth of his Servant Joseph Smith, God has declared a curse of judgment upon the nations that forget God and upon all the ungodly. As a result the eyes of ungodly Nations and peoples shall see the revelation of  the arm of the Lord in the experiencing of these judgments to their destruction to their salvation.  Oh, The Greatness and the Mercy of our God, for even in the midst of judgment and calamities, he remembers his people both Gentile, Remnant, and Jews in giving them divine instructions to prepare them for the days ahead:

1. Set yourselves apart by gathering together
2. Be clean
3. Call our solemn assemblies
4. Speak often to one another
5. Call upon the name of the Lord

GENERAL CONFERENCE AND THE APPOINTED TIMES OF ISRAEL

I find it interesting that each year general conference is held both in the Spring and in the Fall of the year- ironically very close or sometimes even on (depending on the year and the calendar) the Feasts of Passover and Sukkot (Tabernacles).  We may not observe these appointed times according to the manner of the Jews, but the intent of our observance is no different-Appear before the Lord in Solemn Assemblies, Speak often to one another, and Call upon THE NAME of the Lord.

In the current pandemic that we are experiencing, the observance of the Sabbath Day and The Appointed Times carries great blessings and promises.  The blessings of observing the Sabbath are typified in God's instructions regarding the Observance of THE HIGHEST SABBATH IN ALL ISRAEL-YOM KIPPUR (The Day of Atonement):

“Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast.
Shout aloud! Don’t be timid.
Tell my people Israel of their sins!
Yet they act so pious!
They come to the Temple every day
and seem delighted to learn all about me.
They act like a righteous nation
that would never abandon the laws of its God.
They ask me to take action on their behalf,
pretending they want to be near me.

‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.
‘Why aren’t you impressed?
We have been very hard on ourselves,
and you don’t even notice it!’

“I will tell you why!” I respond.

“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.
Even while you fast,
you keep oppressing your workers.
What good is fasting
when you keep on fighting and quarreling?

This kind of fasting
will never get you anywhere with me.
You humble yourselves
by going through the motions of penance,
bowing your heads
like reeds bending in the wind.

You dress in burlap
and cover yourselves with ashes.
Is this what you call fasting?

Do you really think this will please the LORD?

“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.
Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

“Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind.
Then when you call, the LORD will answer.

‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.
“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!

(THEN COMES THE REALLY COOL PART AND THE BLESSING OF THE DAY OF ATONEMENT)

Feed the hungry,
and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
The LORD will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.

You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring.
Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls
and a restorer of homes.

“Keep the Sabbath day holy.
Don’t pursue your own interests on that day,
but enjoy the Sabbath
and speak of it with delight as the LORD’s holy day.
Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day,
and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly.
Then the LORD will be your delight.
I will give you great honor
and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob.
I, the LORD, have spoken!”

(Isaiah 58)

Recently a Fast was declared.  In light of Isaiah's words the question we may want to ask of ourselves is what was the purpose of our fast, "To afflict our soul so God will give us our stuff (money, jobs, toys) back?  or "To sacrifice a portion of what we have so that another may have life"?

At this time of General Conference and The Coming Passover, let us remember the Sabbath Day and the instructions God gave to Israel through the Prophet Isaiah so that during this time of crisis and the potential economic aftershocks so that we can them claim the promises of the Sabbath that our, "light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.The LORD will guide you continually,giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes."

Let us remember that the blessing does not come from religious observance, but from taking the light we have received from God to bestow upon others.  We do this by freeing those who are wrongly imprisoned; lightening the burden of those who work for you, letting the oppressed go free, removing the chains that bind people, sharing your food with the hungry, and giving shelter to the homeless, giving clothes to those who need them, and not hiding from relatives who need your help.

As we observe General Conference this week, let us remember the true purposes and blessings of the Sabbath. In the trying times ahead, those who are healers on the Sabbath will find that their substance never diminishes and their light is never extinguished. Let us submit to God's rest and not be forced to rest like ancient Israel.