Joseph Smith’s Commentary on the Bible - Exodus to Job

 

Exodus 1:6-11

"And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.

And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.

Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.

And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:

Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.

Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses" (Exodus 1:6-11).

 

Date:                15 July 1843 (Saturday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 July 1842): 857

 

Joseph Smith:

"When Egypt was under the superintendence of Joseph, it prospered, because he was taught of God. When they oppressed the Israelites, destruction came upon them."

 

Original:
"When Egypt was under the superintendence of Joseph, it prospered, because he was taught of God; when they oppressed the Israelites destruction came upon them."

 

Exodus 4:10-12

"And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say" (Exodus 4:10-12).

 

Date:                16 June 1844 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 381) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"Moses was a stuttering sort of a boy like me."

 

Original:
"moses was a stutt[er]ing sort of a boy like me."

 

Exodus 7:8-12

"And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.

And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.

For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods" (Exodus 7:8-12).

 

Date:                1 April 1843 (Saturday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 April 1842): 743, 745

 

Joseph Smith:

"The Egyptians were not able to discover the difference between the miracles of Moses and those of the magicians until they came to be tested together. And if Moses had not appeared in their midst they would unquestionably have thought that the miracles of the magicians were performed through the mighty power of God, for they were great miracles that were performed by them. A supernatural agency was developed and great power manifested. . . . Moses could detect the magicians' power and show that he was God's servant."

           

Original:
"The Egyptians were not able to discover the difference between the miracles of Moses and those of the magicians until they came to be tested together; and if Moses had not appeared in their midst they would unquestionably have thought that the miracles of the magicians were performed through the mighty power of God; for they were great miracles that were performed by them: a supernatural agency was developed; and great power manifested. . . .

"Moses could detect the magicians' power and shew [show] that he was God's servant, he knew when he was upon the mountain (through revelation,) that Israel was engaged in idolatry."

 

Exodus 9:16

"And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth" (Exodus 9:16).

 

Date:                16 May 1841 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 June 1841): 429-430

 

Joseph Smith:

"Why did God say to Pharaoh, ‘For this cause have I raised thee up’? Because Pharaoh was a fit instrument—a wicked man—and had committed acts of cruelty of the most atrocious nature."

 

Original:
"Why did God say to Pharoah, "for this cause have I raised thee up?" Because Pharoah was a fit instrument-a wicked man, and had committed acts of cruelty of the most atrocious nature."

 

Exodus 14:13-31

"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:

And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.

And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.

And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses" (Exodus 14:13-31).

 

Date:                18 August 1833 (Sunday)

Location:          Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to W. W. Phelps and others (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 309)

 

Joseph Smith:

"We [are] like the children of Israel with the Red Sea before them and the Egyptians ready to fall upon them to destroy them, and no arm could deliver but the arm of God. And this is the case with us; we must wait on God to be gracious and call on him without ceasing to make bare his arm for our defense. For naught but the arm of the Almighty can save us."

 

Original:
"we are like the children of Is<s>arel with the red Sea before us them and the Egyptions ready to fall upon them to destroy them and no arm could diliver but the arm of God and this is the case with us we must wait on God to be gratious and call on him with out ceaseing to make bare his arm for our defence for naught but the arm of the almighty can save us."

 

Exodus 19:3-8

"And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;

Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.

And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD" (Exodus 19:3-8).

 

Date:                15 July 1842 (Friday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons, (15 July 1842): 857

 

Joseph Smith:

"When the children of Israel were chosen with Moses at their head, they were to be a peculiar people among whom God should place his name. Their motto was ‘The Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our king, and he shall reign over us’ [Isa. 33:22]. While in this state they might truly say, ‘Happy is that people whose God is the Lord’ [Ps. 144:15]. Their government was a theocracy; they had God to make their laws and men chosen by him to administer them. He was their God, and they were his people. Moses received the word of the Lord from God himself. He was the mouth of God to Aaron, and Aaron taught the people in both civil and ecclesiastical affairs. They were both one; there was no distinction. So will it be when the purposes of God shall be accomplished, when "the Lord shall be king over the whole earth" [Zech. 14:9] and Jerusalem his throne."

 

Original:

"When the children of Israel were chosen with Moses at their head, they were to be a peculiar people, among whom God should place his name: their motto was ‘The Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our king, and he shall reign over us.’ While in this state they might truly say, ‘happy is that people whose God is the Lord.’ Their government was a theocracy; they had God to make their laws, and men chosen by him to administer them; he was their God, and they were his people. Moses received the word of the Lord from God himself; he was the mouth of God to Aaron, and Aaron taught the people in both civil and ecclesiastical affairs; they were both one; there was no distinction; so will it be when the purposes of God shall be accomplished; when ‘the Lord shall be king over the whole earth’ and ‘Jerusalem his throne.’"

 

Exodus 20:1-2

"And God spake all these words, saying,

I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage" (Exodus 20:1-2).

 

Date:                23 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location:         

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 235) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"[At] Mount Sinai, . . . Jesus gave the law to Moses."

 

Original:
"We will go back to Mount Scinia where Jesus gave the Law to Moses."

 

Date:                1 September 1842 (Thursday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons, (1 September 1842): 905

 

Joseph Smith:

"Moses, the man who wrote of Christ, . . . brought forth the law by commandment, as a school master to bring men to Christ"

 

Original:
"Moses, the man who wrote of Christ, and brought forth the law by commandment, as a school master to bring men to Christ."

 

Exodus 20:13-17

"Thou shalt not kill.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Thou shalt not steal.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s" (Exodus 20:13-17).

 

Date:                February 1840

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (February 1840): 54

 

Joseph Smith:

"These sentiments we most cordially embrace and consider them binding on us, because they are adapted to our circumstances."

 

Original:
"These sentiments we most cordially embrace, and consider them binding on us because they are adapted to our circumstances."

 

Exodus 20:18-19

"And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die" (Exodus 20:18-19).

 

Date:                27 August 1843 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 247) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"When God offers a blessing or knowledge to a man and he refuses to receive it, he will be damned. [Such is] the case of the Israelites praying that God would speak to Moses and not to them, in consequence of which he cursed them with a carnal law."

 

Original:
"when God offers a blessing or knowledge to a man and he refuses to receive it he will be damned.—mentioning the case of the Israelites praying that God would speak to Moses & not to them—in consequense of which he cursed them with a carnal law."

 

Exodus 30:30

"And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office" (Exodus 30:30).

 

Date:                21 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 67) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"There was a priesthood conferred upon the sons of Levi throughout the generations of the Jews. They were born heirs to that priesthood by lineage or descent and held the keys of the first principles of the gospel."

 

Original:
"there was  a priesthood Confered upon the sons of Levi throughout the Jenerations of the Jews, & he also said they was born heirs to that priesthood By Linage or Decent & held the Keys of the first principles of the Gospel."

 

Date:                23 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location:         

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 235) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"The priesthood was given to Aaron and his posterity throughout all generations. We can trace the lineage down to Zacharias, he being the only lawful administrator in his day."

 

Original:
"The priesthood was given to Aron and his posterity throughout all generations We can trace the leanage down to Zachariah he being the only lawfull administrator in his day."

 

Date:                23 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location:         

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 234) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"[It was] forever hereditary, fixed on the head of Aaron down to Zacharias, the father of John."

 

Original:
"forever hereditary.—fixed on the head of aron. down to Zachariah—the father of John."

 

Exodus 32:1-20

"And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.

And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.

And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD.

And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:

They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:

Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.

And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.

And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.

And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp.

And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.

And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.

And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it." (Exodus 32:1-20).

 

Date:                30 March 1834 (Sunday)

Location:          Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Edward Partridge and others (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 336)

 

Joseph Smith:

"Men are as liable in this generation to turn aside from the holy commandments as were the children of Israel when Aaron bought the golden calf at the expense of all the jewelry and riches of the children of Israel, while Moses tarried yet forty days in the mount that he might receive the law of the everlasting gospel upon tables of stone, written by the finger of God, while they, the children of Israel, were delivered over and bowed down and worshiped the dumb idol and said, ‘These be our gods that brought us up out of the land of Egypt.’ And Moses, being angry, destroyed the tables of stone and the golden calf and made the children of Israel drink the substance of their god, which they said brought them up out of the land of Egypt."

 

Original:
"For men are as liable in this generation to turn aside from the holy commandments, as were the children of Israel when Aaron bought the golden calf at the expense of all the jewelry, & riches of the children of Israel, while Moses tarried yet forty days in the mount, that he might receive the law of the everlasting gospel upon tables of stone, written by the finger of God, while they, the children of Israel, were delivered over,  bowed down and worshiped the dumb idol, and said, These be our Gods that brought us up out of the land of Egypt. And Moses being angry destroyed the tables of stone, and the golden calf and made the children of Israel drink the substance of their God, which they said brought them up out of the land of Egypt."

 

Exodus 32:19

"And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount" (Exodus 32:19).

 

Date:                27 August 1843 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards, (Words of Joseph Smith, 244) Go to Full Source

 

"Joseph Smith:

"[The] law revealed to Moses in Horeb never was revealed to the children of Israel."

 

"Original:

"he shall send Elijah law revealed to Moses in Horeb—never was revealed to the C. of Israel."

 

Exodus 33:20, JST

"And he said unto Moses, Thou canst not see my face at this time, lest mine anger be kindled against thee also, and I destroy thee, and thy people; for there shall no man among them see me at this time, and live, for they are exceeding sinful. And no sinful man hath at any time, neither shall there be any sinful man at any time, that shall see my face and live" (Exodus 33:20, JST).

 

Date:                1839

Location:         

Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 9) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"Moses sought to bring the children of Israel into the presence of God, through the power of the priesthood, but he could not."

 

Original:

"Moses sought to bring the children of Israel into the presence of God, through the power of the Pristhood, but he could not."

 

Date:                5 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton’s Private Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 59) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"All priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away, but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the prophets had the Melchizedek priesthood and were ordained by God himself."

 

Original:
"All priesthood is Melchizedeck, but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God fact to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the Prophets had the Melchizedeck Priesthood and was ordained by God himself."

 

Date:                27 August 1843 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 244) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"The law was given under Aaron for the purpose of pouring out judgments and destructions."

 

Original:
"The law was given under Aaron for the purpose of pouring out Judments and destructions."

 

Exodus 34:1-2, JST

"And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two other tables of stone, like unto the first, and I will write upon them also, the words of the law, according as they were written at the first on the tables which thou brakest; but it shall not be according to the first, for I will take away the priesthood out of their midst; therefore my holy order, and the ordinances thereof, shall not go before them; for my presence shall not go up in their midst, lest I destroy them.

But I will give unto them the law as at the first, but it shall be after the law of a carnal commandment; for I have sworn in my wrath, that they shall not enter into my presence, into my rest, in the days of their pilgrimage. Therefore do as I have commanded thee, and be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai," (Exodus 34:1-2, JST).

           

Date:                1839

Location:         

Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 9) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"Moses sought to bring the children of Israel into the presence of God, through the power of the priesthood, but he could not."

 

Date:                5 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:          Old Homestead, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton’s Private Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 59–60) Go to Full Source

 

 

Joseph Smith:

"All priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away, but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the prophets had the Melchizedek priesthood and were ordained by God himself."

 

Original:
"All priesthood is Melchizedeck, but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God fact to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the Prophets had the Melchizedeck Priesthood and was ordained by God himself."

 

Date:                27 August 1843 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 244) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"The law was given under Aaron for the purpose of pouring out judgments and destructions."

 

Original:
"The law was given under Aaron for the purpose of pouring out Judments and destructions."

 

Exodus 40:13-15

"And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.

And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats:

And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations" (Exodus 40:13-15).

 

Date:                21 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 67) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"There was a priesthood conferred upon the sons of Levi throughout the generations of the Jews. They were born heirs to that priesthood by lineage or descent and held the keys of the first principles of the gospel."  

 

Original:
"there was a preistHood Confered upon the sons of Levi throughout the Jenerations of the Jews, & he also said they was born heirs to that priesthood By Linage or Decent & held the Keys of the first principles of the Gospel."

 

Date:                23 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location:         

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 235) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"The priesthood was given to Aaron and his posterity throughout all generations. We can trace the lineage down to Zacharias, he being the only lawful administrator in his day."

 

Original:
"The priesthood was given to Aron and his posterity throughout all generations We can trace the leanage down to Zachariah he being the only lawfull adminstrator in his day."

 

Date:                23 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location:         

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard  Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 234) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"[It was] forever hereditary, fixed on the head of Aaron down to Zacharias, the father of John."

 

Original:
"forever hereditary.—fixed on the head of aron. down to Zachariah—the father of John."

Leviticus

 

Leviticus 2:2-3

"And he shall bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:

And the remnant of the meat offering shall be Aaron’s and his sons’: it is a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire" (Leviticus 2:2-3).

 

Date:                5 October 1840 (Monday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Robert B. Thompson manuscript (Words of Joseph Smith, 43) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"It is a very prevalent opinion that the sacrifices which were offered were entirely consumed. This was not the case. If you read Leviticus 2:2-3 you will observe that the priests took a part as a memorial and offered it up before the Lord, while the remainder was kept for the maintenance of the priests. So the offerings and sacrifices are not all consumed upon the altar, but the blood is sprinkled, and the fat and certain other portions are consumed."

 

Original:

"It is a very prevalent opinion that in the sacrifices of—sacrifices which were offered were entirely consumed, this was not the case if you read Leviticus [2] Chap [2-3] verses you will observe that the priests took a part as a memorial and offered it up before the Lord, while the remainder was kept for the benefit maintenance of the priests. So that the offerings and sacrifices are not all consumed upon the Alter, but the blood is sprinkled and the fat and certain other portions are consumed."

Deuteronomy

 

Deuteronomy 30:4

"If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee:" (Deuteronomy 30:4).

 

Date:                November 1835

Location:          Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Messenger and Advocate (November 1835): 210

 

Joseph Smith:

"Mark carefully what the prophet says: ‘If any are driven out unto the utmost parts of heaven,’ which must mean the breadths of the earth. Now this promise is good to any, if there should be such, that are driven out, even in the last days. Therefore, the children of the fathers have claim unto this day."

 

Original:
"Many may say that this scripture is fulfilled, but let them mark carefully what the prophet says: "If any are driven out unto the utmost parts of heaven;" (which must mean the breadths of the earth.) Now this promise is good to any, if there should be such, that are driven out, even in the last days: therefore, the children of the fathers have claim unto this day."
1 Samuel

 

1 Samuel 15:22

"And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22).

 

Date:                15 July 1843 (Saturday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 July 1842): 857

 

Joseph Smith:

"We have been chastened by the hand of God heretofore for not obeying his commands. . . . We have treated lightly his commands and departed from his ordinances. And the Lord has chastened us sore, and we have felt his arm and kissed the rod. Let us be wise in time to come and ever remember that ‘to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.’"

 

Original:
"We have been chastened by the hand of God heretofore for not obeying his commands, although we never violated any human law, or transgressed any human precept: yet we have treated lightly his commands, and departed from his ordinances, and the Lord has chastened us sore, and we have felt his arm, and kissed the rod: let us we [be?] wise in time to come, and ever remember that ‘to obey is better than sacrifice; and to hearken than the fat of rams.’"

2 Samuel

 

2 Samuel 6:2-7

"And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.

And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.

And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.

And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.

And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God" (2 Samuel 6:2-7).

 

Date:                30 March 1834 (Sunday)

Location:          Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Edward Partridge and others (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 337)

 

Joseph Smith:

"Men should not attempt to steady the ark of God."

 

Original:
"men should not attempt to steady the ark of God!"

 

Date:                31 August 1835 (Monday)

Location:          Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Hezekiah Peck and others (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 365)

 

Joseph Smith:

"Many of the elders have come under great condemnation in endeavoring to steady the ark of God, in a place where they have not been sent."

 

Original:

"Therefore it is certain that many of the Elders have come under great condemnation, in endeavoring to steady the ark of God, in a place where they have not been sent."

 

Date:                26 May 1842 (Thursday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes (Words of Joseph Smith, 121) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"Man cannot steady the ark. My arm cannot do it; God must steady it."

 

Original:

"There are some who are obedient yet man cannot steady the ark—my arm cannot do it—God must steady it."

 

2 Samuel 12:7-13

"And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.

Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.

For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.

And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die" (2 Samuel 12:7-13).

 

Date:                10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 331) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"A murderer, for instance, one that sheds innocent blood, cannot have forgiveness. David sought repentance at the hand of God, carefully with tears, but he could only get it through Hell. He got a promise that his soul should not be left in Hell. Although David was a king, he never did obtain the spirit and power of Elijah and the fulness of the priesthood. And the priesthood that he received and the throne and kingdom of David is to be taken from him and given to another by the name of David in the last days, raised up out of his lineage."

 

Original:
"A murderer; for instance one that sheds innocent Blood Cannot have forgiveness, David sought repentance at the hand of God Carefully with tears, but he could only get it through Hell, he got a promise that his soul should not be left in Hell, Although David was a King he never did obtain the spirit & power of Elijah & the fullness of the Priesthood, & the priesthood that he received & the throne & kingdom of David is to be taken from him & given to another by the name of David in the last days, raised up out of his linage."

 

Date:                16 May 1841 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton’s Private Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 74) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"Peter had the keys of eternal judgment. And he saw David in Hell and knew for what reason, and that David would have to remain there until the resurrection at the coming of Christ."

 

Original:

"Peter had the keys of eternal judgment and he saw David in hell and knew for what reason, and that David would have to remain there until the resurrection at the coming of Christ."

 

Date:                16 May 1841 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 June 1841): 429-30

 

Joseph Smith:

"Even David must wait for those times of refreshing [Acts 3:19-20] before he can come forth and his sins be blotted out. For Peter speaking of him says, ‘David hath not yet ascended into heaven, for his sepulchre is with us to this day.’ His remains were then in the tomb. Now we read that many bodies of the Saints arose at Christ's resurrection, probably all the Saints. But it seems that David did not. Why? Because he had been a murderer."

 

Original:

"Even David, must wait for those times of refreshing, before he can come forth and his sins be blotted out; for Peter speaking of him says, "David hath not yet ascended into Heaven, for his sepulchre [sepulcher] is with us to this day"' his remains were then in the tomb. Now we read that many bodies of the saints arose, at Christ's resurrection, probably all the saints, but it seems that David did not. Why? because he had been a murderer."

 

Date:                12 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 62) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"Peter shows . . . that a murderer could not be redeemed until [God] would send Jesus Christ. . . . That is, that faith, repentance, and baptism would not save them until the[y were] scourged in Hell or paid the last farthing."

 

Original:

"Peter shews plainer it in the 3d of acts that a murderer could Not be Redmed intill he would send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto you &.c—that is that faith Re[entance & Baptizm would not save them until the[y were] scourged in hell or paid the Last farthing."

 

Date:                16 May 1841 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton’s Private Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 74) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"Remission of sins by baptism was not to be preached to murderers. All the priests in Christendom might pray for a murderer on the scaffold forever but could not avail so much as a gnat towards his forgiveness. There is no forgiveness for murderers. They will have to wait until the time of redemption shall come, and that in Hell."

 

Original:

"Remission of sins by baptism was not to be preached to murderers. All the priests in Christendom mighty pray for a murder on the scaffold forever, but could not avail so much as a gnat towards their forgiveness. There is no forgiveness for murderers. They will have to wait until the time of redemption shall come and that in hell."

 

Date:                1 June 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 June 1841): 429-30

 

Joseph Smith:

"The time of redemption here has reference to the time when Christ should come. Then and not till then would their sins be blotted out. Why? Because they were murderers, and no murderer hath eternal life. . . . If the ministers of religion had a proper understanding of the doctrine of eternal judgment, they would not be found attending the man who had forfeited his life to the injured laws of his country by shedding innocent blood. For such characters cannot be forgiven until they have paid the last farthing. The prayers of all the ministers in the world could never close the gates of Hell against a murderer."

 

Original:

"The time of redemption here had reference to the time, when Christ should come; then and not till then would their sins be blotted out. Why? Because they were murderers, and no murderer hath eternal life. Even David, must wait for those times of refreshing, before he can come forth and his sins be blotted out; for Peter speaking of him says, "David hath not yet ascended into Heaven, for his sepulchre [sepulcher] is with us to this day"' his remains were then in the tomb. Now we read that many bodies of the saints arose, at Christ's resurrection, probably all the saints, but it seems that David did not. Why? because he had been a murderer."

 

Date:                10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 331) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"He did not say to them, ‘Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins.’ But he said, ‘Repent therefore and be converted. . . .’ This is the case with murderers. They could not be baptized for the remission of sins, for they had shed innocent blood."

 

Original:

"He did not say to them repent & be baptized for the remission of your sins but he said repent therefore & be converted that yours ins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, Acts iii,19 this is the case with murders they could not be baptized for the remission of sins for they had shed innocent Blood."

1 Kings

 

1 Kings 3:5-12

"In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.

And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee" (1 Kings 3:5-12).

 

Date:                1842

Location:          Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Nancy Rigdon, Sangamo Journal (19 August 1842); (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 538)

 

Joseph Smith:

"If we seek first the kingdom of God, all good things will be added. So [it was] with Solomon. First he asked wisdom, and God gave it him—and with it every desire of his heart."

 

Original:
"If we seek first the kingdom of God, all good things will be added. So with Solomon-first he asked wisdom, and God gave it him, and with it every desire of his heart."

 

1 Kings 19:11-12

"And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:

And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice" (1 Kings 19:11-12).

 

Date:                26 May 1844 (Sunday)

Location:         

Source: History of the Church, 6:408-12 (Words of Joseph Smith, 373) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"God is in the still small voice."

 

Original:
same as above.

 

1 Chronicles

 

1 Chronicles 13:7-10

"And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.

And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God" (1 Chronicles 13:7-10).

 

Date:                30 March 1834 (Sunday)

Location:          Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Edward Partridge and others (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 337)

 

Joseph Smith:

"Men should not attempt to steady the ark of God."

 

Original:
"men should not attempt to steady the ark of God!"

 

Date:                31 August 1835 (Monday)

Location:          Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Hezekiah Peck and others (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 346)

 

Original:

"Therefore it is certain that many of the Elders have come under great condemnation, in endeavoring to steady the ark of God, in a place where they have not been sent."

 

Date:                26 May 1842 (Thursday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes (Words of Joseph Smith, 121) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"Man cannot steady the ark. My arm cannot do it; God must steady it."

 

Original:

"There are some who are obedient yet man cannot steady the ark—my arm cannot do it—God must steady it."

 

2 Chronicles

 

2 Chronicles 1:7-12

"In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.

Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?

And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like" (2 Chronicles 1:7-12).

 

Date:                1842

Location:         

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Nancy Rigdon, Sangano Journal (19 August 1842); (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 538)

 

Joseph Smith:

"If we seek first the kingdom of God, all good things will be added. So [it was] with Solomon. First he asked wisdom, and God gave it him—and with it every desire of his heart."

 

Original:
"If we seek first the kingdom of God, all good things will be added. So with Solomon-first he asked wisdom, and God gave it him, and with it every desire of his heart."

Esther

 

Esther 3-7

 

Date:                16 December 1838 (Sunday)

Location:          Liberty Jail, Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to the Church in Caldwell County (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 415-16)

 

Joseph Smith:

"We want you to remember Haman and Mordecai. You know that Haman could not be satisfied so long as he saw Mordecai at the king's gate, and he sought the life of Mordecai and the people of the Jews. But the Lord so ordered that Haman was hanged upon his own gallows. So shall it come to pass with poor Haman in the last days. Those who have sought by their unbelief and wickedness and by the principle of mobocracy to destroy us and the people of God, by killing and scattering them abroad and wilfully and maliciously delivering us into the hands of murderers desiring us to be put to death, thereby having us dragged about in chains and cast into prison—and for what cause? It is because we were honest men and were determined to defend the lives of the Saints at the expense of our own. I say unto you that those who have thus vilely treated us like Haman shall be hanged upon their own gallows, or, in other words, shall fall into their own gin and trap and ditch, which they have prepared for us, and shall go backward and stumble and fall. And their names shall be blotted out, and God shall reward them according to all their abominations."

 

Original:
"But we want you to remember Haman and Mordecai you know that Haman could not be satisfied so long as he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate, and he sought the life of Mordecai and the people of the jews. But the Lord so ordered that Haman was hanged upon his own gallows. So shall it come to pass with poor Haman in the last days. Those who have sought by their unbelief and wickedness and by the principle of mobocracy to destroy us and the people of God by killing and scattering them abroad and wilfully and maliciously delivering us into the hands of murderers desiring us to be put to death thereaby having us dragged about in chains and cast into prison, and for what cause: it is because we were honest men and were determined to defend the lives of the saints at the expense of our own. I say unto you that those who have thus vilely treated us like Haman shall be hanged upon their own gallows, or in other words, shall fall into their own gin and trap and ditch which they have prepared for us and shall go backward and stumble and fall, and their names shall be blotted out, and God shall reward them according to all their abominations."

Job

 

Job 2:11

"Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him" (Job 2:11).

 

Date:                16 December 1833 (Monday)

Location:          Liberty Jail, Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to the Church in Caldwell County (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 417)

 

Joseph Smith:

"God suffered such kind of beings to afflict Job, but it never entered into their hearts that Job would get out of it all."

 

Original:
same as above.

 

Job 4-37

 

Date:                29 September 1839 (Sunday)

Location:          Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, Illinois Journal 1839, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 2:332)

 

Joseph Smith:

"It is an unhallowed principle to say that such and such have transgressed because they have been preyed upon by disease or death, for all flesh is subject to death, and the Savior has said, ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged’ [Matt. 7:1]."

 

Original:
"it is an unhallowed principle to say that such and such have transgressed because they have been preyed upon by disease or death for all flesh is subject to death and the Saviour has said, ‘Judge not lest ye be judged’."

 

Date:                28 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location:         

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 67-68) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"In the book is a great display of human nature. It is very natural for a man when he sees his fellow man afflicted his natural conclusion is that he is suffering the wrath of an angry God and turn from him in haste, not knowing the purpose of God."  

 

Original:
"Joseph Reads the 38th Ch—of Job. in the book he says is a great Display of human Nature—it is very Natureal for a man when he sees his fellow man afflicted his Natureal conclusion is that he is suffering the Rath of an angry God & turn from him in haste not knowing the purpose of God."

 

Job 38:4

"Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding" (Job 38:4).

 

Date:                28 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location:         

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 68) Go to Full Source

 

Joseph Smith:

"The spirit or the intelligence of men are self-existent principles before the foundation [of] this earth. ‘Where wast thou when I laid the foundation of the earth?’ [This is] evidence that Job was existing somewhere at that time."

 

Original:
"the spirit or the intelligence of men are self Existant principles he before the foundation this Earth--& quotes the Lords question to Job ‘where wast thou when I laid the foundation of the Earth’ Evidence that Job was in Existing somewhere at that time."