Aug 23-29, 2021 Doctrine and Covenants 93 “RECEIVE OF HIS FULLNESS”

Summary: Doctrine and Covenants 93. Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, May 6, 1833. 1–5, All who are faithful will see the Lord; 6–18, John bore record that the Son of God went from grace to grace until He received a fulness of the glory of the Father; 19–20, Faithful men, going from grace to grace, will also receive of His fulness; 21–22, Those who are begotten through Christ are the Church of the Firstborn; 23–28, Christ received a fulness of all truth, and man by obedience may do likewise; 29–32, Man was in the beginning with God; 33–35, The elements are eternal, and man may receive a fulness of joy in the Resurrection; 36–37, The glory of God is intelligence; 38–40, Children are innocent before God because of the redemption of Christ; 41–53, The leading brethren are commanded to set their families in order.

Supplemental What are the How did the forerunner, John, describe Jewish and meanings of the and teach about the “Word?” Holy Land “word?” “In the beginning was the Word, and the Insights The Bible is holy to Word was with God, and the Word was Jews because it God. The same was in the beginning with represents the Word of God. AThis is God. All things were made by him; and particularly true of the Torah which is, so without him was not any thing made that to speak, God's direct statement. The was made. In him was life; and the life halakhah, or Jewish law, which is the was the light of men. And the light shineth authoritative guide for a Jew's life, is in darkness; and the darkness mainly based on the Torah (first 5-books), comprehended it not.” (John 1:1-5) John so obviously study of the Torah as well as knew very well who the creator, the Son the rest of the Bible is one of the prime of the living God was, and his mission religious duties. AThe custom of reading was to testify of Him. AWhy did John send the Torah publicly is very, very two of his disciples to Jesus to ask if he ancientBoriginating with Ezra in the fifth- were the promised Messiah? (Matt. 11:2-6; fourth centuries B.C.E. At some later date Luke 7:19-23) Any inference that the a reading from the Nevi'im was added; Baptist was uncertain or doubtful in his this corresponding passage from the own mind, as to the identity and mission Prophets is known as the Haftorah.@ of the Master, is totally unwarranted. In (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) The Latter-day reality, the imprisoned Elias and Saints= use of the Doctrine and forerunner of our Lord was using this Covenants, Pearl of Great Price and the means to persuade his disciples to Book of Mormon is like an LDS Haftorah. forsake him and follow Jesus.@ (Bruce R. Literally it is the reading of the Nevi'im, the McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament AProphets,@ with their explanations and Commentary, Vol.1, p.251) heavenly insights. AOn Shabbat ha-Gadol, a special haftarah, [reading from the How did Jesus describe his cousin and Prophets] taken from the Book of Malachi forerunner? and referring to the day on which Elijah “But what went ye out for to see? A the Prophet will reappear as forerunner of prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more the great day of the Lord, is read.@ than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, shows himself to man. There is no Among them that are born of women specific term corresponding to >revelation= there hath not risen a greater than John in the Bible or in rabbinic Hebrew. God is the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is said to >appear= to the patriarchs and least in the kingdom of heaven is greater prophets, and the appearances are than he.” (Matthew 11:9-11) AThe described by a series of anthropomorphic phenomenon of prophecy is founded on (i.e., human) expressions and concrete the basic belief that God makes His Will images. Sometimes God manifests known to chosen individuals in successive Himself >in a vision= or >in a dream= or he generations. A prophet is a charismatic appears through the mediation of an individual endowed with the divine gift of angel. However, the Bible emphasizes both receiving and imparting the message that no direct, sensory perception of God of revelation. A prophet does not choose is possible. Thus, various phrases are his profession but is chosen, often against used when describing appearances of the his own will, as in the case of Jonah, to Divine, for example kavod (>glory=) or convey the word of God to the people shekhinah (. . . >Divine Presence=) or regardless of whether they wish to hear it. davar (>word= of God).” AThe individuality The prophet, although conscious of being of the prophet is never affected. No two overwhelmed by the divine word and of prophets prophesied in the same style. being involved in an encounter with God, God speaks to the prophet and the is still capable of reacting and responding, prophet in turn speaks out.” (Encyclopedia and may even engage God in dialogue.” Judaica Jr.) (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) How do Jews treat the scroll or books What has happened to the Jews’ of the Bible? perception of “revelation?” With a lack of present-day revelation, the AA prime function of the prophet was to Jews have turned to revere the scripture defend his people and to act as a scrolls in a more fastidious manner. To mediator on their behalf. He constantly the Jews, the scriptures, the words of pleaded with Israel to seek God that they God, are so special they must never touch might live. He prayed that repentance the ground. Many use a pointer to read might have the desired effect of invoking the words rather than touch the scrolls mercy. A prophet was not charged with with their fingers. The scroll cabinet, the religious innovation: his function was to AArk,@ is said to contain the Apresence of clarify the teachings of the Bible. Moses God,@ meaning the word of God. It is often was the >master of the prophets.= No that I have noticed the reverence in prophet after him succeeded as he did in knocking, then parting the curtain in order penetrating the nature of the Divine.@ to open the “ark” containing the scriptures, (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) In the New the “word” of God, even the “Divine Testament, John knew who the Savior Presence” as they call it. In reviewing was. Like all prophets, he bore witness of history, one of the oldest technologies for the Lord and desired to bring people to recording texts that become a library was Him. For Judaism, Alooking to God@ and writing on leather. As more space was Arevelation@ are almost figurative and in needed for added texts, additional leather modern times have become was sewn on to the existing scroll. One of unexplainable. For this lesson, let=s review the Dead Sea Scrolls, Isaiah, is about some previous quotes. ARevelation, the twenty-seven feet long. These scrolls are act by which the hidden, unknown God usually fastened to a stick at each end for better handling, rolling open and shut and for stability in storage. Since the Dead cap, robe, sash, etc. is worn correctly. By Sea Scrolls, a particular manner of the way, when Jesus lived, apparently the copying scripture scrolls came into use. Jews read the ALaw and the Prophets@ just Each scroll has the same positioning of once a week. AAnd he came to Nazareth, every page, line and letter. A scribe, where he had been brought up: and, as his called sofer, (soferim, plural) even custom was, he went into the synagogue on preserved oddities because they might the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read.@ mean something that might be understood (Luke 4:16) better at a later time. How can I better understand the When are the scriptures read in Jewish terms “grace” and “grace to grace?” public gatherings?” The Prophets of God progressed to Reading the scriptures is a very important know God and His creations. From part of Jewish Life. There are normally three grace to grace, unknowing to a fullness days a week when the first five books of the of understanding, they grew to Bible, the ATorah,@ known as the Law, and accomplish their callings. Even Moses related parts of the Neviim, the prophets, said, “For behold, I could not look upon are read. Every congregation, whether God, except his glory should come upon Orthodox, Conservative or Reform reads me, and I were transfigured before him.” the same Torah and other sections on (Moses 1:14) Moses increased grace to Mondays, Thursdays and Sabbaths grace, “And behold, the glory of the Lord (Saturdays). There are additional readings was upon Moses, so that Moses stood in on High Days such as Yom Kippur, the presence of God, and talked with him Passover, Sukkoth, Rosh Hannah, Shavuot, face to face.” (Moses 1:31) And it came to etc. In addition to reading the Torah pass that the Lord spake unto Moses, segments, additional readings from the saying: Behold, I reveal unto you Neviim, the Prophets, and the Ketuvim, the concerning this heaven, and this earth; Prophet’s writings, are added. Over the write the words which I speak. I am the years, these additional readings have been Beginning and the End, the Almighty God; added to assist in explaining the Torah by mine Only Begotten I created these portion being read. At one time in history, approximately 150 B.C., the foreign things; yea, in the beginning I created the occupying government of the Greeks and heaven, and the earth upon which thou Syrians forbade the Jews to read the Torah, standest.” (Moses 2:1) The promise so they began reading the Psalms, and stands even for us; “. . . Grow in grace, parts of the Ketuvim, instead. Nowadays, and in the knowledge of our Lord and selected Psalms and other writings of the Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory Old Testament constitute a regular part of both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter daily Jewish reading. As stated in a 3:18) previous lesson, it should be noted that reading scriptures and praying are to be How important is “teaching the done in a singing or chanting way to children?” differentiate the common everyday sounds Let=s take a look at Jewish culture as it of the mouth with the Word of the Lord or applies to family, family leadership, words to the Lord. A pattern of singing has children and their responsibilities and developed that puts emphasis on particular reverence for each other. One of the most syllables and words. When a boy has a Bar consistent rituals includes, at the Mitzvah, he is accompanied by a person Sabbath=s beginning, a weekly pouring of who may prompt him to sing his words Akosher wine@ (or juice) by the eldest male correctly while making sure that his clothing, in the family. He will say a blessing, take a sip of the wine and then each family woman and is represented as God's member partakes thereafter. Another part daughter and Israel's bride. AIn modern of the Sabbath=s beginning is to bless a Israel, the Declaration of Independence piece of broken bread. Again, the eldest ensures complete equality of political and male partakes first, and the rest of the social rights to all its inhabitants, regardless family partakes thereafter. A>Lo, children of religion, race, or sex, but the real Magna are a heritage of the Lord; the fruit of the Carta of the Israeli woman was the womb is a reward= (Psalm 127:3). In Jewish Women's Equal Rights Law of 1951, giving tradition, the central purpose of marriage women equal legal status with men. The only field of law in which there remains a is to have children. Children are degree of discrimination against women is considered a great blessing; they are the that of personal status. Matters of marriage hope and the promise of continuing life. and divorce come within the exclusive A Responsibilities of a man, a woman and jurisdiction of the religious courts and thus, of children are stated in the scriptures, for example, a divorce must be given by the Talmudic and oral traditions. In many husband to the wife. On the other hand, in religious Jewish families, the father accordance with the halakhah (Jewish law), blesses his wife and children on a weekly children take the national identity of their basis. Women and children are to be mother and not that of their father.” cherished and blessed. They have (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) different responsibilities, yet they should share an honorable status without How similar are the concepts of raising preference.” (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) As children in Jewish and Latter-day Saint Judaism spread without the guidance of homes? living prophets, some discrimination Jewish tradition places a strong became evident. AThe woman's legal responsibility on the husband and father. status, as defined in the Bible, is generally Further details of Jewish custom in the the same as that of man, as is her moral family parallel the Latter-day Saints= responsibility but certain laws do lifestyle. AThe father's duty is to provide discriminate both for and against her. For for his children, to give them a proper example, special attention was paid to education, to teach them a trade, and to injury suffered by a pregnant woman, and prepare them for marriage. Some the conditions applicable to a woman sold authorities require that the father teach his into slavery were far better than those of a son to swim. The father is morally male slave. The owner was expected to accountable for the behavior and the sins marry her himself or have one of his sons of his children until they reach the age of marry her and he had to treat her as a their own responsibilityBbat mitzvah at the daughter-in-law.@ (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) age of 12 for girls, and bar mitzvah at the age of 13 for boys. The father retains What is the place for a woman in Jewish responsibility in legal matters for his son Life? until the age of 20 and for his daughter The strong Jewish tradition about women until she marries.” AGreat emphasis is places them on a lofty pedestal. AIt is said placed on the importance of education that a man without a wife lives without joy, and religious training, which should begin blessing and good, and that a man should early in the home. The mother's role is love his wife as himself and respect her vital since she is the one who creates the more than himself. Women have greater home atmosphere in which basic values faith than men and greater powers of are fostered and transmitted. She trains discernment. The Torah, the greatest joy of her sons and daughters in mitzvot the rabbis, is frequently pictured as a (commandments/blessings) and prepares servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the them for formal education. The rabbis seed of Abraham my friend.” (Isaiah 41:8) advised parents to be loving but firm in AIslam, the name given by Muslims to their the upbringing of their children and religion, means >submission= (to the will of warned against showing favoritism.” God). Muhammad, a seventh century C.E. (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) merchant of Mecca, and founder of Islam, is considered by believers to have been What are the responsibilities of parents the last of a line of prophets starting with and children? Adam, and the one who revealed to the AIn some communities it is customary for world the divine doctrine of the Koran, the father to bless his children on the said to have been given him from God by Sabbath eve when he returns from the the angel Gabriel. Acceptance of synagogue.” AChildren are obliged to treat Muhammad's teaching implies belief in their parents with honor and respect. Allah as the only god; in the angels; in the Children must provide dependent parents divine inspiration of the holy books with food, clothing and personal attention (including the Bible); in the prophets if it is necessary. This obligation is (including such Jewish and Christian removed from a daughter when she figures as Abraham, >the merciful friend= marries. AJudaism considers the and the first to profess monotheism, establishment of a family a holy task. Moses, and Jesus); in the day of Children are a gift from God and judgment; and in Allah's predetermination childlessness the greatest misfortune that of good and evil. Muslims are obliged to could befall a marriage. The virtues of recite their creed and to pray five times domestic bliss have been frequently daily; to fast from dawn to sunset in the extolled by the rabbis, and the close knit month of Ramadan; to pay legal alms Jewish family, where the home has been (charity); and to go on at least one the center of religious practice and pilgrimage to Mecca, site of the holy Black ceremony, has greatly helped the survival Stone, the Ka'aba.@ (Encyclopedia Judaica of Judaism and preserved the moral Jr.) The monotheism mentioned above integrity of the Jews.@ (Encyclopedia grew out of mistaking that the Godhead is Judaica Jr.) Although there are many characterized by “oneness” in purpose variances in Jewish religious and glory, a glorious friendship! interpretations and worship expressions, the family is always the central holding What can I learn about friendship and point. The sanctity of family is why being a friend? JewsBeven unobservantBalways want to A wise Levite told me in Jerusalem, remain Jews. Latter-day Saints share that “Being friendly is easy, being a friend is perspective. Even to His children that rare.” Jesus used the term friends about wander away from God and the path those who misunderstood him. AAnd then leading to salvation, He is still AFather@ in shall the Jews look upon me and say: Heaven. What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet? Then shall they know that How do I know that a servant of God is I am the Lord; for I will say unto them: a friend of God? These wounds are the wounds with which “Art not thou our God, who didst drive out I was wounded in the house of my friends. the inhabitants of this land before thy I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of was crucified. I am the Son of God.@ Abraham thy friend for ever?” (2 (Zechariah 13:6, Doctrine and Covenants Chronicles 20:7) “But thou, Israel, art my 45:51-52) “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his thy gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) AThere friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do should be a mezuzah at the entrance to whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I every home and on the doorpost of every call you not servants; for the servant living room within the homeBthis of course knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I excludes lavatories, bathrooms, have called you friends; for all things that I storerooms and stables. It is also have heard of my Father I have made customary to place mezuzot at the known unto you.” (John 15:13-15) The Old entrances to synagogues and public Testament identifies friendship as, “A buildings, including all government offices friend loveth at all times, and a brother is in Israel. In Israel a mezuzah must be put born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17) “A up immediately when a house is occupied man that hath friends must shew himself by a JewBoutside Israel after the friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh householder has lived in the house for 30 closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24) days. If the house is later sold to Jews, the mezuzot must be left on the How can I remind myself to pray doorposts. Today the mezuzah represents always – in my incomings and one of Judaism's most widely observed outgoings? ceremonial commandments.@ “The 12th For the members of the Church of Jesus century rabbinic authority, Maimonides, Christ of Latter-day Saints, the “law” stresses that this commandment is to be should be written in their hearts, a observed purely from love of God, and that spiritually led guidance. For the Jews, the the mezuzah is not a good luck charm with “law” is a list of do’s and don’ts. To power to ward off evil spirits. Many people, facilitate adherence to the tenant that however, are accustomed to kiss the Godly things should constantly be sought mezuzah or to touch it and then kiss the after, the Jews have some traditional fingers when entering or leaving.@ symbols which Akeep God=s word in front (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) This instruction of them@ at all times. Jews remind is similar to the dedication of the Kirtland themselves of God=s words by binding Temple and is a model for our home to be leather phylacteries (Tfillin) on the arm worthy for the Lord to come in and go out. and forehead as well as on all Jewish “That your incomings may be in the name of doorposts (Mezuzah). These are a the Lord, that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord, that all your salutations summary of words in the Mezuzah and in may be in the name of the Lord, with the Tfillin: AHear, O Israel: The LORD our uplifted hands unto the Most High.” God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the (Doctrine and Covenants 109:9) LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. What is the value in obtaining a And these words, which I command thee knowledge of history, countries, this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou kingdoms, laws of God and man? shalt teach them diligently unto thy In Synagogue services there are certain children, and shalt talk of them when thou benedictions recited or read. One of them sittest in thine house, and when thou is a request for the gifts of wisdom and walkest by the way, and when thou liest knowledge. AThe fourth benediction is a down, and when thou risest up. And thou request for the gift of wisdom and shalt bind them for a sign upon thine understanding. It concludes with Barukh . hand, and they shall be as frontlets . . honen ha-da'at (Blessed be . . . the between thine eyes. And thou shalt write gracious giver of knowledge.)@ AThe them upon the posts of thy house, and on shofet, or judge, had to meet strict qualifications, besides just knowing the that ascended up on high, as also he law. Among these qualifications were descended below all things, in that he piety, wisdom, humility, gentility and comprehended all things, that he might be human understanding. When Moses set in all and through all things, the light of up the first courts, he looked for >able men truth; Which truth shineth. This is the light such as fear God, men of truth, hating of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the unjust gain= (Exodus 18:21) and >wise men, light of the sun, and the power thereof by and understanding and full of knowledge.= which, it was made. As also he is in the (Encyclopedia Judaica, Jr.) As a reminder, moon, and is the light of the moon, and the first two verses of the Book of Mormon the power thereof by which it was made; give us a key to true learning. The As also the light of the stars, and the Prophet Nephi gave us the key to power thereof by which they were made; understanding the scriptures. We need And the earth also, and the power thereof, the Alearning of the Jews@ along with the even the earth upon which you stand. And Aknowledge of the mysteries of God.@ In the light which shineth, which giveth you this case, the Amysteries@ are simply the light, is through him who enlighteneth your subtle, God-given instructions known by eyes, which is the same light that the gift of the Holy Ghost. “For he that quickeneth your understandings; Which diligently seeketh shall find; and the of God light proceedeth forth from the presence shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of God to fill the immensity of spaceBThe of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as light which is in all things, which giveth life in times of old, and as well in times of old as to all things, which is the law by which all in times to come; wherefore, the course of things are governed, even the power of the Lord is one eternal round.” (1 Nephi God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in 10:19). As prophets have taught, the the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst Messiah is through everything and around of all things.@ (Doctrine and Covenants 88:6- everything, after all, He is in all things. AHe 13)