Friday, September 12, 2014

Was the Coming of Joseph Smith Prophecied in Genesis?

I am continuing to discuss some material from the book Mormonism and the Bible. Our Mormon friends see Joseph Smith as rightly taking his place among the great historic prophets, including such figures as Moses and Jesus (who of course was much more than a prophet!). In the King James Version of the Bible the 50th chapter of Genesis ends with verse 26, but in Joseph Smith's Inspired Translation he adds in another 12 verses some of which are posted below.

The following verses are highlighted to illustrate how, according to LDS church teaching, the sacred books of Mormonism (including the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and Covenants) as well as the coming of Joseph Smith himself were foretold--even to stating that his name would be Joseph after the name of his father. Of course there is no textual evidence for these additions in any existing ancient documents or manuscripts.
 Genesis 50:31 Wherefore the fruit of thy loins shall write, and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together unto the confounding of false doctrines, and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to a knowledge of their fathers in the latter days; and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord. 32 And out of weakness shall he be made strong, in that day when my work shall go forth among all my people, which shall restore them, who are of the house of Israel, in the last days.
 33 And that seer will I bless, and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded; for this promise I give unto you; for I will remember you from generation to generation; and his name shall be called Joseph, and it shall be after the name of his father; and he shall be like unto you; for the thing which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand shall bring my people unto salvation.

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