The Five Books of Moses details God’s covenant with his people, emphasizing the blessings they will receive for their righteousness and the curses that will befall them for their wickedness. The books teach us that the choice between obedience and disobedience has profound consequences, shaping the destiny of individuals and nations. The message is a call to faithfulness, reminding readers that God’s blessings are conditional upon their obedience to his commandments and their willingness to walk in his ways.
Read the Joseph Smith Translation (JST), or Inspired Version (IV) of the Bible here.
Watch our video discussing these scriptures here.
In the following, we will review the main themes and crucial ideas found within the Joseph Smith Translation of the Five Books of Moses.
The Table of Nations
(Genesis 10:4-17)
This passage details the descendants of Noah through his three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. These descendants are presented as the progenitors of different nations and peoples. The sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Phut, and Canaan. Note that some of these names correspond to regions known in the ancient world (e.g., Mizraim is linked to Egypt). Nimrod, a descendant of Cush, is described as a mighty hunter and the founder of a kingdom that included Babel (Babylon). This connects him to the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), a tale explaining the diversity of languages.
The passage goes on to list the sons of Shem, including Eber (from whom the Hebrews derive their name). The line of Arphaxad to Eber to Peleg is highlighted. Peleg’s name means “division,” and his birth is associated with the division of the earth, possibly alluding to a dispersal of peoples or a separation of languages.
Key Points to Consider:
- The Table of Nations attempts to provide a genealogical framework for understanding the relationships between different peoples in the ancient Near East.
- The text reflects the Israelite understanding of their place in the wider world.
- The story of Nimrod and the Tower of Babel provides an etiology (an explanation of origin) for the multiplicity of languages.
The Abrahamic Covenant
(Genesis 17:7-20)
God establishes a covenant with Abram, changing his name to Abraham, signifying a new identity and destiny. The covenant promises:
- Abraham will become the father of many nations.
- His descendants will be exceedingly fruitful.
- Kings will come from his lineage.
- The land of Canaan will be given to his descendants as an everlasting possession.
Circumcision is instituted as the sign of the covenant, a physical mark to distinguish Abraham and his descendants as belonging to God. The passage emphasizes the binding nature of the covenant for all future generations.
Key Points to Consider:
- The Abrahamic covenant is foundational to Israelite belief and identity. It establishes a special relationship between God and Abraham’s descendants.
- The covenant includes both promises and obligations.
- Circumcision serves as a visible reminder of the covenant and sets apart the Israelites from other peoples.
The Joseph Blessing
(Genesis 49:4-50:35)
This passage recounts the blessings bestowed upon his sons by Jacob, also known as Israel, on his deathbed. Each son receives a blessing or, in some cases, a rebuke, that often reflects their character or actions earlier in the narrative. Judah’s blessing is particularly significant, prophesying that the scepter (symbol of rulership) will not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes. This passage has been interpreted messianically, pointing toward a future king from the line of Judah. Joseph receives a double portion, symbolized by his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, being adopted by Jacob and receiving blessings. Jacob prophesies that a great seer will arise from Joseph’s lineage, specifically mentioning Moses by name. The passage concludes with the death and burial of Jacob in Canaan, fulfilling his desire to be buried in the Promised Land.
Key Points to Consider:
- The blessings of Jacob serve as pronouncements about the future of his sons and their tribes.
- The prominence given to Judah and Joseph foreshadows their importance in the subsequent history of Israel.
- The mention of Moses in the Joseph blessing anticipates the central role he will play in the Exodus narrative.
The Law
(Exodus 13:1-Deuteronomy 33:3)
This section covers a significant portion of the Mosaic Law, including instructions for religious observances, social justice, and ethical conduct. Passover is instituted as a commemoration of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 13:1-14). The Ten Commandments are presented as the foundational moral code for the Israelites (Exodus 20:1-16). Laws regarding property, restitution, and treatment of the vulnerable (widows, orphans, foreigners) are established, emphasizing justice and compassion (Exodus 22:11-26). The concept of Jubilee, a year of release and restoration, is introduced, promoting economic fairness and social equality (Leviticus 25:14-55). Blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience are laid out, underscoring the consequences of following or rejecting God’s covenant (Leviticus 26:1-46). Moses delivers a final address, including a song recounting God’s faithfulness and Israel’s rebellion, as well as blessings for each tribe (Deuteronomy 31:29-33:3).
Key Points to Consider:
The Mosaic Law is a complex and comprehensive legal system that covers various aspects of Israelite life. The law emphasizes the importance of social justice, ethical conduct, and care for the vulnerable. Obedience to the Law is seen as essential for the well-being of the Israelites and their relationship with God.
Quiz
This detailed study guide, quiz, essay prompts, and glossary should help you prepare for an exam or review your understanding of the source material from the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- What is the significance of the Table of Nations in Genesis?
- What are the key promises God makes to Abraham in the Abrahamic covenant?
- Why is circumcision instituted in the Abrahamic covenant?
- What is notable about the blessings given to Judah and Joseph in Genesis 49?
- What is the main purpose of the Passover festival?
- What is the central message of the Ten Commandments?
- How do the laws in Exodus 22:11-26 reflect principles of justice and compassion?
- What is the significance of the Jubilee year in Leviticus 25?
- How does Deuteronomy 32 contrast God’s faithfulness with Israel’s tendency toward rebellion?
- What is the purpose of the blessings Moses pronounces on the tribes of Israel in Deuteronomy 33?
Quiz Answer Key
- The Table of Nations in Genesis attempts to provide a genealogical framework for understanding the relationships between different peoples in the ancient Near East. It reflects the Israelite understanding of their place in the wider world.
- God promises Abraham that he will become the father of many nations, that his descendants will be exceedingly fruitful, that kings will come from his lineage, and that the land of Canaan will be given to his descendants as an everlasting possession.
- Circumcision is instituted as the sign of the Abrahamic covenant, a physical mark to distinguish Abraham and his descendants as belonging to God. It is a visible reminder of the covenant and sets the Israelites apart from other peoples.
- The blessings given to Judah and Joseph are notable because they foreshadow the importance of these tribes in the subsequent history of Israel. Judah is promised rulership, while Joseph’s descendants are blessed with prosperity and the emergence of a future leader (Moses).
- The main purpose of the Passover festival is to commemorate the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It serves as a reminder of God’s saving power and the importance of remembering their history.
- The central message of the Ten Commandments is to establish a foundational moral code for the Israelites. They define the fundamental principles of their relationship with God and with each other.
- The laws in Exodus 22:11-26 reflect principles of justice and compassion by emphasizing fair treatment in property matters, requiring restitution for wrongdoing, and calling for the protection of vulnerable members of society, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners.
- The Jubilee year in Leviticus 25 is significant because it promotes economic fairness and social equality. During this year, land is returned to its original owners, debts are forgiven, and indentured servants are freed. It is meant to prevent extreme economic disparity and uphold the principles of justice and liberation.
- Deuteronomy 32 contrasts God’s faithfulness and loving care for Israel with their repeated tendency toward rebellion and idolatry. The song highlights the tension between God’s unwavering commitment to his people and their frequent failure to uphold their part of the covenant.
- Moses’ blessings in Deuteronomy 33 affirm the unique character and calling of each tribe of Israel. They offer words of encouragement, guidance, and hope for their future as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Essay Questions
- Analyze the concept of covenant in the book of Genesis. How does the Abrahamic covenant shape Israelite identity and understanding of their relationship with God?
- Compare and contrast the blessings given to different sons of Jacob in Genesis 49. What do these blessings reveal about the character of each son and the future of their tribes?
- Explore the social and ethical dimensions of the Mosaic Law. How do the laws regarding property, restitution, and treatment of the vulnerable reflect principles of justice and compassion?
- Explain the concept of Jubilee as outlined in Leviticus 25. How does this institution contribute to social and economic justice within Israelite society?
- Analyze Moses’ final address to the Israelites in Deuteronomy. What key themes does he emphasize as he prepares them to enter the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua?
Glossary
- Covenant: A binding agreement between God and his people, involving promises and obligations.
- Circumcision: The ritual removal of the foreskin, serving as a sign of the Abrahamic covenant.
- Passover: A festival commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
- Ten Commandments: The foundational moral code given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai.
- Jubilee: A year of release and restoration, occurring every 50 years, in which land is returned, debts are forgiven, and indentured servants are freed.
- Blessings and Curses: The consequences of obedience and disobedience to God’s covenant, respectively.
- Nazarite: A person who takes a vow of separation and dedication to God, involving abstaining from wine and cutting their hair.
- Trespass Offering: A sacrifice offered for unintentional sins or offenses.
- Firstborn: The first male offspring, dedicated to the Lord.
- Redeem: To buy back or set free something that has been pledged or dedicated.
- Tithe: A tenth of one’s produce or income, given to support the Levites and the temple.
- Shekel: A unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel.
- Sanctuary: A holy place dedicated to God.
- Sabbath: The seventh day of the week, set aside for rest and worship.
