Item Detail
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27184
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0
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0
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English
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The Promises Made to and the Right Belonging to the Fathers
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An Eye of Faith : Essays in Honor of Richard O. Cowan
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Provo, UT
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Religious Studies Center, BYU
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159-175
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The Prophet Joseph Smith recounted that on the night of September 21-22, 1823, Moroni quoted the prophecy of Malachi regarding the return of Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord "with a little variation from the way it reads in our Bibles" (Joseph Smith-History 1:36). Moroni's variation emphasizes the latter-day restoration of the blessings of the priesthood and promises made to the fathers: "Behold, I will reveal unto you the prieshood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet . . . ," Moroni pronounced, "and he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers" (Joseph Smith-History 1:39) ...
While the Prophet Joseph Smith worked on the translation of the Book of Abraham he learned that Abraham "sought for the blessings of the fathers," including that of becoming "a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers" (Abraham 1:2). Understanding how Malachi's promise of Elijah's return and Abraham's account relate to each other and their common message enlightens readers regarding priesthood and family. A discussion of these two passages also offers insight to the ancient biblical record regarding the attention to genealogy of the fathers, especially in the book of Genesis. Further, individuals may better understand how they can become one of "the fathers." [From the text]