In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Lehi interpreted
Genesis in a remarkably complex way.
Most of what Lehi quoted is also very similar
to the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 50,
suggesting that Lehi had something similar
to this version of the scriptures.
In the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 50,
God said
he, “will raise up Moses, and a rod shall be in his hand”.
He also said that Moses would, “have judgment,
and shall write the word of the Lord.
And he shall not speak many words,
for I will write unto him my law by the finger of mine own hand.
And I will make a spokesman for him, and his
name shall be called Aaron”.
In the Book of Mormon, Lehi expounded upon
these scriptures
by relating them to a future Joseph,
who we know as Joseph Smith.
He said that God would raise up Joseph Smith
in the last days,
just as God had raised up the original Moses in ancient times.
Lehi said that Joseph Smith would write the
word of the Lord,
and that God would “give power” to Joseph Smith “in a rod”,
just as God had given Moses power with his rod.
Because a “rod” is associated with the “word of God”,
this is likely a reference to Joseph’s power to write and bring forth scriptures through the Lord,
such as the Book of Mormon.
Finally, God said he would “make for Moses
a spokesman.
And … give unto him that he shall write
the writing of the fruit of thy loins”.
Oliver Cowdery was, in many ways,
Joseph’s spokesman in the same way that Aaron was a“spokesman” to Moses.
Similarly, the “spokesman” may refer to Sidney Rigdon,
since the Doctrine and Covenants calls Sydney a “spokesman.”
The subtle nuances that become apparent when
comparing 2nd Nephi
and the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 50
strongly suggest that Joseph Smith did not simply modify 2 Nephi
to produce the Joseph Smith Translation.
This becomes even more remarkable
since the Joseph Smith translation was translated after 2nd Nephi.
It is much more likely that something very
close to the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 50
was on the Plates of Brass,
and that Lehi carefully reinterpreted this text
to apply it to his own descendants.
And now you know why.
