Book of Moses

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The Book of Moses is a text published by Joseph Smith, Jr. and thought by many within Mormonism to be the translated writings of Moses. It is published today as part of the Pearl of Great Price.

Origin

In 1830, according to adherents of Mormonism, Joseph Smith was commanded by God to create a new "translation" of the Bible, in order to restore lost portions and correct mistranslations in the modern text. (See Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible.) At the outset of the translation Joseph received the Book of Moses through revelation.

Content

The first chapter describes an encounter between Moses, God, and Satan. This chapter was supposedly prepended to the Bible but lost through translation and omission. The encounter describes the magnificence of deity, and Moses' understanding of man's insignificance in comparison. Moses is shown the entirety of the history of the world and all that will come to pass. After this vision God leaves Moses to himself, whereupon Satan comes tempting Moses to worship him. Moses recognizes the weakness of Satan, and drives him away in the name of Christ. Afterwards, God returns to Moses and shows him the numberless worlds with numberless people that God has created. A prophecy alluding to Joseph Smith is given in the final verses.

The following chapters generally follow the first chapters of the Book of Genesis, but provide additional detail not found in the Bible. An expanded account of the story of the Garden of Eden is given, along with details of the first generations of Adam. More information is given concerning Enoch, including several otherwise unknown prophecies and Enoch's teachings about the baptism of Adam by the Spirit of God.

The Book of Moses ends just before the flood of Noah.

External links

Text of the Book of on Wikisource.

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