Sunday, April 17, 2022

George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl's appeal to Non-Book of Mormon/KJV Renditions of Isaiah

In their commentary on the book of Mosiah, Reynolds and Sjodahl appeal to other renditions of Isaiah to better understand Abinadi’s message, even when it would disagree, to some extent, with the Book of Mormon rendition:

 

Mosiah 14:3//Isa 53:3

 

He was despised . . . and we esteemed him not. Many commentators, familiar with the Hebrew text, prefer to say,

 

“He was despised . . . and we held him of no account.” (George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 7 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1976], 2:157)

 

Mosiah 15:2-5 and Isa 9:6 (v. 5 in the Hebrew)

 

Verses 2-5. The Father because he was conceived by the power o God; and the Son, because of the flesh. Jesus Christ is both the Father and the Son. He is the Father because he subjected himself to the will of God. He placed Himself in the position of sinners and offered His life for their redemption from transgression. He marked the Way by which we are saved. His Sacrifice was the expression of His love for God’s children, as also it was the price which was asked for their redemption. In the Great Council in heaven Jesus Christ presented His Plan for its acceptance or rejection. Paul the Apostle, thoroughly understood why Christ is called The Father when he said, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” (Hebrews 5:8-9)

 

It is more than interesting to note the words of Isaiah as they are translated in the Septuagint:

 

“For a little Child is born unto us; a Son is given unto us, whose dominion is on his shoulder; and his name shall be called:--

 

Messenger of the Great Council,
Wonderful Counselor,
Strong Mighty One, [in authority]
Ruler of Peace,
Father of the Coming Age.”

 

Jesus Christ was actually the “Messenger of the Great Council . . .” and the “Father of the Coming Age.” The prophets understood the part He took in the Great Council, and why, therefore, He is called “The Father.” (Ibid., 2:165)