Between 1830 and 1833, Joseph worked on revisions to the Bible. Known as the Joseph Smith Translation or Inspired Version of the Bible, this effort was a commandment from the Lord and something that is mentioned many times in the Doctrine and Covenants. Yet despite the importance both the Lord and Joseph placed on this work, it was never published during his lifetime, nor was it ever fully embraced by the Salt Lake church. This episode reviews the history and shares some of the key changes that point us toward to the true doctrine of Christ.
Searcher’s blog post: https://onewhoissearching.com/2017/03/18/the-law-of-the-lord-part-3/
1 Kings 3:14
1 Kings 11
D&C 35:20
D&C 37:1
D&C 41:7
D&C 42:56-58
D&C 45:56-61
D&C 73:3-4
D&C 76:15-18
D&C 77
D&C 86
D&C 90:13
D&C 93:53
D&C 104:58-59
D&C 124:89
Luke 10:23
Genesis 6:4
Genesis 9:10, 16
Genesis 14
D&C 119
Matthew 8/Mark 5/Luke 8
Isaiah 42:19-22
Matthew 3:7-10
Galatians 3:7-9
Abraham 2:10
Matthew 6: 25-26
Mark 9:44-46
Isaiah 29
Psalm 14
Luke 11:53
JST Mark 9:46 And if thine eye which seeth for thee, him that is appointed to watch over thee to shew thee light, become a transgressor and offend thee, pluck him out.
I think this passage provides an answer to whether Joseph was guilty of polygamy. I believe the one who is appointed to watch over and show us light is him. I believe, Joseph Smith’s translation points to his future actions as part of his intercession. The Lord here is telling the saints to reject him if he transgresses and leads them astray. It’s a clear warning that they should not follow a man, but should hold fast to the word of God. This ties in with some of the earlier D&C passages calling out the importance of having the translated scriptures.
JST Psalms 14:7 Oh, that Zion were established out of heaven, the salvation of Israel. O LORD, when wilt thou establish Zion? When the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice; Israel shall be glad.
Ever since Watcher’s work here:
https://onewhoiswatching.wordpress.com/2018/06/10/the-eternal-law-of-certification-and-record-keeping-part-3/
I see “captives” and “captivity” differently. I think Psalms 14:7 is literally speaking of returning the servants from the dead. When the Lord takes his people out of captivity, he is freeing them from spirit prison. I can see how ‘captivity’ can somewhat be interpreted as us today, but I think the deeper meaning has to do with where those who have perished and will soon return have been confined.
I don’t think many people agree with my view, but I’ve used Watcher’s ideas and applied them to 1 Nephi 13:
12 And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.
13 And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it wrought upon other Gentiles; and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters.
I believe the deeper meaning of this passage is about Joseph Smith being freed from spirit prison as well as other servants. I think the whole passage is not about the discovery of America, but about the church going astray, being led by the devil, and how it will be corrected. I suspect the book that had plain and precious truths removed is the D&C (Lectures on Faith). There are still a few passages that I have trouble lining up with my interpretation, but there are so many parallels to what Watcher wrote about in the above blog post that I feel it must be related.
I am glad you pointed out Genesis 14 of the JST and what we learn about tithing from this chapter. In this last conference President Nelson, in his talk about how and where funds are used in the church, kept mentioning fast offerings as the source to help people. No mention of tithing to be used to help aid them. I wish more people understood this. Here is an excellent read on tithing: http://puremormonism.blogspot.com/2012/12/are-we-paying-too-much-tithing.html