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In God's Image and Likeness 2: Enoch, Noah, and the Tower of Babel
This volume contains the most comprehensive commentary ever published on the beautiful and doctrinally rich chapters of the book of Moses and the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible that relate the stories of Enoch, Noah, and the Tower of Babel. The commentary combines prophetic insights, excerpts from ancient texts, current scientific perspectives, and up-to-date biblical scholarship - all presented from a perspective of faith. Each section of the book is prefaced by an overview illuminating major themes and issues. This is followed by the text of each chapter of scripture, accompanied by a detailed phrase-by-phrase commentary designed to give the modern reader both an understanding of the plain sense of the words as well as their significance in context. Based on the first complete transcriptions of the original manuscripts of the Joseph Smith Translation, significant textual variants are identified and discussed.
Of special interest to LDS readers is the light that these chapters shed on temple worship. A detailed study of this book of scripture in conjunction with ancient and modern sources suggests striking parallels with temple themes. Insights on these topics from LDS scripture and prophets, as well as relevant extracts from the works of Hugh Nibley and other religious scholars, historians, philosophers, scientists, literary specialists, playwrights, musicians, and artists are found on nearly every page of the book. The book also features an extensive annotated bibliography on ancient and modern sources relating to the stories of Enoch and Noah. An additional highlight is the collection of more than a hundred carefully chosen color or black-and-white figures, photographs, and illustrations relating to the text - themselves also the subject of detailed commentary.
The central message of the book of Moses is in its invitation to join the divine pattern whereby we may come to fully reflect God's image and likeness. This wondrous work of scripture has been expressly written to "call [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
Reviews
This extraordinary reference work opens doors, windows, and endless passageways. It gives readers easy access to scriptural channels through which to understand of some of the earliest chapters in human history. Early Jewish, Christian, and LDS insights bring to life the epic accounts of Enoch the seer, the proverbial city of Enoch, Noah, the Flood, and the New Creation. Very effectively using textual, literary, doctrinal, and visual tools, this volume guides readers through the corridors of the temple, the windows of heaven, and the covenantal gate into eternal life.
- John W. Welch, Robert K. Thomas Professor of Law and editor-in-chief of BYU Studies; founder of the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies; author of works on Roman and Jewish law; chiasmus in antiquity; and the Sermon on the Mount, and King Benjamin's speech
If the Book of Mormon is the keystone of Mormonism, the Prophecy of Enoch may be said to be its theological foundation stone. This excellent commentary is a visual as well as an intellectual feast.
- Terryl Givens, James A. Bostwick Professor of English, University of Richmond; co-author of The God Who Weeps and Parley P. Pratt; author of Viper on the Hearth, By the Hand of Mormon, People of Paradox, and When Souls Had Wings
This volume is exceptionally significant! It is encyclopedic in its coverage and yet readable for both laypersons and scholars. Readers will benefit greatly by studying the entire work; or, its seriatim approach allows them to reflect on specific passages. I am impressed that the authors were able to present so much material into a single volume - text and commentary, illustrations, gleanings, copious notes, and more.
- Donald W. Parry, Professor of Hebrew Bible at Brigham Young University, member of the International Team of Translators of the Dead Sea Scrolls; author or editor of more than thirty books
Increasingly, the value of understanding ancient texts within their original cultic worldview - indeed, as saturated with cultic imagery, themes, and symbolism - is becoming evident, and this work contributes a case in point, demonstrating the significance of a temple-oriented approach.
- L. Michael Morales, Provost and Professor of Old Testament at Reformation Bible College; author of The Tabernacle Pre-Figured
Bradshaw and Larsen are to be warmly congratulated on their most recent book. It is the result of meticulous research and careful but very readable writing. The book is an outstanding study of the patriarchs that warrants a thorough reading - and rereading.
- Stephen D. Ricks, Professor of Hebrew and Cognate Learning, Brigham Young University; prolific author on Old Testament and Book of Mormon topics
This manuscript is very detailed and well researched. The authors have obviously taken considerable time and eff...
Of special interest to LDS readers is the light that these chapters shed on temple worship. A detailed study of this book of scripture in conjunction with ancient and modern sources suggests striking parallels with temple themes. Insights on these topics from LDS scripture and prophets, as well as relevant extracts from the works of Hugh Nibley and other religious scholars, historians, philosophers, scientists, literary specialists, playwrights, musicians, and artists are found on nearly every page of the book. The book also features an extensive annotated bibliography on ancient and modern sources relating to the stories of Enoch and Noah. An additional highlight is the collection of more than a hundred carefully chosen color or black-and-white figures, photographs, and illustrations relating to the text - themselves also the subject of detailed commentary.
The central message of the book of Moses is in its invitation to join the divine pattern whereby we may come to fully reflect God's image and likeness. This wondrous work of scripture has been expressly written to "call [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
Reviews
This extraordinary reference work opens doors, windows, and endless passageways. It gives readers easy access to scriptural channels through which to understand of some of the earliest chapters in human history. Early Jewish, Christian, and LDS insights bring to life the epic accounts of Enoch the seer, the proverbial city of Enoch, Noah, the Flood, and the New Creation. Very effectively using textual, literary, doctrinal, and visual tools, this volume guides readers through the corridors of the temple, the windows of heaven, and the covenantal gate into eternal life.
- John W. Welch, Robert K. Thomas Professor of Law and editor-in-chief of BYU Studies; founder of the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies; author of works on Roman and Jewish law; chiasmus in antiquity; and the Sermon on the Mount, and King Benjamin's speech
If the Book of Mormon is the keystone of Mormonism, the Prophecy of Enoch may be said to be its theological foundation stone. This excellent commentary is a visual as well as an intellectual feast.
- Terryl Givens, James A. Bostwick Professor of English, University of Richmond; co-author of The God Who Weeps and Parley P. Pratt; author of Viper on the Hearth, By the Hand of Mormon, People of Paradox, and When Souls Had Wings
This volume is exceptionally significant! It is encyclopedic in its coverage and yet readable for both laypersons and scholars. Readers will benefit greatly by studying the entire work; or, its seriatim approach allows them to reflect on specific passages. I am impressed that the authors were able to present so much material into a single volume - text and commentary, illustrations, gleanings, copious notes, and more.
- Donald W. Parry, Professor of Hebrew Bible at Brigham Young University, member of the International Team of Translators of the Dead Sea Scrolls; author or editor of more than thirty books
Increasingly, the value of understanding ancient texts within their original cultic worldview - indeed, as saturated with cultic imagery, themes, and symbolism - is becoming evident, and this work contributes a case in point, demonstrating the significance of a temple-oriented approach.
- L. Michael Morales, Provost and Professor of Old Testament at Reformation Bible College; author of The Tabernacle Pre-Figured
Bradshaw and Larsen are to be warmly congratulated on their most recent book. It is the result of meticulous research and careful but very readable writing. The book is an outstanding study of the patriarchs that warrants a thorough reading - and rereading.
- Stephen D. Ricks, Professor of Hebrew and Cognate Learning, Brigham Young University; prolific author on Old Testament and Book of Mormon topics
This manuscript is very detailed and well researched. The authors have obviously taken considerable time and eff...
- GenresChurch
600 pages, Hardcover
First published January 31, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 24, 2020
Best book I've come across dealing with the events and times of the antediluvian prophets. Highly recommended. I got the hard back for the colored pictures and am glad I did.
September 6, 2014
A treasure of insights, albeit sometimes tangential or tenuous. I'm normally not a fan of commentaries, but this one was well done and filled a need. The real value, however, is buried in the footnotes and intros to the chapters. There is also an expansive bibliography at the end to open further avenues of study.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews