Understanding the Symbols, Covenants, and Ordinances of the Temple

by Amy Hardison

There are few, even temple workers, who comprehend the full meaning and power of the temple endowment. Seen for what it is, it is the step-by-step ascent into the Eternal Presence. If our young people could but glimpse it, it would be the most powerful spiritual motivation of their lives!

—David O. McKay



Primary children sing, “I love to see the temple. I’m going there someday,” but with little understanding of what happens once they get there. Even some adults attend the temple regularly without a clear concept of the instruction they receive. Using teachings of living prophets and the scriptures, along with her advanced scholarship of ancient traditions, symbols, and beliefs, Amy Hardison outlines the significance of temple design, covenants, clothing, names, and more as a means of helping Latter-day Saints better comprehend the sacred nature of the house of the Lord.

Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation in spite of earth and hell.

—Brigham Young

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Church, Lds

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2016

Reviews

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo E.N.L.I.G.H.T.E.N.I.N.G.!!

I absolutely love this book and if we have chatted in the last few days, you have probably heard all about it!

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

GREAT BOOK!

I enjoyed this book so much more than the books by Cory B Jensen (Preparing for Your Endowment, Understanding Your Endowment and Completing Your Endowment). This book did not have “undercurrents” - which is what I call when someone speaks or writes in such a way as to make others think they mean well and are just being honest and doing their best, but then there’s this “undercurrent”, invisible to the eye and ear, but that the Spirit pick up on, and which has the real potential of leading some people astray, causing them doubts and concerns. I don’t think Brother Jensen does that on purpose. I believe he means well. But the way he wrote the books, he does share some false information, and outright talks down about Brigham Young, the Church, the Brethren, in such a way as to make it sound and feel like our personal revelation trumps the prophet’s. And that is not so, when it comes to Church/Gospel doctrine and other eternal principles.

This book touched on all the important things that Bro Jensen’s books do, but in a much more holistic and spiritual way. The author does not cause one to doubt, but to ponder and consider and “sup at the table of the gospel” and its doctrines. She touches on the history, etymology, and ancient significance and understanding of temple rituals, tokens, names, symbolism, etc. without that “undercurrent” present.

I’ve seen too many people, some are friends or children of friends, all endowed members, who have left the Church and the gospel due to these “undercurrents.” I feel it is one of the sifting tools of the last days. Those who have really put in the time to study the gospel deeply from the scriptures, the spirit and the prophets (as opposed to learning it through podcasts, influencers, Sunday lessons taught by well-intended but not well-educated people in the gospel) will pick up on gospel “golden nuggets” and will also discern the “undercurrents”, I think, if they are watchful for them. The adversary is clever and sneaky and will sneak them in when we’re not looking - so we must always be on the lookout for such things.

This book taught me some things I was not aware of, such as there were originally 613 commandments (as per the Torah) the Lord gave Moses on Mt Sinai, before the children of Israel proved to be unworthy and unable and unwilling to live up to them, so then they got the “lesser laws”, meaning the 10 commandments, and David, in Psalms, has taken those 613 and reduced them to 11, which still cover the foundational doctrines in all 613 commandments.

The author touched on Psalms a bit - which I want to study up on more. The Psalms are actually poetry and songs for the Temple ceremony. But when they were added to the canonical bible, their order was mixed around (as if in a blender) and so what we see today is not in the right order, but if we study the PDF by Stephen D Ricks titled “Who Shall Ascend into the Hill of the Lord? The Psalms in Israel’s Temple Worship in the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon”, we can learn more about the true order of the Psalms and their correlation to ancient and modern day temple worship. So cool!

I recommend this book for anyone wanting to understand the meaning and significance of the temple ordinances better, as well the history and connection these ordinances have to the ancients. It’s really fascinating stuff.

I also recommend that you read it, rather than listen to it, if you are a person who likes to retain as much as possible and really dig in and study the topic, because the person reading the audiobook (which I read), while he is a good reader, went too fast for m, and I had to stop and rewind several times when the topic was deep and I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss the meaning and significance.

Consider today’s level of reading readiness the public schools are churning out, I’d recommend this for anyone over 20 who is already endowed and who has a solid grasp of the English language.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so helpful in my study of and preparation for the temple. It was well written and I will use it for years to come! Learning about ancient temples was fascinating and I loved the connections made between ancient and modern-day temples. I loved reading about all aspects of the temple experience- architecture, layout, practices, clothing, covenants, etc. I learned so much and gained a deep appreciation for things I may have never even noticed. The Glossary of Symbols is so helpful and would be reason enough to purchase the book. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about the temple- before going for the first time or if you've been going your whole life.

[Michelle Llewellyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is packed with rich insights into the temple experience. The 203 page narrative is very dense and, at times, overwhelming. Six unnumbered chapters excluding the introduction, epilogue, glossary and works cited. Amy Hardison's book really needed an index!
Her research is amazing as she takes the reader on a fascinating trip back in time to the Ancient Near East cultures and religious rites as found in the Old Testament after they were given to Moses. Quotes by famous gospel scholars like Hugh Nibley and Bruce R. McConkie are scattered throughout the text. So much of the endowment is connected to these ancient purification and offering ceremonies as practiced by ancient Israel to bring them closer to God. The figure on page 123 depicting the clothing worn by the high priest is especially fascinating.
After reading this book, you will be amazed how little we really understand the lessons, covenants, ordinances and sacred symbolism found at "The Lord's University." But don't get discouraged. This quote by President David O. McKay (not found in Hardison's book) has always made me feel better: Elder Boyd K Packer related a story where, after spending several minutes hearing this prophet of God expound on many aspects of the temple he paused then admitted, "'Brethren, I think I am finally beginning to understand,' Even with his extensive understanding of the gospel and his experience in the Church, President McKay was humble enough to realize that he could still learn and discover deeper levels of meaning." (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 2011)
Read this book, but give yourself time to digest all there is to take away from it. It is truly a feast for the soul.

[Evan Bird · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this a lot at first and less and less the more I read. It is more applicable and a whole lot more interesting than Gaskill's Sacred Symbols. I thought that many of the symbolic interpretations were extrapolated out of context. This was especially the case when interpretations started out with, "The Hebrew word for __ is __, which is just two letters different from __, which means __." Some basics are outlined pretty well here, I just feel like there's so much more from the scriptures and modern-day prophets that could be used to interpret symbols, rather than the Hebrew language.

[Melody Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

in-depth and helpful historical insight and meaning strengthen the need for understanding God’s eternal ordinances and covenants with His people.

This book provided the history behind God’s dealings and covenants with His holy people. It explains the great strength and protection provided from these covenant relationships and ordinances with God when we honor and are faithful to those covenants. The book provided new insights on the temple and its importance for us today. Well written and insightfully inspiring!

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Hardison reviews the temple ceremonies and discusses the covenants and lessons taught in the temple. Her insight into the meaning of the fall and the lessons learned about the acts of Adam and Eve that are shown in the temple are intelligently discussed and precious lessons are shared with the readers. It is a valuable collection of thoughts that benefit anyone that chooses to be blessed in the holy temple.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone with a desire to enter the temple, this book is phenomenal! It connects ancient rituals and symbolism to current day temple worship. I was amazed at how many parallels there are that I had no idea about. I can't wait to go to the temple and see those parallels. I also intend to go back through the book and really highlight and breakdown those aha moments I had while reading.
100% would recommend!

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt very “cheesy“ to me, and I had many “eyerolls“ throughout the reading. However, it is well researched and insightful, ideas and thoughts presented that I had never considered before.

I listened to the book on CD, and the narrator was dull and boring, and I was hyper critical of his pronunciation of the word “figurative”. He was quite dry and boring. Perhaps if I read this book instead of listening to it, I would’ve liked it better?

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was chock full of interesting and well researched information about ancient traditions, etymology, rituals, etc. I recommend reading slowly and stopping to write notes in your scriptures as applicable. It would be particularly helpful in conjunction with a study of the Old Testament. The target audience is those wanting to take a deep scholarly dive into antiquity, although it is much more approachable for the layman than other similar books I have read.

[Kelli Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

I loved this book! It helped me in my quest to better understand the temple. The author has done extensive research and has backed up her findings in every instance. This book was organized well and very easy to follow. It is a great read for those wanting to gain a better understanding of their temple experience.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting things to ponder and insights into symbols in the temple. I am noticing things I haven't noticed before when I attend and asking myself more questions. There's still a lot I don't know...a lot I realize I have never considered. I loved reading her insights into what is in a name.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read with your scriptures open and a notebook next to you. This book is meant to be not only digested, but engraved on the heart.

I was astounded at how much I was taught. And how much more I have to learn.

My biggest takeaway is that I DO have the tools and capacity to study on my own. Where to start??

[Obxhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

If you are looking for an explanation of the current LDS Temple you won’t find it here. But you will find an excellent explanation of Egyptian and Israel Temples. Well researched with an excellent bibliography and many references. A thought provoking book that will open old and new Temples to you. You understand symbols you have neither thought about.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a couple months to get through, because I kept forgetting I was listening to it on DB+. But I kept having to pause and take notes on whatever was nearby - my notes app, the bathroom mirror, a notebook - and talk about what I was learning with people around me, so that it can really sink in
I wouldn't mind owning a hard copy that I can mark up and really dig into.

[Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book had a lot of good in depth study. My complaint is that too often, the author discussed her own personal opinion. The book also ended with thoughts just thrown together haphazardously and without a flow to the book.

[Mzford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hardison well documents her research on these important topics. Most things are familiar to me, but I did gain some insights that should help me with my own climb to perfection (I think I'll need more than this!)

[Brent McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have read twice and got the Kindle for a third go. Very valuable information that remains discreet. Don't know why people aren't more interested in the nature of the covenants made and their history that reaches back to Adam & Eve.
This is by far the best book I've read on the subject.

[Kinsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with awesome insights. I wish I had read it in a smaller time period. I started it probably years ago and just barely finished it so I had forgotten what the first few chapters even talked about but I learned a lot from what I read.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!! Short read that is clear and to the point. Gives great explanations of temple covenants and other great temple insights. This will definitely be one I go back to often to study. Highly recommend!

[Jonathon Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the scholarship is a bit dated, but on the whole this is one of the best introductory books on the temple I have ever read.

[Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the Temple.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book. So many interesting, thought-provoking and incredibly uplifting insights.

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this for those who are preparing to enter the temple. A great great read!! :)

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the detail if this temple book. I listened to the audio book and didn't care for the narrator, but intend to purchase the book so that I can mark those passages that especially inspired me.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobooks. Interesting listen.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enlightening. If you want a greater understanding of the temple symbols, covenants and ordinances, read this book! It will really enhance your temple worship.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread, physical copy, mark it up. Mark scriptures from last chapter

[Swhe641200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby. Very informative. Full of ancient teachings traditions symbols of life and religious intent. Interesting and overwhelming.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot...