Abraham 1b, Facsimile 1

Abraham 1; Facsimile 1 – to be discussed January 7
Day 1: Read (review) Abraham 1:1-4; D&C 132:28-32
1. How did Abraham find greater happiness, peace and rest?



2. What made Abraham a “rightful heir”?



3. Read D&C 132:28-32. How did Abraham receive all things?



Day 2: Read Abraham 1:5-11
4. Using Abraham 1:5, from what two things did Abraham say his fathers had turned?



5. List what Abraham’s fathers’ hearts had turned to.



6. For what reason were the three daughters of Onitah sacrificed on the altar?



BONUS: Review Moses 5:5-7. What was the human sacrifice made by the false priests a corruption or counterfeit of?



Day 3: Read Abraham 1:12-15, 30
7. According to Abraham 1:30, who might one of the idolatrous priests have been, who sought to kill Abraham?



8. Why do you think the false priests wanted Abraham dead? (See again Abraham 1:4-6.)



9. What did Abraham do as he lay on the altar expecting he would die? With what was he filled? Who stood by him?



Day 4: Study Facsimile 1; read Bible Dictionary entry, “Angels”
10. Look at figures 5, 6, 7, and 8, representing various idolatrous gods. If you had to guess, what might each head resemble?





11. How is “The Angel of the Lord” depicted in Facsimile 1? Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Angels,” paragraphs one and two. What kind of a being might Abraham’s angel have been?



12. What does the representation of the idolatrous god of Pharaoh (figure 9) look like? In what is he “swimming”?



Day 5: Read Abraham 1:16-19
13. Read Abraham 1:16 with footnote a. Whether the angel addressed Abraham as “Abram” or
“Abraham,” he clearly spoke for (or actually was) Jehovah, and came in answer to Abraham’s prayer. Why was Abraham delivered from death?



14. Why did the Lord promise to “visit” the idolatrous nation? Was this a good visit?



15. List promises the Lord made to Abraham.





Day 6: Read Abraham 1:20-25
16. Why did the Lord destroy the altar on Potiphar’s Hill?


17. From whom were the Pharaohs of Egypt descended? Did they have legitimate claim to the priesthood of God? Why or why not?



18. Who first settled the land of Egypt? What kind of government did the Egyptians practice?



Day 7: Read Abraham 1:26-31
19. What did the pharaohs embrace instead of the true priesthood?



20. How did the famine in Chaldea affect Abraham’s family?



21. What kinds of records did Abraham possess?

Introduction to The Book of Abraham

Introduction to The Book of Abraham – to be discussed December 10
Day 1: Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Abraham”
1. What does “Abraham” mean? What does “Abram” mean? What do these names tell you about the man?



2. Where was Abraham born? Who was his father?



3. List three things we learn about Abraham from latter-day revelation.





Day 2: Read Genesis 11:10-32; Bible Dictionary entry, “Eber”
4. From which of Noah’s sons was Abraham descended?



5. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Eber.” What group of people derives their identity from this patriarch?



6. Draw a simple diagram to illustrate the family of Terah as explained in Genesis 11:26-29. Where did Abram’s extended family go after leaving Ur?







Day 3: Read D&C 84:6-17; Bible Dictionary entry, “Midian”
7. From whom did Moses receive the Melchizedek priesthood? Read Exodus 3:1 and Bible Dictionary entry, “Midian.” Who was Midian?



8. From whom did Abraham receive the priesthood?



9. In what way(s) is the priesthood eternal?



Day 4: Read the paragraph titled “The Book of Abraham” from the Introductory Note at the beginning of the Pearl of Great Price (after the Title Page); read also the head note to the Book of Abraham (p.29)
10. In what year did Joseph Smith obtain the papyri from which he translated The Book of Abraham?

11. Where and when were the prophet’s translations from the papyri originally published?



12. Where was Abraham when he recorded these writings?



Day 5: Read Abraham 1:1; Bible Dictionary entries, “Ur” and “Chaldea,” Acts 7:1-4
13. Abram originally lived in Ur of the Chaldees. Look up “Ur” in the Bible Dictionary. What does “Ur” mean? Using your vast knowledge of Hebrew, what is the plural of Ur? (Hint: look at the entry in the BD following Ur.)



14. Where was the land of the Chaldeans? Find the two possible locations of Ur on map 9 in your Bible Appendix (map 2 in the 1979 edition).



15. Read Acts 7:1-4. Why did Abram want to move?



Day 6: Read Abraham 1:2; Helaman 8:16-19
16. Read the footnote for Abraham 1:2a; also read Helaman 8:16-19. How did Abram know there was greater happiness available?



17. From Abraham 1:2, list what Abram sought.





18. What did Abram receive because of his righteous desires?



Day 7: Read Abraham 1:3-4; Alma 13:13-19; Bible Dictionary entry, "Firstborn"
19. Read Alma 13:13-19. List three things you learned about Melchizedek from this passage.




20. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Firstborn.” Who did Abraham reference as the first to receive the priesthood on this earth? What is the birthright of the firstborn? Does one have to be born first to receive it?




21. Why did Abraham seek priesthood ordination so fervently?

Moses 8

Moses 8 Study Guide – to be discussed December 3
Day 1: Read Moses 8:1-4; Helaman 11:4
1. How many years did Enoch live before he was translated and taken up with Zion? Do you think Enoch’s mission ended at that time?



2. Give one definite reason and one possible reason Methuselah was not taken up with Zion.



3. Read Helaman 11:4. Why does the Lord allow famines?



Day 2: Read Moses 8:5-11; Bible Dictionary entry, “Noah”; D&C 27:6-7
4. In spite of the famine, how many years did Methuselah live?



5. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Noah.” What does the name Noah mean? How old was Noah when he was ordained to the priesthood? By what other name do we know him?



6. Read D&C 27:6-7. Under what title did Noah also function as a messenger?



Day 3: Read Moses 8:12-17
7. How old was Noah when he begat Japheth? Shem? Ham? Using Genesis 9:28-29, how many years did Noah live?



8. What were Noah’s righteous sons called?



9. Who did Noah’s granddaughters marry? Why did this anger the Lord?



Day 4: Read Moses 8:18-21; Matthew 24:36-39
10. What priesthood did Noah hold? (See also D&C 107:52.) What was his stewardship?




11. How did the children of men react to Noah’s teachings?



12. Who did the children of men claim to be?



BONUS: Read Matthew 24:36-39. How will the time preceding the Second Coming of Christ be similar to Noah’s day?



Day 5: Read Moses 8:22-25
13. What do you think the phrase “every man was lifted up in the imagination of the thoughts of his heart” means? (See also Alma 12:14 and D&C 124:99.)



14. Compare Moses 8:24 with Moses 6:52. What truths did Noah teach? What was the warning to those who refused to hearken?



15. Compare Moses 8:25 with Genesis 6:6. What caused Noah such intense sorrow?



Day 6: Read Moses 8:26-30
16. Why did God decide to destroy the wicked?



17. How did Noah find grace in the eyes of the Lord? How was the flood an act of grace?




18. With what was the earth filled? How does this affect the hearts of men?



Day 7: Read Genesis 6:14-22; Genesis 7:6; Bible Dictionary entry, “Ark"
19. How old was Noah when he entered the ark? Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Ark.” Approximately how long was the ark? How wide? How high?



20. Read the footnote to Genesis 6:16a. What might the windows in the ark have been?




21. Read the footnote for Genesis 6:18a. What covenant did God make with Noah?

Moses 7:42-69

Moses 7:42-69 Study Guide – to be discussed November 19
Day 1: Review Moses 7:41; read Moses 7:42-46
1. What was the good news in Enoch’s vision of Noah’s day? What was the bad news?



2. Why was Enoch so bitter? How did the Lord comfort him?



3. Why did Enoch look forward to the coming of the day of the Lord?



Day 2: Read Moses 7:47-50
4. What makes Moses 7:47 a good Christmas scripture? Where did Enoch see himself and his people?



5. In what way(s) is the earth “the mother of men”? Why is she weary? List her questions from Moses 7:48.




6. What specifically did Enoch pray for regarding the earth and his posterity through Noah?


Day 3: Read Moses 7:51-53; Bible Dictionary entry “Messiah;” Alma 5:50; Helaman 5:12
7. Why do you think the Lord could not withhold answering Enoch’s petition? (See also Moses 6:34.)



8. What were the terms of the covenant the Lord made with Enoch? Would the earth rest during Noah’s day?




9. List names of the Lord from Moses 7:53. From the Bible Dictionary entry, what does “Messiah” mean? What is the promise to his followers?




BONUS: Read Alma 5:50 and Helaman 5:12. How do these scriptures add insights to the names for Christ listed in Moses 7:53?



Day 4: Read Moses 7:54-57; Matthew 27:50-53
10. What was Enoch’s question in Moses 7:54?


11. Could Enoch’s question have been answered yes or no? How did the Lord answer?



12. Read Matthew 27:50-53. What did Enoch see in vision? Would the earth rest during Christ’s mortal ministry?



Day 5: Read Moses 7:58-62
13. What question did Enoch pose to the Lord in Moses 7:59?



14. How did the Lord answer Enoch’s question this time? What did the Lord say must happen before the earth can rest?



15.President Ezra Taft Benson taught regarding Moses 7:62 that “righteousness” from heaven includes or refers to latter-day revelations, especially the Doctrine and Covenants. He also noted the Book of Mormon represents “truth” from the earth (see “The Gift of Modern Revelation,” Ensign, November 1986). How will these latter-day blessings bring the earth rest?




Day 6: Read Moses 7:63-66; D&C 101:26-34
16. What will eventually happen to the two Zion’s – Enoch’s Zion and the New Jerusalem?



17. How long will the earth rest?



18. List details of this happy state from D&C 101:26-34. (Extra credit: see also 1 Nephi 22:26; 2 Nephi 30:12-18; D&C 43:29-33; D&C 45:58-59; Revelation 21:1-4; Article of Faith #10.)






Day 7: Read Moses 7:67-69
19. How did Enoch receive a “fullness of joy”?



20. How long did Enoch preach to the people in the City of Zion before it was taken up?



21. Review all of Moses 7. Which verse or passage motivates you to improve some area of your life?

Moses 7:1-41

Moses 7:1-41 Study Guide – to be discussed November 12
Day 1: Read Moses 7:1-4; Alma 40:11-14
1. Read Alma 40:11-14 with Moses 7:1. Where do the spirits of the wicked reside after mortality? How long must they wait for release?



2. Read the footnote to Moses 7:2a. What does “Simeon” mean?


3. What happened to Enoch on Mount Simeon? What did he see? What did he hear?



BONUS: Count the number of times the Lord instructed Enoch to “Look” or “Behold.”

Day 2: Read Moses 7:5-13
4. In what kind of dwelling did the peoples of Shum and Canaan live? What does this suggest? What did Enoch prophesy to these peoples?



5. List the lands in which Enoch was called to cry repentance. Where was he told NOT to preach? Why?



6. Review Moses 6:31-32. How was Enoch blessed so that his weaknesses became strengths?



Day 3: Read Moses 7:14-18; Bible Dictionary entry, “Zion”
7. How did the Lord protect his people? What caused fear among their enemies?



8. According to the Bible Dictionary entry, “Zion,” how is Zion defined in latter-day revelation?



9. List qualities of a Zion people from Moses 7:18.



BONUS: List what you learn about Zion from each of these verses:
a. D&C 76:66-68


b. D&C 84:99-100


c. D&C 105:5-6


Day 4: Read Moses 7:19-24; Zechariah 14:20-21; D&C 38:4
10. According to Moses 7:19, what is another name for Zion? Read Zechariah 14:20-21 and review Moses 6:57. Why is this name appropriate?



11. Why do you think the Lord showed Enoch the future of Zion in vision before he showed him the “residue” of the people? Where would you prefer to live?



12. According to D&C 38:4, what happened to the Zion of Enoch?



Day 5: Read Moses 7:25-31; Proverbs 5:22; Alma 12:11; JST Genesis 14:25-36
13. Read Proverbs 5:22 and Alma 12:11. What is the chain in Satan’s hand (Moses 7:26)? How can we break it?



14. Why do you think Enoch was shown Satan laughing and God weeping? What did Enoch ask as a result of this vision?



15. Read JST Genesis 14:25-36 with Moses 7:27. What evidence do we have that worthy people were translated and taken up after Enoch’s day?



Day 6: Read Moses 7:32-35
16. What two things did the Lord tell Enoch he gave man in the Garden?



17. Why did God weep?



18. List names of God from Moses 7:35. In what way does each identify a quality of godliness?



Day 7: Read Moses 7:36-41, D&C 138:18-23
19. Why was the flood an appropriate means of cleansing the earth?



20. Read D&C 138:18-23. Did Christ visit the wicked in the spirit world? What did He do for them?



21. Why did Enoch’s heart swell “wide as eternity”?

Moses 6:35-68

Moses 6:35-68 Study Guide – to be discussed November 5
Day 1: Read Moses 6:35-36; John 9:1-15; Bible Dictionary entry, “Seer”
1. Read John 9:1-15 with Moses 6:35. Why do you think Enoch was instructed to anoint his eyes with clay? Was he blind?



2. List what Enoch was able to see after he had cleansed his eyes.




3. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Seer.” What is a seer? How does having a seer among a people help them live more righteously?



Day 2: Read Moses 6:37-39; Review Moses 5:45
4. Why do you think “all men were offended” because of Enoch’s declarations? Why did they keep coming to hear him?




5. Review Moses 5:45. From whom were the tent-keepers descended?



6. How was Enoch protected from harm?



Day 3: Read Moses 6:40-47
7. Why was Enoch compelled to speak plainly with the people? What questions did he ask in Moses 6:43?




8. List what Enoch bore witness of.




9. Why do you think the people trembled at hearing Enoch’s testimony?


Day 4: Read Moses 6:48-52; Articles of Faith #2 and #4
10. In preparing his listeners to understand the principle of repentance, Enoch described two distinct “Falls.” What are the two “Falls”? (See also Article of Faith #2.)



11. Compare Moses 6:52 with Article of Faith #4. List similarities.


12. What additional principle did Enoch include at the end of Moses 6:52?



Day 5: Read Moses 6:53-58; D&C 93:38; Mosiah 3:16-17; Moroni 8:8
13. What question did Adam ask of the Lord?



14. Read D&C 93:38, Mosiah 3:16-17, Moroni 8:8. How can little children be “whole from the foundation of the world” (Moses 6:54) and also “conceived in sin” (Moses 6:55)? What do you think the phrase, “when they begin to grow up” means?




15. Why did the Lord command all men to teach their children the principle of repentance?



Day 6: Read Moses 6:59-62
16. List the three elements by which we are born physically, or born into mortality. Now list their spiritual counterparts.




17. According to Moses 6:60, why is each of these elements important?



18. From Moses 6:61, list three different roles of the Holy Ghost.



Day 7: Read Moses 6:63-68; 2 Nephi 11:4; Alma 30:44; D&C 88:45-46
19. Give one example of how a temporal thing bears record of the Savior (See also 2 Nephi 11:4, D&C 88:45-46.)




20. What did Adam do after he had been taught the first principles of the gospel?



21. According to the footnote for Moses 6:67, what “order” was Adam a part of?



BONUS: What do you think it means to be “quickened in the inner man”? (See also Mosiah 27:25, Alma 5:14.)

Moses 6:1-34

Moses 6:1-34 Study Guide – to be discussed October 29
Day 1: Read Moses 6:1-4; D&C 107:42-43; D&C 138:40; Bible Dictionary entry, “Seth”
1. Read D&C 107:42-43 and BD “Seth.” How old was Adam (in mortality) when Seth was born? How old was Seth when he was ordained by Adam?



2. Why did Adam glorify the name of God when Seth was born?



3. What was Seth’s legacy to his children?




Day 2: Read Moses 6:4-9; Zephaniah 3:8-9
4. What principle of obedience led to the advent of written language? For what was this skill used?



5. By what spirit was Adam called upon to write? Does that same spirit move us today?



6. Read Zephaniah 3:8-9. When will we again have a pure language and for what will it be used?



Day 3: Read Moses 6:10-14 (with footnote 10b); D&C 107:44,53
7. Fill in the time line below (or make your own on a larger sheet of paper) with dates for Seth’s birth, Adam’s death, and Seth’s death.


0____________________________________________________________
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200




8. Read D&C 107:44. Add the year of Enos’ ordination to the priesthood to your time line. From D&C 107:53, where did Enos receive a patriarchal blessing?



9. What did Seth teach Enos?




Day 4: Read Moses 6:15-18
10. Add the years of Cainan’s birth and Enos’ death to your time line.
11. What was the name of the promised land occupied by Enos’ people?


12. From Moses 6:15, list what began to happen among men when Satan had great dominion. Do you think he has dominion today?




Day 5: Read Moses 6:19-22; D&C 107:45-48
13. Add the birth years of Mahalaleel, Jared and Enoch to the time line.


14. How old was Adam (from the Fall) when Enoch was ordained?



15.Read D&C 107:45-48. Add the years of priesthood ordination for Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared and Enoch. If Adam had many sons and daughters, why do you think this particular genealogy is the only one recorded in Moses and Genesis?




Day 6: Read Moses 6:23-30
16. Add Methuselah’s birth to the time line.


17. What was Enoch called to do?



18. List the reasons the Lord was angry with the people.



Day 7: Read Moses 6:31-34; Ether 12:27; 1 Corinthians 1:25-29
19. What did Enoch do when he received his mission call? Read Ether 12:27 and 1 Corinthians 1:25-29. Why did the Lord call Enoch?



20. List the promises made to Enoch if he was obedient.



21. What did the Lord command Enoch to do at the end of Moses 6:34? What do you think this means? How does it apply to each of us?



BONUS: Look at your time line. What did you learn about the early patriarchs?

Moses 5

Moses 5 Study Guide – to be discussed October 22

Day 1: Read Moses 5:1-8; Leviticus 1:1-13; Alma 34:8-10

1. After Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden, what did they do? (List main activities from Moses 5:1-5.) Which of these activities demonstrate obedience?







2. Read Leviticus 1:1-13. Which details in the Mosaic Law regarding sacrificial offerings point toward Christ’s atoning sacrifice?







3. Read Alma 34:8-10. How did obedience and sacrifice teach Adam and Eve about the atonement?







Day 2: Read Moses 5:9-15; Moses 6:64-65

4. Note: Moses 6:52-68 can be inserted chronologically between Moses 5:8 and 9. Read Moses 6:64-65 with Moses 5:9-10. Was Adam baptized? What followed his baptism?







5. In what did Adam and Eve find joy?







6. What attitude of men caused Adam’s posterity to become carnal, sensual and devilish?







Day 3: Read Moses 5:16-25; Alma 22:18

7. Unto whom was Cain obedient in his sacrifice? Why was Cain angry that his sacrifice was rejected?







8. Read Alma 22:18. Contrast Cain’s attitude with the words of the king as found in Alma 22:18.







9. Did Cain understand the principle of repentance? Was it too late for him to repent?







Day 4: Read Moses 5:26-31; 2 Nephi 28:20-22

10. Why did Cain stop listening to the Lord and to his parents?







11. Read 2 Nephi 28:20-22. How does Satan stir people up to “anger against that which is good” today?







12. Upon what was Cain’s covenant with Satan based?







BONUS: Read the footnote to Moses 5:31c. List possible meanings of the roots evident in “Mahan.” What did Cain say he was master of? What did he glory in?







Day 5: Read Moses 5:32-40

13. Why do you think Cain exclaimed, “I am free”?







14. What questions did the Lord ask Cain after his murderous act? Did the Lord already know the answers? List ways in which Cain was cursed.







BONUS: Are you your brothers’ keeper? In what way(s)?





15. On whom did Cain place blame? Was there any evidnce of Godly sorrow in Cain? (See also Mormon 2:12-13.) Why was the mark placed on Cain?







Day 6: Read Moses 5:41-51

16. Read the footnote to Moses 5:42a. Was the Prophet Enoch descended from Cain?





17. What kind of legacy did Cain leave his descendants?







18. Who did Lemech kill and why? Read the footnote to Moses 5:48a. In what way(s) does his explanation remind you of secret combinations in the Book of Mormon? (See also Helaman 2:8.)







Day 7: Read Moses 5:52-59

19. Why did Lamech’s wives rebel against him?







20. Give two reasons why God cursed the earth and was angry with the wicked.







21. From Moses 5:58, list three ways in which the Lord communicates with us and spreads the good word of the Gospel.

Moses 4

Moses 4 Study Guide – to be discussed October 15
Day 1: Read Moses 4:1-4; D&C 76:25-29; Bible Dictionary entry, “Lucifer”
1. Why did Lucifer want to redeem mankind? Why was he cast down?


BONUS: Count all the “I’s” and “me’s” in Moses 4:1.

2. Read D&C 76:25-29. Why did the heavens weep over Lucifer? According to D&C 76:29, in what is he engaged here? Why is it important for us to know this?



BONUS: Look up “Lucifer” in the Bible Dictionary. What does this name mean?


3. From Moses 4:4, list some of Satan’s objectives here on earth.



Day 2: Read Moses 4:5-11
4. Why did Satan seek to beguile Eve? For what purpose?



5. Upon which tree did Satan want Eve to focus? How did he mix truth and lies in his message?



6. Why do you think Eve was told not to even TOUCH the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?



Day 3: Read Moses 4:12-13; D&C 29:39-40; 2 Nephi 9:14
7. List action verbs in Moses 4:12. What kind of progression is evident?



8. Who made Adam’s and Eve’s aprons? Out of what were they made and for what purpose? How effective do you think they were?



9. Read D&C 29:39-40. In what way was Adam’s Fall necessary to God’s plan?



BONUS: Read 2 Nephi 9:14. With what are the righteous clothed?



Day 4: Read Moses 4:14-19
10. Why do you think Adam and Eve tried to hide from the presence of God? How do people do this today?



11. List the Lord’s questions from Moses 4:15-19. In his interview with Adam and Eve, why do you think he asked the first and second questions? Did the Lord know the answers?



12. How did Adam answer the Lord’s third question? How did Eve answer the question directed to her? Did they know what they were doing before they ate the fruit?



Day 5: Read Moses 4:20-25; Romans 16:20; Hebrews 2:14-16
13. Who or what are Satan’s “seed”? Which is more serious, a head injury or a foot injury? What does a foot injury cause us to do?



14. Read Romans 16:20, Hebrews 2:14-16. Who specifically among Eve’s seed has bruised Satan’s head, and how was it accomplished?



15. Were Adam and Eve cursed? Did they die?



Day 6: Read Moses 4:26-27
16. Who made the coats of skin for Adam and Eve?


17. What is necessary as part of the process of obtaining animal skins?


18. How does the Lord cover our nakedness?


Day 7: Read Moses 4:28-32; Alma 42:2-7; Bible Dictionary entry, “Cherubim”
19. Why was it important to guard Adam and Eve from partaking of the fruit of the tree of life?



20. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Cherubim.” What are cherubim?


21. Read Alma 42:2-7. According to Alma 42:4, what is one of the great purposes of earth life?

Moses 3, Abraham 5

Moses 3, Abraham 5 Study Guide – to be discussed October 8
Day 1: Read Moses 3:1-3, Abraham 5:1-3; D&C 77:12
1. List what was done during the seventh creative period.



2. Remembering Abraham’s vision context (see Ab. 4:31), were the Creators simply exhausted after six creative periods and decided to take a break – or was the rest period part of the plan from the beginning?



3. Read D&C 77:12. Of what is the Sabbath a pattern or type?



Day 2: Read Moses 3:4-6; Abraham 5:4-6; D&C 29:31-34; Article of Faith 10
4. What two types of creation are discussed in Moses 3:5, Abraham 5:5 and D&C 29:31-34?



5. According to Article of Faith 10, when will the earth return to its paradisiacal (Eden-like, terrestrial) state?



6. Why do you think it was necessary for all things to be created spiritually before being created physically?



Day 3: Read Moses 3:7-9; Abraham 5:7-9; Mosiah 2:21; D&C 77:2; 1 Nephi 11:24-25
7. What two steps are listed in the process whereby man became a living soul? Read Mosiah 2:20-21. How does each of us continue to be a living soul?



8. Read D&C 77:2. What does the spirit of man look like?



9. From Moses 3:9, what “became also a living soul”? What two trees in Eden are mentioned specifically? Who planted them?



BONUS: Read 1 Nephi 11:24-25. What does the Tree of Life represent?



Day 4: Read Moses 3:10-15; Abraham 5:10-11; Isaiah 55:10-11; D&C 121:33; John 7:37-39; Rev. 22:1-2; D&C 117:8-9
10. From each of the scriptures below, identify an aspect of the importance or symbolism of irrigation / water.

a. Isaiah 55:10-11______________________________

b. D&C 121:33_________________________________

c. John 7:37-39________________________________

d. Revelation 22:1-2___________________________

11. Read the footnote to Moses 3:13a. Read also D&C 117:8-9. Did Eden’s river run through modern Ethiopia? Assyria? Why or why not?



12. Was Eden created for man or man created to tend the garden?



Day 5: Read Moses 3:16-17; Abraham 5:12-13; 2 Nephi 2:14-16; Helaman 14:14-17; 2 Nephi 2:22
13. How many trees in Eden were forbidden?


14. Read 2 Nephi 2:14-16. Why were both the tree of knowledge and the tree of life planted in Eden? What might each represent? Which fruit do you think was bitter and which sweet?



15. Read Helaman 14:14-17, 2 Nephi 2:22. What kinds of death was Adam warned about in the Garden?



Day 6: Read Moses 3:18-20; Abraham 5:14, 20-21
16. Look up the word “meet” in any dictionary. Which definition seems to best fit the description of the “help” God planned for Adam? (See Moses 3:18, 20; Ab. 5:14.)



17. Why do you think Adam was given the stewardship to name all the animals?



18. Why isn’t it good for man (or woman) to be alone?



Day 7: Read Moses 3:21-25; Abraham 5:15-19
19. Why do you think woman is described as being formed from man’s rib instead of being a separate creation?



20. Why should a man cleave to his wife?



21. If you take the word “naked” to mean open, honest, nothing hidden or concealed, how could Moses 3:25 and Abraham 5:19 be applied to marriage relationships in any age?

Moses 2, Abraham 4

Moses 2, Abraham 4 Study Guide – to be discussed October 1
Day 1: Read Moses 2:1-5; Abraham 4:1-5; Jeremiah 4:23 (with footnote 23a); D&C 88:6-13
1. Review Moses’ three questions as recorded in Moses 1:30 and 36. Does Moses 2 seem to answer any of these questions? Why do you think Moses was commanded to write down this instruction?



2. Use the footnote for Jeremiah 4:23a to give an explanation for the phrase, “without form and void” (Moses 2:2). Upon what did the Spirit move (Moses 2:2) or “brood” (Ab. 4:2)?



3. What was the first command after the heavens and earth were formed or organized? Read D&C 88:6-13. Why do you think one of the first acts of creation was to divide the light from the dark?



Day 2: Read Moses 2:6-8; Abraham 4:6-8; Proverbs 3:19-20; Bible Dictionary entry, “Firmament”
4. Where Abraham’s record uses the word “expanse” (Ab. 4:6), Moses’ record uses “firmament” (Moses 2:6). Use the Bible Dictionary entry “Firmament” with the footnote for Moses 2:8a to explain what is meant by these terms.



5. Which waters did the firmament or expanse divide?


6. Read Proverbs 3:19-20. What two attributes of Godliness were necessary in the planning of creation?


BONUS: Look at Facsimile No. 2 on page 36 in the Pearl of Great Price. Figure 4 (upper left quadrant) was identified by Joseph Smith as representing expanse or firmament. What does this figure look like to you? (See also Facsimile No. 1, Figure 12.)


Day 3: Read Moses 2:9-13; Abraham 4:9-13
7. List the events of the third creative period.



8. Find and mark the word “let” in Moses 2:9-13 and Abraham 4:9-13. Why is it important to know that the earth and heaven did not come into existence randomly or by accident?



9. From Abraham 4:9-13, find the phrase “and the Gods…” each time it occurs. List the verb or verb phrase that follows each occurrence.



Day 4: Read Moses 2:14-19; Abraham 4:14-19; D&C 76:70-71, 78, 81
10. What part of the earth’s creation was organized during he fourth creative period? How was this different from the first creative period?
11. From Moses 2:14-15, list reasons for this organization of lights.



BONUS: Read D&C 76:70-71, 78, 81. Give one example of how the celestial bodies are signs. Can you think of others?


12. According to Abraham 4:18, how long did the Gods watch those things which they had ordered?


Day 5: Read Moses 2:20-23; Abraham 4:20-23
13. List what was accomplished during the fifth creative period.



14. What two areas of the earth were filled?


15. For what purpose were these creatures blessed?



Day 6: Read Moses 2:24-27; Abraham 4:24-27; The Family – A Proclamation to the World, paragraph 2
16. What was accomplished during the sixth creative period?



17. What does the phrase “after their own kind” mean (Moses 2:11-12, 21, 24-25; Ab. 4:11-12, 21, 24-25)? Why do you think it is included in these creation accounts?



18. Read The Family – A Proclamation to the World, paragraph 2. What does it mean to be created in the image of God? What does this teach us about God? About man?



Day 7: Read Moses 2:28-31; Abraham 4:28-31
19. What blessing is given to men and women in Moses 2:28, Ab. 4:28?



20: Over what were men given dominion? What does “dominion” mean? What is unrighteous dominion? (See also D&C 121:39.)


21. Compare Moses 2:31 with Ab. 4:31. List differences between these verses.



BONUS: Why were creative periods 1-5 necessary prior to the creations of the sixth day?

Moses 1:12-42

Moses 1:12-42 Study Guide – to be discussed September 17
Day 1: Read Moses 1:12-15; BD entries “Devil” and “Satan”; 2 Nephi 2:18; D&C 10:20-24
1. How did Satan address Moses in v.12? What did he ask Moses to do?



2. How was Moses able to discern Satan’s true identity? How might Moses’ example be helpful to us? (Note: Read also Bible Dictionary entry, “Devil,” paragraph 2, to find one of Satan’s main strategies.)



3. Read Bible Dictionary entry “Satan.” What does the name “Satan” mean? Read also 2 Nephi 2:18, and D&C 10:20-24. List items on Satan’s agenda.



Day 2: Read Moses 1:16-20
4. What did God command Moses to do when he spoke from the “burning bush”? How would obedience to this commandment prepare Moses to withstand opposition?



5. From Moses 1:19, what two intimidation techniques did Satan use to cause Moses to fear? What might he have feared?



6. Search Moses 1:13-21 for a list or pattern of how Satan can be neutralized, using Moses’ example.




Day 3: Read Moses 1:21-26; Exodus 14:21-22, 17:5-6
7. How was Moses’ command for Satan to depart different in Moses 1:21? What was Satan’s reaction this time?



8. List what happened to Moses when Satan departed.



9. With what was Moses blessed in Moses 1:25? Read Exodus 14:21-22 and 17:5-6 to give two examples of how Moses used this blessing.



BONUS: How can we spiritually prepare to fulfill callings?



Day 4: Read Moses 1:27-30
10. List the elements of Moses’ vision from Moses 1:27-29

11. Why do you think it was important for Moses to have this vision?



12. List two questions Moses asked the Lord in Moses 1:30.



Day 5: Read Moses 1:31-34; 1 Corinthians 15:45-48; Bible Dictionary entry “Eve”; Genesis 5:2
13. Find common phrases in Moses 1:31 and 33; 32 and 33. How do these verses answer Moses’ two questions from verse 30?



14. Read 1 Corinthians 15:45-48. Who are the first and second Adams? Why is the word “many” appropriate to both Adams? (Hint: Read also Romans 5:12-19.)




15. Read Genesis 5:2 with footnote 2a. Also, look up “Eve” in the Bible Dictionary. How does Eve’s name relate to the concept of “many”?



Day 6: Read Moses 1:35-38; Hebrews 1:1-3; Matthew 10:29-30
16. Read Hebrews 1:1-3. What does the Lord mean when he says worlds have been created and have passed away “by the word of my power”?



17. Why does the Lord number all things? (See also Matt. 10:29-30.)



18. What further questions did Moses ask the Lord in Moses 1:36?



Day 7: Read Moses 1:39-42; 2 Nephi 3:6-11
19. What is God’s work? What is His glory? How does Moses 1:39 continue to answer Moses’ first question in v. 30?



20. What was Moses’ first stewardship regarding his vision?



21. Read 2 Nephi 3:6-11 (with footnote 7a). Who might the Lord have had in mind when he told Moses, “I will raise up another like unto thee”?

Moses 1:1-11

Moses 1:1-11 Study Guide: To be discussed September 10
Day 1: Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Moses,” paragraphs 2-4; D&C 84:6-24
1. What keys did Moses restore on the Mount of Transfiguration? Why was it appropriate for Moses to have this stewardship?



2. What keys did Moses restore at the Kirtland Temple? (See also D&C 110:11.) Why was this appropriate? (See also 1 Nephi 22:10-12.)



3. According to D&C 84:6-24, who gave Moses the priesthood? Why did Moses “seek diligently to sanctify his people”? What prevented this?



Day 2: Read Exodus 3, with chapter heading; Bible Dictionary entry, “Jehovah” [Note: Many believe the events in Moses 1 occurred sometime between the events of Exodus 3 and 4.]
4. What was Moses doing when he beheld the “burning bush”? Why was he afraid?



5. What calling did the Lord give to Moses? Had the Israelites prayed for deliverance?



6. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Jehovah.” What does the name “Jehovah” mean? Why do you think God told Moses to identify him with the name “IAM THAT I AM”?



Day 3: Read Exodus 4:1-17; D&C 33:8-11
7. The king cobra was an ancient symbol of Egypt and Pharaoh. What might Moses’ first sign mean?



8. What power was displayed in the following signs, described in Exodus 4:6-7 and Exodus 4:9?



9. Why was Moses uncomfortable with his stewardship? What was the Lord’s promise to him? Read also D&C 33:8-11. Do we have the same promise?



Day 4: Read Moses 1:1-2 with chapter heading; D&C 67:10-13
10. According to the chapter heading, in what state of being was Moses when he received the vision recorded in Moses 1? (See also Moses 1:11.)



11. Why do you think Moses was “caught up into an exceedingly high mountain at the beginning of this vision?



12. Read D&C 67:10-13. List keys for preparing ourselves to stand before God.




Day 5: Read Moses 1:3-5; D&C 19:10-12
13. By what name did the Lord call himself in Moses 1:3? Why do you think this is His name, not just a description? (See also D&C 19:10-12.)



14. What reason is Moses given in Moses 1:4 for being shown God’s creations? Why was he not shown a vision of ALL of God’s works and words?



15. For each scripture below, write one thing you learn about God’s glory:

a. John 17:20-22__________________________

b. D&C 84:31-32 _____________________________

c. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6______________________

d. D&C 93:36-37 _____________________________

Day 6: Read Moses 1:6-8; Review Exodus 3:1-4, 10-12
16. Remembering the “work” Moses had been called to (see #5 above), how was Moses’ work a “type” of (or similar to) Christ’s work? (See also Hebrews 3:1-6.)



17. List the elements of Moses’ vision, as described in Moses 1:7-8.



18. How did Moses react to this vision?



Day 7: Read Moses 1:9-11; JST Exodus 33:20 ; D&C 67:10-13; Mosiah 4:11-12
19. What happened to Moses when the presence of the Lord was withdrawn?



20. Read Mosiah 4:11-12. Why do you think Moses exclaimed, “man is nothing”? Was Pharaoh a man? Was Moses?



21. Read JST Exodus 33:20 (Bible Appendix, p. 800) and review D&C 67:10-13. How would you define “natural eyes” and “spiritual eyes”? What can we do to improve our spiritual vision?



BONUS: In Moses 1:1-11, count how many times the Lord refers to Moses as "my son."

Introduction to the Pearl of Great Price

In his preface to the first edition of the Pearl of Great Price in 1851, Elder Franklin D. Richards, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and President of the British Mission, wrote:
"Altogether it is presumed, that true believers in the Divine mission of the Prophet JOSEPH SMITH will appreciate this little collection of precious truths as a Pearl of Great Price that will increase their ability to maintain and to defend the holy faith by becoming possessors of it.... It will commend itself to all careful students of the scriptures, as detailing many important facts which are therein only alluded to, or entirely unmentioned [in other scriptures]...."

A century later, Elder Mark E. Peterson testified that the Pearl of Great Price "contains some of the greatest revelations of God to man." (CR, Apr. 1952, 107) This "Pearl" is by far the shortest of our standard works, and the last to be accepted as canon - but how aptly named it is! Brought to light in the midst of the great persecution surrounding the restoration of the gospel in the latter days, a thing of rare beauty, this treasure can only be discovered by one who seeks it diligently with effort, sacrifice and skill. Once found, the pure in heart will gladly sell all they have to possess it.

In our study this year, we will seek together the treasures of this inspired work of scripture. Your individual prayer and study will open up personal pearls of revelation, their beauty and value beyond measure. Be willing to sacrifice time to cherish each key of wisdom, each jewel of promise and priceless truth. Your life and the lives of all who are close to you will be blessed by the richness and wonder of God's love as you uncover pearls sealed up for your exaltation.

Elder Milton R. Hunter of the Seventy explained the uniqueness of these sacred writings: "The Pearl of Great Price... contains revelations on certain subjects superior to any other scriptures or writings on those subjects found in the world; for example, Abraham’s vision of pre-mortal life in which he learned of the eternal nature of things; of the grand council in heaven; and of the plan of salvation as presented there constitutes one of the greatest of God’s revelations to his holy prophets. And the knowledge obtained by Moses in his vision of Lucifer and the part he played at the grand council, added to Abraham’s vision, gives us the most complete understanding found in any literature regarding man’s pre-mortal life and God’s purposes for the good of man. (CR, Oct. 1955, 67)

This website has been created in an effort to share tools and insights in guiding the gospel student through a study of this marvelous scripture. The text of the Pearl of Great Price can be found here. Other quick links that may be helpful are listed to the right, including a link to the CES Pearl of Great Price Student manual, BYU broadcasts on the Pearl of Great Price, and other articles relating to our study. But one of the best parts of class is the sharing of insights gained as we seek and pray for the Spirit to reveal the things of eternity. Please join us and share in this journey of discovery.