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?