Abraham Facsimiles 2 and 3; Genesis 13 and 22 Study Guide – to be discussed January 28
Note on Facsimile 2: “The type of drawing depicted in facsimile 2 is known among scholars as a ‘hypocephalus,’ which means ‘under or beneath the head.’ A hypocephalus is a small disk-shaped object made of papyrus, stuccoed linen, bronze, gold, wood, or clay, which the Egyptians placed under the head of their dead. They believed it would magically cause the head and body to be enveloped in flames or radiance, thus making the deceased divine. The hypocephalus itself symbolized the eye or Re or Horus, i.e., the sun, and the scenes portrayed on it relate to the Egyptian concept of the resurrection and life after death” (Michael D. Rhodes, The Joseph Smith Hypocephalus… Seventeen Years Later [F.A.R.M.S. paper, RHO-94], 1 - as quoted in the Pearl of Great Price Student Manual, Religion 327).
Day 1: Study Facsimile 2, Figures 1-3; Abraham 3:2-4; D&C 88:7-13
1. Find Figure 1 at the center of the hypocephalus. According to the explanation for Figure 1, what does it represent? Why do you think it is at the center of the drawing? What feature indicates that God sees all?
2. Find Figure 2 (above Figure 1). Read the explanation for this figure. Is Oliblish greater or lesser than Kolob in governing? greater or lesser than earth?
3. Find Figure 3 (to the right of Figure 2). Read the explanation for this figure with D&C 88:7-13. The “crown of eternal light” over the central figure’s head symbolizes the sun. What is the source of the sun’s light?
Day 2: Study Facsimile 2, Figures 4-11; D&C 88:42-50
4. Find Figure 4 (in the bottom of the section to the left of figure 2). Figures 3 and 4 both have features that resemble a boat. How might these imply eternal progression?
5. Find Figure 5 (upside down, below Figure 1). This picture of a cow is common to almost all hypocephali, representing the sky and/or the “rebirth” of the sun each day. Read D&C 88:42 – 50. What holds the planets and stars in their proper orbits?
6. Find Figure 6 (just left of Figure 5). What do the four figures represent, according to the explanation?
Day 3: Study Facsimile 3, Figures 1-3; Revelation 3:21, D&C 132:29
7. According to the explanation for Figure 1, who was sitting on Pharaoh’s throne? Why? What’s on his head?
BONUS: Read Revelation 3:21 and D&C 132:29. What is the promise to us if we overcome the world?
8. What is on Pharaoh’s head in Figure 2? What might it represent?
9. Figure 3 is repeated in Facsimile 1, Figure 10 and Facsimile 2, Figure 5. The lotus blossom represents “rebirth.” How is this theme reflected in the explanation for Facsimile 2, Figure 3?
Day 4: Study Facsimile 3, Figures 4-6
10. Who is represented in Figure 4? What is on his head? What is he doing with his hands?
11. Who is represented in Figure 5? What is he doing with his hands? Why do you think the Egyptians had so much respect for Abraham?
12. What do the characters in a horizontal line above the main scene look like to you?
Day 5: Read Genesis 13
13. What did Abram and Lot do when they left Egypt?
14. Why did Abram and Lot need to separate? How did they divide the land?
15. List the promises the Lord made to Abram as given in this chapter.
Day 6. Read Genesis 22:1-8
16. Read Genesis 22:1 with footnote 1a. Had Abraham been tested before this time? What was his answer when the Lord called him?
17. What details bear witness of Abraham’s obedience and faith?
18. List details of Abraham’s experience that serve as “types” or remind you of Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
Day 7. Read Genesis 22:9-19
19. If Isaac was a willing sacrifice, why do you think he was bound on the altar?
20. Read footnotes to Genesis 22:14 “a” and “b.” What did Abraham name the mount? Why?
21. List promises given to Abraham because of his faithfulness. Were these promises new to him?
