Taylor Halverson

Abstract: While David is frequently held up as the standard for great kings in the Old Testament, examination of Nephi’s writings shows that he sought to imitate Moses the prophet rather than David the king. In fact, he never even mentions David. Relative to two major theological movements in Jerusalem in his day, “Zion theology,” […]

Abstract: The scriptures are saturated with covenantal words and terms. Any serious or close reading of the scriptures that misses or ignores the covenantal words, phrases, and literary structure of scripture runs the risk of missing the full purpose of why God preserved the scriptures for us. This is especially true for the Old Testament […]

Abstract: We are told in the Title Page of the Book of Mormon that the Book of Mormon was revealed in our day “to show unto the remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they […]

Abstract: This note explores a literary comparison between Nephi’s confronting of Laban and shrinking from the act of shedding blood, to Jesus’s experience in the Garden of Gethsemane of shrinking from the act of shedding blood. Comparing these two stories suggests that we can profitably read Nephi’s experience with Laban as Nephi’s personal Gethsemane.

[Page 139]Abstract: This note provides a brief overview of Roman economic history and currency in order to throw light on the value and significance of the two debts illustratively used by Jesus in his parable to Simon the Pharisee. Though we cannot with accuracy make the claim that a Roman denarius was always the daily wage, we […]

[Page 41]Abstract: This article explores why Jesus so often healed in synagogues. By comparing the uses and purposes of Diaspora and Palestinian synagogues, this article argues that synagogues functioned as a hostel or community center of sorts in ancient Jewish society. That is, those needing healing would seek out such services and resources at the synagogue.

[Page 253]Abstract: During the Second-Temple Period, Jews remembered and reimagined the story of Abraham to address their own immediate historical and cultural concerns. By exploring these reimaginations, we learn more about the faith and interests of later Jews who looked to their forefather for inspiration and guidance on how to live in a world of change, […]

[Page 245]Abstract: The three great monotheistic religious traditions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) all claim Abraham as father and prototypical monotheist. Though Adam is the putative first father in all of these traditions, he is seldom remembered in Judeo-Christian scriptural, apocryphal, or pseudepigraphic texts as an exemplary monotheist. This essay briefly reviews why Abraham retains the […]

[Page 163]Abstract: This article is centered on possible causes for the fall of Israel and, secondarily, Judah. The topic is not new. The very destruction of these ancient kingdoms may be the cause for the production of much of the Biblical literature that drives our interpretive enterprise. My proposal is that Max Weber’s socio-political theories […]

[Page 227]Abstract: In the days of the first Israelite temple, only certain individuals were allowed into the temple and sacrificial services; foreigners and eunuchs were excluded. However, in Isaiah 56:1–8, formerly excluded individuals are invited into the presence of God at the temple. This paper will explore how metaphorically connecting Isaiah’s words with Abraham, the […]

Deuteronomy 17:14–20 represents the most succinct summation in the Bible of criteria for kingship. Remarkably, the Book of Mormon narrative depicts examples of kingship that demonstrate close fidelity to the pattern set forth in Deuteronomy 17 (e.g., Nephi, Benjamin, or Mosiah II) or the inversion of the expected pattern of kingship (e.g., king Noah). Future research on Book of Mormon kingship through the lens of Deuteronomy 17:14–20 should prove fruitful.

  After passing through 900 years of Book of Mormon history we arrive to the days of Mormon—a time of great inequality, political insecurity, great wickedness and marvelous prophecies.  Within the small book that bears his name the opportunity awaits us to explore the life of our religious mentor and historical guide who lived during […]

Nephi is the prototypical wise son of the Wisdom tradition. As Proverbs advocates that a wise man cherishes the word of God, so Nephi cherishes the words of the wise. Nephi’s record begins with a declaration of his upbringing in the Wisdom tradition and his authenticity and reliability as a wise son and scribe (1 Nephi 1:1–3). His is a record of the learning of the Jews — a record of wisdom. If the Wisdom tradition is a foundation for Nephi’s scribal capabilities and outlook, perhaps the principles and literary skills represented by the scribal Wisdom tradition constitute the “learning of the Jews” that Nephi references so early in his account. Thus, if Nephi’s is a record of the learning of the Jews — a record of wisdom — we would be wise to read it with Wisdom — that is, through the lens of ancient Israelite and Middle Eastern Wisdom traditions.

Christ’s visit to the Americas marks the climax of the Book of Mormon when we would expect the greatest of epiphanies, the most illuminating of revelations and the most marvelous of mysteries to be unfolded.  Truly, great epiphanies were displayed as Christ descended from heaven or when the angels came down and ministered to the […]

Just three years before the coming of Christ to the American continent, secret combinations that opposed faithful prophets proclaiming repentance destroyed the stable Nephite government.  Social chaos quickly followed as the society divided into numerous clans and tribes (3 Nephi 7).  Only six years earlier the people had enjoyed great peace and prosperity on account […]

Literary studies, especially intertextual approaches, are relevant for exploring how scriptures are constructed and interpreted. Reading 1 Peter intertextually reveals the thoughtful way that Peter selected suitable, relevant, and applicable Old Testament scripture to encourage faithfulness for his audience. Peter draws from Isaiah 40 in 1 Peter 1:24-25 to preach comfort; Isaiah 40 is one of the hallmark Old Testament chapters focused on comfort. 1 Peter 2:2-3 quotes from Psalm 34 which is a hymn dedicated to the salvation that God’s servants experience when they faithfully turn to Him during times of distress and persecution. And when 1 Peter 1:16 invites people to be holy, that call is grounded in the meaning and significance of a portion of the ancient Israelite Holiness Code, Leviticus 19. In summary, Peter demonstrates his scriptural mastery by dipping his pen into some of the most appropriate Old Testament passages available to support his message of faith and encouragement to his audience.

As the man of God returned to the city, most people did not notice him.  He had returned to preach the message of repentance that had previously caused this wicked people to seek his life.  But this time he “came among them in disguise, that they knew him not” (Mosiah 12:1).  In boldness and faith […]

Covenant making and keeping are the life blood of spiritual living.  Covenants teach us of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, covenants inspire us to keep the commandments in the name of Christ, and the cords of covenants loose us from the bands of death and hell, sealing us to the everlasting Father and those that […]

Jacob 1—Prophetic and Priesthood Responsibility We owe much to faithful Jacob.  He and his direct posterity preserved for us a crucial portion of the Book of Mormon, the Small Plates of Nephi (1 Nephi – Omni), which include all of the key doctrines and principles of the Gospel essential for happiness in this life and […]

One of the most beautiful and doctrinally significant discourses in the Book of Mormon was given by Jacob, brother of Nephi in 2 Nephi 6-10.  The farewell speech of King Benjamin or the sermons of Jesus Christ when he visited the American continent are all well known.  But seldom do we recognize that 2 Nephi […]

Have you ever wondered if you would sleep through the sound of the trumpets on resurrection morning (D&C 45:45-46)?  Or have you ever considered that sleeping patterns of today may adversely affect you tomorrow?  From a spiritual perspective these are essential questions about our personal salvation.  Fortunately, the scriptures provide us powerful insights about the […]

Introduction Nephi provides one of the most remarkable visionary experiences recorded in scripture.  In the short sweep of four chapters he unveils patterns of the plan of salvation woven into the threads of world history.  In the process he also elucidates four vital gospel themes which appear throughout scripture and in the words of living-day […]

Introduction Nephi provides one of the most remarkable visionary experiences recorded in scripture.  In the short sweep of four chapters he unveils patterns of the plan of salvation woven into the threads of world history.  In the process he also elucidates four vital gospel themes which appear throughout scripture and in the words of living-day […]

Introduction The Book of Revelation has long been the source of much mystery, speculation, fantastic interpretations, and the source of near suffocating fervor that the world will be destroyed in five minutes (I just hope that I can finish this article before that happens!).  Though the Book of Revelation can cause confusion due to bizarre […]

  James may be the most important book of scripture for the Restoration.  The now famous passage, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,” (James 1:5) set the young Joseph Smith to deep pondering, which led him to follow the simple and pragmatic counsel to inquire of the Lord.  This straightforward, […]

  The final chapters of Acts present us with an enormous amount of information—historical, geographical and doctrinal—as it follows the last years of Paul’s earthly ministry.  To do the richness of these texts justice, I feel tempted to just sit down and write out an 800 page commentary.  But then I realize that I also […]

Early in this last dispensation a resounding call went forth through the Prophet Joseph Smith that the message of the gospel should be preached to all people. Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in Germany, Palestine, New Holland, Australia, the East Indies, and other places, the Standard of Truth has been erected; […]

Imagine walking into a packed theater at a moment when the show is most dramatic and exciting.  Everyone sits on the edge of their seat, ears attuned to every uttered word lest they miss something of great importance.  The intensity of the moment is palpable.  But alas, you, my friend, missed the first act and […]

“And who is my neighbor?” This is the great question of the Good Samaritan story, a story that we have all listened to carefully many times, studying the different characters, the plot line and ultimately the loving compassion and mercy that one human shared with another.  When we view this timeless question from the perspective […]

“He descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth” (D&C 88:6) Christ came to save us from our sins.  He came to show us by word and deed how we might live lives of joy and happiness, despite the afflictions […]

Introduction Early chapters of the Gospels share various aspects of Jesus Christ’s divine mission: Messianic prophecies, glorious birth, precocious youth, exemplary baptism and the spread of gospel truths.  Christ was not to be alone in his mission, however, except in his suffering.  So we turn to the events surrounding Christ’s public proclamation of his mission, […]

As we approach our study of the scriptures may we be like the inquisitive Theophilus of Luke searching for the certain witness of the Lord Jesus Christ.  To satisfy such spiritual desires, faithful early Christians such as Luke composed lengthy expositions called “Gospels” filled with narratives, homilies, hymnodies, miracles, parables, sayings, doings, doctrines, and, most […]

From June 3 to June 6, 1831 ((This conference had been convened based on revelation given to Joseph Smith in February 1831 and is now found in Section 44 of the Doctrine & Covenants.)) the fourth conference of the Church was held in a log school house on the property of Isaac Morely in Kirtland, […]

Introduction Throughout the vast span of human history innumerable kingdoms have risen and nearly all of them have fallen into the dust until now they only exist as remnants of scattered memories.  These kingdoms are much like the human life—they are born, they grow and develop, they reach their maturity with a show of great […]

Introduction Jeremiah lived at the crossroads of troubled times and troubled places.  He stood as a witness and a representative of an old covenant dying away with the promise of a new covenant emerging.  His message was both timely and timeless.  It was directed to the people of his day.  It spoke to later generations […]

“And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their head and rejoice.” 2 Nephi 11:8 Introduction When we come to know the true nature of God our faith can increase, our joy can expand and our eye can be single to […]

“Set me as a seal upon thine heart.” Song of Solomon 8:6 Introduction This article will be divided into two parts.  The first part will deal with the prophet Hosea and establish the historical background for his message.  The second part will discuss Hosea’s message of covenant fidelity to God and God’s everlasting mercy to […]

“Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths” Isaiah 2:3 Introduction  In the days of Ancient Israel all was not well. ((Some resources consulted for this article include: […]

The purpose of this article is to provide several examples of how meaning, understanding, and interpretation of scriptures may be enhanced when scriptures are read in their geographical context. Many scholarly articles seek exclusively to break new ground in meaning and meaning-making, to essentially produce new knowledge. This article hopes to break new ground both in terms of new knowledge (insights) as well as in the pragmatics of giving readers additional tools and opportunities for exploring the scriptures in fresh ways. In particular, this article will also highlight several free geographical tools that can improve one’s learning with the scriptures, with particular focus on Google Earth and the BYU scriptures.byu.edu/mapscrip tool (hereafter referred to as Google Earth Bible or GEB). The hope is that this article will, through the tools discussed, create opportunities for others to create new knowledge for themselves through scripture study.

“The Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Psalm 111:10 Introduction Solomon, the king of peace, ((The name Solomon comes from the Hebrew shlomo which derives from the Hebrew word shalom meaning peace.)) ascended the throne during Israel’s golden age taking the place of his father, David the beloved. ((David means “beloved” in Hebrew.  This name was […]

“Fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God…will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work…of the LORD.” (1 Chronicles 28:20) Introduction After subduing the Land of Promise the Israelites gathered around Joshua ((The name Joshua is a variant of the name Hosea, Hoshea and […]

“And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.”  (Malachi 3:17) Introduction God has chosen his people to be his precious treasure.  Leading them from bondage and sorrow, delivering them physically and spiritually from the pains of death he guides his people to his Holy […]

“Ordained a priest after the order of the Son of God, which order was without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life. And all those who are ordained unto this priesthood are made like unto the Son of God, abiding a priest continually.” (JST—Hebrews 7:3) “[The] priesthood continueth […]

Since days of old God has designated special witnesses, or prophets, to be his voice unto the world.  The term prophet comes from a classical Greek word which signifies, One who speaks for another, especially one who speaks for a god, and so interprets his will to man; hence its essential meaning is “an interpreter.” […]

“We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes.” (Articles of Faith 1:10)   The Gathering Begins In every dispensation God has revealed the gospel with the purpose to prepare the hearts and minds of his children that they might physically and spiritually gather unto holy places. Missionary […]

Introduction In ancient times the great prophet Isaiah proclaimed “The desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.  It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing…they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God…for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.  And […]

“O send out thy light and thy truth.”  (Psalms 43:3)  “And righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten.”  (Moses 7:62) The coming forth of the Book of Mormon in the latter days is a fulfillment of the […]

Introduction “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of they people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries? Yea, O Lord, […]

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” (Malachi 4:5-6) Introduction In […]

A King for Israel Throughout many generations of early Israelite history charismatic leaders upon whom the spirit of the Lord descended delivered the Israelites from the hand of their enemies.  These deliverers and saviors were known as judges.  Although the Lord did send saviors unto his people to deliver them from their enemies in proportion […]

“Any nation comprised of responsible and moral citizens is a nation of joy and peace.” In today’s world of uncertainty and challenge there is great need throughout the world for outstanding citizens. ((I recognize that this article may have an international readership and that some of these statements may seem to be more particularly aimed […]

Introduction June 27, 1844 marks the date of one of the most tragic events in Mormon history—the day the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Patriarch Hyrum Smith became martyrs for the cause of truth at the Carthage, Illinois jail. After reviewing the events that led up to that dark day let us pause for […]

“The devil has great power to deceive; he will so transform things as to make one gape at those who are doing the will of God.” (Joseph Smith addressing the Relief Society April 28, 1842)1 Introduction Deception was a reoccurring problem among the members of the early church. Between July 1830 through June 1831 the […]

There once was an ancient temple society, led by hereditary high priests from the lineage of Levi who taught and transmitted the sacred words of God as preserved in the Torah (the five books of Moses). Each year at Passover the community gathered in a solemn assembly to perform the rituals on the Paschal Lamb […]

“He saw the heavens open…and…he saw One descending out of the midst of heaven…[who] stood before my father, and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read. And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord.” 1 Nephi 1:8-9, 11-12 Who among […]

“My beloved is mine” (Song of Solomon 2:16) The Old Testament: A Worthy Labor Studying the Old Testament is at once both a marvelous joy and a challenge. Herein we find inspiring stories of faith, sacrifice and obedience of those who called down the powers of heaven to bless their lives, their families and all […]

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthians 14:40 This lesson begins where a prior lesson left off, the disorder and disunity disrupting the Corinthian church, which Paul sought to repair through his epistles. So as we study the final six chapters of Paul’s 1st epistle to the Corinthians, the most important […]

“The kingdom of God is within you” Luke 17:21 Some of the most nourishing and healing stories that span all cultures are those that speak of wandering souls finding their way home, the hero discovering his true identity, and the royal celebration at finding the kingdom.  I begin this article with a pearl from Luke […]

One of the most beautiful and doctrinally significant discourses in the Book of Mormon is that given by Jacob brother of Nephi in 2 Nephi 6-10.  Well known are the farewell speech of King Benjamin or the sermons of Jesus Christ when he visited the American continent.  But seldom do we recognize that the chapters […]

“Noah built an ark; and…the Lord smiled upon it.” (Moses 7:43) Introduction The great cataclysmic1 flood wherein “Noah…prepared an ark to the saving of his house” is one of the most well known stories in the Judeo-Christian world. It is story that most of us can remember from our youngest days. If needed, anyone of […]

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) Introduction Throughout the ages of the world individuals have looked out into the night sky and beheld the magnificent display of God’s […]

Have you ever turned the page from the last words of Malachi to the first utterances of Matthew? Go ahead. Turn that one page. What do you see? Exactly. Nothing. Was the world silent between Malachi and Matthew? Indeed it was not. But just how much time had passed between the two Testaments? What happened […]