The Pearl of Great Price

Before I get into the thick of my Old Testament class and my readings, I wanted to give a little background info, especially for those that are not members.

My class is the first in a series of 2. This class covers Genesis through 2nd Samuel. It also covers a book called the Pearl of Great Price. It contains the books of Moses and Abraham. These books were both translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith.

The book of Moses comes from Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible. We know that there are many different versions of the Bible due to so many translations of it. While members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believe that the King James version is the most correct, we know that it still is missing a lot of things. Joseph Smith began a re-translation of it in 1830 using translating devices called the Urim and the Thummim, the same devices he used to translate the Book of Mormon (for more information about the Urim and Thummim, go here). As Joseph Smith was translating Genesis, he received revelation that is now the book of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price. Genesis and Moses go hand in hand.

The book of Abraham comes from Joseph Smith's translation of some Egyptian papyri that he received in 1835.

I hope that makes more sense. If you have any questions, please ask. And if any of you have noticed that I have gotten any information incorrect, please correct me!

I just want to end by saying that I know that the Pearl of Great Price is the word of God. As I have studied this book throughout the years, I have been strengthened in my identity as a child of God. I do know that Moses and Abraham were prophets of God and that these are truly their writings. I have gained so much strength from them and I hope you will, too.