There is no possible way that I can spend any amount of reasonable time talking about symbolism in the scriptures. There is just WAY too much to even BEGIN in one blog post. I mean, the Savior specifically used parables and symbolism so He could separate those who wanted to hear a nice story and those who wanted to understand the greater meaning of the gospel, and they are EVERYWHERE in the scriptures! However, I would like to lightly rub the surface for a few minutes, based on what I have been reading in the scriptures recently.
This year (and possibly longer) I am reading through the Book of Mormon three times. It is taking me a LOT longer to do it this way, but I am really thrilled with the results. I was especially fascinated by 1 Nephi chapter 17. It took me two weeks to get through this one chapter. I was AMAZED by all that I had never seen before in this chapter. (The funny thing is, I am sure that many of you reading this will say, "Pffft! I already knew THAT!" It amazes me how we all see the same thing in different ways and at different times.)
Specifically, I had never before noticed the incredible amount of comparison and symbolism between the Israelites leaving Egypt and being directed through the wilderness to the promised land, and Lehi's family leaving Jerusalem and being directed through the wilderness to the promised land. How had I missed that?!!
A FEW comparisons and symbolism that I noticed:
The Israelites had many faithful believers amongst them, and many people who were quick to find fault and complain. Lehi's family had the same.
The Israelites went through many cycles of obedience and murmuring, as did Lehi's family. In both instances, there was much "affliction, hunger, thirst, and fatigue," and in both instances many "were desirous to return"to where they had begun their journey, even if that meant bondage.
The Israelites were led through the wilderness by a pillar of fire, and Lehi's family were led through the wilderness by the Liahona. (Interestingly enough, Hugh Nibley stated that the interpretation of the word Liahona is "to God is light" or "of God is light".) Both were led through the wilderness by the light of God.
The Israelites were fed in the wilderness with manna, quail and water, and Lehi's family were fed in the wilderness by the fact that they didn't have to light any fires to cook their food. They Lord blessed that their food was sweet to them. It was symbolic of the sweetness of the Lord's blessings, and to the Israelites, it was specifically symbolism of the Savior. Manna represented the Bread of Life and the water represented the Living Water, both references to Jesus Christ's roles as the Redeemer of mankind.
The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for the space of (around) forty years, mainly as a refining period in which the Lord strengthened those who were willing to remain faithful to Him through their trials. Lehi's family were in the wilderness for eight years, mainly for the same reason.
In both instances, many reverted to riotous, inappropriate actions, forgetting the power of God that had brought them out of bondage.
In both instances, quite often, direct revelation was received by a visit to a high mountain, representative of the Temple.
As I was sitting in sacrament meeting, as the sacrament was being passed, I considered how I approach the Temple. Do I approach it as Nephi did, with a newly made bow in hand, asking for directions on how to get food, or do I show up expecting God to fix all of my problems without trying to come up with an idea or a solution on my own? Honestly, kinda the last part. It made me realize how I need to rethink the way I approach the Lord.
So, beautifully, wonderfully, the experiences in the scriptures of the Israelites escaping the bondage of Egypt, and Lehi's family escaping bondage of the destruction of Jerusalem, are a comparison, a symbolism, of each of us, individually, escaping the bondage of the natural man, as we strive to become more like our Heavenly Father, returning, one day, to His presence (the promised land).
My heart is full!
No comments:
Post a Comment