Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
What is the most important thing we will learn in our study of the Old Testament this year? The answer is Jesus Christ. This video gives a short introduction to how we got the Old Testament and how symbolism helps us understand doctrine and points us toward Jesus Christ.
Torah = the law of God as revealed to Moses and recorded in the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures (the Pentateuch).
Background to the Compilation of the King James Version of the Old Testament
The original text of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew. These scrolls have been lost.
Hebrew texts began to be translated into Greek in Alexandria in about 280 BC. These early Greek translations were called the Septuagint (Latin for 'Seventy’). Traditionally there were 70 translators - hence its abbreviation "LXX". (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Testament)
Latin was the common language of the early Christians, and in 382 AD Pope Damasus I commissioned Jerome, the leading scholar of the day, to produce an updated Latin Bible. Jerome called his work the Vulgate and was a direct translation from Hebrew. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Testament)
For the Old Testament, the translators used the Masoretic Text which was a direct translation from Hebrew with some LXX and Vulgate influence. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_James_Version)
Bible itself is simply a transliteration of the Greek word bíblos (βίβλος), meaning "book." So the Bible is, quite simply, The Book. However, take a step further back and the same Greek word also means "scroll" or "parchment."
The First Presidency: Since the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has used the King James Version of the Bible for English-speaking members.
While other Bible versions may be easier to read than the King James Version, in doctrinal matters latter-day revelation supports the King James Version in preference to other English translations. All of the Presidents of the Church, beginning with the Prophet Joseph Smith, have supported the King James Version by encouraging its continued use in the Church. In light of all the above, it is the English language Bible used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1992/08/news-of-the-church/first-presidency-statement-on-the-king-james-version-of-the-bible?lang=eng)
Symbolism
“Symbols are the timeless and universal language in which God, in his wisdom, has chosen to teach his gospel and bear witness of his Son.” (Joseph Fielding McConkie, Gospel Symbolism p. 1)
“Names play a significant part in the scriptural story. This is true of both place-names and personal names, and is illustrated by the countless instances in which the Bible pauses in its narrative to explain the meaning of names. Place-names are often a form of verbal archaeology, describing an area or setting. Personal names were considered of such importance that on occasion they were announced by heavenly messengers or some other form of revelation. It was so important that the name and the person match that in other instances names were changed by divine decree. Personal names served as miniature biographies, descriptions of character, testimonies or expressions of praise to God, reminders of significant events, and divine warnings. In short, Bible names served as memorials, symbols, and prophecies.” (Joseph Fielding McConkie, Gospel Symbolism p. 1)
Teaching Thoughts:
Torah = the law of God as revealed to Moses and recorded in the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures (the Pentateuch).
Background to the Compilation of the King James Version of the Old Testament
The original text of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew. These scrolls have been lost.
Hebrew texts began to be translated into Greek in Alexandria in about 280 BC. These early Greek translations were called the Septuagint (Latin for 'Seventy’). Traditionally there were 70 translators - hence its abbreviation "LXX". (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Testament)
Latin was the common language of the early Christians, and in 382 AD Pope Damasus I commissioned Jerome, the leading scholar of the day, to produce an updated Latin Bible. Jerome called his work the Vulgate and was a direct translation from Hebrew. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Testament)
For the Old Testament, the translators used the Masoretic Text which was a direct translation from Hebrew with some LXX and Vulgate influence. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_James_Version)
Bible itself is simply a transliteration of the Greek word bíblos (βίβλος), meaning "book." So the Bible is, quite simply, The Book. However, take a step further back and the same Greek word also means "scroll" or "parchment."
The First Presidency: Since the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has used the King James Version of the Bible for English-speaking members.
While other Bible versions may be easier to read than the King James Version, in doctrinal matters latter-day revelation supports the King James Version in preference to other English translations. All of the Presidents of the Church, beginning with the Prophet Joseph Smith, have supported the King James Version by encouraging its continued use in the Church. In light of all the above, it is the English language Bible used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1992/08/news-of-the-church/first-presidency-statement-on-the-king-james-version-of-the-bible?lang=eng)
Symbolism
“Symbols are the timeless and universal language in which God, in his wisdom, has chosen to teach his gospel and bear witness of his Son.” (Joseph Fielding McConkie, Gospel Symbolism p. 1)
“Names play a significant part in the scriptural story. This is true of both place-names and personal names, and is illustrated by the countless instances in which the Bible pauses in its narrative to explain the meaning of names. Place-names are often a form of verbal archaeology, describing an area or setting. Personal names were considered of such importance that on occasion they were announced by heavenly messengers or some other form of revelation. It was so important that the name and the person match that in other instances names were changed by divine decree. Personal names served as miniature biographies, descriptions of character, testimonies or expressions of praise to God, reminders of significant events, and divine warnings. In short, Bible names served as memorials, symbols, and prophecies.” (Joseph Fielding McConkie, Gospel Symbolism p. 1)
Teaching Thoughts:
- Spend time learning the books of the Old Testament in order. It will be a blessing for the rest of the year. Consider singing it several times in your home, or over several weeks in your classes.
- Symbols do not teach doctrine.
- Symbols help us understand the doctrine.
- The symbols in the Old Testament help us to understand the doctrine of Christ.