Joseph Smith among the Prophets, by Paul Mann
Genesis 42–50; Lesson 36
Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50
“A Seer Shall the Lord My God Raise Up”
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
In Joseph of Egypt’s dreams, the Lord revealed many things that would happen days and years in the future. But the Lord also revealed what would happen in the coming centuries. Before he passed away, Joseph of Egypt prophesied that in the latter days the Lord would raise up a seer with the name “Joseph” to do His work. This lesson can help you strengthen your testimony that the Lord called Joseph Smith to be a prophet.
Study the Scriptures
The scriptures contain many stories of people seeking deliverance from their trials. These stories point us to a deliverer. Look at the following pictures of Joseph of Egypt and Jesus Christ. Take a moment to ponder what you have learned and how each is a deliverer.
At the end of his life, Joseph of Egypt prophesied that the Lord would raise up two prophets, who are descended from Jacob, to help deliver His people out of bondage. Moses would come to deliver the Israelites out of physical bondage in Egypt (see Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:24, 29). Then, in the latter days, the Lord would deliver His people from spiritual darkness through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Study Helps. You can find the Joseph Smith Translation appendix in the back of your scriptures or in Study Helps in Gospel Library.
Note: “fruit of thy loins” (Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:27) refers to Joseph of Egypt’s posterity, the writings of Joseph’s seed refer to the Book of Mormon, and the writings of Judah’s seed refer to the Bible (see Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:31).
Reflect and respond to the following in your notebook.
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What thoughts or feelings come to mind when you think about the Prophet Joseph Smith?
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How would you describe the current state of your testimony that he was called by God to be a prophet?
As you study today, listen for impressions from the Spirit confirming that the Lord called Joseph Smith as a prophet. Heavenly Father can send thoughts to your mind or feelings to your heart through the Holy Ghost telling you that what you are studying is true.
Read Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:26–33. Mark each prophecy about Joseph Smith (left column). Create a note for each prophecy with a summary of possible ways the prophecy was fulfilled (right column). If you are using Gospel Library, you might copy and paste the ways the prophecies were fulfilled.
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Prophecy about Joseph Smith (including the verse): |
Possible ways this prophecy was fulfilled: |
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Prophecy about Joseph Smith (including the verse): “He shall be esteemed highly” (verse 27) | Possible ways this prophecy was fulfilled: Millions of believers consider Joseph Smith to be the Prophet of the Restoration. |
Prophecy about Joseph Smith (including the verse): “He shall bring them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers” (verse 28) | Possible ways this prophecy was fulfilled: Through Joseph Smith the priesthood was restored. We can make covenants with God through baptism and other ordinances. One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to bring the house of Israel to a knowledge of the covenants of the Lord. |
Prophecy about Joseph Smith (including the verse): “Unto him will I give power to bring forth my word” (verse 30) | Possible ways this prophecy was fulfilled: The Lord revealed the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Joseph Smith Translation, and other inspired writings through Joseph Smith. |
Prophecy about Joseph Smith (including the verse): “Out of weakness shall he be made strong” (verse 32) | Possible ways this prophecy was fulfilled: From humble beginnings and little formal education, Joseph Smith became a mighty prophet. |
Prophecy about Joseph Smith (including the verse): “They that seek to destroy him shall be confounded” (verse 33) | Possible ways this prophecy was fulfilled: Those who seek to discredit Joseph Smith and his work will be unsuccessful. |
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Each believer needs a spiritual confirmation of the divine mission and character of the Prophet Joseph Smith. This is true for every generation. (“Joseph Smith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 29–30)
Respond to the following in your notebook:
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Why do you think it is important for each of us to receive a spiritual confirmation from Heavenly Father, through the Holy Ghost, about Joseph Smith’s divine mission?
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
How can I gain a testimony of Joseph Smith through the Book of Mormon?
President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) taught:
When we know the Book of Mormon is true, then it follows that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet and that he saw God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. (“Dare to Stand Alone,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 67)
Search the Book of Mormon for two or more passages that are personally meaningful to you or strengthen your testimony that Joseph was a prophet.
If you need help, you could search Book of Mormon doctrinal mastery passages. Or look through your copy of the Book of Mormon for verses you have marked.
Choose one passage you found. Share it with a friend or family member. Include why the passage is important to you and how it helps confirm that Joseph was an instrument in God’s hands.
Option B
How can I gain a testimony of Joseph Smith through his testimony?
You can gain or strengthen your personal witness of Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling by studying his testimony.
Read Joseph Smith’s testimony in Joseph Smith—History 1:15–20.
You might also watch “Ask of God: Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (6:35).
Record your thoughts and feelings in a way that can help you remember your experience. You could create a video or audio message or write your testimony. You could also draw a picture to express your feelings.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help strengthen your testimony that the Lord called Joseph Smith to be a prophet.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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One of the Book of Mormon passages you identified and why you chose it.
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What you created to represent your testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?