The Book of Abraham is a part of the Pearl of Great Price, another book of scripture for Mormons. This book was translated based on different payri, while examining three different facsimiles. The official lds.org website says that the Book of Abraham was “translated from the Papyrus, by Joseph Smith.” Today, we will look more in depth at Facsimile 3, as it was greatly important for this book to come to completion. Based on this image, Joseph Smith was able to know more about Abraham and his time with Pharaoh. He was even able to sit on Pharaoh’s throne for a time. He was given a crown that “representing the Priesthood, as emblematical of the grand Presidency in Heaven; with the scepter of justice and judgment in his hand” (Fig 1). While on his throne, the pharoah himself stood behind him (Fig 2). In front of Abraham was a stand that “Signifies Abraham in Egypt” (Fig 3). The “Prince of Pharaoh, King of Egypt” was with him and pharaoh (Fig 4). While they were all in the king’s court, “Shulem, one of the king’s principal waiters” came to serve them (Fig 5). Lastly, “Olimlah, a slave belonging to the prince.” came to assist the water. This is a very interesting representation of Abraham and his time with Pharoah. It also sheds light on the importance of the priesthood and the grand presidency in heaven. But with all things, we must check to see if this is true.
Joseph Smith’s Explanation
Fig. 1. Abraham sitting upon Pharaoh’s throne, by the politeness of the king, with a crown upon his head, representing the Priesthood, as emblematical of the grand Presidency in Heaven; with the scepter of justice and judgment in his hand.
Fig. 2. King Pharaoh, whose name is given in the characters above his head.
Fig. 3. Signifies Abraham in Egypt as given also in Figure 10 of Facsimile No. 1.
Fig. 4. Prince of Pharaoh, King of Egypt, as written above the hand.
Fig. 5. Shulem, one of the king’s principal waiters, as represented by the characters above his hand.
Fig. 6. Olimlah, a slave belonging to the prince.
Joseph Smith is a prophet in the Mormon Church, so it is very important to see if what he translated is true. And to help us come to that conclusion, 27 Modern Egyptologists have interpreted the papyri, specifically this Facsimile 3. After they finished, the results were in and it was startling as none of the previous translation made by Joseph to this facsimile matched the real translation. And this is what every Egyptologist, that examined it, has also confirmed. Let us get right into their findings. Examining this image again, we see Osiris sitting upon the throne, with a crown upon his head (Fig 1). While on the throne, a woman named “Isis the great, the god’s mother” was behind him (Fig 2). Directly in front of Osiris was “a libation table (wine, oils, etc.)” (Fig 3). Maat, the “mistress of the gods” stood before Osiris and Isis the great (Fig 4). While in their presence, a deceased fellow named Hor, who was ” justified forever”, came near (Fig 5). Lastly, “Anubis, guide of the dead”, escorted this individual to Osiris. For he “is there to support the deceased” and gives them their protection (Fig 6). What do we learn here? We learn that Joseph Smith’s Translation is wrong. None of the things that he mentioned was even found in the facsimile. The correct translation has to do with Osiris on the throne and not Abraham. The dead person is here, because this is part of the “Book of the dead”.
Modern Egyptological Interpretation
Fig. 1. This is Osiris. Writing above figure: “Recitation by Osiris, Foremost of the Westerners”. The “atef” crown also identifies him as Osiris.
Fig. 2. This figure is female not male. Writing above figure: “Isis the great, the god’s mother”.
Fig. 3. This is a libation table (wine, oils, etc.).
Fig. 4. This figure is female not male. Writing above figure “Maat, mistress of the gods.”
Fig. 5. This is the deceased individual wearing the traditional cone of perfumed grease and lotus flower on his head. “Writing above figure: “The Osiris Hor, justified forever”.
Fig. 6. Not a slave, this is Anubis, guide of the dead, who is there to support the deceased. “Writing above figure: “Recitation by Anubis, who makes protection(?), foremost of the embalming booth….”.
There are many things to conclude about this misinterpretation of the papyri. The story of Abraham and his time with the pharaoh of Egypt is wrong. This was misinterpreted as Abraham when it was really the god Osiris. This means he did not receive a crown that represented the priesthood and there is no grand presidency in heaven. This is all very embellished as the “atef” symbolic crown identified the god Osiris. Joseph also interpreted two women as males, “Isis the great, the god’s mother”. and “Maat, mistress of the gods.” The stand did not signify Abraham in Egypt but was a table with wine and oil. There was no waiter but a dead person named Hor. He was not there to serve drinks but to be escorted in by his “guide of the dead,” Anubis. To call this man a slave is ludicrous and shows Joseph’s racism against blacks. These papyri’s are a part of a collection of funeral Egyptian texts. To conclude, it is obvious that Joseph Smith cannot be trusted. We know that he was not a true man of God but a false prophet. 1He has divining laid lies unto his people, “saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken.” Therefore, the Lord God has poured out his indignation upon him. He has consumed him “with the fire of His wrath”. Since Joseph, there are still false prophets among the Mormon faithful, 2“who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” Come to the Lord, that you may not be led astray. And to Mormons, think upon these things and consider today to come to Jesus fully and leave the Mormon Church.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that these latest translations of the Book of Abraham papyri will come to light. May more people know that what Joseph Smith said he translated was really false. I do pray that the LDS faithful will consider the evidence that is before them. I know Lord that so many people are following false prophets but today can be the day that changes everything. When people finally see Joseph Smith for the person he is, a liar, they will know who they are truly following. And Lord, please make mention to these people what happens when they follow a false prophet. I know that it is not pleasant for that road leads to destruction. I pray for their souls. May people decide that it is better to know the truths of God then man made teachings. I pray that these people will do their research and come to You in prayer about it. I know that only You can pierce their hearts and lead them to all truth. Will you also help the Christian faithful that they do not get involved with this Mormon Church. Help them stay far away from it at all costs. I know that their teachings are very deceiving and I pray that their faith in You and Your Word, the Bible, will stand strong. I trust in You Jesus. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below
1Ezekiel 22:23-31 (KJV)
23 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
24 Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation.
25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.
26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.
27 Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.
28 And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken.
29 The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.
30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.
31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God.
12 Peter 2:1-3 (KJV)
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
1 thought on “Book Of Abraham Review: Part 3”