Servant Figures


(Prophecy is rich with Latter Day servant figures. I have lumped several servant types under this section as a holding place until they can be identified with an individual or specific event. My guess is that Many Prophets have seen the same person doing the same work and have captured it from a different view, thus multiple entries for the same person/event.)

This is one of the more difficult portions of the mosaic. Each servant figure is defined and can stand alone as a separate scene yet portions of this section have more than likely been described from different points of view.  It is as if these pieces could be three dimensional, or holographic, multiple views of the same scene or figure.  Try to imagine a two dimensional puzzle with the center section flowing into a three dimensional piece.  Imagine even further ones frustration in finding out well into the project, after completing the puzzle and then having left over pieces, that indeed the center section is three dimensional and requires more work.  Many times I have built sub sets of puzzles outside of the current project later adding them to the completed frame.  I think a large portion of this work is hard to understand due to the fact that many have completed the frame and filled in the center with a subset they have been working on assuming they have completed  the whole project and reluctantly sweeping the remaining pieces and completed sub sets aside assuming they belong to another puzzle not the current project.  Had they only known that they also fit into the center, in a third dimension, then they could have seen the full work that is yet to come forth.   Or even worse they have misplaced the section based on a holographic image viewed from the wrong angle.  For example; Christ has many titles, Davidic King, Father, First born, to name a few. Sections of the mosaic may include Christ depicted as all of these figures depending on your viewing angle.  To further complicate things the mosaic would allow the misplacement of a sub set or section of the piece into a location based on the incorrect viewing angle.  To state it another way Christ himself may be placed in a section defined for a different Davidic King based on the fact that the Christ sub set is also viewed as a Davidic King.  The key to the mosaic is viewing the complete picture from the same viewing angle.  When all subsets are correctly placed, the mosaic will make sense from any angle.

Let’s leave the puzzle analogy for now and keep in mind the work with the possibility that many views of the same scene may be just what is in store.

The way I see it is many, or a select few, servant figures will facilitate the polarization work of the Lord during this period.  It is unclear to me at this time of the number of the servant figures. The thing that is clear is that a Servant(s) will play a large role in this phase of the work

Elias which was to come to gather together the tribes of Israel and erestore all things. Rev 7:2, D&C 77:9, 14

D&C 77:14 “..John…him to bgather the tribes of Israel; behold, this is Elias..”

We know that Elias is a title but here it points out that John is the Elias spoken of in Rev 7. I assume that many roles/figures/servants listed below could be John….

 


My Servant Gazelem: Alma 37:23  (Possible Hebrew match:  גזלם ??? Robber )

 

Reading Alma 37, 7/21/2007, I came across a new servant figure that had been left off the web page.

 

I believe the servant figure Gazelem (Alma 37:23) applies to our day and will be the key figure that will reveal the secret combinations in our latter day.  Look at the curse that is placed on this land: Alma  37:28. I think this curse applies to us in these latter-days. I know that there have always been secret works of darkness ever since Cain introduced this newly learned art , from Satan, to the world but looking at the section in Alma 37 dealing with this I have come to the conclusion that we are talking about a latter-day (beyond Joseph Smith) application.

 

Alma’s admonition to Helaman concerning the sacred records includes the insight about the use of these records (Alma 37:6-7). I think it includes the portion of the Great and Marvelous work yet to come forth.   When we get the full 24 gold plates of Ether, not just the abridged version that we now have in Ether, will we have revelation of the secret combinations that are/will happen just prior to the second coming?  The revelation of secret combinations could be the beginning of the Lords polarization and might even shed light on "upon my house". The leaders of these secret combinations will not stand by and allow their dark works to be exposed without a fight.

 

We know that Joseph Smith was called Gazelem (D&C 78:9) but I think there will be another servant figure playing an important role in the Great and Marvelous work yet to come forth.

 

Hugh Nibley points out that Gazelem is a servant figure not the stone:

“Verse 23: "I will prepare unto my servant Gazelem, a stone, which shall shine forth in darkness unto light." That's a person he is talking about; Gazelem is not the stone. His servant Gazelem has the stone; he is preparing it for him. …… Now the next verse is going to be highly relevant to future generations, whoever receives it here. (Hugh Nibley, Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Semester 2, p.462)”

 

The curse on the land that Nibley talks about in the next verse applies to us today and most importantly to the latter days just prior to the second coming.  Could this servant figure be the one that plays the key role in the portion of the Great and Marvelous work yet to come forth?  Could this work be what starts out the whirlwind that is to come in the near future by revealing these secret combinations?

 


Another view on this topic can be found at "http://www.josephsmith.com/content/Joseph_Smith_Book_of_Mormon/Alma37.htm"

 

The marred servant: Isaiah 52:13-15, 3 Neph 20-22.

 

The marred Servant figure is one that I haven’t been able to find much on. <<<7/5/22 update:  After study on the Greater Exodus and the Mathew 24:30 sign being the Gathering/ Restoration of the House of Israel I am perfectly comfortable identifying this figure as the House of Israel.  The House of Israel has fallen from prominence and can be looked at as marred when compared to their height of dominance. Remnant of the House of Jacob will be the tool that cleanses the new Promised land in preparation for it being given to the righteous remnant per the covenant to AIJ (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob)  (the fathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 3 Neph 20:29 And I will aremember the covenant ... I would bgather them together in mine own due time, that I would give unto them again the cland of their fathers for their inheritance, which is the land of Jerusalem, which is the promised land unto them forever, saith the Father.>>>

Looking at the context of the scripture it is clear to me that this servant figure will play a key role in the restoration of the House of Israel in the latter days (or be the key event). According to the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.2, ISAIAH, Both Christ Himself during His mortal ministry and a latter day servant figure are what Isaiah was prophesying about when He used the term. Since Christ Himself referenced the Isaiah text prior to talking about the latter day event, I assume He was referring to the latter day servant figure.  The Encyclopedia of Mormonism explanation leaves this event completed with the work of Joseph Smith and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.  As I read  3 Nephi chapter 21 I see the events taking place after the restoration and coming forth of the book of Mormon. Let’s review the sequence.  The Lord starts out with identification of the sign that will foretell the gathering work of the House of Israel. The restoration and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon is the sign of the event not the event. Let's look closely at 3 Nephi 21:5-8;
 

"Therefore, when these works and the works which shall be wrought among you hereafter shall come forth from the Gentiles, unto your seed which shall dwindle in unbelief because of iniquity; 7 And when these things come to pass that thy seed shall begin to know these things--it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of Israel. 8 And when that day shall come, it shall come to pass that kings shall shut their mouths; for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider."

 

So we see that the restoration work and coming forth of the Book of Mormon has already happened, the sign Christ was talking about has been fulfilled.  The Gentiles are aware of the work and the remnant of the House of Israel (Lamanites) are also made aware of the work. Now we should be looking for the Great and Marvelous work that will lead to the restoration of the House of Israel.
 

3 Nephi 21:9;  For in that day, for my sake shall the Father work a work, which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them; and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them.

Yes I know this verse is used to show what happened with the Book of Mormon and I agree it fits, but let's continue on to what I think will be a more complete fulfillment of all the events. As we read on we have the Lion of Jacob theme playing a key role in the work, a time of gathering in great power, which has not happened yet and in my mind is the key portion of understanding the full event. The Lord then identifies the rest of this event with the vision of Isaiah. This is a time of miraculous reversal of what has been the Gentile nations will take a back seat to the Work of the Lord and their might shall be made low.  We truly need to look at this full scene of the complete Great and Marvelous Work for what it is, the restoration of the House of Israel after the time of the Gentiles.

 

I expect that we will have both an individual (see my servant below) and the House of Israel playing out this role in the latter days.  To wrap this section up for now, Let’s look at an explanation of this figure by Brother McConkie;
 

"Isaiah's prophecy about the marred servant is clearly Messianic and applies to Jesus ….. it may yet well be that there will be other latter-day servants to whom also it will apply."  (Bruce R. McConkie. The Mortal Messiah. Vol.4, p.354)


Brother McConkie pointed out that Joseph Smith was a marred servant and any others that have died doing the work of the Lord qualify as marred servants and will be made whole in the resurrection and may also qualify to fit this prophecy but to me it is clear that the servant figure the Lord is looking to has a key role to play in the restoration of the House of Israel and therefore refers to a future person/group.   Also the reference in 3 Nephi 21:10 amarred  points to Joseph and Hyrum.  

From the 3 Nephi sequence looks like the servant figure will play a role at the start of the GMW:

3 Nephi 21 sequence:

·        10: my servant …marred … heal him

·        bGentiles…cut off from among my people

·        remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles…. as a lion

·        But if they will repent … numbered among this the remnant of Jacob…they shall assist my people…build…the New Jerusalem.

·        then shall they assist my people that they may be gathered in..the New Jerusalem….then shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst.  And then shall the work of the Father commence at that day, even

·        his people may be gathered …. they shall go out from all nations; and they shall not go out in haste, nor go by flight, for I will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward.

 

My Servant: Isa 41:9, 42:1, 3 Nep 20: 23 (Looking at 3 Nep 15-20 it is clear that the Lion of Jacob theme is part of the latter-Day gathering and the Man like unto Moses plays a key role in it along with the Lion of Jacob theme of gathering in power: Mormon 5:24)

 Another thing to keep in mind is that the servant is not limited to a single individual. Groups of people also fulfill this role. From the Commentary on the Book of Mormon, by Reynolds and Sjodahl we have the following:
 

"Thou art my servant, O Israel. Some commentators recognize in the book of Isaiah four so-called "servant poems"; that is to say, four prophecies in poetic form, in which Israel, as a nation, is considered in the character and mission of a servant of the Lord. The first of these poems is Isa. 42:1-4; the second, 49:1-6; the third, 50:4-9; and the fourth, 52:13 to 53:12. Part of the last of these is quoted by Abinadi in his address to the priests of King Noah. (Mosiah 14)"  (Reynolds and Sjodahl. Commentary on the Book of Mormon. Vol. 1., p.213)

 

I believe that these sections deal with the House of Israel and other servant types to precede the second coming. The Lion of Jacob role is also prevalent in many of these servant types and plays a key role in the GMW and the New Exodus.

 

Ensign raised: :Isa 5:26, 11:10, 18:3, 27:12-13, 30:17, 31:9, 49:6, 22, 62:10, Zechariah 9:16, 2 Neph 15:26, 21:10, 3 Neph 21:1, D&C 64:42-43  

The common theme I see in the Ensign text is; The House of Israel is an Ensign to the world, a standard of who and what we are to be. The Great and Marvelous work is that Ensign and will be the sign of the last days work. The Church as a grafted entity will also play a big role. The root of Jesse (D&C 113:6 one with the priesthood holding the keys; Man like unto Moses?) will lead the Work (Davidic King? Other?) We also have the Lion of Jacob theme mixed within and playing a key role in the work. All of this will act as a warning of the Great and Terrible day of the Lord, yet to come, when the Arm of the Lord falls. Most of this will take place during the Polarizing phase when the Arm of the Lord is raised.  

New things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them: Isa 42:9, Isa 48:6

Will a prophet (the man like Moses or Gazelem) give a detailed sequence off events leading up to the Second Coming before they happen?  This could be a repeat of the item listed above.  If the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon is what is being referenced here then this could have already happened or may be reserved for the Millennium however a Prophetic figure will be playing a key role in the polarization phase of the work and additional prophecies and or warnings will accompany His work. (could even be someone like Samuel the Lamanite) 

The Voice: Isa 40:3

A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's voice to his repentant people, who prophesies the future and receives divine revelation to guide them through a time of wickedness.

One from the North: Isa 41:25-27

Avraham Gileadi. has written many books dealing with these servant figures. Gileadi sets forth a method for studying the prophecies as did the Jews. A Method of analysis based on types and parallelisms is the foundation for the type of study Gileadi proposes. His main work is focused on Isaiah. Recently on His web site he has listed 30 items that sum up events in the latter-days that Isaiah provides
 

"The letter of prophecy, then, assists in unraveling what several ancient sources call the "hidden things" spoken by Isaiah ….. Where the letter of prophecy is applied consistently, and where its use is inspired and influenced by the spirit of prophecy, a vast wealth of information pertinent to and essential for the last days unfolds to the reader from the words of Isaiah. "  (Avraham Gileadi. Isaiah: Four Latter-day Keys to an Ancient Book. Religious Studies Monograph Series, Isaiah and the Prophets, Vol. 10, p.127 )

 

Gileadi points out the role of Israel and possibly the Davidic King as a player in this servant role.  Even after reading the works of Gileadi and looking at the various servant figures it is still difficult to identify if they are one or many.

Michael B Rush’s work could point to the return of the lost 10 tribes for this one.

Davidic King ( By the name of David): Jer 30:9, Ezek 34:23-24, 37:24-25, Hosea 3:5

 

The Davidic King/Servant figure: We should know that the Ultimate Davidic King that will rule during the millennium is Jesus Christ. But let's take a look at the following scriptures dealing with a future Davidic King that will be a key player leading up to Christ's second coming.

The first instance of a servant figure by the name of David in the latter days is found in Jeremiah 30:9. I see this as prophecy dealing with the Great and Marvelous work yet to come forth. As verse 7 states this will be a wondrous event, the "day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob".  The time of Jacob?  The time of the restoration of the greatness of Israel.  The time when the God of Israel will be know as not the one who delivered them form Egypt but the one who restores the lost tribes and the greatness of Israel of Old?  The time during the Lion of Jacob? Reading through the whole chapter it is clear to me that the prophecy is concerning the gathering of Israel and its return to greatness. The only question in my mind is; When does the David figure come into play? Does verse 9 reflect the period during the Millennium (which is a perfect fit during the millennium) or does it portend the period during the gathering period prior to the millennial reign?  That will be left for each to decide.  It is not clear from just this verse or even by further extrapolation from the chapter as a whole however 1 Nep 14:17 ties the Lion of Jacob event to the start of the cleansing period and the end of the gentiles.

Moving on to Ezekiel 34:23-24 again we have the fold of the Lord having been gathered back in and having "one" shepherd (looking at 37:22 this is to be a King, The Lords Servant David) placed to watch over them. Christ the Lord is to be their God and His servant David a prince among them.  Verse 25 goes on to describe a Millennial period so we again ask when does David the servant of Christ the prince play His role.  To me this section is clear that two persons are being identified one Christ and another His servant David, however some look at the Lord and the servant as being the same person, Christ.  That being the case this is clearly a Millennial prophecy.  I won’t discount that possibility and if that is the case this whole section is misplaced and the Davidic servant section belongs in the Millennial section of this work, however I’m not convinced of that scenario at this time.  I assume that we are indeed talking about two separate people here.  The question then becomes when does this servant figure, David, start to play a role in latter day events?  Let’s move on to another section in Ezekiel where this topic is again addressed chapter 37:24-25.  We now are given a different look at the same gathering subject. One which only readers of the Book of Mormon fully understand.  This is understandably about the restoration of the House of Israel, but more importantly about the reuniting of two subsets of that house, the House of Judah and the House of Joseph.  We know that the Book of Mormon is a key event that needed to precede this event.  The book of Mormon along with the Bible and the records of the Lost 10 tribes will be united and used by the full house of Israel. Having read the Bones section 1-14 led me to look for the gathering to take place after the resurrection of the just which places this just immediately prior to Christ’s return. However we then go on into the Stick section 15-28 which fits better into the gathering that I’m aware of, the Great and Marvelous work that will precede the second coming. It is during this stick section that we have David the One shepherd the King identified.  It is clear that someone will take the newly combined stick and use it to gather the people in, but is it David, or does David come into play later on?

I see in Hosea 3:5 a simple summary of what has been identified in the other works.  Israel after their period of apostasy will again seek the Lord and have again a Davidic King (by the given name of David) to guide them.

This brings us to a point in which we find much confusion and contention. There have been many heated discussions around this topic, many books written to address this idea and none the least, some apostate movements centered on this issue.

To me this is too simple an issue to generate this much concern. In my mind it is all about a name, that being David.  So the simple question in my mind is this.  Will someone named David be one of the servant figures involved in the latter day events?

There are two schools of thought on this topic. First the McConkie school as follows;
 

  "Christ is the Branch, a name applied in ancient Israel to point attention to the great truth that the promised Messiah would come in the lineage of Israel and of David, that he would be a branch or part of that illustrious line."  (Bruce R. McConkie. Mormon Doctrine.  p.102)

 

Also from a statement by Keith Perkins, we have the same theme repeated;

 

"… For years many in the Church taught that there would arise another King David who would reign over the children of Israel. Elder McConkie, examining the scriptures and ignoring traditional teaching, determined that this David was the Lord Jesus Christ."  (Keith Perkins.  Why Are We Here?, Regional Studies, New England, Perkins. p.2-3)

 

I believe that Brother McConkie is correct with the interpretation of Christ being the ultimate Davidic King, however Christ did not fulfill the gathering  prophecies associated with this figure during His ministry on earth nor will He fulfill some key preparatory events prior to the Millennium, therefore we must also look at the second view on this topic.  From the Encyclopedia of Mormonism we have an explanation about the topic. The explanation starts out with a review of the great love the people had towards David and the great military victories that Israel enjoyed under His leadership. I highly recommend that you read the whole piece for yourself and look up the referenced material.  This topic requires more analysis than I will provide in this work.  There are however a few key points I would like to highlight from that work;

 

"… The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that" the throne and kingdom of David is to be taken from him and given to another by the name of David in the last days, raised up out of his lineage" (TPJS, p.339). Elder Orson Hyde, in his dedicatory prayer on the Mount of Olives, October 24, 1841, prophesied that the Jews would return to Jerusalem and that in time a leader called David, "even a descendant from the loins of ancient David, [would] be their king" (HC 4:457). "  (VICTOR L. LUDLOW. David, Prophetic Figure of Last Days. Encyclopedia of Mormonism. Vol. 1, pages 360-361)

 

Although the full description does leave an out for both views, I subscribe to the view of a second Davidic King by the name of David, as expressed by Joseph Smith, since many of the events to be completed by this servant immediately precede the Second Coming. (The restoration of the House of Israel in the Great and Marvelous work, prior to the return of Christ, will be led by one of the servant figures possibly the Davidic King. (Ezk 37:18-25).  We must also keep in mind the role that the Three Nephites and John play during the gathering phase.)

 


Work in progress:  Some ideas from the Yahoo group: (Could the Messiah figures below be the Marred servant and Davidic King servant figures?)

 

<>

In lds2ndcoming@yahoogroups.com, "Bonnie Russell"
sweetwomanrussell@m..., on 11/09/2003 > wrote:

11 November 2003

Shortened version of the Messiah ben Joseph and Messiah ben David Legend

Paraphrased from the Book, “All things restored” by Matthew B. Brown.

Ancient Hebrew traditions speak of two separate messiahs that were foreordained to arise among the covenant people of the Lord---one from the Tribe of Judah (the Messiah ben David or "son of David) and one from the tribe of Joseph (the Messiah ben Joseph/Ephraim). According to Jewish Lore the Messiah ben Joseph concept first arose when Rachel, the mother of Joseph of Egypt, prophesied that Joseph would be the ancestor of a messiah who would "arise at the end of days." Scholars who have studied this legend have determined that it was "a standard article of faith, early and firmly established and universally accepted."(8) 

 The Messiah ben Joseph legends hold special interest for Latter-day Saints for two main reasons.  First, these Jewish legends claim that Joseph of Egypt uttered prophecies about the Messiah ben Joseph (9) while prophecies by Joseph of Egypt found in the Book of Mormon and JST speak of a latter-day seer who would be named "Joseph" (see 2 Nephi 3:6-15; JST Genesis 50:26-33).  Second, there are several elements found in the Messiah ben Joseph legend that closely correspond to the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

1. The Messiah ben Joseph is to be held in reserve to live on the earth in the "last days."(10)

2. The Messiah ben Joseph is to be born through the lineage of Joseph of Egypt's birthright son Ephraim.(11,12,13)

3. The Messiah ben Joseph is to live upon the earth prior to "when Messiah ben David [I.e., Jesus Christ] appears in all his glory" (14) and is to act as HIS forerunner."(15,16,17.18)

4. The Messiah ben Joseph is to be "the revealer of the true faith" of Jehovah.(20)

5. The prophet Elijah is to return to the earth, as foretold in Malachi 4:5-6, during the days of Messiah Ben Joseph.(21)

6. The Messiah ben Joseph is to "rebuild the temple" of Israel and restore its "true worship."(22,23)

7. The Messiah ben Joseph is to gather the children of Israel around him, including a portion of the lost ten tribes.(24,25)

8. The Messiah ben Joseph is to be a warrior.(26,27)

9. The Messiah ben Joseph is to be a king. (28,29,30,31,32,33)

10. The Messiah ben Joseph is to die a martyr.(34)

While it cannot be stated with certainty that Joseph Smith and the Messiah ben Joseph are one and the same person, it cannot be denied that the parallels between then are striking. It is also of great interest that some of the Messiah ben Joseph legendary elements are present in revealed scriptural texts that clearly do refer to the Prophet (see 2 Nephi 3:6-15; JST Genesis 50:26-33).

Footnotes as per the book:

(9) See Ginzberg, The Legends of the Jews 2:7

(10)  Torrey, “The Messiah Son of Ephraim,” 259. The Messiah ben Joseph will “arise at the end of days.  (Ginzberg, The Legends of the Jews 5:299, n. 201).

(11) Ginzberg, The Legends of the Jews 5:299 n.201

(12) Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, vol. 11, July 1920, 107.

(13) JD, 2:269

(14) Klausner, The Messianic Idea in Israel, 497.

(15) Klausner, The Messianic Idea in Israel, 486.

(16) Abraham H. Cannon Journal, 1 January 1892, LDS Church Archives, SLC, Utah, see also D&C 133:63-64

(17) TPJS, 335-36

(18) Parley P. Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology (SLC;Deseret News Press, 1874), 78; see also D&C 77:9,14

(19) Cohn-Sherbok, The Jewish Messiah, 139

(20) Ginzberg, The Legends of the Jews, 2:7

(21) Klausner, The Messianic Idea in Israel, 489

(22) Patai, The Messiah Texts, 170

(23) Matthew B. Brown, The Gate of Heaven; Insights on the Doctrines and Symbols of the Temple.

(24) Jewish Encyclopedia, 1:683  and Greenstone, The Messiah Idea in Jewish History, 211

(25)Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, vol 23, October 1932, 175

(26) Torrey, “The Messiah son of Ephraim,” 267, 269

(27) HC, 4:309-310

(28)  Jewish Encyclopedia 1: 683

(29) William Clayton Journal 1 January 1845, cited in BYUS, vol 20 no.3

(30) Diary of George A. Smith, 9 May 1844, cited in BYUS, vol 8, no 2

(31) Annie Taylor Hyde Notebook, 64, cited in BYUS, vol 20, no 2

(32) HC 6:568-69

(33) D&C 113:5-6

(34) Agus, the Binding of Isaac and Messiah, 209.


My thoughts on this (Clint)
I realize that the reference I'm going to use is of questionable
source but I think it proves my point.

http://www.endtimeprophecy.net/~tttbbs/EPN-1/Articles/Articles-
Anti/moshiac1.html

"3. MOSHIACH or MOSHIACH BEN DAVID - This term refers to the
long-awaited 'messiah' of the Ultra-Orthodox Jews. As I
explain in 'The Kings Of The North And The South Part Two',
the Orthodox Jews are convinced that this person will be a
descendant of the bloodline of King David who was himself of
the tribe of Judah. In other words, Moshiach ben David will
be a flesh Jew of the physical seed of Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob. He will be recognized as being a great political,
military and spiritual leader of Israel, similar to King
David of old. According to my understanding, he will be
destroyed by the brightness of the Lord's Coming as per 2
Thessalonians chapter two."

My point: according to this the Jewish tradition, they are looking
for the next Davidic King. Not the Messiah (God). "In other words,
Moshiach ben David will
be a flesh Jew of the physical seed of Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob. He will be recognized as being a great political,
military and spiritual leader of Israel, similar to King
David of old."


If we can find the source for these two figures I would guess that
they would closely resemble the Davidic King and the marred servant
figures. (Messiah Ben Joseph and David)

http://www.abideinchrist.com/messages/gen37v2.html


"They distinguished the difference between the reigning sovereign
king Messiah and the suffering Messiah. The future sovereign king
they called Messiah ben David, and the suffering Messiah they called
Messiah ben Joseph." Suffering messiah??? How about Marred servant?

Just something to consider.

<>
Another take on the Davidic King is that : David is with the lost ten tribes.  I have a problem with Rodney M. Cluff's Hollow Earth concept but the portion dealing with  the David King being with the Lost Ten tribes is worth consideration. 

Man like unto Moses: Duet 18:15-19, 3 Neph 20:23, D&C 103:16

 

I know, Christ identified Himself as "the Man like unto Moses" but I feel as an Elias or other title.  This I see as a title for a servant figure in the last days. As stated in the beginning of this section, we don't know how many different servant figures there will be. Could the Davidic king also be the Man like unto Moses?  At this point I will not speculate. Brother McConkie explains the role the servant will fulfill. He points out that the redemption of Zion comes by power, and that Joseph Smith was a man like unto Moses for his time and another will take His place when the time comes.  Events like  the building up of the Temple in Zion (old and new) are a few of the tasks left to be accomplished:

 

 "Why should it be any different with us than it was with our fathers? They were led out of Egyptian bondage to their promised land; we shall yet be led out of the bondage of the world to that Zion which it is our destined mission to build as soon as we are prepared for the wondrous work. "And as your fathers were led at the first, even so shall the redemption of Zion be. "Plagues and desolation shall prepare the way; the pharaoh of worldly opposition shall be destroyed; and miracles, comparable to the parting of the Red Sea, shall attend …The New Jerusalem with its temple shall rise before the Lord comes to reign in Millennial glory."  (Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p.613-614)

John Widstoe talked of that time.  He reviewed D&C 103:16 and the speculation around that verse. Men in that day declared that they were the man but Brother Widstoe pointed out that the scriptures are clear as to who this man will be. The following comment leaves little doubt who this figure will be:

 

"The discussion of this question among the Saints led to the following statement in the Times and Seasons (6:922) by John Taylor, then the editor: "The President [of the Church] stands in the Church as Moses did to the children of Israel, according to the revelations. " The man like unto Moses in the Church is the President of the Church." (Italics added to original for emphases)  (John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, p.248)

 

One question that needs to be answered is; Is the Man like unto Moses the same as the Davidic King? If so then the rebuilding of the Temple in the old Jerusalem would take on a whole new light. (See event below; The believing of the house of Israel rebuild the Temple in the Old Jerusalem)

 

Arm of the Lord revealed: Isa 53:1, D&C 90:10


I see this as being the Great and Marvelous Work of the restoration of the House of Israel.  To understand Isaiah 53 we need to look at the surrounding chapters, the main theme of which is the Great and Marvelous Work.  D&C 90:10 touches on an expanded theme that includes the Lion of Jacob and other expanded events making up the Arm of the Lord revealed period.  The restoration of the House of Israel doesn't stand alone as a servant figure but will require a servant figure for its fulfillment. So the question is, will we have an individual identified as the Servant (Arm of the Lord) or will the restoration of the House of Israel be the revealing event?  

 

Out of Zion (Sion) will come a Deliverer who will turn away ungodliness from Jacob: Romans 11:26, Isaiah 19:20, 40:9

 

Will this be the man like unto Moses? The Davidic King? Someone else? Or are all three separate events?

From reading Isaiah 19:20, I would say that this is the "Man like unto Moses".  Who better to lead what Isaiah is talking about than the Man like unto Moses?  Now this leads me to another questions.  What period in the event list would this fall?  We have the Deliverer leading the people out of bondage.   I still think Isaiah 19 is talking about the United States.(a Gileadi theme)  So if that is true at what point will the United States be in bondage?   Will the Deliverer leading this group out of bondage be the same Servant figure leading the restoration of the House of Israel?


Isaiah 40 is a reference to a more general restoration event.  Looking at the three of these I wonder if these are three unrelated events or are they one in the same?  Romans 11 and Isaiah 40 are general enough to cover the same event but is there a link to Isaiah 19?


Other servants will play a role in the latter days.  John is one that has been identified by name to play a key role in the gathering of the House of Israel (D&C 77:14).  And let’s also keep in mind the Three Nephites ( 3 Neph 28:29-33) and the 144,000 (Rev 7:4-8) The 7,000 Holy men (Romans 11:4 same as those found in Jacob 6:2?).

 

The One Mighty and Strong:  Isaiah 28:2, 2 Neph 3:24, D&C 85:7

 

Looking at 2 Neph 3:24 this person will play a key role in the restoration of the House of Israel. I know that some say that this is Christ and I agree Christ is the ultimate figure for these servant figure types but it appears clear to me that a man will fulfill this role prior to the second coming and this man will likely hold one or more of the titles listed above. President Joseph F Smith also looked for a man to fulfill this servant role.


"The presiding quorums of the Church will always be composed of such men, they will be chosen in such manner, ..... they will be called of the Lord through the appointed agencies of the Priesthood and Church authority, to positions that will afford them opportunity for service. They will be accepted by the Saints in the regular order, appointed by the law of the Church, just as Edward Partridge was called and accepted, and just as the "one mighty and strong" will be called and accepted when the time comes for his services." (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p.381)

".......Latter-day Saints know that he will be a future bishop of the Church who will be with the Saints in Zion, Jackson county, Missouri, when the Lord shall establish them in that land" (James R. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, Vol.4, p.118 - p.119)

 

Two Witnesses/Olive Trees/Candlesticks: Zechariah 4:11-14, Rev 11:3-4

 Pickering’s Have identified these as Moses and Elijah (both translated beings)

 Thy Watchmen:  שֹֽׁמְרִ֔ים 3 Nephi 16: 18 Ezek. 33:2 (2, 7); D&C 101:45 (45, 53–54).

 

The Evil Servants: A new section that requires work from the group.  Just a holding spot for now. (Group please address these and let's work on them together)


Babylon:

At a high level we have Zion the Good Guys and Babylon the Bad Guys.  Babylon represents what is wrong in the World, the Natural Man.

 Another take on Babylon and the whore by Joel Richardson: WEB site link is His Book on the topic with Mecca/ Saudi Arabia match.

The Harlot /Whore, The great and abominable church: Revelation 17:1, 5-15, 19:2, 1 Nephi 14:10-12, 22:13-14, 2 Nephi 10:16, 28:18, D&C 29:21, 86:3

 

Coming down to the 30,000 feet level we have the next view of the Bad Guys. In some cases we still have a high level view of Good and Evil but in general this is an organization even if at a high level. As we see with the Encyclopedia of Mormonism quote this term is generally used to depict religious groups or entities that have had or should have a relationship with God. However at times this term is used to depict anyone that is in opposition to Gods People.

 

“The phrase "great and abominable church," which appears in an apocalyptic vision received by the Book of Mormon prophet Nephi1 in the sixth century B.C. (1 Ne. 13:6), refers to the church of the devil and is understood by Latter-day Saints to be equivalent to the "great whore that sitteth upon many waters" described in Revelation 17:1. This "whore of all the earth" is identified by Nephi's brother Jacob as all those who are against God and who fight against Zion, in all periods of time (2 Ne. 10:16). …” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.2, GREAT AND ABOMINABLE CHURCH)

The more specific usage of this term is usually dealing with those who claim to know God and thus the Term Harlot or Whore.  Fore example those entrusted to keep the Gospel who have knowingly change the contents qualify as Whores.


”But with the Bible it was not and is not so. It is now in the hands of intellectuals and unbelievers and ministers whose delight it is to twist and pervert its doctrines and to spiritualize away the plain meanings of all its important parts. And it once was in the sole and exclusive care and custody of an abominable organization, founded by the devil himself, likened prophetically unto a great whore, whose great aim and purpose was to destroy the souls of men in the name of religion” (Monte S. Nyman and Robert L. Millet, The Joseph Smith Translation, p.12)

 

Let's try to associate latter-day figures or groups who qualify under this heading. Some highlights from Stephen R Robinson’s article, that all should read, will help set the tone for this analysis:

 

“…… Babylon, we should be careful to distinguish between her and the beast in Revelation 17 They do not represent the same things, though the beast supports the great and abominable church. (See Rev. 17:3, 7.) ….the “woman … arrayed in purple and scarlet” described in Revelation 17-18, is specifically the Satanic counterpart of the virtuous woman in chapter 12 who symbolizes the church of Jesus Christ that was forced into the wilderness (see JST, Rev. 12:6)—that is, which became inaccessible to human beings. Symbolizing the counterfeit church as an immoral woman underscores the nature of her evil: she is physically and spiritually unfaithful, representing both sexual immorality and idolatry, the twin abominations of the Old Testament. Thus, she is the “mother of abominations.”……woman represents false religion, the beasts, the image of the beast, and its horns represent other aspects of the devil’s kingdom. The “Mother of Harlots” cannot represent kingdoms or governments—the beast and its horns do that (see Rev. 17:12; also JST, Rev. 13:1)—but she can represent the false beliefs and ideologies that often capture and motivate governments. …………Once we understand that the term great and abominable church has two uses, the one open (inclusive and archetypical), the other closed (exclusive and historical), the rest becomes easier. …… slay the saints of God nor seek to control civil governments nor pursue wealth, luxury, and sexual immorality……….It would be an error to blame some modern denomination for the activities of an ancient great and abominable church. The other error is to go too far the other way, dehistoricizing the abominable church altogether. The term then becomes merely a vague symbol for all the disassociated evil in the world. We cannot, in the face of the scriptural evidence, accept this view. For if we do, we shall not be able to recognize the categories and know who is playing the role of Babylon in our own times or in times to come. Thus, we must, on the one hand, avoid the temptation to identify the role of the great and abominable church so completely with one particular entity that we do not recognize the part when it is played by some other entity. At the same time, we must remember that the role will be played by some entity or coalition, and we must be able to tell by their characteristic fruits which is Zion and which is Babylon………. The hellenization of Christianity is a phenomenon that scholars of Christian history have long recognized. Hellenization refers to the imposition of Greek culture and philosophy upon the cultures of the East. The result was a synthesis of East and West, a melting pot of popular culture that was virtually worldwide. In the realm of religion, however, synthesis means compromise, and when we speak in terms of the gospel, compromise with popular beliefs means apostasy from the truth……..”(Stephen E. Robinson, “Warring against the Saints of God,” Ensign, Jan 1988, 34)

In the past the Harlot was the group(s) that Hellenized the Gospel. In the latter-days it will be a religious movement that will polarize the World and gain control of all the world with the help of government(s) (The Beast).  Some members of the group are looking at the World Council of Churches as a possible candidate for this role.

Some Gray (as in Clint Gray) speculation; Could the foundation of the modern day group be Secular Humanism? More thoughts on this later on but for now let's review the fate of this group.

“The fate of the great and abominable church is described in both ancient and modern scriptures (Jer. 51:37; Rev. 18:21; 1 Ne. 14:15-16; 22:14; D&C 1:16): Though the nations of the earth will gather together against them, "the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth" are promised redemption even if it requires power sent down from heaven, as if by fire (1 Ne. 14:14; 22:17). When Jesus Christ returns, he will claim his own and reject those who have opposed him (Mal. 4:1-3; 2 Thes. 2:6-10; 1 Ne. 22:23-26; see Jesus Christ: Second Coming of Jesus Christ). As the Savior institutes his millennial reign, great will be the fall of Babylon, the harlot, and the great and abominable church (Rev. 18; 2 Ne. 28:18), for every knee will bow and every tongue confess, with thankfulness, that Jesus is the Christ (Isa. 45:23; Mosiah 27:31). “(Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.2, GREAT AND ABOMINABLE CHURCH)

The Dragon: Revelation 12:9


”There is a mistranslation of the word dragon in the second verse. The original word signifies the devil, and not dragon, as translated. In chapter 12, verse 9, it reads, "That old serpent, called the devil," and it ought to be translated devil in this case, and not dragon.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843–44, p.293)

 

The 1st Beast: Revelation 11:7,13-20, 13:1 (Same as Daniel 7)

From the Harlot section we understand the Beast to be a governmental institution or should we say a theocratic institution based on the relationship between the Harlot and the Beast.  A world wide entity playing a Key role in the latter-days.  The Beast having seven heads and ten horns and crowns.  I understand that the heads represent governments and the horns (power) and ten crowns representing total domination (World Wide Government). (Rev 17:8)  the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

“[p.18] While the revelator John, who was the last remaining member of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles on the Eastern Hemisphere, was in banishment upon the Isle of Patmos, he saw the image of a beast, representing a power that should arise in the earth, make war upon the Saints and overcome them. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him? And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the Saints, and to overcome them; and power was given Him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." This declaration of the Scriptures is very broad, indicating clearly that the Saints should be overcome, and the power of the beast should be so extensive as to cover all "kindred, tongues and nations." thus leaving the people destitute of divine authority and bereft of the glorious plan of redemption.” (Matthias F. Cowley, Cowley's Talks on Doctrine p.18)

”John is here seeing a beast in heaven, which is "in the likeness of the kingdoms of the earth" (I. V. verse 1), that is, the beast is being used to symbolize certain unnamed kingdoms on earth and to show their dealings toward the saints and the cause of righteousness. “(Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Vol.3, p.521)

”7-8. "In the last days" (Teachings, p. 293), the beast shall have power over every nation, and shall make war with the saints and prevail over all except those who are true and faithful to the standards of the restored gospel.” (Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Vol.3, p.523)

”3, 7-18. These passages dealing with the beast upon which the woman sat, and of the relationship of various kingdoms to the events seen, is a perfect illustration of what the Prophet had in mind when he said: "Whenever God gives a vision of an image, or beast, or figure of any kind, he always holds himself responsible to give a revelation or interpretation of the meaning thereof, otherwise we are not responsible or accountable for our belief in it. Don't be afraid of being damned for not knowing the meaning of a vision or figure, if God has not given a revelation or interpretation of the subject." (Teachings, p. 291.) Until such time as further revelation is received it is fruitless to speculate on the detailed meaning of these things. Brief commentary will be made only of those portions where an inspired interpretation has been made or where the meaning is clear because of other revealed truths.” (Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Vol.3, p.554 - p.555)

A little more speculation on my part here.  Looking at the comment by Joseph Smith that the Beast is actually in heaven, and it is His image that we see on earth:

“The beasts which John saw and speaks of as being in heaven, were actually living in heaven, and were actually to have power given to them over the inhabitants of the earth, precisely according to the plain reading of the revelations. I give this as a key to the elders of Israel. The independent beast is a beast that dwells in heaven, abstract [apart] from the human family. The beast that rose up out of the sea should be translated the image of a beast, as I have referred to it in Daniel's vision.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843–44, p.293)

Could it be that Secular Humanism is the root of the first great battle and will be the main theme of the Final Battle after the Millennium?  Could this Beast living in Heaven actually be a theocratic entity at odds with the Fathers theocracy (a theocracy based on Eternal Gospel Laws and the agency of intelligent beings VS that of learned law and relativism, coercion and survival of the fittest?)  Just some food for thought, maybe too much for most at this time.  For those that know me will understand where I'm coming from.  I have been trying to solve the puzzle over the final exam for years.

New view for this section added 8/31/2018 based on Ezra's Eagle from the book/Web site the lastdaystimeline.com.  From the book this beast evolves out of Ezra's Eagle. This is the first time (Other than Gileadi's US= Egypt ) a view of the US in latter day events is spelled out.  The Trump administration is a key pivot point for the US and what will start this new world order. The book has this beast and Daniel 7 as the same thing. The three horns plucked from the beast (Daniel 7:8) could tie directly back to the Eagle heads.  Joel Richardson views this beast as the revived Caliphate empire (Islamic)  which would be a great match for “.. the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.”

Another view on this and other evil servant figures by H.G. Mar Mari Emmanuel:

Great Britton is the 7th and 8th Beast (started with Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, Great Britton (wounded; reign ended after WWII, then will be healed, Rev13:3, and become the 8th) Also has The 2nd  Beast/The False Prophet: Rev 13:11, separate from the Anti-Christ. (Beasts are Empires, the Anti-Christ person is a person that uses the Beast system, and is not the Beast)

Three unclean spirits  Rev 13:11-18:

 Who are they and what do they do?

”…"And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." Devils -- of whom the frogs are a type and a shadow -- shall work miracles. The world will be so degenerate that men will choose to follow magicians and politicians who deceive and defraud rather than turn to prophets who have power to move mountains and save souls.” (Bruce R. McConkie, The Millennial Messiah, p.396)

False Messiah:

Is this the Antichrist?  According to Richard D. Draper, Opening the Seven Seals, Deseret Book,  1991, pg 146. The Second beast qualifies as a False Messiah.

“ 18 Wherefore, he shall bring forth his words unto them, which words shall judge them at the last day, for they shall be given them for the purpose of convincing them of the true Messiah, who was rejected by them; and unto the convincing of them that they need not look forward any more for a Messiah to come, for there should not any come, save it should be a false Messiah which should deceive the people; for there is save one Messiah spoken of by the prophets, and that Messiah is he who should be rejected of the Jews. “(2 Nephi 25:18)

The Antichrist/ 2nd Beast, False Prophet, The son of Sin, The son of Perdition:

 So we have the seven headed beast (One World Government). Then we have the antichrist which causes the earth to worship the first beast (The one wounded by a sword) So if the first beast is a government then is the one (head) wounded the leader of a nation. We will know Him only when He sets himself up in the Temple as God.

 “When Athanasius assures us that no crime can be more monstrous than that of converting a church into a synagogue, he makes it clear that that is not because one poor synagogue more or less makes so much difference, but because such a gesture "prepares the way" for the sitting of the antichrist in the temple. The antichrist-in-the-temple prophecy has always cast a dark shadow over the pages of the fathers, and though most of them prefer an allegorical interpretation, a large and influential number of them insist on taking the thing literally, however terrible the prospect. It is definitive templum Dei, whether we like it or not, they assure us, and before the adversary can usurp his place in the temple, that temple must be rebuilt.” (Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, Vol.4, Ch.9, p.412 - p.413)

 

 

There is much debate on the Anti-Christ being a single individual or on overall theme of groups or a single group.  I agree the term applies to groups but from what I understand there will be a single individual that will play a key role. One example is this Anit-Christ setting himself up in the Temple as god as referenced by Dr. Nibley and as James Talmage touches on in the following:

 

" The awful sin of blasphemy consists in taking to one's self the divine prerogatives and powers. Here we find the pope of Rome, the
head of the only church recognized at the time, assuming to remit the punishments due in the hereafter for sins committed in
mortality. A pope assuming to sit in judgment as God Himself! Is this not a fulfillment of the dread conditions of apostasy foreseen
and foretold as antecedent to the second advent of Christ? Read for yourselves: "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall
not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth
himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is
God." (James E. Talmage, The Great Apostasy, p.138 - p.13920)


In places will also find the Antichrist referred to in a group setting with Satan as the Man of Sin or the Son of Perdition as the head.  Let's take a look at some of these applications:

 

"ANTICHRISTS, The saints in the meridian of time, knowing there would be a great apostasy between their day and the Second Coming of our Lord, referred to the great apostate church as the anti-christ. "Little children, it is the last time," John said, "and as ye have heard
that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time." (1 John 2:18.) "And every
spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have
heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." (1 John 4:3.) This great antichrist which is to stand as the
antagonist of Christ in the last days, and which is to be overthrown when he comes to cleanse the earth and usher in millennial
righteousness, is the church of the devil (Rev. 13; 17), with the man of sin at its head. (2 Thess. 2:1-12.)" (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p.40)

I think from this short study we can see that the term is used in two ways, one as a group and the other as a human servant figure that will lead an effort on the earth. 

Looking at Daniel 8:9-14, the little horn being the Anti-Christ, we would recognize him from the Daniel 8 war between the Goat and the Ram and the fall out of rulers from that.  Joel Richardson sees the Ram as being Iran and the Goat as being Turkey. Is Iran’s role in the middle east already a sign that the Ram has pushed out (Daniel 8:4) or is that a event yet to happen?  Can we get a indication that the Anti-Christ is near when we see Turkey put an end to Iran’s current power? (Daniel 8:5-7)

 

Work in progress:  Some ideas from the Yahoo group:

Theories on WHO the Anti-Christ will be:
1. A man of Greek descent. (Book of Daniel)
2. The Pope of the Catholic Church
3. A Jewish man "coming into Jerusalem", claiming to be The Messiah.
4. A man who claims to be Jesus Christ Himself. (The Ascension of
Isaiah, and the Bible).
5. An "alien" from another planet - underworld. (Apocalypse of
Elijah-Pseudepigraha).
6. A member of the Mormon Church, with the False Prophet being the
President of the Church.
7. A President of the United States.
Posted: Tue Jul 3, 2007 1:17 pm , (marksw4us)

 

The King of Assyria/Babylon:

 

One theme in Isaiah that we must not overlook is the use of wicked servants to accomplish the Lords work. In Isaiah this servant goes by the names of; the Lord’s Rod or Staff, His Ax and Saw. (Isaiah 2,3,6,9,10,11,14,28,30) Is this one of the seven heads of the Beast?

 

 

Since most of the work that these servant figures will fulfill will be that of cleansing, I see most of His work taking place in the period of “The Arm of the Lord Falls”.  But to capture the servant figures, until we have specific events associated with Him (them), I put a holding place here.


 

The rod of mine anger: (Isaiah 10:5)

 

The basic theme I see with this Evil Servant is He is used mostly to cleans the wicked from the world. He is task with taking the spoil and the prey and treading them down.  He is so successful that He boast of His own power only to be brought low at a critical time, just prior to Him overtaking the righteous. Could the Islamic Jihad movement be this servant figure?  Could Osama Bin Laden or someone like Him be this figure?


This ends the servant section of this work.  This is not to say that the servants don’t play a role in the rest of the events, rather the other events are events in and of themselves and can be placed into a timeline.  Remember the purpose of developing the servant section was to better understand the different figures and provide a holding place for sub events until their proper place is understood.

 

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