Genesis 50 - The Cords That Bind Us.

One of the things we can learn from ancient Hebrew mysticism is that if we pay attention to the text we can learn more than the casual reader. And if we can free our minds from the cords that bind us to our puny views, truths are in front of us. For example:

I have always enjoyed and believed the text of the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis chapter 50. It describes what some would consider convenient doctrine about the restoration, the prophet Joseph, and the tribes of Israel.

However, I always felt a little uncomfortable with the notion that it was ever on the end of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible.

 So when I read Genesis I had a conflict reconciling the existence of chapter 50 with the fact that Genesis is the undefiled base of religion. I always considered Genesis to be the standard to judge all other texts with. Now, if I had explored that uneasiness earlier on, I would have come to my current view by a much shorter route.

 I would have come to the conclusion that many bible scholars are coming to, that what we have in Genesis is a rewrite of one or more earlier records. And, that this rewrite may not be completely free of bias.

David Larsen and Margaret Barker have expressed views that what they term the “Deuteronomist” may have had a political bias in rewriting some of the biblical books.

I am of the opinion that Genesis 50 never was in the Hebrew bible, but should have been included, that it existed as a part of an earlier text, and was excluded. But a proper render of the Genesis story should have included it, and so the Prophet Joseph tacked it on.

If my hypothesis is correct, I have to ask the question, what else could I understand today if I only opened my eyes? My spiritual journey could really pick up speed if I could loose these bands a bit faster. What bands are holding you back from the truth?