In his day, Nephi studied and cherished the Old Testament record. Because of what Nephi left behind, we can too.
The Old Testament can be a difficult read for many, and it definitely is for me. Not only is it the oldest scripture in our canon, but it sometimes seems irrelevant and unapplicable. The newer scriptures (like the New Testament and the Book of Mormon) can definitely be easier to get through. But as BYU Professor of ancient scripture David Seely puts it in his Liahona article “Seeking Christ and Covenants: Nephi’s Keys to Reading the Old Testament,” Nephi actually left us some hints in the Book of Mormon about how we can understand the Old Testament.
Photo by Jessica Mangano
Professor Seely teaches us to look out for these two keys: Christ and covenants.
First, Christ. As Nephi himself explains, “Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; …all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him” (2 Nephi 11:4).
Like Nephi says, all things that are given to us by God symbolize Christ. Therefore, many stories found in the Old Testament directly foreshadow the life of Jesus Christ. My favorite example Professor Seely gives is his comparison of the brass serpent Moses lifted up to Christ on the cross. Just as viewing the brass serpent healed the Israelites, we too can be healed if we look to Christ.
Second, covenants. Nephi remarks, “And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers” (2 Nephi 11:5).
God teaches us that these covenants are still in force today (see Doctrine and Covenants 132:30–31). With this understanding, we can read the Old Testament looking for ways that God covenants with and keeps his promises to his people.
The Old Testament foreshadows and teaches about some of the most important topics in the gospel, such as Christ’s Atonement and our dependence on him. Most of the richest learning lies just beneath the surface. So, as you read the Old Testament this year, take Nephi’s perspective. Look for types of Christ, and watch for how God keeps his promises.
Read the Liahona article by Professor David Seely, “Seeking Christ and Covenants: Nephi’s Keys to Reading the Old Testament,” to learn more about how we can deepen our understanding of the Old Testament.
Source: Liahona
—Ellie Lewis, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY ROD LONG
Find more insights
Check out Stan Thomasson’s Liahona article “15 Reasons to Keep Reading the Book of Mormon Every Day” for motivation to keep up your daily study.
Read Madison Mulvey’s Latter-day Saint Insights article “Discovering Light in the Dark: The Power of the Book of Mormon” to learn more about how the Book of Mormon can help you.