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The Last Days: Types and Shadows from the Bible and the Book of Mormon

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Avraham Gileadi brings to bear in this study of the Book of Mormon his understanding of the Jewish literary tradition through his rabbinical training and approaches it with a belief in the divine origins or authenticity of this work. Avraham has laid bare the eschatology of the book using Jewish literary methods and exhaustive internal cross referencing. As a person who avoids commentaries, this book's use of scriptures as a primary source was exciting. In so doing, contemporary cultural assumptions on the meaning of the book shrank away at the presentation of solid methodical scholarship that demonstrates a point and then pedantically presents it again and again. What Gileadi reveals is an anceint eshatological work of jewish cultural content communicating a warning to a modern Gentile nation that seemingly is culturally unequipped to grasp its meaning. Enlightening, disturbing, exhilerating and spiritually moving. As a person who had previously read the Book of Mormon for 20 years, I was astounded to find that I somehow had managed to not see what Gileadi so elegantly shows.

Brilliant, Gileadi, is one of the shining stars in understanding prophecies of the last days. I found many of insights helpful and insightful.

The saints of God must turn away from false Gods, turn their hearts to the Lord, and seek out their "Calling and Election". In the last days, Christ words will be considered by some to be true and other fables. Christ is the Messiah King providing covenant protection, exaltation, and creation and order in the Universe. Christ servants protect the covenant people. Prototype of Christ were: Moses, Abraham, Melchezedek, Nephi, Benjamin, Mosiah, and Joseph Smith. Christ is the great high priest interceding for the children of the covenant bringing us back into the presence of Heavanly Father.

Christ's atonement, resurrection, and law giving him capability too ransom us back into grace with Heavanly Father. Christ determines the integrity of the individual's determination to obey commandments, endure to the end, and serve; and justifies the individual worthy by pleading his case. As King, Christ has absolute power, absolute knowledge, and absolute presence. When the saints keep the covenant they are ensure protection. When they break the covenant they are left to their own power.
Avraham says Christ attempted to establish his covenant during his mortal ministry but was unable. As a consequence of not establishing the covenant: Nero's pillage, dispora, and the holocaust occurred as the Jews were unable to stop the intruding forces of evil. The Jews are still waiting for their King Messiah having been betrayed by many false Messiahs.

Christ established the New and Everlasting covenant. Through the spirit and power of Elijah the promises of the covenant are sealed. Father is sealed to child and child to father. The keys of Elijah were restored to Joseph Smith. Throught the spirit and power of Elijah, the temple have the power of salvation and exaltation. In essence, the saints have all the saving ordanances necessary to receive their calling and election. A foreshadowing of Zion and Zion will be established creating the Heavanly city. The ten tribes of Israel will reunite, 144,000 high priest will be selected and receive their calling and election, and Christ will return to the earth. The prophecies of Isaiah, Ezechial, Joel, Micah, Nephi, Jeremiah, John the Revelator will be fulfilled and the earth will be restored to its paradiscal glory.

A masterful analysis and conclusion of the "types and shadows" or "what was, shall be" as found in the writings of Biblical and Book of Mormon prophets. Dr. Gileadi methodically dissects key passages, provides meaningful interpretation, and constructs solid conclusions regarding just who the ancients were speaking of when they prophesied of war, pestilence, calamity and destruction....... us!!!.

He goes on to elucidate the requirements to obtain temporal protection and spiritual salvation. His "Twelve Diatribes" decries the greed, immorality, and materialism that are hallmarks not only of society as a whole, but also are found in large measure among those who consider themselves Christians and Saints.

His thorough analysis of the various covenants anciently and relation to telestial, terrestrial, and celestial conditions is brilliant, and fills in many pieces of the "big picture".

While his methodical approach sometimes makes reading slow going, the diligent reader is rewarded with priceless gems of understanding and wisdom.

A highly recommended read for scholars and students of the Scriptures.

Avraham opens your eyes by showing the state of idoltary that exists in our lives today that mirrors ancient Israel. He really takes the reader into the prophecies of The Great and Marvelous Work which you will not study about in Sunday School.

CONTENTS: Ch.1 Twelve Diatribes of Modern Israel (e.g. modern idolatry) Ch. 2 The Great and Marvelous Work Yet to Come Forth (e.g. the Lord making bare his arm) Ch. 3 Gentiles of the House of Israel Ch. 4 Priesthood, Patriarchy, and Proxy Salvation

GENERAL Elaborates on Davidic Servant prophecies.

A must for any serious L.D.S. student of the scriptures.