Customer Reviews

The Last Days Unsealed

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

Robert Smith, a student of Avraham Gileadi's works, makes some bold, but unconvincing attempts to look into Gileadi's study of Isaiah. Where Gileadi opens some wonderful vistas of Isaiah from a macro-level, Smith tries to build upon Gileadi's work from a micro-level. However, the reader will find that Smith really stretches in many of his conclusions.

Instead of leaving the reader some suggestions on what things could mean, Smith forces his beliefs down your throat and leaves no room for another point of view.

Smith believes that the Davidic Servant is John the Beloved based on D&C77:9&14. However, Smith fails to give commentary on scriptures that oppose that view like D&C 27:6-7 and JST John 1:21-28. He also stretches when he says that food storage is the "oil" that the five wise virgins must have to be "raptured away" onto the exodus by Angels.

Unlike Gileadi that will give the reader parallels and types to demonstrate what Isaiah and other prophets are telling us, Smith attempts to make huge jumps across the Grand Canynon based on one scripture here or there which he is unable to clear with so little material.

For the serious student of latter-day prophecy, I would suggest that one not waste their money on Smith's works and just study Gileadi's research.

This guy contradicts the very principals he's preaching, Pride and Judging others. He spends most of his talents spewing anger and pointing fingers. Christ would have made his points without anger and living examples. If I gave Mr. Smith the benefit of the doubt and listened to his subtle implications, (that he is the only mortal who can translate scripture), I would have to throw away almost everything my church leaders have taught. My final thought is why does Mr. Smith translate scripture metaphorically then change to more literal translations when it's convenient to his "story" line?

No question, the author is opinionated and states his beliefs without any mention of other possibilities or intrepretations. I, unlike the other reviewers, find this attitude refreshing. I like an author that says what he means and means what he says. It gives you something to sink your teeth in and this book led to a much greater depth of study and understanding than I would have without reading it. Of course it's offensive and controversial, but I've no doubt that Christ's coming and judgements will also be offensive and controversial.

I'm not at all saying that I agree with everything the author says,however. But I found when looking in other Isaiah commentaries, and that's what this book really is, time and time again I found more main-stream Mormon authors at least stating that these interpretations are plausible. I recommend you try it if you wish to follow the Savior's admonition to search the words of Isaiah.

I found this book to be a fantastic introduction to the subject of the last days prophecies. True, the author does not cover the subject in great depth (the subject of the Davidic Servant is quite detailed, however), and does not present too many alternate interpretations; however, I find his use and approach to developing a time line to be very valuable, and I find myself referring back to this book over and over as I have gone on to do further studies in depth elsewhere. I have purchased four copies of this book for others, because in spite of what may be its flaws, it delivers a cogent, highly readable and organized presentation of a host of scriptural materials. It is just as he declares in his introduction, not just another compendium of last days scriptures, but an organized treatment that sheds light on what is to the newcomer a very confusing topic. He may or may not be correct in some of his conclusions, but this book absolutely galvanized my search into the last days prophecies, and I have a high regard for the work done here. I was blown away by the ideas presented in this book; it is still one of my very favorite works on the last days prophecies, and I highly recommend it.

Mr. Smith has interpreted one of the most difficult books of the Bible because it was written in metaphors and types in order that the true meaning would not be understood until the last days when we most needed this information. Because he is a brilliant man who took the time to learn Hebrew and study with an elderly Rabbi who knew the way of translating of the Jews, that is how he unlocks the message in this most prophetic book. He is a very conscientious writer. If he is not sure of something, he will qualify it. This book gives the last days in chronological order. If you want a translation straight from Isaiah, see his book, "Scriptures of the Last Days." For people who truly want to know the truth, these books give an experience in understanding and will clear up rumors and untrue things that have thus far been circulated.

This book is right on. Reading Giliadi brings you right back to what Bob Smith says. Only Smith has the courage to tell it like it really is. The Mormon Church is full of corporate corruption, injustice and idolatry. Don't read this book unless you are a courageous person who is willing to look at himself and his leaders. This book first brings you to a state of shock, then denial, then a realization that it is probably true, then personal repentance and finally, preparation for what is ahead. And that means both spiritual and temporal preparations. There are tens of thousands of Mormons that have accepted the truths in this book but they are quiet about it for fear of more injustice heaped upon them. If you think you are open-minded and a seeker of truth (for real) then get this book as fast as you can, read it, get prepared, and warn your loved ones. There is not much time left!