Opening the Seven Seals John the Revelat [Hardcover]

Richard D Draper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1991

Do you feel lost when you read the book of Revelation? Do the images and actions seem bewildering and the meaning confusing? Richard D Draper, assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University, clearly and understandably examine this crucial scripture. Opening the Seven Seals: The Visions of John the Revelator combines the best of LDS and biblical scholarship. The author writes: “To fill the need of a clear analysis of revelation, I have. . . translated the document paying close attention to variations found in the different preserved manuscripts, including the Joseph Smith Translation; studied the most important Jewish and Christian apocalypses. . . ; consulted the studies of scholars both within and without the church; and. . . pulled together those insights gained from the standard works and the teachings of the modern prophets. Further, I have not ignored the historical setting.” Dr. Draper discusses the purposes and themes of revelation and examines the book section by section. He also gives keen insight into the apocalyptic visions of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, and Lehi. Some questions he addresses are these: *What is Apocalyptic literature, and why did John choose this form to write in? *Why did John report the entire history of the earth twice? *What do the various beasts represent? *What is the significance of numbers and their use? *What are the differences and purposes of the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls? *How does the book testify of Jesus Christ and warn against Satan? *How are the principles of agency and God's control of history reconciled? *What does the book say about the last days, the millennium, and final judgment? *How do the mercy and judgment of the lamb work together? Opening the Seven Seals will help the reader find fulfillment of this promise: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (Rev.1:3)

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Awesome!!!, September 20, 2008 by Aaron This book is awesome... Full of insights of the symbolism of John's glorious vision. It breaks down lots of the barriers that stand as you read through it.. and how the book of Revelation points towards the latter days. This book really helps me and brings enlightenment to my mind... and shows the true symbols that John was wanting us latter saints to truly know. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

About the Author

Richard D. Draper, who earned an M.A. in history from Arizona State and a Ph.D. in ancient history from BYU, is a professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University and the associate dean of Religious Education. Prior to joining the BYU faculty, he worked for four years in CES as a curriculum writer. He is the author of several books, and co-author of The Pearl of Great Price: A Verse-by-Verse Commentary. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 308 pages
• Publisher: Deseret Book Co (October 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875795471
• ISBN-13: 978-0875795478
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #517,249 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding the Book of Revelations, August 2, 2005

By 

Steven S. Smith "former military officer" (Layton, UT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Opening the Seven Seals John the Revelat (Hardcover)

Very well written analysis of the Book of Revelation. It goes through each verse of the book, and provides thought-provoking insight into Revelation's symbolism and imagery. It also is the first book I've read that gives a plausible sequence of events leading up to the Return of Christ. The author is a Professor of Ancient Religion at Brigham Young University. Although written from an LDS perspective, it is well documented from many non-LDS sources as well, and is highly recommended for anyone who wants to comprehend more of the Apocalypse and the Last Days.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding the Book of Revelation from an LDS perspective, March 17, 2008

By 

Jeffrey Van Wagoner (Gilbert, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Opening the Seven Seals: The Visions of John the Revelator (Paperback)

The Book of Revelation is an enigma to most people due to its heavy use of symbolism. I have studied it over the years and have learned little by little using the writings of Joseph Smith and the Doctrine and Covenants as resources to help in the interpretation. I even read McConkie's New Testament Commentary and that also helped. Draper's book has been the biggest help to date in my understanding of this scripture. He is a professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University and uses his knowledge of Greek and symbolism to clarify a lot of what was still confusing to me in the past.

The book goes through the entire Book of Revelation verse by verse and explains the meaning in easy to understand language. He uses as resources the Doctrine and Covenants, the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible, other prophetic books in the Old and New Testaments, other Commentaries of Joseph Smith, commentaries of various LDS and non-LDS scholars, and his knowledge of the Greek language. Where there are conflicting opinions, he points these out. His discussions on symbolism were the most helpful to me. Overall I really enjoyed the book and gained new insights.

I highly recommend this book for those wanting to gain a greater understanding of the Book of Revelation, especially from an LDS perspective. For non-LDS this book will provide a good summary of what LDS scripture adds to the understanding of the Apocalypse of John.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book ever on the subject, October 7, 2010

By 

segccute - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Opening the Seven Seals John the Revelat (Hardcover)

Without a doubt, the best book ever written on the subject. Perhaps the best scriptural commentary ever by a non-GA. I have read it three times and still am learning from it. A must read for every serious LDS member wanting to know what we have in store. I only wish it were longer and spent more time on the first three chapters.