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→ Detailed Show Notes

→ Timestamps:
(00:00) There is evidence that the Five Books of Moses and specifically the Book of Deuteronomy were edited both before and during the Babylonian captivity, around 600 B.C.
(03:14) Many scholars see Deuteronomy as the “Book of the Law” that was discovered during Josiah’s reign from 640-609 B.C.
(06:15) Examples of additions and redactions which demonstrate the history of the text.
(12:54) The Book of Mormon and the New Testament bring balance to the religious reforms during Josiah’s reign.
(15:35) The Deuteronomistic History is a term used in modern biblical studies to describe the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel and 1-2 Kings. The Deuteronomistic History portrays a cohesive view of Israel.
(18:46) Lehi and Nephi were at odds with the Jews at the time they left Jerusalem in 600 B.C. Examples from the Book of Mormon show how prophets disagreed with some of Deuteronomy’s ideas.
(23:26) Deuteronomy centralizes worship and prohibits any altars outside of the temple. Visionaries were denigrated, yet Nephi knew the mysteries.
(25:42) Deuteronomy focuses on the Abrahamic Covenant and stresses that Israel is to remember the Lord.
(32:39) Deuteronomy has covenant renewal ceremonies and is constructed in the pattern of an ancient Near Eastern vassal treaty. This pattern is also used in King Benjamin’s speech in Mosiah 1-6.
(38:22) The scattering and gathering is prophesied in both Deuteronomy and the Book of Mormon. God wants to bring Israel back home.
(46:12) Deuteronomy 31.6 shows a direct connection to the Book of Joshua. Blessings for keeping the commandments can be seen as a generational promise, not necessarily a 1:1 relationship. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a “cosmic vending machine.”
(48:53) Both Deuteronomy and the Book of Mormon are writing with the future in mind, knowing that their discovery will bring religious reform.
(51:14) Both books warn of the pride and destruction that can come with prosperity.
(55:28) Moses “dies,” and the text of Deuteronomy says his sepulcher is not known. The Book of Mormon teaches that Moses was translated. Josephus’ history says he disappeared in a cloud. The New Testament shows Moses appears at the Mount of Transfiguration.
(1:02:01) As a resurrected being, in April 1836, Moses came to Joseph Smith to give him the keys of the gathering of Israel. In this way, we are all connected to Moses and his mission. As modern day Israel, we carry the torch of Gospel light and are commanded to spread the Gospel.

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The post Ep 371 | Deuteronomy, Come Follow Me 2026 (May 11-17) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

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→ Detailed Show Notes

→ Timestamps:
(00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.
(02:35) The Israelites murmur and complain in the wilderness. How we respond to our afflictions will shape our character. We can strive to see God’s hand in our lives like Nephi and Francis Webster.
(15:34) The book of Numbers contains evidence that it is a compilation of separate traditions. Understanding these traditions helps to explain some contradictions in the text.
(21:48) Israel murmurs and lusts for meat instead of manna. The Lord abundantly blesses them with quail.
(25:11) Moses complains that he can’t bear the burden alone and is commanded to choose 70 to assist him. The very essence of Christianity is to have compassion for those who are downtrodden.
(29:24) The Greek translation of manna leads to fascinating possibilities. The Israelites loathe the manna and want something exciting and new.
(35:41) Aaron and Miriam challenge Moses’ authority. Numbers 12 portrays Moses as God’s authorized representative, emphasizing hierarchical priesthood authority.
(39:08) Moses sends 12 spies to search the land of Canaan. Ten of them bring back a negative report, telling of giants inhabiting the land. Joshua and Caleb give a positive report and say that Israel can take the land of Canaan.
(43:20) Moses stands as intercessor, working to convince the Lord to not smite the Israelites. The adult Israelites murmur and want to die in the wilderness. The Lord grants this request, while also emphasizing that he desires to have a righteous people who will build Zion.
(47:34) Miriam and Aaron die in the wilderness. Moses will see, but not enter the promised land.
(49:42) The king of Edom refuses to let Israel pass peacefully through his land. We can choose to not be offended.
(52:04) The Israelites are plagued and bitten by fiery serpents. Moses lifts up a serpent of brass to save those who will look upon it. This story is told in greater detail in the Book of Mormon. We should not be slothful because of the easiness of the way.
(1:00:00) Og, the king of Bashan, is described as the last of the giants. His bed is described with the same dimensions as that of Marduk, a Mesopotamian deity.
(1:02:16) Balak offers Balaam money, cattle, and great honors to curse Israel. Balaam refuses, and instead pronounces great blessings upon Israel.
(1:13:54) Another perspective on why the Lord was angry with Balaam.

→ For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here.

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The post Ep 370 | Numbers, Come Follow Me 2026 (May 4-10) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube

→ Detailed Show Notes

→ Timestamps:
(00:00) A brief overview of these chapters.
(04:02) The Nephites saw the Savior Jesus Christ in the Law of Moses.
(12:08) The children of Israel willingly donated material to construct The Tabernacle, giving even more than was needed.
(15:52) The articles of The Tabernacle.
(20:01) Aaron and his sons are washed, anointed, and clothed in priesthood robes.
(22:20) The Tabernacle is a miniature cosmos, which parallels the creation of the earth in its literary construction. The glory of the Lord fills it.
(26:13) Scholars have mapped a chiastic structure in the first five books of the Bible. The apex can be seen as Leviticus 16, which focuses on the Day of Atonement. In this way, we see that the center of the Pentateuch is Jesus Christ.
(27:48) Walking through the steps of offering a sacrifice at The Tabernacle.
(37:29) The five offerings are meant to separate the clean from the unclean. Leviticus contains only a fragmentary record of the institution of the priesthood.
(40:40) Kosher and purity laws in Leviticus 11-15.
(45:41) Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement.
(50:11) The scapegoat, as portrayed in the Day of Atonement, can be interpreted in many ways.
(58:35) Israel is commanded to not reap the corners of their fields and to leave their gleanings for the poor. This symbol of the circle in the square can also represent the temple, the unification of heaven and earth, and is found in the book of Ruth.
(1:01:47) Prohibition of mingling seed and garments of linen and wool. The holy and the profane are not to be mixed.
(1:04:58) Israel is commanded to be different from their neighbors in grooming standards.
(1:06:29) Israel is to keep the Feasts of the Passover, of Unleavened Bread, of Pentecost or Firstfruits, of Trumpets, of the Day of Atonement, and of Tabernacles.

→ For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here.

→ Enroll in Institute

→ YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook

The post Ep 369 | Exodus 35-40; Leviticus, Come Follow Me 2026 (April 27-May 3) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.