The biblical scholar, Margaret Barker, in her book "The Great High Priest", wrote: "Literally, 'almah means 'the hidden one': the root 'lm means conceal, and a derived noun t'lmh means a secret" [page 241]. Consider the following: "Now, there was in Mormon a fountain of pure water, and Alma resorted thither, there being near the water a thicket of small trees, where he did hide himself in the daytime from the searches of the king." (Mosiah 18:5)
DumaNovember 4, 2024
I appreciate articles like this, and have made note of it in case I need to refer back to it. I appreciate the careful research and neatly-outlined arguments.
I also appreciate that it demonstrates the futility of trying to convince the world on its own terms of truths in which it is uninterested. The pattern is: 1) identify an evidence-based claim against the Book of Mormon made by its enemies, 2) research said claim, 3) present evidence and arguments against the claim, 4) receive indifferent response from claimants, 5) rinse and repeat.
It always boils back down to the original formula for knowing whether the Book is true: reading and asking God for a personal witness. I'm glad that such apologetics exist, but that we don't have to rely upon them for a personal testimony.
Rochelle HaleNovember 4, 2024
I never questioned why there are Almas in the Book of Mormon, nor the possible gender identity (as I have read in other articles). In our day many names may be used for men or women. This time around in our Book of Mormon study, it has been helpful for me to keep track of all of the record-keepers, many of whom are related
Comments | Return to Story
Dr. Kenneth Stevens, MDNovember 7, 2024
The biblical scholar, Margaret Barker, in her book "The Great High Priest", wrote: "Literally, 'almah means 'the hidden one': the root 'lm means conceal, and a derived noun t'lmh means a secret" [page 241]. Consider the following: "Now, there was in Mormon a fountain of pure water, and Alma resorted thither, there being near the water a thicket of small trees, where he did hide himself in the daytime from the searches of the king." (Mosiah 18:5)
DumaNovember 4, 2024
I appreciate articles like this, and have made note of it in case I need to refer back to it. I appreciate the careful research and neatly-outlined arguments. I also appreciate that it demonstrates the futility of trying to convince the world on its own terms of truths in which it is uninterested. The pattern is: 1) identify an evidence-based claim against the Book of Mormon made by its enemies, 2) research said claim, 3) present evidence and arguments against the claim, 4) receive indifferent response from claimants, 5) rinse and repeat. It always boils back down to the original formula for knowing whether the Book is true: reading and asking God for a personal witness. I'm glad that such apologetics exist, but that we don't have to rely upon them for a personal testimony.
Rochelle HaleNovember 4, 2024
I never questioned why there are Almas in the Book of Mormon, nor the possible gender identity (as I have read in other articles). In our day many names may be used for men or women. This time around in our Book of Mormon study, it has been helpful for me to keep track of all of the record-keepers, many of whom are related
ADD A COMMENT