Prophetic Power Of "Likening"

Nephi wrote, “I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23).

In the Book of Mormon, here Nephi places forth to "liken all scriptures unto us" and if we do "profit and learning" is acquired.  This scripture "likening" can be personal as well as interpersonal- a collective interpretation to a broader meaning and teaching purpose.  Nephi used this pattern (likening) in the use of the writings of Isaiah. He uses it to prophetically describe the restoration to come forth from the writings of Isaiah.

This use can be highlighted just recently in a talk by Henry B. Eyring, he said,
"We are all gatherers. This is the work of our generation, what the Apostle Paul called “the dispensation of the fulness of times,” when he said God would “gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” (Ephesians 1:10). This is made possible through the atoning work of God’s Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Because of Him, our family members, “who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Ephesians 2:13–14).
April General Conference 2017

He uses the writings of Paul for us to view the prophecy and fulfillment of family history work.  He concludes:

"You have felt this, as I have, when you have experienced an increase of love as you looked at the picture of an ancestor. You have felt it in the temple when the name on a card seemed like more than a name, and you couldn’t help but sense that this person was aware of you and felt your love."
Henry B. Eyring, April- General Conference 2017

Number Building Blocks

In Ezekiel 40: Ezekiel in revelation described the temple.  This view of the Gilbert Arizona Temple portrays many of the themes Ezekiel is thus inspiring- his measurements certainly building in ones mind a majestic temple like this one.  

As an exercise, take all his numbers and determine each numbers symbolic message?

Bulls Eye of the Cross Scriptural Symbolism Post

"his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob". Genesis 49:24

 "made strong by the mighty God of Jacob" stating boldly that "the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers". I Nephi 4:1-3

Lehi taught this biblical concept to his sons- "power from his progenitors" as revealed from Joseph of old.

Cross Scriptural Symbolism

Often cross scriptural symbolism can be identified. Here is an example: Joseph was promised a "fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall"... continued... "his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob". Genesis 49:24

Now, recall the three stories of Nephi in the Book of Mormon:

1. "who were without the walls" I Nephi 4:5
2. "we did take our bows and our arrows" I Nephi 16:14
3. "the bands were loosed from off my hands" I Nephi 7:18

In summing up Nephi used similar language like unto Joseph "made strong by the mighty God of Jacob" stating boldly that "the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers". I Nephi 4:1-3

1

Compound In One
Progression

"If things were compound in one, there would be no other"

"To dream to seek the unknown. To look for what is beautiful is its own reward. A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?"
City of Z

11 ​For it must needs be, that there is an ​​​opposition​ in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; ​​wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility. 2 Nephi 2:

This principle- as we choose appropriately can guide us only to happiness.

Literary Motifs

The scriptures provide paralleled, spiritural literary motifs. The themes and patterns in these identified scriptures cause one to awe at such description through story similarity. Like an artist, painting a broad masterpiece.  These scriptures detail such grand display if in a gallery below:

Matthew 27: 12-37...to the end of the chapter

Alma 14:15-17, 18-22

John 19:1-5; 10-19

I Nephi 18:9-19

JST Comparative Interpretation

Joseph Smith, Jr.  took 3 years to translate the King James version of the Bible. His mission he described of himself as a "translator".  His translation of the Book of Mormon in contrast from the plates took roughly 3 months.  Below this verse from  Psalms added great insight:

5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

comparative interpretation: 

5a

JST Ps. 30: 5 For his anger kindleth against the wicked; they repent, and in a moment it is turned away, and they are in his favor, and he giveth them life; therefore, weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. His translation of Genesis 17:1...added this doctrine: "that thou mayest know forever that children are not accountable before me until they are eight years old".