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Dear
Gramps, I have a further question, this time concerning Joseph Smith. In the
earlier versions of the Doctrine and Covenants Joseph Smith is referred to
by the name "Barak Ale". What is the significance of this name? Is
it in any way related to his pre-mortal identity? We know a little bit about
the pre-mortal identity and role of other prominent figures such as Gabriel,
do you have any ideas concerning the pre-mortal identity and role of Joseph
Smith? Thanks. John Campbell |
Dear
John,
Perhaps
we shouldn’t try to read too much into the possible significance of the code
names that were used to identify certain individuals in earlier editions of the
Doctrine and Covenants. Those code names were used to hide the identity of the
individuals that they referred to because of the threat of violent opposition to
many of the leaders of the Church in the early days of the restoration. They
were replaced by the names of the persons to whom they applied after all
potential threats against the individuals had disappeared. The word barak is a
Hebrew term meaning lightning. The word ale, to my knowledge, has no direct
equivalent in Hebrew.
Gramps