The 1993 Sperry Symposium on the Old Testament, Thy People Shall Be My People and Thy God My God, is also relevant to studies of the other standard works, particularly the New Testament.
Outstanding contributions include Terry Ball’s explanations of botanical imagery in Isaiah, applicable to the words of Jesus; Jennifer Clark Lane’s discussion of adoption and redemption in the old Testament and in Paul’s writings; and Dana Pike’s work on seals and sealing.
Thomas Valletta discusses the Exodus as a type of the Plan of Redemption, and Catherine Thomas provides a spiritual and historical background for Israel in the New Testament through Israel’s provocation in the wilderness. Frank Judd compares Melchizedek to Enoch, and both prophets to Christ, relevant to Hebrews 7; and Dale LeBaron connects Elijah’s modern day and biblical significance. Kelly Ogden and Donald Parry discuss the testimonies and symbolic prophecies of the ancient prophets about Jesus’ earthly ministry.
More focused on the Old Testament, but still broadly insightful, are Gaye Strathearn’s examination of Pharaoh’s introduction to Jehovah through Sarah and Abraham; Andrew Skinner’s article on Jacob, covenant making, and personal revelation; Lyman Redd’s analysis of Aaron’s consecration; and Robert Matthew’s discussion of our heritage from Joseph of old.
This collection, largely written by the rising generation of LDS biblical scholars, offers clear and competent treatments of topics that are of great interest to Latter-day Saints.
