Leviticus 19:31; “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.”
As always it’s important for us to look at context, so we’re doing that today with Doctrine and Covenants Section 8. This was originally a revelation Smith gave to Oliver Cowdery in April 1829. Another important fact to know is that D&C 8 used to be Book of Commandments 7.
The text for Book of Commandments 7 is below, or you can read it online here.
What is this “gift” Smith was talking about – do you as a Mormon know? When I was LDS I had no idea what this was, or that the Church had rewritten this part of their canon.
Were/are you aware it’s referring to a divining rod?
A divining rod is used to look for buried treasure. It’s also one of the tools used in witchcraft.
Why is something used in witchcraft part of LDS scriptures? If you’re a member of the Church, how does this verse help you in your daily walk with the Lord?
Why were Joseph and friends involved in this type of behavior if they were following God?
Book of Commandments 7:3; “O remember, these words and keep my commandments. Remember this is your gift. Now this is not all, for you have another gift, which is the gift of working with the rod: behold it has told you things: behold there is no other power save God, that can cause this rod of nature, to work in your hands, for it is the work of God; and therefore whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you by that means, that will I grant unto you, that you shall know.”