Encyclopedia of Mormonism, p. 1538 “For Latter-day Saints, the phrase “voice from the dust” speaks of the coming-forth of the Book of Mormon (cf. 2 Ne. 25:18; 26:16), which was translated from metal plates buried in the ground for fourteen centuries. As early as Joseph Smith, LDS leaders have consistently indicated that this phrase applies to the Book of Mormon (PJS, p. 307; Hinckley, p. 10). This distinctive phrase and others like it usually appear in a context that speaks of the need for repentance and of an accompanying voice of warning that will “whisper out of the dust” (Isa. 29:4).” – Daniel H. Ludlow, 1992

Isaiah 29:3-4 “And I will camp against thee round about, and will lay siege against thee with a mount, and I will raise forts against thee. 4 And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust.”

The title and our text for the day pretty much says it all doesn’t it?

Share this news with the Mormon you know – please! Also, while you’re sharing, show them how Joe Smith took Is. 29:4 out of context. Take a few moments to share vs. 3 with them and explain how God was telling Jerusalem they would be pummeled. This passage has nothing to do with ‘another gospel’, rather, it’s a dreaded woe from God to the Israelites. Jerusalem was in the midst of watching Judah get annihilated by the Assyrians at the time Isaiah wrote this c. bc 700. The prophecy for Jerusalem would come true a century or so later c. bc 586.

Furthermore, the phrase, ‘a familiar spirit’ is referencing the times Israelites would visit witches to hear their future. The practice of filling old wine skins half way with liquid, and gently shaking it had the effect of a faint whispering, or whooshing noise. The fortune-teller told the visitor it was their dead relative giving them a message from beyond the grave. This is just one of the reasons for the Lord’s displeasure, and their impending doom.

As a side note, the online editor for this reference is Wm. Sheffield, not Daniel Ludlow. That said, their text and page number hasn’t changed…

With Love in Christ;

Michelle

1 Cor 1:18