The Stone of Israel:
from Judah or from Joseph
. . . or from EACH

  Overview

The phrase "Stone of Israel" is found in two verses of the Standard Works. Considering these two verses together, along with other related scriptures, provides one of the most clear, direct scriptural proofs for the thesis that like the Son of God came among the Jews and was rejected by them, so also God the Father condescends and comes as a mortal among the Gentile husbandmen in the latter days.

  "Stone of Israel"

In Doctrine & Covenants 50:44, Jesus is speaking and says, "Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth on this rock shall never fall."

By itself, that verse does not raise any questions, for each of the statements reiterates truths spoken many times elsewhere in holy writ. The phrase, "I am in your midst," captures the idea both of Immanuel, God with us, and of the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, the promised first Comforter spoken of in John, by which God abides with each saint individually. (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23; John 14:16-21.) "I am the good shepherd" repeats a metaphor used often by the Lord in reference to himself in relation to his flock, the body of Christ. (John 10:11-14; Alma 5:38-42, 57,60; Hel. 7:10.) "The stone of Israel" brings to mind the idea of Christ being the only sure rock upon which we might build and have safe foundation. (Hel.5:12; Matt. 21:14; Ps. 118:22.) "He that buildeth on this rock shall never fall," solidifies that imagery, and calls to mind the parable of the wise man who built his house on a rock versus and foolish man who built his house on the sand. (Matt. 7:24-27; 3 Ne. 14:24-27; 11:39,40; D&C 11:24; 18:5; 33:13.)

No surprises there. There is no question about the voracity of this verse in D&C 50:44, for it is consistent with so many other key scriptures.

However, the one other occurrence in the scriptures of the phrase "Stone of Israel," by itself, even without comparing it to the above scripture, raises a huge question of inquiry, which question is sure to be answered for those who seek, according to the oft-repeated promise, "whosoever shall ask in faith, to him shall it be given." When compared to the above scripture in D&C 50, the intensity and magnitude of that question is amplified manifold.

The other occurrence is in Genesis 19, where Jacob bestows a prophetic blessing on his sons, the primal twelve tribes of Israel. Beginning in verse 22 and extending to verse 26 is Jacob's blessing to Joseph. Our purpose here is not to expound on that entire promise but to focus in on one particular part. Note carefully the parenthetical statement in the last half of verse 24:

"From thence [Joseph] is the shepherd, the stone of Israel."

This verse is so profoundly important that it ought to be engraved in every Jewish and Christian heart. It states by what lineage "the shepherd, the stone of Israel" shall come. It says that "the stone of Israel," "the shepherd," will come from the lineage of Joseph! It states that "the shepherd, the stone of Israel" will be born to this earth through the lineage of Joseph. That means that there will be one come in the flesh considered "the shepherd, the stone of Israel," distinct from Jesus Christ, (though in unity with him), for Jesus came, as prophesied, from the lineage of Judah, not Joseph. On that point there is no dispute. Even in this same chapter of Genesis is a prophecy to that effect. Jacob's prophetic blessing on the head of Judah proclaims, "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." (Gen. 49:10.) The genealogies of the Savior, listed in the gospels identify and establish his lineage to be of Judah.

Why, then, did Jesus say in D&C 88:44, "I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth on this rock shall never fall." Jesus was not of the lineage of Joseph, as Genesis 49:44 declares would be the case for the "stone of Israel." Is there an irreconcilable contradiction here, placing in dispute the voracity of one or the other of these verses which speak about "the stone of Israel," or is there some other explanation?

We have already shown that D&C 88:44 is consistent with the scriptures, and therefore is not disputable. That leaves Genesis 49:44. Is this prophecy in err B this prophetic blessing which is so integral to the Old Testament theme of the covenant made to Abraham and passed down through his posterity? Joseph Smith left it as it is, with no corrections, in his work with the Inspired Translation of the Bible.

Is Jesus, who was born through the lineage of Judah, "the shepherd, the stone of Israel," or is it to be a separate individual born through the lineage of Joseph.

What about both?

  "The Father and I are One"

The context of D&C 50:44 (that mentions "the stone of Israel") provides the answer to this question.

Verse 40 beings, "Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth." Though this sentiment could be referring to the verses preceding, it is more likely in reference to what follows. The ways of God are not the ways of man, and God is constantly surprising man with the unexpected. A "strange act" is what he calls his great and marvelous work in the latter days. (Isa. 28:21; D&C 95:4; 101:95.) When he works his work, even "kings shall shut their mouths," for "for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider." (Isaiah 52:15; 3 Ne. 20:45; 21:8.) Those who watch (2 Ne. 6:13; Matt. 24:42; 25:13; D&C 50:46; 133:11) and seek (Ether 12:41; JST-Luke 16:18), learning line upon line, precept upon precept (Isa. 28:9-13; 2 Ne. 28:30; Alma 12:9-11), growing grace for grace (John 1:16; D&C 93:20), learning to trust exclusively in the Lord (JST-Mark 9:44,45), they are the ones who "grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth" (D&C 50:40).

Verse 41 and 42 then state, "Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; and none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost." John 17:12 confirms this statement clarifying that "none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." The Lord says that the sons of perdition are "all those who know my power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy my power." (D&C 76:31,32.)

As for immovability, the Lord said that his church consists of all who repent and come unto him (D&C 10:67), coming forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, being baptized by water as well as by fire and by the Holy Ghost, continuing as a child (3 Ne. 11:31-40; 2 Ne. 31:13-21), submissive to all that the Lord sees fit to inflict (3 Ne. 11:37,38; Mosiah 3:19), they press forward, feasting on the words of Christ (2 Ne. 31:20). They are the church of Christ; they are the saints of God. Having been born of God, they are numbered as his people, becoming his sons and his daughters, and are called by his name (Mosiah 5:7-9; 27:25,26; Alma 7:14; 36). Signs follow them that believe (Mark 16:17; Mormon 9:24; Ether 4:18; D&C 84:65; 63:9; 124:98), and Satan has no power over them (1 Ne. 22:26; 2 Ne. 30:18; Eth. 8:26), for they are built upon the rock. (3 Ne. 11:39,40.) The people of the coming millennium will be such a people, every one. It will no longer be said, "Know ye the Lord, for all will know him." (Jer. 31:31-34, paraphrased.) Satan will have no quarter.

Looking around in the world today, the thought of such a world seems but an impossible dream. That such a world is nigh at hand is even more astonishing, considering the ascendency of Satan's power at present.

Something great and marvelous is in store. The Lord is going to make bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations. All the ends of the earth are going to see the salvation of God.

"And when the day cometh that the wrath of God is poured out upon the mother of harlots, which is the great and abominable church of all the earth, whose founder is the devil, then, at that day, the work of the Father shall commence, in preparing the way for the fulfilling of his covenants, which he hath made to his people who are of the house of Israel." (1 Ne. 14:17.)

I bear solemn witness that we live in that day. "The work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of Israel." (3 Ne. 21:7.)

"For in that day, for my sake shall the Father work a work, which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them; and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them." (3 Ne. 21:9.)

Is it possible that the Father himself would come down in the flesh?

Were the Jews expecting God to come down among them in the flesh? Absolutely not. Because Jesus had said he was the very Son of God, they crucified him for blasphemy.

Now in this day, an equally preposterous proposition is set before the people of God B absurd, that is, by man's standards.

Today, those who carry the banner of the Lord, as the Jews did anciently, holding his primary commission to bring forth his kingdom, are the Mormons, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Though prophetically they are identified as the Gentile husbandmen, they themselves lineally of the heartland are much more fond of their Israelitish decent, strongly intermixed though it be, specifically that of Ephraim, birthright son of Joseph.

Are they expecting "the shepherd, the stone of Israel" to come among them? Absolutely not. (D&C 113:66,67.) They, like the rest of the Christian world look for Jesus Christ to return in great glory, descending from the clouds as he ascended from the mount of Olives anciently after his first ministry. (Acts 1:11; 3:21, etc.) Yes, Jesus is going to do that. But what about this "shepherd," this "stone of Israel" who is to be a descendant of Joseph (Gen. 39:55; D&C 113) who is therefore not Jesus. Are they expecting him?

No.

You would think that being so proud of their Ephraimite birthright they would hang on this prophecy. However, being unfamiliar with the scriptures, they think he and Jesus are one and the same. Though Jesus and this Josephite shepherd to come are indeed one, they are not the same.

Should the people of God be expecting him?

Yes.

By definition, speaking in reference to the latter-day Gentiles, Jacob said, "The people of the Lord are they who wait for him; for they still wait for the coming of the Messiah. And behold, according to the words of the prophet, the Messiah will set himself again the second time to recover them." (2 Ne. 6:13,14.)

But if this shepherd, this stone of Israel who is to be a descendent of Joseph, is not the same as Jesus, why do the scriptures say "the Messiah will set his hand again the second time"? This indeed affirms that there will be another Messianic ministry, but it makes it sound like the second is the same Messiah as the first, setting his hand again the second time. (Compare 2 Ne. 6:14 and 25:17 and their contexts: one to the Jews, one to the Gentiles.)

Jesus explains this paradox as he continues in D&C 50, verse 43. "And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you."

Because the Father and the Son are one, so is Messiah one, though there be two ministries: one by the Son in the flesh, a descendent of Judah among the Jews; and one by the Father in the flesh, a descendent of Joseph among the Gentiles or Mormons. Both, as one, are "the shepherd, the stone of Israel," the Messiah, Immanuel, Shiloh, whose right it is.

This is "the stone which the builders [reject]," which becomes "the head of the corner; this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes." (Matt. 21:42.)

The builders at the first advent were the Jews. The builders at the second advent are the Gentiles. The stone which the builders rejected at the first advent was the Son of God. The stone which the builders reject at the second advent is the Father, who is one with the Son. (See parable of the husbandmen, followed by Jesus' riddle, followed by Jesus' explanation in the Joseph Smith Translation: Matt. 21:33-41; 42-44; JST-Matt. 21:48-56.) Hence the scriptures such as:

 

  Scriptures:

"In that day when I came unto mine own, no man among you received me, and you were driven out. When I called again there was none of you to answer; yet my arm was not shortened at all that I could not redeem, neither my power to deliver." (D&C 133:66.)

"The earth is his footstool." (1 Ne. 17:39; Isa. 66:1.)

"But behold, the life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore they shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil." (3 Ne. 21:10.)

"Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of Hosts! For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts." (2 Nephi 28:32.)

"For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them.... I will feed them.... I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. I will seek that which was lost.... but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment." (Ezk. 34:11-16.)

"And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them." (Ezekiel 37:24.)

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Jeremiah 23:1-6; see also 33:14-17.)

"And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust."_ (Romans 15:12)

"...And a branch shall grow out of his roots." _ (Isaiah 11:1)

"Therefore, I will raise up unto my people a man, who shall lead them like as Moses led the children of Israel. For ye are the children of Israel, and of the seed of Abraham, and ye must needs be led out of bondage by power, and with a stretched-out arm. And as your fathers were led at the first, even so shall the redemption of Zion be. Therefore, let not your hearts faint, for I say not unto you as I said unto your fathers: Mine angel shall go up before you, but not my presence. But I say unto you: Mine angels shall go up before you, and also my presence, and in time ye shall possess the goodly land." (D&C 103:16-20.)

"Therefore it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said) they shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant." (3 Ne. 21:11.)

"And the day cometh that you shall hear my voice and see me, and know that I am. Watch, therefore, that ye may be ready. Even so. Amen." (D&C 50:45,46.)

by Sterling D. Allan; Manti, Utah; September 15, 1998

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