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3 Interesting Gazelem Tidbits Explored

3 Interesting Gazelem Tidbits Explored
1) Joseph Smith apparently found a seer stone when he was 16-years-old while digging a well near his home. Using this stone, Joseph developed his capacity as a seer, searching for buried treasure and lost items. He would later apply this gift to translate the Book of Mormon. With the Hill Cumorah in the background, this painting depicts the youthful Joseph finding his stone, prophesied in the Book of Mormon, “I will prepare unto my servant Gazelem, a stone” (Alma 37:23).
2) The Interpreter Foundation proposes the concept of identifying Gazelem as a Jaredite seer. Other theories of the identity of Gazelem are addressed in this article but not explored in depth. It discusses the full context of Alma’s words, the Jaredite secret combinations and their oaths, Gazelem’s seer stone, and the Nephite interpreters. Additionally, it proposes a possible timeline that Gazelem lived among the Jaredites. It also discusses the usage of “Gazelam” as a substitute name for Joseph Smith in early editions of the Doctrine and Covenants.
interpreterfoundation.org/gazelem-the-jaredite
3) As for a substitute name for Joseph Smith, here’s Elder McConkie’s reference to the name Gazelam in Mormon Doctrine, p. 307-8. “Strange and unusual names were placed by the Prophet in some of the early revelations so that the individuals whom the Lord was then addressing would not be known to the world. The purpose of keeping these identities secret from their enemies having long since passed, the true names are now found in the Doctrine and Covenants.
“Two of the names which identified the Prophet himself were Gazelam and Enoch. (D. & C. 78:9; 82:11; 104:26, 43, 45, 46.) Presumptively these and other names used at the same time have particular meanings, which are not now known to us.
“With reference to the name Gazelam, it is interesting to note that Alma in directing Helaman to preserve both the Urim and Thummim and the plates containing the Book of Ether, says that such record will be brought to light by the Lord’s servant Gazelem, who will use ‘a stone’ in his translation work. (Alma 37:21-23.) It may be that Gazelem is a variant spelling of Gazelam and that Alma’s reference is to the Prophet Joseph Smith who did in fact bring forth part at least of the Ether record. Or it could be that the name Gazelem (Gazelam) is a title having to do with the power to translate ancient records and that Alma’s reference was to some Nephite prophet who brought the Book of Ether to light in the golden era of Nephite history.”
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I found thin on the Come, Follow Me Principle Challenge Group posted by Mark Herre on 7/23/2020

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