"Word", "thing" and Christ -- Part 4: The priesthood

I was not planning a fourth part of this series. But when I study a topic, I occasionally come across things that add a new dimension. This happened again. To recap briefly, the previous posts were based on the Hebrew root, 'dbr'. It is both a verb and a noun and is associated with speaking or word. But as a noun it can also be translated into "thing" or "matter". It is even the name of the inner sanctuary in the temple.

In another recent post, I shared some reflections on the priesthood. As mentioned in that post, the term "priesthood" is not common in the Bible and Book of Mormon. Rather, it is referred to as "the order of God" or the "order of Mechizedek". In D&C 107:1-4

1 There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood.

2 Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest.

3 Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.

4 But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Even though Lehi left Jerusalem long after the days of Melchizedek, it seems that the Nephites kept the older tradition of referring to the priesthood as the "order of the Son of God". As I tried to understand the original meaning of the word that has been translated into "order" in this context in English, I found something interesting. This is a rare word in the Old Testament, but the "order of Melchizedek" is found in Psalm 110:4. The Hebrew word for "order" in this case is "dibrah". It is based on the triliteral root, 'dbr' and derived from "dabar" ("word").

In English, you would not usually connect "order" and "word". But that is the case in Hebrew. Consequently, "the order of God" is derived from and associated with "the word of God". Considering all that I have studied and found about this topic recently, I find that profound. For instance, as touched upon in a few blog posts, there is a relation between the word and power in the scriptures. See here and here, for instance. This makes a lot of sense when I connect that power to his "order"/priesthood. Also, the importance of "the word" in the creation account makes sense when it is linked to the priesthood. Further, this realization humbles me when I exercise the priesthood to speak the words of an ordinance, like blessing the sacrament at home church. I feel that I borrow God's power of the word, to bind in heaven and on earth, the same power that was used to create heaven and earth.

Again, I cannot help but think that this Hebrew tradition and feature of their language carried over into Nephite tradition. The "order of (the Son of) God" in the Book of Mormon is often closely linked to "word"/"thing" or "speak". In Hebrew or a language similar to Hebrew, the following examples look like wordplays.

Now we shall say no more concerning their preaching, except that they preached the word [dabar], and the truth, according to the spirit of prophecy and revelation; and they preached after the holy order [dibrah] of God by which they were called. (Alma 43:2)

Yea, and there was continual peace among them, and exceedingly great prosperity in the church because of their heed and diligence which they gave unto the word [dabar] of God, which was declared unto them by Helaman, and Shiblon, and Corianton, and Ammon and his brethren, yea, and by all those who had been ordained by the holy order [dibrah] of God, being baptized unto repentance, and sent forth to preach among the people. (Alma 49:30)

For I am called to speak [dabar] after this manner, according to the holy order [dibrah] of God, which is in Christ Jesus; yea, I am commanded to stand and testify unto this people the things [dabar] which have been spoken by our fathers concerning the things [dabar] which are to come. (Alma 5:44)

There are several other examples but these are sufficient to illustrate my point. This connection to the priesthood adds another layer to this topic. Hopefully, with all these layers, it has not become too muddled at this point, but I will try to summarize:

• The Hebrew root, 'dbr', means "speak" or "word", but can also be translated into "thing" or "matter". Further, it is associated with the temple and the priesthood. Thus, in ancient Hebrew language and tradition, especially in a religious context and when associated with God, the concept of word and speaking is much more than a string of letters or a sound in your ear.
• This link between word and power and matter is particularly evident in the creation account. It is an account of the word materializing and demonstrates God's power.
• When Alma compares the word with a seed, he uses much of the same language and imagery. He seems to invite us to become creators and benefit from the power of the eternal word.
• The plan of salvation is reflected in the movement from the invisible and eternal world associated with "the Word" to the material creation and then back again. The "back again" is symbolized in the ancient temple, which is the creation in reverse.
• All of the above represents the "order" of God. It is manifest in and possible through the priesthood.