Seventeen Years Later by Michael D. Rhodes Seventeen years ago I published a translation and commentary of Facsimile 2 of the Book of Abraham. [1] In the intervening years there have been numerous advances in our understanding of this interesting document, and I felt that the study needed revision in the light of those advances.[2] This will certainly not be the last word on Facsimile 2. In Egyptian studies, as indeed in all human endeavors, our knowledge is always tentative and in need of constant revision as we learn more. It should come as no surprise to members of the Church that as we gain more understanding of Egyptian matters, we find an increasing number of Joseph Smith’s explanations of Facsimile 2 are in accord with that increased understanding. Nevertheless, my purpose is not to “prove” Joseph Smith was a prophet. That knowledge can and should come only from […] Read More