Dear Gramps,

I’m very confused about a scripture I read this morning. In
2 Nephi Chap 3 Joseph is prophesying that Joseph Smith will come from
his loins. If Joseph Smith has a European ancestry how could he come
from Joseph who’s lineage is in North and South America? What am I
missing?
Keep up the good work. Thank You.

Scott

Dear Scott,

In 2 Nephi chapters 3 & 4, Lehi speaks to and gives a blessing to his posterity prior to his death, which is recorded in Chapter 4 verse 12.  The first one he speaks to is his son Joseph, his last born, who was born in the wilderness after their departure from Jerusalem.  He tells his son Joseph that he, Lehi, was a descendant of Joseph who was sold into Egypt.  He then tells of the promises given to Joseph who was sold into Egypt.  One of these promises was that a righteous branch of the house of Israel would come through his loins, “not the Messiah, but a branch which was to be broken off.”  Further in chapter 3, Joseph who was sold into Egypt, states:  “7 …Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers.”  In verse 15, Joseph who was sold into Egypt, states:  “And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after name of his father…”

These passages tells us that Joseph Smith was to be a descendant of Joseph who was sold into Egypt, not Joseph who was the son of Lehi.  Joseph the son of Lehi, and Joseph Smith though are both descendants of Joseph who was sold into Egypt.  We are also told that the records kept by Lehi, Nephi and their descendants comprises the “:stick of Joseph” and when they shall grow together with the “stick of Judah” they shall confound false doctrines and lay down contentions and establish peace among the descendants of Joseph who was sold into Egypt.

Gramps