The Moses Prophecy- (continued)

In the course of this study over three hundred references to this prophecy were identified in the Standard Works. The shear volume of references suggests this prophecy is one of great significance. Cross references fall into three qualitative categories, primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary links are explicit references where a connection exists between the quotation and the original prophecy. Secondary references typically make passing reference to the prophecy but maintain an obvious link. Tertiary references require more of a stretch but a case for their application can still be made. The majority of the references fall in the first two categories.
The passages examined were located by selecting key words from the original prophecy of Moses. Specific elements of the prophecy were searched for in concordances like, “Moses”, “cut-off” or “raise up.” While the original prophecy is first mentioned in the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants provide the most explicit explanations. For example, the Savior quotes the following version of the Moses prophecy to the Nephites in Bountiful:

"Behold, I am he of whom Moses spake, saying: A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that every soul who will not hear that prophet shall be cut off from among the people.” (3 Nephi 20:23, emphasis mine)

The Savior provides the definitive interpretation when the Lord declares He is the prophet Moses refers to in this prophecy. This is consistent with Moses description in Deuteronomy 18:15 with slight variation. Note the variation between verses that provides clarification. In Deuteronomy Moses says the Lord will “require it of him” those who reject the servant’s words. Jesus tells the Nephites those who refuse His words will be “cut off”. This is consistent with most passages that relate to this prophecy in modern scripture. When the same passage is quoted in Doctrine & Covenants 1, we find the Lord broadening the interpretation beyond a Messianic fulfillment:

"Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh; And the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth. And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people;" (D&C 1:12-14, emphasis mine)

This passage gives a bountiful harvest of terms to research that are not present in the first two passages. A phrase like “arm of the Lord” becomes an interesting candidate for examination. How might the scriptures define this phrase? This prophecy warns of a future time that follows chronologically the time the prophecy was originally received. Prophetic fulfillment occurs at some future time. At this point in the study it is unclear exactly when this prophecy reaches fulfillment or even who fulfills it. Is it the Lord or His servants? What is certain is this passage opens up the possibility it may be filled vicariously by someone other than the Savior. This revelation is placed at the beginning of the Doctrine & Covenants as the “preface” but actually followed many of the revelations that follow thereafter. It was received November of 1831 and section 2 was received September of 1823. Section 1 follows section 2 by eight years, suggesting the Moses prophecy would reach fulfillment after Joseph Smith’s restorative work. The Book of Mormon supports this thesis.
Fulfillment of this prophecy is not limited to the literal appearance of the Savior, but refers to the “voice” of the Savior and his servants. This throws open the possibility this prophecy is fulfilled by servants who deliver the words of Christ prior to His Second Coming but after the restoration. When the words of the Lord and His servants are declared, those who reject them are "cut-off" when the prophecy reaches its crescendo. This is reaffirmed near the conclusion of the same section, section 1 when the Lord declares,

.”.., whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (D&C 1:38, emphasis mine)

Turning to 3 Nephi 21:7-11 we find a detailed description of the prophecies fulfillment. Conventional wisdom in the church assumes the servant spoken of in this prophecy is Joseph Smith. Scholars in the Church tend to limit fulfillment of all prophetic figures to Joseph Smith or Jesus Christ. It’s feels safe even if the interpretation does not fit. Conventional wisdom to date argues that any additional light on the subject can only come through the President of the Church and we should wait to hear it from the Prophet of God. At this point we must ask ourselves, if the Lord included the prophecy in the scriptures and it has been present all along, is this discovery really “new” doctrine or has it always been there hidden in plain sight because no one thinks to question scholarly assumptions? How is this different from the ancient Apostles assuming Christ was speaking of the Gentiles when He said, “other sheep I have which are not of this fold…” (3 Nephi 15:17-23) This question will surface repeatedly as the search for understanding continues. For these findings to be considered official doctrine of the Church they would need to be endorsed by the Prophet and sustained by comment consent by the Apostles and general body. Such endorsement and vote of consent has not occurred. Therefore, these findings are my own and giving the reader great latitude in deciding whether or not they should be accepted. In such circumstances everyone must discern what the Spirit of God is saying to us. Whatever the witness of the Spirit, let it be our guide. Moving ahead we read.

7 And when these things come to pass that thy seed shall begin to know these things—it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that 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.
8 And when that day shall come, it shall come to pass that kings shall shut their mouths; for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
9 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.
10 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.
11 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 Nephi 21:7-11, emphasis mine)