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"Rarely has a non-LDS scholar or historian made such a lasting impact upon Latter-day Saint thinking and scholarship. Indeed, this study of Alfred Edersheim's life opens a window into his personal journey of faith and the quest for truth, one that will in turn help many recognize and appreciate his lasting legacy. This study, which is both laudatory and appreciative of his life and work, is an articulate and thoroughly researched quest to understand the man whose writings continue to provide insight into the life of the Savior."
--Thomas Wayment, prominent LDS scholar and author
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Why Edersheim?
Because of the many references to Edersheim’s works in church-related publications, Latter-day Saints are often more aware of the content of his writings than of him as an individual. The following are some of the more familiar points in his writings:
~During the Passover feast Jewish homes set a place at their table and leave their doors open in anticipation of the return of the prophet Elijah.
~The shepherds who heard the chorus of angels declaring good tidings of great joy were actually Levitical priests who were watching over the sacrificial lambs for the temple.
~As a boy, Jesus went to the temple not for his Bar Mitzvah, but the year before at the age of twelve to observe the Passover rites at the temple for the first time.
~When the Savior announced himself as “the Light of the World”, he was standing before the large and brightly lit menorahs of the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles.
~The “hem” of the Savior’s garment touched by the woman healed from an issue of blood can be more correctly translated as the “fringe” of his garment, referring to a priestly prayer shawl worn by covenant Jews today.
~The Savior declared himself as the Living Water during the water pouring ceremony of the Feast of Tabernacles in fulfillment of that long celebrated rite.
~The Lord’s sacrament was instituted during the Passover Feast after the passing of the third cup, which is shared in remembrance of the blood of the lamb which had been spilt for them.
All of these concepts from Edersheim have been used in LDS writings. His perspectives have not only influenced the authors of these writings, but indirectly, his insights into Jewish traditions have guided many students of the Bible in linking ancient Jewish practices to their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
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