Foreword

I read a book called The Chosen, by Chaim Potok, last week that changed how I look at scripture.  There was a lot in the book about the way the Jews study Talmud, one word or phrase at a time, with multiple commentaries on each.  Questions are asked about everything, "Why was that word used?  What does it mean?  Why were those words put together that way?"  Even the numbers of the letters are taken into account during the study.  Hours were spent on a single line to develop a meaning, and prove it.

Upon finishing the book, I wanted to do the same.  I wanted to study the scriptures in that way, to go into depth, instead of just breadth.  Rather than just read the scriptures, I want to know them in depth.  I know the word of God is not superficial, the words have infinite depth of meaning - they go on forever.

I have chosen the Doctrine and Covenants to begin my study because it is the purest scripture we have in English, being given directly from the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and others.  All other scripture is translated into English.  The commentaries I've found to read are mostly historical, with some small bits of meaning so I will not delve into the history of the words, but rather seek current applications.

This is my commentary, my study, my scripture journal, my understanding according to my level at this time.  Perhaps another time I will do it again, and find an entirely new understanding of the words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs.

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.  (Matthew 4:4)

Shall I not look at every word?  Shall I not examine every word?  How can I live "by every word" if I don't know His words?