Was Abraham really known as an astronomer in the ancient world—and does that help us understand why the Book of Abraham is so packed with stars, hierarchy, and cosmic teaching?
In this episode we dig into a surprising (and wide-ranging) tradition found in Second Temple and later Jewish sources: Abraham as a learned observer of the heavens—sometimes described as an astronomer/astrologer—whose study of the stars connects to covenant, revelation, and even teaching kings. We walk through key texts and authors (including Jubilees/Qumran traditions, Josephus and the non-Jewish authorities he cites, Philo, and the Apocalypse of Abraham) and then compare how these themes converge with the Book of Abraham’s big moments—especially the idea that Abraham’s astronomy is used as a framework to teach Pharaoh and point to God’s order in the heavens.
If you’ve only heard Book of Abraham discussions framed around “papyri/Egyptology,” this is a different angle: Abrahamic lore and ancient tradition—and why it’s worth taking seriously.
===Informed Saints Credits===
Produced by The Ancient America Foundation
Producer: Spencer Clark
Hosts: Stephen Smoot, Neal Rappleye, Jasmin Rappleye
Additional Readings:
Imitating Abraham:
Abraham and His Family in Scripture, History, and Tradition:
https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/abraham-and-his-family
Traditions About the Early Life of Abraham:
https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book/traditions-about-early-life-abraham
Palmyra and Jerusalem: Joseph Smith’s Scriptural Texts and the Writings of Flavius Josephus:
https://scripturecentral.org/knowhy/why-are-there-hebraisms-in-the-book-of-mormon
https://interpreterfoundation.org/journal/by-small-means-rethinking-the-liahona
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===Discover===
If any of our thoughts resonated with you, consider learning more about the single most influential book in our lives.
https://www.discoverbookofmormon.org/
===Content Disclaimer===
The views expressed represent ours alone and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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