When we study Alma 37:23 we can learn of a beautiful connection to the names of the first leader after Christ's crucifixion; in the Dispensation of the Meridian of Time, and the name of the first leader of the Restored Church, in the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times.
In Alma chapter thirty seven as Alma is passing the plates to his son Helaman, Alma explains the miraculous blessing that these records will be not only for the converting of " many thousands" of Lamenites, but also for the " future generations ". He then explains that the record will be used to " shine forth in darkness unto light" in order that the Lord may " discover unto His people that serve Him", the secret works of darkness, likely in order for his people to learn from these mistakes and to fulfill His prophesy that " their secret works would be make known unto every nation here after that posses the land" and to show " the word of God is fulfilled". ( Alma 37:25-26).
The means of bringing these things to light is prophesied to be a stone or interpreter, as in Alma 37:23 it reads, " And the Lord said, " I will prepare my servant Gazelem a stone which shall shine forth in darkness unto light, that I may discover unto them the works of their brethren, yea their secret works of darkness and their wickedness and abominations."
In the index to the Triple Combination the word " Gazelem " is a name given to Servant of God. With further study we find that the name was used for Joseph Smith in the early editions of the Doctrine and Covenants and, that " The word Gazelem roots in Gaz, which means stone and Aleim with means name of God, as a revelator. It's roots admirably agree with it's apparent meaning - a seer." ( George Reynolds, A Dictionary of the Book of Mormon p.92 )
The beautiful connection can be found in John 1:42 when Jesus Christ states, " Thou are Simon the son of Jona; thou shalt be called Cephas; which by interpretation is a stone." Although Peter did not translate scripture his role as a living revelator did make him a giver of the words of God.
This description of the name of the servant Gazelem, a " stone " beautifully connects one of the roles of both Peter and Joseph Smith in their great work during two dispensations, but both as servants of God holding similar roles to lead a marvelous work for the children of men.
I love finding connections in both the Bible and Book of Mormon that both show that the work of Jesus Christ in the former church, is the same as his Restored gospel, and what a witness of the beloved prophet Joseph Smith, for how would an uneducated farm boy understand or have the knowledge that the name Gazelem translated from Greek; Gaz meant " Stone" , " Aleim" meant A name of God, a revelator. He wouldn't! Although I do not need those things to know that he was a prophet of God, I love finding those nuggets of truth that shine forth about what I already know is true.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ - amen.
References :
Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon; Millet and Mcconkie; 1991; Deseret Book Company
A Dictionary of the Book of Mormon: Comprising its Biographical, Geographical and Other Proper Names. 1891 Salt Lake City, Utah: Jos. Hyrum Parry; republished 2009 by General Books
In Heaven as It Is on Earth: Joseph Smith and the Early Mormon Conquest of Death by Samuel Morris Brown, site 192 [1]
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