“To the descendants of Joseph, to be kept hidden from the World until the Last Days: By the Power of YHVH, these Plates of Brass shall not perish, neither shall they be dimmed by time; but YHVH Elohim shall preserve these Words to go forth unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people from the mouths of those who are of the seed of Joseph; and even as Joseph fed Israel and kept them safe from famine in a strange land, these plates must be preserved that Israel may eat of the Word of God in the famine that shall be found in the Last Days.” -Title Page to the Plates of Brass

The Torah of Moses from the plates of brass, found here, holds a unique and significant role that extends beyond its biblical counterpart. It is not simply a retelling of familiar stories.  This collection of the writings of Moses give us a distinct theological lens through which we can understand the covenant relationship between God and the descendants of Joseph (1 Moses 41:28). The Torah, or the 5 Books of Moses found in the Old Testament, are likely a merging of the Torahs written to the tribe of Levi and the tribe of Judah by the Deuteronomists. The Torah written on the plates of brass appears to be solely those of the tribe of Joseph, though 5 Moses does appear to have been influenced by the Deuteronomists when comparing similar or repeated passages from 4 Moses where the feminine aspects have been removed.

The plates of brass serve as a physical embodiment of the covenant between God and Israel, intended to remind Joseph’s descendants of our unique relationship with God. This theme of remembrance echoes throughout the narratives, particularly in the Passover and Sabbath observances, which are framed not merely as rituals but as active acts of recalling and renewing the covenant relationship between us, Israel, and our God. By explicitly connecting the Torah written on the plates of brass to the lineage of Joseph, the text emphasizes both its intended audience (the tribe of Joseph) and its significance for us, his descendants. The plates of brass clearly hold a special place within the broader tapestry of scripture, offering a unique perspective intended to complement and enrich the teachings received through other prophetic lineages.

The Role of Teshuvah

The concept of “teshuvah” is a central theme within the plates of brass. This Hebrew term often translated as “return,” “repentance,” “redemption,” or “grace,” encompasses a broader meaning of turning back to God, seeking forgiveness, and undergoing a process of spiritual transformation. The Torah written on the plates of brass emphasizes that true obedience to the covenant involves not merely outward conformity to rules but a genuine change of heart and an ongoing journey toward spiritual refinement. The concept of “teshuvah,” plays a significant role in the events and teachings of the prophets of God throughout all scripture. By keeping the Hebrew word in the English, the Lord appears to be asking us to seek Him individually for its meaning on a more personal level, rather that relying on the translator to tell us how to interpret its context in every instance it is used.

Looking at the broader context of the usage of the term in scripture, teshuvah represents the process of returning to God and aligning oneself with His will. It is not merely a feeling of remorse but a transformative journey of turning away from sin and embracing righteousness. It is essential not merely for the well-being of individuals but the community as a whole (4 Moses 5:23-27). Yet teshuvah is very personal. It is through this process of returning to God’s path (Israel) that individuals find healing, forgiveness, and restoration (4 Moses 38:22). And we should remember that this is not a one-time event but a continuous process of growth and refinement. It requires recognizing and confessing one’s sins, making amends for any harm caused, and striving to live in accordance with God’s will in our lives (4 Moses 6:44-46).

An Action

Teshuvah is not merely something we do, as human beings, re-aligning ourselves with God. It is as an act of love and mercy on God’s part. He desires for His children to return to Him and offers them a way back through teshuvah. This concept is central to understanding the covenant relationship between us and our God. We are His people, this is made clear throughout the plates of brass. Throughout the text, there are many stories of individuals and communities experience the consequences of turning away from God and the blessings that come from returning to Him through teshuvah. The cycle of sin and repentance is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of continually seeking God’s guidance and striving for righteousness (5 Moses 32:1-5).

God doesn’t want us wallowing in self pity, guild, or shame. That’s Satan. All fall short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23). God knew this and this is why He has given us teshuvah. We should remember that Jesus’ role was a part of the plan from the beginning (John 1:1-5). God wasn’t surprised by our sin but planned to help us get back to Him from before the very beginning.  Through teshuvah, we return to God in Christ, and grow in Christ. And we do this by coming to Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

Understanding the Covenant

Knowing that God has always planned for our return shows His deep love and commitment to us. The Torah of Moses recorded on the plates of brass offers a distinctive and valuable contribution to our understanding of God’s covenant with humanity. By highlighting covenant remembrance, teshuvah, the limitations of a purely carnal approach to the law, and its connection to Joseph’s lineage, the plates of brass invite a deeper exploration of the spiritual principles underlying the covenant relationship and encourage a more nuanced and transformative approach to religious observance.

“And YHVH Elohim took the humans from out of the world of man and put them into the Garden of Eden, to dress it and to keep it. And YHVH Elohim offered unto the people teshuvah, saying: Of every tree of the garden, thou mayest freely eat; but of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, thou shalt not eat of it. Nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee, but remember that I forbid it; for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” -1 Moses 4:23-27