The opening chapter of First Moses, as preserved on the brass plates taken by Nephi, provides a profound mystical encounter between Moses and The Creator, revealing teachings foundational to both Latter Day Saint theology and its Kabbalistic undercurrents. This sacred moment, in which Moses is transfigured to behold the Divine, embodies spiritual ascent, divine identity, and the battle between light and counterfeit glory. The text reflects Mormon Kabbalistic themes such as emanation, divine names, spiritual transformation, and the eternal war between true and false light. In this account, Moses not only glimpses eternity but also confronts the adversary, reaffirming his divine heritage and mission through the sacred Name and Spirit.
Three Names of God
The Creator reveals Himself as “Ahyeh Asher Ahyeh,” the I AM THAT I AM. This is a name of divine self-existence, also found in Exodus 3:14. This sacred Name is central in both Kabbalah and Mormonism, conveying the testimony of the reality of God comes from each individual’s personal relationship with the Divine. Further, God identifies here as Elolaum, Aleph Tav: eternal and all-encompassing. These are deeply symbolic titles, rich with numerical and mystical significance in Hebrew tradition.
Moses is told he is created in the “similitude of the Yachad Yachid Echad,” a compound title reflecting the oneness and unity of the Messiah (Yachad: unity, Yachid: only one or begotten, Echad: one). In Mormon Kabbalah, this suggests a divine pattern or archetype through which all souls, especially prophets and prophetesses , are created. Moses’ identity mirrors that of the Messiah, prefiguring theosis (divinization), a core teaching in Latter Day Saint theology.
The text emphasizes that Moses can endure the Presence of Elohim only through Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit), a concept that in both Kabbalah and Mormonism indicates spiritual preparation, purification, and empowerment. The Holy Spirit acts as the intermediary or enabler of divine communion. Here, this means seeing God face to face, standing in the Presence or the Shekinah: a feminine understanding of Divinity. In this chapter then we see God reflecting the ideas of Avinu – Father, Shekinah or Presence – Mother, Yachid – Son or Messiah, and Ruach – Breath or Spirit.
Transfiguration and Temptation
Moses’ experience of transfiguration is a hallmark of Kabbalistic ascent, the process by which a soul ascends through layers of divine light to encounter the Godhead. The glory of God, associated with the Shekinah, transforms Moses so that he may behold celestial realities and receive his divine calling. This aligns with the Mormon concept of receiving endowments of power and knowledge through temple experience and divine grace.
The dramatic confrontation between Moses and the Adversary mirrors the Kabbalistic motif of true versus false light. The Adversary demands worship, claiming divine titles, declaring, “I am Yachad Yachid Echad,” but lacks glory. Moses discerns the difference between the Glory of Elohim and the darkness of the Accuser, teaching the principle of discernment through spiritual vision.
Moses uses the Holy Name of God, invoking The Creator through Ruach HaKodesh to rebuke Satan. This use of sacred names and authority parallels both Kabbalistic angelic hierarchies and the Latter Day Saint priesthood model, where divine power operates through divine channels and righteous intent. The struggle and eventual triumph of Moses prefigure Israel’s deliverance and the restoration of divine knowledge through prophets and prophetesses.
A Revelation on Divine Identity
First Moses Chapter 1 is not only a revelation of divine identity but also a mystical initiation into the mysteries of God’s glory, the sacred Name, and the divine-human relationship. Through the lens of Mormon Kabbalah, this chapter teaches three foundational truths: the power of the sacred Name (HaShem) and divine similitude, the transformation of the soul by Ruach HaKodesh for heavenly ascent allowing us to stand in the Presence, and the ongoing war between divine truth and counterfeit glory.
Moses’ journey from awe to empowerment reflects the path of all seekers, to know one’s divine origin, to be purified by the Spirit, and to withstand the adversary through holy relationship. Ultimately, this chapter prepares Moses (and the reader) to recognize true light, walk in covenant, and fulfill the divine mission entrusted to the children of Israel.
