To many, the Book of Revelation is one of the most difficult books of the Bible to understand.

Revelation is known as apocalyptic, from the Greek work that denotes "revealing" or "uncovering." The book is known also as the Apocalypse.In Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote of the book of Revelation: "Its apocalyptic imagery and symbolism surpass any such found elsewhere in the revealed word; and when these are properly understood and interpreted, they shed forth an effusion of light in which the scripturally oriented saints love to bask.

"Obviously it is not a book for the theological novice, nor for the uninspired theological speculators of the world. It is written to the saints who already have a knowledge of the plan of salvation, to say nothing of the interpreting power of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. As with all scripture - more simple and easy teachings included - it can be understood only by the power of the Holy Ghost, `For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.' " (2 Pet. 1:21.)

Elder McConkie further explained: "Let us remember that the book of Revelation was written to be understood; true, there are many things in it which we cannot now comprehend; but its full and true meaning will someday be revealed to the faithful and obedient saints."

The dictionary of the LDS edition of the King James Bible states that the message of Revelation is the same as that of all scripture: There will be an eventual triumph on this earth of God over the devil; a permanent victory of good over evil, of the saints over their persecutors, of the kingdom of God over the kingdoms of men and of Satan.

"The details about the beasts, the wars, the angels, the men . . . contribute to the development of this theme [of good triumphing over evilT," states the dictionary. "By a little study, the theme can be perceived even if the details are not completely identified. It may be in this sense that the Prophet Joseph Smith said that Revelation was `one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written.' (History of the Church 5:342.)

The Church Educational System's student manual The Life and Teachings of Jesus and the Apostles points out that the theme of Revelation is simple and is stated in the first verse: "The book of Revelation presents a picture of Christ's dealings with men throughout the ages of earth's early history. In particular, for modern man it mirrors the second coming of Jesus, the judgment of mankind, the destruction of the wicked, the Millennium, the ultimate celestialization of the world."

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Jude of particular interest to LDS

Practically nothing is known of Jude, author of the New Testament epistle that is just one chapter with 25 verses. The dictionary of the LDS edition of the King James Bible identifies him as the brother of James, and one of the "brethren of the Lord."

Some scholars say Jude is "Judas" (not Iscariot) mentioned in Matthew 13:55, and "Juda" in Mark 6:3.

Latter-day Saints should find particularly interesting Jude's recounting of the war in heaven and the expulsion of Lucifer and his angels during the "first estate," or premortal existence. (Verse 6.)

Verse 9 contains the only biblical reference of Michael (Adam) and the devil contending "over the body of Moses." A non-LDS publication contains this interesting commentary: "Jude is peculiar because of the explicit quotation from the book of Enoch and because of its use of apocryphal tradition which, according to the Church fathers, stems from the Ascension of Moses." (Dictionary of the Bible, edited by James Hastings, Charles Scribner's Sons Publishers.)

Some non-LDS scholars theorize Jude had before him an apocryphal book, "The Ascension or Assumption of Moses." (John A. Dickson, Commentary on the King James Bible.) Dickson states that the apocryphal book, now lost, presented the doctrine that Moses was translated. The work apparently dealt with certain revelations made by Moses, and told of his disappearance in a cloud so that he was hidden from human sight. (Please see Alma 45:19.)

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'God shall wipe away all tears'

"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Rev. 7:17.)

In The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, today's prophet said: "There are times when you simply have to righteously hang on and outlast the devil until his depressive spirit leaves you. . . .

"To press on in noble endeavors, even while surrounded by a cloud of depression, will eventually bring you out on top into the sunshine. Even our Master, Jesus the Christ, while facing that supreme test of being temporarily left alone by our Father during the Crucifixion, continued performing His labors for the children of men, and then shortly thereafter He was glorified and received a fulness of joy.

"While you are going through your trials, you can recall your past victories and count the blessings that you do have with a sure hope of greater ones to follow if you are faithful. And you can have that certain knowledge that in due time God will wipe away all tears (Rev. 7:11) and that `eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God prepared for them that love him.' " (1 Cor. 2:9.)