The Gift of Knowledge
"For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Luke 2:30-32
Sight is often considered the most dominant of the five senses, with estimates suggesting that up to 80% of our sensory input comes through our eyes. It is through sight that we perceive and interpret much of the world around us, frequently relying on what we see to categorize something as true and label it as knowledge. Yet, true knowledge—especially as God defines it—transcends what is visible and engages the heart and spirit.
Simeon, a righteous and devout man in Jerusalem, eagerly awaited the consolation of Israel. Guided by the Holy Spirit, he was promised that he would not see death before witnessing the Messiah. This promise came to fulfillment when Simeon recognized the Christ Child in the temple. The Gift of Knowledge was bestowed upon him as he declared, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35)
Simeon’s recognition of the Messiah demonstrates that the Gift of Knowledge is not confined to intellect or visual observation alone. It is made manifest through the heart and spirit. Simeon’s profound understanding came by the Spirit, as described: “And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God.” (Luke 2:27-28) This divine knowledge was not just an external acknowledgment of facts but an intimate, spiritual awareness of God’s unfolding plan, unveiling the Christ Child.
When our hearts are not aligned with God, however, we are unable to truly see or know. As Jesus taught, “For the hearts of this people have grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them. But you are blessed, because you see with your eyes and hear with your ears.” (Matthew 13:15-16) It is a matter of the heart—purity, humility, and openness—that allows us to receive divine knowledge.
Strong’s Concordance teaches us that the Hebrew word "daath" primarily refers to knowledge, understanding, or perception. It encompasses both intellectual comprehension and experiential knowledge. In the biblical context, "daath" often implies a deep, intimate understanding that goes beyond mere factual information, encompassing moral and spiritual dimensions.
In ancient Hebrew culture, knowledge was not merely an accumulation of facts but was closely tied to one's relationship with God and others. The Hebrew concept of knowledge involved a holistic understanding that included wisdom, discernment, and the ability to apply what one knows in practical and ethical ways. Knowledge was seen as a gift from God, essential for living a life that is pleasing to Him.
The story of the Brother of Jared beautifully illustrates this principle. He cultivated a deep relationship with God and applied the knowledge he had in practical and ethical ways to lead the Jaredites. By aligning his heart with God, he received profound knowledge of God’s true character. As recorded: “Wherefore, having this perfect knowledge of God, he could not be kept from within the veil; therefore he saw Jesus; and he did minister unto him.” (Ether 3:20) His pure knowledge of God came not from sight or intellect alone but through faith and a heart attuned to the divine.
The knowledge God desires us to seek is Himself, and we do this by seeking Jesus. This sacred knowledge often comes only after the trial of our faith—when our hearts are purified and we are led by the Spirit. As Moroni taught: “I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” (Ether 12:6) Like Simeon and the Brother of Jared, others have received the Gift of Knowledge by having the "eyes to see"—a spiritual awareness that goes beyond the physical, at times revealing Jesus, himself.
This season, let us strive to have those same “eyes to see.” May we seek the Gift of Knowledge, come to know Jesus more intimately, and allow His light and love to transform our hearts. In doing so, we can receive the profound healing and understanding that He offers to all who truly seek Him.