Chapter 2
Redemption cometh
through the Holy Messiah—Freedom of choice (agency) is essential to existence
and progression—Adam fell that men might be—Men are free to choose liberty and
eternal life. About 588–570 B.C.
Having finished his words to Laman and Lemuel, Lehi turns to
his first born in the wilderness, Jacob.
He spent his early life traveling in the wilderness and sailing across
an ocean to the Promised Land. He most
certainly suffered in his early life. Some
of this was because of the challenges his family faced in the wilderness; some
of this was caused by his two older brothers (”And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much
nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also my
wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the
hearts of my brethren that they would loose me [1 Nephi 18:19]).
Marilyn Arnold writes:
The text does not make an issue of
Jacob's suffering, but it provides enough indicators to offer a window into his
character. For instance, Lehi shows his awareness of Jacob's situation and
nature when he begins Jacob's patriarchal blessing with these words: "And
now, Jacob … Thou art my first-born in the days of my tribulation in the
wilderness. And behold, in thy childhood thou hast suffered afflictions and
much sorrow, because of the rudeness of thy brethren" (2 Nephi 2:1).
Earlier, at sea, when Laman's and Lemuel's brutality toward Nephi heaps agony
on the heads of Lehi and Sariah, the record notes that "Jacob and Joseph
also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the
afflictions of their mother" (1 Nephi 18:19).[1]
Even though Jacob suffered much in his youth, Lehi tells him
the Lord “shall consecrate thine
afflictions for thy gain” (2 Nephi 2:2).
As we will see, when we read Jacob’s words in future chapters, his
youthful experiences will give him a special insight and understanding of his
people.
Lehi consecrates Jacob to spend his days “in the service of thy God” (2 Nephi
2:3). Jacob and his descendants become
the “priest” class of the Nephites. “[Lehi’s
division of his family] into kin-based tribes served several
functions—religious, military, political, and legal. The Israelite tribe of
Levi was given priestly duties (see Numbers 3:6), as was the family of Jacob
and his recordkeeping posterity in the Book of Mormon (see 2 Nephi 2:3). “[2]
We will see Jacob serving second only to Nephi as the
religious leader of the Nephites. When
Nephi dies, he leaves the records, Liahona, sword of Laban, and the brass
plates. These will be passed on through
Jacob’s line until Alma1 (a descendant of Nephi) received the sacred
relics and records from King Mosiah2.
Describing his father, Jacob, Enos would write, “Behold, it came to pass that I, Enos,
knowing my father that he was a just man—for he taught me in his language, and
also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord—and blessed be the name of my
God for it—“ (Enos 1:1). Nephi
records that Jacob saw Christ.
And
now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his
words. For I will liken his words unto
my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw
my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.
And
my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send
their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are
true. Wherefore, by the words of three,
God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses,
and he proveth all his words.
2 Nephi 11:2 - 3
In his youth, Jacob beheld the glories of God. He knows the plan of salvation and that,
through Christ, all men can be saved. As
the religious leader, his beliefs would be challenged. “And [Sherem]
had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and
the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels,
and they had ministered unto me. And
also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from
time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken” (Jacob 7:5).
Lehi teaches Jacob (and all who read the Book of Mormon)
that “salvation is free” (2 Nephi
2:4). We can’t earn it. We can’t demand it. It is a gift given to us freely by God. “The Book of Mormon clearly states that ‘salvation
is free’ (2 Nephi 2:4). It cannot be purchased, bartered for, or, in the
strictest sense, earned. Further, salvation or eternal life is ‘the greatest of
all the gifts of God’ (D&C 6:13; 14:7); it is only ‘through the merits, and
mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah’ that people may be forgiven, renewed, and
transformed spiritually (2 Nephi 2:8; see 31:19; Moroni 6:4; D&C 3:20).”[3]
[1] Unlocking
the Sacred Text, Marilyn Arnold, Provo, Utah: Maxwell
Institute, accessed June 3, 2013.
[2] Seven
Tribes: An Aspect of Lehi's Legacy, John L. Sorenson, John A. Tvedtnes,
and John W. Welch, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed June
3, 2013.
[3] Reconciling
the Irreconcilable: Joseph Smith and the Enigma of Mormonism, Robert L.
Millet, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed June 3, 2013.
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