Mosiah 1:1-4

The Book of Mosiah

Chapter 1

King Benjamin teaches his sons the language and prophecies of their fathers—Their religion and civilization have been preserved because of the records kept on the various plates—Mosiah is chosen as king and is given custody of the records and other things. About 130–124 B.C.

1 AND now there was no more contention in all the land of Zarahemla, among all the people who belonged to king Benjamin, so that king Benjamin had continual peace all the remainder of his days.

2 And it came to pass that he had three sons; and he called their names Mosiah, and Helorum, and Helaman.  And he caused that they should be taught in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding; and that they might know concerning the prophecies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers, which were delivered them by the hand of the Lord.

3  And he also taught them concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, saying: My sons, I would that ye should remember that were it not for these plates, which contain these records and these commandments, we must have suffered in ignorance, even at this present time, not knowing the mysteries of God.

4 For it were not possible that our father, Lehi, could have remembered all these things, to have taught them to his children, except it were for the help of these plates; for he having been taught in the language of the Egyptians therefore he could read these engravings, and teach them to his children, that thereby they could teach them to their children, and so fulfilling the commandments of God, even down to this present time.

Mosiah 1:1-4

As we begin the record called the Book of Mosiah, we read that after the wars mentioned in Words of Mormon, peace reigned in the land during the remainder of King Benjamin’s reign.

Before we begin studying the Book of Mosiah, we should look at its contents.  The first thing to note is that we don’t learn that much about Mosiah₂ and his reign.  It begins with an introduction to King Benjamin and his sons.  We learn that his son, Mosiah₂ will become king.  King Benjamin’s great sermon follows.  Then we read about the people of Zeniff and their trials.  Mosiah₂ doesn’t enter the record again until Chapter 25. 

Gary Sturgess gives us an overview and background of the Book of Mosiah. “In its present form, the book of Mosiah takes up the history of Mosiah₁’s dynasty: ‘And now there was no more contention in all the land of Zarahemla among all the people which belonged to king Benjamin’ (Mosiah 1:1). The beginnings of this history are now to be found in the Words of Mormon, which, according to Joseph Smith, was located not in its present position but right at the end of the plates. This suggests either that the 116 lost pages contained an introduction to the Mosiac dynasty similar to that portion now found in the Words of Mormon, or that an introduction to the book of Mosiah existed but was omitted either by Mormon or Joseph Smith.

“What, then, is the book of Mosiah? Does it deserve to be treated as a distinct work of literature? Who was its original author or compiler? And, given the paucity of material therein directly relating to Mosiah himself, does the book deserve its present title?

“My thesis is that the book of Mosiah had a separate identity long before Mormon engraved an abridged version of it onto his gold plates. And, while Mormon may have interfered somewhat with the book during the process of transcription, the structure of the original book of Mosiah is largely intact and can still be detected in the pages of the Book of Mormon.

“As for compiling the book, the candidate most likely to be involved seems to be Alma the Younger. Other possible authors or compilers include Alma the Elder, Mosiah₂, or perhaps one of the sons of Mosiah₂, or several working in collaboration. The book of Mosiah concludes with King Mosiah's death and the appointment of Alma the Younger as the first chief judge of the united Nephite nation. If, as suggested herein, the book was written according to a deliberate pattern, then this would suggest a date of compilation after Mosiah's death in 91 BC It is possible, of course, that it was substantially written in the final years of Mosiah's life and only completed after his death, but other reasons exist for associating this book with Alma the Younger.”[1]

Benjamin had three sons, Mosiah₂, Helorum, and Helaman₁.  As they grew, Benjamin saw to it that they were “taught in the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding” (Mosiah 1:2). 

What is meant when we read that someone was taught in the language of their fathers? John Welch shares his insight.

“Benjamin's concerns about language extended beyond public education and official record keeping. The record gives Benjamin particular credit—more than any other Nephite leader—for having taught his three sons ‘all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding’ (Mosiah 1:2). He taught them Hebrew, the language of his fathers, as well as Egyptian, which he himself knew (see Mosiah 1:4). One can assume that he knew and taught them not only vocabulary words, but also grammar, syntax, style, form, composition, and literary appreciation, for he taught them ‘all the language of his fathers (emphasis in original).’’[2]

John Sorenson continues. “The lack of clarity stemming from the script that the Nephites used for their key sacred and historical documents is implied also by the difficulty of learning the system. King Benjamin wanted his three sons to become ‘men of understanding,’ so he ‘caused that they should be taught in all the language of his fathers . . . that they might know concerning the prophecies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers’ (Mosiah 1:2). The expression ‘in all the language’ conveys that degrees of learning were possible. He wanted them to have mastery of the system, not a superficial knowledge only” (emphasis in original).[3]

One of the main reasons that Benjamin taught his sons the language of their fathers was this was the language in which the brass plates were written.  As we saw with the Mulekites, the brass plates and the language of the brass plates was essential to pass on the Mosaic Law as well as the culture of the Nephites.  This helped keep them together as a society culture, unlike the Mulekites having lost their language, culture and traditions.

Benjamin, speaking to his sons about the importance of the brass plates and the records, told them that Lehi could not have remembered all the things in the brass plates.  He was able to read the engravings on the brass plates. 

“In the opening verses of that portion of the abridged large plates of Nephi of which we have a translation, Mormon informs us that Lehi was taught ‘in the language of the Egyptians’ (Mosiah 1:4). We also learn in this passage that at least a part, if not all, of the brass plates that Laban possessed and Lehi later obtained were written in Egyptian, for Lehi had to use his knowledge of the Egyptian language to read them.”[4] Lehi taught his sons the language of the Egyptians so they would be able to read the record. 

Hugh Nibley points out that some critic mock the emphasis on Egyptian in the Book of Mormon. “The world has always cast a superior and mocking eye on the inordinate concern of the Book of Mormon for things Egyptian. With surprise and incredulity it is now learning that Egyptian culture counted for far more in Palestine in 600 B.C. than anyone had ever supposed. It is significant that the Book of Mormon concern with Egypt is strictly cultural—it never mentions Pharaoh or speaks of Egyptian government, but only of Egyptian culture and especially language. It makes it perfectly clear, however, that Egyptian was for Lehi a second language, ‘for he having been taught in the language of the Egyptians therefore he could read these engravings, and teach them to his children’ (Mosiah 1:4)” (emphasis in original).[5]

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[1] The Book of Mosiah: Thoughts about Its Structure, Purposes, Themes, and Authorship, Gary L. Sturgess, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] Benjamin, the Man: His Place in Nephite History, John W. Welch, Maxwell Institute website.

[3] The Book of Mormon as a Mesoamerican Record, John L. Sorenson, Maxwell Institute, accessed June 22, 2014.

[4] Lehi and Egypt, John S.  Thompson, Maxwell Institute, accessed June 22, 2014.

[5] Lehi in the Desert, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute, accessed June 22, 2014.

BOM and the Atonement III

We are going to look at King Benjamin’s great sermon and what he taught about the atonement.[1]

This sermon was intended to appeal to the hearts of man. Hugh Nibley suggests “he teaches what suggests ‘the politics of shame.’” He uses shame in the sense this is what keeps us from crossing the line and do “mean and ignoble things.” King Benjamin refers to this concept early in his sermon.

“Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever.

“And now I say unto you, that mercy hath no claim on that man; therefore his final doom is to endure a never-ending torment” (Mosiah 2:38-39).

In our society today, we use shame against our opponents. The root of this comes from the 60s. “Ostentatious displays of wealth were good, as were exhibitionistic displays of one’s sexual prowess … Obnoxious and insulting behavior became acceptable … Rude language became a sign of freedom.”

Benjamin intended for us to feel shame for our sins and turn away from our sins.

“Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

“And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them” (Mosiah 4:9-10).

We will ultimately be the judges of our actions. We will have pure recollection of our sins. Our remembrance of our sins will testify against us. It is shameful should we “have a mind to injure one another, . . . [that you should let] your children . . . go hungry, . . . transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, . . . [giving way to] the evil spirit?” (Mosiah 4:13–14).

This where to atonement comes in. “The atonement requires a totally different state of mind from that which men suppose leads them to success.” Joseph Smith taught the atonement is the center of our faith.

“[T]he existence of evil is at least as certain as the existence of gravitation; we must accept the reality of these two powerful forces whether we can explain them or not. We cannot proceed into the eternities in ignorance; we must know the worst if we are to cope with the worst and bring the atonement of the Father to others. We come down here to discover those weaknesses and vices that could not come out in the presence of God and angels and to dig out the nitty-gritty of our earthly existence, recognize and acknowledge it in repentance, and wash it away in baptism.”

As we face sin throughout our life, the atonement makes our lives better. “The doctrine of the atonement gives us permission to enjoy ourselves to the fullest here and now, as we revel in the gospel; time and space drop out of the question, leaving us completely at ease and inexpressibly happy.”

“I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal body” (Mosiah 4:6).

King Benjamin addressed this in his sermon. “And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it” (Mosiah 2:41).

“For the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath judged of thy righteousness, and hath sent me to declare unto thee that thou mayest rejoice; and that thou mayest declare unto thy people, that they may also be filled with joy” (Mosiah 3:4).

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[1] The article, Assembly and Atonement, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute website, was used as source material for this post.

BOM and the Atonement III

Writing in his record, he addresses the Nephites; however, his words apply to us today.

He tells us the through the atonement, we will be reconciled with Christ.

“Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself in the flesh

“And now, beloved, marvel not that I tell you these things; for why not speak of the atonement of Christ, and attain to a perfect knowledge of him, as to attain to the knowledge of a resurrection and the world to come” (Jacob 4:11-12) (emphasis mine).

Through this, we will obtain forgiveness for our sins and a resurrection. Through the atonement, we will obtain a perfect knowledge of Christ.

Elder B.H. Robert wrote about the atonement in The Way, the Truth, and the Life. He explained virtually every book (excluding Jarom, Enos, and Omni) in the Book of Mormon teaches us about the atonement.[1] It is not surprising Jacob would ensure we understand the importance of the atonement.

During Jacob’s ministry, Sherem came among the Nephites, teaching them there would be no Christ. Some listened to his teachings and fell away. Jacob realized he had to challenge Sherem and his teachings.

He met Jacob and told him “I, Sherem, declare unto you that this is blasphemy; for no man knoweth of such things [the doctrine of Christ]; for he cannot tell of things to come. And after this manner did Sherem contend against me” (Jacob 7:6).

He confronted Sherem and challenged his false teachings.  He told him he did not understand the scriptures. If he did, he would understand “they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ” (Jacob 7:11).

He also taught him about the atonement. “And this is not all—it has been made manifest unto me, for I have heard and seen; and it also has been made manifest unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, I know if there should be no atonement made all mankind must be lost” (Jacob 7:12).

Sherem was overcome by the power of the Lord. As he was dying, he confessed he was deceived by the power of the devil. Among his last words, he said “I fear lest I have committed the unpardonable sin, for I have lied unto God; for I denied the Christ, and said that I believed the scriptures; and they truly testify of him. And because I have thus lied unto God I greatly fear lest my case shall be awful; but I confess unto God” (Jacob 7:19).

“This unique mortal mission of the Lord—the gospel as He defined it—we know as the Atonement. The fulness of the gospel, therefore, connotes a fuller comprehension of the Atonement. This we do not obtain from the Bible alone. The word atonement, in any of its forms, is mentioned only once in the King James Version of the New Testament.23 In the Book of Mormon, it appears 39 times! The Book of Mormon also contains more references to the Resurrection than does the Bible.” (emphasis in original)[2]

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[1] B. H. Roberts: the Book of Mormon and the Atonement, Truman G. Madsen, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] A Testimony of the Book of Mormon, President Russell M. Nelson, October 1999 General Conference.

BOM and the Atonement II

Jacob was set apart as a teacher to the Nephites. Nephi recorded one of Jacob’s sermons in 2 Nephi 9-10.

While teaching the Nephites, he taught them about the fall. He said, “the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord” (2 Nephi 9:6).

Being cut off from the presence of the Lord was “spiritual death.” We were cut off from the presence of the Lord because of sin. To enter again into God’s presence, the had to be an atonement.

“Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more” (2 Nephi 9:7) (emphasis mine).

Alma₂ reminded the Nephites about the consequences of sin. “And now I ask of you, my brethren, how will any of you feel, if ye shall stand before the bar of God, having your garments stained with blood and all manner of filthiness? Behold, what will these things testify against you” (Alma 5:22).

Without the atonement, we would become subject to the devil and become like him.

“And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness.” (2 Nephi 9:9) (emphasis mine).

But, there is an atonement.  “And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam” (2 Nephi 9:21) (emphasis mine).

Jacob also taught the atonement covers those who died without knowing the law.

“25 Wherefore, he has given a law; and where there is no law given there is no punishment; and where there is no punishment there is no condemnation; and where there is no condemnation the mercies of the Holy One of Israel have claim upon them, because of the atonement; for they are delivered by the power of him.

26 For the atonement satisfieth the demands of his justice upon all those who have not the law given to them, that they are delivered from that awful monster, death and hell, and the devil, and the lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment; and they are restored to that God who gave them breath, which is the Holy One of Israel” (2 Nephi 9:25-26) (emphasis mine).

BOM and the Atonement I

The most important part of Christ’s mission occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane when He took upon himself the sins of all mankind. Without the atonement, we would be lost forever.

Exactly what is the atonement? the Guide to the scriptures tells us:

“To reconcile man to God. As used in the scriptures, to atone is to suffer the penalty for an act of sin, thereby removing the effects of sin from the repentant sinner and allowing him to be reconciled to God. Jesus Christ was the only one capable of making a perfect atonement for all mankind. He was able to do so because of His selection and foreordination in the Grand Council before the world was formed, His divine Sonship, and His sinless life. His Atonement included His suffering for the sins of mankind, the shedding of His blood, and His death and subsequent resurrection from the grave.

“Because of the Atonement, all people will rise from the dead with immortal bodies. It also provides the way for us to be forgiven of our sins and live forever with God. But a person who has reached the age of accountability and received the law can receive these blessings only if he has faith in Jesus Christ, repents of his sins, receives the ordinances of salvation, and obeys the commandments of God. Those who do not reach the age of accountability and those without the law are redeemed through the Atonement. The scriptures clearly teach that if Christ had not atoned for our sins, no law, ordinance, or sacrifice would satisfy the demands of justice, and man could never regain God’s presence.”

The Book of Mormon gives us a better understanding of the atonement.

After Lehi received the tree of life vision, Nephi “desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me” (1 Nephi 11:1). Getting off topic for a moment, we see an example of the depth of Nephi’s faith. He went to the Lord, having faith the Lord would grant him the knowledge given to Lehi.

The first mention of the atonement comes during Nephi’s vision. He first sees the condescension of God. (1 Nephi 11:26). He saw Christ’s ministry to the Jews. He “beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out” (1 Nephi 11:31).

As a part of his vision, we have the Book of Mormon’s first reference to Christ’s atonement.

“32 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record.

“33 And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world” (1 Nephi 11:32-33) (emphasis mine).

Speaking to Jacob, Lehi explained the necessity of the atonement.

“5 And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever.

“6 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.

“7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.

“8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.

“9 Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved.

“10 And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God; wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to be judged of him according to the truth and holiness which is in him. Wherefore, the ends of the law which the Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of the punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement…

“25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

“26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.

“27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself” (2 Nephi 2:5-10; 25-27) (emphasis mine).

“We are forever grateful that the Savior’s Atonement overcame original sin so that we can be born into this world yet not be punished for Adam’s transgression. Having been thus redeemed from the Fall, we begin life innocent before God and “become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for [ourselves] and not to be acted upon.” We can choose to become the kind of person that we will, and with God’s help, that can be even as He is.”[1]

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[1] Free Forever, to Act for Themselves, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, October 2014 General Conference.

2 Nephi 25-27

Nephi explains after Christ’s resurrection, he will appear to the Nephites, teaching them His law. They will receive signs of his birth, death, and resurrection. The wicked “shall perish; and they perish because they cast out the prophets, and the saints, and stone them, and slay them; wherefore the cry of the blood of the saints shall ascend up to God from the ground against them” (2 Nephi 26:3).

They will persecute the believers because of their faith in the words and prophesies of their fathers. “Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet” (3 Nephi 1:9).

After He ministers to the Nephites, three generations, and many in the fourth, will have peace. But then, “a speedy destruction cometh unto my people; for, notwithstanding the pains of my soul, I have seen it” (2 Nephi 26:10).

Though the Nephites believe in Christ, they keep the law of Moses. But when Christ comes, “we are made alive in Christ because of our faith” (2 Nephi 25:25). This can apply to us today. We, too, can be made alive through our faith in Christ. Like the Nephites, we should “talk of Christ … rejoice in Christ … [and] preach of Christ” (2 Nephi 25:26).

We have a promise. “For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith” (2 Nephi 27:23).

Here again, we see the importance of faith. It is only when we have faith in the Lord, he will work among us.

BOM and Faith 2 Nephi 10-11

Jacob begins speaking about the promises made to them from the Lord. Many of their children will perish in unbelief; however, many will be restored to come to know Christ. He will come among the Jews. Jacob describes them as “the more wicked part of the world” (2 Nephi 10:3). The Jews will crucify Him. “[T]here is none other nation on earth that would crucify their God” (2 Nephi 10:3). Had Christ come to any other nation, they would have accepted Him and recognized Him as the Messiah.

Because of the wickedness of the Jews, “destructions, famines, pestilences, and bloodshed shall come upon them” (2 Nephi 10:5). The Jews will not be destroyed but will be scattered among all nations. But, the day will come when the covenants made with them will be fulfilled. They will be gathered and returned to the land of their inheritance.

Jacob began speaking about this land. This would be a land for the inheritance of Lehi’s family. It will be a land of where Gentiles would be blessed. There would be no kings upon the land. the land will be fortified “against all other nations” (2 Nephi 10:12).

Whomever will fight against Zion will perish. “[T]hey who are not for me are against me, saith our God” (2 Nephi 10:16). The Lord will fulfill His promises. The land is consecrated to the descendants of Lehi. This land “is a choice land, saith God unto me, above all other lands” (2 Nephi 10:19). Those who dwell in this land will worship God.

They had “been driven out of the land of our inheritance; but we have been led to a better land, for the Lord has made the sea our path, and we are upon an isle of the sea” (2 Nephi 10:20).

Jacob reminded them they are free to act for themselves. They can choose everlasting death or eternal life. They are to reunite to the will of God rather than “the will of the devil and the flesh” (2 Nephi 10:24). Only through God’s grace are they saved. “Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine” (2 Nephi 10:25).

Nephi breaks into the record at this point. He spoke many more things, but Nephi felt what he had written was sufficient. He tells us that he, and Jacob, had seen Christ. Nephi “delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him” (2 Nephi 11:4).

Nephi’s “soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish. For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time” (2 Nephi 11:6-7).

Jacob begins speaking about the promises made to them from the Lord. Many of their children will perish in unbelief; however, many will be restored to come to know Christ. He will come among the Jews. Jacob describes them as “the more wicked part of the world” (2 Nephi 10:3). The Jews will crucify Him. “[T]here is none other nation on earth that would crucify their God” (2 Nephi 10:3). Had Christ come to any other nation, they would have accepted Him and recognized Him as the Messiah.

Because of the wickedness of the Jews, “destructions, famines, pestilences, and bloodshed shall come upon them” (2 Nephi 10:5). The Jews will not be destroyed but will be scattered among all nations. But, the day will come when the covenants made with them will be fulfilled. They will be gathered and returned to the land of their inheritance.

Jacob began speaking about this land. This would be a land for the inheritance of Lehi’s family. It will be a land of where Gentiles would be blessed. There would be no kings upon the land. the land will be fortified “against all other nations” (2 Nephi 10:12).

Whomever will fight against Zion will perish. “[T]hey who are not for me are against me, saith our God” (2 Nephi 10:16). The Lord will fulfill His promises. The land is consecrated to the descendants of Lehi. This land “is a choice land, saith God unto me, above all other lands” (2 Nephi 10:19). Those who dwell in this land will worship God.

They had “been driven out of the land of our inheritance; but we have been led to a better land, for the Lord has made the sea our path, and we are upon an isle of the sea” (2 Nephi 10:20).

Jacob reminded them they are free to act for themselves. They can choose everlasting death or eternal life. They are to reunite to the will of God rather than “the will of the devil and the flesh” (2 Nephi 10:24). Only through God’s grace are they saved. “Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine” (2 Nephi 10:25).

Nephi breaks into the record at this point. He spoke many more things, but Nephi felt what he had written was sufficient. He tells us that he, and Jacob, had seen Christ. Nephi “delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him” (2 Nephi 11:4).

Nephi’s “soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish. For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time” (2 Nephi 11:6-7).

BOM and Faith 2 Nephi 9

Through the resurrection, we will be freed from the spiritual death, which is hell. Death and hell will deliver the dead. Hell must deliver its captive spirits; the grave must deliver its captive bodies. The spirit and body will be reunited and restored through the resurrection.

The paradise of God will deliver the spirits of the righteous and the grave deliver up the righteous. The spirit and body will be restored, having become incorruptible and immortal. At that time, the wicked will have a perfect knowledge of their guilt. The righteous will have a perfect knowledge of their righteousness, having been clothed in the robes or righteousness.

Then, we will appear before the judgment bar of God, being judged by the holy judgment of God. Those who are righteous will still be righteous; the filthy will remain filthy. They will pass into everlasting torment prepared for the wicked.

“But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever” (2 Nephi 9:18).

The righteous will be delivered from that awful monster, the devil.

We are commanded to repent and be baptized in his name. We do this, having perfect faith the Christ. Without this faith, we cannot be saved in God’s kingdom.

Jacob reminds us how essential faith is for our salvation. He ensures we understand what is promised to us if we are righteous by the Lord. We obey Him and serve Him because of our faith in His words and promises. He promises us that, through our faith in his words, we will return to His presence.

God has given us law. If there were no law, there would be no punishment. If there is no punishment, there is no condemnation. If there is no condemnation, “the mercies of the Holy One of Israel have claim upon them, because of the atonement; for they are delivered by the power of him” (2 Nephi 9:25).

The atonement satisfies the demands of justice for those who have not received the law. They are delivered from death and hell.

For those who have received God’s law, having all His commandments will waste our days in the life if we disobey the law. “O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God” (2 Nephi 9:28-29).

Those who die in their sins will face God while they remain in their sins. “[R]emember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal” (2 Nephi 9:39).

Jacob tells us, “[d]o not say that I have spoken hard things against you; for if ye do, ye will revile against the truth; for I have spoken the words of your Maker” (2 Nephi 9:40).

The Lord’s paths are righteous. Our way is narrow, but it is a straight course. Christ is the gatekeeper. There is no other way to enter than through the gate. He will not be deceived.

We are to turn away from our sins, shaking off the devil’s chains that bind us. We must prepare our souls for that day of judgment.

If the people were holy, Jacob would speak to them of holiness; as a teacher, he must teach them the consequences of sin. Jacob abhors sin and delights in righteousness. Remember God’s word by day; praise Him at night. We are to let our souls “delight in fatness” (2 Nephi 9:51).

BOM and Faith 2 Nephi 6, 9

Jacob had been consecrated by Nephi to teach his people. He began to teach the people.

We learn Jacob had been teaching the people many things (2 Nephi 6:2). He is speaking to them again, as he is concerned about their welfare.

He echoed Lehi’s words, telling them “the Lord has shown me that those who were at Jerusalem, from whence we came, have been slain and carried away captive” (2 Nephi 6:8). But, the Lord showed him they would return again.

He learned Christ would go among them in the flesh. Instead of accepting Him, they will scourge and crucify Him. They have “hardened their hearts and stiffened their necks against the Holy One of Israel” (2 Nephi 6:10). 

Because of this they will be smitten and afflicted. But, they will not perish because of the prayers of those who are faithful.

The Gentiles will be saved if they repent and not fight against Zion. The Lord’s covenants will be fulfilled.

The Messiah will come a second time and recover his people. His enemies will be destroyed by fire, tempest, earthquakes, bloodsheds, pestilence, and famine.

They know Christ will show himself to those in Jerusalem. He will subject Himself to man in the flesh, and die for all men that we might become subject to him.

We all face death through the fall and we were cut off from the presence of the Lord. There will be a resurrection from the dead. Because of the fall, there had to be an infinite atonement. Without the atonement, our corruption could not have put on incorruption.

If the flesh would not rise from the dead, we would be subject to the devil and cut off from the present of God. Our spirits would be like his, shut out from God’s presence. We would become like him.

Through God’s goodness, we have a way prepared for us to escape “from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, the monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit” (2 Nephi 9:10).

Through the resurrection, temporal death will deliver up its dead.

BOM and Faith 2 Nephi 5

After Lehi’s death, Laman and Lemuel were fed up with Nephi. “Our younger brother thinks to rule over us; and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore, now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words” (2 Nephi 5:3). They never learned their lack of faith and commitment to the Lord was responsible for their situation. It was easier to blame someone else for all their problems.

Nephi was warned to take his family, as well as Zoram, Sam, Jacob, and Joseph and their families. We learn that, in addition to have brothers, Nephi had sisters. They departed with Nephi. He took anyone willing to go with him and fled his brothers.

After a journey of many days, they found a place to pitch their tents. Their land was called Nephi and those in the group were called the people of Nephi.

They began to cultivate and prosper in the land. They raised flocks and had herds of animals “of every king” (2 Nephi 5:11). 

Nephi also took the plates of brass, the Liahona, and the sword of Laban. The Lamanites would claim these were stolen from their fathers throughout Book of Mormon history.

Using the sword of Laban as a model, Nephi made swords for his people. The Lamanites made their hatred for Nephi and his people clear. The Nephites had to be prepared for a Lamanite attack.

The built buildings and worked with wood, iron, copper, brass, steel, gold, silver, and precious ores.

Nephi’s faith required him to build a temple, built after the manner of Solomon’s temple (2 Nephi 5:16).

The people wanted to make Nephi king, but he refused.

Nephi writes the words of the Lord had been fulfilled concerning Laman and Lemuel. Because of their lack of faith, as well as their wickedness, Nephi became a ruler and teacher.

The words of the Lord had also been fulfilled in that the Lamanites were cut off from the Lord and became a cursed people.

What was this curse? They became a loathsome people. They became an idle people. They also became a scourge to Nephi’s people when the failed to obey the Lord. (2 Nephi 5:22, 24-25).

We also read a skin of blackness came upon them. This was not part of the curse. We don’t know what Nephi meant by this.

Nephi consecrated Jacob and Joseph to be priests and teacher of his people.

We also learn that Nephi began making the small plates at this time. He was commanded by the Lord to “[m]ake Make other plates; and thou shalt engraven many things upon them which are good in my sight, for the profit of thy people” (2 Nephi 5:30).

BOM and Faith 2 Nephi 1-4

It would be appropriate to call 2 Nephi 1-4 Lehi’s farewell address. He speaks to his family, giving them fatherly counsel and advice. He was blunt in his words. Speaking to Laman and Lemuel, Nephi tells us Lehi spoke to “them in bringing them out of the land of Jerusalem. And he spake unto them concerning their rebellions upon the waters, and the mercies of God in sparing their lives, that they were not swallowed up in the sea” (2 Nephi 1:2-3).

The Lord had revealed to him Jerusalem had been destroyed (2 Nephi 1:4). When he was commanded to leave, Lehi placed his faith in the Lord. Learning of the destruction of Jerusalem validated his faith.

He speaks of this land as a land of promise, “a land for the inheritance of my seed” (2 Nephi 1:5). those that come to this land will “be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord … there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord” (2 Nephi 1:5-6).

“[W]hen the time cometh that they shall dwindle in unbelief, after they have received so great blessings from the hand of the Lord … having power given them to do all things by faith … if … they … reject the Holy One of Israel, the true Messiah, their Redeemer and their God, behold, the judgments of him that is just shall rest upon them” (2 Nephi 1:10).

Here Lehi again emphasizes the importance of faith. They will receive power from the Lord “to do all things by faith.” When the lose their faith, they lose this power.

Lehi blessed Zoram because he had been faithful. It would have taken faith to have gone with Nephi into the wilderness. It took faith throughout the journey. His reward was a blessing upon him from Lehi.

As a part of Jacob’s blessing, he was commended for his faithfulness. Dealing with the problems and rebellions of his older brothers must have led to a hard childhood. He was fortunate to have Nephi as his brother. He saw the blessing he received through his faith. He learned the importance of faith throughout his life. As we will see later, Jacob was a powerful prophet to his people after the death of his brother.

Jacob is a great example of what we can become through our faith.

Lehi blesses his youngest son, Joseph. As he did for his other sons, as well as Zoram, he consecrated the promised land as a land of inheritance for both him and his posterity.

He spoke of Joseph, he who was carried into Egypt. He said he saw their day. The Lord promised him “that out of the fruit of his loins the Lord God would raise up a righteous branch unto the house of Israel” (2 Nephi 3:5). They would be remembered in the Lord’s covenants “that the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the latter days” (2 Nephi 3:5).

Lastly, he called together the children of Laman. He gave them a blessing, that, if they are cursed, the cursing would be taken off them and placed upon the heads of the parents. The children of Lemuel also received the same blessing.

Sam’s family was told they would be numbered among the posterity of Nephi.

After Lehi’s death, Laman, Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael were angry with him again, because of the Lord’s admonitions. Nephi then writes his great psalm.

16 Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.

17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.

18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.

19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.

20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.

22 He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me.

23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time.

24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.

25 And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been carried away upon exceedingly high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great things, yea, even too great for man; therefore I was bidden that I should not write them.

26 O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?

27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?

28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.

29 Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.

30 Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

31 O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?

32 May the gates of hell be shut continually before me, because that my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite! O Lord, wilt thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness before me, that I may walk in the path of the low valley, that I may be strict in the plain road!

33 O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine enemies! Wilt thou make my path straight before me! Wilt thou not place a stumbling block in my way—but that thou wouldst clear my way before me, and hedge not up my way, but the ways of mine enemy.

34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.

35 Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.

BOM and Faith, 1 Nephi 19, 21

Nephi was commanded by the Lord to make plates of ore to make a record of his people. He made a set of plates containing the record of his father, containing their journey through the wilderness and prophecies made by Lehi. He also made a record of his prophecies.

Making the plates was an act of faith. At the time he made the plates, he wrote “I knew not at the time when I made them that I should be commanded of the Lord to make these plates” (1 Nephi 19:2). As we know from the history of the translation of the Book of Mormon, Martin Harris lost the 116 pages of the manuscript, which contained the Book of Lehi. Joseph was commanded not to re-translate the Book of Lehi.

After completing the translation of Mormon’s record, he found a set of plates attached to the record. These were the small plates of Nephi, containing “an account engraven of the ministry of my people” (1 Nephi 9:3).

Even though, at the time, he did not know why he was commanded to make the second set of plates, he did so through his faith. And, through Nephi’s faith, we have “the ministry and the prophecies, the more plain and precious parts of them, should be written upon these plates; and that the things which were written should be kept for the instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and also for other wise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord” (1 Nephi 19:3).

Nephi adds, “I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think it be sacred” (1 Nephi 19:6).

Nephi read two chapters of Isaiah (48 & 49) to his brethren. They asked when these chapters meant. “[A]re they to be understood according to things which are spiritual, which shall come to pass according to the spirit and not the flesh” (1 Nephi 22:1).

He explained what he had read “are things pertaining to things both temporal and spiritual; for it appears that the house of Israel, sooner or later, will be scattered upon all the face of the earth, and also among all nations” (1 Nephi 22:3).

After a detailed explanation, he concluded by telling his brethren, “if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day. And thus it is. Amen” (1 Nephi 22:31).

We again see his brethren lacked faith. They had been told to inquire of the Lord to understand things of the Spirit. Had they had faith, and inquired of the Lord, He would have made the meaning clear to them.

BOM and Faith - 1 Nephi 18

Chapter 18

The ship is finished—The births of Jacob and Joseph are mentioned—The company embarks for the promised land—The sons of Ishmael and their wives join in revelry and rebellion—Nephi is bound, and the ship is driven back by a terrible tempest—Nephi is freed, and by his prayer the storm ceases—The people arrive in the promised land. About 591–589 B.C.

Laman and Lemuel got their acts together. They worshiped the Lord and worked with Nephi as he built the ship.

As he built the ship, he “did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things” (1 Nephi 18:3). The Lord had promised Nephi he would guide him as he built the ship. This whole process required Nephi’s faith in the Lord. Through his faith, he knew the Lord would guide him.

Once the ship was finished, the Lord told Lehi it was time to board the ship and leave for the promised land. Throughout their journey, Lehi had shown faith in the Lord. They had no idea where they were going. They had no idea how long it would take. They had no idea what challenges they would face; yet, Lehi had the faith to have his family board the ship and head to the promised land.

After telling us the party boarded the ship, Nephi tells us, in one brief sentence, while they were traveling in the wilderness, two brothers were born. Jacob was the oldest and Joseph was the youngest.

After they “had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days” (1 Nephi 18:9), Laman, Lemuel, the sons of Ishmael and their wives returned to their sinful ways. “[T]hey began to dance[1], and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness” (1 Nephi 18:9).

What did Joseph mean when he used the word “rudeness”? Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines it as savage and barbarous.

Nephi feared “the Lord should be angry with us, and smite us because of our iniquity, that we should be swallowed up in the depths of the sea” (1 Nephi 18:10). Nephi spoke to them, most likely calling on them to repent and obey the Lord’s commandments.

Laman and Lemuel became angry with Nephi. Once again, they complained, “[w]e will not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us” (1 Nephi 18:10). Once again, we see Laman and Lemuel didn’t get it. They had no faith in the Lord. They were more concerned about the things of the world.

Nephi was tied up and abused. The Liahona was their compass, guiding them on the journey. Since it would only work as long as they had faith in the Lord, it ceased to function. They had no idea how they should steer the ship to arrive at the promised land.

For three days, there were storms and horrific weather. They became concerned they would die at sea; yet, they refused to free Nephi. During this time, Nephi continued to praise God. He placed his faith in the Lord. He did not fear what was happening.

Lehi said many things to them. Instead of listening, they threatened him and anyone else who defended Nephi.

After four days of this, they realized the “judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities” (1 Nephi 18:15). They untied Nephi.

No sooner was Nephi freed than the Liahona began to work again. He prayed to the Lord. The winds ceased, the storm ended, and things calmed down.

The only thing that saved them was Nephi’s faith in the Lord. He trusted the Lord even when their destruction was a real possibility. Through his faith, they were saved and arrived at the promised land many days later. 

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[1] If there was room enough for them to dance, this implies it must have been a large ship.