1 Nephi 1:2-4

Before we move on to Nephi’s account, I want to mention a couple more things to keep in mind as we read Nephi’s account. 

In the last post, we learn Nephi did not begin this account until 30 years after he had left Jerusalem (see 2 Nephi 5:28).  He explains the Lord’s command to make a second record.  He explains what he intended to include in the record, and closes telling us 40 years had passed away (see 2 Nephi 5:34).

What we will study is more a memoir than a day-to-day account of what occurred.  It is written through the eyes of Nephi.  He is writing having had time to evaluate events and their place in what had occurred during those forty years.  Grant Hardy explains, “Nephi’s voice is privileged above all others – as editor and sole narrator he always has the final say – and his standing as a prophet reinforces his unique authority to interpret the events he recounts.”[1]

Returning to Nephi’s record, he tells us that he was “taught somewhat in all the learning of my father” (1 Nephi 1:2).  He also tells us that he is making his record in his father’s language.  This learning is made up of the learning of the Jews and the language of Egyptians. 

Daniel C. Peterson addresses this Egyptian influence.  “1 Nephi 1:2 suggests cultural connections between Egypt and Israel in Lehi and Nephi’s time, and these connections seem to be consistent with what scholars are learning. Interestingly, the very name ‘Nephi’ turns out to be authentically Egyptian. Thus, Nephi’s claim that his father knew Egyptian is borne out by his own name.”[2]

Matthew L. Bowen continues:  “That Lehi would give his son an Egyptian name is not unlikely, since Lehi’s language ‘consist[ed] of the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians’ (1 Nephi 1:2). One reason Nephi was quick to point out his father’s knowledge of Egyptian may have been to explain the origin of his non-Hebrew name.”[3]

Nephi testifies to the truthfulness of his record.  He is making it with his hand and based on what he has learned.  King Benjamin probably had this in mind when he told his sons, “I would that ye should remember that these sayings are true, and also that these records are true.  And behold, also the plates of Nephi, which contain the records and the sayings of our fathers from the time they left Jerusalem until now, and they are true; and we can know of their surety because we have them before our eyes” (Mosiah 1:6).

Having introduced himself and his background, Nephi tells us about his father, Lehi.  Lehi’s story begins in the first year of the reign of Zedekiah.  The Old Testament tells us: “Zedekiah was twenty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem” (2 Kings 24:18); “And when the year was expired, king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of the LORD, and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 36:10). 

Lehi had lived in Jerusalem “all his days.”  Terrence Szink writes about Lehi.

“Lehi was born in Jerusalem and had dwelt there ‘all his days’ (1 Nephi 1:4). He was likely a husband and father of young children during Josiah’s reforms. If we are to believe 2 Kings 23:2, he was present at the reading of the book of the law that formed the basis of those reforms. I believe that Lehi would have taken these reforms to heart and done his best to teach them to his children. This may explain why one of the central themes of the Book of Mormon is this idea of alternate blessings or curses, depending on the righteousness of the people.”[4]

Lehi was one of those messengers sent to call the people of Jerusalem to repentance. 

“And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes [HEB early, promptly], and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

“But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy” (2 Chronicles 36:15-16).

If they didn’t repent, Jerusalem would be destroyed.

“Then rose up certain of the elders of the land, and spake to all the assembly of the people, saying,

“Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.

“Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the Lord, and besought the Lord, and the Lord repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls”[5] (Jeremiah 26:17-19).

David Seely and Fred Woods write about the prophets sent to the people of Jerusalem.

“In order to counter the public sentiment of confidence that emerged during the Babylonian threat, the Lord sent prophets to warn the people: ‘There came many prophets, prophesying unto the people that they must repent, or the great city Jerusalem must be destroyed’ (1 Nephi 1:4). Prophets like Lehi and Jeremiah were threatened with death when they spoke what many Jews considered to be blasphemous words against the holy city (1 Nephi 1:20; Jeremiah 26:12–15; 38:4). In fact, the prophet Urijah was put to death by King Jehoiakim for delivering the same message of destruction that Lehi and Jeremiah did (Jeremiah 26:20–23).”[6]

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[1] Understanding the Book of Mormon:  A Reader’s Guide, Grant Hardy, Oxford University Press, 2010, pg. 281.

[2] 1 Nephi 1–7, Daniel C. Peterson, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute.

[3] Internal Textual Evidence for the Egyptian Origin of Nephi’s Name, Matthew L. Bowen, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute.

[4] Jerusalem in Lehi’s Day, Terrence L. Szink, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed December 17, 2012.

[5] Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the Lord, and besought the Lord, and beseech the Lord and repent? and the Lord turned way the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus by putting Jeremiah to death we might procure great evil against our souls” (JST Jeremiah 26:19).

[6] How Could Jerusalem, “That Great City,” Be Destroyed? David R. Seely, and Fred E. Woods, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute.

1 Nephi 1:1

I Nephi…

Thus begins in the Book of Mormon.  Who is this Nephi who is writing this book?  What’s his purpose for writing?  Before we begin studying the Book of Mormon, we should know about the author of the first two books in the Book of Mormon.

Nephi was born to Lehi and Sariah.  He had three brothers – Laman, Lemuel, and Sam.  Two others were born during his journey in the wilderness – Jacob and Joseph.  There is no mention of any sisters.  This, of course, does not mean he did not have sisters.  In this record, he makes no mention of them, if he had any.

Nephi recorded his life and teachings on two different sets of plates, both called the planets of Nephi (1 Nephi 9:2).  On one set of plates, he recorded “an account of the reign of the kings, and the wars and contentions of my people” (1 Nephi 9:2). 

While making his record, he received a commandment of the Lord that he should make a second set of plates.  He wrote, “I should make these plates, for the special purpose that there should be an account engraven of the ministry of my people … wherefore these plates are for the more part of the ministry” (1 Nephi 9:3-4). 

Nephi had no idea why he was commanded to make the second set of plates.  “Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.  But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men” (1 Nephi 9:5-6) (emphasis mine). 

Nephi did not begin working on his second set of plates until thirty years after they left Jerusalem [569 B.C.] (2 Nephi 5:28).  While keeping the other set of plates, the Lord came to him and commanded him, “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). 

Mormon was specifically referring to this record in the Words of Mormon when he wrote:

I speak somewhat concerning that which I have written; for after I had made an abridgment from the plates of Nephi, down to the reign of this king Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake, I searched among the records which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these plates, which contained this small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this king Benjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi.

And the things which are upon these plates pleasing me, because of the prophecies of the coming of Christ; and my fathers knowing that many of them have been fulfilled; yea, and I also know that as many things as have been prophesied concerning us down to this day have been fulfilled, and as many as go beyond this day must surely come to pass—

Wherefore, I chose these things, to finish my record upon them, which remainder of my record I shall take from the plates of Nephi; and I cannot write the hundredth part of the things of my people.

But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren.

And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me.  And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will. (Words of Mormon 1:3-7) (Emphasis mine)

The first set of plates, the record of the reign of the kings as well as wars and contentions were the first part of the record translated by Joseph Smith.  This portion of the record is what was contained in the 116 pages of manuscript were given to Martin Harris and were eventually lost.

Briefly, Martin Harris had been asking Joseph Smith to allow him to take the manuscript pages to show his wife and other family members.  This would “allay their skepticism and criticism of the translation.  Joseph inquired of the Lord twice, and each time was told no.  Harris persisted, and Joseph went to the Lord a third time.  This time, he received permission to allow Harris to take the manuscript.  “The Prophet required Harris to solemnly covenant that he would show them only to his brother, his parents, his wife, and her sister.”

Harris did not return the manuscript when he said he would.  Joseph, living in Harmony, PA at the time, returned to Manchester, NY.  He learned someone had stolen the manuscript.  Harris had not kept his word, and had “indiscriminately showed it to persons outside his family … The most widespread rumor was that Harris’ wife, irritated at having earlier been denied a glimpse of the ancient plates, had removed the manuscript translation from Martin’s unlocked bureau and burned it.”[1]

Joseph Smith was chastised by the Lord.    

“Behold, you have been entrusted with these things, but how strict were your commandments; and remember also the promises which were made to you, if you did not transgress them.

“And behold, how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men.

“For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God.  Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words–

“Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.

“NOW, behold, I say unto you, that because you delivered up those writings which you had power given unto you to translate by the means of the Urim and Thummim, into the hands of a wicked man, you have lost them (D&C 3:5-8, 10:1).

So we see the “wise purpose,” what would be called the small plates of Nephi, was made.  “And, behold, Satan hath put it into their hearts to alter the words which you have caused to be written, or which you have translated, which have gone out of your hands. And behold, I say unto you, that because they have altered the words, they read contrary from that which you translated and caused to be written;  And, on this wise, the devil has sought to lay a cunning plan, that he may destroy this work” (D&C 10:10-12).

This gives us an idea of who Nephi was.  We will learn more about him as we look at his record.

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[1] Manuscript, Lost 116 Pages, William J. Chritchlow, III, Encylopedia of Mormonism, pgs. 854-855, Macmillan Company (1992), Daniel H. Ludlow, editor

Introductory pages to the Book of Mormon III

The interpretation thereof by the gift of God.[1]

In a revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord reminded him…

“Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy gift. Remember it is sacred and cometh from above” (D&C 6:10).

An abridgment taken from the Book of Ether also, which is a record of the people of Jared, who were scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, when they were building a tower to get to heaven.

The heading to the Book of Ether, written by Moroni, said, “The record of the Jaredites, taken from the twenty-four plates found by the people of Limhi in the days of king Mosiah” (Ether Preface: Heading).

The first reference to the Jaredites is found in Omni. Amaleki explained…

“And it came to pass in the days of [Mosiah₁], there was a large stone brought unto him with engravings on it; and he did interpret the engravings by the gift and power of God.

“And they gave an account of one Coriantumr, and the slain of his people. And Coriantumr was discovered by the people of Zarahemla; and he dwelt with them for the space of nine moons.

“It also spake a few words concerning his fathers. And his first parents came out from the tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people; and the severity of the Lord fell upon them according to his judgments, which are just; and their bones lay scattered in the land northward” (Omni 1:20-22).

The people of Limhi found the land of the Jaredites.

“Now, as soon as Ammon had read the record, the king inquired of him to know if he could interpret languages, and Ammon told him that he could not.

“And the king said unto him: Being grieved for the afflictions of my people, I caused that forty and three of my people should take a journey into the wilderness, that thereby they might find the land of Zarahemla, that we might appeal unto our brethren to deliver us out of bondage.

“And they were lost in the wilderness for the space of many days, yet they were diligent, and found not the land of Zarahemla but returned to this land, having traveled in a land among many waters, having discovered a land which was covered with bones of men, and of beasts, and was also covered with ruins of buildings of every kind, having discovered a land which had been peopled with a people who were as numerous as the hosts of Israel.

“And for a testimony that the things that they had said are true they have brought twenty-four plates which are filled with engravings, and they are of pure gold.

“And behold, also, they have brought breastplates, which are large, and they are of brass and of copper, and are perfectly sound.

“And again, they have brought swords, the hilts thereof have perished, and the blades thereof were cankered with rust; and there is no one in the land that is able to interpret the language or the engravings that are on the plates. Therefore I said unto thee: Canst thou translate?” (Mosiah 8:6-11).

Which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever.

Nephi frequently wrote concerning the House of Israel. For example…

“And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6; see also 1 Nephi 21:6).

And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations.

“Wherefore, he shall bring forth his words unto them, which words shall judge them at the last day, for they shall be given them for the purpose of convincing them of the true Messiah, who was rejected by them; and unto the convincing of them that they need not look forward any more for a Messiah to come, for there should not any come, save it should be a false Messiah which should deceive the people; for there is save one Messiah spoken of by the prophets, and that Messiah is he who should be rejected of the Jews” (2 Nephi 25:18).

“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (2 Nephi 25:26).

“And as I spake concerning the convincing of the Jews, that Jesus is the very Christ, it must needs be that the Gentiles be convinced also that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God” (2 Nephi 26:12).

“And many of the people did inquire concerning the place where the Son of God should come; and they were taught that he would appear unto them after his resurrection; and this the people did hear with great joy and gladness” (Alma 16:20).

“And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among them” (Mosiah 3:13).

“And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.

“And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives” (Mosiah 5:7-8).

And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment–seat of Christ.

“AND now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men” (2 Nephi 33:1).

“And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these. Behold, I am Moroni; and were it possible, I would make all things known unto you” (Mormon 8:12).

“And if our plates had been sufficiently large we should have written in Hebrew; but the Hebrew hath been altered by us also; and if we could have written in Hebrew, behold, ye would have had no imperfection in our record.

“But the Lord knoweth the things which we have written, and also that none other people knoweth our language; and because that none other people knoweth our language, therefore he hath prepared means for the interpretation thereof” (Mormon 9:33-34).

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[1] See the “Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed” section.

Introductory pages to the Book of Mormon II

Written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation.

“Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed, that they shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men” (1 Nephi 6:1).

“And now, as I have spoken concerning these plates, behold they are not the plates upon which I make a full account of the history of my people; for the plates upon which I make a full account of my people I have given the name of Nephi; wherefore, they are called the plates of Nephi, after mine own name; and these plates also are called the plates of Nephi.

“Nevertheless, I have received a commandment of the Lord that I should make these plates, for the special purpose that there should be an account engraven of the ministry of my people.

“Upon the other plates should be engraven an account of the reign of the kings, and the wars and contentions of my people; wherefore these plates are for the more part of the ministry; and the other plates are for the more part of the reign of the kings and the wars and contentions of my people” (1 Nephi 9:2-4).

Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed.

The Book of Mormon record was hidden no less than three times.

“And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, and I began to be learned somewhat after the manner of the learning of my people) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe;

“Therefore, when ye are about twenty and four years old I would that ye should remember the things that ye have observed concerning this people; and when ye are of that age go to the land Antum, unto a hill which shall be called Shim; and there have I deposited unto the Lord all the sacred engravings concerning this people” (Mormon 1:2-3).

“And it came to pass that when we had gathered in all our people in one to the land of Cumorah, behold I, Mormon, began to be old; and knowing it to be the last struggle of my people, and having been commanded of the Lord that I should not suffer the records which had been handed down by our fathers, which were sacred, to fall into the hands of the Lamanites, (for the Lamanites would destroy them) therefore I made this record out of the plates of Nephi, and hid up in the hill Cumorah all the records which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord, save it were these few plates which I gave unto my son Moroni” (Mormon 6:6).

“And my father also was killed by them, and I even remain alone to write the sad tale of the destruction of my people. But behold, they are gone, and I fulfil the commandment of my father. And whether they will slay me, I know not.

“Therefore I will write and hide up the records in the earth; and whither I go it mattereth not” (Mormon 8:3-4).

“And I [Moroni] am the same who hideth up this record unto the Lord; the plates thereof are of no worth, because of the commandment of the Lord. For he truly saith that no one shall have them to get gain; but the record thereof is of great worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless” (Mormon 8:14).

To come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof.

Speaking to King Limhi about the 24 gold plates his people found, Ammon told him…

“I can assuredly tell thee, O king, of a man that can translate the records; for he has wherewith that he can look, and translate all records that are of ancient date; and it is a gift from God. And the things are called interpreters,[1] and no man can look in them except he be commanded, lest he should look for that he ought not and he should perish. And whosoever is commanded to look in them, the same is called seer” (Mosiah 8:13).

“And now, as I said unto you, that after king Mosiah had done these things, he took the plates of brass, and all the things which he had kept, and conferred them upon Alma, who was the son of Alma; yea, all the records, and also the interpreters, and conferred them upon him, and commanded him that he should keep and preserve them, and also keep a record of the people, handing them down from one generation to another, even as they had been handed down from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem” (Mosiah 28:20).

“And now, I will speak unto you concerning those twenty-four plates, that ye keep them, that the mysteries and the works of darkness, and their secret works, or the secret works of those people who have been destroyed, may be made manifest unto this people; yea, all their murders, and robbings, and their plunderings, and all their wickedness and abominations, may be made manifest unto this people; yea, and that ye preserve these interpreters” (Alma 37:21).

“Wherefore the Lord hath commanded me to write them; and I have written them. And he commanded me that I should seal them up; and he also hath commanded that I should seal up the interpretation thereof; wherefore I have sealed up the interpreters, according to the commandment of the Lord” (Ether 4:5).

“Also, that there were two stones in silver bows-and these stones, fastened to a breastplate, constituted what is called the Urim and Thummim-deposited with the plates; and the possession and use of these stones were what constituted “seers” in ancient or former times; and that God had prepared them for the purpose of translating the book” (Joseph Smith-History 1:35).

Sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by way of the Gentile.[2]

“[Moroni] said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that the fulness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants” (Joseph Smith-History 1:34).

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[1]Urim and Thummim – Instruments prepared by God to assist man in obtaining revelation and in translating languages. In the Hebrew language the words mean “lights and perfections.” The Urim and Thummim consist of two stones set in silver bows and sometimes used with a breastplate (Guide to the Scriptures).

[2] See the “Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed” section.

Introductory pages to the Book of Mormon I

The Book of Mormon begins with the preface.

THE

                                                      BOOK OF MORMON

AN ACCOUNT WRITTEN BY

THE HAND OF MORMON

UPON PLATES

TAKEN FROM THE PLATES OF NEPHI

Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites-Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile-Written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation-Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed-To come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof-Sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by way of the Gentile-The interpretation thereof by the gift of God.

An abridgment taken from the Book of Ether also, which is a record of the people of Jared, who were scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, when they were building a tower to get to heaven-Which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever-And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations-And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment–seat of Christ.

Who wrote the preface?

Moroni wrote the preface to the Book of Mormon.

“After adding the book of Ether to the gold plates, Moroni writes a preface to the Book of Mormon… The preface also refers to the record being sealed and ‘hid up unto the Lord to come forth in due time.’ This strongly suggests that after completion of the preface, the gold plates with the interpreters are secured in their final place of hiding (Emphasis in original) …

“Joseph Smith informs us that the preface was ‘from the very last leaf’ of the plates. This final placement brings immediately to mind the possibility that the title page was inscribed after the Book of Moroni and that the order of the leaves in the plates could relate to their writing sequence.”[1]

In writing the preface, Moroni intended to give us specific information about what would be the Book of Mormon. Let’s examine what we learn about the record.

Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites.

The record we are is an abridgement of records kept over a millennium. The two main civilizations we study are the Nephites and Lamanites. Later, we will read a short account of the Jaredites.

Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentiles.

The Book of Mormon was written specifically for the Lamanites.

The records divide the descendants of Lehi into different tribes. The tribes were called Nephites after Nephi, the son of Lehi; Jacobites, after Jacob, son of Lehi and brother of Nephi; Josephites after Joseph, son of Lehi and brother of Nephi; Zoramites after Zoram, a servant to a Jewish leader, who was given the opportunity to join with Nephi (see 1 Nephi 4:20-37); Lamanites after Laman, the eldest son of Lehi and brother of Nephi; Lemuelites after Laman, the second son of Lehi; and Ishmaelites after Ishmael, head of a family who was convinced by Lehi’s sons to take his family and join with Lehi’s party (see 1 Nephi 7:1-5).

Jacob would begin the tradition of dividing the people into two groups – the Lamanites and the Nephites.

“Now the people which were not Lamanites were Nephites; nevertheless, they were called Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites, Zoramites, Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites.

“But I, Jacob, shall not hereafter distinguish them by these names, but I shall call them Lamanites that seek to destroy the people of Nephi, and those who are friendly to Nephi I shall call Nephites, or the people of Nephi, according to the reigns of the kings” (Jacob 1:13-14).

Lehi’s descendants were a part of the house of Israel.

“Yea, even my father spake much concerning the Gentiles, and also concerning the house of Israel, that they should be compared like unto an olive-tree, whose branches should be broken off and should be scattered upon all the face of the earth” (1 Nephi 10:12).

“And after the house of Israel should be scattered they should be gathered together again; or, in fine, after the Gentiles had received the fulness of the Gospel, the natural branches of the olive-tree, or the remnants of the house of Israel, should be grafted in, or come to the knowledge of the true Messiah, their Lord and their Redeemer” (1 Nephi 10:14).

“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that they did prosper in the land; and I beheld a book, and it was carried forth among them.

“The book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; and it also containeth many of the prophecies of the holy prophets; and it is a record like unto the engravings which are upon the plates of brass, save there are not so many; nevertheless, they contain the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; wherefore, they are of great worth unto the Gentiles” (1 Nephi 13:20, 23).

“And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, Nephi, saying: Thou hast beheld that if the Gentiles repent it shall be well with them; and thou also knowest concerning the covenants of the Lord unto the house of Israel; and thou also hast heard that whoso repenteth not must perish” (1 Nephi 14:5).

The Book of Mormon was also written for the Gentiles and the Jews. The plates were kept with the intention of it being given to a later generation. As we read the Book of Mormon, we see common problems, issues, and concerns faced by both societies. We are to use it as a guide for dealing with a society that is turning away from God and His gospel.

“And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good” (2 Nephi 33:10).

“Now these things are written unto the remnant of the house of Jacob; and they are written after this manner, because it is known of God that wickedness will not bring them forth unto them; and they are to be hid up unto the Lord that they may come forth in his own due time” (Mormon 5:12).

“And this cometh unto you, O ye Gentiles, that ye may know the decrees of God-that ye may repent, and not continue in your iniquities until the fulness come, that ye may not bring down the fulness of the wrath of God upon you as the inhabitants of the land have hitherto done” (Ether 2:11).

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[1] Two Points of Book of Mormon Geography: A Review, John E. Clark, FARMS Review of Books 8/2 (1996): 9, 17.

Mosiah 21:21-36

21 For they were desirous to take them that they might punish them; for they had come into the land of Nephi by night, and carried off their grain and many of their precious things; therefore they laid wait for them.

22 And it came to pass that there was no more disturbance between the Lamanites and the people of Limhi, ^*even until the time that Ammon and his brethren came into the land.

23 And the king having been without the gates of the city with his guard, discovered Ammon and his brethren; and supposing them to be priests of Noah therefore he caused that they should be taken, and bound, and cast into prison.  And had they been the priests of Noah he would have caused that they should be put to death.

24 But when he found that they were not, but that they were his brethren, and had come from the land of Zarahemla, he was filled with exceedingly great joy.

25 Now king Limhi had sent, previous to the coming of Ammon, a small number of men to search for the land of Zarahemla; but they could not find it, and they were lost in the wilderness.

26 Nevertheless, they did find a land which had been peopled; yea, a land which was covered with dry bones; yea, a land which had been peopled and which had been destroyed; and they, having supposed it to be the land of Zarahemla, returned to the land of Nephi, having arrived in the borders of the land not many days before the coming of Ammon.

27 And they brought a record with them, even a record of the people whose bones they had found; and it was engraven on plates of ore.

28 And now Limhi was again filled with joy on learning from the mouth of Ammon that king Mosiah had a gift from God, whereby he could +interpret such engravings; yea, and Ammon also did rejoice.

29 Yet Ammon and his brethren were filled with sorrow because so many of their brethren had been slain;

30 And also that king Noah and his priests had caused the people to commit so many sins and iniquities against God; and they also did mourn for the death of Abinadi; and also for the departure of Alma and the people that went with him, who had formed a church of God through the strength and power of God, and faith on the words which had been spoken by Abinadi.

31 Yea, they did mourn for their departure, for they knew not whither they had fled.  Now they would have gladly joined with them, for they themselves had entered into a covenant with God to serve him and keep his commandments.

32 And now since the coming of Ammon, king Limhi had also entered into a covenant with God, and also many of his people, to serve him and keep his commandments.

33 And it came to pass that king Limhi and many of his people were desirous to be baptized; but there was none in the land that had authority from God.  And Ammon declined doing this thing, considering himself an unworthy servant.

34 Therefore they did not at that time form themselves into a church, waiting upon the Spirit of the Lord.  Now they were desirous to become even as Alma and his brethren, who had fled into the wilderness.

35 They were desirous to be baptized as a witness and a testimony that they were willing to serve God with all their hearts; nevertheless they did prolong the time; and an account of their baptism shall be given hereafter.

36 And now all the study of Ammon and his people, and king Limhi and his people, was to deliver themselves out of the hands of the Lamanites and from bondage.

Mosiah 21:21-36

Peace reigned in the land.  One day, Limhi was outside of the city gates with his guards.  They found a group of men whom they believed were some of his father’s priests.  He had them arrested and placed into prison.  It turned out he was mistaken.  He found Ammon and his party.  Remember, we met Ammon in Chapter 7.  They were searching for Limhi’s party and, at this point, didn’t realize they had found them.

“And behold, they met the king of the people who were in the land of Nephi, and in the land of Shilom; and they were surrounded by the king’s guard, and were taken, and were bound, and were committed to prison.

“And it came to pass when they had been in prison two days they were again brought before the king, and their bands were loosed; and they stood before the king, and were permitted, or rather commanded, that they should answer the questions which he should ask them. (Mosiah 7:7-8)

Ammon responded:

“And now, when Ammon saw that he was permitted to speak, he went forth and bowed himself before the king; and rising again he said: O king, I am very thankful before God this day that I am yet alive, and am permitted to speak; and I will endeavor to speak with boldness;

“For I am assured that if ye had known me ye would not have suffered that I should have worn these bands.  For I am Ammon, and am a descendant of Zarahemla, and have come up out of the land of Zarahemla to inquire concerning our brethren, whom Zeniff brought up out of that land.” (Mosiah 7:12-13).

And here, we return to the events described in Chapter 7. Once Limhi learned who they were, there was much rejoicing.  As he spoke to Ammon and his party, he told them of an interesting event.

Limhi decided to send a party to find Zarahemla.  Their purpose was to ask for help freeing themselves from the bondage of the Lamanites.  As this group wandered, they became lost. 

During their search, they found a place where bones were scattered across the land.  Weapons of war were found among the bones.  They also found a set of twenty-four plates.  Ammon told his of their king, who was a seer and could translate the record.

Limhi was rejoiced knowing there was one who could interpret the record found.  The power to translate was mentioned by Amaleki.

“And it came to pass in the days of Mosiah, there was a large stone brought unto him with engravings on it; and he did interpret the engravings by the gift and power of God.

“And they gave an account of one Coriantumr, and the slain of his people.  And Coriantumr was discovered by the people of Zarahemla; and he dwelt with them for the space of nine moons.

“It also spake a few words concerning his fathers.  And his first parents came out from the tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people; and the severity of the Lord fell upon them according to his judgments, which are just; and their bones lay scattered in the land northward.” (Omni 1:20-22)

In the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon, Ammon was recorded as referring to King Benjamin.  In the 1837 edition, it is changed to refer to Mosiah.  It appears this change was made by someone other than Joseph Smith.  Critics use this as an argument against the Book of Mormon.  We don’t know exactly when Ammon left Zarahemla.  It is very much a possibility King Benjamin was still alive when Ammon left.  He lived for three years after Mosiah₂ became king.  Ammon referring to King Benjamin, if he were alive, would have been a natural thing.  The challenge to the Book of Mormon does not stand.[1]

Ammon and his group were told about King Noah, Abinadi, and what Noah’s priests had done.  They also were told about Alma₁ and those who went with him and the church he had formed.

The people of Limhi wanted to be baptized, but no one had authority to perform the ordinance.  Ammon refused, “considering himself an unworthy servant.”  Limhi’s people did make a covenant with God to serve Him and keep His commandments.

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[1] Ignoratio Elenchi: The Dialogue That Never Was, L. Ara Norwood, Maxwell Institute.

Mosiah 21:1-20

Chapter 21

Limhi’s people are smitten and defeated by the Lamanites—They meet Ammon and are converted—They tell Ammon of the twenty–four Jaredite plates. About 122–121 B.C.

1 AND it came to pass that Limhi and his people returned to the city of Nephi, and began to dwell in the land again in peace.

2 And it came to pass that after many days the Lamanites began again to be stirred up in anger against the Nephites, and they began to come into the borders of the land round about.

3 Now they durst not slay them, because of the oath which their king had made unto Limhi; but they would smite them on their cheeks, and exercise authority over them; and began to put heavy burdens upon their backs, and drive them as they would a dumb ass—

4 Yea, all this was done that the word of the Lord might be fulfilled.

5 And now the afflictions of the Nephites were great, and there was no way that they could deliver themselves out of their hands, for the Lamanites had surrounded them on every side.

6 And it came to pass that the people began to murmur with the king because of their afflictions; and they began to be desirous to go against them to battle.  And they did afflict the king sorely with their complaints; therefore he granted unto them that they should do according to their desires.

7 And they gathered themselves together again, and put on their armor, and went forth against the Lamanites to drive them out of their land.

8 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did beat them, and drove them back, and slew many of them.

9 And now there was a great mourning and lamentation among the people of Limhi, the widow mourning for her husband, the son and the daughter mourning for their father, and the brothers for their brethren.

10 Now there were a great many widows in the land, and they did cry mightily from day to day, for a great fear of the Lamanites had come upon them.

11 And it came to pass that their continual cries did stir up the remainder of the people of Limhi to anger against the Lamanites; and they went again to battle, but they were driven back again, suffering much loss.

12 Yea, they went again even the third time, and suffered in the like manner; and those that were not slain returned again to the city of Nephi.

13 And they did humble themselves even to the dust, subjecting themselves to the yoke of bondage, submitting themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies.

14 And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.

15 And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage.

16 And it came to pass that they began to prosper by degrees in the land, and began to raise grain more abundantly, and flocks, and herds, that they did not suffer with hunger.

17 Now there was a great number of women, more than there was of men; therefore king Limhi commanded that every man should impart to the support of the widows and their children, that they might not perish with hunger; and this they did because of the greatness of their number that had been slain.

18 Now the people of Limhi kept together in a body as much as it was possible, and secured their grain and their flocks;

19 And the king himself did not trust his person without the walls of the city, unless he took his guards with him, fearing that he might by some means fall into the hands of the Lamanites.

20 And he caused that his people should watch the land round about, that by some means they might take those priests that fled into the wilderness, who had stolen the daughters of the Lamanites, and that had caused such a great destruction to come upon them.

Mosiah 21:1-20

The war was over.  Peace was found in the land.  Eventually, however, the Lamanites became upset with the Nephites.  They moved into the lands around the people of Limhi.

The Lamanites couldn’t kill them because of their king’s oath.  Instead, they abused them.  They hit them and placed heavy burdens upon them. 

“They started harassing; that’s the way it starts. They couldn’t kill them because they had made an oath to King Limhi. (Isn’t that nice they observed their oaths? We observe oaths, too, as long as it is convenient. Our treaties with the Indians, for example; there are some ‘beauties.’) But they did bother them and do what Indians would do. They were brutal. They would hit them in the face, boss them around, and then ‘put heavy burdens upon their backs, and drive them as they would a dumb ass.’ That was the prophecy—they started bullying them.”[1]

Mormon tells us this was done to fulfill the words of the Lord.  Abinadi warned them of the consequences of their wickedness and they didn’t repent.  Now they were reaping what they had sown.

Things were very had for the Nephites.  Not only were they suffering many afflictions, they were surrounded by the Lamanites.  Things were not looking good.

The people complained about their situation to king.  They wanted to go to war.  Limhi eventually agreed.  The people prepared for war and went forth to attack the Lamanites.

Limhi’s people were roundly defeated.  Many died in the battle.  Mourning was heard throughout the land.  There were many widows in the land. 

Anger increased among Limhi’s people.  They went to battle a second time and suffered a major defeat with many casualties.  They went forward with battle for a third time, and suffered a terrible defeat.

Limhi’s people have attacked the Lamanites three times and were defeated three times.  The people become a defeated and humbled people.  Mormon tells us they humbled “themselves to the dust.”  They accepted the treatment and orders of their captors.

In their humility, they turned to the Lord.  They cried unto Him for deliverance; however, the Lord was slow to hear their cries because of their sins.  This was similar to the Lord’s message to Israel when they demanded a king.  Samuel warned them, “And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day” (1 Samuel 8:18).  This was also a fulfillment of Abinadi’s prophecy, “Yea, and it shall come to pass that when they shall cry unto me I will be slow to hear their cries; yea, and I will suffer them that they be smitten by their enemies” (Mosiah 11:24).

“Until the people repent, the Lord is under no compulsion to deliver them. Because the Zeniffites had been forewarned, “the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities” (Mosiah 21:15). He does listen (just as 1 Samuel 8:18 says the Lord will not listen to the people’s cries when they are enslaved by their king), after the lesson is learned.”^[2]

While not freeing them from their captivity, the Lord did hear the cries.  He softened the hearts of the Lamanites overseers, and the treatment of the people of Limhi was eased.

As time went by, the people began to prosper.  The flocks and herds increased and much grain was raised.  “Grain was perhaps the most important food crop cultivated by the Book of Mormon people. The grain harvest became a measure of prosperity and favor with the Lord…”^[3]

The wars had taken their toll on the population.  Many men died during the battles leaving their wives and children to fend for themselves.  Seeing this, Limhi commanded his people to support the widows and their families.  Limhi, not knowing the words of King Benjamin, followed them.

“And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish…

“And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.” (Mosiah 4:16, 26)

As much as possible, they people secured their grain and flocks.  The king would not leave the city alone.  He always left with his guards to protect him from possible Lamanite attack.

The people of Limhi also kept their eyes open looking for the Limhi’s father’s priests, the men who had kidnapped the Lamanite daughters and brought upon so much suffering upon them.

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[1] Teachings of the Book of Mormon – Semester 2, Lecture 38 – Mosiah 20–23, Maxwell Institute.

[2] Historical Narrative, Literary Narrative—Expelling Poetics from the Republic of History, Alan Goff, Maxwell Institute.

[3] Agriculture in Lehi’s World: Some Textual, Historical, Archaeological, and Botanical Insight, Terry B. Ball & Wilford M. Hess, Maxwell Institute.