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Apr 1511 min read

“He Worketh in Me to Do According to His Will”

Updated: Apr 17

CFM: April 15–21





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The Book of Mormon and the Old Testament: A Cultural and Religious Dialogue


The succession of the plates from Jacob to Moroni in the Book of Mormon is an important aspect of Nephite culture, representing not only the physical transmission of records but also the spiritual, historical, and cultural legacy of the Nephite people. Each transfer of the plates is significant, often occurring at critical junctures in Nephite history and typically involving a charge to maintain the records' integrity and continuity. Here is an overview of how the plates were passed down from generation to generation:





From Nephi to Moroni: The Lineage of Record Keepers


Jacob to Enos

- Jacob: The brother of Nephi, Jacob was entrusted with the small plates after Nephi's death. He recorded his teachings and the spiritual revelations pertinent to the Nephite people.

- Enos: Jacob passed the plates to his son Enos after instructing him in his duties as a record keeper. Enos’s writings begin with his personal spiritual wrestlings and continue with details of his ministry, emphasizing his efforts to preserve the Nephite and Lamanite records.


Enos to Omni

- From Enos to Jarom to Omni: The plates were passed through a line of Nephite record keepers, including Jarom and then Omni. Each custodian added their own experiences, spiritual insights, and the historical events of their times, though the entries become shorter during this period.


Omni to Amaron to Chemish to Abinadom to Amaleki

- Multiple Hands: The plates saw several custodians in rapid succession during the period described in the Book of Omni. Amaron, Chemish, Abinadom, and finally Amaleki, who each made brief entries. Amaleki noted the discovery of the people of Zarahemla and the amalgamation of the two peoples.


Amaleki to King Benjamin

- Amaleki to King Benjamin: Amaleki, realizing he had no children to pass the records to, transferred them to King Benjamin. This marked a significant transition as the plates moved from familial succession to royal custodianship, reflecting the central role of the records in Nephite society.


King Benjamin to Mosiah II

- King Benjamin to Mosiah II: King Benjamin passed the plates to his son Mosiah II, who was a righteous leader and grandson of Mosiah I, all continued to make important contributions to the records, including the the incorporation of several additional records.


Mosiah II to Alma the Elder

- Mosiah II with Alma the Elder: After translating the plates of Ether and establishing peace in the land, Mosiah combined the records with those of Alma the Elder, who was a significant religious leader and the founder of the Church among the Nephites.


Alma the Elder to Alma the Younger

- Alma the Elder to Alma the Younger: The plates and other sacred items were entrusted to Alma the Younger, who was pivotal in continuing the religious teachings and expansion of the Church.


Alma the Younger to Helaman

- Alma the Younger to Helaman: Alma passed the sacred records to his son Helaman, charging him to continue the record-keeping and ensure the records' safety.


Helaman to Helaman (Son of Helaman), Shiblon, then to Helaman's son, Helaman

- Through the Line of Helaman: The records continued through Helaman’s lineage, with each Helaman adding to and preserving the records, culminating in Mormon.


Mormon to Moroni

- Mormon to Moroni: In the later years of the Nephite civilization, Mormon compiled and abridged many records, including the plates. He eventually entrusted them to his son Moroni. Moroni added further writings, including the Book of Ether and resealed the complete record, which he hid up unto the Lord.


The succession of the plates from Jacob to Moroni is not merely a matter of record-keeping but a sacred duty fulfilled across generations, involving spiritual, cultural, and linguistic teachings, prophecies, and the history of an entire civilization. Each transfer reinforced the importance of the records as both historical documents and spiritual testaments, culminating in the hidden plates that Joseph Smith would later translate as the Book of Mormon. This lineage of record keepers highlights the profound respect and reverence the Nephites had for their history and their covenant with God.



 

Overview

Enos


The Book of Enos sits as the fourth book in the Book of Mormon. It is a short, singular chapter book that details the personal revelations and covenantal dialogues between Enos, a Nephite prophet, and the Lord. The narrative is deeply personal and reflective, highlighting themes of repentance, revelation, intercessory prayer, and the transmission of religious records and covenants across generations. Here's an overview, with verse highlights, major themes, and cross-references to biblical literature where relevant, along with insights into Hebraic culture and language when applicable.


References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:



Major Topics/ Themes

​Summary

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Enos


Enos's Conversion and Repentance

Verses 1-5:

  • Enos begins by recounting his spiritual awakening, triggered by pondering the teachings of his father. This leads to a profound personal revelation after a day of prayer and supplication, where he receives forgiveness of his sins. The theme is reminiscent of biblical narratives emphasizing repentance and divine forgiveness (e.g., Psalm 51, the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32).

  • The Hebraic concept of teshuvah (repentance) is evident here, where a personal, introspective turning back to God is emphasized.

Intercessory Prayer for the Nephites and Lamanites

Verses 6-18

  • Enos's concern extends beyond his salvation to that of his people (Nephites) and their enemies (Lamanites). His prayers for both groups showcase the broad scope of his newfound commitment to God and his compassion, reminiscent of Moses' intercessions for Israel (Exodus 32:11-14) and Jonah's mission to Nineveh (Jonah 3:10). His prayer also forshadows the Great Intercessory pray of Jesus Christ (John 17)

  • The power of intercessory prayer reflects a deep Hebraic value on community and collective faithfulness to covenantal relationships with God.

Who Are the Lamanites? (2 Nephi 5:14)

Stewardship of the Sacred Records

Verses 19-27

  • The narrative shifts to Enos's role in preserving the Nephite records, underscoring the importance of written testimony and the transmission of sacred knowledge across generations. This theme parallels the biblical emphasis on the preservation and transmission of the Law and the Prophets (Deuteronomy 31:24-26).

  • The responsibility towards sacred texts and the concept of a "remnant" being preserved due to righteousness echoes the Hebraic understanding of a covenant community that transcends time, with each generation responsible for upholding and passing on their covenantal legacy.

How Did Enos Liken the Scriptures to His Own Life?

Overview

Jarom

The Book of Jarom, a brief but significant text, continues the narrative history of the Nephites. Jarom, the son of Jacob, focuses on the spiritual, military, and societal aspects of the Nephite civilization, emphasizing the preservation of their records, language, the steadfastness of their faith in the face of external threats, and the maintenance of the law of Moses as a preparatory gospel for the coming of Christ.


References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:



Major Topics/ Themes

​Summary

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Jarom




Spiritual State and Obedience of the Nephites

1-5: Jarom begins by noting the small size of the plates and his intent to write only what is most significant. He describes the righteousness of the people who are diligent in keeping the commandments and the law of Moses, which points them to Christ. This section underscores the spiritual and cultural foundation of Nephite society and the importance of their prophetic leadership.

  • Spiritual Context: The continued obedience to the commandments and anticipation of Christ’s coming.

  • Cultural Continuity: Emphasis on the importance of prophetic guidance and record-keeping in maintaining religious and cultural identity.

Why Were Genealogies Important to Book of Mormon Peoples?

Conflicts and Preservation of the Nephite Nation

Jarom details the frequent wars between the Nephites and the Lamanites. Despite these challenges, the Nephites prosper in the land because of their faithfulness and God's divine protection. Jarom describes their efforts in fortifying their cities and their intentional focus on God.

  • Military and Societal Resilience: The Nephites' military preparedness and divine favor as key factors in their survival.

  • Divine Providence: The role of faith and divine intervention in protecting and prospering the Nephite people.

Generational Leadership and Continuation of Records

Jarom concludes his writings by discussing the transference of the records to subsequent prophets and their continued efforts to preserve their language, religion, and culture. He emphasizes the prophetic warnings to the people to remain faithful, indicating a pattern of prophetic leadership that seeks to keep the society aligned with God’s will.

  • Preservation of Culture and Religion: The meticulous efforts to keep records and maintain religious observances and teachings.

  • Prophetic Leadership: The ongoing role of prophets in guiding, warning, and teaching the people to ensure cultural and spiritual continuity.



Overview

Omni

The Book of Omni is a brief but complex component of the Book of Mormon, comprised of several short entries made by different record keepers from the line of Nephi. This book covers a transitional period in Nephite history, detailing changes in leadership, migrations, and significant encounters with other groups. The entries span several generations, documenting the passing of the plates from one keeper to another and highlighting both spiritual admonitions and major historical events.


References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:



Major Topics/ Themes

​Summary

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Omni



Entries by Omni, Amaron, Chemish, Abinadom, and Amaleki

Vs. 1-11

  • Omni: Starts the record by confessing his own shortcomings in keeping the commandments but notes ongoing conflicts with the Lamanites who continue to harass the Nephites.

  • Amaron: Briefly notes that the more wicked part of the Nephites were destroyed and records the righteousness of the people who remained.

  • Chemish: Adds a brief note affirming the record-keeping of his brother Amaron.

  • Abinadom: Reports ongoing wars with the Lamanites and mentions he killed a Lamanite aggressor but offers little on spiritual matters.

  • Amaleki: Provides a more detailed account, recording the discovery of the people of Zarahemla who had come from Jerusalem but did not have the records of the Jews. He notes King Mosiah's arrival and the integration of the two groups.

The Record of Amaleki

Vs 12-30

  • Discovery of the Land of Nephi: Amaleki records Mosiah being commanded to flee the land of Nephi with those who would follow him, leading them to the land of Zarahemla.

  • Union with the Mulekites: Amaleki details Mosiah’s encounter with the people of Zarahemla (Mulekites), their subsequent union, and the establishment of Mosiah as their king. This significantly expanded the Nephite territory and population.

  • The Record of Coriantumr: Amaleki notes the discovery of Coriantumr, the last Jaredite, by the people of Zarahemla and briefly recounts the Jaredite's end.

  • Expedition to the Land of Nephi-Lehi: Amaleki concludes with an account of an expedition led by a man named Zeniff, who returned to the land of Nephi with a group to inherit it.

Overview
Words of Mormon

The Words of Mormon is a short, transitional book in the Book of Mormon, situated between the small plates of Nephi and the larger narrative of the Book of Mosiah. This brief interlude, authored by Mormon, serves multiple purposes: it connects the small plates with Mormon's abridgment of the Nephite record, provides context for the record's compilation, and shares Mormon's personal reflections on the revelations of God and the importance of the records


This record serves as an essential connecting narrative, offering profound insights into the purposes of scriptural records. It highlights the careful considerations involved in preserving the sacred teachings and histories of the Nephites, all framed by Mormon's deep commitment to ensuring that these records serve to bring others unto Christ. This brief book thus sets the stage for the narratives that follow while providing a reflective look at the spiritual and historical stewardship of Mormon.


Below is an overview highlighting major themes, events by verse, and significant cross-references to biblical literature, along with insights into Hebraic culture and linguistic elements where applicable.


References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:



Major Topics/ Themes

​Summary

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Words of Mormon



Introduction and Purpose

Verses 1-2

  • Mormon introduces his role as the compiler of the Nephite records, explaining that he is abridging the plates and has found the small plates of Nephi, which he includes in his record.

Reflections

Verses 3-5

  • Mormon praises the content of the small plates for their spiritual insights and the prophecies concerning Christ. He expresses his delight in the plainness and spiritual depth of the teachings found in the earlier prophets' writings.

Vs. 6-8

  • Mormon reflects on the reign of King Benjamin, noting the peace that came to the land under his righteous leadership. King Benjamin's character and the impact of his reign provide a case study in righteous leadership's power to influence society positively, akin to biblical leaders such as Josiah (2 Kings 22-23) or Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2-6).

The Spiritual Purpose of the Records

Verses 9-11

  • Mormon concludes by expressing his hope that the records he compiles will benefit future generations who seek Jesus Christ. He offers a prayer that the Lord will preserve the records for the spiritual benefit of future generations. This purpose aligns with the broader biblical theme of testimony and witness found in scriptures like John 20:31 and the emphasis on the word of God as a tool for spiritual enlightenment and salvation (Psalm 119:105).

Why Was the Sword of Laban So Important to Nephite Leaders?



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