March 13, 2020
#28 MARCH 9-15, JACOB 1-4
The attack of Coronavirus
When I began writing this blog post at the beginning of this week, coronavirus was only a problem on the horizon and was, for the most part, far away in China and Italy. But how things have changed since then! It is now very much a part of our lives here in the US and in the UK in a way unprecedented in my lifetime. Who would have guessed even a few days ago where we would be today? Churches, temples, the Conference Center, schools, and many public places closed; travel banned; sports contests, plays and concerts cancelled; shelves emptied; financial markets devastated, fear and uncertainty haunting the hearts of good people worldwide. How quickly things change!
When our leaders announced a “Family-centered, Church-supported” shift in teaching in the Church less than 18 months ago, who could have known that so soon we would be worshipping and learning at home with our churches closed all around the world? Were our leaders prophetic? Are those we sustain as seers truly see-ers? Absolutely! If nothing else good comes from COVID 19, our testimony of living apostles, prophets, seers and revelators and our trust in their vision of and for the future is stronger than ever before in this generation.
Since none of us will be in a Sunday School class in our ward or branch this Sunday, maybe you’ll have time to read this blog post about the first four chapters of Jacob. I’m sorry it’s a little long. There is just so much to say! I hope it will enrich your understanding of some important truths in these chapters and increase your love for the prophet Jacob. And I hope that something I have written will be useful to you as a family or in whatever setting you study the Book of Mormon and Come, Follow Me for this week. Enjoy!
Jacob, son of Lehi
It’s been 55 years since Lehi, Ishmael and their families left Jerusalem. Since we know that Christ would come 600 years after the time of their departure, we can calculate that it is now approximately AD 544. Jacob is the 5th son of Lehi and Sariah, Joseph their 6th. Jacob and Joseph were born after the family left Jerusalem but before they got to the promised land 8 years later, so Jacob must be between about 50 and 54 years old and Joseph a little younger between about 48 and 52 years old. Nephi is probably about 70 years old or a little more (about my age or a little younger – I’ll be 74 next week).
We’ve already been introduced to Jacob in the writings of Nephi. We know that he has seen the Redeemer. And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him (2 Nephi 11:3). We have a powerful two-day sermon by Jacob in 2 Nephi 6-10 and he was the first to reveal that the name of the Messiah would be Christ, a revelation he received from an angel in the nighttime between the two days of his sermon at the temple. (See 2 Nephi 10). Millet and McConkie write of Jacob in their Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon:
Jacob was one of the great apostles of the Book of Mormon. As a special witness he bore a perfect testimony: he entertained angels and was an eyewitness of the Redeemer. Even in his youth this son of Lehi knew the redeeming powers of his Savior and beheld the Lord’s glory.
Tutored by his father and his prophet-brother Nephi, Jacob learned to feast upon the holy word from the days of his childhood and thereby gained a familiarity with that Spirit known only to the obedient and the serious student of scripture. In the role of a doctrinal teacher there were few greater. Jacob has left us a store of theological gems: only Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni contributed more to this volume of holy writ known as the Book of Mormon.
Truly, Jacob was a great prophet and an important contributor to the Book of Mormon. His book, just 7 chapters long, contains some wonderful treasures of gospel truth and the longest single chapter in the Book of Mormon, chapter 5, which we will consider next week. For this week, we’ll talk about the first four chapters in the Book of Jacob.
Chapter 1
Nephi gives Jacob charge of the Small Plates
In the beginning of the Book of Jacob, we get a small amount of Nephite history. Nephi gives Jacob custody of the Small Plates with a charge to write upon these plates a few of the things which I considered to be most precious and to not touch, save it were lightly, concerning the history of this people which are called the people of Nephi (v. 2). So we don’t get much history from Jacob. He is mostly concerned to write the things he considers “most precious.” I hope they are precious to us!
I can’t tell if Nephi gave Jacob the Sword of Laban and the Liahona. The next time we read in the Book of Mormon about the Sword of Laban is in the Words of Mormon 1:13 when it is in the possession of King Benjamin. I suspect it was passed from Nephi to the next king (see below) rather than to Jacob. The kings were the main defenders of the people, not the prophets. Nephi II and his successors needed it more than Jacob and his successors. King Benjamin also had the Liahona and gave it with the Sword and Brass Plates of Laban to his son Mosiah (See Mosiah 1:16). We don’t know if the Liahona was passed down in the lineage of the prophets or the kings. The last prophet to write on the Small Plates was Amaleki. He gave the plates to Mosiah I, the father of King Benjamin. Perhaps he also gave him the Liahona, but doesn’t mention that he did. Anyhow, the Small Plates, Sword of Laban, Brass Plates of Laban and Liahona are all brought together in Mosiah I and passed to his son Benjamin and then to Mosiah II. They must have been subsequently passed to Alma the Younger, the first chief judge at the conclusion of the reign of the kings. Alma speaks of the Liahona to his son Helaman I (see Alma 37) and presumably they were passed down through the lineage of the prophets until Moroni when they were buried not to come forth until the time of Joseph Smith. The Three Witnesses saw these sacred items in 1829 before the publication of the Book of Mormon. (See D&C 17:1)
A new king is anointed and Nephi dies
Jacob gives us the little bit of history that Nephi began to be old, and he saw that he must soon die; wherefore, he anointed a man to be a king and a ruler over his people now, according to the reigns of the kings. (v. 9) Whom did Nephi choose? Was it his son? We don’t know if he even had a son. Did the people choose the king or did Nephi choose? Or did the Lord choose? We know that it wasn’t long until the people of Nephi, under the reign of the second king, began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices (v. 15). Maybe the people, who were already starting to go astray, chose a king who had their same values. Perhaps that’s why Nephi divided the role of king from that of prophet. He knew Jacob was a righteous man, but I suspect Nephi, inspired as he was, knew that the man chosen as king (perhaps his own son) was not of the same spiritual and moral stature and would lead the people astray.
The people loved Nephi so much that they named their kings after him. And whoso should reign in his stead were called by the people, second Nephi, third Nephi, and so forth, according to the reigns of the kings; and thus they were called by the people, let them be of whatever name they would (v. 11). This dynasty of Nephite kings lasted over 400 years until the end of the reign of Mosiah II in about 92 BC.
By the way, notice that the new king was “anointed” just as were kings in ancient Israel. We still anoint future kings and queens in holy places today.
What about Joseph?
Joseph, the 6th son of Lehi and Sariah, was not chosen as king after his brother nor was he given charge of the plates. But we assume he was faithful because he is referred to in v. 18 I, Jacob, and my brother Joseph had been consecrated priests and teachers of this people, by the hand of Nephi. That is the last we know of him in the record. I wish we had his writings, as well. Someday, maybe. By the way, the offices of “priest” and “teacher” were not Aaronic Priesthood offices, as they are in the Church today. The Nephites did not have the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood because they were not of the Tribe of Levi. They held the Melchizedek Priesthood. So reference to their being “priests” and “teachers” of the people indicates their ministerial, pastoral and teaching responsibilities. Joseph does have one of the 7 tribes of the family of Lehi named after him (see below).
Definition of Nephites and Lamanites
Jacob tells us that the family of Lehi was divided into 7 “tribes” or “ites”: The people which were not Lamanites were Nephites; nevertheless, they were called Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites, Zoramites, Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites. Sam was included with Nephi. Seven is a holy number. It is probably no accident that, just like there are 12 tribes of Israel, twelve also being a holy number, there are 7 tribes of Lehi. Seven indicates completeness, wholeness or perfection, as in seven “days” in the creation time of the earth. These designations persisted through the Book of Mormon (See 4 Nephi 1:36-37 and Mormon 1:8) and are even referred to in modern scripture (D&C 3:16-17).
But Jacob tells us that rather than being a “splitter”, he is going to be a “lumper” and 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. (V. 14) Interesting that already the designations of “Nephites” and “Lamanites” are not strictly genetically defined, but are designations of political and religious affiliations. At the close of the “mini millennium” which lasted nearly two hundred years after the ministry of Christ during which time there were no “ites”, the people again became divided in Nephites and Lamanites. The Nephites were they [who] were true believers in Christ; while the Lamanites were they who rejected the gospel (4 Nephi 1:36,38).
The situation is similar today. Those who are the house of Israel are the true followers of Christ, regardless of their genetic background. Gentiles are those who have not yet accepted or who have rejected Christ, also regardless of their genetic background. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: (Romans 9:6) The Jews thought their genetics would save them. But the only way to be saved is through the Doctrine of Christ, which we discussed last week.
We knew of Christ
Jacob learned from the angel that the Messiah’s name would be Christ—for in the last night the angel spake unto me that this should be his name (2 Nephi 10:3). In distinction to Old World prophets, at least as recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible, Jacob freely uses the name of “Christ” in speaking of His coming. In a verse that reminds us of the pledge of the followers at the edge of the Waters of Mormon prior to baptism by Alma (See Mosiah 18), Jacob gives a “creed” or “pledge” of those who would come unto Christ . . . That they might enter into His rest (v. 7). He says, we would to God … that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world (v. 8). This is the creed of the true Christian, the true follower of Christ. He is at the center of all true religion. All else is peripheral to a belief and trust in Christ and willingness to believe in Him and follow His perfect example.
We’ll talk more in Chapter 4 about the role of Christ in the worship of these people.
The Nephites begin to sin
As Jacob’s father told him there would be, it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things (2 Nephi 2:11). Under the reign of Nephi II, the people began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old desiring many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son. Yea, and they also began to search much gold and silver, and began to be lifted up somewhat in pride.(v. 15-16)
Satan is at work among the Nephites. He knows how to get them, the same way he gets people today – sexual transgression, pride and greed for money and wealth. What else is new? Why should he change his tactics? They worked then and they still work today. That’s why our leaders warn us again and again about the perils of pornography and other forms of sexual perversion, about immorality, about the false lure of wealth and riches and about pride in all its glittery and selfish manifestations.
It’s time for Jacob to go to work. Having first obtained mine errand from the Lord … Jacob and his brother Joseph did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day. (v. 17, 19)
Priesthood and sister leaders and teachers have a responsibility to teach, counsel, warn and, when moved upon by the Spirit, correct and call to repentance those who after having entered into the covenant path by the way of baptism stray from the path by way of transgression. If they fail to do so, then they can be held accountable for the sins of the people. Only by fulfilling their duty can they rid themselves of responsibility of the poor choices of others. And even when others make poor choices, they continue to love and minister to them for unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them. (3 Nephi 18:32)
Jacob has received his “errand” from the Lord. Call the people to repentance. The next two chapters are Jacob’s sermon to the people at the temple in response to the Lord’s instruction to him. This sermon was likely given at the time of one of the festivals at the temple which were held on holy days throughout the year. Perhaps this address was given on the occasion of a very special holy day, perhaps the anointing of King Nephi II, the king who replaced Nephi. It is even possible that this message was at least partly directed very specifically to the new king, who may have already begun to “labor in sin.”
Chapter 2
How many sermons did Jacob give in his life? Hundreds? Maybe even thousands! Of them, we have only two recorded in the Book of Mormon from the Small Plates. The first sermon was recorded by Nephi because it told of the history and fate of the House of Israel and bore testimony of Christ. The other sermon is recorded by Jacob in these two chapters. Why do you think he chose to record this sermon on the Small Plates even though I cannot write but a little of my words, because of the difficulty of engraving our words upon plates (4:1)? I think the answer is obvious – because the message is so important, including for us and for our time. Jacob was not only writing on the Small Plates for his people but also for us.
Pres. Joseph F. Smith said,
There are at least three dangers that threaten the Church within, and the authorities need to awaken to the fact that the people should be warned unceasingly against them. As I see these, they are: 1. Flattery of prominent men in the world, 2. False educational ideas and 3. Sexual impurity. (Gospel Doctrine pp. 312-313)
Flattery and false educational ideas are manifestations of pride which combined with sexual impurity are the subjects of Jacob’s sermon. These vices of Satan are timely and timeless. We need this sermon as much today as did the people in Jacob’s time, maybe more!
Book of Mormon video
The Book of Mormon video for Jacob 2 and 3 is quite good. Jacob is teaching the people on the steps of the temple. Showing this video would be a good way to convey this message to a class in Sunday School or in CFM in a family with teenagers or young adults. The movie does something interesting that I haven’t seen in the other B of M videos so far. There is a meaningful subplot going on as Jacob is preaching. We see a wife with her young children walking toward the gathering at the temple who observes her husband flirting with a fairly foxy looking, slightly immodestly clad young woman in the background as they assemble to hear Jacob. And then we see his guilt, contrition, pain and sorrow and the pain of his wife and children knowing what he’s been up to. And we see the shame of the young woman. It’s all done very discreetly (not the way Hollywood would portray it), but the message is strong. For teenagers or even for adults, you could have a powerful discussion after viewing this video and listening to Jacob’s sermon. Here is the link to the video: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/jacob-2-3/2019-10-0600-jacob-teaches-about-pride-and-chastity-jacob-2-3-1080p-eng.
The Come, Follow Me manual for individuals has a good series of questions to use in discussion of the topic of sexual purity. They could make for a very meaningful teaching and learning experience after watching the video. Here are the questions:
· Sin has consequences for individuals and for societies. In speaking about sexual sin, Jacob warned of both types of consequences. When you read Jacob 2:31–35 and 3:10, [or watch the video] look for ways immorality was affecting the Nephites as a people and as individuals.
· How are these ways similar to the consequences of immorality you see in today’s world?
· What do you find in Jacob’s words that could help you teach a loved one about the importance of chastity?
· How have you been blessed by your efforts to be chaste?
The Nephite pride cycle
Jacob begins by apologizing to the women and children that he must speak with such boldness of speech and offend those whose feelings are exceedingly tender and chaste and delicate before God (v. 7). The Lord has made known to Jacob that the men (and perhaps some of the women) are beginning to labor in sin (v. 5). What an interesting phrase! These things (money, clothes, sexual pleasures, etc.) are becoming their obsession and their preoccupation. They aren’t just dabbling and they aren’t resisting; they are giving in to Satan in these areas. It may be that much of their sinfulness is only in their minds at this point. Perhaps they have not acted out serious transgressions. But their minds and hearts are giving into greed, pride and lust. As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7) Jacob knows that, if they allow these wicked thoughts to persist; if they harbor, nurture, fantasize and cherish them, it is only a matter of time until they will act them out by being dishonest in dealing with the poor and others and will be guilty of serious sexual transgression.
Jacob warns them specifically about the costliness of [their] apparel (v. 13). As we read the Book of Mormon together this year and watch the Nephites move through the pride cycle multiple times, observe how often costly apparel is the first sign of their beginning to be proud. Notice that Lehi’s description of the people in the great and spacious building was that their manner of dress was exceedingly fine (1 Nephi 8:27). Millet and McConkie wrote about costly apparel in their Commentary:
In the courts of the prince of darkness a high seat of honor is accorded the designer of fashions, who throughout many generations of time has induced countless millions to trade function for fad, comfort for ostentation, modesty for vanity. For such persons it is not the appearance of the attire that matters, but rather the cost. The phrase “costly apparel” occurs more than a dozen times in the Book of Mormon. Almost always it is descriptive of a people who have been prospered by the Lord, have become caught up with themselves and their acquisitions, and thereafter have begun to place greater stress upon the glitter of their outward appearance than the cleanliness of their inner vessel.
We are seeing the beginning of the Nephite pride cycle in Jacob’s people. The cycle goes like this: The blessings of the Lord -> prosperity-> pride (wealth, class distinctions, costly apparel) -> persecution and neglect of the poor -> withdrawal of the Lord’s blessings -> adversity (war, famine, pestilence, illness, etc.) -> humility -> faithfulness and obedience -> return of the Lord’s blessings -> prosperity. And the cycle begins again.
Where are we in this cycle? We have recently seen the end of the longest bull (positive) stock market cycle in the history of our country (over 10 years). As I write, no one knows how far the markets will fall or how severe and long-lasting will be the many effects of this worldwide pandemic. The current COVID-19 pandemic may have the effect of humbling the people of the world. Perhaps there will be a positive outcome from this difficult time if people turn to the Lord and become more receptive to the truths of His gospel.
Not only do nations go through pride cycles, as we are currently graphically seeing, but individuals can have their own mini pride cycles. Sometimes when things are going well and we are on top of the world, our prayers become casual and we lose focus on the source of our blessings. And then adversity comes (death, illness, loss of employment, loss of testimony by a family member, divorce, etc.) bringing us to our knees. I’m not saying that the Lord sent the coronavirus or that He necessarily causes the things I just mentioned in our lives. These things “come with the territory” in the school of this life. But they serve His purposes, if we respond appropriately and turn to Him in times of trial and adversity and don’t turn away from Him in times of prosperity and plenty.The best way to live is to not to need to be compelled to be humble (See Alma 32:13-15) but to humble ourselves “because of the word”, meaning because of our daily devotions in prayer, repentance, study of the scriptures and words of the prophets, our weekly partaking of the sacrament, our regular participation in the temple and our ministering to others. Doing these things is no guarantee that adversity won’t come in our lives, but doing them faithfully does insulate us from the perils and pitfalls of the pride cycle and keeps us centered on the covenant path toward our heavenly home.
Before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God
Jacob, the gifted and inspired teacher that he is, now takes the positive note and tells his people the correct attitude with regard to the accumulation of worldly goods and wealth. He admonishes them to
Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.
It is not money, but the love of money that is the “root of all evil.” We need to remember that where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (3 Nephi 13:21) What we treasure is a valid litmus test of where our heart really is. Perhaps as we read Jacob’s sermon, we could inventory ourselves and look critically and honestly at what we treasure, as reflected by how we spend our time and efforts, what we protect and cherish, what we cultivate and build, what we plan for and dream about. Then we will know where our heart truly is. I’m sure our Father in Heaven already knows. He knows us better than we know ourselves!
I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women
Jacob then apologizes that he must speak with them about something even more serious. In fact, he says, were it not that I must speak unto you concerning a grosser crime, my heart would rejoice exceedingly because of you. (v. 22)
The men have been enticing women into immorality and using (or misusing) the scriptures to do so. They are pointing to David and Solomon and their many wives and concubines and justifying their own lustful desires. It reminds us of the antics of the scoundrel John C. Bennett who seduced women in Nauvoo into “spiritual wifery”, which was only his form of sexual immorality. After being excommunicated from the Church, he accused Joseph Smith of committing the moral crimes of which he himself was guilty. For every true doctrine, Satan has his counterfeit and he will teach his lies to anyone willing to listen and act upon them, in the City of Nephi or the City of Joseph.
Jacob goes on to teach the true principle of morality. For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none; for I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts (vs. 27-28).
This is the true moral law. In The Family: A Proclamation to the World the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. This is the law of God and His church on this matter. This is the standard by which we will be judged. Many of you are aware that the law of chastity has recently received additional inspired clarification. No longer is the world’s definition of marriage acceptable to the Lord. Only in the context of those who are legally and lawfully wedded according to His law are sexual relations permitted by the Lord. In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord expanded the prohibition against sexual relations to neither commit adultery … nor do anything like unto it. (D&C 59:6) Thus all forms of sexual impurity are forbidden by God.
In counseling his wayward son Corianton, Alma the Younger described for him a hierarchy of serious transgressions. In order of seriousness they are (1) denying the Holy Ghost; (2) shedding innocent blood; (3) committing sexual transgression. The first sin (denying the Holy Ghost) is, according to Alma, unpardonable. The second sin (murder) is not easy to obtain forgiveness. The third sin (sexual transgression) is forgivable, but it is not easy to obtain forgiveness.(Alma 39:5-6) It is interesting and perhaps instructive that the second and third sins have to do with the taking away and the giving of life. It seems clear that our Father in Heaven jealously protects the right to give life and to take it away. When we interfere unrighteously with that process and hence with someone’s mortal probation, it is a serious offense to God. I also believe that the reason sexual transgression is such a serious sin is because it strikes so directly at the center of who our Heavenly Parents are and what makes them God – the ability to create. Anything we do that is a perversion or misuse of the sacred powers of procreation “or anything like unto it” is offensive to Them and requires heartfelt, earnest repentance by Their son or daughter for crossing that line.
A lesson from Superman
Maybe I can illustrate the last point with a lesson learned when I was just a young boy, a lesson from the comic book hero Superman. Over 60 years later, I still remember reading a particular edition of the Superman comic books that had great impact on me. In this episode, Superman was visited by a distinguished looking gentleman who introduced himself and said that he was also a survivor of the destruction of the planet Krypton, from which Superman came. He explained that it was his job to travel around the galaxy visiting survivors of Krypton to be certain that they were using their super powers appropriately. He told Superman that he would spend a few days with him just to observe and see how he as doing in this regard.
Superman was happy to oblige his extra-terrestrial visitor. The next pages showed him doing what he did best – leaping tall buildings at a single bound, flying faster than a speeding bullet, saving damsels and children in distress, etc. Superman was pretty proud of himself and thought that he had done a good job of demonstrating his super powers. But to his shock and dismay, as the visitor was about the leave, he said, “I’m sorry but you have failed the test. You must live the rest of your life on this earth as a normal mortal man and never use your super powers again.” And then he left.
Superman was devastated! He knew that he still had super powers but he had been forbidden to use them. I still remember turning the page and seeing a car in a river with a woman crying for help to be saved. There was a phone booth nearby where Clark Kent could easily have changed into Superman and saved the woman. But he was faithful to the instructions he had received and resisted the temptation to use his super power. This went on for a few days with some other episodes when he again resisted the temptation to use his super power. Superman was depressed.
But then the man from Krypton returned unannounced. To Superman’s surprise, he announced, “You passed the final test. You showed that you can control the super power. Now it is yours to use.” (Pretty profound lesson from a comic book!)
The power of procreation is the super power of the universe. For a season in this life, longer for some than others depending on if or when we marry, we are asked to show the Lord that we can control the super power of the universe, the power of procreation. We first control it when we are single before we marry or if our marriage ends in divorce or death by not using it (or anything like it) at all. And then when we are married according to God’s law, He authorizes the use of the super power only in the context of our marriage. We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. (Family Proclamation) We show Him that we can control His super power by using it appropriately in the sanctity of our marriage and in no other way. Our Father promises that, if we show Him in this way that we can control the super power of the universe in this life, then eventually it will be ours to use in all its scope and glory in Eternal life.
They shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever. Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory. (D&C 132:19-21)
An exception to God’s law
God’s law is (as stated above) that a man shall have only “one wife.” God also said “thou shalt not kill” and yet He, by His Spirit, commanded Nephi to kill Laban to obtain the Plates of Brass. How can He contradict Himself in this way? We dealt with this issue when we talked about 1 Nephi 4. Joseph Smith said, Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events transpire. … Everything that God gives us is lawful and right.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 256.)
Jacob now quotes the Lord Himself and gives the conditions when an exception to the principle of “one man – one wife” may occur. For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things. (v. 30) There is an exception to this rule. Under the specific direction of the Lord through His prophet and authorized leaders in order to “raise up seed unto me,” the Lord may authorize righteous, obedient men of His kingdom to take more than one wife from the household of faithful, virtuous, obedient women of His kingdom.
Can you imagine the inner conflict in the heart of Joseph Smith when, knowing what Jacob taught in the Book of Mormon, the book he himself translated and knew to be true, God commanded Joseph that, like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other prophets, the Lord required him and certain other righteous brethren in the Church to take more than one wife “to raise up seed unto me”? It was a real struggle for Joseph and for Emma, even though they were both obedient to the Lord’s commandment, a struggle which persisted beyond his death.
I can only imagine the inner conflict I would have if I were asked by the Prophet to live this principle as some of my ancestors were asked to do so 4 and 5 generations ago. I’m glad I don’t live then! I don’t know if I could have done it. I don’t know if I could have asked Lori to live this principle. But I’m grateful to those who had the faith and courage, both righteous men and righteous women, to be obedient to the command of the Lord both to practice pleural marriage for a season, despite significant opposition, and to, again at the command of the Lord, to discontinue the practice of pleural marriage, despite significant opposition to do so. I thank them for their courage. Better Saints than I am!
Chapter 3
Comparison with the Lamanites
To drive home the point to the Nephite men that they need to repent, Jacob tells them that the Lamanite men, whom they despise and with whom they have already had wars and conflict, are more righteous than they are in this commandment.
Behold, the Lamanites your brethren, whom ye hate because of their filthiness and the cursing which hath come upon their skins, are more righteous than you; for they have not forgotten the commandment of the Lord, which was given unto our father—that they should have save it were one wife, and concubines they should have none, and there should not be whoredoms committed among them. Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children; and their unbelief and their hatred towards you is because of the iniquity of their fathers; wherefore, how much better are you than they, in the sight of your great Creator? (vs. 5-7)
The Lamanite men may be degenerate and barbaric in other ways, but at least they are loyal to their wives and children. Maybe it’s because the Lamanites are not as prosperous in things of the world as the Nephites. With prosperity often come pride, immorality and other sins. In his notes for this week at Book of Mormon Central, John Welch makes the following observation:
In a way, the problem faced by Jacob’s people is similar to the plague of pornography in our day. Pornography denigrates women by treating them as a commodity or as a mere object of lust. How does that make women feel? Jacob uses the Lamanites as a righteous example, saying, “Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children” (v.7). We can learn a big lesson about how that can help us.
Concerning pornography, you can’t just say to kids, “Don’t do it, don’t do it, don’t do it.” It helps when they understand why it is wrong. Fairly recently, the Deseret News published a number of articles on pornography, and how it is not a victimless crime. There are indeed victims, and we have to make people aware of the spiritual, emotional, and also mental injury and damage that can come from it.
Because of the righteousness of the Lamanites in this one critical area, how they treat women and children, despite all their other faults and sins, the Lord promises that they will not be destroyed and will one day become a blessed people. We are seeing the fulfillment of that promise in our day.
And now, this commandment they observe to keep; wherefore, because of this observance, in keeping this commandment, the Lord God will not destroy them, but will be merciful unto them; and one day they shall become a blessed people. (v. 6)
Griffin and Halverson in their podcast for this week talk about the many instances of abuse and unrighteous treatment of women and children of which the Nephite men were guilty over the centuries and suggest that this may be the reason (or one of the reasons) why the Lord eventually allowed them to be destroyed. Their podcast for this week is very good. If you have time to watch it, here is the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oq0QrX7rdHQ
Jacob concludes his powerful sermon and call for repentance with these stirring words:
O my brethren, hearken unto my words; arouse the faculties of your souls; shake yourselves that ye may awake from the slumber of death; and loose yourselves from the pains of hell that ye may not become angels to the devil, to be cast into that lake of fire and brimstone which is the second death. (v. 11)
Nephi is gone but there is still a prophet in Israel, at least in this part of Israel. Jacob is a mighty man of God and a powerful spokesman for righteousness!
Every kind of sin
After concluding his sermon, Jacob tells us that he spake many more things unto the people of Nephi, warning them against fornication and lasciviousness, and every kind of sin, telling them the awful consequences of them (v. 12) It is interesting to look up fornication and lasciviousness in the Topical Guide. (It’s easy in the Gospel Library app on your phone or tablet. Just touch the footnote and then touch the link to the Topical Guide.) You’ll see synonyms and related topics listed there. For Fornication you’ll find Adulterer; Chastity; Lust; Sexual Immorality; Whore and for Lasciviousness (a word most of us don’t use frequently in our vocabulary) you’ll find a link to Lust where you will also find Adulterer; Carnal Mind; Chastity; Covet; Desire; Fornication; Homosexual Behavior; Pleasure; Sensuality; Sexual Immorality. It’s clear than Jacob is trying to “cover the waterfront” of all forms of sexual transgression. If pornography had been an issue in his time, I’m sure he would have mentioned it specifically. I suspect the same would be true if immoral behavior between those of the same gender were an issue in his society as it is today. But he covers these forms of transgression and others with the phrase every kind of sin about which he warned them. That’s what prophets do. He’s doing his job and doing it well. Our job is to listen, learn and obey.
A hundredth part
Jacob then makes an interesting statement about the plates.
And a hundredth part of the proceedings of this people, which now began to be numerous, cannot be written upon these plates; but many of their proceedings are written upon the larger plates, and their wars, and their contentions, and the reigns of their kings. These plates are called the plates of Jacob, and they were made by the hand of Nephi. (vs. 13-14)
The Small Plates are for just the precious things. So Jacob will not include the many things that are included in the larger plates. Notice that, even though these plates were made by the hand of Nephi, Jacob now refers to them as the plates of Jacob. I don’t think it’s an ego issue. I think he is taking responsibility for what is on them, at least his part of what is written.
Chapter 4
The things which we write upon plates must remain
Jacob continues writing about the plates and gives us an interesting perspective, one that is very obvious to him as he writes.
I cannot write but a little of my words, because of the difficulty of engraving our words upon plates) and we know that the things which we write upon plates must remain; But whatsoever things we write upon anything save it be upon plates must perish and vanish away; but we can write a few words upon plates, which will give our children, and also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge concerning us, or concerning their fathers—
Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts, and look upon them that they may learn with joy and not with sorrow, neither with contempt, concerning their first parents (vs. 1-3)
Jacob is very aware of his audience. He is writing for his children and descendants. And he is writing for us. I hope that we look on the sacred writings of Jacob and all of the Book of Mormon writers with thankful hearts and not with sorrow, neither with contempt. It is interesting and sad in conversation with those who have rejected the truth of the Book of Mormon. When I’ve asked them if they have read it, the most common answer is, “I don’t need to.” They accept the opinions of others who treat the book with contempt but they won’t make the effort to read it for themselves. The power is in the Book and the only way to know that it is true is to read it and apply the test of Moroni – ask God. I wrote recently to a good soul who is struggling with testimony, “My conviction that Joseph Smith was a true prophet remains intact and is based on my knowledge from the Spirit that the Book of Mormon, which he translated, is true. The proof text for me is the Book of Mormon. I read it every day and every day I know again and still that it is true so every day I know again that Joseph Smith was a true prophet.”
We knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory
Jacob goes on to write about Christ and bear witness of Him. Remember that Jacob has seen Him in his youth. He knows whereof he speaks. For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.
But Jacob is not the only prophet to know of Christ before He comes, but all the holy prophets which were before us. Where are the records of those holy prophets testifying of Christ? They are lost from the Old Testament but are restored in our day through the revelations to Joseph Smith in the Pearl of Great Price, especially the Book of Moses, in the Book of Mormon and in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. Through those writings we know that Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Zenos and other prophets knew of Christ and His coming. What a blessing to us living in this dispensation to have the fullness of the gospel restored including a knowledge of the testimonies of these ancient patriarchs and prophets!
An instructive experience with Elder McConkie
About 40 years ago I had an instructive experience with Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a great gospel scholar. It was stake conference in the Salt Lake Foothill Stake, where we were living at the time. I had a question that had been troubling me for some time. I’d been studying the Old Testament with the gospel doctrine curriculum and wanted to know when the people shifted their worship from Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament, to worshipping Heavenly Father, the God of the New Testament. So after a Saturday afternoon leadership session of stake conference, I waited in line to ask my question to Elder McConkie. He was cordial but brief and very instructive. As best I recall, he said in response to my question, “The answer is in Jacob 4, about verse 4 or 5. They always worshipped the Father in the name of Christ.” And he went on to the next person and their question.
He was right! Jacob 4:5 reads in part, Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him. How many times had I read the Book of Mormon and missed that? Probably a dozen or more times at that stage in my life.
I learned a valuable lesson from that short encounter with one of the Lord’s anointed. Not only did I learn the answer to my question, but more importantly, I learned that the answers to most doctrinal questions are found in the scriptures. I need to look for them myself rather than just asking someone else who has paid the price to find them. I’ve tried to apply that lesson since then. And I’m still finding answers in the scriptures. (I would add that the same principle often applies to us as we serve in leadership positions, the answers are usually in the Handbook of Instructions. I’ve been embarrassed too many times when asking a procedural question of my leader to have them quote the Handbook back to me. I finally learned that lesson and got to the point where I would be the one quoting the Handbook to a bishop or other leader in response to their question. Live and learn!)
Abraham and Isaac - a similitude of the Father and the Son
This same verse (Jacob 4:5) contains another profound doctrinal truth. Referring to Christ, Jacob writes, … for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.
It would be easy to fly right by this scripture and miss the profound truth that the experience of Abraham’s being commanded to sacrifice Isaac is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son. This is a profound truth and is taught in this clarity no where else in the scriptures.
We speak only with the most profound reverence and gratitude of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. I would never want to write or say anything that would take even in the smallest part anything away from what He did for us in Gethsemane and on Calvary. But this scripture opens our mind to a profound understanding regarding His sacrifice. In the story of Abraham and Isaac, who was making the sacrifice? It was Abraham! And who was the “willing lamb”? It was Isaac! If we miss the role of our Father in Heaven in effecting the atonement for His children, we miss a most important understanding of what He has done for us. Ultimately, it is the Father who paid the price to bring His children home by the sacrifice of His Only Begotten Son. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (John 3:16). Jesus Christ, like Isaac, was the “willing lamb” submitting His will to that of the Father. In the case of the Father and the Son, the knife was not stayed and there was no “ram in the thicket” to save either of them from going through with the infinite atoning sacrifice. We speak of the “Atonement of Jesus Christ” and rightly so. He is the One who paid the price, who emptied the bitter cup, who endured Gethsemane and the Cross until it was “finished.” But, if we miss the role of our Father in the Infinite Atonement, we miss half of the profound message of love for us and desire for us to return to our heavenly home. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His Divine Son!
Which blindness came by looking beyond the mark
It’s time for me to close. I’ve gone on too long and probably lost most of you by now. There is still more I could write about this chapter, but I’ll forbear and let you discover for yourselves.
Jacob goes on to write more about Christ, the atonement, miracles and the resurrection. In wisdom, he counsels his posterity and us to seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. He then shifts his focus to the Jews and the reasons why they have stumbled and rejected the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation (v. 15). He tells us that they sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall (v. 14).
This is a warning to us all to not be like the Jews and not “look beyond the mark.” In our desire to be faithful and live the commandments, it’s possible to go too far and lose the essence and spirit of the gospel. There is an excellent article on this subject by Elder Cook. It would be worth your time to read this article for its very wise and practical advice. Here is the reference: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2003/03/looking-beyond-the-mark
Jacob then asks the question, how is it possible that these, after having rejected the sure foundation, can ever build upon it, that it may become the head of their corner? (v. 17) This question is the basis for Jacob chapter 5, the Zenos allegory, the longest chapter in the Book of Mormon. We’ll discuss that amazing chapter next week. But we’ll try to focus on it in a little different way than you may have done so in the past.
An amazing prophet!
Jacob is an amazing prophet! His writings are (as our British friends would say) brilliant! His insights are wonderful and his testimony sure. How we are blessed by the writings of this great prophet. I’m sure that Jacob missed his brother Nephi after he died. Nephi was like a second father to Jacob after their father Lehi passed away while Jacob was still quite young. His relationship to Nephi reminds us of two brothers who live hundreds of years later, Nephi and Lehi, sons of Helaman II. In comparing the younger brother, Lehi, to the older brother, Nephi, we read, Lehi, his brother, was not a whit behind him as to things pertaining to righteousness. (Helaman 11:19) Jacob, though responsible for fewer chapters in the Book of Mormon and less well known and quoted than his more famous brother Nephi, was of similar spiritual stature to Nephi who had nothing up on him “as to things pertaining to righteousness.” As the younger brother to a much better known and very capable and successful older brother, I can relate to Jacob and love him for his faithfulness, diligence and inspired writings, even if he is only the “little brother.” Thanks, Jacob!
And thanks to you for reading!
Have a good Sunday this weekend, even though you won’t be able to attend “church” in the usual sense. But, if the family is the basic organization of the Church (and it is!), then you should still be able to “go to church” on Sunday and have a worshipful Sabbath in your own home. I pray that it will be so for each of us.
Richard
