Commentary for Book of Mormon: Jacob 1-4

Chapter 1 

1:1-2 --Write the Things Most Precious 

Jacob begin his record stating that Nephi had giving up the commandment concerning the small plates. Of particular note is Jacob's statement about what he intends to write in the plates. 

2 And he gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should write upon these plates a few of the things which I considered to be most precious; that I should not touch, save it were lightly, concerning the history of this people which are called the people of Nephi.

Using the work precious, Jacob signals to the reader that his writings are thematically going to focus on this idea of preciousness. Throughout his record, Jacob mentions how the Nephites sought for worldly riches instead of heavenly riches, mistaking seeking after the riches of the earth, instead of the richness and  wealth instead of heaven. Jacob's focus then is to show how the Nephites we seeking and desiring the wrong kind of preciousness.

In verse 4, Jacob further states that nothing was recorded on the small plates of Nephi (as a reminder, the small plates of Nephi are referred to as "these plates"). Thus what Jacob (and others) have recorded are the things most scared from their experience. This means that, at least in regard to Nephi's small plates, everything recorded was considered sacred.

1:4 -- Recording of Revelation in the Small Plates 

The fact that Jacob says revelation is significant. Although we tend to blend the terms revelation and inspiration into meaning the same, they are different. Revelation refers to the direct and express communication of God's will to man (or women--see Judges 4-5). Inspiration refers to one's opinion about a topic based on study and thought. Because the revelation is God's mind and will, it is binding upon us unless there is a superseding revelation. The prime example of this is the Law of Moses.

God revealed the Law of Moses to the Israelites. This law came through revelation. Thus it was binding on the Israelites. This authority lasted until the Gospel came along. The Gospel was a superseding revelation. Since it was superseding, it's authority overrode the Law of Moses.

I take this detour so that you can understand the meaning of revelation and how it works. This is important because when Jacob says that revelations (in addition to sacred things) were recorded, this means that much of what is being said is directly form the Lord and is thus binding on us. Ignoring what is taught or treating it lightly will result in us losing light. Since what ever the Lord reveals is light and truth (see Doctrine and Covenants 93).

One way to know whether something is revelation is that the person giving the revelation will attribute the revelation to the Lord -- or angel who is delivering a message from the Lord (see Mosiah 3)

When it comes to Jacob's message to the Nephites from chapter 1 to 4, this message is revelation. How do we know? Because Jacob directly attributes his words to the Lord

15 And now it came to pass that 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, such as like unto David of old desiring many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son.
16 Yea, and they also began to search much gold and silver, and began to be lifted up somewhat in pride.
17 Wherefore I, Jacob, gave unto them these words as I taught them in the temple, having first obtained mine errand from the Lord. (Jacob 1)

By stating that he obtained his errant from the Lord, Jacob is declaring that the words he will speak are from the Lord. Jacob therefore is not inserting his opinion on the topic, but is delivering the words of the Lord. This is role of the prophet. Yet, the prophet only speaks for the Lord when the prophet attributes his words to the Lord.

Consider the selected verses from various Doctrine and Covenant passages

• Doctrine and Covenants 1:1 --  Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high,
• Doctrine and Covenants 3:5 -- 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.
• Doctrine and Covenants 6:2 -- Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my words.
• Ezekiel 1:6 -- 1 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

As you can see, a person does not have to say "Thus saith the Lord" for it to be revelation. But he will attribute the revelation to God in some way." The scriptures, especially the Bible, does not only consist of revelations. Some of the writings are inspired and some are revelations. We get tripped up when assume that everything being spoken is revelation. Because of this possible confusion, we should carefully read the passages to determine whether what's being spoken is revelation or inspiration. 

Nevertheless, just because something is inspiration doesn't mean that it doesn't have any significance or importance. Sometimes what is an inspired opinion contains truth. We just have to search out what parts are true and what parts are not. The best example is this blog. Despite being instructed by the Lord to do a commentary series on the Book of Mormon, my thoughts are inspired. And although I've received personal revelation on certain parts, I do not have authority to speak for the Lord. This means that it's up to each person who reads this blog to study, pray, and ponder about what is true and what is false. After all, I'm only a man -- and men do err. 

Nevertheless, for those who would like to improve their ability to access truth and to learn how to better discern between truth and falsehood, I recommend reading the book The Glory of God is Intelligence: Acquiring and Disseminating Light and Truth. You can purchase the hard copy here. The author also has a free PDF copy available on his website. You can find that here. 

1:6 Spirt of Prophecy 

Jacob states: 

6 And we also had many revelations, and the spirit of much prophecy; wherefore, we knew of Christ and his kingdom, which should come.

We hear the spirit of prophecy used often. This terms was used to describe the sons of Mosiah before they embarked on their mission to reclaim the Lamanite. Revelations also uses the expression, as else where in the scriptures. But was does it mean?

Our answer is found in Revelation.

10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Our answer: the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus. But now we need to answer what does it mean to have the testimony of Jesus. Is believing in Christ the same as having a testimony of Jesus? We bear our testimonies in fast Sunday, is that what John means?

Since Revelation was written in ancient Greek, our first place should be looking up the Greek word translated as testimony. The Greek word for testimony is martyria. In the King James Version, martyria is translated as witness, record, and testimony.

Thus the same world used for testimony is the same word used for witness and record. And in cases when martyria is used as witness, the word conveys an actual sense of knowledge, much like a witness in a court room. A courtroom witness is present because he or she can attest to a fact in the case. This idea of attesting to a fact is how the world martyria is being used in the New Testament and Revelation. One who has a witness as actual knowledge of truth or fact. And when martyria is used for record, it's used in a sense of recording a truth.  Thus, the meaning of record is more akin to account or legal record, instead of a story.

Seeing, then, that the word martyria denotes the meaning of actual knowing of a something, this means that to have a testimony of Christ is to have actual knowledge of Christ, sufficient enough to bear witness -- to bear actual knowledge of his existence. In fact, we could translate verse 10 to say the "witness of Jesus" is the spirit of prophecy. Prophets throughout all ages are given this gift. And this is because those who see Christ and know, not just believe, that he lives, are then called to bear witness of him.

. . if I be a true teacher and witness, I must possess the spirit of prophecy, and that constitutes a prophet. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 269). 

This is done so that others might have faith in Christ. The only way we know that Christ lives is through the accounts of those who have seen him and preserved their record in scripture. If we didn't have that, there would be no way to know.

As we can further see, the type of testimony John is discussing is more than the testimonies we give every fast Sunday in church. Although we call them testimonies, they are, in all reality, more akin to expression of belief. Although we say we know that Christ lives, we really don't. To bear witness of his existence means that we know with our own eyes that Christ lives.

Consider Oliver Cowdrey's charge to the twelve apostles:

When the proper time arrives, you shall be able to bear this testimony to the world. When you bear testimony that you have seen God, this testimony God will never suffer to fall, but will bear you out; although many will not give heed, yet others will. You will therefore see the necessity of getting this testimony from heaven. 

Never cease striving until you have seen God face to face. Strengthen your faith; cast off you doubts, your sins, and all your unbelief; and nothing can prevent you from coming to God. Your ordination is not full and complete till God has laid His hand upon you. We require as much to qualify us as did those who have gone before us; God is the same. If the Savior in former days laid His hands upon His disciples, why not in latter days?

Gaining the Spirit of Prophecy 

Yet, the spirit of prophecy is not only for those who are leaders of the church. We all have the privilege of knowing that Christ lives and thereby obtaining a witness for ourselves.

Consider these passages

• Statement by Moses in response to others, besides him, prophesying in the camp 

27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.
28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!

• Paul's instructions to the Corinthians 

The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. (1 Corinthians 4-5) (ESV). 

• Jospeh Smith 

God in his superior wisdom, has always given his Saints, wherever he had any on the earth, the same spirit, and that spirit, as John says, is the true spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 300).

And why does prophesy build up the church? Consider this explanation from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism:

It is through the spirit of prophecy that God's continuing revelations are brought to the people of the earth, not only through his ordained prophets but also through all those who have received a testimony of Christ. The gospel cannot be taught on the earth without the spirit of prophecy or a testimony of Christ, because it is only through testimony received by revelation that Christ's teachings are validated in the heart and mind of the person taught. One who preaches the gospel and denies the spirit of prophecy is, according to Joseph Smith, an "imposter" 

More importantly, not only is it a privilege, but it's also required for salvation.

Re-Reading Alma 17 

Now that we have learned that the spirit of prophecy is the witness of Jesus Christ, let's read Alma 17, where Mormon describes the characteristics of the sons of Mosiah:

2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.

Part of the reason for their success was that they had the spirit of prophecy. They knew Christ, knew his will, and they were approved of him. Therefore they were able to teach with power and authority of God.

1:7 -- Enter into the Rest of Christ 

Having the spirit of revelation and prophecy, Jacob concludes

7 Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest, lest by any means he should swear in his wrath they should not enter in, as in the provocation in the days of temptation while the children of Israel were in the wilderness.

From connecting verse 6 to verse 7, Jacob teaches that because he and others (Jospeh) had both the spirit of revelation and the spirit of prophecy, "wherefore [they] labored diligently among [their] people" that they might believe in Christ and enter into his rest.

The rest of the Lord is the operative phrase in this verse. If we understand what it means, then we can understand more fully the goal of Jacob and others. We also can get a better understanding of the gospel as a whole. Unfortunately, using a dictionary is not going to be helpful because this is a phrase unique to the gospel. Thus our best way of understanding it's meaning is to look how its used throughout the scriptures.

Meaning 

Alma 13: 12 gives us an idea of what it means to enter into the rest of the Lord:

Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.

Here we learn that being sanctified is the triggering condition to entering into the rest of the Lord. Thus those who enter into the rest of the Lord are sanctified. To be sanctified is to become holy. To be holy is to be set apart from the world. Becoming holy is a process that occurs after one has received the full gift of the Holy Ghost. When once has received the full gift, the Holy Ghost becomes a part of their life and begins to sanctify them.

Ultimately then, those who are able to enter into the rest have received the full gift of the Holy Ghost and have lived their life in such a way that they have become holy.

Significance 

The goal of missionary work extends beyond bringing someone back to church, but in ensuring that they are able to enter into the rest of the Lord. Coming to church and being active is a step, but it's only a step. Moreover, attending the temple is great and there are wonderful things to be learned in its ordinances, but it is also a step. The purpose of the temple is to teach us the way back into God's presence. After all, the endowment ceremony begins with being cast out of the the garden and the working our way back into God's presence.

Yet the steps we take in the endowment are merely symbolic of the actual steps we have to take in our lives. To think that performing rituals leads to salvation is to make the same mistake the Israelites made when it came to the Law of Moses. The rituals of the Mosaic law were pointers to teach the proper way to approach God.

Since the temple or church activity is not enough, our goal is for both us and others to enter into the Lord's rest. To follow the pathway to salvation.

Jacob 1:7

7 Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest...

Alma 16:15-17

15 And thus did Alma and Amulek go forth, and also many more who had been chosen for the work, to preach the word throughout all the land. And the establishment of the church became general throughout the land, in all the region round about, among all the people of the Nephites.
16 And there was no inequality among them; the Lord did pour out his Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to receive the word which should be taught among them at the time of his coming—
17 That they might not be hardened against the word, that they might not be unbelieving, and go on to destruction, but that they might receive the word with joy, and as a branch be grafted into the true vine, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord their God.

Chapter 2

2:2-3 -- Weighed Down With...Anxiety For a man (or woman) of God, the most painful and hardest experiences are seeing the suffering of others. A man of God seeks for the benefit of others and the wellbeing of others over his own. 

From Moroni 7:45

And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

A man of God has fulfilled the having a love, not only of God, but all men.

2:9 -- Strict Commandment..From God. Jacob is not speaking from his own opinion, but what the Lord has commanded him to speak.

2:9-10 -- Daggers Placed to Pierce Their Souls.

The Word of God is not always pleasant. Sometimes it requires bringing up the harsh and difficult truths in order so that we can properly repent. It likely that many people listening to Jacob speak might have felt negative feelings of having to hear harsh words spoken to them. But these feeling of negativity doesn't necessarily mean that what's being said comes from Satan. Negativity arises because of the false beliefs that we hold and cling to as a basis of our identity. Since the belief is so tied into our identity, extricating if from us will inevitably be a painful process.

2: 11 -- Thus Came the Word Unto Me.

Recognizing the growing sin among the Nephites likely prompted Jacob to pray to the Lord for guidance and direction. As a result, Jacob is commanded by the Lord to speak to the people from the Nephite temple. Moreover, the Lord will give him the words to speak.

Since Jacob is speaking on behalf of the Lord, the words Jacob speaks are what he is speaking if the Lord were present. This fact tells us that while the Lord is love, he may not be the type of love we imagine. Love, after all, is a loose word, and used very loosely in English. We have valentine's love, we have love of movies, we have love of food, we have love of a dog.

We use the same word, but that word doesn't mean that same thing. I don't love my spouse as much as I love my dog (I actually don't have a dog, but that's besides the point). But the word love doesn't convey that. Thus when we say that the Lord is love, what do we really mean? Does this type of love mean that God accepts us no matter what we do. Does it mean that God will not be harsh or direct with us?

Based on Jacob's statements in chapter 1-4, it appears that God is more than love and that his love is  can be, in everyday parlance, tough love.

2: 13-17 Lifted Up In Pride Because of Wealth 

Jacob explain thats because some Nephites have obtained more abundantly than other, they have become "lifted up in pride." As we go through other scriptures, we'll notice that the warning that wealth can cause us to depart from God and also persecute others. In societies throughout the world, wealth has been used as the measure of status and worth. This is ever present in our society today. Being a wealthy individual affords one the opportunity and privilege that those who aren't wealthy can't afford.

These opportunities and privileges come in different packages, but they often give the person a status different from others. For instance, wealth can often be the difference between attending a prestigious school and not. Wealth affords many to live in safer areas than others. And wealth provides one with a more comfortable living. In addition to these, wealth also serves as a network to link a person with other wealthy individuals thereby expanding their influence and earnings. And though these things, a person's status can, and often does, increase.

Status is different from identity. Where identify refers to how a person views themselves, status refers to how a person is viewed within the community. Because wealth increases one's status, this increase in status can lead to a person viewing themselves better than others. After all, the wealthy individual lives in a nicer home, drivers a nicer car, and can travel to places others can't. These opportunities, however, can lead to a distortion that one is better and one's status actually matters. When this happens the concern for others is blunted and diminished. Instead of thinking on others and their concerns, the prideful person thinks about his needs and concerns -- even at the expense of others.

Hence the reason Jacob exclaims:

14 ...do ye suppose that God justifieth you in this thing (having pride because of one's statuts)? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. But he condemneth you, and if ye persist in these things his judgments must speedily come unto you. (Jacob 2)

In verse 15, Jacob later remarks about the effects of pride as leading to "iniquity" and committing "abominations," which effects ultimately lead to the destruction of our souls.

2: 17 -- Be Familiar and Free With Your Substance

So is wealth bad? No. Wealth is wealth. Instead, wealth becomes a problem if the person uses that wealth, and the status it provides, to inflate their view of themselves and in the process lose their focus on others. In his response to the scribes, Jesus encapsulated of what life is all about: To love God and love our neighbor. And, per Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan, our neighbor is anyone and everyone. Moreover, we learn from Mosiah the principle that our actions toward our neighbor reflect upon God:

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Those who have been blessed with wealth can be a blessing to others. Jacob notes how that blessing can happen, when he explain the following to the Nephites:

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...[and with your wealth you will have the opportunity] to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted."

The first thing those with wealth can do is to be "familiar and free with your substance" The word "familiar" may seem unclear. However, one definition for familiar according the 1828 Webster's Dictionary is "easy or unconstrained". The other definition of familiar according to 1828 Webster's Dictionary is to be accustomed or intimate with. But based on the context of the verse above,  the definition of easy or unconstrained make the most. Thus we could rephrase of Jacob's statement could read "be easy/unconstrained and free with your substance."

Based on this phrasing, Jacob is instructing the wealthy Nephites to be relaxed and free with their money. Or in other words, to stop being stingy.

This instruction makes sense when we understand our duty as Christians. Although Paul speaks many years after Jacob, Paul's instructions are fitting. Speaking to the Jews in Rome  he counsels:

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. (Romans 15). 

Those who have wealth are put in a position to serve and help others. For as Jacob explains:

18 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
19 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. 

If we obtain riches it's for the purpose of helping others -- not to our own gratification and comfort.

2:23 -- Begin To Wax In Iniquity. Jacob links the Nephites "waxing in iniquity" to not understanding the scriptures. The scriptures are a blessing, but if we misinterpret them, then they can be very destructive because we create a false belief system, and by so doing excuse ourself from sin.

2:25-26 -- Raise Up A Righteous Branch. The Lord, through Jacob, explain that his tolerance with the Nephites is low. While he loves them, he will not permit them to practice the false traditions of those in Jerusalem. The Lord's purpose in calling out Lehi and his family from Jerusalem was for him to preserve a righteous branch (remnant/group/people) for himself. But if people will not hearken to him after receiving this kind of mercy, then his judgments are strict -- leading to the "curs[ing] of the land" (Jacob 2:29). 

2:31-32 -- I Hear The Cries. Although the Lord, at times, may seem distant, he is actively involved in our affairs and is aware of the suffering of the righteous, pure, and innocent.

2:34-35 -- Come Unto Great Condemnation.

The Lord explains that because the Nephites were aware of the command to only have one wife and no concubines, and the Nephites disobeyed that commandment, they are under the greater condemnation. This is simply because they know better.

As the Lord taught in the Doctrine and Covenants

3 For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.

What's the implications for us, as LDS? We clearly have been given greater light than most people today. We not only have the Bible, but we have works brought forth through Jospeh Smith, which are the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Do we avail ourselves of opportunities to read and study from them. Those in the LDS church (as well as other Mormon denominations, which are many) have access to so much light and truth.  Unlike other Christians, we have a greater understanding of God's plan for us as well as life after death. We also have scriptures that teach the plainness of Christ's gospel and other principles of salvation.

But what are we doing about it? Do we value the Book of Mormon, which contains the fullness, more than worldly possession and interests? Do we deliberately set time aside to read and study from them, or are they just a side-project. In following the curriculum, do you use the extra hour to study from them?

Consider what Orson Pratt observed about the church during his days

“I am fully aware that there are in the Church … many persons who are very careless about reading the Book of Mormon. … How many there are of the Latter-day Saints who suffer this book to remain upon their shelves, week after week, without ever reading a page of these precious things.”

Or what Joseph Fielding Smith surmised,

“I could make a guess, and I do not think I would be too far out if I did say that one-half of the members of the Church have not read the Book of Mormon.” 

And what Ezra Taft Benson stated:

Has the fact that we have had the Book of Mormon with us for over a century and a half made it seem less significant to us today? Do we remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon? In the Bible we have the Old Testament and the New Testament. The word testament is the English rendering of a Greek word that can also be translated as covenant. Is this what the Lord meant when He called the Book of Mormon the “new covenant”? It is indeed another testament or witness of Jesus. This is one of the reasons why we have recently added the words “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” to the title of the Book of Mormon.
If the early Saints were rebuked for treating the Book of Mormon lightly, are we under any less condemnation if we do the same? The Lord Himself bears testimony that it is of eternal significance. Can a small number of us bring the whole Church under condemnation because we trifle with sacred things? What will we say at the Judgment when we stand before Him and meet His probing gaze if we are among those described as forgetting the new covenant? 

...

I reaffirm those words to you this day. Let us not remain under condemnation, with its scourge and judgment, by treating lightly this great and marvelous gift the Lord has given to us. Rather, let us win the promises associated with treasuring it up in our hearts. 

Finally, the Lord taught and warned

13 Therefore, having so great witnesses [referring to the Book of Mormon and scriptures], by them shall the world be judged, even as many as shall hereafter come to a knowledge of this work.
14 And those who receive it in faith, and work righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life; 

We are judged from the scriptures. And unlike other people who could claim ignorance, we won't be able to make that excuse.  Choosing not to read something when it's within you reach is tantamount to rejecting it, and by consequence rejecting the greater light. And as we read, those who reject the light receive the greater condemnation.

Consider what the Lord declares to Joseph Smith bout the end-times.

24 Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord.
25 And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord;
26 First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord.

When the Lord finally judges the world, his vengeance and judgment will first come upon his church. After all, the LDS is the Church that professes to know his name.

Chapter 3

In this chapter, Jacob focuses on three different categories of people: 1) the pure in heart; 2) the not pure in heart; and 3) the Lamanites

3:1-2 -- The Pure in Heart. 

In verse 1, we that the the pure in heart are those who 1) look unto God with firmness of mind and 2) pray to him with exceeding faith. Those who satisfy this definition are promised that the Lord will

1) "console [them] in [their] afflictions; 

2) plead [their] cause 

3) and send justice upon those who seek [their] destruction.  

Moreover, it is the pure in heart, and only the pure in heart who shall

• see God (Matthew 5:8); 

• ascend the hill/mount of the Lord (Pslam 82); 

• inherit the earth (D&C 56:18); 

• see the kingdom of God "coming in power and great glory" (Id.)  

• live in Zion (D&C 97:21)

Seeing that being pure in heart is significant, we should inquire as to whether we display the foregoing characteristics. First, do we have a firmness of mind?

Firmness of Mind

In Alma 57, Helaman describes the 2,000 Stripling Warriors as young men whose "minds are firm, they do put their trust in God continually." Thus having a firm mind is linked to always trusting in God. In other words, those who have unshakable faith.

In Moroni 7, Mormon explains that angels minister to those who have a "firm mind in every form of godliness." Although this doesn't define firm mind, it does show us how uncommon it is to have a firm mind, since most people, even in the LDS church, are not ministered to by angels.

Moreover, in verse 2 of Jacob 3, Jacob teaches us that those with a firm mind will "feast upon" God's love forever.

2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.

Exceeding Faith 

In Mosiah 4, receiving a remission of sins is linked to having exceeding faith. Remission of sins occurs when one receives the full gift of the Holy Ghost. For those not familiar with what the difference is between receiving the Holy Ghost and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, see my post here.

In Alma 19, the phrase exceeding faith is used to describe the faith of King Lamoni's wife who believed on Ammon's word that her husband, King Lamoni, would rise again.

In Alma 57, Helaman uses that expression to describe the faith of the 2,000 Stripling Warriors.

In Alma 60, Captain Moroni, in his letter to Pahoran, links having exceeding faith to being able to bear one's trial with patience.

In Ether 3, the Brother of Jared, who walked into the presence of the Lord, is described by the Lord has having "exceeding faith."

3:3-4 --- The Not Pure of Heart

Jacob declares,

3 But, wo, wo, unto you that are not pure in heart, that are filthy this day before God; for except ye repent the land is cursed for your sakes; and the Lamanites, which are not filthy like unto you, nevertheless they are cursed with a sore cursing, shall scourge you even unto destruction.
4 And the time speedily cometh, that except ye repent they shall possess the land of your inheritance, and the Lord God will lead away the righteous out from among you.

Those who are not pure of heart will be destroyed, either by the Lamanites historically, or in the future when the Lord comes to judge the inhabitants of the earth. The outcome for this group if they don't repent is the same, and always will be.

Notably, however, is that there is no middle ground -- a person either is pure of heart or is not. I'm not aware of any passage of scripture that indicates inhabiting a middle ground is viable or even possible. We are either on the right hand or left hand of God.

3: 5-10--The Lamanites 

Us v. Them 

As members of the covenant, it's easy to look outside ourselves and view others as lost, fallen, or sinful. This is further exacerbated when we hear the we are the true Church of Christ. Not only is this a bold claim, but it leads to drawing lines between those in the "in group" and those in the "out group." Moreover, when these lines are drawn it's easy to assume that those who are not in the "in group" are less righteous than we.

Although this happen to only group who feels special, this mindset is particularly dangerous in a religious context, because we give ourselves a false sense of righteousness. We believe that because of the select status of our group, we are special and unique in God's eyes. And by feeling this, we believe that as long as we remain loyal to that group and its teachings, then our unique status with God will remain. But Jacob's teachings show this righteousness is about keeping God's commands, not about our group status or identity.

For the Nephites (defined to include the Jacobites, Ishamelites, etc) it's they seem to have felt superior to the Lamanites because of their blessings from God. (see verse 9). These blessings included both spiritual and temporal. Unlike the Lamanites, who live idly in the wild, the Nephites are blessed with a temple to worship and industry to create enterprise. Moreover, the Nephites had prophets to teach them God's word.

Yet, besides all these blessings, Jacob poignantly remarks: "the Lamanites...are more righteous than you." Reading further, we learn why: because "they have not forgotten the commandment of the Lord" to have only one wife and no concubines, and to not commit any whoredoms.

Thus, despite being cursed by God, the Lamanites were able to obtain a greater standing with God because of their obedience to His commandments -- especially the commandment pertaining to fidelity to a spouse.

While the Lamanites still struggled with other sins, the fact that they kept this commandment over the Nephites, despite the blessings the Nephites have received from God, they showed to be more righteous than the Nephites. Thus the Nephites status without repentance and obedience, did nothing to earn favor in God's eyes. Instead it was the obedience of the Lamanites to God's command that elevated their statuts in God's eyes.

In verse 8, Jacob tells us that one's identity doesn't mean anything if he or she doesn't repent.

The Importance of Marriage and Fidelity 

Continuing reading from verse 5, we learn something important in verse 6. Because the Lamanites were loyal and faithful to their spouses, the Lord will preserve their seed. For Jacob explains:

6 ... because of this observance (in having only one wife and no concubines), in keeping this commandment, the Lord God will not destroy them (Lamanites), but will be merciful unto them (Lamanites); and one day they shall become a blessed people.

Jacob reemphasizes the reason why

7 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?

From this we can see how great a commandment it is to love one's spouse. A person could be sinful in many ways, but if he or she loves his spouse, the Lord is merciful and gracious to them.

3:9 -- Revile Against Them No More. The Nephites filthiness came from doing intentional sinful acts. The Lamanites filthiness came about by the their fathers' tradition.

3:10 -- Bring Your Children Unto Destruction.

Jacob remarks,

10 Wherefore, ye shall remember your children, how that ye have grieved their hearts because of the example that ye have set before them; and also, remember that ye may, because of your filthiness, bring your children unto destruction, and their sins be heaped upon your heads at the last day.

Here, Jacob teaches a important principle -- we our held accountable for our examples to our children. Each parent is accountable before God in how they rear and raise their children. Each parent who has the knowledge of the everlasting covenant, it expected to raise his/her child in light and truth.

Consider the Lord's rebuke to Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Fredrcik G. Williams (the First Presidency)

I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.

41 But verily I say unto you, my servant Frederick G. Williams, you have continued under this condemnation;
42 You have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction.
43 And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house.
44 Verily, I say unto my servant Sidney Rigdon, that in some things he hath not kept the commandments concerning his children; therefore, first set in order thy house.
45 Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., or in other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me—
46 I called you servants for the world’s sake, and ye are their servants for my sake—
47 And now, verily I say unto Joseph Smith, Jun.—You have not kept the commandments, and must needs stand rebuked before the Lord;
48 Your family must needs repent and forsake some things, and give more earnest heed unto your sayings, or be removed out of their place.

There is much to be extracted from these verses. First, we learn that the Lord has placed a duty on parents (particularly the father) to instruct their kids in light and truth. Second, we learn that some of the afflictions wee experience as a result of our kids is due to our lack of diligence in teaching gospel principles. By failing to teach light and truth, Satan gains power over our family. This can lead to heartache and affliction of our own making.

Some of this heartache is manifesting itself today. As I've been following the news, I've noticed that the rising generation are increasingly more interested in the world's standards than the Lord's. Why might this be? Could it be that they were not sufficiently instructed in light and truth? Did instagram, snapchat, facebook, etc occupy their lives and minds more than the things of heaven? Were their nightly prayers replaced by nightly "snaps"? And as consequence did they conform their image after the manner of the world, instead of God?

Kids come into this world trailing clouds of glory. They come into the world, vulnerable, teachable, and curious. Thus they come prepared to learn of God. It will be a shame to later learn that many of these kids turned to sin because they weren't adequately instructed, and if the they had been, how different their lives would have become.

3:11 -- Shake Yourself. This message was not more truer during Jacob's time than it is today. Consider Enoch's vision of Satan's control:

24 And there came generation upon generation; and Enoch was high and lifted up, even in the bosom of the Father, and of the Son of Man; and behold, the power of Satan was upon all the face of the earth.
25 And he saw angels descending out of heaven; and he heard a loud voice saying: Wo, wo be unto the inhabitants of the earth.
26 And he (Enoch) beheld Satan; and he (Satan) had a great chain in his hand, and it veiled the whole face of the earth with darkness; and he looked up and laughed, and his angels rejoiced. (Moses 7)

If you haven't received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, so that you can speak with a tongue of angels, then Satan still has control over you. You need to shake yourself and wake up -- plead with the Lord to reveal what the world is really like. Plead with him to show you the truth and then, walk into the light unflinchingly.

Chapter 4

4:4 -- For This Intent.

Jacob explains the reason why he and others are keeping a record of their writings:

• The people will know that his people knew of Christ 
• They had a hope of his glory (long before Christ's coming)
• That the prophets also had a hope and knew of Christ

Moreover, the purpose of the law of Moses is to point the people to Christ. Despite its strictness, it's holy because it directs the people to Christ. This is especially true of the ritual commandments. The law of Moses breaks down into three categories of commandments: 1) Rules; 2) Covenant; and 3) Ritual. 

The ritual commandments prescribed how the Israelites were to worship God. These included instructions on sacrifices, use of blood, and maintaining the tabernacle. A careful study of the rituals will reveal and teach us much about the meaning of Christ and his atonement. 

4:6 -- Our Faith Becometh Unshaken 

In the age of technology and the internet, it's not hard to come across anti-Mormon material. Moreover, as the world grows more wicked, it's likely that attack of Mormonism will ratchet up. This attacks and the increasing degree of attacks may cause many to lose faith and doubt God's existence. Some may believe the antidote is to trust in the leaders and the church. 

But this suggestion won't help. This is because no matter a person's standing with God, all humans are fallible. Human leaders will fail us at times by making mistakes or by intentional deception. The Old Testament prophets, such as Isaiah, were clear that one reason for the Israelites and Jews wickedness was the trust they placed in their leaders. They esteemed their leaders so highly that the could not discern between false and true doctrine. 

Thus if relying on leaders is not the answer, what is? Jacob gives us the answer -- obtain witnesses. The only way you'll be able to endure the trials to your faith is to gain witnesses from God to the truthfulness of your faith. Many people spend their time researching polygamy or the Book of Abraham in order to receive some reassurance. But while it may be good to know some of the history, it's not the best place to dedicate your time. Instead, the focus should be on obtaining witnesses from him about his existence. 

6 Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.

Jacob states that through the witnesses they have received through revelation and prophecy, they obtain a hope (confident expectation) and their faith becomes unshaken.

4:14 -- Because They Desired It.  

14 But behold, the Jews were a stiffnecked people; and they despised the words of plainness, and killed the prophets, and 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; for God hath taken away his plainness from them, and delivered unto them many things which they cannot understand, because they desired it. And because they desired it God hath done it, that they may stumble.

Jacob teaches the important principle that the Lord will give to us what we desire. The Jews desired to receive things which they could not understand. The Lord gave it to them, and it led to their fall. We too, moreover, must be careful what we desire. For the Lord grants unto men according to their desires. If wealth is a greatest desire, then the Lord may give it to us, but it won't be for a blessing, but a curse. Moreover, if we desire the pleasures of the flesh, in whatever form, the Lord may turn us over to our desires, allowing Satan to bind us with his chains, from whence there is but little escape.

Thus we should, in the words of Paul, work out our salvation with fear and trembling. God is love and he desire to give us what we ask. But we should, at the same time, be careful not to trifle with sacred things by asking for what we shouldn't. Each step towards God must be done with an eye single to his glory -- otherwise we may allow our desires to steer us off course.