Jarom was conscientious. He didn’t think he had anything to add to the words of his father, grandfather, and great-uncle, and the plates were nearly full, but he shared a few words about his people, including his testimony that they had been preserved by the power of God, just as God had promised Nephi. (See Jarom 1:9.)
Chapter Outline
- Introduction: I will only write a little (v. 1-2)
- Most Nephites are observant but hard-hearted (v. 3-5)
- The Nephites are protected from Lamanite aggressions (v. 6-9)
- Prophets, priests, and teachers “prick” the people’s hearts with the word (v. 10-12)
- Conclusion: the plates are small (v. 13-15)
My Takeaways
- Remember the value of a reliable contributor with a strong sense of duty.
- There is a limit to how much responsibility you can take on if you have to be continually reminded to do your duty.
- We should be grateful for the gentle reproofs (“pricks“) that we receive from the scriptures, from church leaders, and from the promptings of the Holy Ghost
Featured Blog Posts
❖ Introduction and conclusion – Jarom 1:1, 15
According to the Commandment of My Father – Jarom 1:1, 15
1 Now behold, I, Jarom, write a few words according to the commandment of my father, Enos, that our genealogy may be kept…. 15 And I deliver these plates into the hands of my son Omni, that they may be kept according to the commandments of my fathers. (Jarom 1:1, 15) I’ll admit that I’ve…
The Plan of Salvation
God has a fabulous plan for us. Book of Mormon prophets call it by various titles, including the plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, and the plan of salvation. As Patrick Kearon observed, these titles remind us that God intends to save us.
❖ Nephites protected from Lamanites – Jarom 1:6-9
What Is the Significance of God’s Promise to Nephi?
Like the prophet Abraham, Nephi received a conditional promise from the Lord with an intergenerational impact. After the Lord commanded his father, Lehi, to abandon their home in Jerusalem and “depart into the wilderness” with his family, Nephi’s brothers were angry. Nephi must have also been unhappy about the sudden change, but he prayed, and…
❖ Prophets “prick” hearts – Jarom 1:10-12
“There Was Nothing Short of These Things…” – Enos 1:23
“He’s a hard worker, and he will follow the rules—as long as you remind him constantly and give him occasional severe warnings.” That’s not exactly a resounding endorsement, but it’s pretty much the characterization of the Nephites provided by Enos and by his son Jarom. I love very long sentences with a punchline at the…
They Did Prick Their Hearts With the Word – Jarom 1:11-12
11 Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence;… 12 And it came to pass that by so doing they kept them from being destroyed upon the face of the land; for they did prick their hearts with the word, continually stirring them…
Old Testament Foundations
Pricked in Their Heart
The people who heard Peter preach on the day of Pentacost were “pricked in their heart.” They were motivated to do better. The Holy Ghost speaks to us many ways, but sometimes He teaches us how we can improve. We can respond with optimism and faith.
New Testament Parallels
They Did Prick Their Hearts – Jarom 1:11-12
11 Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after…
Church History Connections
If Ye Are Prepared…
When Nephi and his people “had prepared all things,” including “much fruit and meat from the wilderness, and honey in abundance,” and other provisions, they boarded the ship they had built to travel across the ocean (1 Nephi 18:6). The brother of Jared and his people did the same before embarking on their journey: When…
All Posts Referencing Jarom
- How to Recognize the Holy Ghost (2/5/2025)
- The Plan of Salvation (4/18/2024)
- Pricked in Their Heart (7/5/2023)
- God Gave Them Knowledge (11/1/2022)
- If Ye Are Prepared… (4/16/2021)
- “Meet Together Oft” – Moroni 6:5 (12/4/2020)
- “There Was Nothing Short of These Things…” – Enos 1:23 (3/27/2020)
- What Is the Significance of God’s Promise to Nephi? (7/19/2019)
- Why Is Family History Important? (7/17/2019)
- What Is the Plan of Redemption? (6/16/2019)
- They Did Prick Their Hearts – Jarom 1:11-12 (11/7/2018)
- According to the Commandment of My Father – Jarom 1:1, 15 (10/11/2017)
- They Did Prick Their Hearts With the Word – Jarom 1:11-12 (4/11/2015)