Jacob had twelve sons. Each of them was unique, with his own strengths and weaknesses. In the Genesis narrative, as each son is born, we learn not only their name but also the significance of the name to Rachel or Leah (Genesis 29:32-35, Genesis 30:1-24, Genesis 35:18). Some of these boys were their literal children,... Continue Reading →
Anointed
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;Isaiah 61:1 To anoint is to "smear or rub with oil, typically as part of a religious ceremony," and is often associated with a person taking on a significant... Continue Reading →
“Thank and Praise the Lord” – Ether 6:9
While the Jaredites sat in enclosed barges for nearly a year, with all the food and animals they could carry, and with furious storms battering them, sometimes sinking them deep in the water, what did they do? How did they spend their time? Here is Moroni's description: And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the... Continue Reading →
The Jaredite Generations
Thirty generations in fifteen chapters: in the Book of Ether, Moroni provides a sweeping history of the rise and fall of a civilization. At first glance, the book appears to be the story of the Jaredite people from the perspective of their kings. But upon closer consideration, it becomes clear that the narrative follows a... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Taxes?
The Book of Mormon speaks about the tax policies of five leaders. Two of them worked to minimize taxes on their people, while the other three imposed exorbitant taxes on their people, with predictably catastrophic results. King Benjamin reported to his people at the end of his life that he had labored with his own... Continue Reading →
Riplakish – Ether 10:5-8
5 And it came to pass that Riplakish did not do that which was right in the sight of the Lord, for he did have many wives and concubines, and did lay that upon men’s shoulders which was grievous to be borne; yea, he did tax them with heavy taxes; and with the taxes he... Continue Reading →
Prospered by the Hand of the Lord – Ether 10:28
28 And never could be a people more blessed than were they, and more prospered by the hand of the Lord. And they were in a land that was choice above all lands, for the Lord had spoken it. (Ether 10:28) In Ether 10, Moroni describes the prosperity of the Jaredites under the reign of... Continue Reading →
Never Could a People Be More Blessed…and More Prospered – Ether 10:28
28 And never could be a people more blessed than were they, and more prospered by the hand of the Lord. And they were in a land that was choice above all lands, for the Lord had spoken it.(Ether 10:28)Moroni tells us that this generation of Jaredites was as blessed and prospered as anyone could... Continue Reading →
He Did Do Justice unto the People, but Not unto Himself – Ether 10:11
11 And he did do justice unto the people, but not unto himself because of his many whoredoms; wherefore he was cut off from the presence of the Lord.(Ether 10:11)It is tragic when an otherwise accomplished, disciplined, and hard-working individual makes short-sighted and self-defeating decisions in their personal life. For example, Morianton was an effective... Continue Reading →
The People Did Rise Up in Rebellion – Ether 10:5-8
5 And it came to pass that Riplakish did not do that which was right in the sight of the Lord, for he did have many wives and concubines, and did lay that upon men’s shoulders which was grievous to be borne; yea, he did tax them with heavy taxes; and with the taxes he... Continue Reading →