To help class members feel a greater desire to magnify their callings,
be chaste, and invite others to come unto Christ
Attention Activity
Place the target at the front of the room.
I would ask you to focus on this target for the next 2 minutes.
17 And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name
given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children
of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.
[Jacob son of Lehil Brother
of Nephi, 5th
son of
Lehi and Sariah; first born in the wilderness; Born not
long after
leaving Jerusalem - see 1 Ne. 18:7; So acording to Jacob 1
verse 1 he would be around 50- 55 years old. At this point he has seen
the Savior 2 Ne. 11:3; He was doctrinally
sound, the Nephite Bruce
R McConkie; he was the one whom Nephi
called upon to deliver those
powerful teachings on the atonement that are found in 2 Ne..]
1. Jacob magnifies his calling from the Lord.
Discuss Jacob 1. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud.
Explain that Jacob was a son of Lehi and Sariah and was born in the wilderness.
He saw the Savior in his youth, and he was ordained to the priesthood
(2 Nephi 2:4; 6:2; 11:3). He became custodian of the small plates and
succeeded Nephi in the ministry.
Jacob 1:1–8
1 F
OR behold,
it came to pass that *fifty and five years had passed away from the time
that Lehi left Jerusalem; wherefore, Nephi gave me, Jacob,
a
commandment concerning the small plates, upon which these things
are engraven.
2 And he gave me, Jacob,
a commandment that I should write upon
these plates [
the small plates When Nephi gave
the small plates to Jacob, he also gave Jacob specific instructions.
What did Nephi instruct Jacob to record on these plates? ] a
few of the things which
I considered to be most precious;
[
as described in verse 4. preachings, revelations or prophesy's ] that
I should not touch,
save it were lightly,
[
or just enough to frame the doctrine in the history. This will end up
being the portion that is perserved and not the portion devoted to the
history.] concerning the history of this people which are called
the people of Nephi.
3 For he said that the
history of his people should be engraven upon
his
other plates,
[the
large plates, where the record of the kings and the secular history (see
Jarom 1:14; Omni 1:11; Words of Mormon 1:10).these
plates will not be referred to again until Words Of Mormon 1:11.
when King Benjamin mentions that they have been handed down from king
to king. Quite possible that Nephi gave the large plates to the person
who he names as king here. Also in Jacob 4:1-3 Jacob refers to the writers
as we - plural when he talks about the plates being inscribed for posterity.
Good indication here that Nephi is spearating church
from state - Jacob is the High priest and keeps the sacred records; the
new King Nephi gets the large historical plates. ] and
that
I should preserve these plates and hand them down unto my seed, from
generation to generation.
4 And if there were
preaching
which was sacred, or
revelation which was
great,
or prophesying, that
I
should engraven the heads of them upon these plates,
[
Or in other words those things that testify of Christ - most of what
is written in the Book of Mormon related to one of these three teachings.
The term head seems out of place. We would expect if we were writing
this in english we would say something like "only the most important",
the dominate or important items. How
could Joseph Smith have known? But the
expression is readily explainable in terms of Hebrew. The Hebrew word
for the head of the body is sometimes used to
describe things as chief (see Deuteronomy 33:15; Psalm 137:6; and Proverbs 1:21) or precious
(see Amos 6:1; song of solomon 4:14; Ezekiel 27:22). This is probably
the sense in which Jacob used the word. (The Maxwell Institute - Hebrew
Background of the Book Of Mormon - http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=72&chapid=862)] and
touch upon them as much as it were possible, for Christ’s sake,
and for the sake of our people.
What reasons does Jacob give as to why
it is important to record and preserve this information? (See
Jacob 1:5–8.)
5 For because of faith
and great anxiety, it truly had been made manifest unto us concerning
our people, what things should happen unto them.
6 And we also had many
revelations, and the spirit of much prophecy; wherefore, we knew of Christ
and his kingdom, which should come.
7 Wherefore
we
labored diligently among our people,
[
For the following purposes, which are?] [1] that
we might persuade them to come unto Christ,
[is
this not the purpose of the book of Mormon?] and
[2] partake
of the goodness of God,
[ What
is the goodness of God that he is talking about? The
gospel,a knowledge that the Lord has a plan for our salvation. That
we can be forgiven of our sins. ] [3] that
they might enter into his rest,
[ I
thought that we entered into his rest when we were dead what does he
mean here? Entering into God's
rest while in mortalitity means to have received that peaceful assurance
that there is a God, and to understand that he has a work and what
that work is. That he can rest assured in that knowledge. ] 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.
[ What is the provocation
in the days of temptation? Referring to the children
of Israel who at Mt Sinai provoked the Lord when they robbed themselves
of the priviledges of their covenant father's, which where the association
with God through the greater priesthood and it's associated ordinances.]
8 Wherefore, we would
to God that we could
[4] persuade
all men not to rebel against God,
[ To encourage
them to be humble ] to provoke him to anger, but that all men
would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and
bear
the shame of the world;
[
bear: to withstand or endure; Joseph Smith put
it like this in Lectures on Faith: "He who aspires to fellowship
with the suffering servant must be willing to endure humiliation to lay
down his all, his character and reputation, his honor, and applause,
his good name among men, his houses, his lands, his brothers and sisters,
his wife and children, and even his own life also counting all things
but filth and dross for the excellent excellency of the knowledge of
Jesus Christ Lectures on Faith
6:5 This is very close to the same wording found in Jacobs first recorded
address in 2 Ne. 9:18] wherefore, I, Jacob,
take it upon me to fulfil the commandment of my brother Nephi.
[
His version of I will go and do the things which
the Lord hath commanded me. He is committed.]
Any suggestion there as to what type
of the things we should be recording about our lives?
Read Jacob 1:9-12 : Jacob wrote that his people “loved
Nephi exceedingly”
9 Now Nephi began to
be old, and he saw that he must soon die; wherefore,
he
anointed a man [Who was this man? He does
not say my nephew, my son...] to be a king and a ruler over his
people now, according to the reigns of the kings.
10
The
people having loved Nephi exceedingly,
[
WHY? What made him so loved? He cared
about them, he was able to lead them. What are the qualities
that you have seen in leaders that made them loved? ] he
having been a great protector for them, having wielded the sword of
Laban in their defence, [
We have no record of this but that record would have been kept on the
large plates anyway. This sword has some symbolism attached. 1) That
the sword was the pattern for their other swords 2 Ne. 5:14; 2) The sword
represented the hand of the lord and that patteren extends to our day
as the sword was hanging on the wall the first time that Oliver Cowdery
and Joseph Smith entered the Hill Cumorah, but when they returned again
it lay on the volumes of plates unsheathed with the inscription: "this
sword will never be sheathed againuntil the kingdoms of this world become
the kingdom of our God and his Christ" Brigham Young JD 19:38] and
having labored in all his days for their welfare—
[summary
of who Nephi really was to them, protector - labored for his own support]
11 Wherefore, the people
were desirous to retain in remembrance his name. And
whoso
should reign in his stead [interesting that
they chose to do the same thing as the egyptians were doing Pharoh -
Ramus I Ramus II... How could Joseph Smith
have known that the old world had chosen to do that? Then made the Book
Of Mormon follow the same pattern. ] 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.
12 And it came to pass
that Nephi died.
Jacob 1: 13-14 Naming conventions going forward.
13 Now the people which
were not Lamanites were Nephites; nevertheless, they were called
Nephites,
Jacobites, Josephites, Zoramites, Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites.
[ Why
wasn't Sam mentioned here? They
are numbered with Nephi. So the government looks
like this. There is
a King over everyone and then their appears to be something like tribes
dividend up along family lines. ]
14 But I, Jacob, shall
not hereafter distinguish them by these names,
but
I shall call them Lamanites that seek to destroy the people of Nephi,
and
those who are friendly to Nephi I shall call Nephites,
[
Naming conventions used going forward in the Book Of Mormon.] or
the people of Nephi, according to the reigns of the kings.
READ Jacob 1: 15-16 Characteristics of the people
What are the characteristics of the people?
15 And now it came to
pass that the people of Nephi,
under the reign of
the second king,
[ This is about all of
the background that we have, but this sets the
background context for the next 2 chapters and what the people are doing
under the second king. ] [1] began
to grow hard in their hearts, and
[2] indulge
themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old
desiring many wives and concubines,
[ What
Is a Concubine? Concubines in the Old Testament
“were considered to be secondary wives, that is, wives who did
not have the same standing in the caste system then prevailing as did those wives
who were not called concubines” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine,
2nd ed. [1966], 154). Concubines had full protection
as wives and did not violate the law of chastity when
the marriages were approved by the Lord (see D&C 132:34–43). During the time period of the Book of Mormon,
however, concubines were not approved by the Lord (see Jacob 2:27; Mosiah
11:2).] and also solomon, his son.
16 Yea, and
they [
the Nephites ] also [
among other things ] [3] began
to search much gold and silver,
[ search
can be loked at two ways here 1) they became
materialistic and spent a lot of their energy in looking for gold and
silver 2) They searched
for; they sought after it, it became their goal that they
were trying to reach - they idolized it, they worshipped it. ] [4] and
began to be lifted up somewhat in pride.
[
and when they got it they were lifted up. Let's look
back at Jacobs advice to them some 20+ years ago when he said
that it was not
bad to be rich but when they were rich they would
despise the poor. see 2 Ne 9:30 What
are some of the modern day warnings that our prophets have given us? Here
we can see how the prophet warned them, now the warning is beginning
to see it's fulfillment. ]
READ Jacob 1 17-18
17 Wherefore I, Jacob, gave unto them
these words as I taught them in the temple, [ What
do we know about the people at this point? 1)
at least they are in the temple to be taught, so we
can conclude that at least they are still willing to listen,
they did not cut themselves off completely. 2) they
have started down a couple of paths that are not heathly for spiritual
well being namely
the wicked practices of David, searching for riched, prideful. These
will be the topics of discussion that Jacob will bring forward in the
next few chapters. We can assume that this is the temple that was built
largely by Nephi fairly early on, as described in 2 Ne. 5:16. Considering
that it was built by Nephi and the time that it took to build it most
likely was not too big, but big enough that Jacob is teaching the men,
women and children all inside as noted in Jacob 2:7. ] having
first obtained mine errand from the Lord. [ What
did Jacob mean when he said that he “first obtained [his] errand from
the Lord” before he taught the people? In his first
recorded address, Nephi assigned the topic.
Here the topic has been assigned
by the command of God - see Jacob 2:9.
What is the signifigance of him obtaining
his errand from the Lord? He
has the choice to obey or be condemned for not obeying.
How do we obtain our errand from the Lord? (By being
called and set apart.)
How important is it to obtain our errand
from the Lord?
How can we find out what the Lord wants us to do
in our callings?
]
18 For
I,
Jacob, and my brother Joseph had been consecrated priests and teachers
of this people, by the hand of Nephi. [
2 Ne. 5:26; 2 Ne. 6:2 “The Nephites officiated by virtue of the Melchizedek
Priesthood from the days of Lehi to the days of the appearance of our
Savior among them. It is true that Nephi ‘consecrated Jacob and Joseph’
that they should be priests and teachers over the land of the Nephites,
but the fact that plural terms priests and teachers were used indicates
that this was not a reference to the definite office in the priesthood
in either case, but it was a general assignment to teach, direct, and
admonish the people” (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding
Smith Jr., 5 vols. [1957–66], 1:124).]
READ Jacob 1:19
19 And we did magnify our
office [ How
does he do this? 1) vs
17 obtains his errand from the Lord 2) He had been consecrated,
or set apart vs 18 3) Took responsibility
vs 19 4) Taught the word
of God with all diligence vs 19 5) Labored
with his might vs 19. President
Thomas S. Monson explained: “What does
it mean to magnify a calling? It
means to build it up in dignity and importance, to make it honorable
and commendable in the eyes of all men, to enlarge and strengthen it,
to let the light of heaven shine through it to the view of other men.
“And
how does one magnify a calling? Simply
by performing the service that pertains to it. An elder magnifies the
ordained calling of an elder by learning what his duties as an elder
are and then by doing them. As with an elder, so with a deacon, a teacher,
a priest, a bishop, and each who holds office in the priesthood” (in
Conference Report, Apr. 2005, 59; or Ensign, May 2005, 54).] 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; [ “President
John Taylor said on one occasion, speaking to the brethren of the priesthood:
‘If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible
for those you might have saved, had you done your duty.’ “This is a
challenging statement. If I by reason of sins of commission or omission
lose what I might have had in the hereafter, I myself must suffer and,
doubtless, my loved ones with me. But if I fail in my assignment as
a bishop, a stake president, a mission president, or one of the General
Authorities of the Church—if any of us fail to teach, lead, direct,
and help to save those under our direction and within our jurisdiction,
then the Lord will hold us responsible if they are lost as the result
of our failure” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 84). How
does this apply to us today? Does it change your views in what you
need to do to magnifing
your office now?] wherefore,
by laboring with our might their
blood might not come upon our garments; [
What did Jacob say would happen
if he and Joseph did not teach the people diligently? Compare
with 2 Ne. 9:44 Symbolic that Jacob
has taught them to the point that
he is shaking (removing) all sin from his garments - they will not
be cast on Jacob they are the peoples responsibility
now and what they
do with what they have been taught. ] otherwise
their blood would come upon our garments, [
What does he mean their blood would be on his garments? Just
as the Bishop who allows sin to happen, bears
that sin; but here Jacob
will have none of that - you have been taught and I testify that you
will be accountable. This can only be done under the influence of the
Holy Ghost. The imagery of shaking the blood of one's cloak appears
in the contemporary account of Ezekiel, cf. Ezek. 33. The original
source of the imagery may be that of the Levites and priests of Aaron
getting the blood of the people's sacrifices upon themselves.] and
we would not be found spotless at the last day.
What are the principles that you have seen in others as they magnify
their callings?
How can we better magnify our callings? Read D&C
58:26–29.
26 For behold, it is
not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled
in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore
he receiveth no reward.
27
Verily
I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause,
[ How
strong would the church be if we just followed this one piece of council? There
is so much that needs doing - look for opportunities to serve don't
wait to be commanded to do something that needs doing! How
can we become “anxiously engaged” in good causes in the community? ] and
do
many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; [Explain
that in 1952, while serving in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder
Ezra Taft Benson was asked by Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the
United States, to serve as the nation’s Secretary of Agriculture. With
the encouragement of Church President David O. McKay, Elder Benson
accepted the assignment and served well. In his first general conference
address after becoming Secretary of Agriculture, he said:
“I have been happy in the privilege to serve, in a small way
at least, this great country and the government under which
we live. I am grateful to the First Presidency and my brethren
that they have been willing, not only to give consent, but
also to give me their blessing as I responded to the call of
the chief executive” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1953, 40).
Why do you think Elder Benson was encouraged
to accept such a responsibility? If a member of the Quorm of the Twelve
can take that responsibility - what message does that send to us as
to our responsibilities? participating
in government or political processes, obeying the law, and serving
in our communities]
28 For
the
power is in them,
[ What
power do we have? Agency Have
you ever though that your reward might be greater for those things
which you did without being commanded than those that you did by commandment? ] wherein
they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall
in nowise lose their reward.
29 But he
that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth
a commandment with doubtful heart, [ How
do we receive a commandment with a doubtful heart? ] and keepeth
it with slothfulness, [ Don't perform
our duty to the best of our ability ] the same is damned.
Turn now to - Jacob 2: 1-3 : Nephi Dies and the weight
of the office rests on Jacob.
1 T
HE words
which Jacob, the brother of Nephi, spake unto the people of Nephi,
after
the death of Nephi:
[Nephi has died so the
weight of being the prophet has come to rest on Jacob as is outlined
in verse 2 & 3.]
2 Now, my beloved brethren,
I,
Jacob, according to the responsibility which I am under to God,
[ What
is that responsibility rgar Jacob has been given? As
the prophet he is responsibile to teach the words of God to the people
that they have been sufficiently warned, and have had the providence
of God declared to them. Just like Jerimiah of old and the watchmen
on the towers if he does not blow the horn he is accountable, if he
does blow the horn and they don't respond then he is no longer accountable.] to
magnify mine office with soberness, and that
I
might rid my garments of your sins,
[
This must have been somthing that Jacob was really worried about as
this is the third time that he has referenced it here, Jacob 1:19;
2 Ne. 9: 44] I come up into the temple this day that I might
declare unto you the word of God.
3 And ye yourselves
know that I have hitherto been diligent in the office of my calling; but
I this day am weighed down with much more desire and anxiety for the
welfare of your souls than I have hitherto been. [ Why
is it that sin seems to weigh down more on the righteous than the unrighteous? ]
Jacob’s soul is “burdened” - what is the
cause?
READ Jacob 2: 5-6, 9
5 But behold, hearken
ye unto me, and
know that by the help of the all-powerful
Creator of heaven [he has gone to the Lord
to see what he wants him to do; the Lord has answered very specifically
- he reveleals what they are thinking.] and earth
I
can tell you concerning your thoughts,
[
The gift of discernment, revelation The Lord has told
Jacob of the thoughts
of the people. ] how
that
ye
are beginning to labor in sin,
[ Why
do you think that Jacob described sin as “labor”? this
is not inadvertant, unknowning, happen chance sin. They were invested
in it, they worked at it - it was an occupation so to speak. labor:
physical or mental work, especially of a hard or fatiguing kind; toil.
] which sin appeareth very abominable unto me, yea, and abominable
unto God.
6 Yea,
it
grieveth my soul [do you every wonder
what the message could have been if he had not been commanded to talk
about their sins? He could have expounded on much more valuable information. Do
you ever wonder what what great sermons the prophet could impart to
us if he was not complelled to tell us of our falts as saints (Immorality,
pride, pornography, cheating...). We often
hear that conference is nothing new...We here is the answer why. The
Lord complelled Jacob as to what he could talk about.] and causeth
me to shrink with shame before the presence of my Maker, that I must
testify unto you concerning the wickedness of your hearts.
Jacob 2:9 Jacob rebuked the Nephite men for their
mistreatment of their wives and children
9 Wherefore, it burdeneth
my soul that I should be constrained, [
to force by imposed stricture, restriction, or limitation; to force
or produce in an unnatural or strained manner ] because
of the strict commandment which I have received from God, [Elder
Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described the
challenging balance of teaching the truth both sensitively and boldly:
“Jacob spends much of ten full verses apologizing, in effect, for the
sins he must address and the language he must use in addressing them.
He notes that he does so with ‘soberness,’ being ‘weighed down with
much more desire and anxiety for the welfare of [his hearers’] souls’
( Jacob 2:2–3). Knowing him as we do, we would be surprised if he had
said otherwise. “We are not even into the discourse per se before we
sense that, quite literally, this bold and unyielding manner of preaching
is almost as hard on Jacob as it is on the guilty ones in his audience.
But perhaps that is as it should be always, and why Christ in his preaching
was ofttimes ‘a man of sorrows.’ The commandments have to be kept,
sin has to be rebuked. But even such bold positions must be taken compassionately.
Even the sternest of prophets must preach from the depths of a sensitive
soul” (“Jacob the Unshakable,” in Heroes from the Book of Mormon [1995],
39–40).] to aadmonish [1)
to warn or notify of a fault; to reprove with mildness 2) to counsel
against wrong practices 3) to instruct or direct 4) in ecclesiastical
affairs~ to approve a member of the church for fault ~ either publicly
or privately] you according to your crimes, to enlarge the wounds
of those who are already wounded, instead of consoling and healing
their wounds; and those who have not been wounded, instead
of feasting upon the pleasing word of God have daggers placed to pierce
their souls and wound their delicate minds. [ How
does feasting on the words of Christ put us in a different position,
one that is not as abusive?
What is abuse? Abuse
can be defined as treating or speaking to someone in a way that is demeaning
or that causes injury or serious offense. As appropriate, discuss the
following specific definitions and instructions with class members: Child
abuse occurs when someone who is in a position
of trust or control
threatens or causes physical or emotional harm
to a child. It includes
physical abuse or neglect, emotional abuse, and
sexual abuse.
Spouse abuse may also be physical,
emotional, or sexual. Emotional abuse can
consist of name calling, demeaning statements, unrighteous
control or compulsion, threats, isolation, intimidation, or manipulation. Physical
abuse includes withholding
necessities and using physical violence such as pushing,
choking, scratching, pinching, restraining, or hitting. Sexual
abuse may be either emotional or physical
and includes sexual harassment, the inflicting
of pain, and the use of force
or intimidation.
What can we do to help
recognize and prevent abuse?
What would you do TV Show! How do you know when
to step in?
How can we help those who have been hurt by abuse?]
Latter-day Church leaders have also given strong warnings against abuse
of any kind. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have warned
that “individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse
or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one
day stand accountable before God” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the
World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).
Read Jacob 2: 10-13 Jacob warns against the love
of riches, pride, and unchastity.
10 But, notwithstanding
the greatness of the task, I must do according to the strict commands
of God, and tell you concerning your wickedness and abominations, in
the presence of the pure in heart, and the broken heart, and under the
glance of the piercing eye of the Almighty God.
11 Wherefore, I must
tell you the truth according to the plainness of the word of God. For
behold,
as I inquired of the Lord,
[
He already knew what he was supposed to talk about as is established
in the prior verses, so he asks
the Lord how would you like me to deliver the message? ] thus came the word unto me, saying: Jacob, get
thou up into the temple on the morrow, and declare the word which I shall
give thee unto this people.
12 And now behold,
my brethren,
this is the word which I declare unto
you,
[Elder Dallin
H. Oaks of the Quorum
of Twelve Apostles taught that when priesthood leaders
feel “constrained” by the Spirit to give admonitions warnings, members
of the Church have a responsibility to act upon the correction and instruction given to
them: “Last week I was talking with a member of
the Quorum of the Twelve about comments we had received on our April
conference talks. My friend said someone told him, ‘I surely enjoyed
your talk.’ We agreed that this is not the kind of comment we like to
receive. As my friend said, ‘I didn’t give that talk to be enjoyed. What
does he think I am, some kind of entertainer?’ Another member of our
quorum joined the conversation by saying, ‘That reminds me of the story
of a good minister. When a parishioner said, “I surely enjoyed your sermon
today,” the minister replied, “In that case, you didn’t understand it.” ’ “You may remember that this April
conference I spoke on pornography. No one told me they ‘enjoyed’ that
talk—not one! In fact, there was nothing enjoyable in it even for me.
“I speak of these recent conversations to teach the principle that a
message given by a General Authority at a general conference—a message
prepared under the influence of the Spirit to further the work of the
Lord—is not given to be enjoyed. It is given to inspire, to edify, to
challenge, or to correct. It is given to be heard under the influence
of the Spirit of the Lord, with the intended result that the listener
learns from the talk and from the Spirit what he or she should do about
it” (“The Dedication of a Lifetime” [CES fireside for young adults, May
1, 2005], 1, www.ldsces.org).] that many of you have begun to
search for gold, and for silver, and for all manner of precious ores,
in the which this land, which is a land of promise unto you and to your
seed, doth abound most plentifully.
13 And
the
hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly, that you have
obtained many riches;
[ What
do you suppose that JAcob is trying to say here? they
have become a fairly wealthy people at the hand of the Lord. The prosperity
cycle that will repeat itself over an over in the Book of Mormon. ] and
because
some of you have obtained more abundantly [
this is not the problem, but it does cause the problem for some ] than
that of your brethren
ye are lifted up in the pride
of your hearts, and
wear stiff necks [
How did the search for material wealth
become a stumbling block to the Nephites of Jacob’s day? Stiff
neck? will not turn to look at
or to the support of those less fortunate, will not bow their head
to honor their maker. ] and
high
heads [ those with a false sense of ability,
they are better than others, there heads are held high as a sign of
distain for those not like themselves ] because of the
costliness
of your apparel,
[ What
is the symbolism here? The apparel
is used to define self worth. This
phrase is used over a dozen times in the Book
Of Mormon; the interesting thing is how it is used.
Almost every reference
is related to people that were blessed of the Lord, then became
caught up in themselves, sought after
fine apparel, became proud and unrighteous.] and
persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than
they.
[ The result of pride, in seeking
riches first. The idea that because you
have more if they come from
God then God must love you more, or If
you feel like you earned them because you are better/smarter
than someone else - well you have decided
then that you are better than someone else. Financial
success does not figure into the measure of a man's righteousiness.
Whew good for me. ]
Jacob 2:18-20 Seek God first
18 But
before
ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
[ Why
is seeking the kingdom of God first so important? It
will help us keep things in perspective ]
19 And
after
ye have obtained a hope in Christ [ What
is the signifigence of having a hope in Christ first? Without
a hope in Christ, that he atoned for our sins, that we will be ressurrected,
we will need to have a hope in something else; usually money
and power are the only other things to have a hope in. With
the hope
in power we will do everything
that we can not to loose that power. With a hope
or a trust in money (riches) we will do everything
that we can not
to loose those riches. Everything is changed
when there is a real hope in Christ. ] ye shall obtain
riches, if ye seek them;
and
ye will seek them for the intent to do good—
[
What is he saying here? almost
as if to say that when you have obtained a hope in Christ you
will want to help everyone else. It is a very natural
progression of things - a good
exampleis found when Enos wrestles with the Lord and before he is done
he is praying for his enemies. It is an eternal principle that the
closer we become to him, the more we will try to emulate him. ] to
clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and
to
liberate the captive,
[ How
does one liberate the captive? How do riches help in this work? do
missionary work as all of us since Adam have been captive to the sins
of this world. ] and
administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.
20 And now, my brethren,
I have spoken unto you concerning pride; and those of you which have
afflicted your neighbor, and persecuted him because
ye
were proud in your hearts,
[ What
is the big problem with pride? Pride
is often called the great sin of the spirit as it was Satan’s sin in
the premortal realm (see Isaiah 14:12–14; Moses 4:1–2). Furthermore,
pride leads to failure to keep the commands of God and to ultimate destruction
as the Lord repeatedly warns us: “Beware of pride, lest thou shouldst
enter into temptation” (D&C 23:1).] of the things which God
hath given you,
what say ye of it? [You
have been taught now what are you going to do about it?]
What are the proper ways
to use wealth?
What counsel did Jacob give to help us avoid
the misuse of wealth? (See Jacob 2:17–21.)
President Spencer W. Kimball taught:
“The possession of riches does not necessarily constitute sin. But sin
may arise in the acquisition and use of wealth. … ‘For the love of money
is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred
from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But
thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.’ (1 Tim. 6:10–11.)
“Book of Mormon history eloquently reveals the corrosive effect of the
passion for wealth. … Had the people used their wealth for good purposes
they could have enjoyed a continuing prosperity. But they seemed unable
for a sustained period to be simultaneously wealthy and righteous” (The
Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 47–48).
After warning the people about pride and the love
of riches, Jacob called them to repentance for their immoral behavior.
How were the Nephites rationalizing their immoral behavior? (See
Jacob 2:22–24.)
22 And now I make an end of speaking
unto you concerning this pride. And were it not that I must speak unto
you concerning a grosser crime, [ What
is the grosser crime that he needs address? the
immorality that is going on.] my heart would rejoice exceedingly
because of you.
23 But the word of God
burdens me because of your grosser crimes. [ What
point do you think that Jacob is trying to get across here? It
is not what I woudl like to be discussing with you, but I have
been given my direction from the Lord. See Jac 1:17-19] For
behold, thus saith the Lord: This people begin to wax in iniquity;
they understand not the scriptures, for they seek to excuse themselves
in committing whoredoms, because of the things which were written
concerning David, and solomon his son.
Whom did the Nephites claim as examples
to justify their whoredoms? What
was wrong with those two as examples?
24 Behold,
David [
see D&C 132:37-39 ] and
solomon [solomon
married foreign and strange women that turned his heart away from
the everlasting covenant and the worship of the Lord - as such these
marriages were unauthorized and condemned 1 Kings 11 Why
single out David And solomon? so we
must ask ourselves what is different and specific about these two
men, to single them out. I wonder if Jacob is not talking about multiple
wives or concubines at all, but rather "Whoredoms" (Prositiution).
It seems that the Nephite men might have been referencing David,
solomon, Abraham and others as examples, for their immoral relationships
with women. Justification of such activities since David and solomon
had them under the direction of the Lord. ] truly had many
wives and
concubines,
[
A concubine according to Jewish law is a women kept either for lewd
purposes or a lawful wife of lower social standing than her husbands
other wife or wives. ] which thing was
abominable before me, saith the Lord.
[
Can someone explain this "Which
thing was abominable " - having more than one wife and concubines? Since
he is pointing specifically to David and solomon; who both
took as wives or concubines - something that they knew they were
not supposed to have. He is not implying that Abraham and others
commande to take multiple wives were wrong, Even David
was given multiple wives and concubines by the hand of the Lord.
But he was not given Bethsheba; which thing is wrong. If he was trying
to proclude the practise altogether he would have needed to include
Abraham, Jacob and Moses. ]
How do we try to excuse unchastity in todays world?
Why is it important to be morally clean? (See
Jacob 2:27–29; see also
Exodus 20:14; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20.)
27 Wherefore,
my
brethren, hear me,
[ Can
you just hear him saying that hear me and here me good! Jacob
holds the men responsible as is the law in a patriarchal
society that
they were. The basis for this can be found in
Hosea 4:12-14, according
to the Jewish Publication society translation of this passage - there
would be no supply if there were no demand. ] and hearken to
the word of the Lord:
For
there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines
he shall have none;
[ Here Jacob
attempts to drive the nail in the coffin to the Nephite men's
logic or justification for committing whoredoms. He states
that since
having multiple wives and concubines are forbidden by the Lord any
way they aren't very good
defense for the justification of whoredoms. Multiple
wives requires full legal commitment, concubinage requires conditional
and partial legal commitment, and whoredoms involve no legal commitment. Each
of these are categorized separately, with whoredoms getting
it's own special treatment in the next verse. It does not appear
as if Jacob is accusing the Nephites of taking multiple wives or concubines,
only in "whoredoms" which
is really worse. How
could Joseph Smith have known? Each
of these are different classes of women as defined by Hebrew definitions.
To break each of these out as seperate classes follows OT Hebrew usage.
]
28 For
I,
the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an
abomination before me;
[the English word
“whore”. The Random House College Dictionary provides us with this
definition: “a woman who engages in promiscuous sexual intercourse
for money; prostitute, harlot, strumpet”. The term in colloquial English
would be “prostitute” or “ho”, the latter being a slang derivative
of “whore”. There is no reference to concubinage or polygamy, either
explicit or implicit, in the definition of a whoredom. What
is the Worlds definition of chastity? Who
really knows; what is the Lords definition? Elder
Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles defined the law of
chastity as follows: “Any sexual intimacy outside
of the bonds of marriage—I mean any intentional contact with the sacred,
private parts of another’s body, with or without clothing—is a sin
and is forbidden by God. It is also a transgression to intentionally
stimulate these emotions within your own body” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 51; or Ensign, Nov.
1994, 38). ] thus saith the Lord of Hosts.
29 Wherefore,
this
people shall keep my commandments,
[he
is not asking but telling that if they don't then... see Ether 2:9] saith
the Lord of Hosts,
or cursed be the land for their
sakes.
[We can see much later that Moroni
explains what has happened to them as a result of iniquity in Ether
2:9]
READ Jacob 2:31-35
31 For behold, I,
the Lord, have seen the sorrow, and heard the mourning of the daughters
of my people in the land of Jerusalem, [ Why
does plural marriage cause so much sorrow when it is practiced for
unrighteous reasons and is a blessing when practiced under the direction
of the commands of God? Under Gods direction
it is done out of caring for, taking care of more than one wife it
is a priesthood responsibility. When it is done as an unrighteous practice
it is devious, unthoughtful, and selfish, where there is no love. They
are direct opposites.] yea, and in all the lands of my people,
because of the wickedness and abominations of their husbands.
32 And I will not suffer,
saith the Lord of Hosts, that the cries of the fair daughters of this
people, which I have led out of the land of Jerusalem, shall come up
unto me against the men of my people, saith the Lord of Hosts.
33 For they shall not
lead away captive the daughters of my people because of their tenderness,
save I shall visit them with a sore curse, even unto destruction; for
they shall not commit whoredoms, like unto them of old, saith the Lord
of Hosts.
34 And now behold, my
brethren, ye know that these commandments were given to our father, Lehi;
wherefore, ye have known them before; and ye have come unto great condemnation;
for ye have done these things which ye ought not to have done.
35 Behold, ye have done
greater iniquities than the Lamanites, our brethren.
Ye
have broken the hearts of your tender wives,
[ How
can sexual immorality affect the sinner’s family and friends and all
members of society? ] and
lost
the confidence of your children,
[ How
is confidence lost in parents when they are immoral? ] because
of your bad examples before them; and the sobbings of their hearts ascend
up to God against you. And because of the strictness of the word of God,
which cometh down against you,
many hearts died,
[compare
with Jacob 3:10] pierced with deep wounds.
Read Jacob 3:10
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, [
Is this not like the curse hurled at Laman and Lemuel in 2 Ne. 4:6. Elder
Vaughn J. Featherstone of the Seventy cautioned, “A word to adults and
parents: Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s father [Oscar Walter McConkie] counseled
that when we violate any commandment, however small, our youth may choose
to violate a commandment later on in life perhaps 10 times or 100 times
worse and justify it on the basis of the small commandment we broke”
(in Conference Report, Oct. 1999, 15; or Ensign, Nov. 1999, 14).] and
their sins be heaped upon your heads at the last day.
What counsel and comfort does Jacob give
to those who had been hurt by the immorality of others? (See
Jacob 3:1–2.)
1 B
UT behold,
I,
Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart.
[
Here he is speaking to those that have been hurt by the immorality,
these are the righteous ones that are caught up in the mess. What
does Jacob tell those who are pure in heart and afflicted or betrayed?
How is this good advice whenever we are beaten down, feel slighted,
cheated or abused? Also note who has
to take the action - it is not someone elses responsibility; it is
ours. ] [1]Look
unto God with firmness of mind, and
[2]pray
unto him with exceeding faith, and
[then
comes the promised blessings]he will console
you in your afflictions,
[it does not
say that he will remove your afflictions; but console you in them. Why
does he just not remove them? This
is the purpose of this life; that is how we chose to learn and grow
in the grand council - after all we wanted to be like him, so to
remove them would not allow the refinining process to have effect.] and
he
will plead your cause,
[ or
console you, show mercy, love and understanding during your time of sorrow
and trial ] and send down justice upon those who seek your
destruction.
2 O all ye that are
pure in heart,
lift up your heads [
find confidence that you are worthy to stand in his presence, this
is a great blessing of comfort that you can lift
up your head in the presence of diety as the proper command would
be to bow, so to tell
them to lift up their head denotes worthiness
and sameness with God. ] and receive the pleasing word of God, and
feast
upon his love;
[ What
do they need to do in order for that to happen? They
cannot keep beating themselves up, but move on so they can feeel the
spirit. ] for ye may,
if your minds are
firm,
[ If you have determined your coarse
of action no matter what happens. You have resolve to do his will at
all costs - then nothing will stand in the way. ] forever.
How is this good counsel whenever we are wronged?
What must a person do to be forgiven of immorality?
President Ezra Taft Benson suggested five steps to be forgiven of unchastity
(“The Law of Chastity,” in Brigham Young University 1987–88 Devotional
and Fireside Speeches [1988], 53–54). Discuss these steps with class
members:
1. “1. Flee immediately from any situation you are in that is either
causing you to sin or that may cause you to sin.”
2. “2. Plead with the Lord for the power to overcome.”
3. “3. Let your priesthood leaders help you resolve the transgression
and come back into full fellowship with the Lord.”
4. “4. Drink from the divine fountain [the scriptures and words of the
prophets] and fill your lives with positive sources of power.”
5. “5. Remember that through proper repentance you can become clean again.”
Are there really any blessings for being morally clean?
What are they?
Jacob 3:5-9 Jacob warns
against racial prejudice
5 Behold, the Lamanites
your brethren,
whom ye hate because
of their filthiness [ Why
would Jacob chastise them for hating the Laminites because of their filthiness? When
we first make any attempt to judge we have started down a very slippery
path, one of pride and superiority - both which are wrong in the eyes
of the Lord. Why did many of the Nephites
look down on the Lamanites? because of the color of their
skin. ] and
the cursing which hath come upon
their skins,
[] are
more righteous than you; [ How
does Jacob respond? ] 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.
[
Multiple wives requires a full legal commitment, concubinage requires
conditional and partial legal commitment, and whoredoms involve no legal
commitment. ]
6 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.
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?
8 O my brethren, I fear
that unless ye shall repent of your sins that their skins will be whiter
than yours, when ye shall be brought with them before the throne of God.
9 Wherefore, a commandment
I give unto you, which is the word of God,
that ye
revile no more against them because of the darkness of their skins;
[ This
is not a problem today in the church is it? A
Professor at BYU made this statement in the Washington Post in Feb 2012 "God
has always been discriminatory" when it comes to whom he grants
the authority of the priesthood, he said. He quoted Mormon scripture
stating that the Lord gives to people "all that he seeth fit." Bott
compared blacks with a young child prematurely asking for the keys to
her father's car, and explained that, similarly, until 1978, the Lord
determined that blacks were not yet ready for the priesthood."What
is discrimination?" Bott asks. "I think that is keeping something
from somebody that would be a benefit for them, right? But what if it
wouldn't have been a benefit to them?"Bott says that the denial
of the priesthood to blacks on Earth -- although not in the afterlife
-- protected them from the lowest rungs of hell reserved for people who
abuse their priesthood powers. "You couldn't fall off the top of
the ladder, because you weren't on the top of the ladder. so, in reality
the blacks not having the priesthood was the greatest blessing God could
give them."
In a forcefully worded official statement
released by the LDS Church repudiated Bott. "The positions
attributed to BYU professor Randy Bott in a recent Washington Post
article absolutely do not represent the teachings and doctrines
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," the statement
said. "BYU faculty members do not speak for the Church. It
is unfortunate that the Church was not given a chance to respond
to what others said. "The
Church's position is clear -- we believe all people are God's children
and are equal in His eyes and in the Church. We do not tolerate
racism in any form.For a time in the Church there was a restriction
on the priesthood for male members of African descent. It is not
known precisely why, how, or when this restriction began in the
Church but what is clear is that it ended decades ago. some have
attempted to explain the reason for this restriction but these
attempts should be viewed as speculation and opinion, not doctrine.
The Church is not bound by speculation or opinions given with limited
understanding.We condemn racism, including any and all past racism
by individuals both inside and outside the Church. --The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints "] neither
shall ye revile against them because of their filthiness; but ye
shall remember your own filthiness, and remember that their filthiness
came because of their fathers.
How can prejudice prevent the Church from fulfilling
its divine mission?
President Howard W. Hunter said:
“The restored gospel is a message of divine love for all people everywhere,
based upon the conviction that all humans are children of the same God. …
“… The validity, the power of our faith is not bound by history, nationality,
or culture. It is not the peculiar property of any one people or any
one age” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 23–24; or Ensign, Nov. 1991,
19).
Closing - Jacob 4:4–6 Jacob testifies of the Atonement
of Jesus Christ.
After calling his people to repentance, Jacob ended his sermon by testifying
of the hope of forgiveness through the Atonement.
4 For, for this
intent have we written these things, [
the reason behind the labor in writing them - Jacob said that is was
not a pleasent process ] that
they [those who take the time
to read these things] 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. [A
reminder that the Nephites knew that the prophets
before them - knew of Christ and had hope in him. These prophets
knew, understood and taught of the mark to which we are to look
to.]
5 Behold,
they
believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name,
[
from Adam through Noah, to Lehi the faithful
worshipped the Father through Jesus Christ ] and
also we worship the Father in his name.
[and we
the Nephites are no different - and
that is why...] And
for
this intent we keep the law of Moses,
[ “For
this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have
been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the
typifying of him” (2 Nephi 11:4) BECAUSE ] it pointing
our
souls
to him;
[Jesus Christ – the
Nephites kept the Law of Moses because it symbolized
and represented Christ, and kept them on a path toward him.
Another
reference to looking beyond the mark as it pointed them to it.] and
for
this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness,
[
The purpose or design of the Law of Moses; then was
to point our souls to him thru obedience before his birth.
] even as it was accounted
unto
Abraham [ who
was a
type for our Heavenly Father – sacrificed his only son,
as Abraham knew the voice of the Lord as was willing to
do whatever he was commanded ] 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.
[Jacob
taught very plainly that they knew and understood the relationship
of God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. They fully
understood the
purpose of the Law of Moses. This reference also denotes
the fact that according to the Law Of Moses the Old Testament prophets
knew that the Father and The son were distinct beings, and that the
Law of Moses was more than just a law of commands.]
6 Wherefore, we
search
the prophets,
[read the scriptures, the
prophets are our models as they are the ones that we truely know have
communicated with God] and
we have
many revelations and the spirit of prophecy;
[the
revelations and prophecy are the fruits of searching
the scriptures.] and
having
all these witnesses [
The witnesses of the prophets powerful firsthand
testimonies of Christ,
as well as our own personal witnesses through
the spirit of prophecy - personal revelation.] we
obtain a hope,
[ it
is with the spirit that we go from belief to
hope. Our personal revelations and
spiritual witnesses declare
to us the trueth] and our
faith
becometh unshaken,
[ or as Joseph
Smith said in the D&C our confidence becomes strong in the presence
of God see
D&C
121:45 ] insomuch
that
we truly can command [
exercise the power of the priesthood because
of our confidence in our relationship with God ] in
the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or
the waves of the sea.
[ They obey us as they would God, why because
we have become just like him,
In word and deed he doth require
My will to his, like son to sire,
Be made to bend, and I, as son,
Learn conduct from the Holy One]
How can we obtain the hope in Christ that Jacob
spoke of? (See Jacob
4:10–12.)
10 Wherefore, brethren, seek
not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel
from his hand. [ If
we are not getting our council from the Lord where are we getting it
from? I guess the response would be does
it really matter where else it comes from, as if it is not from the
Lord it really does not matter.] For behold, ye yourselves know
that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over
all his works.
11 Wherefore, beloved
brethren,
be reconciled unto him through the atonement
of Christ,
[ How
and what does this mean? 1) Restore friendly
relations between 2) Cause to coexist in harmony; make or show to be
compatible.see 2 Corinthians 5:17–21 Sin widens the gap between God and
man, repentance closes that gap - do all that you can to close the gap!] his
Only Begotten son,
and ye may obtain a resurrection,
[Or
the first ressurrection, exaltation in the clestial kingdom (JST Heb
11:35)] according to the power of the resurrection which is in
Christ, and
be presented as the first-fruits of Christ
unto God,
[those souls who have been consecrated
and dedicated to his service, those who qualify for the highest resurrection
and a place in the celestial world.] having faith,
and
obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself in
the flesh.
[Jacob is talking about a future
event as strongly as if that event had already happened. and then in
the next verse encourages them to know as assuredly for themselves]
Jacob 4:15-18 The Reason For The Allegory
[In the 1st Edition Book of Mormon
the text of these two chapters were combined into one chapter, as chapter
4 provides the ground work to the reason for the allegory found in
chapter 5. That ground work is as follows: The Nephites acceptance
of Christ, and their acceptance and understanding of the OT prophets
(they understood the Isaiah messages) this is found in verse 1-13.
Second is the contrast between this acceptance of Christ and the prophets
by the Nephites with the Jews in Jerusalem who have rejected the prophets
and in turn reject Christ as well as detailed in verse 14-18. Bringing
up the question in verse 17 "How can these people who reject Christ
be saved?" to which Jacob attempts to answer see vs 18 using the
allegory found in chapter 5.]
15 And now I, Jacob,
am led on by the Spirit unto prophesying; for I perceive by the workings
of the Spirit which is in me, that by the stumbling of the Jews
they
will reject the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation.
[tradition
has it that at the time of the construction of the second temple, the
builders rejected and discarded a chief conerstone by mistake see Psalm
118:22; Isaiah 8:14-15; JST Matt 21:47-56]
16 But behold,
according
to the scriptures,
[referring to Isa.
8:13-15] this stone shall become the great, and the last, and
the only sure foundation, upon which the Jews can build.
17 And now, my beloved,
how is it possible
that these,
[the
Jews] after having rejected the
sure foundation,
[Jesus
Christ] can ever build upon it, that it may become the head of
their corner?
18 Behold, my beloved
brethren,
I will unfold this mystery unto you;
[
Jacob is going to answer the question posed in verse 17, How can this
people who reject Christ be saved? – the answer will be found in
the following parable Jacob 5] if I do not, by any means, get
shaken from my firmness in the Spirit, and stumble because of my over
anxiety for you.
Conclusion
Explain that Jacob’s teachings help us understand the importance of magnifying
our callings and avoiding pride and immorality. By emphasizing the Atonement
at the conclusion of his sermon, Jacob taught that we must rely on the Savior.
As directed by the Spirit, testify of the truths discussed during the lesson.
