Book of Jacob
The Book of Jacob is the third section in the collective histories of the Book of Mormon. It was written by Jacob, who was the brother of Nephi and the son of Lehi. Jacob's writings span an undetermined amount of time a few decades following the arrival of Lehi and his family to the American continents. Most of the Book of Jacob is comprised of sermons composed by Jacob himself, though a few historical elements are contained within as well.
Synopsis
Jacob, who was one of the sons born to Lehi and Sariah in the midst of their wilderness travels, was tasked by his older brother Nephi to continue scribing important events pertaining to their people, the Nephites. Nephi's counsel was to touch only lightly on topics of history, instead urging Jacob to preserve "a few of the things which [he] considered to be most precious." In other words, "if there were preaching which was sacred, or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that [he] should engraven the heads of them upon these plates."[1][2] In addition to this writing assignment, Nephi also placed the spiritual well-being of the Nephite people in Jacob's hands, with the former consecrating both Jacob and their youngest brother Joseph to be teachers and priests. The two brothers undertook this task with the utmost care and respect, laboring to teach others "with all diligence."[3] The record states that Nephi died at some point after bestowing this responsibility on his younger brothers, though the year is unknown. Before his death, he appointed a different man to act as a ruler and king over the Nephites.[4]
The writings of Jacob begin by stating the then current state of affairs between the Nephites and their fallen brethren, the Lamanites. Jacob recognizes that there are numerous familial clans, or designations, including Jacobites, Josephites, Zoramites, and Lemuelites; however, generally the designations "Nephites" and "Lamanites" encompass all of Lehi's posterity, as well as any of Ishmael's descendants. The Lamanites sought to "destroy the people of Nephi."[5] Although the Lamanites were collectively more wicked than the Nephites at this time, the Nephites were not free of sin or indulgences. Jacob explains that they "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." In order to correct these behaviors, Jacob ascended to a temple and called the people together, addressing them in a sermon.[6]
For a few chapters in the Book of Jacob, Jacob addresses the Nephites and denounces fornication and lasciviousness. He then jots down a few personal musings that don't appear to have been part of this public sermon, comprising Chapter 4. Then Jacob inserts an allegory given by an ancient prophet named Zenos, generally known as the "Parable of the Vineyard."[7][8] Jacob offers brief commentary on this allegory in Chapter 6, before making a few additional spiritual notes.
The final chapter of the Book of Jacob details an event that took place at some point during Jacob's ministry. A man named Sherem comes among the people of Nephi and declares to them that "there should be no Christ." He was an educated man, and had "flattery, and much power of speech," to the point that he was able to convince many of the Nephites to join in his beliefs. Sherem appears to have heard of Jacob, and made a point to meet with the prophet in an effort to "shake [him] from the faith." Jacob is unfazed by the man's attempts, stating "I could not be shaken." The two men have a questioning conversation, with each person trying to convince the other that they are wrong. Sherem ultimately demands "a sign" of the Holy Ghost, declaring that he will not believe in Christ otherwise. Jacob responds by saying, "What am I that I should tempt God to show unto thee a sign in the thing which thou knowest to be true...Nevertheless, not my will be done; but if God shall smite thee, let that be a sign unto thee that he has power, both in heaven and in earth; and also, that Christ shall come." Sherem is immediately struck down by the power of God, and passes many days in a state of near-death. Realizing his folly, Sherem calls the Nephites to his bedside to deny his prior deceit. "I have lied unto God; for I denied the Christ," he confesses. After completing his acknowledgement of wrongdoing, Sherem dies. The Nephite people who had listened to him repent of their sins and turn again to God.[9]
Jacob closes by explaining that multiple attempts were made during his lifetime to convert the Lamanites to the word of God, yet all attempts were unsuccessful. They "delighted in wars and bloodshed, and they had an eternal hatred against us, their brethren. And they sought by the power of their arms to destroy us continually." The Nephites in turn were able to defend themselves by trusting in God to be their salvation. At the close of his life, Jacob passes the record on to his son Enos for safekeeping.[10]
