Jacob 1 - That We Might Persuade Them to Come Unto Christ I'm taking an online economics class right now, which prompted me to think of the definition of economics in the context of the scriptures. Economics is the study of the allocation of scarce resources. In the case of Nephi and his successor Jacob, the plates upon which they engraved their record was a scarce resource. They were costly to make and difficult to engrave, and instilling a tradition of passing them through generations was surely cumbersome. Recognizing the great importance of spiritual things and the challenge of maintaining records, Nephi instructed Jacob to prioritize religious instruction saying, " 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, and touch upon them as much as it were possible, for Christ’s sake, and for the sake of our people" (Jacob 1:4). This priority was not only reflecte...
2 Nephi 6 - The Captives of the Mighty "I would speak unto you concerning things which are, and which are to come; wherefore, I will read you the words of Isaiah " (2 Nephi 6:4). The prophet Jacob reaffirmed promises from the Lord that those who learn of Him and keep his commandments will be blessed and protected from spiritual harm. Speaking of the house of Israel he said, "that when they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer, they shall be gathered together again to the lands of their inheritance" (2 Nephi 6:11). I think like to think of the "land of their inheritance" figuratively as the blessings promised for obedience. While obedience does not preclude suffering in this life, and sometimes blessings are only realized after we die, God's promises are sure. Jacob went on to promise that " none will he destroy that believe in him" (2 Nephi 6:14). This promise is...