“The Daughters of Ishmael Did Mourn Exceedingly”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

Mourning was an elaborate ceremony among the Jews and other Orientals. When Job heard of his misfortunes he "rent his mantle and shaved his head and fell down upon the ground and worshiped." (Mark 5:38). Friends provided the mourners with food, called the "bread of bitterness," and the "cup of consolation." In later times food was left at the grave for the benefit of the poor. The mourning for Ishmael must have been an elaborate function, according to the circumstances, since they "did mourn exceedingly."

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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