“We Should Make Much Fire”

Brant Gardner

Culture: Nephi made fire by striking rocks (v. 11) and explains that they had rarely used fire earlier (v. 12). Why include the information on how he started a fire? Nephi is likely contrasting the creation of new fire against their wilderness experience. In many cultures, fires are not made new, but coals are packed and carried to be nursed back to flame at the next camp. That option was not available when they did not use fire, so one of the important aspects of their relocation to Bountiful was fire-making. Nephi specifically notes that the fire was made by “striking rocks.” An interesting fact is that there are flint deposits in the area of wadi Sayq. Flint is particularly known for its ability to generate a spark.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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