EVIDENCE: The Arms of Mercy Are Extended Toward Them—Temple Imagery (Alma 5:33)

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

Some critics have claimed that the Book of Mormon does not comprise the “fulness of the gospel” because it does not include temple ordinances. However, Hugh Nibley states that the Book of Mormon is full of temple imagery—particularly in the many discourses on the Atonement—and that the temple ordinances are “everywhere in the book if we know where to look for them.” For example, Nibley explains that the literal meaning of kaphar and kippurim is a warm embrace, and that this embrace occurred anciently at the kapporeth, the front flap of the tabernacle or tent that housed first the Ark and later the Holy of Holies. The implication of phrases such as “the arms of mercy are extended toward them” (verse 33) is analogous to this “warm embrace” associated with the ancient temple rites. Moreover, Nephi’s description of his redemption by the Lord, in particular his being “encircled about eternally in the arms of [the Lord’s] love” [2 Nephi 1:15], is certainly reflective of this ancient temple rites. (See Echoes, 481–482.)

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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