“We, Who Are Despised Because We Take Upon Us the Name of Christ”

Alan C. Miner

Hugh Nibley notes from the Battle Scroll of the Dead Sea Scrolls:

"When war cometh to your land against the enemy that oppresseth you [notice, they--the Nephites- are being oppressed by the enemy all the way along here] . . . and you shall be saved from your enemies. . . . Thou hast chosen for thyself from all the nations a people holy through the covenant, taught the statutes, enlightened in understanding, hearing the glorious voices, seeing holy angels, open of ear, understanding deep things, even the mysteries . . . by the hand of the poor ones that are to be redeemed by Thee . . .

Notice that just like in the Scrolls we find them referring to themselves as the "poor ones," the Nephites describe themselves as "we who are despised because we take upon us the name of Christ" (Alma 46:18). Notice also that Moroni is saying this while he is waving the banner. Here on the banner mentioned in the Scrolls we find,

. . . by the hand of the poor ones that are to be redeemed by Thee with power and retribution . . . for into the hand of the poor ones wilt thou deliver the enemies from all lands into the hands of them that are prostrate in the dust so as to bring low all mighty men of the nations, to render the recompense to the wicked upon the head of thine enemies and thy truth upon all the sons of men.

[Hugh W. Nibley, Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Semester 3, p. 57]

Geographical [Theory Map]: Alma 46:17 A Chosen Land--The Land of Liberty (19th Year)

Step by Step Through the Book of Mormon: A Cultural Commentary

References