“I Beheld Sam”

Alan C. Miner

As discussed earlier, there is a figure not only in front of the old man, but behind and in attendance on the young man with the stylus. He appears to wear an oriental-like turban; and seems to be holding what is clearly an umbrella or parasol above the young man's head probably to identify him as a ruler. This person holding the umbrella corresponds somewhat to Sam (p. 28). In the Book of Mormon account, Sam is indicated to have supported Nephi in his rulership of the colony and kept the commandments of God. When Lehi blessed Sam, his blessing was connected with Nephi's blessing:

"(Lehi) spake unto Sam, saying: Blessed art thou, and thy seed; for thou shalt inherit the land like unto thy brother Nephi. And thy seed shall be numbered with his seed; and thou shalt be even like unto thy brother, and thy seed like unto his seed; and thou shalt be blessed in all thy days (2 Nephi 4:11). [Wells Jakeman, Stela 5, Izapa, p. 28]

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

References