“Judah to Be Refined in the Furnace of Affliction”

Monte S. Nyman

9 Nevertheless, for my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain from thee, that I cut thee not off.9 For my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.10 For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.11 For mine own sake, yea, for mine own sake will I do this, for I will not suffer my name to be polluted, and I will not give my glory unto another. [1 Nephi 20:9–11]11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my namebe polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another. [Isaiah 48:9–11]

Christ was to be born through the lineage of Judah. For this reason he will be patient with their transgressions. The doctrine of his lineage being determined in the pre-mortal life supports Paul’s teachings regarding all people.

26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; [Acts 17:26]

Moses taught the same doctrine concerning the house of Israel:

7 Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.
8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
9 For the Lord’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. [Deuteronomy 32:7–9]

The Book of Mormon wording “I will refrain from thee” instead of “for thee” (v. 9) shows that the Lord will withdraw from Judah rather than intercede for her. This retention fits the context of the apostasy in the previous verses. The Lord used this apostate period to refine Judah. Symbolic of the refining of metals, the Lord would refine her by allowing her to be sent through the furnace of affliction (v. 10). A study of the history of the Jewish people reflects many periods of afflictions: the Babylonian captivity, 607–538; the Roman conquest, A.D. 70; the Crusades; the Inquisition; and the anti-semitic persecutions. Although the Book of Mormon does not include the KJV phrase “but not with silver” (v. 10), the Anchor Bible translates the phrase “I have tested you like silver.” This fits the symbolism used to describe the refining of the house of Judah.

The Book of Mormon text shows why the Lord suffered or allowed Judah’s afflictions. It reads: “I will not suffer my name to be polluted” in place of “how shall my name be polluted?” (v. 11; italics added). This reading is much more logical.

Book of Mormon Commentary: I Nephi Wrote This Record

References