“A Light Thing”

Brant Gardner

Gileadi restructures this verse to make a linked contrast between the first and second sentences: “He said: It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore those preserved of Israel. I will also appoint you to be a light to the nations, that my salvation may be to the ends of the earth.” This rendition provides a better conceptual linkage between the “light thing” (the restoration of Israel) and the mandate to be a “light” to the entire world. The servant’s task encompasses all of Yahweh’s purposes.

Literature: Verses 1–6 were the stylized summons to a court proceeding. In verses 7–13 the plaintiff presents his charge.

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

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