“Thou Knowest the Greatness of God”

Jana Reiss

One of the most spiritual discourses of the entire Book of Mormon, these teachings arise in the context of a dying father’s words to a young son. In his last days, Lehi imparts counsel to Jacob, his next-to-youngest son, and offers foundational wisdom on human freedom and the role of evil in the world. (It seems that the other brothers are listening in from the edges as well; see verse 14.) Although Jacob is young, one senses that the afflictions he has suffered while growing up in the wilderness have made him sensitive to spiritual questions and open to receiving the “greatness” of God. Lehi promises that God will make all of Jacob’s afflictions holy, or consecrated, and that they will ultimately prove beneficial for Jacob’s welfare.

The Book of Mormon: Selections Annotated & Explained

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