“Things Which Are, and Which Are to Come”

Brant Gardner

Scripture: Jacob announces his intention of teaching two types of information: “things which are, and which are to come.” To do so, he quotes Isaiah, first, because Isaiah, as a prophet of the brass plates, has the authority of established scripture, and second, because Nephi sees Isaiah as particularly relevant to his people. According to his own record, Nephi used Isaiah to establish the lessons he tried to teach his brothers (1 Ne. 15:20, 19:23). Specifically, Nephi “likens” Isaiah to the situation of his people (1 Ne. 19:24). I will suggest that this is precisely the reason that Jacob introduces Isaiah in this sermon.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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