“Reconcile Yourselves to the Will of God”

Brant Gardner

Jacob instructs his listeners to reconcile themselves to Yahweh and choose eternal life. Implicit in the reconciliation (based on the text and theme of salvation by the Gentiles) is also an acceptance of their current circumstances coupled with a determination to follow Yahweh. Socially, this meant accepting the Gentiles in their midst as full participants in the covenant and as a fulfillment of prophecy. Politically, it meant cleaving to Yahweh’s provision for their future (the “salvation” by Gentiles) and not to try to follow after the kings who were beginning to appear in communities with whom they traded. Jacob’s covenant call is a summons to come to Yahweh and also to community.

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

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