Jacob 2:9-11

Brant Gardner

What Jacob will preach comes as a commandment. It is a fascinating contrast between the people who are “as yet” obedient, but nevertheless are to be admonished “according to your crimes.” That there is a contradiction between obedience and crimes is clear, and it suggests that Nephi society may have reached some tipping point where the actions of the majority slip from obedience to what Jacob will describe as their crimes.

We are looking at three verses in this section, and in each one Jacob declares that he is fulfilling Jehovah’s commandment. In verse 11 he quotes Jehovah, telling him when and where to give this speech. With the reinforcement of being repeated three times in three verses, they—and we—are to understand that Jehovah has provided the substance of this sermon. The ills to be described are contrary to Jehovah’s will, and therefore a prophet warns his people.

Book of Mormon Minute

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