“Will Ye Reject the Words of the Prophets?”

Brant Gardner

Sociological: The state of conflict between the people of Nephi and Jacob is crystal clear in this passage. Jacob declares the word of God. Jacob declares the doctrine of Christ. Jacob is apparently responding with the answer to a criticism of the doctrine concerning the slain-Messiah/triumphant-Messiah. Jacob is declaring and defending God through his prophetic office.

In spite of his powerful preaching, it is also apparent that he is speaking to an unrepentant audience. We know that this is not the first time he has called them to repentance, but the urgency and anguish in this post is extreme. The conclusion of this address suggests some finality, and a rather sad one for Jacob. He has seen a people who have, during his lifetime, changed from a community built on faith in God and following the inspired leadership of Nephi, to a secular community following the customs and practices of the world. Even more painful to Jacob is his inability to sway them for the course that he sees they have set upon.

Multidimensional Commentary on the Book of Mormon

References