“The Things Are Called Interpreters”

Alan C. Miner

“Interpreters” as mentioned in Mosiah 8:13 are also a part of Jaredite history (Ether 4:1-7). However, we do not know how or why “the king of the people who are in the land of Zarahemla” (Mosiah 8:14) received his set. In Mosiah 18:13, Ammon simply states that the king had them in his possession, as if they had always been a part of Nephite history. Yet Nephi does not mention bringing “interpreters” or any such thing from Jerusalem, and Ammon’s comment is the first time we hear about them. Mormon does not even insert an explanation. Ether’s 24 plates were with king Limhi at this time, so apparently the “interpreters” which Ammon spoke of were not a part of Ether’s 24 gold plates. Further complicating the puzzle, the first edition of the Book of Mormon names “Benjamin” as the king of Zarahemla who had the interpreters and not Mosiah (see page 200). So how did the interpreters come into the possession of Mosiah2 or Benjamin? [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes] [For a discussion of the possible scenarios, see the commentary on Mosiah 28:20]

Step by Step Through the Book of Mormon: A Cultural Commentary

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