“The Will of the Son Being Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father”

Brant Gardner

This paraphrase introduces the conclusions that Abinadi wants to draw from Isaiah. Abinadi recasts Isaiah to position his own interpretation in harmony with the revered brass plate prophet. The priests of Noah claim to believe in the brass plates; hence, they must believe Isaiah. If they believe Isaiah, they must also believe Abinadi.

At this point, Abinadi summarizes the trial and crucifixion of the Savior. Isaiah also includes the element of death (Isa. 53: 8–9/Mosiah 14:8–9) but detail of crucifixion is unique to the Nephite prophets.

A phrase deserving of some notice is “the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father.” We might easily read this phrase with our modern understanding that the Father and the Son are separate individuals and therefore assume that this phrase simply depicts proper filial behavior. However, in Abinadi’s usage, both personages are the same, and it is the context that is different. Abinadi uses the phrase symbolically to indicate that the flesh submits to the spirit’s will.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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