“With Unwearyingness Declared the Word”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

Nephi is to be greatly blessed because he has been a fearless and tireless teacher of the gospel. He has taught with that power known only to those who are entirely true to the message they have been commissioned to bear. As the Lord praises Nephi for his devoted discipleship, so has he cause to rebuke others. “With some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they tide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them. And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have.” (D&C 60:2-3.)

“His Blood Would Cry from the Ground… for Vengeance”

In holy writ blood is often used to represent life or the soul of man (see Leviticus 17:11). “The voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground,” the Lord told Cain (Genesis 4:10). Similarly, “the cry of the blood of the saints shall ascend up to God from the ground” against those who slew them (2 Nephi 26:3).

Indeed, their souls implore the Lord of Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, to avenge their blood (see Revelation 6:10). The promise is that “the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain” (Isaiah 26:21). See Commentary 1:333-34.

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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