“Believest Thou the Words Which I Shall Speak?”

Brant Gardner

Yahweh has told the brother of Jared that his great faith has enabled him to see (v. 9). When the brother of Jared asks to see more, Yahweh makes it clear that the same faith continues to be required. This is the reason for his interrogation of the prophet. When Yahweh asks, “Believest thou the words which I shall speak?” he is asking the brother of Jared for a declaration of faith. The brother of Jared firmly replies: “Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie.” This was the right answer, and Yahweh shows himself to the brother of Jared, as requested.

Significantly for the Book of Mormon theology, Yahweh also declares: “Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall” (v. 13). This is a revelation not about anthropomorphism or corporeality, but of Yahweh as the Atoning Messiah. Therefore, Yahweh does what the Atoning Messiah will do: he redeems.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 6

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