EVIDENCE: Ancient Vessels (Ether 6:2–3, 7; Ether 3:1–6)

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

In Ether 6:7, the record compares the Jaredite barges to the ark of Noah. In fact, the two types of vessels—each constructed according to the Lord’s instructions—have several characteristics in common. For example, to provide light for the long ocean journey, the brother of Jared prepared sixteen stones and then asked the Lord to touch them that they might glow. Similarly, many early Jewish sources state that the Lord instructed Noah to hang precious stones in the ark to give light to its occupants. We read in Genesis 6:16 that the Lord commanded Noah, “A window shalt thou make to the ark.” The Hebrew word for window is tsohar, sometimes translated as “light.” (See Echoes, 246–247.)

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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