“Anointed King by the Hand of Wickedness”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

Jared became king. He was even anointed, but by the hand of wickedness,—some kind of blasphemous ceremony in initiation of the sacred ordinance.

Anointing with sacred oil is a very ancient rite. It is depicted on early Egyptian monuments. Kings were called the anointed of the gods. Those who held the Priesthood were confirmed in their office with the application of sacred oil. Jacob poured consecrated oil upon the stone pillow at Bethel, consecrating it to God. (Genesis 28:10-19)

Jared gave his daughter to Akish for wife. But that was a union without divine blessing and without the sanction of the Priesthood. It did not bring happiness.

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 6

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