Jacob 1-4

Was there an Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood during Book of Mormon times❓ During those same times – were men stealing other men’s wives and marrying under-aged girls❓ Does Jacob’s teaching about King David’s wives contradict what Joseph Smith taught in the Doctrine and Covenants❓ Is spiritual polygamy practiced in the LDS Church, today❓ These interesting questions will be answered in this episode.

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Is spiritual polygamy practiced in the LDS Church, today?

Is spiritual polygamy practiced in the LDS Church, today?

Highlighted text – Verses that are similar or exactly the same in the Bible


Today, we begin the book written by Jacob.  Remember, Nephi ended his writing with a farewell.  Knowing he was old and about to die – he passed along the record keeping to his younger sibling.  We recall that Jacob had seen the Savior back in 2 Nephi 11:3, so Nephi must have thought Jacob was well-qualified to take over as spiritual leader of his people.  After Nephi gave the records to Jacob – the records were most frequently was passed from father to son. 

Jacob 1:1 “For behold, it came to pass that fifty and five years had passed away from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem; wherefore, Nephi gave me, Jacob, a commandment concerning the small plates, upon which these things are engraven.”  Jacob must have been about 40 to 50 years old at this time.  The words “fifty and five years” are the same in 2 Chronicles 33:1.

Jacob 1:2 “And he gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should write upon these plates a few of the things which I considered to be most precious; that I should not touch, save it were lightly, concerning the history of this people which are called the people of Nephi.”  The words “people which are called” is in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Jacob 1:3 “For he said that the history of his people should be engraven upon his other plates, and that I should preserve these plates and hand them down unto my seed, from generation to generation.” 

Jacob 1:4 “And if there were preaching which was sacred, or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that I should engraven the heads of them upon these plates, and touch upon them as much as it were possible, for Christ’s sake, and for the sake of our people.”  So, it’s clear that the Small Plates contained spiritual teachings and revelations and the Large Plates contained the history of the people.  These Small Plates were selected later by Mormon to be included in the gold plates which his son Moroni would eventually bury in the stone box in the Hill Cumorah – essentially in Joseph Smith Jr.’s back yard.  The words “for Christ’s sake” is also in 2 Corinthians 12:10.

Jacob 1:5 The phrase “what things should happen unto them” is similar, to Mark 10:32.

Jacob 1:6 The words “the spirit of much prophecy” is similar, to Revelation 19:10.

Jacob 1:7 The phrases “enter into his rest” is the same in Hebrews 3:18 and, “as in the provocation in the days of temptation” is similar, to Hebrews 3:8, and “while the children of Israel were in the wilderness” is also in Numbers 15:32.

Jacob 1:8 “Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade all men not to rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world; wherefore, I, Jacob take it upon me to fulfill the commandment of my brother Nephi.”  So, I guess Jacob is taking commandments from Nephi now.  The phrases “God, to provoke him to anger” is in Deuteronomy 4:25 and, “bear the shame of the world” is similar, to Ezekiel 34:29. 

Next, Jacob talks about the transition of political power among his people. 

Jacob 1:9 “Now Nephi began to be old, and he saw that he must soon die; wherefore, he anointed a man to be a king and a ruler over his people now, according to the reigns of the kings.” 

Jacob 1:10 “The people having loved Nephi exceedingly, he having been a great protector for them, having wielded the sword of Laban in their defense, and having labored in all his days for their welfare.”  The words “for their welfare” is in Psalm 69:22. We have no account of the Nephite battles with the Lamanites.  These events would have been recorded on the Large Plates of Nephi.

Jacob 1:11 “Wherefore, the people were desirous to retain in remembrance his name.  And whoso should reign in his stead were called by the people, second Nephi, third Nephi, and so forth, according to the reigns of the kings; and thus they were called by the people, let them be of whatever name they would.”  Because the people loved Nephi so much, each of their succeeding kings was called “Nephi”.  But this was the last reference to any king for hundreds of years.  It is not until we encounter another king by the name of Mosiah.  After which a system of judges was established. 

Jacob 1:12 “And it came to pass that Nephi died.”  

Next, Jacob defines the terms “Lamanites” and “Nephites.”   

Jacob 1:13 “Now the people which were not Lamanites were Nephites; nevertheless, they were called Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites, Zoramites, Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites.”  The words “the people which were not” is in 1 Kings 12:31. These were the Seven Tribes of Lehi’s posterity.

Jacob 1:14 “But I, Jacob, shall not hereafter distinguish them by these names, but I shall call them Lamanites that seek to destroy the people of Nephi, and those who are friendly to Nephi I shall call Nephites, or the people of Nephi, according to the reigns of the kings.” 

Next, Jacob will be leading up to the growing problem among his people – wherein men are beginning to take plural wives.  

Jacob 1:15 “And now it came to pass that the people of Nephi, under the reign of the second king, began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old desiring many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son.”

Jacob 1:16 “Yea, and they also began to search much gold and silver, and began to be lifted up somewhat in pride.”

Jacob 1:17 “Where I, Jacob gave unto them these words as I taught them in the temple, having first obtained mine errand from the Lord.” This was the temple constructed by Nephi in the Land of Nephi mentioned in 2 Nephi 5:16.

Jacob 1:18 “For I, Jacob, and my brother Joseph had been consecrated priests and teachers of this people, by the hand of Nephi.”  The terms “priests” and “teachers” used here is not referring to the LDS Aaronic Priesthood, since it had not been set up among the Nephites until the Savior’s visit to them in 3rd Nephi.  As we covered back in the lesson on 2 Nephi 1-5, Joseph Fielding Smith taught that Jacob and Joseph couldn’t hold the Aaronic priesthood because they weren’t from the tribe of Levi.  However, they did hold the Melchizedek priesthood and were officiating by virtue of the Higher Priesthood.  The problem with that argument is that no one ever held a Melchizedek priesthood in the Old or New Testament eras.  Only Christ was called a “priest for ever after the ORDER of Melchizedeksee Hebrews 7:17. You don’t read anywhere in the New Testament where Jesus conferred a priesthood of any kind on His apostles.  He ordained them – meaning He appointed them and authorized them – but never gave them a Melchizedek priesthood.  Consequently – Peter, James, and John could not have passed any priesthood on to Joseph Smith – since they, themselves didn’t have it.      

Jacob 1:19 “And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.”  In Mormon speak – to “magnify our office” is to fulfill the responsibilities of our offices and callings in our wards and stakes.  The words “office unto the Lord” is also in 2 Chronicles 11:14. 

Jacob 2 Jacob will now go to the temple – like a General Conference – and instruct his people on the word of God.  He is weighed down with anxiety for the welfare of their souls.  He is going to tackle the topic of plural marriage.  Yes, even back then – church leaders were probably stealing other men’s wives and marrying under-aged girls. But let’s find out what Jacob has to say about this.

Jacob 2:2 The phrases “magnify mine office” is also in Romans 11:13 and, “the word of God with” is also in Hebrews 13:7.

Jacob 2:3 the words “ye yourselves know that” is also in Acts 20:34.

Jacob 2:5 Jacob says he has the power to read their thoughts “But behold, hearken ye unto me, and know that by the help of the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth I can tell you concerning your thoughts, how that ye are beginning to labor in sin, which sin appeareth very abominable unto me, yea, and abominable unto God.” 

Jacob 2:6 “Yea, it greiveth my soul and causeth me to shrink with shame before the presence of my Maker, that I must testify unto you concerning the wickedness of your hearts.” Jacob is ashamed of how wicked his people are getting. 

Jacob 2:7 “And also it greiveth me that I must use so much boldness of speech concerning you, before your wives and your children, many of whose feelings are exceedingly tender and chaste and delicate before God, which thing is pleasing unto God;”  He is scolding the men for their conduct in the way they are treating their families.  The words “boldness of speech” is also in 2 Corinthians 7:4.

This isn’t what the people expected to hear.  They were hoping to be told they were righteous enough.

Jacob 2:8 “And it supposeth me that they have come up hither to hear the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul.”

Jacob 2:9 “Wherefore, it burdeneth my soul that I should be constrained, because of the strict commandment which I have received from God, to admonish you according to your crimes, to enlarge the wounds of those who are already wounded, instead of consoling and healing their wounds; and those who have not been wounded, instead of feasting upon the pleasing word of God have daggers placed to pierce their souls and wound their delicate minds.”

Jacob 2:10 “But, notwithstanding the greatness of the task, I must do according to the strict commands of God, and tell you concerning your wickedness and abominations, in the presence of the pure in heart, and the broken heart, and under the glance of the piercing eye of the Almighty God.” The words “pure in heart” is in Matthew 5:8 and, “of the Almighty God” is in Ezekiel 10:5. 

In a previous lesson covering 2 Nephi 9:44, we talked about God’s “all searching eye.”   Here in Jacob 2:10 again is the reference to “the piercing eye of the Almighty God.” This “all seeing eye” of God is represented in the architecture of the Nauvoo Temple and the Salt Lake Temple – which was influenced by Freemasonry.    

Jacob 2:11 “Wherefore, I must tell you the truth according to the plainness of the word of God.  For behold, as I inquired of the Lord, thus came the word unto me, saying: Jacob, get thou up into the temple on the morrow, and declare the word which I shall give thee unto this people.” 

First, Jacob warns his people about materialism, and putting money and wealth ahead of everything else.  He says, there is lots of gold, and silver, and precious ores in this promised land to make them rich.  But it has made them full of pride.  They wear nice clothing and think they are better than others.  The phrase “for gold, and for silver, and for all manner of precious ores” is similar, to 2 Chronicles 32:27.

Jacob 2:13 The words “more abundantly than” is also in 2 Corinthians 15:10.

Jacob 2:14 “And, my brethren, do ye suppose that God justifieth you in this thing?  Behold, I say unto you, Nay.  But he condemneth you, and if ye persist in these things his judgments must speedily come unto you.”  God is going to punish them.  The words “Nay.  But he” is also in John 7:12.

Jacob 2:15 “O that he would show you that he can pierce you, and with one glance of his eye he can smite you to the dust!” There’s that “eye” reference again.   The words “smite you to the dust!” is similar, to 2 Samuel 2:22.

Jacob 2:16 “O that he would rid you from this iniquity and abomination.  And, O that ye would listen unto the words of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls!”  The words “O that he would” is similar, to Job 13:5.

Next, Jacob has a simple solution to overcoming pride and materialism.  He is going to give some financial advice.

Jacob 2:17 “Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.”    

Jacob 2:18 “But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.”  This verse is similar, to Matthew 6:33.

Jacob 2:19 “And after ye have obtained riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good – to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.”  In other words, AFTER you get rich – THEN use the money to do good to others.  And this will help to reduce the pride factor in your lives.  The words “hope in Christ” is also in 1 Corinthians 15:19.

Jacob 2:20 the words “the things which God hath” is also in 1 Corinthians 2:9.

Jacob 2:21 In the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon it read “who created all thingswhich is also in is also in Ephesians 3:9. But, in the 2013 edition it was changed to read “who created all flesh.”  So, they changed the word   “things” to “flesh.”  The words “for the selfsame” is also in 2 Corinthians 5:5.

Jacob would have ended his speech at this point – if it were not for a “grosser crime” of his people.

Jacob 2:23 “But the word of God burdens me because of your grosser crimes.  For behold, thus saith the Lord: This people begin to wax in iniquity; they understand not the scriptures, for they seek to excuse themselves in committing whoredoms, because of the things which were written concerning David, and Solomon his son.” The words “the scriptures” is also in 1 Corinthians 15:4. Evidently, Jacob’s people were using David and Solomon as an excuse to practice polygamy.  According to Mormonism, David had lost his exaltation (see D&C 132:39) – so David was not a good example for Jacob’s people to follow.  Then, there was Solomon who had 700 wives and 300 concubines – which are second class wives (see 1 Kings 11:3).  That’s a lot!  I mean, LDS Prophet Brigham Young only had 55 wives and the Prophet Joseph Smith only had 40.  For more on this, see Gospel Topic Essays on Plural Marriage at ChurchofJesusChrist.org also, Episode “Polygamy” part 2.   

Jacob 2:24 “Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord.”  But, wait a second – this verse obviously contradicts what the Lord told Joseph Smith in Doctrine and Covenants 132:39 “David’s wives and concubines were given unto him of me, by the hand of Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets who had the keys of this power; and in none of these things did he sin against me save in the case of Uriah and his wife;”    

For many decades, the LDS Church and its members perpetuated the idea that plural marriage in the 1800’s was instituted because many of the Mormon men were killed off by mobs, etc.  And plural marriage was required for the remaining women to have a husband.  But, census records of the Utah Territory prove otherwise.  In fact, there were more men than women during that time in early church history. 

Jacob 2:25 The phrases “have led this people froth out of the land of” is similar, to Daniel 9:15 and, “That I might raise up unto me a righteous branch” is similar, to Jeremiah 23:5.

Jacob 2:26 The words “will not suffer that” is similar, to Mark 11:16.

The Lord goes on to say that He won’t allow Jacob’s people in the promise land to practice polygamy.

Now, as Jacob continues – he will explain why people in the Old Testament era practiced plural marriage.  It is simple – the Lord commanded it.  But, let’s take a look at the rules for plural marriage as given by Jacob in the following verses.

Jacob 2:27 “Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none;”  The phrase “hearken to the word of the Lord” is similar, to Jeremiah 37:2.  In the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon it read “there shall not any, morebut in the 2013 edition it was changed to read “there shall not any man.”  So, from “more” to “man.”

Jacob 2:28 “For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women.  And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts.”

Jacob 2:29 “Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments saith the Lord of Hosts, or cursed be the land for their sakes.”

Jacob 2:30 “For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things.”  The words “I will command my” is also in Leviticus 25:21.

So, what we just covered in Verses 27 and 30 constitute the word of the Lord regarding plural marriage.

It states in, Discourses of Wilford Woodruff pp. 213-218 “In the early days of this dispensation, as part of the promised restitution of all things, the Lord revealed the principle of plural marriage to the Prophet.  Later the Prophet and leading brethren were commanded to enter into the practice, which they did in all virtue and purity of heart despite the consequent animosity and prejudices of worldly people.  After Brigham Young led the saints to the Salt Lake Valley, plural marriage was openly taught and practiced until the year 1890.  At that time conditions were such that the Lord by revelation withdrew the command to continue the practice, and President Wilford Woodruff issued the Manifesto directing that it cease.”

Today, the modern LDS Church excommunicates any member who practice plural marriage.  But, that’s not to say – polygamy won’t become sanctioned again by the Church some, day. 

In fact, LDS Apostle Bruce R. McConkie stated in his book Mormon Doctrine pg. 578 “Obviously the holy practice will commence again after the Second Coming of the Son of Man and the ushering in of the Millennium.”  So Latter-day Saint women have that to look forward to.  Until then, there is celestial or spiritual polygamy – practiced in the Church today.  Both President Nelson and his First Counselor Dallin Oaks are sealed in the temple to two women and will have them both in the life hereafter.  For more on this, see Episode 5 “Polygamy” part 1.  

Jacob 2:31 The words “the lands of my people” is similar, to Isaiah 32:13.

Jacob 2:32 The words “the cries of” is also in James 5:4.

Jacob 2:33 “For they shall not lead away captive the daughters of my people because of their tenderness, save I shall visit them with a sore curse, even unto destruction; for they shall not commit whoredoms, like unto them of old, saith the Lord of Hosts.”  The words “with a sore curse” is similar, to Micah 2:10.

Jacob 2:35 “Behold, ye have done greater iniquities that the Lamanites, our brethren.  Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them; and the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you.  And because of the strictness of the word of God, which cometh down against you, many hearts died, pierced with deep wounds.” 

Next, Jacob speaks to those Nephites who are “pure in heart.”  He wants them to “receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love.” 

Jacob 3:1 The phrases “are pure in heart” is similar, to Matthew 5:8 and, “and he will plead” is also in Micah 6:2.

And, then Jacob warns the wicked among his people to repent – or they will be destroyed. 

Jacob 3:3 “and the Lamanites, which are not filthy like unto you, nevertheless they are cursed with a sore cursing, shall scourge you even unto destruction.”  The phrases “wo, unto you that are” is similar, to Luke 6:25 and, “except ye repent” is also in Luke 13:3. 

Jacob 3:4 “And the time speedily cometh, that except ye repent they shall possess the land of your inheritance, and the Lord God will lead away the righteous out from among you.”  We will read about Mosiah – leading the righteous out of the land of Nephi to Zarahemla (see Omni 1:12-15).

Remember how God – back in 2 Nephi chapter 5cursed the Lamanites by darkening their skin to make them appear repulsive to the white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome Nephites?  Well, it worked.  The Nephites hated the Lamanites because of their filthiness and dark skin.  But God is warning the Nephites that He’ll do it to them too, if they don’t repent.

Jacob 3:5 “Behold, the Lamanites your brethren, whom ye hate because of their filthiness and the cursing which hath come upon their skins, are more righteous than you; for they have not forgotten the commandment of the Lord, which was given unto our father – that they should have save it were one wife, and concubines they should have none, and there should not be whoredoms committed among them.”

The Nephites are told that because the Lamanites don’t live plural marriage – God will not destroy them and one day they will become a blessed people. 

Jacob 3:7 The phrase “husbands love their wives” is also in Colossians 3:19.

Jacob warns his people that unless they repent, he will make their skin even darker than that of the Lamanites.  Heaven, forbid! 

Jacob 3:8 “O my brethren, I fear that unless ye shall repent of your sins that their skins will be whiter than yours, when ye shall be brought with them before the throne of God.” They will be more righteous and worthy on Judgment Day than the Nephites.  So, all of that will be determined by the color of our skin?  The words “will be whiter than” is similar, to Psalm 51:7.

Jacob tells them that the Lord doesn’t want the Nephites to condemn the Lamanites anymore because of their filthiness and their dark skin.  They shouldn’t be hypocrites by looking down on the Lamanites when they were guilty of gross sin themselves. 

Jacob 3:9 The phrase “which is the word of God” is also in Ephesians 6:17.

Next, Jacob calls them to repentance.

Jacob 3:11 “O my brethren, hearken unto my words; arouse the faculties of your souls; shake yourselves  that ye may awake from the slumber of death; and loose yourselves from the pains of hell that ye may not become angels to the devil, to be cast into that lake of fire and brimstone which is the second death.”  In other words, wake up from your spiritual death and think – in order to avoid being kept out of God’s presence forever.  The phrase “fire and brimstone which is the second death” is also in Revelation 21:8. The word “faculties” in this verse is an English term dating back no earlier then the late 14th century.  Strange indeed, that it would be translated from a word on an ancient plate dating over 1,000 years earlier. 

Jacob 3:12 The words “fornication and lasciviousness” is also in 2 Corinthians 12:21.

After delivering God’s dark-skin warning, Jacob spoke about many more things concerning their sexual practices and immorality – only one percent of which he included in his small plates.  But you can read all about it in the larger plates – which also contain “their wars, and their contentions, and the reigns of their kings.”

Jacob 3:13 The phrases “And a hundredth part of the” is similar, to Nehemiah 5:11 and, “and their contentions” is also in Proverbs 18:19. 

He ends this chapter by saying in Jacob 3:14 “These plates are called the plates of Jacob, and they are made by the hand of Nephi.  And I make an end of speaking these words.”   Jacob’s plates were somehow made by the hand of Nephi after Nephi, died?  How does that happen? The words “make an end of speaking these words” is similar, to 1 Samuel 24:16.

Ironically, Jacob begins Chapter 4 by engraving 150 words in verses 1-3 to tell us that he can’t use many words because of the difficulty of engraving words on metal plates – which are permanent and can’t be erased – once etched or inscribed.   

Still, Jacob feels the need to engrave his words on the plates so he can tell the Nephites about the birth of Jesus, which will happen 550 years in the future.  Of course, all this is old news by now – as it has been announced many times before and written by Lehi and Nephi (see 1 Nephi 1:8-11; 10:3-11; 11:1-36; 12:6-10; 14:7; 19:8-12; 2 Nephi 9:3-54; 11:4-7; 33:10).

Jacob 4:2 The words “concerning their fathers” is also in Jeremiah 16:3.

Jacob 4:3 The words “with joy and not with sorrow” is similar, to Hebrews 13:17.

Jacob 4:4 “For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.”  Jacob is saying that ALL the prophets in the Old Testament – Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc. – believed in Jesus and worshipped God in Jesus’ name – hundreds of years before Jesus was born!  That is news to the world!  And, not at all supported by the Bible.  The phrases “before his coming” is in Acts 13:24 and, “prophets which were before us” is similar, to Matthew 5:12.

Next, Jacob explains the purpose of the Law of Moses which they kept right along, side their belief in Christ.  They are supposedly keeping the Law of Moses and yet there is no reference in the Book of Mormon to any named Judaic activity, feast, celebration, custom, or way of life – other than a few oblique mentions of “sacrifices” and “burnt offerings” which are meaningless.  No Passover, no circumcision, etc.  So, in covering an entire 600 year-period – all the writer of the Book of Mormon came up with were four passages (1 Nephi 5:9; 1 Nephi 7:22; Mosiah 2:3; 3 Nephi 9:19).  It is apparent that the Book of Mormon was written by someone who was not at all familiar with the ancient Jewish religion and chose to simply leave it out of the entire narrative.   

Jacob 4:5 “Behold, they believed in Christ and worshipped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name.  And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.”  There is no reference to Jesus or to Christ, or even God’s ‘Only Begotten Son’ in the Old Testament.  It was the pre-Christian era, and – they were living the Law of Moses.  Both concepts could not have co-existed in the same era.  Nevertheless, the Book of Mormon adamantly teaches it here and extensively throughout its storyline.   The phrases “worship the Father in” is also in John 4:23 and “it is sanctified” is in 1 Timothy 4:5 and, “it was accounted unto” is similar, to Galatians 3:6 and, “similitude of God” is also in James 3:9 and, “Only Begotten Son” is also in John 1:18.   

Jacob 4:6 “Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all theses witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.”  So, just by commanding in the name of Jesus – with no mention of priesthood power or authority – the righteous Nephites could order trees around.    And order around mountains, and waves of the sea.  For what purpose would they do that?  When did they ever do it?  The words “the spirit of prophecy” is also in Revelation 19:10 and, “the waves of the sea” are in Job 9:8.

Jacob 4:7 “Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.”  The words “by his grace“ and, “power to do these things” is similar, to Mark 11:28. 

Now, Jacob is going to teach the importance of revelation.

Jacob 4:8 “Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord.  How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways.  And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God.”  The phrases “great and marvelous are the works of the Lord” is similar, to Revelation 15:3 and, “How unsearchable are” is the same in Romans 11:33 and, “that man should find” is also in Ecclesiastes 7:14.

Jacob 4:9 The words “according to his will and pleasure” is similar, to Ephesians 1:9.

Jacob 4:10 “Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand.  For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.”  The phrases “ye yourselves know that” is similar, to Acts 20:34 and, “over all his works” is the same as Psalm 145:9. 

Jacob now speaks of the atonement of Christ.

Jacob 4:11 “Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself in the flesh.”  Jacob is referring to a resurrection into the Celestial kingdom – though the three degrees of heaven or glory are never mentioned in the Book of Mormon.  The words “his Only Begotten Son, that” is the same as John 3:16 and, “may obtain a resurrection” is similar, to Hebrews 11:35 and, “the power of the resurrection” is similar, to Philippians 3:10 and, “which is in Christ” is same as Romans 8:39 and, “the first-fruits of Christ unto God” is similar, to Revelation 14:4 and, “hope of glory” is also in Colossians 1:27 and, “he manifesteth himself in the flesh” is similar, to 1 Timothy 3:16. 

Jacob 4:12 The phrases “marvel not that I tell you” is similar, to John 3:7 and, “and the world to come” is similar, to Mark 10:30.

Jacob is now back to talking about prophesy.

Jacob 4:13 “Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not.  Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls.  But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old.” The phrases “the Spirit speaketh” is also in 1 Timothy 4:1 and, “manifested unto us” is also in 1 John 1:2 and, “the salvation of our souls” is the same in 1 Peter 1:9.

Jacob goes on in Jacob 4:14, to talk about the Jews who are a stiffnecked people.  They despise the words of plainness and complicate things.  They killed the prophets and sought for things they could not understanding.  They were blind to the truth because they looked beyond the mark.  God took away His plainness from them so that they may stumble.  I suppose this means that they wouldn’t recognize who Jesus Christ was when He comes – and will look beyond Him for the Messiah to come.  The words “killed the prophets” is also in Matthew 23:31.

In the final verses of Chapter 4, Jacob sets the stage for his allegory of the tame and wild olive tree – which we will study about in our next lesson.  The question is:  How can  Jews or any people – who completely reject the Savior – ever come back and be recovered?

Jacob 4:15 “And now I, Jacob, am led on by the Spirit unto prophesying; for I perceive by the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that by the stumbling of the Jews they will reject the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation.”  The words “for I perceive” is also in Luke 8:46.

Jacob 4:16 “But behold, according to the scriptures, this stone shall become the great, and the last, and the only sure foundation, upon which the Jews can build.”  The words “according to the scriptures” is also in 1 Corinthians 15:3.

Jacob 4:17 “And now, my beloved, how is it possible that these, after having rejected the sure foundation, can ever build upon it, that it may become the head of their corner?”  The words “sure foundation” is also in Isaiah 28:16. 

And finally – Jacob expresses his anxiousness in getting his point across in the upcoming lesson of Chapter 5

Jacob 4:18 “Behold, my beloved brethren, I will unfold this mystery unto you; if I do not, by any means, get shaken from my firmness in the Spirit, and stumble because of my over anxiety for you.” 

And, this concludes our study for today.  For More you can find this podcast on demand were ever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube. You can also find us on Facebook. And share this with your friends.  Or, you can go to our website at Talking to Mormons.com where you can download this script and learn much more. 

And, until next time – God Bless!

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