Introduction:

This session can best be characterized by what it is not. It is not an attempt to "prove" the Book of Mormon. Rather, the Book of Mormon will be assumed, and we will see where that leads.

The first part of the lesson is a review of the history of the people in the Book of Mormon. That is, it is a review of the movements of peoples as depicted in the book.

The second portion is what I like to call "Archaeological tidbits." That is, assuming the Book is true, what archaeological facts support this. I prefer to do this as tidbits rather than a sequential outline, as I have seen many good observations in this area spoiled because the author has seen the need to cover the entire book.

All references mentioned will be taken from the 1966 readers edition of the Book of Mormon, published by the Community of Christ, simply because that is the version I currently have before me. I will not actually copy the references into this paper because, to put it bluntly, I'm too lazy.

The quoted references below are from the 1908 edition of the Book of Mormon, published by the Community of Christ, simply because that is the version I found on Internet. The references are the same.

If you look at a Mormon copy of the Book of Mormon, the reference numbers will be different, however the text will be pretty much the same. You just may have to look for the text.

History:

There are three groups of people whose trip to the "Promise land" is depicted in the Book of Mormon. This is not a complete list of peoples to come, indeed, Columbus, Leif Ericson, and possibly others have come over as well.

In addition, there is a lot more history presented than I have presented here. Particularly from the period just prior to the beginning of the reign of the Judges, where my story indicates that things get complicated (they really do). Also, there is a lot of battle scenes, particularly from the battles of the famous General Moroni.

Lehi's group:

The first mentioned was the Nephite/Lamanite peoples. These peoples left Jerusalem during the reign of King Zedekiah. The majority of the book is about this group (sort of, as we will see later). In addition, the journey is reasonably well documented.

Scripture list:

• I Nephi 1:3 Caravan originated in Jerusalem, during the reign of Zedekiah.

For it came to pass, in the commencement of the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah (my father Lehi having dwelt at Jerusalem in all his days);

• I Nephi 1:29-30 Caravan went [south] to the Red Sea. (A camp was made, and supplied gathered, including records and women.)

And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and he departed into the wilderness; And he came down by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea;

• I Nephi 5:15-16 Travel began by going 4 days south-southwest. (Note the curve of the Red Sea.)

And it came to pass that we did take our tents, and depart into the wilderness, across the river Laman. And it came to pass that we traveled for the space of four days, nearly a south, south-east direction, and we did pitch our tents again; and we did call the name of the place Shazer.

• I Nephi 5:18-21 Traveled south-southwest along the Red Sea.

And we did go forth again, in the wilderness, following the same direction, keeping in the most fertile parts of the wilderness, which were in the borders near the Red Sea. And it came to pass that we did travel for the space of many days, slaying food by the way, with our bows and our arrows, and our stones and our slings; And we did follow the directions of the ball, which led us in the more fertile parts of the wilderness. And after we had traveled for the space of many days, we did pitch our tents for the space of a time, that we might again rest ourselves and obtain food for our families.

• I Nephi 5:42-44 Continued "many days."

And it came to pass that we did again take our journey, traveling nearly the same course as in the beginning; And after we had traveled for the space of many days, we did pitch our tents again, that we might tarry for the space of a time.

• I Nephi 5:55 Nearly due east

And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward, from that time forth.

• I Nephi 5:61 Preparation and journey took 8 years.

And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yea, even eight years in the wilderness.

• I Nephi 5:67 Bountiful (southern Yemen)

And we called the place Bountiful, because of its much fruit.

• I Nephi 5:180-182 Start of sea voyage.

And it came to pass after we had all gone down into the ship, and had taken with us our provisions and things which had been commanded us, We did put forth into the sea, and were driven forth before the wind, towards the promised land; And after we had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren, and the sons of Ishmael, and also their wives, began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness,

• I Nephi 5:212 Arrival at the "Promise land"

And it came to pass that after we had sailed for the space of many days, we did arrive to the promised land;

• II Nephi 4:9-12 Nephite-Lamanite split.

And all those who would go with me, were those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God; wherefore, they did hearken unto my words. And we did take our tents and whatsoever things were possible for us, and did journey in the wilderness for the space of many days. And after we had journeyed for the space of many days, we did pitch our tents. And my people would that we should call the name of the place Nephi; wherefore, we did call it Nephi.

• II Nephi 4:35 Lamaites get "skin of blackness"

Wherefore, as they were white, and exceeding fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people, the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them.

• Omni 1:19-23 Nephites flee to "Zarahemla" (see "People of Zarahemla")

Behold, I will speak unto you somewhat concerning Mosiah, who was make king over the land of Zarahemla: For behold, he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord, should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness. And it came to pass that he did according as the Lord had commanded him. And they departed out of the land into the wilderness, as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord; and they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God: and they were led by the power of his arm, through the wilderness, until they came down into the land which is called the land of Zarahemla.

• Omni 1:48-50 First attempt to return to Land of Nephi (failed)(Starting here, it gets complicated)

And now, I would speak somewhat concerning a certain number who went up into the wilderness, to return to the land of Nephi: For there was a large number who were desirous to possess the land of their inheritance; wherefore, they went up into the wilderness. And their leader being a strong and a mighty man, and a stiff- necked man, wherefore he caused a contention among them; and they were all slain, save fifty, in the wilderness, and they returned again to the land of Zarahemla.

• Omni 1:51 Second attempt to return.

And it came to pass that they also took others, to a considerable number, and took their journey again into the wilderness.

• Mosiah 5:1-6 Search for "Lehi-Nephi" and the party that returned.

And now, it came to pass that after King Mosiah had had continual peace, for the space of three years, he was desirous to know concerning the people who went up to dwell in the land of Lehi-Nephi, or in the city of Lehi-Nephi: For his people had heard nothing from them, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla; therefore, they wearied him with their teasings. And it came to pass that King Mosiah granted that sixteen of their strong men might go up to the land of Lehi-Nephi, to inquire concerning their brethren. And it came to pass that on the morrow, they started to go up, having with them one Ammon, he being a strong and mighty man, and a descendant of Zarahemla; and he was also their leader. And now, they knew not the course they should travel in the wilderness, to go up to the land of Lehi-Nephi; therefore, they wandered many days in the wilderness, even forty days did they wander. And when they had wandered forty days, they came to a hill, which is north of the land of Shilom, and there they pitched their tents.

• (a flashback) Mosiah 5:60-62 Found a "final battle" (King referred to is Limhi)

And the king said unto him, Being grieved for the afflictions of my people, I caused that forty and three of my people should take a journey into the wilderness, that thereby they might find the land of Zarahemla; that we might appeal unto our brethren to deliver us out of bondage; And they were lost in the wilderness, for the space of many days, yet they were diligent, and found not the land of Zarahemla, but returned to this land, having traveled in a land among many waters; Having discovered a land which was covered with bones of men, and of beasts, etc., and was also covered with ruins of buildings of every kind: Having discovered a land which had been peopled with a people who were as numerous as the hosts of Israel.

• (a flashback in the flashback) Mosiah 9:72 Alma leads a group.

And it came to pass that Alma, and the people of the Lord, were apprised of the coming of the king's army; therefore they took their tents and their families, and departed into the wilderness. And they were in number about four hundred and fifty souls.

• (continues) Mosiah 9:82-89 Noah leads a group. (King referred to is Noah)

And the king commanded the people that they should flee before the Lamanites, and he himself did go before them, and they did flee into the wilderness with their women and their children. And it came to pass that the Lamanites did pursue them, and did overtake them, and began to slay them. And it came to pass that the king commanded them that all the men should leave their wives and their children, and flee before the Lamanites. Now there were many that would not leave them, but had rather stay and perish with them. And the rest left their wives and their children and fled. And it came to pass that those who tarried with their wives and their children, caused that their fair daughters should stand forth and plead with the Lamanites, that they would not slay them. And it came to pass that the Lamanites has compassion on them, for they were charmed with the beauty of their women; Therefore the Lamanites did spare their lives, and took them captives, and carried them back to the land of Nephi, and granted unto them that they might possess the land, under the conditions that they would deliver up King Noah into the hands of the Lamanites, and deliver up their property.

• (continue) Mosiah 9:94-95 Most of Noah's group return

And it came to pass that they met the people in the wilderness, all save the king and his priests. Now they had sworn in their hearts that they would return to the land of Nephi, and if their wives and their children were slain, and also those that had tarried with them, that they would seek revenge, and also perish with them.

• (continue) Mosiah 9:110-112 Remainer of Noah's group capture wives. (End of flashbacks)

And now the priests of King Noah, being ashamed to return to the city of Nephi, yea, and also fearing that the people would slay them, therefore they durst not return to their wives and their children. And having tarried in the wilderness, and having discovered the daughters of the Lamanites, they laid and watched them; and when there were but few of them gathered together to dance, they came forth out of their secret places, and took them and carried them into the wilderness. Yea, twenty and four of the daughters of the Lamanites they carried into the wilderness;

• Mosiah 10:14-16 Limhi (leader of the Lehi-Nephi group) returns to Zarahemla.

And it came to pass that the people of King Limhi did depart by night into the wilderness with their flocks and their herds, and they went round about the land of Shilom in the wilderness and bent their course towards the land of Zarahemla, being led by Ammon and his brethren. And they had taken all their gold, and silver, and their precious things, which they could carry; and also their provisions with them, into the wilderness; and they pursued their journey. And after being many days in the wilderness, they arrived in the land of Zarahemla, and joined his people, and became his subjects.

• (Flashback) Mosiah 11:69 Alma on the move.

And in the morning the Lord caused a deep sleep to come upon the Lamanities, yea, and all their task-masters were in a profound sleep. And Alma and his people departed into the wilderness; and when they had traveled all day, they pitched their tents in a valley, and they called the valley Alma, because he led their way in the wilderness; Yea, and in the valley of Alma they poured out their thanks to God because he had been merciful unto them, and eased their burdens, and had delivered them out of bondage;

• (continued) Mosiah 11:75-76 Alma goes to Zarahemla. (End of complicated part)

And it came to pass that they departed out of the valley, and took their journey unto the wilderness. And after they had been in the wilderness twelve days, they arrived to the land of Zarahemla; and King Mosiah did also receive them with joy.

• Mosiah 11:78-79 Informal census

Now there were not so many of the children of Nephi, or so many of those who were the descendants of Nephi, as there were of the people of Zarahemla, who was a descendant of Mulok, and those who came with him into the wilderness; And there were not so many of the people of Nephi and of the people of Zarahemla as there were of the Lamanites: yea, they were not half so numerous.

• Mosiah 13:62-67 Reign of Judges starts (Before this, time measured from when Lehi left Jerusalem. After this, it is measured from the start of the reign of Judges.) (92 BCE) (Also, to learn more about the political situation among the people, read the rest of this chapter.)

And it came to pass that they did appoint judges to rule over them, or to judge them according to the law; and this they did throughout all the land. And it came to pass that Alma was appointed to be the chief judge; he being also the high priest; his father having conferred the office upon him, and had given him the charge concerning all the affairs of the church. And now it came to pass that Alma did walk in the ways of the Lord, and he did keep his commandments, and he did judge righteous judgments; and there was continual peace through the land; And thus commenced the reign of the judges throughout all the land of Zarahemla, among all the people who were called the Nephites: And Alma was the first and chief judge. And now it came to pass that his father died, being eighty and two years old, having lived to fulfill the commandments of God. And it came to pass that Mosiah died also, in the thirty and third year of his reign, being sixty and three years old, making in the whole, five hundred and nine years from the time Lehi left Jerusalem;

• Alma 2:22-27 Alma gave up chief judge position, separating church and state.

And now it came to pass that Alma, having seen the afflictions of the humble followers of God, and the persecutions which were heaped upon them by the remainder of his people, and seeing all their inequality, began to be very sorrowful; nevertheless the Spirit of the Lord did not fail him. And he selected a wise man who was among the elders of the church, and gave him power according to the voice of the people, that he might have power to enact laws according to the laws which had been given, and to put them in force, according to the wickedness and the crimes of the people. Now this man's name was Nephihah, and he was appointed chief judge; and he sat in the judgment seat, to judge and to govern the people. Now Alma did not grant unto him the office of being high priest over the church, but he retained the office of high priest unto himself; but he delivered the judgment seat unto Nephihah: And this he did, that he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty, And that he might pull down, by the word of God, all the pride and craftiness, and all the contentions which were among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them, save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them,

• Alma 20:18-19 Moroni, the great general, appears

Now the leader of the Nephites, or the man who had been appointed to be the chief captain over the Nephites: now the chief captain took the command of all the armies of the Nephites: and his name was Moroni; And Moroni took all the command, and the governments of their wars. And he was only twenty and five years old when he was appointed chief captain over the armies of the Nephites.

• Alma 23:5 King-men fight democracy. (25 yj) (yj == Year of the Judges)

And it came to pass that those who were desirous that Pahoran should be dethroned from the judgment seat, were called king-men, for they were desirous that the law should be altered in a manner to overthrow the free government, and to establish a king over the land. And those who were desirous that Pahoran should remain chief judge over the land, took upon them the name of freemen; and thus was the division among them; for the freemen had sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights, and the privileges of their religion, by a free government.

• Alma 29:8-11 King-men defeated. (30 yj)

And behold, Pachus was slain, and his men were taken prisoners; and Pahoran was restored to his judgment seat. And the men of Pachus received their trial, according to the law, and also those king-men who had been taken and cast into prison; and they were executed according to the law; Yea, those men of Pachus, and those king-men, whosoever would not take up arms in the defense of their country, but would fight against it, were put to death. And thus it became expedient that this law should be strictly observed, for the safety of their country; yea, and whosoever was found denying their freedom, was speedily executed according to the law.

• Helaman 2:140-143 "Start" of Gadianton Robbers (67 yj)

Yea, they began to seek to get gain, that they might be lifted up one above another; therefore they began to commit secret murders, and to rob and to plunder that they might get gain. And now behold, those murderers and plunderers were a band who had been formed by Kishkumen and Gadianton. And now it had come to pass that there were many even among the Nephites, of Gadianton's band. But behold, they were more numerous among the more wicked part of the Lamanites. And they were called Gadianton's robbers and murderers; and it was they who did murder the chief judge Cezoram, and his son, while in the judgment seat; and behold they were not found.

• III Nephi 1:16-24 Birth of Christ (92 yj)

And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken: For behold at the going down of the sun, there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished, because there was no darkness when the night came. And there were many who had not believed the words of the prophets, fell to the earth, and became as if they were dead, for they knew that the great plan of destruction which they had laid for those who believed in the words of the prophets, had been frustrated, for the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; Yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth, from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished, that they fell to the earth; For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given, was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief. And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was midday. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given. And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets. And it came to pass also, that a new star did appear, according to the word.

• III Nephi 1:44-45 Time measured from Birth of Christ (CE)

And six hundred and nine years had passed away, since Lehi left Jerusalem; and nine years had passed away, from the time when the sign was given, which was spoken of by the prophets, that Christ should come into the world. Now the Nephites began to reckon their time from this period when the sign was given or from the coming of Christ;

• III Nephi 1:48 Lamanites and Nephites unite to fight Gadianton Robbers. (13 CE)

And it came to pass in thirteenth year, there began to be wars and contentions throughout all the land; for the Gadianton robbers had become so numerous, and did slay so many of the people, and did lay waste so many cities, and did spread so much death and carnage throughout the land, that it became expedient that all the people, both the Nephites, and the Lamanites, should take up arms against them;

• III Nephi 4:6-25 Destruction at Christ's death. (34 CE)

And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, in the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land; And there was also a great and terrible tempest; and there was terrible thunder, insomuch that it did shake the whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder; and there were exceeding sharp lightnings, such as never had been known in all the land. And the city of Zarahemla did take fire; and the city of Moroni did sink into the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof were drowned; And the earth was carried up upon the city of Moronihah, that in the place of the city thereof, there became a great mountain; and there was a great and terrible destruction in the land southward. But behold, there was a more great and terrible destruction in the land northward: for behold, the whole face of the land was changed, because of the tempests, and the whirlwinds, and the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the exceeding great quaking of the whole earth; And the highways were broken up, and the level roads were spoiled, and many smooth places became rough, and many great and notable cities were sunk, and many were burned, and many were shook till the buildings thereof had fallen to the earth, and the inhabitants thereof were slain, and the places were left desolate; And there were some cities which remained; but the damage thereof was exceeding great, and there were many in them who were slain; And there were some who were carried away in the whirlwind; and whither they went, no man knoweth, save they know that they were carried away; And thus the face of the whole earth became deformed, because of the tempests, and the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the quaking of the earth. And behold, the rocks were rent in twain; yea, they were broken up upon the face of the whole earth, insomuch that they were found in broken fragments, and in seams, and in cracks, upon all the face of the land. And it came to pass that when the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the storm, and the tempest, and the quakings of the earth did cease--for behold, they did last for about the space of three hours; and it was said by some that the time was greater; Nevertheless, all these great and terrible things were done in about the space of three hours; and then behold, there was darkness upon the face of the land. And it came to pass that there was thick darkness upon all the face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof who had not fallen, could feel the vapor of darkness; And there could be no light, because of the darkness; neither candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled with their fine and exceeding dry wood, so that there could not be any light at all; And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land. And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days, that there was no light seen; and there was great mourning, and howling, and weeping among all the people continually; Yea, great were the groanings of the people, because of the darkness and the great destruction which had come upon them. And in one place they were heard to cry, saying, O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and then would our brethren have been spared, and they would not have been burned in that great city Zarahemla. And in another place they were heard to cry and mourn, saying, O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast them out; Then would our mothers, and our fair daughters, and our children have been spared, and not have been buried up in that great city Moronihah; and thus were the howlings of the people great and terrible.

• V Nephi 1:3-20 Not Nephites, Lamanites, or any "ites"

And they did not walk any more after the performances and ordinances of the Law of Moses, but they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft, both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord. And it came to pass that there was no contention among all the people, in all the land, but there were mighty miracles wrought among the disciples of Jesus. And it came to pass that the seventy and first year passed away, and also the seventy and second year; yea, and in fine, until the seventy and ninth year had passed away; yea, even an hundred years had passed away, and the disciples of Jesus, whom he had chosen, had all gone to the paradise of God, save it were the three who should tarry; And there were other disciples ordained in their stead; and also many of that generation which had passed away. And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; And surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God: There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God;

• V Nephi 1:23 Lamanites appear (94 CE)

And he kept it eighty and four years, and there was still peace in the land, save it were a small part of the people who had revolted from the church, and took upon them the name of Lamanites; therefore there began to be Lamanites again in the land.

• V Nephi 1:31 Another church appears (210 CE)

And again, there was another church which denied the Christ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ; because of their humility, and their belief in Christ, and they did despise them, because of the many miracles which were wrought among them;

• V Nephi 1:50 Gadianton robbers reappear. (260 CE)

And it came to pass that the wicked part of the people began again to build up the secret oaths and combinations of Gadianton.

• Mormon 3:3-13 Final Battle (384 CE)

And I, Mormon, wrote an epistle unto the king of the Lamanites, and desired of him that he would grant unto us that we might gather together our people unto the land of Cumorah, by a hill which was called Cumorah, and there we would give them battle. And it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites did grant unto me the thing which I desired. And it came to pass that we did march forth to the land of Cumorah, and we did pitch our tents round about the hill Cumorah; and it was in a land of many waters, rivers and fountains; and here we had hope to gain advantage over the Lamanites. And when three hundred and eighty and four years had passed away, we had gathered in all the remainder of our people unto the land Cumorah. And it came to pass that when we had gathered in all our people in one to the land of Cumorah, behold I, Mormon, began to be old; and knowing it to be the last struggle of my people, and having been commanded of the Lord that I should not suffer that the records which had been handed down by our fathers, which were sacred, to fall into the hands of the Lamanites, (for the Lamanites would destroy them,) Therefore I made this record out of the plates of Nephi, and hid up in the hill Cumorah, all the records which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord, save it were these few plates which I gave unto my son Moroni. And it came to pass that my people, with their wives and their children, did now behold the armies of the Lamanites marching towards them; and with that awful fear of death which fills the breasts of all the wicked, did they wait to receive them. And it came to pass that they came to battle against us, and every soul was filled with terror, because of the greatness of their numbers. And it came to pass that they did fall upon my people with the sword, and with the bow, and with the arrow, and with the ax, and with all manner of weapons of war. And it came to pass that my men were hewn down, yea, even my ten thousand who were with me; and I fell wounded in the midst; and they passed by me that they did not put an end to my life. And when they had gone through and hewn down all my people save it were twenty and four of us, (among whom was my son Moroni,)

End of the story of the Nephites. After the final battle, there is no further record of Nephites, except of Moroni (Not the famous general), most of the people were killed.

People of Zarahemla (sometimes referred to as Mulekites):

The people of Zarahemla left shortly after Lehi and his expedition. Unlike Lehi, however, they did not keep any records, so the record is sketchy at best.

• Onmi 1:19-33 People of Zarahemla discovered.

Behold, I will speak unto you somewhat concerning Mosiah, who was make king over the land of Zarahemla: For behold, he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord, should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness. And it came to pass that he did according as the Lord had commanded him. And they departed out of the land into the wilderness, as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord; and they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God: and they were led by the power of his arm, through the wilderness, until they came down into the land which is called the land of Zarahemla. And they discovered a people, who were called the people of Zarahemla. Now, there was great rejoicing among the people of Zarahemla; and also, Zarahemla did rejoice exceedingly, because the Lord had sent the people of Mosiah with the plates of brass which contained the record of the Jews. Behold, it came to pass that Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla, came out from Jerusalem, at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon. And they journeyed in the wilderness, and were brought by the hand of the Lord, across the great waters, into the land where Mosiah discovered them; and they had dwelt there from that time forth. And at the time that Mosiah discovered them, they had become exceeding numerous. Nevertheless, they had had many wars and serious contentions, and had fallen by the sword from time to time; And their language had become corrupted; and they had brought no records with them: And they denied the being of their Creator; and Mosiah, nor the people of Mosiah, could understand them. But it came to pass that Mosiah caused that they should be taught in his language. And it came to pass that after they were taught in the language of Mosiah, Zarahemla gave a genealogy of his fathers, according to his memory; and they are written, but not in these plates.

• Mosiah 11:78 They were decedent from Mulek.

Now there were not so many of the children of Nephi, or so many of those who were the descendants of Nephi, as there were of the people of Zarahemla, who was a descendant of Mulok, and those who came with him into the wilderness;

• Helaman 2:129 Mulek was a son of Zedakiah

Now the land south was called Lehi, and the land north was called Mulek, which was after the son of Zedekiah; for the Lord did bring Mulek into the land north, and Lehi into the land south.

The result of not keeping records is that everything in the record of these people is short.

Jaredite Account:

(Note that the term "Jaredite" does not appear in the Book of Mormon, but rather is applied by people to refer to the descendants of Jared.)

Unlike the other groups, the Jaredite group is not a Jewish group. Rather, they are a group that left from the "Great Tower" also known as the "Tower of Babel" (although this term is not used in the Book of Mormon).

The book of Ether is about this group, and all references are from Ether. It should also be noted this is called an abridgment of an abridgment – the readers digest version of the readers digest version, so don't look for a lot of detail.

• Ether 1:7-11 Languages not confounded at the Great Tower.

Which Jared came forth with his brother and their families, with some others and their families, from the great tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, and swear in his wrath that they should be scattered upon all the face of the earth; and according to the word of the Lord the people were scattered. And the Brother of Jared being a large and a mighty man, and being a man highly favored of the Lord, for Jared his brother said unto him, Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words. And it came to pass that the Brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon Jared; therefore he did not confound the language of Jared; and Jared and his brother were not confounded. Then Jared said unto his brother, Cry again unto the Lord, and it may be that he will turn away his anger from them who are our friends, that he confound not their language. And it came to pass that the Brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon their friends, and their families also, that they were not confounded.

• Ether 1:22 To land Northward (Land of Nimrod, after Nimrod the Great Hunter [Genesis 10:5 IV 10:8 KJ])

And it came to pass that Jared, and his brother, and their families, and also the friends of Jared and his brother, and their families, went down into the valley which was northward, (and the name of the valley was Nimrod, being called after the mighty hunter,) with their flocks which they had gathered together, male and female, of every kind.

• Ether 1:26-27 They traveled

And it came to pass that the Lord commanded them that they should go forth into the wilderness, yea, into that quarter where there never had man been. And it came to pass that the Lord did go before them, and did talk with them as he stood in a cloud, and gave directions whither they should travel. And it came to pass that they did travel in the wilderness, and did build barges, in which they did cross many waters, being directed continually by the hand of the Lord.

• Ether 3:4-10 Start of Sea voyage.

And it came to pass that they prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast, or animal, or fowl that they should carry with them. And it came to pass that when they had done all these things, they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God. And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land: and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind. And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind. And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep, there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; Therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters, they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters. And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land, while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind;

• Ether 3:13 End of Sea voyage.

And thus they were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four days upon the water; and they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land, they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.

• Ether 3:18, 23 Census

And the friends of Jared and his brother, were in number about twenty and two souls; and they also begat sons and daughters, before they came to the promised land; and therefore they began to be many.

Now the number of the sons and the daughters of the Brother of Jared were twenty and two souls; and the number of the sons and daughters of Jared were twelve, he having four sons.

• Ether 3:24-34 They choose the first King

And it came to pass that they did number their people; and after that they had numbered them, they did desire of them the things which they would that they should do before they went down to their graves. And it came to pass that the people desired of them that they should anoint one of their sons to be a king over them. And now behold, this was grievous unto them. But the Brother of Jared said unto them, Surely, this thing leadeth into captivity. But Jared said unto his brother, Suffer them that they may have a king; and therefore he said unto them, Choose ye out from among our sons a king, even whom ye will. And it came to pass that they chose even the firstborn of the Brother of Jared; and his name was Pagag. And it came to pass that he refused and would not be their king. And the people would that his father should constrain him; but his father would not; and he commanded them that they should constrain no man to be their king. And it came to pass that they chose all the brothers of Pagag, and they would not. And it came to pass that neither would the sons of Jared, even all, save it were one; and Orihah was anointed to be king over the people. And he began to reign, and the people began to prosper; and they became exceeding rich.

• Ether 3:89-93 Start of Organized crime.

And Akish did administer unto them the oaths which were given by them of old, who also sought power, which had been handed down even from Cain, who was a murderer from the beginning. And they were kept up by the power of the devil to administer these oaths unto the people, to keep them in darkness, to help such as sought power, to gain power, and to murder, and to plunder, and to lie, and to commit all manner of wickedness and whoredoms. And it was the daughter of Jared who put it into his heart to search up these things of old; and Jared put it into the heart of Akish; wherefore Akish administered it unto his kindreds and friends, leading them away by fair promises to do whatsoever thing he desired. And it came to pass that they formed a secret combination, even as they of old; which combination is most abominable and wicked above all, in the sight of God; For the Lord worketh not in secret combinations, neither doth he will that man should shed blood, but in all things hath forbidden it, from the beginning of man.

• Ether 4:13 An almost final battle.

And there began to be a war between the sons of Akish and Akish, which lasted for the space of many years; yea, unto the destruction of nearly all the people of the kingdom; Yea, even all, save it were thirty souls, and they who fled with the house of Omer; wherefore Omer was restored again to the land of his inheritance.

• Ether 4:35 The Great Drought. (Worst I've ever heard of)

And it came to pass that there began to be a great dearth upon the land, and the inhabitants began to be destroyed exceeding fast, because of the dearth, for there was no rain upon the face of the earth; and there came forth poisonous serpents also upon the face of the land, and did poison many people.

(This was so bad that subsequent verses say the king of the land died from the drought.)

• Ether 4:69 The first National Park

And they did preserve the land southward for a wilderness, to get game.

• Ether 5:1 Coriantumr is King, Ether appears. This is the beginning of the end.

And it came to pass that the days of Ether were in the days of Coriantumr; and Coriantumr was king over all the land.

• Ether 6:14-15 Ether cast out, lives as a hermit

And I was about to write more, but I am forbidden; but great and marvelous were the prophecies of Ether, but they esteemed him as nought, and cast him out, and he hid himself in the cavity of a rock by day, and by night he went forth viewing the things which should come upon the people. And as he dwelt in the cavity of a rock, he made the remainder of this record, viewing the destructions which came upon the people by night.

• Ether 6:16-17 Start of "Final war"

And it came to pass that in that same year which he was cast out from among the people, there began to be a great war among the people, for there were many who rose up who were mighty men, and sought to destroy Coriantumr, by their secret plans of wickedness, of which hath been spoken. And now Coriantumr, having studied himself in all the arts of war, and all the cunning of the world, wherefore he gave battle unto them who sought to destroy him;

• Ether 6:100-106 End of "Final war"

And it came to pass that they fought for the space of three hours, and they fainted with the loss of blood. And it came to pass that when the men of Coriantumr had received sufficient strength, that they could walk, they were about to flee for their lives, but behold, Shiz arose, and also his men, and he swore in his wrath that he would slay Coriantumr, or he would perish by the sword; Wherefore he did pursue them, and on the morrow he did overtake them; and they fought again with the sword. And it came to pass that when they had all fallen by the sword, save it were Coriantumr and Shiz, behold, Shiz had fainted with the loss of blood. And it came to pass that when Coriantumr had leaned upon his sword, that he rested a little, he smote off the head of Shiz. And it came to pass that after he had smote off the head of Shiz, that Shiz raised upon his hands and fell; and after that he had struggled for breath, he died. And it came to pass that Coriantumr fell to the earth, and became as if he had no life.

This is the end of the record of Ether and the Jaredites. Coriantumr, the King, was later found by the people of Zarahemla (Omni 1:36-37), where he died.

Interesting Observations:

This is a list of some of the interesting observations I have made. The list is random, as I don't want to sort it into any order. This does not include the teachings of the Book of Mormon, which are reserved for the second lesson.

• Ether 1:20 It is prophesied that there would be no nations greater than that of the Jaredites. Possibly so, as it is very probable that the "Jaredites" may be the "People of Atlantis" referred to in Critias and Timaeus by Plato. (I have brought a copy of a translation of these works if anyone would care to see them.) The story is told that Plato ask the Egyptians about the origin of the Greek people, since Egypt had a record and Greece did not. The Egyptians told of a race of people that lived on the other side of the Atlantic. Indeed, the name "Atlantic" comes from the story of Atlantis. There can be little doubt about this, as the description is quite detailed, noting, for example, that the Mediterranean Sea is "but a harbor" for the Atlantic, for example. The Athenians were given credit for stopping an invasion by the Atlantians.

• Nor am not alone in thinking this. I have a German book I bought in Germany that makes this point. In addition, there are many Internet pages devoted to this subject, including at least one devoted to trying to get the World to rename South America to "its original name, Atlantis."

• The Star that announced Christ birth is mentioned in Helaman 5:56-59. It is not mentioned in the Bible prior to the arrival of the "Wise men." Some people have suggested that it is possible that the Wise men were really Nephite.

• As a graduate student I listened to a lecture on Religion by Vine Deloria. The occasion was the ending of a lecture series on American Indians, and, at the same time, the beginning of a lecture series on World Religions. He talked about the coming of religion to his people, and the story mirrors what is told in III Nephi, including a darkness throughout the land (so dark that animals and people had to hold hands to get from one place to another). Later, a teacher came and taught them their religion.

• There is evidence of some Jaredite influence on the Nephites, particularly after the merging with the People of Zarahemla. For example, "Sherem appears" (Jacob 5:1) Where from? This was very early in the Nephite invasion. The "Lamanites" may have been Jaredites, which may have been the reason for the dark skin. The robbers that started with the Jaredites continued with the Nephites as the Gadianton robbers.

• In the Book of Mormon, "Lamanite" and "Nephite" do not refer to lineage. (Jacob 1:14)

• The Book Kon-Tiki may give an indication as to what happened to some of the Nephites after the final battle. It tells of legends in Peru about a "White Race" which was wiped out in a final battle much as is depicted in the Book of Mormon. It differs as the Book of Mormon battle is in North of Peru, but the battle is said to have taken place at Lake Titicaca. The name of the chief responsible is given as "Cari" who is said to have come from the Coquimbo Valley. Some escaped to Peru, and taught the people there their culture, including how to move big stones. After a while, the leaders became so afraid of Cari that they decided to go back where they came from, and built a boat to Westward across the Pacific. On the other end, there is a corresponding legend about the people who came from the East to populate the Polynesian Islands. Since the Polynesians could give their ancestry back to "Kon Tiki" who came from the East, the date of Kon-Tiki is set at about 500 CE. (This assumed a generation of 25 years.) In Aku-Aku, Thor Heyerdahl finds a legend about a White race (who was actually reported by Captain Cook, who discovered Easter Island) and is able to carbon date the arrival of the "White race" at about 400 CE, only 16 years after the final battle of the Nephites. (I have these books available if someone wants to look at them.) This indicates that Moroni may have been wrong in his writing (Moroni 4:2)

  The quote from page 11-16 of the book Kon-Tiki. One can

• There is evidence of Phoenician influence in the Book of Mormon. (By the way, the Biblical name of the Phoenicians is the "Canaanites," as that is what they called themselves.) In particular, the "River Sidon" plays a big roll in the Book of Mormon. Sidon was the name of one of the Phoenician capital cities. I also saw some suggestions of evidence of Phoenician influence in the Americas. In particular, a rock with Phoenician writing was reported in New Mexico, I believe.

• This is important because this makes it quite likely the Mulekites may have come over on a Phoenician ship. That is, the Phoenicians, who did not say where they got what they traded for, may have continued to trade with the People of Atlantis (Jaredites) after the rest of Europe forgot the threat. Then, when the Israelites (who were closely related to the Canaanites in language) were wanting to flee the Babylonians, what better way than to ask the Phoenicians to hide them. So the Jaredites just set them up at the mouth of the "Game preserve," national park.

• The Nephites landed in the middle of the Jaredites national forest, which is why they didn't run into a lot of Jaredites.

• The place that the Nephites were wiped out at is that same as the place the Jaredites were wiped out at. (Ether 6:83) That is, the Hill Ramah of the Jaredite naming is the same as the Hill Cumorah (Nephi 3:8)

• There were a lot of people. (Mormon 1:7)

• It appears that Mormon and Moroni did not know when they would die. Therefore, the Book of Mormon actually has very many "endings," which have been attributed to the fact that both Mormon and Moroni were writing a bit, then, as the Lamanites closed in on them, they "finished" the writing not being aware that they would be able to write more. "Endings": Mormon 2:54. This is from when Mormon actually hid the plates in the Hill Cumorah. Mormon 3:33. This is where Mormon quits writing, and is, in fact, killed. Moroni takes over. Mormon 4:103. This is where Moroni finishes the tale of his people. It is a good place to stop. Ether 1:35 is the end of some moralizing by Moroni. This looks like it could be the beginning of an end. Ether 1:117. This is just a random point where the book could have ended, although questions would remain as the story was not complete. Ether 2:5 is another ending. During this period, Moroni didn't even get a chance to write more. Ether 3:102, Ether 5:41, and finally, Moroni 10:31, which is the actual end. This has been characterized as the way a man on the run would write.

• The Jaredites were likely Oriental, and their culture is know at the Olmic culture. The Jaredites had no prohibition against making pictures, and the drawings they make of themselves show an Oriental face. This indicates that they probably came across Asia and the Pacific rather than the Atlantic. That is, the current Chinese and Japanese could very easily be decedents of the friends of Jared.

• Note that the story told of building boats is not unique to the Book of Mormon. The story of Noah in the bible would be typical of a landlubber who was washed out to sea. (Do you think Noah measured how deep it was to the "mountains?" I doubt it.)

• There is evidence that the Jaredites king succession was through the youngest son rather than the oldest. That is, often there are notations that such and such a king had a child in his old age, and that child became king.

• The language of the Lamanites differed from that of the Nephites. (Mosiah 11:49) Could this be because the Lamanites were actually Jaredites?

• In I Nephi 3:251, a vision given to Nephi appears to merges with the revelation given in the Book of Revelations.

There are many other observations which could be made, but these are all that I have prepared for this class.

Book of Mormon Teachings

To describe all the teachings of the Book of Mormon would take roughly forever, so I will only present a subset. I shall attempt to limit the teachings to those that do not appear in the Bible. It is not because the Bible teachings are not important, or that the Book of Mormon is somehow better than the Bible, rather, I assume that the teachings of the Bible are well known. (A rather flimsy assumption I think.)

Also, I will include some text which I consider beautiful. After all, the world needs as much beauty as it can get.

As a warning, the Book of Mormon is a very sexist book. That is, if you are looking for scripture that tend to indicate equality between men and women, don't look here.

As before, these are not presented in any order.

• Ether 3:93 The Lord does not work in secret. A very strong anti-war scripture.

For the Lord worketh not in secret combinations, neither doth he will that man should shed blood, but in all things hath forbidden it, from the beginning of man.

• Ether 3:94-102 A strong warning against secret combinations.

And now I, Moroni, do not write the manner of their oaths and combinations, for it hath been made known unto me that they are had among all people, and they are had among the Lamanites, and they have caused the destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking, and also the destruction of the people of Nephi; And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed, for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them, and yet he avenge them not; Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shewn unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain, and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you; Yea, even the sword of the justice of the eternal God, shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction, if ye shall suffer these things to be; Wherefore the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you, that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you, or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who build it up. For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up, seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations and countries; And it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people; for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents; Yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men, that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning. Wherefore I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things, that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved.

• Ether 6:4-7 Any talk of "Zion" or a "New Jerusalem" does not take anything away from the significance of the "Old" Jerusalem.

Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ, and he spake concerning a New Jerusalem upon this land; and he spake also concerning the house of Israel, and the Jerusalem from whence Lehi should come; after it should be destroyed, it should be built up again a holy city unto the Lord; Wherefore it could not be a New Jerusalem, for it had been in a time of old, but it should be built up again, and become a holy city of the Lord: and it should be built up unto the house of Israel; And that a New Jerusalem should be built up upon this land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type; for as Joseph brought his father down into the land of Egypt, even so he died there; Wherefore the Lord brought a remnant of the seed of Joseph out of the land of Jerusalem, that he might be merciful unto the seed of Joseph, that they should perish not, even as he was merciful unto the father of Joseph, that he should perish not; Wherefore the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built up upon this land; and it shall be a land of their inheritance; and they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jerusalem of old; and they shall no more be confounded, until the end come, when the earth shall pass away.

• I Nephi 4:51-58 "Saved by Works"

And they said unto me, Doth this thing mean the torment of the body in the days of probation, or doth it mean the final state of the soul after the death of the temporal body, or doth it speak of the things which are temporal? And it came to pass that I said unto them, that it was a representation of things both temporal and spiritual; For the day should come that they must be judged of their works, yea, even the works which were done by the temporal body in their days of probation; Wherefore, if they should die in their wickedness, they must be cast off also, as to the things which are spiritual, which are pertaining to righteousness; Wherefore, they must be brought to stand before God to be judged of their works: And if their works have been filthiness, they must needs be filthy:

• II Nephi 1:81-93 There must be opposition in all things.

For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass; neither wickedness; neither holiness nor misery; neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; Wherefore, if it should be one body, it must needs remain as dead, having no life, neither death nor corruption, nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility. Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of nought; Wherefore, there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God, and his eternal purposes; and also, the power, and the mercy, and the justice of God. And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin. And if ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness, there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor happiness, there be no punishment nor misery. And if these things are not, there is no God. And if there is no God, we are not, neither the earth, for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon; wherefore, all things must have vanished away.

• II Nephi 1:115 The purpose of man. (Joy)

Adam fell, that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

(Some people will point to this as the most important verse in the Book of Mormon.)

• II Nephi 3:43-66 This is a very beautiful scripture. (To be read when you're feeling down.)

And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart, to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?

Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul. Do not anger again, because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength, because of mine afflictions. Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say, O Lord, I will praise thee for ever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation. O Lord