We now move beyond the writing of Nephi, and enter the writings of Jacob, Nephi’s brother, who became the next spiritual leader. The narrative of Jacob chapters 1-4, which accounts for the beginning of Jacob’s ministry, can be recapped as follows:

• Nephi charges Jacob with the record–keeping responsibilities.
• Jacob works hard to persuade people to believe in Jesus Christ.
• Nephi gets old, and a system for naming his successors as king is established.
• Nephi dies.
• Under the rule of their second king, the people get prideful and begin practicing polygamy.
• Jacob gives a sermon at the temple in response to his people’s pride and sins.
• Jacob writes to future readers of his record.

Most of these narrative elements are found it chapter 1, but the the majority of the text covered in this lesson comprises Jacob’s temple sermon, where he covers the issues of pride and polygamy.

It should first be noted that the temple that Jacob delivers his sermon in is doubtless the temple constructed by Nephi after the pattern of Solomon’s temple. And it is made clear here that Jacob uses the Temple as a house of instruction and learning.

Jacob first expresses his reluctance to address uncomfortable issues with his people.

“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 2:9)

Nevertheless, Jacob hits his first topic, that of riches, particularly in the context of pride. He explains that setting proper priorities is essential to obtaining a hope a Christ:

“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. But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain 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.” (Jacob 2:17-19)

The other heavy topic that Jacob discusses is about marital relations. It appears that some of the Nephites used the scriptural accounts of Solomon and David to justify either promiscuity or outright polygamy. Jacob explains that these practices are only acceptable when the Lord specifically commands them:

“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; For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women.
And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts. Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord of Hosts, or cursed be the land for their sakes.
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.” (Jacob 2:27–30)

After his sermon in the temple, Jacob devotes some his record to his reader. This is contained in Jacob chapter 4. Here, he addresses the future reader of his record; his central theme is that of reconciliation with God through the atonement of Christ.

“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. 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 4)

Jacob’s words have a special relevance to modern readers. Riches, interpersonal relationships, and redemption through Christ encompass concepts and principles that are very applicable to us. Jacob’s words can offer many great insights for us.