Lesson Highlights

• The Lord grants the requests of the brother of Jared.
• The Jaredites begin their journey to the promised land.
• The brother of Jared sees Jesus Christ.
• Moroni seals up the writings of the brother of Jared.
• The Jaredites travel to the promised land.

A study of this lesson will help us understand from the example of the brother of Jared how faith can enable us to enter the presence of the Lord eternally.

Scripture references for study:  Ether 1–6
    Note: Underlined scripture references have been hyperlinked to the LDS Scriptures at LDS.org and will open in a new window.

Lesson 45 Handout (PDF format)

Introduction

1. WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF THE BOOK OF ETHER?
• As you recall, from your reading in the book of Mosiah, King Limhi and his people were in bondage to the Lamanites (abt. 121 B.C.).
• Limhi sent an expedition to the land of Zarahemla, hoping to find a place of refuge for his people.
• The expedition did not find Zarahemla, but they did find a land covered with bones, war implements, and ruins.
• They also found twenty-four gold plates that contained the history of this lost civilization.
• The record on the twenty-four gold plates was recorded by the prophet Ether, one who witnessed the total destruction of his civilization.
• The record was eventually taken to Zarahemla and Mosiah translated the record.
• Mormon stated in the book of Mosiah that this history would be included in the record at a later time.
• "And this account shall be written hereafter; for behold, it is expedient that all people should know the things which are written in this account" (Mosiah 28:19).
• Mormon died without including this record.
• It was added by his son Moroni. "And now I, Moroni, proceed to give an account of those ancient inhabitants who were destroyed by the hand of the Lord upon the face of this north country.
And I take mine account from the twenty and four plates which were found by the people of Limhi, which is called the Book of Ether" (Ether 1:1-2).
• Moroni said that the record included history beginning with the creation and Adam, down to the time of the tower of Babel.
• He said that this account was had among the Jews and so he began his abridgment of the record beginning at the time of the tower (Ether 1:3-5).
2. WHY DO YOU THINK GOD PRESERVED THE RECORD OF THE JAREDITES? WHY IS THIS RECORD IMPORTANT FOR US TODAY?
• Its placement after the book of Mormon provides a second and sobering witness regarding the fate of nations if they are lifted up in pride.
• It stands as a powerful warning to the nations upon the American continent, because these are the histories of nations brought to this continent by the hand of God. This land was called a promised land.

Ether 1

1. Ether 1 provides a genealogy from Ether (the original author of this account) back to Jared. Notice the different types of names from those found elsewhere in the Book of Mormon. A witness that this record was born out of a different time.
• Total names in this list: 27.
• Unique to the book of Ether (totally unique names): 17.
• Not found elsewhere in Book of Mormon: 24.
• Found in the Bible: 8.
• Some of the unique names: Coriantor, Moron, Ethem, Ahah, Com, Riplakish, Shez, Emer, Shule, Kib, Orihah.
• (I wonder if Com was the father of Dot Com?)
2. Use of the name Jaredites.
• The name Jaredites is not found in the Book of Ether. There is a single reference to that term by Mormon: "And if they perish it will be like unto the Jaredites, because of the wilfulness of their hearts, seeking for blood and revenge" (Moroni 9:23).
3. The name of the brother of Jared.
• Related by George Reynolds: "While residing in Kirtland Elder Reynolds Cahoon had a son born to him. One day when President Joseph Smith was passing his door he called the Prophet in and asked him to bless and name the baby. Joseph did so and gave the boy the name of Mahonri Moriancumer. When he had finished the blessing he laid the child on the bed, and turning to Elder Cahoon he said, the name I have given your son is the name of the brother of Jared; the Lord has just shown it to me. Elder William F. Cahoon, who was standing near heard the Prophet make this statement to his father; and this was the first time the name of the brother of Jared was known in the Church in this dispensation." (Discourses of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p264)
4. In Ether 1 we begin to learn of the faith of the brother of Jared. In fact, his faith was so great that his brother, Jared, had faith in his faith.
• Jared asks his brother to cry unto the Lord that their language not be confounded. He did and the prayer was answered (v34).
• Jared asks his brother to cry unto the Lord to have compassion upon their families and friends. He did and the prayer was answered (v36).
• Jared asks his brother to cry unto the Lord and asks that if they are led from the land, that they be led to a choice land. He did and instructions were given to the Brother of Jared to prepare for the journey (v38).
• WHY DO YOU SUPPOSE JARED ASKED HIS BROTHER TO PRAY RATHER THAN CRY UNTO THE LORD HIMSELF?

Ether 2

1. Following the instructions of the Lord, the people of Jared left the land and went down into the valley Nimrod, which was northward.
• The Lord spoke with the brother of Jared from a cloud (v5).
• The Lord commanded them to continue in the wilderness to that "quarter" where there never had been man. It has been suggested that they traveled through central Asia.
• Eventually they came to the great sea.
2. "And it came to pass at the end of four years that the Lord came again unto the brother of Jared, and stood in a cloud and talked with him. And for the space of three hours did the Lord talk with the brother of Jared, and chastened him because he remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord." (Ether 2:14)
• An interesting incident:
• We know that the brother of Jared is a great man.
• In Ether 1 he called upon the Lord and his desires were granted.
• Even before this incident, the brother of Jared had spoken with the Lord.
• And now we find that he is being chastened for not calling upon the Lord.
• Can you imagine being chastened by the voice of the Lord for three hours? This was a serious personal priesthood interview.
• WHY DO YOU SUPPOSE BROTHER OF JARED WAS NOT DILIGENT IN HIS PRAYERS?
• WHY DO PEOPLE, EVEN THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL, SOMETIMES FAIL TO CALL ON THE LORD?
• HOW DID THE BROTHER OF JARED RESPOND TO THE LORD'S CHASTENING?
• "And the brother of Jared repented of the evil which he had done, and did call upon the name of the Lord for his brethren who were with him" (Ether 2:15).
• Rather than argue with the Lord or rebel, the brother of Jared had sufficient humility to respond to the Lord's chastening and he repented. Elder Neal A. Maxwell said:  "Whatever the case, if we cannot endure chastening we do not yet qualify as true disciples" (Not My Will, But Thine, p64).
• WHAT LESSONS DO WE LEARN FROM THE BROTHER OF JARED ABOUT PRAYER?
• The importance of faith in receiving answers and blessings.
• Asking for righteous blessings.
• Not forgetting the Lord.
3. The record says that the people of Jared were "directed continually by the hand of the Lord" (v6).
• WHY DID THE JAREDITES CONTINUE TO RECEIVE DIRECTIONS FROM THE LORD?
• They gave heed to his commandments and directions as given through the brother of Jared.
• ARE WE CONTINUALLY DIRECTED BY THE HAND OF THE LORD IN OUR LIVES?
• WHY OR WHY NOT?
• HOW CAN WE BECOME MORE RECEPTIVE TO HIS DIRECTION?
• We must call upon the Lord frequently.
• Learn his word as given in the scriptures and through the prophets.
• Keep the commandments.
• Give heed to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Will the Lord give us further direction if we do not heed the promptings of the Spirit?
4. A land of Promise.
• READ ETHER 2:8-12.
• Notice the repetition in these verses.
• WHAT PROMISES DID THE LORD MAKE CONCERNING THIS LAND?
• Whoever possesses this land (from that time, henceforth and forever) must serve the Lord or they will be swept off and the fullness of wrath should come upon them. (v8)
• It is a land of promise. (v9)
• A land choice above all others. (v10)
• It shall be a nation free of bondage and captivity by other nations if they serve the Lord.
(v12)
• President Ezra Taft Benson:  "All nations who inhabit this land are bound by an everlasting decree from God, a decree that the inhabitants of this land shall serve God or they shall be swept off." (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p576)
• Moroni, the abridger of this record, was a living witness of the negative fulfillment of these promises. Clearly, part of the reason for including the book of Ether was as a second witness regarding national survival.
5. Preparing to cross the sea.
• The people of Jared built barges following the instructions of the Lord.
• The brother of Jared called upon the Lord to report that he had prepared the boats as the Lord had commanded.
• He went on to say, "...and behold there is no light in them. Behold, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness?" (v22).
• The Lord responds to the brother of Jared.
• READ ETHER 2:23-25.
• HOW DID THE LORD RESPOND TO THE BROTHER OF JARED?
• President Harold B. Lee: "It was as though the Lord were saying to [the brother of Jared], 'Look, I gave you a mind to think with, and I gave you agency to use it. Now you do all you can to help yourself with this problem; and then, after you've done all you can, I'll step in to help you'." (Stand Ye In Holy Places, p243)
• Elder Russell M. Nelson stated that he has often heard President Gordon B. Hinckley say, "I don't know how to get anything done except getting on my knees and pleading for help and then getting on my feet and going to work." (Ensign, Nov 1997, p16)
• WHAT DID THE BROTHER OF JARED DO? (see Ether 3:1-5)
• WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS? HOW HAS THE LORD WORKED IN A SIMILAR WAY IN YOUR LIFE?

Ether 3

1. The brother of Jared prepared stones and called upon the Lord and prayed, "And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea" (Ether 3:4).
2. READ ETHER 3:6-13.
• WHY WAS THE BROTHER OF JARED ABLE TO SEE THE LORD?
• "Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger" (v9).
• HOW CAN WE PREPARE TO SEE THE LORD?
• Follow the example of the brother of Jared.
• "And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am--not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual. For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God. Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind. Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected." (D&C 67:10-13)
• "Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am." (D&C 93:1)
• A unique visitation.
• President Joseph Fielding Smith: "All revelation since the fall has come through Jesus Christ, who is the Jehovah of the Old Testament. In all of the scriptures, where God is mentioned and where he has appeared, it was Jehovah who talked with Abraham, with Noah, Enoch, Moses and all the holy prophets. He is the God of Israel, the Holy One of Israel; the one who led that nation out of Egyptian bondage, and who gave and fulfilled the Law of Moses. The Father [that is Elohim] has never dealt with man directly and personally since the fall, and he has never appeared except to introduce and bear record of the Son." (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:27)
• President Joseph Fielding Smith: "The Father has honored Christ by placing his name upon him, so that he can minister in and through that name as though he were the Father; and thus, so far as power and authority are concerned, his words and acts become and are those of the Father." (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:30)
• Brother Kent P. Jackson: "It appears that the uniqueness of this situation, brought about because of Mahonri Moriancumer's unparalleled faith, was the fact that Jehovah appeared to him in his role as Jesus--whereas to others he had shown himself as the Father. Never before, as far as we can tell from the scriptures, had Jesus Christ shown himself unto man. And, in fact, nowhere else in the scriptures do we have an example of Jehovah appearing in his role as Jesus until his coming in the flesh. As Moroni reported, 'Having this perfect knowledge of God, he could not be kept from within the veil; therefore he saw Jesus; and he did minister unto him.' To the brother of Jared the Lord revealed his complete nature: God who would became Man. Perhaps that is a reason why he commanded that the account of the appearance not be know in the world until after his mortal ministry." (Studies in Scripture, 8:254)

Ether 4-6

1. "And in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, saith the Lord, even as the brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are."
(Ether 4:7)
• Moroni continues to explain how it is that we can come to a greater knowledge of the things of the Lord:
• "Come unto me, O ye Gentiles, and I will show unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief. Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief. Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you--yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel." (Ether 4:13-15)
• ACCORDING TO THESE VERSES, HOW CAN WE GAIN GREAT KNOWLEDGE?
• Exercise faith in the Lord, as did the brother of Jared.
• Cast out your unbelief.
• Call upon the Father with a broken heart and contrite spirit.
2. READ ETHER 4:11-12.
• Another witness to the Book of Mormon.  They who read this book with pure hearts are persuaded to do good.
3. In Ether 5 Moroni writes of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.
4. In Ether 6 the people of Jared sail to the promised land and establish themselves upon the land.
• When Jared and his brother grew old the people desired that one of their sons be anointed a king (v22).
• None of the sons of the brother of Jared or Jared wished to become king except Orihah, son of Jared.
• Jared and the brother of Jared died. Orihah reigned in righteousness.

Gospel Doctrine Notebook

1. Record your thoughts on the faith of the brother of Jared. What can you do to strengthen your faith?

Resources Used In This Lesson

• Discourses of the Prophet Joseph Smith compiled by Alma P. Burton.
• Doctrines of Salvation by Joseph Fielding Smith.
• Ensign.
• Not My Will, But Thine by Neal A. Maxwell.
• Stand Ye In Holy Places by Harold B. Lee.
• Studies In Scripture, Volume 8, edited by Kent P. Jackson.
• Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson.

Next Lesson

Lesson 46:  Ether 7–15