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Books of the Book of Mormon
Small Plates of Nephi
Contribution of Mormon
Additions by Moroni

The Book of Jarom (/ˈdʒærəm/) is the fifth book in the Book of Mormon. According to the text it was written by Jarom, who was the son of Enos and a descendant of Jacob, the brother of the prophet Nephi.

The Book of Jarom is very short, consisting of only fifteen verses covering the years from 399 to 361 BC.[1] Jarom was the son of Enos, and the grandson of Jacob, and the great-grandson of Lehi. He kept the commandment of his father to preserve the plates, and in turn he commanded his son Omni to preserve the plates. In the meantime, he inscribed these few verses on them.

Narrative

Jarom begins his record explaining that he will not write his prophesies and revelations because he feels that similar things have been written by his forefathers.[2] Besides which, Jarom explains, there is not enough room left on the plates to write very much. But Jarom recommends that his readers go to the other plates that have all the records of the wars between the Nephites and Lamanites. He further states that the small plates are written for the Lamanites, though he expresses little hope for them in their present condition.[3] The Lamanites, Jarom explains, murder and drink animal blood.[4]

Jarom says that the laws of the land are strict[2] and that many of the Nephites are unwilling to listen to God's words. Meanwhile, God is merciful and protects them in their wars against the Lamanites. During these wars, their leaders are faithful to God and strengthen the cities against attacks. Despite their lack of spiritual interest, the Nephites grow in population and keep the law of Moses.[5]

Record Legacy

The record (a metal book written on sheets of gold) was passed through generations. Nephi, who wrote First and Second Nephi, forged the plates to write prophecies and spiritual teachings. Nephi passed them to his brother Jacob (Jacob 1:1-4), who passed them to his son Enos (Jacob 7:27), who passed them to his son Jarom (Jarom 1:1). (See Omni for more generations)

References

  1. ^ "Title Page".
  2. ^ a b Arnold, Marilyn (1996). Sweet is the Word: Reflections on the Book of Mormon, Its Narrative, Teachings, and People. American Fork, Utah, USA: Covenant Communications. p. 85. ISBN 1-55503-925-1.
  3. ^ Hardy 2023, pp. 203, 205.
  4. ^ Hardy 2023, p. 205; Thomas 2016, p. 58
  5. ^ Thomas 2016, p. 58.

Works cited

External links

Wikisource has original text related to this article:
Book of Jarom Small Plates of Nephi Preceded byEnos Book of Mormon Succeeded byOmni
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