In spite of the confounding of languages, some patterns of familiarity remain in related languages such as Hebrew, the language of the scriptures.
"Hebrew belongs to the family of Semitic languages. Other members of this family are Arabic and Aramaic, and it is assumed that they all evolved from
one language which is known as ‘proto-Semitic.’ Among other connected languages were Ugaritic and Akkadian which are extinct. The name ‘Semitic’ was given to the group in 1781 by the
scholar A.L. Schloezer because all the languages in it are spoken by peoples included among the sons of Shem listed in Genesis 10:21--29." (Encyclopedia
Judaica Jr.)
Gathering – a Metaphor: The brother of Jared listened to the Lord as he was told to gather seeds of every kind,
gather animals and gather his family. Gathering is a strong metaphor of returning to Heavenly Father’s presence. The gathering of this Jaredite family was to the "north" at
Nimrod. I immediately thought of the north of Israel, close to the Syrian border, where an old Crusader fortress called Nimrod’s castle still stands. Nimrod is known locally as a Syrian
warlord and hunter.
". . . Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD." (Genesis 10:9)
Sea Stories – Cleansings: In the accounts of Noah, Jared, Nephi, Jesus and Paul, each ship and tempest story has
a lesson of salvation. Noah was led to save righteous life on a sea craft as the earth experienced a great tempest and flooding. The earth was cleansed or in effect, "baptized." (Genesis
8:18-20) Jared’s family experienced a tempest and was delivered and saved. (Ether 6:6-12) Jonah went down into the sea, only to come up, saved. Even those who cast
him overboard were saved! The Lord used the experience of Jonah as a sign of the atonement. (Jonah 1:11-16; Matthew 12:39-40) Nephi’s family also experienced a terrible
tempest brought on by their unbelief. Through repentance God also "turned the tide" and saved them. (1 Nephi 18:20-21) Jesus saved the Disciples in a tempest. (Matthew
8:23-25) Apostle Paul saved the crew of his ship after a violent tempest. (Acts 27:18-22)
Molten Stone - Glass: The Brother of Jared preparing "stones" for the Lord to touch for light has some
Biblical precedence. Glass was made in the Middle East and the Jews often had a role in its development.
"The use of glass for ornaments and practical vessels goes back to the third millenium B.C.E. . . produced in Egypt and Mesopotamia . . . in which Jews
have often played a major role." ". . . mention of glass in the Bible occurs in Job 28:17, where it is equated with gold . . . Archaeological excavations have revealed glass
objects in Erez Israel from as early as the 14th century B.C.E." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
The Brother of Jared Had a Name:
"While residing at Kirtland, Elder Reynolds Cahoon . . . called the Prophet . . . to bless and name the baby. Joseph . . . gave the boy
the name of Mahonri Moriancumer. When he had finished . . . 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 . . . revealed it to me." (The Juvenile Instructor 27/8 [15April 1892]: 282)
Worship The Lord, Have Freedom and Liberty:
"The prophet of the Jaredite colony, Mahonri Moriancumer, commonly referred to as the brother of Jared, spoke of this land as a choice land . . . above
all other lands. He indicated that those people who live here should worship the God of this land if they were to enjoy the blessings of freedom and liberty and be free from bondage.
Otherwise, if they failed, they were to be swept off. And he proclaimed that this is the everlasting decree of God." (Teachings of Ezra Taft
Benson, p.575)
Faith, Works – The Mahonri Formula: In reviewing the brother of Jared’s faith and works we see a formula emerging that we should follow. It is
called the "Mahonri Formula." 1. Identify the problem. 2. Consider possible solutions. 3. Make yourself worthy. 4. Develop humility. 5. Make a specific request.
Turn from Backsliding – It Works! In spite of backsliding, the Lord recognized the repentance of the Jaredite family and turned toward them. In
fact, due to the humble faith of the brother of Jared, the Lord manifested himself to him. Repentance works! Then, as Moses was shown the "ends of the earth" and was able to see
the creation, the beginning to the end, so did the brother of Jared. Moroni was also privileged to see this account. As Jared and his brother turned from their backsliding and reflected
humility, they were blessed. So shall the Gentiles be blessed as they return from their backsliding and once again reflect humility.
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