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Book of Mormon Commentary
Jacob Chapter 5
SHEREM DENIES CHRIST AND ASKS FOR A SIGN, VER. 1-35
Jac 5:6 And he was learned, that he had a perfect knowledge of the language of the people; wherefore,
he could use much flattery, and much power of speech, according to the power of the devil.
5:6 This is the first mention of this Nephite agitator. He was eloquent, brazen, and shrewd. He
turned his talents to the service of Satan, teaching that there should be no Christ (2). By the use of
flattery he turned the hearts of many of the Nephites away from a faith in Christ (3, 4).
Because of his success in convincing the people, he was anxious to meet Jacob, their leader, since
he knew it was Jacob who had spiritual power with the people. Evidently he was choosy about the
time and place for this confrontation (5). Sherem knew that Jacob had received many revelations,
and had angel visitations (7). Jacob affirmed he had heard the Lord's voice "in very word, from
time to time; wherefore I could not be shaken” (8).
Jac 5:9 And it came to pass that he came unto me; and on this wise did he speak unto me, saying:
Brother Jacob, I have sought much opportunity that I might speak unto you: for I have heard and also
know, that thou goest about much, preaching that which ye call the gospel, or the doctrine of Christ;
5:9 Sherem put the issue promptly. He was just as bold in attacking Jacob's beliefs in Christ: "Ye
have led away much of this people, that they pervert the right way of God, and keep not the law of
Moses" (10). Sherem was not concerned with the law of Moses but with destroying faith in Christ.
He was using sophistry to hide his atheism. He accused Jacob of perverting the law of Moses “into
the worship of a being”. He declared this was blasphemy, "for no man knoweth of such things: for
he can not tell of things to come" (11).
Jacob felt the power of the Spirit and he "did confound him in all his words" (13).
Jac 5:14 And I said unto him, Deniest thou the Christ which shall come?
5: 14 Sherem replied, "1 know that there is no Christ, neither has been, nor ever will be" (15).
Jacob did not hesitate to meet the issue, and since he had been accused of misrepresenting the law
of Moses, he followed up by asking Sherem, "Believest thou the scriptures?" (16). When he had
answered yes, Jacob declared, "Then ye do not understand them; for they truly testify of Christ"
(18).
Jac 5:19 Behold, I say unto you, that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have
spoken concerning this Christ.
5:19 Jacob did not stop with this declaration, but went on to give his own testimony, "For I have
heard and seen; and it also has been made manifest unto me by the Holy Ghost" (20). There are
those who interpret all the ordinances as symbols of the atonement of Christ. Thus the annual
Passover celebration is a type of Christ, "the Lamb of God" which was offered on Calvary for the
sins of all men. Jacob declared, "Wherefore, I know if there should be no atonement made, all
mankind must be lost" (21). (See comment on II N. 1:71)