Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

Book of Mormon Commentary
Jarom Chapter 1
machinery, and also in iron, and copper, and brass, and steel, making all manner of tools of every kind to
till the ground, and weapons of war;
1:19 This tells a lot in a few words. We know they were not huddled together in their fortified
cities. It also reveals that they became skilled workmen in woodcraft, in construction, and making
machines to aid them in their labors. Jarom says that they used iron, copper, brass, steel, and all
manner of tools to till the ground (see I N. 5:22 comments) .
The Lamanites were no match against men of such ingenuity and industry, therefore "they did not
prosper against us" (21). The Lord's promise that "inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments,
ye shall prosper in the land" (II N. 1:34) was verified. It was necessary, however, for the prophets
to warn the Nephites that "if they ...should fall into transgression, they should be destroyed from
off the face of the land" (23). "They did prick their hearts with the word, continually stirring them
up unto repentance" (28).
Jar 1:32 And I deliver these plates into the hands of my son Omni, that they may be kept according to
the commandments of my fathers.
1:32 This was 238 years after the exodus from Jerusalem (29). The small plates were about full,
but he suggests that his brethren who were to follow him could go to the larger plates upon which
their historical account was to be engraved. However, the Book of Omni, which follows, was
written on these smaller plates.