This essay makes a compelling argument for Jacob, the brother of Nephi, having deep knowledge of ancient Israelite temple ritual, concepts, and imagery, based on two of Jacob’s sermons in 2 Nephi 9 and Jacob 1-3. For instance, he discusses the duty of the priest to expiate sin and make atonement before the Lord and of entering God’s presence. Jacob quotes temple-related verses from the Old Testament, like Psalm 95. The allusions to the temple are not forced, but very subtle. Of course, Jacob’s central topic, the atonement, is a temple topic itself, and its opposite, impurity, is also expressed by Jacob in terms familiar and central to an ancient temple priest. The temple is also shown as a gate to heaven.
| Presented at: | The 2012 Temple on Mount Zion Conference Saturday, September 22, 2012 https://interpreterfoundation.org/conferences/2012-the-temple-on-mount-zion-conference/ |
| Article Reprint: | “Ancient Temple Imagery in the Sermons of Jacob” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 46 (2021): 31-46 https://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/ancient-temple-imagery-in-the-sermons-of-jacob/ |
| Conference Proceedings: | Temple Insights at https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/temple-insights/ |
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