Book of Mormon Commentary - Ether 5

by Don R. Hender


Scriptural Text [& Editorial]
Commentary & Explanation
Footnotes ~ References ~ JST
             CHAPTER 5

Three witnesses and the work itself shall stand as a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

1 AND now I, Moroni, have written the words which were commanded me, according to my memorya; and I have told you the things which I have asealed up; therefore touch them not in order that ye may translate; for that thing is forbidden you, except by and by it shall be wisdom in God.

 1a according to my memory Now Moroni is not only becoming old, perhaps between age 65 to 85 between 400 to 420 A.D., but also he has been under the stain of living as a hermit for the last number of years since about 385 A.D. This combination of age and living alone for a long period of time would seem to lead to some understanding why Moroni is thinking in terms of things not necessarily always right at his memory's finger tips so to speak. Thus Moroni inserts this phrase of concern according to his memory, hoping that he is getting it right according to what has been commanded him to have written.  1a 2 Ne. 27:8 (7-11, 21); Hel. 4:5 (4-7);
     D&C 17:6

2 And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may show the plates unto athose who shall assist to bring forth this work;
3 And unto athree shall they be shown by the power of God; wherefore they shall bknow of a surety that these things are ctrue.
4 And in the mouth of three awitnesses shall these things be established; and the btestimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day.

 2a 2 Ne. 27:14 (13-14); D&C 5:15 (1-16)
 3a 2 Ne. 11:3; 2 Ne. 27:12-14; D&C 17:3-5
   b D&C 5:25
   c Ether 4:11 (6-11); Moro. 10:4 (1-4)
 4a 2 Ne. 27:12-14; D&C 14:8; D&C 17:1
   b 2 Ne. 25:18; 2 Ne. 29:11

5 And if it so be that they repent and acome unto the Father in the name of Jesus, they shall be received into the kingdom of God.
6 And now, if I have no authority for these things, judge ye; for ye shall know that I have authority when ye shall see me, and we shall stand before God at the last day. Amen.

 5a Morm. 9:27; Moro. 10:30-32


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