Helaman 13 | |
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5 And he said unto them: Behold, I, Samuel, a Lamanite, do speak the words of the Lord which he doth put into my heart; and behold he hath put it into my heart to say unto this people that the sword of justice hangeth over this people; and four hundred years pass not away save the sword of justice falleth upon this people. | AnachronismAnachronism - Sword 51 The only pre-Columbian weapon I can find that was similar to a sword was the macuahuitl which was made with a plank of wood similar in shape to a cricket bat with obsidian blades mounted on the edges. It is similar enough to a sword that it is often referred to as the Aztec sword. However, the macuahuitl does not seem to fit the Book of Mormon time frame. “Some groups of Central Mexico, principally in the transition between the Early and the Late Post-Classic, probably developed this weapon” (emphasis added, Dr. Marco Antonio Cervera Obregón, “The macuahuitl: an innovative weapon of the Late Post-Classic in Mesoamerica”, Arms & Armour, Vol.3, Nov. 2, 2006, p. 146, article from a research journal). The Post-Classic period is between 900 CE and the Spanish conquest. |
6 1 This verse contains a strong parallel to one specific KJV New Testament verse. Compare this verse with "the Lord Jesus Christ... shall suffer many things and shall be slain" to Luke 9:22 with "The Son of man must suffer many things... and be slain". | |
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9 1 Helaman 13:5,9,34
The only pre-Columbian weapon I can find that was similar to a sword was the macuahuitl which was made with a plank of wood similar in shape to a cricket bat with obsidian blades mounted on the edges. It is similar enough to a sword that it is often referred to as the Aztec sword.
However, the macuahuitl does not seem to fit the Book of Mormon time frame. “Some groups of Central Mexico, principally in the transition between the **Early and the Late Post-Classic**, probably developed this weapon” (emphasis added, Dr. Marco Antonio Cervera Obregón, “The macuahuitl: an innovative weapon of the Late Post-Classic in Mesoamerica”, Arms & Armour, Vol.3, Nov. 2, 2006, p. 146, [article from a research journal](http://www.woosterglobalhistory.org/LAcolonial/archive/files/23395812%5F33c717a7fb.pdf)). The Post-Classic period is between 900 CE and the Spanish conquest. | |
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12 Yea, wo unto this great city of Zarahemla; for behold, it is because of those who are righteous that it is saved; yea, wo unto this great city, for I perceive, saith the Lord, that there are many, yea, even the more part of this great city, that will harden their hearts against me, saith the Lord. | 12 |
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18 1 According to documents apparently from a court hearing about Joseph Smith’s treasure seeking with a seer stone, Jonathan Thompson testified that in one treasure digging led by Joseph, “on account of an enchantment, the trunk kept settling away from under them while digging; that, notwithstanding they continued constantly removing the dirt, yet the trunk kept about the same distance from them” (The 1826 Trial of Joseph Smith). There seems to be some controversy regarding the authenticity of this documented testimony, but it is uncontested that Joseph was hired on more than one occasion to seek treasure with his seer stone, and it was common folk lore of the time that buried treasure could slip away through the earth. “Getting the treasure was always difficult and harrowing. If not recovered quickly the trove sank into the earth’s depths” (Ronald W. Walker,The Persisting Idea of American Treasure Hunting, BYU Studies Quarterly, Volume 24 | Issue 4 Article 4, 1 Oct 1984, p. 432). Which is more likely—that there were ancient Native Americans that were descendants of Hebrews that really experienced such a curse, or that this reflects a 19th century superstition of the author of the book? | |
19 For I will, saith the Lord, that they shall hide up their treasures unto me; and cursed be they who hide not up their treasures unto me; for none hideth up their treasures unto me save it be the righteous; and he that hideth not up his treasures unto me, cursed is he, and also the treasure, and none shall redeem it because of the curse of the land. | 19 1 Helaman 13:18-20
According to documents apparently from a court hearing about Joseph Smith’s treasure seeking with a seer stone, Jonathan Thompson testified that in one treasure digging led by Joseph, “on account of an enchantment, the trunk kept settling away from under them while digging; that, notwithstanding they continued constantly removing the dirt, yet the trunk kept about the same distance from them” ([The 1826 Trial of Joseph Smith](https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference/august-2002/the-1826-trial-of-joseph-smith)).
There seems to be some controversy regarding the authenticity of this documented testimony, but it is uncontested that Joseph was hired on more than one occasion to seek treasure with his seer stone, and it was common folk lore of the time that buried treasure could slip away through the earth. “Getting the treasure was always difficult and harrowing. If not recovered quickly the trove sank into the earth’s depths” (Ronald W. Walker,[The Persisting Idea of American Treasure Hunting](https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2288&context=byusq), BYU Studies Quarterly, Volume 24 | Issue 4 Article 4, 1 Oct 1984, p. 432).
Which is more likely—that there were ancient Native Americans that were descendants of Hebrews that really experienced such a curse, or that this reflects a 19th century superstition of the author of the book? |
20 And the day shall come that they shall hide up their treasures, because they have set their hearts upon riches; and because they have set their hearts upon their riches, and will hide up their treasures when they shall flee before their enemies; because they will not hide them up unto me, cursed be they and also their treasures; and in that day shall they be smitten, saith the Lord. | 20 1 Helaman 13:18-20
According to documents apparently from a court hearing about Joseph Smith’s treasure seeking with a seer stone, Jonathan Thompson testified that in one treasure digging led by Joseph, “on account of an enchantment, the trunk kept settling away from under them while digging; that, notwithstanding they continued constantly removing the dirt, yet the trunk kept about the same distance from them” ([The 1826 Trial of Joseph Smith](https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference/august-2002/the-1826-trial-of-joseph-smith)).
There seems to be some controversy regarding the authenticity of this documented testimony, but it is uncontested that Joseph was hired on more than one occasion to seek treasure with his seer stone, and it was common folk lore of the time that buried treasure could slip away through the earth. “Getting the treasure was always difficult and harrowing. If not recovered quickly the trove sank into the earth’s depths” (Ronald W. Walker,[The Persisting Idea of American Treasure Hunting](https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2288&context=byusq), BYU Studies Quarterly, Volume 24 | Issue 4 Article 4, 1 Oct 1984, p. 432).
Which is more likely—that there were ancient Native Americans that were descendants of Hebrews that really experienced such a curse, or that this reflects a 19th century superstition of the author of the book? |
21 Behold ye, the people of this great city, and hearken unto my words; yea, hearken unto the words which the Lord saith; for behold, he saith that ye are cursed because of your riches, and also are your riches cursed because ye have set your hearts upon them, and have not hearkened unto the words of him who gave them unto you. | 21 |
22 Ye do not remember the Lord your God in the things with which he hath blessed you, but ye do always remember your riches, not to thank the Lord your God for them; yea, your hearts are not drawn out unto the Lord, but they do swell with great pride, unto boasting, and unto great swelling, envyings, strifes, malice, persecutions, and murders, and all manner of iniquities. | 22 |
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26 Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil. | 26 |
27 But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth--and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. | 27 |
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31 1 Verses 31-32 seems contain two strong parallels to a specific KJV New Testament passage. Compare verse 31 with "he curseth your riches" to James 5:2 "Your riches are corrupted". Also compare verse 32 with "then shall ye weep and howl in that day" to James 5:1 with "weep and howl for your miseries". Notice that this is one of the few KJV that contains both weep+howl. The others being Joel 1:5 and Isaiah 15:2, which are less direct and compact in relating the mourning to the riches. 1 Helaman 13:31-36
According to documents apparently from a court hearing about Joseph Smith’s treasure seeking with a seer stone, Jonathan Thompson testified that in one treasure digging led by Joseph, “on account of an enchantment, the trunk kept settling away from under them while digging; that, notwithstanding they continued constantly removing the dirt, yet the trunk kept about the same distance from them” ([The 1826 Trial of Joseph Smith](https://www.fairmormon.org/conference/august-2002/the-1826-trial-of-joseph-smith)).
There seems to be some controversy regarding the authenticity of this documented testimony, but it is uncontested that Joseph was hired on more than one occasion to seek treasure with his seer stone, and it was common folk lore of the time that buried treasure could slip away through the earth. “Getting the treasure was always difficult and harrowing. If not recovered quickly the trove sank into the earth’s depths” (Ronald W. Walker,[The Persisting Idea of American Treasure Hunting](https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2288&context=byusq), BYU Studies Quarterly, Volume 24 | Issue 4 Article 4, 1 Oct 1984, p. 432).
Which is more likely—that there were ancient Native Americans that were descendants of Hebrews that really experienced such a curse, or that this reflects a 19th century superstition of the author of the book? | |
32 1 Helaman 13:31-36
According to documents apparently from a court hearing about Joseph Smith’s treasure seeking with a seer stone, Jonathan Thompson testified that in one treasure digging led by Joseph, “on account of an enchantment, the trunk kept settling away from under them while digging; that, notwithstanding they continued constantly removing the dirt, yet the trunk kept about the same distance from them” ([The 1826 Trial of Joseph Smith](https://www.fairmormon.org/conference/august-2002/the-1826-trial-of-joseph-smith)).
There seems to be some controversy regarding the authenticity of this documented testimony, but it is uncontested that Joseph was hired on more than one occasion to seek treasure with his seer stone, and it was common folk lore of the time that buried treasure could slip away through the earth. “Getting the treasure was always difficult and harrowing. If not recovered quickly the trove sank into the earth’s depths” (Ronald W. Walker,[The Persisting Idea of American Treasure Hunting](https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2288&context=byusq), BYU Studies Quarterly, Volume 24 | Issue 4 Article 4, 1 Oct 1984, p. 432).
Which is more likely—that there were ancient Native Americans that were descendants of Hebrews that really experienced such a curse, or that this reflects a 19th century superstition of the author of the book? 1 Verses 31-32 seems contain two strong parallels to a specific KJV New Testament passage. Compare verse 31 with "he curseth your riches" to James 5:2 "Your riches are corrupted". Also compare verse 32 with "then shall ye weep and howl in that day" to James 5:1 with "weep and howl for your miseries". Notice that this is one of the few KJV that contains both [weep+howl](https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/search.php?q=weep+howl). The others being Joel 1:5 and Isaiah 15:2, which are less direct and compact in relating the mourning to the riches. | |
33 O that I had repented, and had not killed the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out. Yea, in that day ye shall say: O that we had remembered the Lord our God in the day that he gave us our riches, and then they would not have become slippery that we should lose them; for behold, our riches are gone from us. | 33 1 Helaman 13:31-36
According to documents apparently from a court hearing about Joseph Smith’s treasure seeking with a seer stone, Jonathan Thompson testified that in one treasure digging led by Joseph, “on account of an enchantment, the trunk kept settling away from under them while digging; that, notwithstanding they continued constantly removing the dirt, yet the trunk kept about the same distance from them” ([The 1826 Trial of Joseph Smith](https://www.fairmormon.org/conference/august-2002/the-1826-trial-of-joseph-smith)).
There seems to be some controversy regarding the authenticity of this documented testimony, but it is uncontested that Joseph was hired on more than one occasion to seek treasure with his seer stone, and it was common folk lore of the time that buried treasure could slip away through the earth. “Getting the treasure was always difficult and harrowing. If not recovered quickly the trove sank into the earth’s depths” (Ronald W. Walker,[The Persisting Idea of American Treasure Hunting](https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2288&context=byusq), BYU Studies Quarterly, Volume 24 | Issue 4 Article 4, 1 Oct 1984, p. 432).
Which is more likely—that there were ancient Native Americans that were descendants of Hebrews that really experienced such a curse, or that this reflects a 19th century superstition of the author of the book? |
34 1 Helaman 13:5,9,34
The only pre-Columbian weapon I can find that was similar to a sword was the macuahuitl which was made with a plank of wood similar in shape to a cricket bat with obsidian blades mounted on the edges. It is similar enough to a sword that it is often referred to as the Aztec sword.
However, the macuahuitl does not seem to fit the Book of Mormon time frame. “Some groups of Central Mexico, principally in the transition between the **Early and the Late Post-Classic**, probably developed this weapon” (emphasis added, Dr. Marco Antonio Cervera Obregón, “The macuahuitl: an innovative weapon of the Late Post-Classic in Mesoamerica”, Arms & Armour, Vol.3, Nov. 2, 2006, p. 146, [article from a research journal](http://www.woosterglobalhistory.org/LAcolonial/archive/files/23395812%5F33c717a7fb.pdf)). The Post-Classic period is between 900 CE and the Spanish conquest. 1 Helaman 13:31-36
According to documents apparently from a court hearing about Joseph Smith’s treasure seeking with a seer stone, Jonathan Thompson testified that in one treasure digging led by Joseph, “on account of an enchantment, the trunk kept settling away from under them while digging; that, notwithstanding they continued constantly removing the dirt, yet the trunk kept about the same distance from them” ([The 1826 Trial of Joseph Smith](https://www.fairmormon.org/conference/august-2002/the-1826-trial-of-joseph-smith)).
There seems to be some controversy regarding the authenticity of this documented testimony, but it is uncontested that Joseph was hired on more than one occasion to seek treasure with his seer stone, and it was common folk lore of the time that buried treasure could slip away through the earth. “Getting the treasure was always difficult and harrowing. If not recovered quickly the trove sank into the earth’s depths” (Ronald W. Walker,[The Persisting Idea of American Treasure Hunting](https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2288&context=byusq), BYU Studies Quarterly, Volume 24 | Issue 4 Article 4, 1 Oct 1984, p. 432).
Which is more likely—that there were ancient Native Americans that were descendants of Hebrews that really experienced such a curse, or that this reflects a 19th century superstition of the author of the book? | |
35 1 Helaman 13:31-36
According to documents apparently from a court hearing about Joseph Smith’s treasure seeking with a seer stone, Jonathan Thompson testified that in one treasure digging led by Joseph, “on account of an enchantment, the trunk kept settling away from under them while digging; that, notwithstanding they continued constantly removing the dirt, yet the trunk kept about the same distance from them” ([The 1826 Trial of Joseph Smith](https://www.fairmormon.org/conference/august-2002/the-1826-trial-of-joseph-smith)).
There seems to be some controversy regarding the authenticity of this documented testimony, but it is uncontested that Joseph was hired on more than one occasion to seek treasure with his seer stone, and it was common folk lore of the time that buried treasure could slip away through the earth. “Getting the treasure was always difficult and harrowing. If not recovered quickly the trove sank into the earth’s depths” (Ronald W. Walker,[The Persisting Idea of American Treasure Hunting](https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2288&context=byusq), BYU Studies Quarterly, Volume 24 | Issue 4 Article 4, 1 Oct 1984, p. 432).
Which is more likely—that there were ancient Native Americans that were descendants of Hebrews that really experienced such a curse, or that this reflects a 19th century superstition of the author of the book? | |
36 1 Helaman 13:31-36
According to documents apparently from a court hearing about Joseph Smith’s treasure seeking with a seer stone, Jonathan Thompson testified that in one treasure digging led by Joseph, “on account of an enchantment, the trunk kept settling away from under them while digging; that, notwithstanding they continued constantly removing the dirt, yet the trunk kept about the same distance from them” ([The 1826 Trial of Joseph Smith](https://www.fairmormon.org/conference/august-2002/the-1826-trial-of-joseph-smith)).
There seems to be some controversy regarding the authenticity of this documented testimony, but it is uncontested that Joseph was hired on more than one occasion to seek treasure with his seer stone, and it was common folk lore of the time that buried treasure could slip away through the earth. “Getting the treasure was always difficult and harrowing. If not recovered quickly the trove sank into the earth’s depths” (Ronald W. Walker,[The Persisting Idea of American Treasure Hunting](https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2288&context=byusq), BYU Studies Quarterly, Volume 24 | Issue 4 Article 4, 1 Oct 1984, p. 432).
Which is more likely—that there were ancient Native Americans that were descendants of Hebrews that really experienced such a curse, or that this reflects a 19th century superstition of the author of the book? | |
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38 But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head. | 38 |
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