(Another excerpt the unpublished book "The Truth additional testimony of the Book of Mormon - Inserts in the book itself," writes Rafael Diogo Jara).
In 1 Nephi 4:18 says, "As far as obeying the voice of the Spirit and taking to Laban by the hair, cut his head with his own sword."
This episode recounted in the Book of Mormon has been a source of criticism about its authenticity. Typically, the most vocal critics of the Book of Mormon are defenders of the Bible, who assume that the Book of Mormon intended as a substitute the same, ignoring their sacred mission to be another testament of Jesus Christ.
not describe the details that led to Nephi to make this act, except that three times was compelled by the Spirit to do so (1 Nephi 4:10-12). Nor describe the type of malevolent life of Laban and Nephi evidence which might have to do it. We will focus on whether it is possible that God has commanded, and if God would have to perform such an act.
First we must say that God is the Lord of life and death, through Him and for Him are born also die, having the time and chances at will and purposes. As Job said "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away." ( Job 1:21). However, God makes men responsible maliciously interfering in life and in death.
In the scriptures there are many references to God has ordained run death of certain persons. Just as there are numerous references to prophets who were great in the eyes of God had to meet the designs of this nature without losing its holiness.
Note that the episode occurred about Nephi to analyze between AD 600 and 592 BC, in full observance of the Mosaic law.
All honor Abraham as the great man he tested his faith and trust in God commanding him to sacrifice his own son. God commanded Moses, and Abraham was willing to do without questioning the will of God. Without doubt, with great pain in the soul, but trusting in God. Finally, the act was not done, because God intervened saying "... Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him because I know that you fear God, since not withheld your son, your only. " (Genesis 22:12).
Abraham was great in the eyes of God and its offspring, which became so numerous as the sands of the sea. This act was symbolic of what would happen later in time when God would sacrifice his only begotten Son to save mankind. Abraham's greatness is unparalleled, and no one questioned what he was willing to do, he admires him because he obeyed God's voice.
other prophets, who were also great in the eyes of God, they instructed difficult tasks as assigned to Nephi.
No known the greatness of Moses, and no one questions the death of the firstborn of Pharaoh and his people, where Moses had an unprecedented role for the liberation of the people of Israel. Nor do we question the incident when they crossed the Red Sea and God commanded Moses saying "Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen." (Exodus 14:26). According to the Biblical record, the army of the king of Egypt was composed of: "... Six hundred chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over them, ... all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army." (Exodus 14:7,9 .)
question not Elijah, for the incident at the river Kishon when he said: "Seize the prophets of Baal, let none. And they took them, and took Elijah to the brook Kishon, and slew them there. " (1 Kings 18:40). These prophets of Baal who were slain were 450 in total.
Both Moses and Elijah, as people moved, they were with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-4). Obeying the voice of God in no way makes sinful or unworthy men, on the contrary, ennobles and exalts.
So what Nephi did to kill Laban, was less than one thousandth of what they did other biblical prophets also with divine approval. And we have not yet considered the incidents of Joshua to invade the promised land and killing all forgiving only Rahab the harlot (Joshua 6:17). Nor are we considered the incident between Samuel and Saul, where the prophet commanded him: "Go, and smite Amalek, and destroy everything you have and spare them not; kills men and women, boys and even the breast, and cows and sheep, camels and donkeys. " (1 Samuel 15:3).
Although for us it is difficult to understand God's plan of this nature, as well as cost us understand natural disasters. For the common man's life ends with death, but for God, does not end with death, and begins at birth. When he takes someone of this life, there is always a noble purpose. Sometimes, men in this world tend to degenerate into wickedness and unbelief, hindering the happiness of the other sons of God, and in the spirit world, they are able to regenerate. Other times, ended their state of probation, and God takes to himself.
However, in terms of reported episodes, if somehow, they were ruled by the Mosaic law, in the meridian of time Jesus put an end to this old law, saying "You have heard that it was said: Eye for eye, tooth for tooth. But I say unto you, resist not evil, but rather, to anyone who strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also ... Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you " (Matthew 5:38,44).
Conclusion: The texts discussed in this chapter are further testimony to the truthfulness of the Book, because: a) If we were to judge Nephi for the episode recounted in Chapter 4, could not be less nor Elijah, nor to Moses, nor Joshua, nor the prophet Samuel, and not to other biblical prophets. b) So, yes, it is possible that God has commanded Nephi to kill Laban. c) Also, it was shown that God could be made available to such acts as Lord of life and death as it is.
(Diogo Rafael Jara - "further testimony to the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon - Inserts in the book itself.")
0 comments:
Post a Comment