2 NEPHI 3:12—THE WRITINGS OF JUDAH AND
JOSEPH SHALL GROW TOGETHER
. . .
Lehi then quotes five reasons given by
the Lord as to why these two records need to come together. Carefully consider
these five purposes:
·
Confounding false
doctrines.
·
Laying down contentions.
·
Establishing “peace
among the fruit of thy loins.” Notice that it does not say establishing peace
in the whole world. But when this book is brought together with scriptures from
Judah, it can establish peace in the hearts of those who are of the House of
Ephraim and the seed of Joseph, the son of Lehi. Bestowing peace is one of the
great purposes of the Book of Mormon will serve for all who read it.
·
Bringing them to
the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days.
·
Bringing them to
the knowledge of the Lord’s covenants. Moroni reiterates this final purpose on
the Title Page of the Book of Mormon (“that they may know the covenants of the
Lord”) thus emphasizing the importance of the Book of Mormon in fulfilling
these purposes. (John W. Welch, Inspiration and Insights from the Book of
Mormon: A Come, Follow Me Commentary [American Fork, Utah: Covenant
Communications, Inc., 2023], 38)
