Verse 18 seems to be deliberately parallel to verse 17, requiring a second “Moses” and therefore a second “spokesman.” Grammatically, “I will raise up” seems to require a direct object, perhaps “another” before it continues, “unto the fruit of thy loins.” According to Daniel H. Ludlow, “Many members of the Church believe that Sidney Rigdon is the ‘spokesman’ referred to in this prophecy. It appears that Joseph Smith is the prophet mentioned in this verse, and the Lord promised Sidney Rigdon that he should ‘be a spokesman to my servant Joseph’ (D&C 100:9).” Joseph had not met Sydney Rigdon before the Book of Mormon’s publication.