At this point, Nephi is copying Jacob’s record. It is not known from what original source it was copied, but verse 2 clearly presents “I, Jacob,” rather than the “I, Nephi” that has been such a common occurrence in Nephi’s record to this point. This inserted text will cover from our Chapter 6 to the end of Chapter 10. In the 1830 edition, our chapters 6 through 8 were single chapters. Chapters 9 and 10 follow the original chapter breaks.
Jacob begins by stating his authority. He is called of God, ordained, and authorized by Nephi, the king. Jacob notes that while he has spoken before, he is speaking again because he is “desirous for the welfare” of their souls. Jacob declares that he has been diligent in teaching, teaching not only what Lehi had taught, but also “all things which are written, from the creation of the world.” That sentence does not mean that he has taught them everything that has ever been taught, but rather than he has taught from the scriptures.
The plates of brass contained the early books of the Old Testament, and, therefore, described the creation of the world. Jacob taught that which was written, and the writing to which he referred is the plates of brass. Thus, Jacob has taught them from Lehi’s visions, and from the authority of written scripture.