Jacob notes that, during Nephi’s life and reign, both Nephi and he strove to teach diligently. This wording so closely resembles Nephi’s statement in 2 Nephi 25 that Jacob may be alluding to it. It seems likely that Jacob read Nephi’s record before writing his own additions to the plates, and echoing Nephi’s sentiment emphasizes their joint and parallel concern for their people.
Jacob also places his task of teaching his people in the context of an episode in the Israelite exodus. For Jacob, the Jews’ sacred history provides models and types of his own people’s behaviors and reactions. By placing their trials and tribulations in the exodus context, he also positions them in the context of the chosen people’s blessings, reminding them that they share in those blessings by right.