“For Except Ye Repent the Land Is Cursed for Your Sakes”

Brant Gardner

Modern readers who know of the final destruction of the Nephites might read Jacob’s prediction as speaking of Mormon’s time, but I think he is rather speaking of a closer event. About four hundred years hence, those who wish to remain Nephites will abandon the “land of [their] inheritance” and journey to Zarahemla (Omni 1:12–13). The final annihilation is about 800 years away. The social conditions resulting in Mosiah1’s flight may be traced to the conditions Jacob is discussing. (See commentary accompanying Omni 1:7 and 1:12.)

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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