The doctrine of the depravity of man, which Mormon might be accused of teaching (v. 7) is false. There is no better explanation of why man is less than the dust of the earth, as some people imply, than Mormon’s treatise of it here. When God speaks to the earth it obeys (vv. 8–14). The earth was created by God speaking to the elements of the earth and they obeyed.
In support of Mormon’s words, Jacob, brother of Nephi, bears witness of the righteous Nephites commanding the parts of the earth.
Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea. [Jacob 4:6]
The Jaredites had the same power according to Moroni.
30 For the brother of Jared said unto the mountain Zerin, Remove —and it was removed. And if he had not had faith it would not have moved; wherefore thou workest after men have faith. [Ether 12:30; see also Helaman 10:9]
Jesus promised his disciples the power to move mountains (see Matthew 17:20).
Mormon also had a knowledge of astronomy, he knew that the earth moved and not the sun (Helaman 12:15). As Abraham learned the sun is one of the fixed plants (see Abraham facsimile No.2, figure 5). The Lord revealed a knowledge of the planets to Abraham (Abraham 3) and apparently it was handed down to the Nephites, or they learned it anew.
There is still evidence of a knowledge of astronomy among the ancient Americans.
They were so capable at natural astrology, the said “Toltecs,” that they were the first that had counted and calculated the days of the year and the night and its hours and the difference of time. They knew very well those (days) that were helpful and those that were harmful, which they left identified by 20 figures or characters. They also invented the art of interpreting dreams and they were so able and wise that they knew the movements of the heavens …
The next chapter of this work will comment on the treasures of earth being moved (see Helaman 13:17–23 and commentary). Man is certainly less than the dust of the earth in obedience to the Lord.