“Nimrod”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

Nimrod was the son of Cush, the eldest son of Ham (Genesis 10:8-10). The general understanding of the biographical notes in that section of Genesis is that Nimrod had greatly bodily strength, and was eminent as a hunter of wild, dangerous animals; that he became popular among young men who gladly joined him in his hunting expeditions, and whom he organized into a military force by the aid of which he assailed and subjugated the inhabitants of Shinar; that he was a despot who built forts, towns and cities, chief among which was Babel. Other important places were called after his name. There was a Birs Nimrod (Borsippa) near Babylon; a Tel Nimrod (Hill of Nimrod) near Baghdad, and a mound, later known as Calah. In the Book of Ether we learn that there was a Valley of Nimrod, probably the region now known as Irak. In Persian and Greek mythology Nimrod is supposed to be represented by the magnificent constellation Orion.

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 6

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