Both the Jaredite and the Nephite records mention their tilling of the earth to raise crops with the seeds they had brought with them (v. 13; and 1 Nephi 18:24). The records of the Jaredites again mention the recognition of the Lord for bringing them to the promised land (Ether 6:12), as did Lehi in his record (see 2 Nephi 1:1–3).
The families of Jared and the brother of Jared were not numbered prior to this time. The total number when they arrived is not definitely stated. When they arrived, the four sons of Jared may have been married and there may have been some daughters (Ether 6:14). The brother of Jared did have sons and daughters, but how many of each is not given (v. 15). It seems there were twenty-two adults, but the word “about” leaves the definite number open. The number of sons and daughters of these friends were not given either. With eight different barges there was room for the twenty-two adults and the thirty-four children plus an indefinite number of other children of their friends as well.
There is a parallel of sorts with the Nephites. Both had two main families in the group. The Nephites had Lehi and Ishmael and their sons and daughters had married (see 1 Nephi 7:1–5). Zoram, who became a great friend of Nephi (1 Nephi 4:31–35), is only one person, but does represent a third person for genetic selection as they marry. There were over 15 adults in the Nephite group (see 1 Nephi 7:5–6). Nephi had some sisters but we do not know how many (see 2 Nephi 5:6).
As the Jaredites began to occupy the promised lands of the Americas, they were taught to walk humbly before the Lord, and they were also taught from on high (Ether 6:17). When the Nephites came they were also taught to observe the statutes and the judgments of the Lord (2 Nephi 1:16), and Lehi left blessings of the father upon the heads of all his children for “the everlasting welfare of your souls” (2 Nephi 2:30).
The record numbers the people twice; the first time when they arrived in the land of promise (Ether 6:14–16), and the second time just prior to Jared and his brother’s death (vv. 19–21).