We have the presence of the term “peaceable” in this preamble to the discourse. This is a term not previously used in the Book of Mormon, but a fairly common description from the New Testament. Certainly we may expect that the New Testament usage has informed its presence in the translation at this point. However, the question is what it might mean.
We find the use of the word “peaceable” in 1 Timothy:
1 Timothy 2:1-2
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
The context here is a “quiet and peaceable life.” That context suggests that the understanding of peace is a physical, not a metaphysical one. It is descriptive of a way of living that may be associated with quite. It is therefore a contrast to contentious and violent lives. Similarly:
James 3:17-18
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
In James there is more o the potentially metaphysical in verse 17, but it is anchored in action in verse 18. These spiritual benefits come to those “that make peace.” In these contexts we must remember the words of the Savior in the Beattitudes:
Matthew 5:9
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
The social conditions in first century Judah were quite stressed, and both social and political stresses were great. Not long after the death of the Savior came a rebellion against Roman authority that resulted in the destruction of the temple. Peace in Jesus’ day was not an abstract, but a very real hope and need.
Similarly in the time of Mormon, peace would hardly have been an abstract concept. We do not know when this sermon was given, but Mormon’s long career in the military begins at sixteen, so we may presume that this sermon is given at some time during the terrible military conflicts that consumed most of Mormon’s life. Peace was a goal, not a stable social state for Mormon, and his praise for those who were able to make peace with their neighbors is a poignant contrast to his military career.