Jacob

Jacob 7

Jacob 7: 1-5

Sherem..............................................................................a noteable anti-Christ
flattering..........................................................................the man appeals to the lowest in people
lead away..........................................................................Has a specific goal.  Pull people away
learned...........................................................................well educated and smart
knowledge of language........................................................a background in rhetoric, can misuse
not shaken...........................................................................Jacob's faith built on spiritual

The uprising of a contentious man serves as a severe test to the faith of the poeple of Nephi.

Jacob 7: 6-14

Law of Moses........................................................................Sherem attempts to pervert Christina teachings
confound him..............................................................unable to dissuade or shake
deny Christ?..................................................................you are not accepting Messiah at all?
power of Holy Ghost..........................................................a sure knowledge from God
show sign.........................................................................the LAST thing one asks for
tempt god?......................................................................lay a trap for the Lord himself
will deny............................................................................no intention of accepting a sign
nevertheless........................................................................Sherem may have his sign, by God's will

The argument descends to a contention calling for a sign.  But with the power of the Holy Ghost, Jacob knows that it is really a trap to harm the doctrine of Christ.  Once he asks for a sign, the matter is turned over to the Lord.  When one asks for a sign it is the ultimate evil sign, for an evil and adulterous nation asketh for a sign.  The curse is contingent upon the Lord's will.

Jacob 7: 15-22

fell to earth....................................................................Sherem taken suddenly weak and ill
gather, I die......................................................................Sherem knows he is about to die
he denies.......................................................................Sherem publicly acknowledges his sin
deceived...........................................................................the devil has power to lead men
unpardonable?.............................................................Sherem worries about his eternal life
I confess...............................................................................a form of plea for forgiveness?
they fell............................................................................the people who had listened fall ill
I had requested...................................................................Jacob had prayed for this, and it is done

Sherem's battle is no longer with Jacob at all, but with the Lord himself.  And he falls almost immediately.  He does apologize publicly, and it is according to the prayer of Jacob.

Jacob 7: 23-27

peace restored.....................................................................the people return to the faith
Lamanites...................................................................despite attempts to change, continual fight
fortify..........................................................................Nephites must defend and protect
Jacob ages......................................................................reaches terminal state.  Will die.
plates............................................................................Jacob transfers plates to Enos

The peace restored.  Jacob continues the passage of the record to Enos.

Jacob 7

This cautionary tale illustrates the trouble that can arise with the emergence of a devious man who has persuasive abilities.  Sherem has threatened the whole spiritual base of the people.  After a confrontation with the people and their spiritual leader, Jacob, he is cursed by the Lord himself.  He is exposed as a fraud and as a liar.  Sherem dies, and the people return to the faith.  The warning goes out to future leaders, the perpetrator, and the people to follow the Holy Ghost.