Jarom
Overview
The Book of Jarom is a brief entry in the Small Plates of Nephi, covering approximately 40 years (399–361 B.C.). Jarom, the son of Enos, writes primarily to preserve the genealogy and satisfy the commandment of his father. He explicitly declines to write new prophecies or revelations, arguing that the 'plan of salvation' has already been sufficiently revealed by his fathers. The text portrays a stark dichotomy between the Nephites and Lamanites: the Nephites are portrayed as industrious, wealthy, and observant of the Law of Moses, while the Lamanites are described as blood-drinking savages who love murder. Theologically, the book reinforces the 'Nephite Cycle': prosperity and land retention are contingent upon strict obedience to God's commandments. Jarom notes that prophets, priests, and teachers labored diligently, 'threatening' the people with destruction to keep them in line. A unique theological claim here is the observance of the Law of Moses combined with a belief in the Messiah 'as though he already was,' suggesting a fully developed Christian theology centuries before the Incarnation. The text also contains significant anachronisms regarding metallurgy and machinery.
Key Figures
- Jarom
- Enos
- Omni
- The Messiah (prophesied)
- Lamanites (collective adversary)
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
The Nephite Covenant (Conditional Prosperity)
Assertion
Material prosperity and national survival are directly contingent upon strict obedience to commandments.
Evidence from Text
Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land. (Jarom 1:9)
Evangelical Comparison
Evangelical theology teaches that while obedience honors God, the New Covenant does not guarantee material wealth or national security as a reward for behavior. The 'prosperity gospel' found in Jarom 1:9 links spiritual obedience directly to material outcomes ('rich in gold... and in silver' v8). In contrast, the New Testament emphasizes suffering for the sake of Christ and looking toward a heavenly city (Hebrews 11:13-16), rather than an earthly inheritance secured by works.
Proleptic Christian Soteriology
Assertion
Ancient Nephites believed in and understood the specific person and work of Jesus Christ centuries before his birth.
Evidence from Text
Persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. (Jarom 1:11)
Evangelical Comparison
Biblically, the Old Testament saints had types, shadows, and prophecies, but the 'mystery' of Christ was 'kept secret for long ages' (Romans 16:25) and not fully revealed until the apostles (Ephesians 3:4-5). Jarom claims the Nephites understood the Messiah so clearly they could believe 'as though he already was' in 400 B.C., effectively flattening the distinction between the Old and New Testaments and rendering the Incarnation's revelatory uniqueness redundant.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap
The theological gap is threefold. First, Soteriology: Jarom teaches a 'survival by works' theology where God's mercy is a temporary stay of execution pending obedience (v3, v10). Second, Christology: The text claims a fullness of Christian knowledge (believing in him 'as though he already was') that bypasses the historical economy of salvation described in the Bible. Third, History: The text relies on material proofs (steel, machinery) that do not exist in the historical record, unlike the verifiable geography and culture of the Bible.
Friction Points
Sola Scriptura / Progressive Revelation
Claims full revelation of Christ and the plan of salvation centuries before the New Testament era.
Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)
God's mercy is portrayed as a temporary holding pattern while prophets 'threaten' people into obedience to avoid destruction.
Theology of the Cross
Replaces the theology of the cross (suffering/weakness) with a theology of glory (wealth/machinery/military might).
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Plan of Salvation"
In This Text
A system of ordinances and obedience revealed to Nephite fathers (v2).
In Evangelicalism
The eternal purpose of God to redeem mankind through the finished work of Christ (Ephesians 1:4-7).
"Prosper"
In This Text
To become rich in gold, silver, and military strength (v8-9).
In Evangelicalism
Often refers to spiritual maturity or the success of the soul (3 John 1:2), not necessarily material wealth.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Primarily defined in this text as preservation from physical destruction and Lamanite conquest.
How Attained: Through strict obedience to the Law of Moses and heeding the 'threats' of the prophets.
Basis of Assurance: Material prosperity is the visible evidence of divine favor.
Comparison to Sola Fide: Jarom 1:9 ('Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper') is a conditional covenant of works, contrasting with Romans 3:28 ('justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law').
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Keep the commandments to prosper (v9)
- Keep the Law of Moses (v5)
- Keep the Sabbath holy (v5)
- Keep genealogy (v1)
Implicit Obligations
- Fortify cities against enemies (v7)
- Labor diligently to warn others (v11)
- Look forward to the Messiah (v11)
Ritual Requirements
- Observance of the Law of Moses (v5)
- Sabbath observance (v5)
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- Jarom 1:2 mentions that the 'plan of salvation' was already revealed. How does this fit with the biblical idea that the mystery of Christ was not fully made known until the apostles (Ephesians 3:5)?
- In verse 10, the prophets 'threaten' the people to keep them from transgression. How does this compare to the motivation of grace described in Romans 2:4 ('God's kindness leads you to repentance')?
- Verse 8 mentions the Nephites had machinery, steel, and tools. Why do you think archaeologists haven't found evidence of these technologies in the Americas from 400 B.C.?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The Longing for a Mediator
The text shows a people needing more than just the Law; they needed a Person. This longing is fulfilled in Jesus.
Mercy amidst Hardness
Even in a text focused on works, there is an admission that the people deserve judgment but receive patience. This points to God's character.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
The believer is motivated by 'threats' of destruction (v10). This creates a relationship with God based on fear of annihilation rather than assurance of adoption.
If a believer suffers financial or physical setbacks, the theology of Jarom 1:9 implies it is due to a lack of obedience ('Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper'). This adds guilt to suffering.
+ Epistemology
Knowledge Source: Revelation, Tradition (Fathers' writings), and Conditional Spiritual Communion
Verification Method: Communion with the Holy Spirit is granted based on not being 'stiffnecked' and having faith (v4).
Evangelical Contrast: Biblical knowledge is anchored in the objective Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), accessible to all believers. Jarom implies a subjective spiritual experience contingent on moral performance ('as many as are not stiffnecked').
+ Textual Criticism
Dating: Internal date: ~399-361 B.C. Published: 1830.
Authorship: Attributed to Jarom; Critical consensus posits Joseph Smith.
Textual Issues: The phrase 'machinery' (v8) is linguistically anachronistic for a translation of an ancient text, reflecting 19th-century industrial terminology.