Day 77: Ether 13-15

Welcome to Day 77...

              

Today culminates in craziness for the Jaredites. "Wherefore every man did cleave unto that which was his own, with his hands, and would not borrow neither would he lend; and every man kept the hilt of his sword in his right hand, in the defense of his property and his own life and of his wives and children." (Ether 14: 2) 

Ether warned King Coriantumr that his people would be destroyed if he and his household would not repent. They refused. Instead,"both men, women and children were armed with weapons of war having shields and breastplates and head-plates and being clothed after the manner of war...and they fought all that day and conquered not." Children, fighting a bloody battle?! I shudder to imagine.  

"And after they had retired to their camps they took up a howling and a lamentation for the loss of the slain of their people; and so great were their cries, their howling and lamentations, that they did rend the air exceedingly." (Ether 15:16) This is Satan's reward for those that follow him..."gulf of misery and endless wo." (Helaman 5:12)  

"The spirit had ceased striving with them, and Satan had full power over the hearts of the people..." (Ether 15:19)

                     

In the end, the mighty Jaredite nation was completely destroyed. Only Ether and Coriantumr survived to witness the fulfillment of Ether’s prophecy. 

These tragic chapters are a fulfillment of God’s decree that “whatsoever nation shall possess [the land of promise] shall serve God, or they shall be swept off.” (Ether 2:9)

A sobering saga. As we face the trials of the latter-days, may we have the attitude of Ether, that whatever trials we may face in this life, "it mattereth not, if it so be that [we are] saved in the kingdom of God." (Ether 15:34)

• Opening Song "Abide With Me"
• Begin study session with prayer
• Scripture Study: Ether 13-15 (listen)
• Study Guide: (here)
• Video: Discussions on the Book of Mormon Ether 12-15

• Video: "The Destruction of the Jaredites" 

                        
"But behold, the Spirit of the Lord had ceased striving with them, and Satan had full power over the hearts of the people; for they were given up unto the hardness of their hearts, and the blindness of their minds that they might be destroyed; wherefore they went again to battle." Ether 15:19

                              

“Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens [see Moses 7:18]. Remember, ‘the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them’ (Moses 7:18). If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary (1) to become unified in one heart and one mind; (2) to become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and (3) to care for the poor and needy” (“Come to Zion,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 38).

"And then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel." Ether 13:10

We are given the knowledge, the help, the enticement, and the freedom to choose the path of eternal safety and salvation. The choice to do so is ours.”


• Write thoughts and impressions in your journal.
• Close study session with prayer.