I'm in the process of looking at symbols associated with covenants in the Book of Mormon. Mosiah 18 has been one of my favorite chapters for a long time, but I've never noticed the symbolic parallels which seem to have been intentionally woven into the story line in order to subtly underscore the significance of what was happening.
First, let's look at the same two Isaiah verses that we looked at in yesterday's post. These verses are quoted by Jacob in one of his sermon to the Nephites.
3 For the Lord shall comfort Zion, he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.
4 Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation; for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light for the people. (2 Nephi 8)
Now let's see how the associated symbols appear in Mosiah 18. Keep in mind the context of the chapter is that after fleeing to the wilderness to escape the wicked King Noah and his corrupt priests, Alma-1 preaches the Gospel of repentance to those who will listen in a "thicket of small trees" near a "fountain of pure water" (see Mosiah 18:5). Both of these symbols are found in Lehi's dream and in the story of the Garden of Eden. (See 1 Nephi 11:25 and Genesis 2:9-10.) This is a not-so-subtle indication to the reader that the story they are about to read will demonstrate how the Lord fulfilled His promise to this group of Nephites to "make [their] wilderness like Eden." He does this, of course, by offering them a covenant.
8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
11 And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts. ...
14 And after Alma had said these words, both Alma and Helam were buried in the water; and they arose and came forth out of the water rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit. ...
19-29 "commanded" appears eight times.
23 And he commanded them that they should observe the sabbath day, and keep it holy, and also every day they should give thanks to the Lord their God. ...
30 And now it came to pass that all this was done in Mormon, yea, by the waters of Mormon, in the forest that was near the waters of Mormon; yea, the place of Mormon, the waters of Mormon, the forest of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, and how blessed are they, for they shall sing to his praise forever. (Mosiah 18)
I'll be the first to admit that some of the connections don't seem intentional to me (in particular "comfort"). However, most of the connections do seem to be intentionally inserted according to the specific patterns set out by Jacob/Isaiah, especially the mentions of "joy/rejoicing" and "singing to his praise forever."
As an aside, it also seems Mormon couldn't stop himself from making the multi-layered reference to his own name and its association with this covenant-making. "How beautiful are they" is a clear reference to Isaiah 52:7 (see also Mosiah 12:21 and Mosiah 15:15-18). Mormon must have especially loved this story given his name, and of course the "Book of Mormon" was prophesied to be the instrument of gathering for the whole world in the latter days.
This is a great example of a Book of Mormon story that stands alone as a beautiful example of covenant-making. When coupled with the rich symbols embedded in the Old Testament (and the Hebrew language itself), the story blooms into something even more remarkable and marvelous. It is very hard for me to believe it is coincidental, or that a 23 year-old farm boy managed to accomplish this in a single dictated draft without notes. If Joseph Smith authored the Book of Mormon, he must have had a remarkable understanding of ancient Hebrew temple covenants in 1829, not to mention the associated symbolism embedded in the Hebrew language.
