arak: to be long -- אָרַךְ -- continue (1), delay (1), endure* (1), endures (1), lengthen (3), lengthened (1), lingered (2), live (2), long (5), long* (3), makes him slow (1), prolong (8), prolonged (4), prolongs (1), stick (1), survived* (2).
We'll look at two common uses of this root in the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon.
"Lengthen thy cords"
Christ quotes Isaiah's use of this root in a covenant context, prophesying of the latter-day restoration of the covenant:
2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes; (3 Nephi 22)
This wording fits in well with the idea of Zion enlarging when covenants are kept, as well and Zion as an enclosed garden.
Contrasting covenant theme related to cords
It should be noted that cords are occasionally mentioned in the context of Satan binding those who reject their covenants. (See 2 Nephi 26:22.) As is often the case, covenant symbols have positive and negative connotations.
"Prolong thy days"
In the Old Testament, this root is used in a covenant context, for example:
40 Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for ever. (Deuteronomy 4)Isaiah makes use of this root to speak of the results of Christ's suffering:
Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain.This passage is part of Abinadi's sermon to the wicked priests of King Noah, found in Mosiah 14.
When you make his life an offering for sin,
he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days;
through him the will of the Lord shall prosper. (Isaiah 53, NRSV)
Notice how Alma uses this same wording in his masterful sermon in Ammonihah, in a passage filled with other covenant symbols. He is specifically warning the wicked Nephites that their violation of their covenant is more severe (and will therefore be treated more harshly by the Lord) than the Lamanites' wickedness:
16 For there are many promises which are extended to the Lamanites; for it is because of the traditions of their fathers that caused them to remain in their state of ignorance; therefore the Lord will be merciful unto them and prolong their existence in the land.
17 And at some period of time they will be brought to believe in his word, and to know of the incorrectness of the traditions of their fathers; and many of them will be saved, for the Lord will be merciful unto all who call on his name.
18 But behold, I say unto you that if ye persist in your wickedness that your days shall not be prolonged in the land, for the Lamanites shall be sent upon you; and if ye repent not they shall come in a time when you know not, and ye shall be visited with utter destruction; and it shall be according to the fierce anger of the Lord. (Alma 9)
Notice Lehi's teaching about Adam and Eve. Is it possible he is making reference to the fact that they were taught about covenants upon their expulsion from the Garden of Eden?
21 And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men... (2 Nephi 2)
Connections to Zenos and the restoration of the Lamanites?
Samuel uses similar language when talking about promises made to the Lamanites:
4 But behold my brethren, the Lamanites hath he hated because their deeds have been evil continually, and this because of the iniquity of the tradition of their fathers. But behold, salvation hath come unto them through the preaching of the Nephites; and for this intent hath the Lord prolonged their days. ...
10 And now, because of their steadfastness when they do believe in that thing which they do believe, for because of their firmness when they are once enlightened, behold, the Lord shall bless them and prolong their days, notwithstanding their iniquity—
11 Yea, even if they should dwindle in unbelief the Lord shall prolong their days, until the time shall come which hath been spoken of by our fathers, and also by the prophet Zenos, and many other prophets, concerning the restoration of our brethren, the Lamanites, again to the knowledge of the truth. (Helaman 15)
Notice that mention of "Zenos, and many other prophets, concerning the restoration of our brethren." I have some ideas about what Samuel is referring to, which I will save for my next post.