Regular readers of this blog know that I believe a version of the Book of Moses was contained on the Brass Plates, and that Nephite record-keepers were therefore very familiar with the themes contained in the Book of Moses. This is the best explanation for the many thematic and literary connections between the two. See this three-part series by Jeff Lindsay published in the Interpreter for an overview -- part 1 -- part 2 -- part 3. In addition to establishing the connection between both texts, scholars have also demonstrated a one way textual dependence. In other words, there is strong evidence that the Book of Mormon authors quoted and paraphrased the Book of Moses, and never the other way around.
When I read the Book of Mormon, I like to keep Book of Moses themes in mind. This often leads to wonderful new insights.
For example, I believe I've found a thematic source for Alma's striking description of the fate of the wicked at the day of judgment.
I recently posted about a similarity between the description of Enoch and Alma/Amulek in the context of lions (and how that relates to the power of a covenant people) in this post.
In today's post, I'll point out another not-so-coincidental similarity between Enoch in the Book of Moses and Alma's warning to the people of Ammonihah.
Here are Alma's words:
13 Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned.
14 For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence.
15 But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his glory, and in his power, and in his might, majesty, and dominion, and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgments are just; that he is just in all his works, and that he is merciful unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance. (Alma 12)
In the Book of Moses, Enoch is described using similar elements in a contrasting manner:
13 And so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him. (Moses 7)
In Alma's words, we find a warning that if we harden our hearts and reject the word, at the day of judgment we'll wish "we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from [God's] presence." In the description of Enoch and his people, we have a description of the covenant people of God, who possessed words and language so powerful they caused the earth to tremble and the mountains to flee according to their command.
Is it possible Alma had access to this description of Enoch and intentionally played off of the concept of the word and the mountain? I believe so.
Later in the same Enoch account in the Book of Moses, Christ declares Himself to be the very "Rock of Heaven" we must "[climb] up" in order to "never fall."
53 And the Lord said: Blessed is he through whose seed Messiah shall come; for he saith—I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven, which is broad as eternity; whoso cometh in at the gate and climbeth up by me shall never fall; wherefore, blessed are they of whom I have spoken, for they shall come forth with songs of everlasting joy. (Moses 7)