In part 1, I pointed out how the sword can be a symbol for the word of God. I also proposed that the sword of Laban had particular symbolic value for the Nephites and that it is one of several sacred relics both among Nephites and ancient Israelites, that can all be linked to "the word". There is another aspect of this symbolism that I want to discuss in this post. Again, it might be a bit speculative, because I don't know if the Nephite record keepers saw or intended these connections. But regardless, I think that God makes sure to leave layers of meaning in the scriptures for us personally, that we can uncover if we search.
In relation to swords, I was pondering the curse that was prophesied by Samuel the Lamanite and later fulfilled. We read about his prophesies in Helaman 13. First, in verse 4, he says
Behold, I, Samuel, a Lamanite, do speak the words of the Lord which he doth put into my heart; and behold he hath put it into my heart to say unto this people that the of justice hangeth over this people; and four hundred years pass not away save the sword of justice falleth upon this people.
As discussed in the previous post on this, the sword symbolizes the word of God that can give understanding to some and judgment to others. The Nephites in Zarahemla at this time were in a state where the word would judge them. Then there is a stranger and more specific prophecy in verses 32-36
And then shall ye lament, and say:
33 O I had repented, and had not killed the prophets, and them, and cast them out. Yea, in that day ye shall say: O that we had remembered the Lord our God in the day that he gave us our riches, and then they would not have become slippery that we should lose them; for behold, our riches are gone from us.
34 Behold, we lay a tool here and on the morrow it is gone; and behold, our swords are taken from us in the day we have sought them for battle.
35 Yea, we have hid up our and they have slipped away from us, because of the curse of the land.
36 O that we had repented in the day that the word of the Lord came unto us; for behold the land is cursed, and all things are become slippery, and we cannot hold them.
The connection between the sword and the word of God is illustrated by the fact that when they no longer held on to the word represented by the iron rod, they couldn't hold on to their swords any longer either. They became slippery along with their treasures. Their physical treasures and swords slipped from them, because they had broken the covenants and not clung to the word that is sharper than the sword and the real treasure. Referring again to the previous post, I'm thinking of the ark of the (new) covenant as a treasure chest and a symbol of the real treasure in heaven.
The fulfillment of the prophecy is described in Mormon 1:17-18
17 But I did remain among them, but I was forbidden to unto them, because of the hardness of their hearts; and because of the hardness of their hearts the land was for their sake.
18 And these Gadianton robbers, who were among the Lamanites, did infest the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof began to up their in the earth; and they became slippery, because the Lord had cursed the land, that they could not hold them, nor retain them again.
Again, they did not obtain the word and concurrently they lost their treasures. Their loss of earthly treasures symbolizes their loss of heavenly treasures. Just like the value of the plates, the Liahona and the sword of Laban is not in the precious metal but in what they contain or symbolize: The word of God.
And I am the same who up this record unto the Lord; the plates thereof are of no worth, because of the commandment of the Lord. For he truly saith that no one shall have them get gain; but the record thereof is of worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless. (Mormon 8:14)
This connection or symbolism might be a bit of a stretch but the implication is relevant and important: As covenant people, we should protect the word of God, keep it sacred and hand it to our children like a valuable treasure. If not, it will slip from us.
