Sariah Rejoices as Her Sons Return

John W. Welch

Sariah’s words to Lehi reflect the same poetic effect of Lehi’s exhortations to Laman and Lemuel, "Oh, that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast and immoveable," and "oh that thou mightest be like unto this river." We can only guess what her poem might have looked like in the original language: "Now I know of a surety the Lord hath commanded my husband to flee into the wilderness." Break. "Yea, and I also know of a surety that the Lord hath protected my sons." It’s a nice couplet, both beginning with, "Yea I know," and "Know of a surety." And moreover, "He has delivered them out of the hands of Laban," Break. "And given them power by which they can accomplish the thing which the Lord hath commanded them," echoing, of course, Nephi’s own words, "For I will go and do the things which I am commanded." This makes a beautiful little four-part poem. It begins with "knowing that the Lord has commanded my husband" and it ends "knowing that the Lord has given them power they might accomplish the thing that he has commanded them." We might call it The Song of Sariah. In Exodus 15:21, there is a short but poetic expression by the sister of Moses which biblical scholars rave about as being a wonderful statement of joy and success, given as the Children of Israel reach the other side of the Red Sea. It’s called the Song of Miriam and I think with Sariah we have the same theme of deliverance by the hand of the Lord with a similar, beautiful testimony of gratitude, faith and love.

John W. Welch Notes

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