“They Will Crucify Him”

Brant Gardner

This verse is the conclusion to the previous one, and follows the rejection of Jesus by the community of Jews with the statement of Jesus’ crucifixion. It is important to note that while the crucifixion of the Savior is certainly laid at the feet of the Jews, it is so stated as to be simply a fact. The crucifixion flows from the rejection of Jesus in his true role. In this attribution, however, there is no vituperation, there is no categorical condemnation. The destruction of Jerusalem which follows is ultimately based on the inability of Israel to repent and follow the Lord, and is not seen as punishment for Jesus’ death.

Narrative: Nephi declares that his soul delights in prophesying of the Messiah. The text which will follow strongly bears this out. Whatever Nephi’s original intent may or may not have been in writing his prophecies after copying those of Isaiah, the theme of the mortal Messiah virtually hijacks all other themes.

Multidimensional Commentary on the Book of Mormon

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