Ether 8: Secret Combinations Begin

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 192

Problems continued as the Jaredite leaders fought among themselves for power and wealth. But in Ether 8 the problems became worse. Watch for the introduction of an evil that eventually helped destroy the entire Jaredite nation. Moroni ended the chapter with a stern warning to all future readers. How does his warning apply to you?

Understanding the Scriptures

Ether 8

Expert (v. 8)Clever
Devise (v. 8)Create, develop
Fair (v. 9)Beautiful
Swear unto (vv. 13–14)Promise
Divulge (v. 14)Tell
Oaths (vv. 15–16, 20)Promises
Abominable (v. 18)Terrible, destructive
Vengeance (vv. 22, 24)Punishment
Beguiled (v. 25)Deceived

Ether 8:9–22—Secret Combinations

A secret combination is a group of wicked people who secretly join together to lie, cheat, steal, murder, or do whatever is necessary to gain riches, wealth, or power (see Helaman 7:21; 8:26–28). The first secret combination was between Satan and Cain, who killed his brother Abel (see Moses 5:28–32). Secret combinations led to the destruction of people in the days of Noah and of the entire Jaredite and Nephite societies (see Ether 8:21).

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Ether 8.

Activity A iconA Voice of Warning

Write the warnings you would give in the following situations:

  1. 1.

    You are an undercover police officer and discover Akish’s plan (see Ether 8:4–12). Write a report to warn your leader of this secret plan.

  2. 2.

    You have been assigned by the prophet to give a talk, using Ether 8:20–26 as your text. Write a paragraph describing the warning you think today’s Church members need.