Mormon 8: Moroni Sees Our Day

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 184–185

The writings of Mormon’s son Moroni begin in Mormon 8. He wrote that his father was killed in battle and that he, Moroni, was left alone. In the rest of the chapter, Moroni wrote about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon in the latter days by the power of God. His father had commanded him to write part of it (see Mormon 8:1), and the rest he recorded from visions the Savior had shown him concerning the latter days (see vv. 34–41).Moroni realized that no one in his day would read the record and that he was writing to our day. Noting that Moroni and other Book of Mormon prophets had seen our day, President Ezra Taft Benson counseled: “If they saw our day and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 5; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6). Ask these questions as you read this chapter and as you continue to the end of the Book of Mormon.
Joseph Smith uncovering plates

Understanding the Scriptures

Mormon 8

Whither (v. 4)Where
The intent thereof (v. 5)The purpose of it
Kinsfolk (v. 5)Family
Dispersed (v. 15)Scattered
Rashly (v. 19)Quickly, without care, recklessly
Vengeance (vv. 20, 40–41)Fierce justice, punishment
Defiled (v. 28)Unclean, unholy, corrupt
Tempests (v. 29)Terrible storms
Vapors (v. 29)Clouds
Divers (v. 30)Many different
Gall of bitterness (v. 31)See the “Understanding the Scriptures” section for Alma 36:18 (p. 125)
Bonds of iniquity (v. 31)Captive of sin
Perverse (v. 33)Corrupt, willingly disobedient
Stiffnecked (v. 33)Proud
Transfigured (v. 33)Changed, corrupted
Apparel (vv. 36–37)Clothing
Malice (v. 36)Anger, hatred
Adorning (v. 37)Excessive decoration
Canker (v. 38)To corrupt and destroy
Avengeth (v. 41)Takes revenge for

Mormon 8:7—The Entire Destruction of the Nephites

After Jesus Christ visited them, no one was called a “Nephite” or a “Lamanite”; all of the people were united in Him. Later, the people began to separate themselves into groups again and call themselves Lamanites or Nephites, according to their beliefs and traditions, not necessarily because of whom they descended from. Consequently, when we read that the Nephites were entirely destroyed, it means that all those who considered themselves followers of the Nephite tradition were destroyed. There could have been descendants of Nephi, Sam, Jacob, and Joseph among the Lamanites who were not destroyed as a people.

Nephite-Lamanite history chart(click to view larger)

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Mormon 8.

Activity A iconReading Advice

Based on what Moroni wrote in Mormon 8:12, 17–19, 21, 23, 34–35, make a list of “Instructions and Advice for Readers of the Book of Mormon.”

Activity B iconDescribe the Day

  1. 1.

    In Mormon 8:26–32, Moroni described the day in which the Book of Mormon would come forth to the world. List at least 10 conditions Moroni said would exist during that time.

  2. 2.

    What most impresses you about Moroni’s prophecy concerning our day?

Activity C iconRespond to Moroni

jewels
  1. 1.

    In Mormon 8:34–35, Moroni testified that he saw our day. Based on what you read in verses 36–41, what seemed to concern him the most?

  2. 2.

    Find and list all of the questions Moroni asked in Mormon 8:36–41. Then write an answer that you think most represents the attitudes of the world today.

  3. 3.

    Briefly write a letter as if you were writing back to Moroni. Explain to him what you are personally doing about the concerns he expressed in Mormon 8:36–41.