The Book of Mormon:

Paintings by Arnold Friberg

“The purpose of an illustration,” wrote Arnold Friberg, “is to suggest to the reader some of the rich experiences that might be his through reading the particular story or book that is being illustrated.”

After Brother Friberg painted the following scenes from the Book of Mormon, he wrote: “My own understanding and appreciation of the Book of Mormon has been immeasurably increased. … The great personalities who walk through its pages have become alive and real, and of immense stature” (Children’s Friend, December 1952, pages 496, 522).

Lehi in the Wilderness Discovers the Liahona. “To his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness” (1 Ne. 16:10).

Young Nephi Subdues His Rebellious Brothers. “[My brethren] were angry with me, and were desirous to throw me into the depths of the sea; and as they came forth to lay their hands upon me I spake unto them, saying: In the name of the Almighty God, I command you that ye touch me not, for I am filled with the power of God … ; and whoso shall lay his hands upon me shall wither even as a dried reed; … for God shall smite him” (1 Ne. 17:48).

Lehi and His People Arrive in the Promised Land. “I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed … towards the promised land.

“And … after we had sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised land” (1 Ne. 18:22–23).

Abinadi Delivers His Message to King Noah. “[Abinadi] said unto them: “Touch me not, for God shall smite you if ye lay your hands upon me. …

“After Abinadi had spoken these words … the people of king Noah durst not lay their hands on him, for the Spirit of the Lord was upon him; and his face shone with exceeding luster” (Mosiah 13:2–3, 5).

Alma Baptizes in the Waters of Mormon. “And [Alma] did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord. …

“And they were baptized in the waters of Mormon, and were filled with the grace of God” (Mosiah 18:7, 16).

Ammon Defends the Flocks of King Lamoni. “They came forth with clubs to slay him.

“But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite Ammon, … he did withstand their blows by smiting their arms with the edge of his sword … ; yea, and they were not few in number; and he caused them to flee by the strength of his arm” (Alma 17:36–37).

Helaman Leads an Army of 2,000 Ammonite Youths. “And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage. …

“Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.

“And … Helaman did march at the head of his two thousand stripling soldiers, to the support of the people” (Alma 53:20–22).

Captain Moroni Raises the Title of Liberty. “Moroni, who was the chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, … rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole. …

“(And he called it the title of liberty) and he … prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren” (Alma 46:11–13).

Samuel the Lamanite Prophesies. “They would not suffer that he should enter into the city; therefore he went and got upon the wall thereof, and … prophesied unto the people. …

“But as many as there were who did not believe in the words of Samuel were angry with him; and they cast stones at him upon the wall, and also many shot arrows at him as he stood upon the wall; but the Spirit of the Lord was with him, insomuch that they could not hit him with their stones neither with their arrows” (Hel. 13:4; Hel. 16:2).

Jesus Christ Appears unto the Nephite People. “And … they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them. …

“He stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:

“Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world” (3 Ne. 11:8–10).