The Book of Jacob

The book of Jacob is part of the small plates of Nephi. Nephi, before he died, made his younger brother Jacob custodian of the plates. Nephi had already included some of Jacob’s teachings in the plates (see 2 Nephi 6; 9–10). Jacob had been faithful despite having “suffered afflictions and much sorrow, because of the rudeness of [his] brethren” (2 Nephi 2:1). He fulfilled his father Lehi’s prophecy that he would dwell with Nephi and spend his life in the service of God (see 2 Nephi 2:3). Like Nephi, Jacob became an eyewitness of the Savior (see 2 Nephi 11:2–3). When Jacob was made steward of the sacred records, he was ready. Jacob is known for his doctrinal writings focusing on Jesus Christ and His Atonement. His book may be divided into the following categories:

• Jacob 1—Introduction and commission

• Jacob 2–3—Temple sermon and call to repentance

• Jacob 4—Teachings on Jesus Christ

• Jacob 5–6—Allegory of the tame and wild olive trees and Jacob’s explanation

• Jacob 7—Confrontation with Sherem the anti-Christ

• Jacob 1–4

• Jacob 5–7