Ether 7-15 The Destruction of the Jaredites

Ether 7:1-27 Surely this thing leadeth to captivity.

The Jaredites desired that there should be a man who was named king over the people. The brother of Jared declared, “Surely this thing leadeth to captivity” (Ether 6:23). Invite the class to find the word captivity in Ether 7. Why do the Lord’s people become captives when they have someone other than the Lord for their king? Cross-reference: 1 Samuel 8:5-18.

Ether 8:20-23 Secret Combinations

Moroni revealed that secret combinations were established among the Jaredites to help the most wicked among them to gain power. Moroni issued a warning to the Gentiles concerning secret combinations. Have students read the warning in verses 20-23 and explain why we should not sustain those who are part of secret combinations.

Ether 9:35 The Jaredites humble themselves

There was gross wickedness among the Jaredites. They began to follow those who established secret combinations. There was murder and adultery and corruption of every sort. However, verse 35 indicates that the people repented. Invite students to read verses 30-34 and discover why it is that the people humbled themselves and repented. How does the Lord humble people in this generation?

Ether 10:22-28 Prosperity among the Jaredites

Have students read these verses and list the elements of prosperity among the Jaredites. Help students see that the prosperity of the Jaredites was a collective prosperity. No mention is made of individuals prospering, rather it is national prosperity. As soon as the Jaredites seek for individual prosperity through secret combinations they go into captivity (see verses 33-34).

Ether 11:13-23 The Final Destruction of the Jaredites Prophesied

What are the key words that describe the reasons why the Jaredites were headed for a final destruction? How do people show that they are wicked and rebellious in this generation? What is the difference between living in captivity and living in peace?

Ether 12:1-41 Faith, Hope and Charity

Moroni saw the destruction of the Jaredites. He also saw our day (see Mormon 8:35-41) and saw that we were headed in the same direction the Jaredites were headed. In Ether 12, Moroni attempts to give us a doctrinal framework within which to live our lives and avoid the promised destruction of the wicked. The first principle of that doctrinal framework is faith in Christ. Have students read verses 1-31 and find examples of faith among the Jaredites and Nephites. In those same verses the Lord explains why men receive weaknesses in this life. How do these weaknesses lead to an increase of faith? The second principle is hope. Have students read Ether 12:32 and explain why we must have hope. The third principle is charity. Have students read Ether 12:33-37 and explain why those who will not suffer destruction must have charity.

Ether 12:38-41 Moroni’s Testimony

Why does Moroni have confidence as he anticipates the day he will stand before God to be judged? What can we do to have that same confidence?

Ether 13:1-14 Ether Writes of a New Jerusalem

Ether wrote of the reconstruction of the Jerusalem that Lehi came from. He also wrote of a New Jerusalem. What did Ether see when he was shown the future? What does the scripture mean in verse 12? Who are the first and who are the last? Why is it important for us to know the prophecies of Ether?

Ether 13:1-15:34 The End of the Jaredites

Have students read Ether 14:25 and explain what the fullness of the wrath of God was that was poured out upon the Jaredites. Have students read Ether 15:3 and explain why Coriantumr began to repent after having resisted repentance for so long. Have students read Ether 15:19 and explain why the Spirit had ceased striving with the Jaredites. What lessons can we learn from this pattern?