Another Interpretation of Jacob 2:30

Ryan Fisher (Nephite Explorer) postulates that the missing piece of the theological puzzle is that the promised land must be a specific location, just as the state of Israel is a small designated piece of land. Here’s his presentation:

The Missing Piece

To briefly summarize his presentation, he, along with others, believe that the promised land is the north eastern part of the U.S. Rather than Central America, the Book of Mormon events would have taken place in the same general area where the early church began. This promised land is a special, specific area within the United States, with clear rules for the occupants.

In Jacob 2, Jacob is speaking to the first generation of Lehi, who were pridefully seeking after riches.  While in Kirtland, the first generation of Saints were supposed to establish Zion, but they were seeking after riches also (through the Kirtland safety Society and land speculation) and they failed to live the law of consecration. 

Jacob condemns the Nephites for the grosser crime of plural wives.  A crime only exists when there’s a law, and Jacob confirms they knew that law and what they were doing.  

34 And now behold, my brethren, ye know that these commandments were given to our father, Lehi; wherefore, ye have known them before; and ye have come unto great condemnation; for ye have done these things which ye ought not to have done.

The Jaredites occupied the land much earlier. According to this verse they also knew the law but their king, Riplakish, didn’t follow it.

5 And it came to pass that Riplakish did not do that which was right in the sight of the Lord, for he did have many wives and concubines, and did lay that upon men’s shoulders which was grievous to be borne; yea, he did tax them with heavy taxes; and with the taxes he did build many spacious buildings.

Some of the early Saints also knew that having multiple wives was a sin because they had the Book of Mormon and in February of 1841 Joseph received what is now Section 42, the law of the Lord that included the one-wife law. 

22 Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.

23 And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.

24 Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.

In Jacob 2:25, the Nephites were told they were brought out of Jerusalem to raise up a righteous branch in a promised land and in verse 29 they were told that, if they fail to keep the commandments, the land will be cursed for their sakes.

25 Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from the fruit of the loins of Joseph.

29 Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord of Hosts, or cursed be the land for their sakes.

In Ether 2, the Jaredites are warned they will be swept off the promised land if they don’t serve God.   

8 And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them.

In D&C 124, the Saints received a similar warning and were told they would not be moved out of their place if they kept the commandments.

45 And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place.

If this promised land was the same land the Saints were on, then all people on this land would face the same consequences based on their behavior.  And it seems they did because Nephites, Jaredites, and early Saints did not remain on that specific, promised land.   The scriptures indicate that polygamy was among the abominations that sealed their fate.  

So another possible explanation for Jacob 2:30, with the added clarifications in italics:

For if I will saith the lord of host raise up seed unto me, I will command my people to depart to a new land as a remnant; otherwise they shall, in the meantime, hearken unto these things and have only one wife.