16 - Yea, the prophet Zenos did testify of these things, and also Zenock spake concerning these things, because they testified particularly concerning us, who are the remnant of their seed.
What is meant by "who are the remnant of their seed"? Is this referencing the literal seed of Zenos and Zenock? Is this referencing the seed of Israel? Is this referencing spiritual seed? Is it referencing many or all of the above? It is apparent that these prophets who went on before had seen that there would be a branch of Israel that was broken off and would witness the signs of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. It was very important for them to testify and write these things down. Why was there no record of this in the Old Testament that we have? Who would have been behind this "losing" of these prophecies?
17 - Behold, our father Jacob also testified concerning a remnant of the seed of Joseph. And behold, are not we a remnant of the seed of Joseph? And these things which testify of us, are they not written upon the plates of brass which our father Lehi brought out of Jerusalem?
Even Jacob (Israel) what would happen to the remnant of his seed. Is this a pattern that we see in the scriptures? How many prophets are shown what will happen to their seed? Is this something that can be shown to each one of us? Could this be one of the reasons that it was important for the Lord to have Lehi go back and get the plates of brass? Think of all of the times that the plates of brass are referenced throughout the Book of Mormon.
18 - And it came to pass that in the ending of the thirty and fourth year, behold, I will show unto you that the people of Nephi who were spared, and also those who had been called Lamanites, who had been spared, did have great favors shown unto them, and great blessings poured out upon their heads, insomuch that soon after the ascension of Christ into heaven he did truly manifest himself unto them--
Which ascension of Christ into heaven is being referenced here? Look at the footnote for "ascension". Which one does that reference? Why would Mormon have been shown this in vision?
19 - Showing his body unto them, and ministering unto them; and an account of his ministry shall be given hereafter. Therefore for this time I make an end of my sayings.
Why was it important for Mormon to point out that Christ appeared in his body to them? What other doctrine of the Gospel of Christ makes mention of Christ appearing in bodily form? Did this apply to those to who Christ appeared to here in the Americas? Is the account that follows a type of what to expect for all who receive it? Why did Mormon pause here? Could it have been because he needed to compose and gather his thoughts to write about what happened next? If it was so important for Mormon to get the correct thoughts down, how important should it be for us to study and contemplate all of the details of the experiences detailed in the following chapters? How often do you think about those things?
... Great things 2 ponder upon.
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