# Jarom 1

*Paraphrase*

### Jarom’s Brief Record

I, Jarom, am writing just a few things here, as my father Enos asked me to, so our family line stays recorded. These plates don’t have much room, and they’re meant to help our relatives, the Lamanites, so I’ll keep this short. I won’t write about my prophecies or revelations—what more could I add to what my ancestors already wrote? They’ve already explained God’s plan of salvation. That’s enough for me.

My people need a lot of work—they’re hardhearted, deaf to truth, blind in their thinking, and stubborn. Still, God has been incredibly patient with them and hasn’t wiped them out yet. Some of us do receive revelations, though—not everyone is stubborn. Those who aren’t stubborn and who have faith connect with the Holy Spirit, who reveals truth to people according to their faith.

### Two Hundred Years of Faithfulness

Two hundred years have passed, and the Nephites have grown strong. They kept the law of Moses and honored the Sabbath. They didn’t treat sacred things carelessly or speak against God. The laws of the land were very strict. They were spread out across the land—and so were the Lamanites, who vastly outnumbered the Nephites. The Lamanites loved violence and even drank animal blood.

They attacked us many times. But our kings and leaders were strong in their faith in the Lord, and they taught the people his ways. So we held off the Lamanites, drove them back, and started fortifying our cities and settlements. Our numbers grew, and we spread across the land. We became very wealthy—rich in gold, silver, and precious materials. We were skilled in woodwork, construction, and metalworking. We made iron, copper, brass, and steel. We crafted all kinds of tools for farming and weapons for war: sharp arrows, quivers, darts, javelins—everything we’d need for battle. Because we were prepared, the Lamanites couldn’t defeat us. The Lord’s promise to our ancestors came true: ‘If you keep my commandments, you’ll thrive in the land.’

### The Prophets Keep Them Faithful

The prophets warned the Nephites that if they broke God’s commandments and fell into sin, they’d be destroyed. So the prophets, priests, and teachers worked tirelessly, patiently urging the people to stay faithful. They taught the law of Moses and explained why God gave it. They pushed people to look forward to the Messiah and trust in him as if he’d already come. That’s how they taught. And it worked. Their teaching kept the people from being destroyed. They pierced people’s hearts with truth and constantly stirred them toward repentance.

Two hundred and thirty-eight years passed—years marked by wars, conflicts, and divisions much of the time. I’m not writing more—these plates are small. But you can read the other plates of Nephi if you want more. They have detailed war records, written by the kings or at their command. I’m handing these plates to my son Omni, so they’ll be kept safe as my ancestors commanded.

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*Source: [The Book of Mormon](https://bookofmormon.com/paraphrase/jarom/1)*
