< 1 Nephi 19 >
v. 10 ... according to the words of Zenock
Who dat?
Who Zenock was
Zenock was an ancient Israelite prophet (pre-Lehi), preserved on the brass platesbut not in our present Bible. He boldly taught about the coming of the Son of God and was martyred (stoned to death) for his testimony.
Who dat?
Who Zenock was
- A prophet from the House of Israel, living sometime before Lehi’s day.
- His writings were on the brass plates of Laban (the Nephites’ record of scripture from Jerusalem).
- He is not mentioned in the Bible, but the Nephites quote him several times.
- Alma 33:15–16 Alma cites Zenock as one who taught that redemption comes through the Son of God. Zenock was stoned to death because of this testimony.
- Alma 34:7 (Amulek’s sermon) Amulek also quotes Zenock on the Son of God.
- 3 Nephi 10:16 Zenock is listed alongside Zenos and Neum as prophets whose writings testified of Christ.
- Shows there were more prophets in Israel than the Bible preserves.
- His writings confirm the pre-Christian witness of Christ.
- His martyrdom foreshadows how many prophets were rejected for testifying of the Messiah.
Zenock was an ancient Israelite prophet (pre-Lehi), preserved on the brass platesbut not in our present Bible. He boldly taught about the coming of the Son of God and was martyred (stoned to death) for his testimony.
v. 10 ... according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulcher, according to the words of Zenos....
Lost ProphetsZenos
Summary:
The Book of Mormon preserves the memory of at least four prophets not in the Bible — Zenos, Zenock, Neum, Ezias— whose writings testified of Christ, but whose records didn’t survive into our present Old Testament.
Lost ProphetsZenos
- Quoted more than any other “lost prophet.”
- Taught about prayer, mercy, and redemption through the Son of God.
- References: 1 Nephi 19:11 (crucifixion aftermarth), Jacob 5 (the entire allegory), Jacob 6:1 (Jacob confirms he quoted Zenos), Alma 33:3–11 (teaches to pray anywhere, not just in temples).Alma 34:7.Jacob 5–6 (allegory of the olive tree).3 Nephi 10:16 (testified of Christ).
- Martyred for his testimony (Alma 33:17).
- Bore witness of the Son of God.
- Was stoned to death for his testimony.
- References:Alma 33:15–17.Alma 34:7.3 Nephi 10:16.
- Prophesied of the crucifixion of Christ.
- Reference: 1 Nephi 19:10.
- Mentioned alongside Isaiah and others as testifying of Christ.
- Reference: Helaman 8:20.
Summary:
- All four lived before Lehi (~600 BC)and were preserved on the brass plates.
- They consistently testify of the coming Messiah.
- Their rejection and martyrdom fit the pattern Jesus described: “O Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets…”(Matthew 23:37).
The Book of Mormon preserves the memory of at least four prophets not in the Bible — Zenos, Zenock, Neum, Ezias— whose writings testified of Christ, but whose records didn’t survive into our present Old Testament.
v. 12 ... And all these things must surely come, saith the prophet Zenos
Teachings of Zenos in the Book of Mormon
1 Nephi 19:11–12
Zenos’s writings, preserved only in the Book of Mormon, give some of the most powerful pre-Christian testimonies of Christ — covering His atonement, death, and the latter-day gathering of Israel.
Teachings of Zenos in the Book of Mormon
1 Nephi 19:11–12
- Prophesies of the signs at Christ’s death:Three days of darkness.Earthquakes and destruction.Rocks rending, mountains trembling.
- Emphasizes the God of nature suffering.
- Prophesies of the scattering and gathering of Israel. Once they turn their hearts toward Christ, then he will remember the covenants.
- Emphasizes the gathering and restoration of Israel and its covenants.
- The Allegory of the Olive Tree (Zenos’s most extensive preserved writing).
- Teaches about:Israel’s scattering and gathering.Gentiles being grafted in.The Lord’s long-suffering.Final gathering of Israel in the last days.
- Jacob confirms he quoted Zenos about God’s mercy in restoring Israel.
- Alma cites Zenos to teach the Zoramites about prayer.
- Zenos taught:You can pray anywhere — in the field, house, wilderness, or closet.God is merciful because of His Son.God heard him when he was cast out and hated by his brethren.
- Amulek testifies that Zenos, along with Zenock, bore witness of the Son of God.
- After the destruction at Christ’s death, the Lord affirms that the prophecies of Zenos (along with Zenock and others) were fulfilled.
- Messiah: Clearly testified of the coming Son of God.
- Atonement: Emphasized God’s mercy through His Son.
- Prayer: God hears prayers anywhere, not just in temples.
- Israel: Taught of scattering and gathering in the allegory of the olive tree.
- Signs of Christ’s death: Darkness, earthquakes, destruction.
Zenos’s writings, preserved only in the Book of Mormon, give some of the most powerful pre-Christian testimonies of Christ — covering His atonement, death, and the latter-day gathering of Israel.