The Book of Ether

Ether 1

I am Moroni, the son of Mormon. The following account is the history of ancient inhabitants of this land, known as the Jaredites, who were destroyed by God. I make this account from a set of 24 golden plates called The Book of Ether which were discovered long ago by subjects of King Limhi.

The first part of this record tells of the creation of the world, the story of Adam, and the events of mankind up until the time when the great tower of Babel was being built. I know that the Jews have faithfully kept the creation story and the early stories of mankind intact and available. Therefore I will only inscribe that portion of Ether’s words from the time of the tower, until the time when the Jaredites were destroyed.

The prophet and author Ether was a descendant of Jared, after whom the Jaredite people were named, through 29 ancestors who are individually named and recounted.

Jared and his brother Mahonri Moriancumer lived in Babylon with their friends and families, at the time when the great tower of Babel was being constructed. God was displeased with the tower and expressed his anger by halting the construction. He did this by confusing the languages of the people so that no one could understand the words of anyone else. In dismay, the people fled, and were scattered across the earth. [2200 BC]

When Jared saw this happening, he turned to his big and mighty brother Mahonri, who was highly favored by God. “Please, ask God to spare our families and friends from mixing up our language,” Jared said.

When God granted Mahonri’s request, Jared again pleaded with Mahonri, saying, “Will you please go to God again, and ask him to preserve the language integrity of our friends?”

When God granted Mahonri’s second request, Jared wanted him to ask for yet another favor. “Will you ask God whether he intends to drive us from this land? If so, please ask him where we should go. Maybe he will direct us to the choicest land on earth. If this is the case, let us be faithful to God so that we can receive this choice land for our inheritance.”

God had compassion for Mahonri’s group of family and friends. “Gather your families, your livestock, and seeds,” he said. “When you have done that, lead them into the valley to the north, where I will meet you. I will lead you from there to the choicest land on earth, where I will bless you and your descendants. I will support your people there in building the greatest nation on earth. I do this because you have faithfully prayed to me for a long time, and have now cried out to me for help.”