Ether’s narrative teaches about the reality of God and the weakness of humans in comparison. We seek for faith like that of the brother of Jared.
“Never Have I Showed Myself unto Man: A Suggestion for Understanding Ether 3:15,” Kent P. Jackson, BYU Studies, Vol. 30, no. 3
How can we understand Jesus’ words that he had never before revealed himself to man since there are other instances? Jackson notes that this event is the first recorded manifestation of Jehovah in which he appeared and identified himself as the Son. Elsewhere the scriptures record Jehovah appearing or speaking as God.
Chart 15: “Sources behind the Book of Ether,” Charting the Book of Mormon
A chart showing the relationship of the known sources, including records brought across the deep, Ether’s record, Mosiah’s translation, and Moroni’s abridgment.
The Book of Mormon: Fourth Nephi Through Moroni, From Zion to Destruction, ed. Charles D. Tate and Monte S. Nyman
This book contains several insightful chapters on Ether 1-5, including:
“Jaredite Zion Societies: Hope for a Better World,” Frank F. Judd Jr.
“The Plates of Ether and the Covenant of the Book of Mormon,” Lee L. Donaldson
“The Jaredites: A Case Study in Following the Brethren,” Douglas E. Brinley
“Jared and His Brother,” Thomas R. Valleta
“Ether and Mormon: Parallel Prophets of Warning and Witness,” E. Dale LeBaron
“Gathering in the Last Days: Saved in Sheaves, Burned in Bundles,” Michael W. Middleton
“Light in Our Vessels: Faith, Hope, and Charity,” H. Dean Garrett
“The Mission of Jesus Christ – Ether 3 and 4,” Robert J. Matthews
“‘The Knowledge Hid Up Because of Unbelief’,” Kenneth W. Anderson
“The Jaredite Exodus: A Literary Perspective of a Historical Narrative,” John S. Thompson, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 3, no. 1
This exodus narrative uses imagery and dialogue to help the reader look beyond the historical facts and see elements of the creation, Christ, and temples.
“Appendix 2: Glowing Stones in Ancient and Medieval Lore,” John A. Tvedtnes, The Book of Mormon and Other Hidden Books: “Out of Darkness unto Light”
The narrative of the Lord touching stones to make them give off light resonates with ancient and medieval accounts of glowing stones.
“The Years of the Jaredites,” John L. Sorenson
This piece provides an excellent overview of the Jaredite timeline. It details the dynastic line of the Jaredite kings and their corresponding years, noting the different periods of dissension and destruction among the Jaredites.
