“Arise from the Dust”: Insights from Dust-Related Themes in the Book of Mormon Part 2: Enthronement, Resurrection, and Other Ancient Motifs from the “Voice from the Dust”

Authors

Jeff Lindsay

Keywords

arise from the dust, dust-themes, Book of Mormon, ancient motifs

Abstract

In light of Noel Reynolds’ hypothesis that some material in the Book of Moses may have been present on the brass plates that Nephi used, one may wonder if Nephi or other authors might also have drawn upon the use of chains in the Book of Moses. Further examination of this connection points to the significance of the theme of “dust” in Lehi’s words and the surrounding passages from Nephi and Jacob, where it can involve motifs of covenant keeping, resurrection, and enthronement. Recognizing the usage of dust-related themes in the Book of Mormon can enhance our understanding of the meaning and structure of several portions of the text. An appeal to the Book of Mormon’s use of dust may also help fill in some gaps in the complex chiastic structure of Alma 36 (to be treated in Part 3) and add meaning to other portions of that “voice from the dust,” the Book of Mormon.

Recommended Citation

Lindsay, Jeff (2016) "“Arise from the Dust”: Insights from Dust-Related Themes in the Book of Mormon Part 2: Enthronement, Resurrection, and Other Ancient Motifs from the “Voice from the Dust”," Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship: Vol. 22, Article 12.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/interpreter/vol22/iss1/12