Jacob 7: The Learning of Men versus the Power of God

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 66

Have you ever discussed the gospel with a well-educated and eloquent person who not only did not believe but was critical of your beliefs? It can be intimidating and even a little frightening. In Jacob 7, Jacob tells of such an experience. Notice why Jacob “could not be shaken” from his beliefs (Jacob 7:5).

Understanding the Scriptures

Jacob 7

Pervert (v. 7)Change, corrupt
Blasphemy (v. 7)To speak evil, disrespectfully, or irreverently of sacred things
Tribulation (v. 26)Suffering
Adieu (v. 27)Goodbye
Jacob and Sherem

Jacob 7:13–20—The Dangers of Sign Seeking

“Show me a sign,” said Sherem (Jacob 7:13), but a sign was not really what he wanted. Satan had convinced Sherem that it was not possible to know something that could not be seen. Jacob knew that even though we cannot see the Holy Ghost, His power is undeniable. Believers in Jesus Christ are promised signs, not to create faith but because of their faith. Those who seek signs without faith will be condemned by the evidence they seek (see D&C 63:9–11).

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Jacob 7.

Activity A iconExamine Jacob’s Adversary

To better understand what Sherem taught and why he was able to deceive so many people, copy sentences 1–9 into your notebook and fill in the missing parts with information from Jacob 7:1–9. Then answer questions 10 and 11.

  1. 1.

    Sherem taught that there should be no


  2. 2.

    He labored


  3. 3.

    He was


  4. 4.

    He had a perfect


  5. 5.

    He used much

    and power of .

  6. 6.

    The source of his power was the


  7. 7.

    He taught that people should not look for the coming of Christ but should keep instead the law of


  8. 8.

    He said that Jacob could not know about the coming of Christ because he could not tell of


  9. 9.

    Sherem said there is no Christ, there never was, and never


  10. 10.

    Sherem’s last two statements contradict each other. Explain why statements 8 and 9 cannot both be true.

  11. 11.

    What does this tell you about how the devil works?

Activity B iconExamine Jacob’s Strengths

Review Jacob 7:5, 8, 10–12, 21–22 and write a paragraph in your notebook describing at least three reasons why Jacob “could not be shaken” by Sherem’s learning and power of speech.