Zenos

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This article is about a prophet mentioned in The Book of Mormon (Jacob Chapter 5). For the exam preparation business, see Zenos Academy. For the automobile manufacturer, see Zenos Cars.
Not to be confused with Enos (Book of Mormon) or Zenock.
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People in the Book of Mormon
Lehi (far right, bearded) bestowing a blessing on his family. At least 21 different figures are visible (inclusive of infants and children). There is a mix of men, women, and children. A man in blue appears to be writing, perhaps transcribing what Lehi is saying. One infant is nursing. Several men have beards. All but the children wear hats or scarf-like head coverings. The fashion and style is reminiscent of nineteenth-century Christian art of Old Testament scenes. There is a vibrancy of color, with clothing in blues, greens, whites, and reds. The family gather in something like a circle, on a green, grassy field. There are tents visible in the background. This is cropped from a full version of the scene.
Lehi Blessing His Posterity, C. C. A. Christensen (1890)
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According to the Book of Mormon, Zenos (/ˈziːnəs/)[1] was an old world prophet whose pre-Christian era writings were recorded upon the plates of brass. Zenos is quoted or paraphrased a number of times by writers in the Book of Mormon, including Nephi,[2] Jacob,[3] Alma, son of Alma,[4] Nephi, son of Helaman,[5] Samuel the Lamanite,[6] and Mormon.[7]

The book of Mormon says that Zenos wrote on a variety of topics, including the signs to accompany the death of the Messiah, the Atonement of Christ, and the scattering and gathering of Israel. According to one Book of Mormon writer, Zenos was killed as a result of his preaching.[5]

Dead Sea Scrolls connection[edit]

Outside of the Book of Mormon, there is no direct evidence that Zenos existed. However, some LDS apologists argue that Zenos' Book of Mormon hymn of thanksgiving and praise, which elaborates upon prayer, worship, and mercy, compares favorably in style and content with Hymn H (or 8) and Hymn J (or 10) of the Thanksgiving Hymns of the Dead Sea Scrolls.[8]

Additionally, there is evidence that writings of, and references to several ancient Israelite prophets were destroyed by the ruling class of the ancient Jews.[9]

The scrolls state that the Teacher of Righteousness was descended from Zadok, which some LDS scholars have argued might have been a transcribed or altered version of the name Zenock, another prophet referenced only in the Book of Mormon.[9] Non-LDS scholars identify this Zadok as the priest who anointed Solomon (1 Kings 1:39, 2:35) and whose dynasty officiated in the office of High Priest around 1,000-700 BC.[10] Thus, being descended from Zadok more likely meant that the Teacher was a member of, loyal to, or teacher of doctrines espoused by this Zadok.

See also[edit]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ churchofjesuschrist.org: "Book of Mormon Pronunciation Guide" (retrieved 2012-02-25), IPA-ified from «zē´nus»
  2. ^ 1 Nephi 19:10, 12, 16.
  3. ^ Jacob 5; Jacob 6:1.
  4. ^ Alma 33:3, 13, 15.
  5. ^ a b Helaman 8:19.
  6. ^ Helaman 15:11
  7. ^ 3 Nephi 10:6.
  8. ^ "Zenos - Encyclopedia of Mormonism". eom.byu.edu. Encyclopedia of Mormonism. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  9. ^ a b Nibley, Hugh (1986). "Chapter 10: The Dead Sea Scrolls: Some Questions and Answers". In Welch, John W.; Gillum, Gary P.; Norton, Don E. (eds.). Old Testament and Related Studies. Collected Works of Hugh Nibley. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book; Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies. ISBN 0875790321. LCCN 85027544. OCLC 12908841.
  10. ^ See generally: Hunt, Alice (2006). Missing Priests: the Zadokites in Tradition and History. New York: T & T Clark International. ISBN 0567594548. LCCN 2006022070. OCLC 741691025.

References[edit]

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