Lifespan

Approximately A.D. 350-421.

Ministry

Moroni was the final Nephite prophet to record in the plates that were later translated as the Book of Mormon. The son of the prophet-general Mormon, he himself led ten thousand troops into the last battle against the Lamanites and took over care of the sacred records of the Nephites at his father’s death.

Preparation and Calling

Moroni was grew up under the tutelage of his prophet-general father in challenging circumstances. His charge to care for the records of his people came from that father, who instructed his son to write “the sad tale of the destruction of [their] people” (Mormon 8:3). The time and circumstances of his calling as prophet are unclear.

Interaction with God

Like his father, Moroni was not a stranger to the presence of Deity. He recorded, “I have seen Jesus, and . . . he hath talked with me face to face, and . . . he told me in plain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning these things” (Ether 12:39).

Social Situation

Moroni was an eyewitness to the annihilation of his entire people. He served under his father in defense of those people against the Lamanite onslaughts that sought their total destruction. He and his father, and a few unnamed Nephites who apparently escaped, were all who remained at the conclusion of the final battle, and Moroni spent the remainder of his days (at least 36 years) in hiding and caring for the sacred records which he had been entrusted with.

Key Teachings

In addition to his fervent witness of Jesus Christ, Moroni is known for his writings on the Lord’s supper (sacrament) and other basic principles. But most famous is his challenge in the final chapter of the book that bears his name: “And when ye shall receive these things [meaning the Book of Mormon], I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:4-5).

Living with the Prophet

Hollywood has made a number of movies about time travel. What if you had the chance to visit with someone who knew the future? Would you not find such a visit of great worth? Moroni wrote to those who would one day read his words, “Behold, I speak unto you as if you were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing” (Mormon 8:35). Read the words of Moroni. Study his messages. Learn and do what the Savior of the world commanded him to write so that you, centuries later, would know how to live. This is the chance of a lifetime. Take advantage of it.

Sources

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 1, s.v. “Moroni.”

Book of Mormon, Reader’s Edition, ed. Grant Hardy.

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Lifespan

Approximately 600 B.C.

Ministry

Lehi was a Hebrew prophet (and likely a merchant as well) and contemporary of Jeremiah. Following a dream from God, Lehi took his family to the wilderness and eventually made his way with them to the Promised Land somewhere in the Western Hemisphere.

Preparation and Calling

We do not know of Lehi’s preparation or calling as a prophet.

Interaction with God

The prophet Lehi is referred to several times as having visions and prophecies, usually centered on the destruction of Jerusalem, the coming Messiah, and his own descendants. He was obviously close to his Father in Heaven and earned His trust, at least sufficient to be saved from Jerusalem’s destruction in order to begin a new branch of God’s chosen people in a faraway country where they could preserve God’s truth and covenants.

Social Situation

Lehi was a prophet in the Jerusalem area. He was likely also a successful merchant familiar with life and trade in the desert. But then God warned him to take his family and the family of Ishmael—perhaps in part because Ishmael’s daughters were prime candidates to marry Lehi’s sons—and flee into the wilderness. They traveled for several years, then constructed a boat and made the long voyage to the New World. Despite the rebellious attitudes and actions of two of Lehi’s sons, as long as Lehi was yet alive, he was able to keep the family together.

Key Teachings

In addition to the visions that Lehi had that usually centered on the destruction of Jerusalem, the coming Messiah, and his own descendants, he taught powerfully of the plan of salvation and of the promised blessings reserved for his righteous posterity in this new promised land.

Living with the Prophet

Imagine that your father came home one evening and told you that God wanted the family to pack up some of its stuff (leaving the majority of everything that you collectively and personally own) and move to the desert. Some of Lehi’s children went willingly, some went along but complained bitterly almost the entire time. Which would you do? Which do you do when you are asked to do something that will result in the good of someone else? Commit to serve and obey God without complaint, for He will ask only that which is good of you.

Additional Links:

Lehi’s Vision of the Savior

Sources

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 1, s.v. “Lehi.”

Book of Mormon, Reader’s Edition, ed. Grant Hardy.

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