Gramps,
In 1 Nephi 12:23 it tells of the Lamanites becoming a dark ….. people. Is this when their skin is turned colors to resemble the American Indian? Are there other references to this occurrence? Also, was this after they destroyed the Nephites, or just prior to?
Secondly, in 1 Nephi, Lehi is shown a great book. Is this the Bible, and would it be both testaments?
Clay, from Ohio
Dear Clay,
The answer is before you! If you look at the footnote (a) in verse 23, it will direct you to Jacob 3:3 that reveals that the Lamanites at the time of Jacob and Nephi were cursed with a dark skin because of their wickedness. You will also want to look at Alma 3:7, mentioned in footnote (a).
Then it would be well to go to the index and look under “dark,” or “darkness.” That refers you not only to 1 Nephi 12:23, but also to Alma 3:6 and Mormon 5:15, which shed further light on the subject.
The book that was shown to Lehi, as mentioned in 1 Nephi 1:11 is not defined. It did, however, contain prophecies concerning the destruction of Jerusalem. But he had with him the Brass Plates of Laban, from which our Bible was originally taken, so one would suspect that it was not the writings which he had at his disposal.
Gramps
