The Sword of Laban as a Symbol of Divine Authority and Kingship

Title

The Sword of Laban as a Symbol of Divine Authority and Kingship

Publication Type

Journal Article

Year of Publication

1993

Authors

Journal

Journal of Book of Mormon Studies

Pagination

39-72

Volume

2

Issue

1

Terms of use

Items in the BMC Archive are made publicly available for non-commercial, private use. Inclusion within the BMC Archive does not imply endorsement. Items do not represent the official views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or of Book of Mormon Central.

Bibliographic Citation

Abstract

Swords have often been seen as symbols of divine authority and kingship. Numerous examples from the mythology, literature, and history of the world attest to distinct patterns. The sword of Laban from the Book of Mormon fits these patterns and can be compared to the sword of Goliath. The sword of Laban can also be traced as part of the royal regalia that gives authority throughout Nephite history, and later as it appears in the Restoration. The sword of Laban as it is associated with Joseph Smith came to be an additional witness of his authority and of the divine sanction for his work.

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Arabia
Kingship
Jerusalem
Symbolism
Authority
Old World
Steel
Laban
Sword
Symbol
Nephi (Son of Lehi)
Weaponry

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