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KnoWhy #67 - Is anything known of the prophet Zenos outside of the Book of Mormon? (Jacob 5:1)

TitleKnoWhy #67 - Is anything known of the prophet Zenos outside of the Book of Mormon? (Jacob 5:1)
Publication TypeKnoWhy
Year of Publication2016
Corporate AuthorsBook of Mormon Central Staff
PublisherBook of Mormon Central
Place PublishedSpringville, UT
KeywordsAllegory of the Olive Tree; Brass Plates; Jacob (Son of Lehi); Olive Tree; Prophets; Smith, Joseph, Jr.; Zenos (Prophet)
Abstract

The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob cites the prophet Zenos as the source of the Allegory of the Olive Tree that he shares in Jacob 5. The quotations of Zenos’s prophecies throughout the Book of Mormon demonstrate that the writings of Zenos were popular among the Nephites. His words were likely present on the plates of brass, although they are not found in the Old Testament today. If the writings of Zenos were so influential, shouldn't we be able to find some evidence of their existence elsewhere? Hugh Nibley found some references in an ancient text to a great leader named Cenez and speculated that there may be a connection with Zenos. Although scholars have subsequently disagreed with these findings, there have been other theories suggested that argue for Zenos's possible influence on authors found in the Old Testament.

URLhttp://www.knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/is-anything-known-of-the-prophet-zenos-outside-of-the-book-of-mormon
Citation Key1655

Scripture Reference

Jacob 5:1