There is no discussion of the meaning of the word sojourn. I usually see sojourn as meaning staying. Add the definition of wilderness as a place without civilization's influence and you can easily say they were eight years travelling from Jerusalem to leaving Bountiful or even from Jerusalem to the new world,where they established a new civilization.
As put forth in the essay, we need to expand our thinking to include the many tasks glossed over by Nephi.
Charles DikeJanuary 2, 2024
This article precludes the possibility that the 600-year prophecy was based on an intercalated lunar/solar calendar. Randall Spackman's 12-lunar month calendar fits reasonably snuggly if the prophecy began when the Nephites set sail. Interesting.
Charles DikeJanuary 1, 2024
Nice article! I note that this supports Randall Spackman's 12 lunar month calendar and precludes an intercalated calendar for the 600-year prophecy. If we accept that the reign of Zedekiah began in 597 BC and Christ was born a year prior to Herod's death before the Passover of 4 BC, then we have 592 solar years. Subtracting 8 years in the wilderness allows 584 solar years for the 600-year prophecy. that leaves less than 602 lunar years in which to place the prophecy. Interesting.
Brad LDecember 30, 2023
Excellent article. I'll look forward to reading your more detailed Interpreter article.
You've laid out in a very convincing manner what so many of us have thought regarding the 8 years in the 'wilderness': that most of that time had to have been spent in Khor Kharfot building the ship.
Thank you!
Warren AstonDecember 29, 2023
When Godfrey Ellis's original paper appeared in the Interpreter journal (vol. 57) a few months ago, I posted a comment that this truly seminal step forward in our understanding of Nephi's account already sheds new light on aspects of Bountiful and gave a couple of examples. For those of us who believe this all took place in the real world and involved real people, being able to visualize the journey accurately is foundational. I'm glad to see this shortened version appear!
Lynne JensenDecember 29, 2023
Fascinating, and logical, article. When one considers the details involved in those eight years, your presentation makes very good, and logical, sense. Thank you.
JAMES P FOLEYDecember 29, 2023
Good; thanks.
DoraDecember 29, 2023
I never thought it other than what emerged in this article. I am glad I was correct in my understanding. Wildernesd to me us anywhere where there is no civilisation or settlements. The 8 years were the total time from leaving to sailing the ship. Joseph and Jacob on the ship were still very young so probably were born in Bountiful and less than 6 years old. I am grateful for the Loed to make me able to nderstand correctly the story. All the best for the New Year 2024!
Paul RobertsDecember 29, 2023
The wood drying process would have been avoided if the chosen trees would have been girdled and left to dry out naturally and drain out water and sugars. Recommended as the best way to harvest structural timber. Ribs would have been made from curved and or forked trees.
Comments | Return to Story
David MohrJanuary 2, 2024
There is no discussion of the meaning of the word sojourn. I usually see sojourn as meaning staying. Add the definition of wilderness as a place without civilization's influence and you can easily say they were eight years travelling from Jerusalem to leaving Bountiful or even from Jerusalem to the new world,where they established a new civilization. As put forth in the essay, we need to expand our thinking to include the many tasks glossed over by Nephi.
Charles DikeJanuary 2, 2024
This article precludes the possibility that the 600-year prophecy was based on an intercalated lunar/solar calendar. Randall Spackman's 12-lunar month calendar fits reasonably snuggly if the prophecy began when the Nephites set sail. Interesting.
Charles DikeJanuary 1, 2024
Nice article! I note that this supports Randall Spackman's 12 lunar month calendar and precludes an intercalated calendar for the 600-year prophecy. If we accept that the reign of Zedekiah began in 597 BC and Christ was born a year prior to Herod's death before the Passover of 4 BC, then we have 592 solar years. Subtracting 8 years in the wilderness allows 584 solar years for the 600-year prophecy. that leaves less than 602 lunar years in which to place the prophecy. Interesting.
Brad LDecember 30, 2023
Excellent article. I'll look forward to reading your more detailed Interpreter article. You've laid out in a very convincing manner what so many of us have thought regarding the 8 years in the 'wilderness': that most of that time had to have been spent in Khor Kharfot building the ship. Thank you!
Warren AstonDecember 29, 2023
When Godfrey Ellis's original paper appeared in the Interpreter journal (vol. 57) a few months ago, I posted a comment that this truly seminal step forward in our understanding of Nephi's account already sheds new light on aspects of Bountiful and gave a couple of examples. For those of us who believe this all took place in the real world and involved real people, being able to visualize the journey accurately is foundational. I'm glad to see this shortened version appear!
Lynne JensenDecember 29, 2023
Fascinating, and logical, article. When one considers the details involved in those eight years, your presentation makes very good, and logical, sense. Thank you.
JAMES P FOLEYDecember 29, 2023
Good; thanks.
DoraDecember 29, 2023
I never thought it other than what emerged in this article. I am glad I was correct in my understanding. Wildernesd to me us anywhere where there is no civilisation or settlements. The 8 years were the total time from leaving to sailing the ship. Joseph and Jacob on the ship were still very young so probably were born in Bountiful and less than 6 years old. I am grateful for the Loed to make me able to nderstand correctly the story. All the best for the New Year 2024!
Paul RobertsDecember 29, 2023
The wood drying process would have been avoided if the chosen trees would have been girdled and left to dry out naturally and drain out water and sugars. Recommended as the best way to harvest structural timber. Ribs would have been made from curved and or forked trees.
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