“I Will Send Their Words Forth”
{ Jacob }
Painted by Elspeth Young
« Previous Painting • Next Painting »
And now, Jacob spake many more things to my people at that time; nevertheless only these things have I caused to be written…And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words…for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him. And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words. Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him. And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.
Now behold, it came to pass that I, Jacob, having ministered much unto my people in word…write a few words upon plates, which will give our children, and also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge concerning us, or concerning their fathers— Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts, and look upon them that they may learn with joy and not with sorrow, neither with contempt, concerning their first parents. For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.
The story behind I Will Send Their Words Forth
Nephi also consecrated his younger brother, Jacob, to be a priest and a teacher to his people (2 Nephi 5:26). Before his death, Nephi entrusted the second set of plates to Jacob, with a charge to write upon them only those "things which [Jacob] considered to be most precious…And if there were preaching which was sacred, or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that [Jacob] should engraven…them upon these plates" (Jacob 1:1-4).
Jacob's life was devoted to the ministry to which he had been set apart. He taught the people, kept a record of his ministry, and raised a family capable of perpetuating the tradition of devotion. In fact, his achievement as a husband and father is probably the most momentous of his life because he and his descendants, spanning six generations, kept the "small plates" for more than 400 years.
Within this painting, Jacob is portrayed obediently fulfilling the prophetic commission he received through his older brother. The expression in his eyes and the light upon his countenance represent what God did with the life Jacob consecrated to His service.
The composition of the painting communicates the role of prophets in relation to the word of the Lord and the people to whom a prophet ministers. The figure appears between the viewer and a representation of the tree of life, which is where a prophet always stands in relation to the children of God. For example, Lehi (Jacob's father) told his children of a vision he had had in which he had seen the tree of life, had gone forth to partake of its fruit, and, having done so, beckoned to his family to come and partake also (1 Nephi 8). Such is the type, or pattern, of the prophets from the Adam to the present day. And so it is with the writings of Jacob, which speak to us "the pleasing word of God, yea the word which healeth the wounded soul" (Jacob 2:8).
Jacob's countenance is evidence of profound spiritual sensitivity springing from a life of consecration, sacrifice, and, in his words: "great anxiety" for the welfare of his people. (See 2 Nephi 6:3, Jacob 1:5.) He saw the Savior hundreds of years before His earthly ministry, was visited by angels, and "heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto [him] in very word, from time to time" (2 Nephi 11:3, Jacob 7:5). He enjoyed the spirit of prophecy, and possessed a faith so firm that he could "command in the name of Jesus and the very trees [obeyed], or the mountains, or the waves of the sea" (Jacob 4:6). Notwithstanding such strength, however, he acknowledged his own weakness, and taught the important truth that "it is by [God's] grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men" that man is given "power to do these things" (Jacob 4:7).
Symbolism in I Will Send Their Words Forth
Jacob believed the teachings of his father and his older brother, and was faithful throughout his life. Thus, the image of the painting places Jacob in the midst of that straight and narrow path leading to salvation. By obedience and endurance to the end, Jacob placed himself in the vision that his father and brother had; a vision that is an allegory of mortality, of the earth and all its inhabitants.
An important part of Jacob's writings upon the small plates included the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees, written anciently among the Israelites by a prophet named Zenos. The allegory presents the scattering and the gathering of the House of Israel. Thus, another level of meaning or symbolism in the painting is that of the tame olive tree. In this light, Jacob reaches out to all the House of Israel, inviting them to "repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts" (Jacob 6:5).
A simple decorative border surrounds the wall painting of the tree. Loosely based on ancient Hittite and Egyptian border motifs, the border behind the figure suggests ocean waves and abundant harvests, reminding the viewer of the waters that carried Jacob's family across the great deep to the Promised Land, and the Lord's promise to Lehi and his posterity that "inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments…they shall prosper upon the face of this land" (2 Nephi 1:9).
Jacob's people were taught by Nephi to be "industrious, and to labor with their hands" to create "exceedingly fine" workmanship (see 2 Nephi 5:16-17). The table covering and the wall mural depicted demonstrate the kind of developed and intricate material culture such highly trained and gifted people could have created.
The figure is draped in the majesty and sumptuousness of a scarlet robe edged with gold. This mantle represents a robe of righteousness, symbolic of the authority and power of the priesthood with which God's prophets are endowed. Jacob taught the people about the resurrection of the dead, and, in describing the condition of the righteous at that day, declared that they "shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness" (2 Nephi 9:14).
Copyright and terms of use
© By Elspeth Young, All Rights Reserved. You may not print, copy, or reproduce this artwork or make derivative works from it without the prior written consent of the copyright holder. For permissions, please review our FAQ page.From the Newsroom
By Al R. Young
only high-end custom frames
We have framed our own artworks for more than 30 years, and during that time we have provided a variety of framing services to patrons upon request. For many reasons—including constant changes in the availability of moulding styles—we cannot offer off-the-shelf framing options or response times typically associated with such a service. Of necessity, all of our framing projects are aproached, priced, and billed as constuling projects... Read more »
Tags: Into The West, Spring Rain, North Country, The Grey Havens, Journey's End, Looking Back, Enchanted Stillness, Bedtime Story, In The High Valley, The Daydream, Before The Ball, Old Shannon, Pavane, Sweet Brier, Legend, Mountain Home, And I...
By Al R. Young The lesson manual, Come Follow Me — For Individuals and Families, published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, features the following artworks by Elspeth Young. I Will Send Their Words Forth appears at the bottom of this page in the instruction manual. This My Son appears in the instruction manual at the bottom of this page.
I Will Send Their Words ForthThis My Son... Read more »
Tags: I Will Send Their Words Forth, This My Son, 3rd-party Publications, 2020, News
By Al R. Young This blank-book journal sells for $32 (plus shipping) direct from Al Young Studios. Printed in full color on heavy paper, the book is bound with black plastic spiral to rest flat when open.
At Home: A Personal Journal features 128 original artworks consisting of 51 original oil paintings from the Artists of Al Young Studios, 44 images from the Studios' Limited Editions Collection, nine pen and ink drawings and block prints by Ashton, seven of Al's exquisitely crafted pencil drawings, and one lithograph from his private portfolios... Read more »
Tags: North Shore, Nasturtium, Wald Kirche, Scabiosa, Foxglove, Narcissus on beige paper, July, Columbine, Maine, Final Draft, Unfurling, Back Shore, Summer's End, Gifts of Morn, Black-eyed Susan, Land's End, Solitude, The Limberlost, Perdita,
By Al R. Young I Will Send Their Words Forth, by Elspeth Young, was featured on the cover of the Journal of the Book of Mormon and other Restoration Scripture, published by the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship. The painting is part of Al Young Studios' Heroes of the Book of Mormon Fine Art Collection.... Read more »
Tags: I Will Send Their Words Forth, 3rd-party Publications, 2013, News
By Al R. Young This blank-book journal sells for $32 (plus shipping) direct from Al Young Studios. Printed in full color on heavy paper, the book is bound with black plastic spiral to rest flat when open.
Inspirations features 163 artworks along with 53 commentaries—written by the Artists of Al Young Studios especially for this journal—on such topics as their creative process, the creative environment of the Studios, technical approaches to their artwork, and inspiration from the works of other artists... Read more »
Tags: Untitled, In the Clearing, Anne Girl, Spring Rain, Journey's End, Enchanted Stillness, Bedtime Story, In The High Valley, Mountain Home, And I Will Not Deny The Christ, Sara Crewe, And My Soul Hungered, 3.00.0246.010, The Road To Melek, We...
By Al R. Young I Will Send Their Words Forth, by Elspeth Young, was featured in the May 2012 issue of the Liahona magazine, published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The painting is part of Al Young Studios' Heroes of the Book of Mormon Fine Art Collection.... Read more »
Tags: I Will Send Their Words Forth, 3rd-party Publications, 2012, News
By Al R. Young I Will Send Their Words Forth, by Elspeth Young, was featured in the May 2012 issue of the Ensign Magazine, published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The painting is part of Al Young Studios' Heroes of the Book of Mormon Fine Art Collection.... Read more »
Tags: I Will Send Their Words Forth, 3rd-party Publications, 2012, News
By Al R. Young Recorded interviews with Al, Ashton, and Elspeth are now part of the online venue for the Ninth International Art Competition sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Recorded last February, each interview accompanies the artists' paintings on display at the Church Museum in Salt Lake City, as well as the Internet site for the exhibit.... Read more »
Tags: The Miracle Of Forgiveness, A Damsel Came To Hearken, I Will Send Their Words Forth, 2012, Exhibits, News, Women of the Bible Art Collection
By Al R. Young Elspeth received a purchase award for her painting of Jacob (I Will Send Their Words Forth) and Ashton received an award of merit for his New Testament painting of Rhoda (A Damsel Came To Hearken) at an awards ceremony yesterday in Salt Lake City. Three pieces by Al, Ashton, and Elspeth hang in the center gallery on the second floor of the Museum's new "Make Known His Wonderful Works" Intentional Exhibit which was unveiled last evening.
The awards were part of the opening of the exhibit for the Ninth International Art Competition sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints... Read more »
Tags: The Miracle Of Forgiveness, A Damsel Came To Hearken, I Will Send Their Words Forth, 2012, Exhibits, News
By Al R. Young Al, Elspeth, and Ashton spent this morning at the Church Motion Picture Studio. They were filmed for audiovisual commentaries to accompany the exhibit of their artworks in the Ninth International Art Competition. The exhibit opens March 16 at the Museum, and online the following day.... Read more »
Tags: The Miracle Of Forgiveness, A Damsel Came To Hearken, I Will Send Their Words Forth, 2012, Exhibits, News
By Al R. Young The 9th International Art Competition and exhibit, sponsored by the Church History Museum, will feature three oil paintings from artists of Al Young Studios. The exhibit opens Friday, March 16, 2012 and lasts through Sunday, October 14, 2012.
The original oil paintings to be included in the exhibition were selected from among 1,156 entries.
In 2009, the Eighth International Art Competition featured The Mother Of All Living, For Such A Time As This, and a stained glass window by Ashton Young... Read more »
Tags: The Miracle Of Forgiveness, A Damsel Came To Hearken, I Will Send Their Words Forth, 2012, Exhibits, News