The Sword of Laban as a Symbol of Divine Authority and Kingship[1]

7/27/2019 The Sword of Laban as a Symbol of Divine Authority and Kingship[1]

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The Sword of Laban as a Symbol ofDivine Authority and Kingship

Brett L. HolbrookAbstract: Swords have often been seen as symbols of divine authority and kingship.

Numerous examples from the mythology, literature, and history of the world attest todistinct patterns. The sword of Laban from the Book of Mormon fits these patterns andcan 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 itappears in the Restoration. The sword of Laban as it is associated with Joseph Smithcame to be an additional witness of his authority and of the divine sanction for his work.

Symbols are powerful tools found in literature, cultures, and religions all over theworld. As a universal language, symbols are defined as "something that representssomething else by association, resemblance or convention, especially a material objectused to represent something invisible."[1]Anthropological, literary, and biblical studieshave utilized the methodology of interpreting symbols (symbology) to understand theworld-views and traditions of people.[2]

Many histories and traditions have included weapons as symbols of authority androyalty: the spear, bow, axe, and mace.[3]Since the evolution of the bronze bladearound 3000 B.C., the sword has also become a fixture in world history and literature.As an object of war and ceremony, the sword came into prominence during the

beginning of the second millennium as harder metals enabled the sword to supplant themace and axe.[4]Specific swords of cultic importance have since appeared in almostevery culture. An example of such a symbolic sword is the sword of Laban, firstmentioned in the Book of Mormon in 1 Nephi 4:9.

In Jerusalem around 600 B.C. the powerful Laban was slain by the young Nephi withLaban's sword. Nephi then brought the sword with his father's family across the ocean

to the Americas. The sword was revered in Nephite history and preserved until thenineteenth century, which hints at the importance of the blade. Because of its limitedappearances not much is known about the sword, but it has shown up enoughthroughout time to justify investigating the purpose of its preservation.

The existing theories about the sword of Laban have suggested it as a standard high-quality Near Eastern sword,[5]a sacred implement of war,[6]or a metaphorical symbolfor the word of God.[7]As a literary type, some have stated that the sword of Labanwas a fixation of the Nephites that took on powerful symbolic importance. Thatsymbolism, though, was of the violent paradigms in the human condition.[8]The swordhas also been declared as the only constant in the Book of Mormon: a symbolicreminder and ensign of the Lord's providence.[9]John Taylor compared the

preservation of the sword of Laban and other Nephite artifacts to the memorials found
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in Israel's Ark of the Covenant. They were manifestations and types of laws andordinances belonging to the priesthood and purposes of God.[10]

Gordon C. Thomasson has noted that the sword of Laban was part of the royal treasuresBook of Mormon kings possessed anciently as a tangible sign of their authority.[11]In a

survey of historical and mythical literature, two patterns of swords appeared: the kinglyand the heroic. Both types function as symbols of divine authority. The sword of Labancan be included among them as a combination of the two patterns. Indeed, it iscomparable with an ancient Near East prototype: the biblical sword of Goliath. Tracingthe significance and preservation of the sword of Laban through Nephite history and itsrole in the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days will suggest that itwas a symbol of divine authority.

The Kingly and Heroic Sword Patterns

In almost every culture legendary swords have existed.[12]Most of those specificallynoted in history, literature, and mythology can be categorized as kingly or heroic.

Although each pattern has its differences, each is closely linked; both ultimately point tothe sword as a symbol of divine authority.

The kingly pattern of swords was that which established the possessor as the chosenruler on whom divine kingship was conferred. Kingship was a political institution foundin nearly every ancient and medieval civilization, and the king was believed to beappointed by heaven.[13]The swords of kingship originated in association with historicfigures or deities and ratified one's office. Anciently, and even in some cultures today,military, religious, and civil offices were often combined in the person of the king. Thistripartite responsibility defined "the king's role in the protection of society as warrior,the guarantor of justice as judge and the right ordering of worship as priest."[14]As asymbol of power in war, the sword came to be part of the regalia (royal objects) owned

by kings that justified their kingship and rule. The sword was passed on to the heir as atransfer of authority, and the giving of a sword to the new king was a widespreadfeature of coronation ceremonies.[15]Societies defined kingship in various ways, butthe sword's symbolism in the royal regalia was the temporal representation of divine

power in the sovereign.[16]Swords of a royal pattern appear in literature and historyfrom Europe, the Far East, and even Africa.[17]

Like the kingly pattern, the heroic pattern of swords, found mainly in literature andmythology, established the possessor as one invested with divine authority. In the heroic

traditions the sword was preserved or bestowed by deity, often given to a hero for aspecific deed. Consequently the hero who possessed the magical and personalizedsword had the grace of the gods. In a way similar to kings, epic heroes were givendivine authority and power with their swords, and the fortunes of each hero dependedupon his sword.[18]

In Europe one such epic hero is the mighty Beowulf of Anglo-Saxon fame who used themagical swords Naegling, Hrunting, and an unnamed blade to overcome the monsterGrendel. Using a sword against primordial monsters is a common motif; in this Beowulfhas been compared with Nephi.[19]The swords gave heroes power because theyrepresented blades used by the gods and manifested the "divine cutting power" of

deity.[20]In Indian mythology, the creature Asi ("The Sword") was created to protectthe gods, much like God the Father in Judaeo-Christian tradition protected the garden of
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visited mortals in his name also wielded a sword: the "captain of the host of the Lord" toJoshua and the "angel of the Lord" to Balaam and David (Joshua 5:1315; Numbers22:23, 31; 1 Chronicles 21:16). Such divine beings equipped with swords also appearedin Canaanite and Akkadian texts and iconography.[37]

Sumerian stele from 2500 B.C. showed Eannatum, king of Lagash, armed with theearliest type of sickle sword.[38]Ornamented short swords from the same period werefound in royal tombs at Ur and Anatolia, and as early as the eighteenth century B.C.there was a clear connection between kingship and swords from royal burials in theSyro-Palestine area.[39]The sword grew in prominence in Egypt during the NewKingdom, and Yigael Yadin stated it was then that "it became the symbol of Pharaonicauthority."[40]In Persian iconography, a common theme depicted the king slaying astanding lion with a sword.[41]

Herodotus reported in the fifth century B.C. that the Scythians worshipped an ancientiron sword as the image of Ares and sacrificed horses to it. Eight centuries later in the

same region the Alani worshipped their war-god as a naked sword stuck in theground.[42]Jewish amulets from the Greco-Roman period depicted the Egyptian godsSet and Iao with a sword instead of an ankh in hand.[43]In 160 B.C. during the JewishMaccabean revolt in Israel, Judas Maccabee told his troops of a dream he had. Onias thehigh priest and Judas were praying for divine providence, and Jeremiah the prophetappeared to them. He continued:

Jeremiah stretched out his right hand and gave to Judas a golden sword, and as he gaveit he addressed him thus: "Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with which you willstrike down your adversaries." (2 Maccabees 15:1116)

This sword has even been identified as the one which the Frankish king Charlemagnelater used.[44]

Other swords have also come out of the Near East with a kingly or heroic pattern. Forthe sultans of Turkey the girding on of the sword of Osman was the symbol of authorityat their inauguration.[45]Another example was the Islamic tradition of the sword of the

prophet Muhammad called "Dhu 'l-Faqar." It became important regalia for the caliphs,because whichever house possessed the sword held the Imamate. The sword wasbelieved to have been brought by Gabriel from the heavens, and it personified thestrength of Allah. The Shi'ites believed the Prophet passed it to Ali, and traditionally it

was transmitted to the next Imam.[46]Islam also had a tradition of al-Mahdi, the Shi'iteMessiah who will come wielding a sword to cleanse the earth.[47]The above examplesshow that swords have played a role as symbols of authority in the ancient Near East.

Not only was the sword an authoritative symbol for kings, but the gods themselves usedmagical blades that served as patterns for the swords of heroes.

The Sword of Goliath and the Sword of Laban

The combinationof the kingly and heroic patterns was also attested in the ancient NearEast and is best exemplified by the sword of Goliath. As an ancient Near Eastern modeland fore-runner of the sword of Laban, the sword of Goliath is compared in Table 1 tothe sword of Laban in striking parallels, indicating they were symbols of divine

authority:
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Table 1. A Comparison of the Swords of Goliath and Laban

1. Each sword was originally wielded by a man of might.

Goliath

The Philistine Goliath from Gath was achampion, six cubits and a span tall, whosecoat alone weighed five thousand shekels.His large stature caused Saul and all ofIsrael to fear (1 Samuel 17:47, 11).

Laban

Laban from Jerusalem was a mighty manwho Nephi's brothers believed couldcommand and slay fifty men. He waswealthy and powerful, and most likely amilitary commander with connections toJewish religious leaders (1 Nephi 3:14,31).[48]

Both David and Nephi overcame a mighty opponent with divine help.2. The sword's owner had his head cut off with his own sword by a faithful youth.

Goliath

After David hit Goliath with his sling, he"stood upon the Philistine, and took hissword, and drew it out of the sheaththereof, and slew him, and cut off his headtherewith" (1 Samuel 17:51).

Laban

Similarly, Nephi "took Laban by the hair ofthe head, and [he] smote off his head withhis own sword" (1 Nephi 4:18).

Both Goliath and Laban were decapitated in a similar manner with their ownswords.[49]David and Nephi were fairly young and acted on faith (1 Nephi 3:7; 4:1,1011, 18; 1 Samuel 17:29, 3437, 4547). It is interesting to note that their actions

personified the later words of the Lord who said, "[I] will draw forth my sword out ofhis sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked" (Ezekiel 21:3).

3. The sword was unusual in appearance.

Goliath

Some time after he slew Goliath, David,running from Saul, stopped by the city of

Nob for supplies. The sword of Goliathwas there, and Ahimelech the priest said,"if thou wilt take that [the sword], take it:for there is none other save that here. AndDavid said, There is none like that, give itto me." It was unusual because it was madeof iron, a technology that belonged to thePhilistines, and the Israelites used inferior

bronze (1 Samuel 21:9; 13:19, 22). It isdebated whether it was long and double

Laban

When Nephi first drew Laban's sword fromthe sheath he noted that "the hilt thereofwas of pure gold, and the workmanshipthereof was exceedingly fine, and I saw thatthe blade thereof was of the most precioussteel" (1 Nephi 4:9).[51]This descriptionwas similar to other ceremonial or royalswords, many of which have been found inBronze Age burials.[52]The detail Nephiused in describing the sword denotes its

unusual character and indicates that it was
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edged as was typical of the sea-peoples, orif it was a curved sickle-sword common tothe time.[50]

probably not a common blade.

Both of the swords were finely crafted for their time and were unique.

4. The swords were revered by the people.

Goliath

Josephus recorded that after David slewGoliathhe "car-riedthe head of Goliathinto his own tent, but dedicated his swordto God, [at the taber-nacle.]"[53]The

sword was then later kept with the ephodand priestly garments in Nob, where thetabernacle most likely was at the time (1Samuel 21:9).[54]The sword of Goliathwas highly revered and kept with theimplements of spiritual authority. WhenSaul found out specifically that David hadobtained the "sword of Goliath" (men-tioned by name), he was afraid and slew allthe priests in Nob that helped David.Apparently Saul also respected the weapon

and what it stood for, and feared whenDavid possessed it.

Laban

The sword of Laban was protected and keptby Nephi, who brought it across the oceaninto the promised land. In establishing his

people, Nephi used the sword as a

prototype to fashion other swords. It alsobecame part of the sacred relics that werepassed down among the kings, and thepeople followed the righteous leaders whopossessed it (2 Nephi 5:14; Mosiah 1:16;Alma 37:14; Words of Mormon 1:13).

5. The sword was used to lead people.

Goliath

Although there is no direct mention of thename of the sword again, it is assumed that

David retained and used it. Right afterDavid acquired the sword of Goliath fromNob, the Lord instructed him to battleagainst the Philis-tines. In that battle Davidand his men were victorious. Later on,when David led his men, specific mentionwas made that he girded on his sword (1Samuel 23:15; 25:13).

Laban

The sword of Laban was often usedthroughout Nephite history by the kings.

When Nephi grew old and anointed a newking, these words paid tribute to his life:"The people . . . loved Nephi exceedingly,he having been a great protector for them,having wielded the sword of Laban in theirdefense" (Jacob 1:10). Of all the things toremark about Nephi's reign in retrospect,mention of the sword of Laban wassignificant.

6. The swords were symbols of authority and kingship.
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Goliath

It was directly after David slew Goliath thatthe women sang, "Saul hath slain histhousands, and David his ten thousands" (1

Samuel 18:6

7). Already David waslauded and had supporters, for he made hisname against Goliath and became one ofthe greatest soldiers in the history ofIsrael.[55]Although David had previously

been anointed king by Samuel, the peopleneeded a tangible sign of kingship, whichDavid provided by slaying Goliath. It wasalso directly after David acquired the swordof Goliath from Nob again that he gained afollowing of four hundred men (1 Samuel16:13; 22:1

2)2). And once he had the

sword the priest Abiathar joined David,bringing with him the ephod that gaveDavid added legitimacy (1 Samuel 22:20;23:6, 9; 30:7).[56]After David had thesword, Saul admitted to him, "I know wellthat thou shalt surely be king," and Davidwas finally anointed king of Israel inHebron (1 Samuel 24:20; 2 Samuel 5:3).

No specific mention was made later of the

sword of Goliath being used or passeddown to subsequent kings or leaders in theBible. According to legend, David's swordwas passed to the next king, his sonSolomon. Near his death Solomon took thesword out of the temple and sent it out tosea on a ship he built. The sword was to befound on the ship by one of his descendantsand only the rightful heir could then

possess it. This sword became known asExcalibur of Holy Grail and Arthurian

fame.[57]

Laban

With the sword of Laban, Nephi led hispeople. As Nephi became king, and infulfillment of the word of the Lord that he

should be the ruler, he was divinelyappointed (2 Nephi 5:1819; 6:2; Jacob1:9, 11, 15). The sword became part of theregalia, and was passed down among rulersas a sacred relic used by the leaders(Mosiah 1:1516; Words of Mormon1:13).

For both David and Nephi, the swords of Goliath and Laban were symbols of obedienceand divine authority, for it was by faith and obedience that they were able to slay theirantagonist. The swords became not only a symbol of divine authority to the people, butalso of kingship, for whoever possessed the swords possessed God's favor and retainedthe right to rule and administer.

The Sword of Laban in Nephite History

The sword of Laban was preserved and revered throughout Nephite history. From the

time of its acquisition, the sword of Laban was brought over to the Americas and Nephi"did take the sword of Laban, and after the manner of it did make many swords" (2


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Nephi 5:14). William Hamblin and Brent Merrill note that "the text does not say thatNephi instructed his people how to make swords, but rather that he made the swordshimself." The sword is also only mentioned by the Nephites three times after that, which"suggests that the weapon was not only well known, but also unique, wielded by kings,with no comparable weapon being used by others."[58]In this sense, the sword was

strictly part of the regalia and was not used or handled by any individuals beside theking.[59]

Held by the Nephite kings and leaders, the people saw the sword of Laban as a religioussymbol and a sign of the leader's kingship and power. As mentioned, Nephi used thesword, as did King Benjamin, who against the Lamanites "did fight with the strength ofhis own arm, with the sword of Laban" (Words of Mormon 1:13). As was the case withthe reference to Nephi, this scripture came in a summary of the deeds in KingBenjamin's reign, and his possession and use of the sword of Laban was important tomention. In battle, the prophet/king led his people, wielding the symbol of power andauthority, while the warriors used swords patterned after it. As a rallying point, this

increased morale and the conviction that the favor of God was on their side. It was alsocommon in other cultures that the regalia was "brought forth in times of public disasterfor the purpose of staying the evil."[60]The scant references to the sword of Laban inthe Book of Mormon are all associated in some way with victory.

The sword of Laban was preserved through the centuries along with the plates, the Urimand Thummim, and the Liahona, items which formed a collection of sacred relics. Thesesacred implements were passed down by the leaders throughout Book of Mormonhistory. Of these "national treasures a real king was required to possess anciently," thesword of Laban was "a symbol of power and rule."[61]When King Benjamintransferred "charge concerning all the affairs of the kingdom" to his son Mosiah about130 B.C., he also bequeathed the sacred relics, including the sword of Laban (Mosiah1:1516). It has even been suggested that the sword King Mosiah's son Ammon usedagainst Lamanite raiders forty years later was the very sword of Laban (Alma 17:3739).[62]

As in other cultures, Book of Mormon kings held the tripartite offices of military,religious, and civil leaders.[63]From King Mosiah the sacred relics were passed on toAlma the Younger, who was the high priest and reigning ecclesiastical authority(Mosiah 28:20). With the death of King Mosiah came an end to the reign of kings. Anew system of judges was instituted, and Alma, who possessed the regalia, became the

first chief judge (Mosiah 29:42). Most often in the Book of Mormon, the passing ofauthority was associated with the plates, a major part of the regalia.[64]Even though thesword is not always mentioned, textual clues show that it was still part of the sacredimplements of authority. When Mosiah passed them to Alma, he gathered not only the

plates of brass and of Nephi, but also "all the things which he had kept and preservedaccording to the commandment of God" (Mosiah 28:11).[65]

During a trying period for the Nephites, Alma turned over the office of chief judge toNephihah so he could concentrate on his priestly duties. He also attempted to pass onthe regalia to Nephihah, possibly as a way of reinforcing the judge's civil authority anduniting the people (Alma 4:1118; 50:3738).[66]Nephihah refused, and Alma later

gave the regalia to his son, Helaman, who did many things. With the sword of Laban inhis possession, Helaman reestablished the church, served as high priest, and became the
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great military commander who led the two thousand stripling warriors (Alma 45:22;46:6; 53:1822; 56). Thereafter the regalia was passed on and kept continuously. Inanother episode of serious difficulty in Nephite history, successive chief judges weremurdered, and there was conten-tion in the land. The voice of the people appointedHelaman the son of Helaman, who had been in possession of the regalia, to fill the

judgment seat (Helaman 1:1

9, 13, 21; 2:1

2; Alma 63:11

13). These examplesshow how those in possession of the sword of Laban and the regalia were looked uponby the people as having authority. The line of succession that traced the transfer of thesword of Laban and the regalia can be seen in Table 2.

In the line of succession there is a gap in the records of the kings prior to KingBenjamin. After the time of Nephi it was known that kings were anointed and weremighty men who led the people (Jacob 1:914; Jarom 1:7).[67]They may have actedalso in a religious office as they "taught the people the ways of the Lord" (Jarom 1:7).The main record of the people was kept by these kings with the other regalia, even untilthe time of Mosiah the father of Benjamin (Omni 1:11, 14; Words of Mormon 1:10

11). Many of those who later possessed the regalia as prophet/high priest were also thechief judge or military leader. Of the three possible offices for a king to hold, later

Nephite leaders usually filled two or more of them.

Table 2. The Transfer of Regalia in Nephite History

Transfer Reference Regaliaentioned

Other

**

Nephi1 Others Jacob 1:9Jacob 1:7

No(Omni 1:14)

km(p)

Others Mosiah1 Omni 1:12 No(Omni 1:14)

kpm

Mosiah 1 Benjamin Omni 1:12 No(Words of Mormon1:10)

kpm

Benjamin Mosiah2 Mosiah 1:1516 Yes* kp

Mosiah2 Alma2 Mosiah 28:11, 20 Yes* pm

Alma2 Helaman2 Alma 37:12, 14;50:38

Yes* pm

Helaman2 Shiblon Alma 63:12 Yes p

Shiblon Helaman3 Alma 63:1013 Yes p

Helaman3 Nephi2 Helaman 3:37 No p

Nephi2 Nephi3 3 Nephi 1:12 Yes* p

Nephi3 Nephi4 4 Nephi (heading) No -
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(4 Nephi 1:19)

Nephi4 Amos1 4 Nephi 1:19 Yes -

Amos1 Amos2 4 Nephi 1:21 Yes -

Amos2 Ammaron 4 Nephi 1:47 Yes p

Ammaron Mormon Mormon 2:17 Yes pm

Mormon Moroni Mormon 6:6 Yes p

* definite reference to regalia other than the plates**Other known positions held by recipient of the regalia

k = kingj = judgep = priest/prophetm = military leader

When Alma passed the sacred relics to his son Helaman, he explained why:

And now remember, my son, that God has entrusted you with these things, which aresacred, which he has kept sacred, and also which he will keep and preserve for a wise

purpose in him, that he may show forth his power unto future generations. (Alma 37:14)

The records had an impact both then and now, but why was the sword of Labanpreserved? It was clear that the sword of Laban was sacred, was revered by manypeople, and was an instrument of religious significance. It symbolized kingship duringthe reign of kings, and divine authority and leadership under the rule of judges andthereafter.

As Moroni finished writing his record to close the Book of Mormon, he sealed up therecords, and at the same time he "sealed up the interpreters [Urim and Thummim],according to the commandment of the Lord" (Moroni 10:2; Ether 4:5). It is possible hemeant that the other sacred relics, the Liahona and the sword of Laban, were also sealedup for future generations.

The Sword of Laban in the Latter Days

In the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth in A.D. 1830, the sword ofLaban appeared as an additional witness to the divine authority and leadership of theProphet Joseph Smith and that the Lord's kingdom on earth would be restored throughhim. In the early stages of the Restoration, the Lord gave Joseph charge over the platesto translate and apparent charge over the other relics. But did Joseph ever possess orutilize the sword of Laban?

Though no documented proof exists, many other things suggest that when Moroni

buried the gold plates, he included with them the sword of Laban and other relics. Inmedia produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the sword is


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implied to have been buried with them.[68]In all of Joseph Smith's accounts of hishistory, the angel Moroni only told him that the plates and the breastplate with the Urimand Thummim were buried (Joseph Smith History 1:35, 42).[69]This could be becausehe referred only to those items needed for the translation.

When Joseph actually went to the hill, he again mentioned only what was named byMoroni as being in the stone box. But when he described the box, Joseph talked of thestones on which "lay the plates and the other things with them" (Joseph Smith History1:52). In fact, in Lucy Mack Smith's version of his 1824 visit to the hill, Joseph setdown the plates to cover the box up with earth, thinking "probably there was somethingelse in the box besides the plates, which would be of some pecuniary advantage tohim."[70]The "other things" and "something else" left open the possibility that thesword of Laban could have been in the box, but there were no clues from any other ofJoseph Smith's accounts. It might be asked why Moroni made a seemingly large stone

box for just a set of plates if he didn't include the sword. Oliver Cowdery noted that"this box was sufficiently large to admit a breast-plate, such as was used by the ancients

to defend the chest," again with no mention of a sword.[71]

More directly, Catherine Salisbury, the oldest surviving sister of Joseph Smith andactive in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recorded in 1886:

I remember well the trials my brother had, before he obtained the records. After he hadthe vision, he went frequently to the hill, and upon returning he would tell us, "I haveseen the records, also the brass plates and thesword of Laban with the breast plate andthe interpreters."[72]

An even earlier account was written by Mormon critic John Hyde in 1857, who wrote inpassing, "Joseph Smith says he found, with these [Moroni's] plates, . . . the sword ofLaban." He also recorded that when Joseph finally got the plates on September 22,1827, that

besides the plates, he had, according to his third story, a breast-plate of brass,Laban'ssword, the crystal interpreters, [and] the "brass ball with spindles" director of Lehi.[73]

The mention of the sword allows that some believed that he had it, or at least that he hadseen it although it remained in Moroni's possession. Fawn Brodie wrote: "Joseph relatedthat he found the plates in a stone box along with a sword and breastplate." She did not,

however, include an explanation or note.[74]

Edward Stevenson, who was personally acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith,included in his pamphletReminiscences of Joseph, the Prophetan engraving of Josephreceiving the plates from the angel Moroni (fig. 1). In describing the picture Edwardwrote:

We see him receiving the treasure, as pictured in the engraving. He is holding the bookin his hands, while the breast-plate rests on the edge of the stone box, with the sword ofLaban nearby.[75]
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There is a good possibility that Joseph had the sword of Laban at some time, because itwas referred to often in connection with the plates and the Urim and Thummim he didhave.

Figure 1. The Angel Moroni Delivering the Golden

Plates to Joseph Smith. Engraving in EdwardStevenson,Reminis-cences of Joseph, the Prophet(Salt Lake City: Stevenson, 1893), 21.

In 1829 the Lord echoed the words given to Helaman by Alma when he said, "I havereserved those things which I have entrusted unto you, my servant Joseph, for a wise

purpose in me, and it shall be made known unto future generations" (D&C 5:9). At thesame time the Lord promised that "the testimony of three of my servants" would beadded to Joseph's, and that unto these three "I will show these things" (D&C 5:11).What were "these things" that the Lord reserved and would show, the same "sacredthings" referred to many times in the Book of Mormon (Mosiah 28:11, 20; Alma 37:12, 14; 50:38; 63:1, 11; 3 Nephi 1:1

2)? To the three witnesses Oliver Cowdery, David

Whitmer, and Martin Harris, the Lord promised:

You shall have a view of the plates, and also of the breastplate, thesword of Laban, theUrim and Thummim, . . . and the miraculous directors which were given to Lehi. (D&C17:1)

Not only were they to see the objects, but "testify of them, by the power of God . . . thatI may bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men in this work" (D&C17:34).

The testimony of the three witnesses, in theDocumentary History of the Church,mentioned only that they saw the plates, but other accounts reported that they also sawthe sword of Laban. In Martin Harris's dying testimony he said:

Just as sure as you see the sun shining, just as sure am I that I stood in the presence ofan angel of God with Joseph Smith, and saw him hold the gold plates in his hands. Ialso saw the Urim and Thummim, the breastplate, and thesword of Laban.[76]

David Whitmer told George Q. Cannon that "he was plowing when Joseph and Olivercame to him to speak about his being one of the witnesses." He then related:

They went out and sat upon a log, conversing upon the things to be revealed, when theywere surrounded by a glorious light which overshadowed them. A glorious personageappeared unto them and exhibited to them the plates, thesword of Laban, the Directorswhich were given to Lehi (called Liahona), the Urim and Thummim, and otherrecords.[77]

In other accounts and interviews of the event, some stated that the sword of Labanappeared on a table.[78]Even though many accounts (Joseph Smith, Lucy Mack Smith,etc.) didn't mention the sword in connection with the plates, it was likely among therelics. Like the testimony of the three witnesses found in theDocumentary History ofthe Church, the sword was there but not mentioned. They saw the sword of Laban, andit was an additional witness of the divine call of Joseph Smith.


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I relate this to you, and I want you to understand it. I take this liberty of referring tothose things so that they will not be forgotten or lost. . . . I would like the people calledLatter-day Saints to understand some little things with regard to the workings anddealings of the Lord with his people here upon the earth.[87]

The urgency with which Brigham reported the event came just over two months beforehis death.

The third, and most important, point of the story for this study, was the appearance ofwords written upon the sword. Even if it was a vision, the symbolic meaning and thewords are still true. It is reminiscent of the words of the Lord to Ezekiel:

Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall mysword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north: that allflesh may know that I the Lord have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall notreturn any more. (Ezekiel 21:45)

The same language engraved on the sword that declared that it will never be sheathedagain was also stated by Joseph Smith in Nauvoo. Joseph was Mayor and LieutenantGeneral of the Nauvoo Legion, and had the three roles of prophet, military leader, andcivil administrator.

On June 18, 1844, just prior to his death and with enemies on all sides, Josephassembled the Nauvoo Legion. In full uniform, he gave his last public address to thetroops, during which time he drew his sword, presented it to heaven, and said:

I call God and angels to witness that I have unsheathed my sword with a firm andunalterable determination that this people shall have their legal rights.[88]

Others who witnessed the event recorded it as follows:

I can see him now, as he stood with his sword drawn and lifted toward heaven, as hedeclared the things which should take place on the earth, that the sword should not besheathed until the earth was cleansed from wickedness.[89]

There he stood between the Heavens and Earth and prophesied concerning our enemies.He said if they did persist in taking away our rights and we did unshield [sic] the sword

we would not sheath it again until all our enemies were under our foot.[90]

(Drawing his sword out of its scabbard and rais[ing] it above his head), "I will call uponthe Gods to bear witness of this. I will draw my sword and it shall never be sheathedagain until vengeance is taken upon all your enemies."[91]

At one time he straightened himself up in a very erect and bold position and drew hissword out of its scabbard and presenting it before him said, "The sword is unsheathedand shall never return to its sheath again until all those who reject the truth and fightagainst the kingdom of God are swept from the face of the earth."[92]

Then, Said He, I will die for you. Drew his sword and raised it up to heaven and said itshould never be sheathed again until Zion was redeemed.[93]
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The sword Joseph used at this time was not the sword of Laban,[94]but languagesimilar to that said to be engraven on the sword of Laban in the cave was used inconjunction with his Nauvoo military blade. Standing before his troops as their militaryleader, the sword had the same symbolic meaning as the sword of Laban. To Joseph andthe rest, it represented the sword of Laban, and the people rallied around him as their

leader with divine authority.

The Saints looked upon Joseph Smith as a leader fighting for their cause with the swordsymbolizing the strength of God. In the October 1838 journal of Albert P. Rockwood,which was sent in installments as letters, he wrote to his family about the Mormonmilitia at Far West and the Battle of Crooked River. He implored his father:

Come to Zion and fight for the religion of Jesus[.] many a hoary head is engaged here,the prophet goes out to the battle as in days of old. he has thesword that Nephi took

from Laban. is not this marvellous? well when you come to Zion you will see many marvellous things, which will strengthen your faith, and which is for the

edification of all the saints.[95]

In another manuscript of Rockwood's journal that he kept for himself, he wrote:

Many a hoary head is seen with their armour about them bold to defend their Master'scause. - You may ask if the Prophet goes out with the saints to battle? I answer he is aProp[h]et to go before the people as in times of old & if you wish to know what swordhe carries, just turn to the book of Mormon & see thesword that Nephi took from Labanwhen he slew him[.] you will there see what he has got.[96]

Whether Joseph actually used the sword of Laban was not important; what is importantis that the sword he used had the same symbolism.

Some at least believed at the time that Joseph possessed the sword. Immediatelyfollowing the above excerpts in both manu-scripts, Rockwood wrote, "The Prophet hasunsheathed his sword and in the name of Jesus declares that it shall not be sheathedagain untill he can go unto any County or state in safety and in peace."[97]Writtenmore than five years prior to the Legion declaration, Joseph must have used the phrase

previously or at least his association with the phrase on the sword of Laban wasknown.[98]

Another interesting early mention of the sword of Laban was made by Mormondissident Francis Gladden Bishop. Bishop was a member of the Church from 18321842, before being cut off for teaching heretical doctrines.[99]He wrote at times insupport of Joseph's prophetic calling, emphasizing Joseph's possession of the regalia.The full regalia, according to Bishop, comprised seven items, including the sword.[100]Bishop claimed that the work of this dispensation resembled former dispensations only"in the use of the sacred things which have been hid up unto the Lord," and that "nonecould authoritively claim the inheritance" without them. He continued:

Joseph, by means of the sacred things which were put into his hands, was constituted aProphet, a Translator, or a Law-giver, and a Leader, as Moses, unto his people. So also

when the Prophet like unto Moses, who is the last leader of God's people, is raised up,
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he must be established in his calling, by having the sacred things put into his handsalso.[101]

Bishop's claim to being Joseph's successor as prophet and leader was based on thepossession of the sword of Laban and the other sacred things, which would give him

divine authority.[102]He even gave a description of the sword[103]and an account ofits history:

It was caused to be made by Joseph, of old, in Egypt, by the direction of God, and wasin the hands of Joshua when he led the house of Israel into the land of Canaan. Andafter him it came down in the lineage of Joseph to Laban, from whom it was taken by

Nephi, according to the account given in the Book of Mormon; and since the fall of theNephites it has been preserved with the other sacred things, to come forth into the handof a descendant of Joseph of old, in the line of Ephraim, and it is regarded in thescriptures as an emblem of justice.[104]

Despite many heretical teachings, F. G. Bishop expressed the idea that the sword ofLaban was known to exist amongst the saints, was possessed by Joseph, and gave himdivine authority.

It is not exactly clear if or for how long Joseph may have had the sword, but it is evidentthat the sword of Laban was part of the sacred relics kept by the Nephites and handeddown by Moroni. At least some of the relics were known to be in Joseph's possession,and all of them appeared in the Restoration. Joseph may periodically have had thesword and then kept it, as he held on to the Urim and Thummim. The sword wasthought by some in Joseph's day to be possessed by him, and its symbolic meaning wasan added witness to the Restoration. Some viewed Joseph Smith as their leader wieldingthe sword of Laban for their cause. The sword Joseph carried as a military commandertook on the same symbolic meaning as the sword of Laban. Whether Joseph had thesword of Laban or not, he was viewed as being called of God and having divineauthority.

Conclusion

The sword of Laban was a symbol of kingship and divine authority. It fit the patterns ofboth kingly and heroic swords that are found in history, mythology, and literature fromall over the world. These patterns are also evident when compared to another swordfrom the ancient Near East, the sword of Goliath. The sword of Laban was preserved

throughout Nephite history, and it served as part of the regalia held by their leaders. Itspreservation until the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in 1830 was remarkableenough, but it also played a role as an independent divine witness of the calling ofJoseph Smith as the leader of the dispensation. With the sword of Laban and what itsymbolized, some viewed Joseph as having divine authority in his civic, military, and

prophetic duties. As a symbol, the sword of Laban represented the power and strengthof God for whoever possessed it. The sword served its purpose for the Nephites andJoseph Smith and may be preserved for further use. It could still be needed by the Lordto bring about his "righteous purposes unto the children of men" and "show forth his

power unto future generations" (D&C 17:3). The sword apparently remains unsheathed"until the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our God and his Christ" (cf.

Revelation 11:15).
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Documents

The Sword of Laban as a Symbol of Divine Authority and Kingship[1]