In JBK 11:1, the prophet comes to understand God’s goodness with absolute certainty after receiving the divine words in chapter 10. This spiritual realization aligns with the powerful rebukes found in Matthew 23 and 24, where Jesus critiques the Pharisees and scribes. Like those chapters, JBK 11:1 is a rebuke of the nations—which includes the Gentiles—and is understood as a warning to the Latter-day Saints (LDS) community. The LDS people, along with others, are referred to as gainsayers of foolish traditions, rejecting divine truth while clinging to the traditions of men.
The Gainsayers of Foolish Traditions
Gainsayers are those who deny truth, and Mark 7:8-9 captures Christ’s criticism of the Pharisees for “laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men.” This same critique can apply to the LDS Church, where cultural practices and traditions can sometimes overshadow the pure gospel truths. Foolish traditions are often teachings of men mingled with scripture, making their way into church policies, which distract from the pursuit of true spiritual understanding. This is echoed in 1 Peter 1:18, where Peter warns about “vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers.” Similarly, Matthew 23:23-32 delivers a powerful rebuke of religious leaders who emphasize outward appearances while neglecting the weightier matters of the law, which include justice, mercy, and faith.
Restoration by God’s Mighty Hand: Moses and David
The phrase “restoring His people with a mighty hand” refers to God using His servants to restore His truth and lead His people. In Deuteronomy 5:15 (KJV), God says, “And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm.” Here, the mighty hand refers to Moses, through whom God delivered His people from Egypt. Moses, while a man, represented God’s power and authority as His chosen instrument of deliverance.
In a similar way, the reference to the mighty hand in JBK alludes to the end-time servant, often identified as David. This servant, like Moses, will be empowered by God to restore the truth as it was originally delivered before God’s people strayed. David—the end-time servant—will not only physically restore Israel but will also restore spiritual truths that have been lost or corrupted over time. Just as Moses delivered the Israelites from Egypt, David’s role will be to deliver and restore God’s people from their spiritual wandering and guide them back to righteousness.
A Warning and a Promise
The chapter continues with a stark warning to the nations, urging them to beware of their foolish traditions and self-serving motives. But it also offers a promise: God will restore His people with His mighty hand, silencing the presumptuous mouths of those who claim authority but lack true righteousness. The joy of God’s people will be found in His presence, and their honor will be tied to His great name. The reference to God taking away reproach indicates a return to favor and blessing for those who truly follow His ways.
Conclusion:
JBK 11:1 issues a clarion call to return to God’s original truth, free from the man-made traditions that have clouded it. The chapter reflects Christ’s teachings in Matthew 23, reminding all believers, especially those who consider themselves “chosen,” that outward observance without inward transformation is meaningless. The mighty hand that will restore God’s people, like Moses in Deuteronomy, is a symbol of the end-time servant David, who will bring God’s people back to the truth that they once held.
This message is as relevant today as it was in ancient times, encouraging all to look beyond traditions and cultural expectations, and to truly seek out the word of God in its purest form.