It is important to note that Neum itself is not a recognized book in historical or canonical religious texts. The claim that Neum is part of the brass plates that Nephi took from Laban, as described in the Book of Mormon, introduces an interesting layer to the text, but is there any evidence in the text for this claim? The Book of Mormon describes the brass plates as containing a record of Jewish prophets, a genealogy of Lehi’s family, and prophecies similar to those in the Hebrew scriptures, including writings attributed to prophets like Isaiah. (Isaiah is quoted extensively in the Book of Mormon.) In order to assess whether there is any evidence in Neum that might support this claim, we need to examine both the thematic and linguistic aspects of the text in relation to what the Book of Mormon says about the brass plates.

Key Points About the Brass Plates in the Book of Mormon

In the Book of Mormon (specifically in 1 Nephi 1:159-164 [5:11-14a]), the brass plates are described as containing:

• The five books of Moses (the Torah).
• A record of the Jews from the beginning of the world to the time of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah.
• Prophecies from many prophets including Isaiah, and writings of Jeremiah.
• Genealogical records of Joseph of Egypt, Lehi’s ancestors, and the descendants of Israel.
• Instructions on how to keep the commandments of God and maintain the covenant with Him.

This record, according to the Book of Mormon, was passed down from the prophet Lehi to his descendants, including Nephi, who uses the plates to write about his people and their spiritual history. The brass plates are often mentioned in connection with Lehi’s family’s journey from Jerusalem to the Americas, as Nephi and his brothers were commanded to retrieve the plates in order to preserve their family’s connection to God and the Jewish tradition.

Evaluating Neum in the Context of the Brass Plates Claim

Let’s break down the evidence within Neum to see if it aligns with the descriptions of the brass plates and any potential connection to Nephi’s record.

1. Prophetic Themes and Language:

The text of Neum adopts a prophetic tone, invoking God’s direct speech, much like the prophetic writings in the Hebrew scriptures. This is consistent with the type of writings that the brass plates were said to contain. The emphasis on divine justice, redemption, and Israel’s restoration, as seen throughout Neum, mirrors themes found in the Book of Mormon‘s description of the brass plates, where Nephi often quotes or paraphrases the prophecies of Isaiah and other Old Testament prophets.

The frequent references to divine judgment, the coming of the Messiah, the redemption of Israel, and the restoration of Zion are all themes central to the Book of Mormon and the writings of the Jewish prophets. In particular, the Book of Mormon frequently quotes Isaiah, especially in Nephi’s writings. Neum mirrors this focus on the Messianic age, the union between heaven and earth, and the final restoration of Israel, all of which are deeply embedded in the Book of Mormon and the Isaiah chapters Nephi quotes from the brass plates.

2. Linguistic Features:

The language of Neum closely resembles biblical Hebrew poetry and prophetic speech, similar to the style of Isaiah or other Old Testament prophets, which could imply a link to the types of writings contained on the brass plates. The use of phrases like “YHVH Elohim,” “Shekinah,” and other terms that are not typically found in later Christian or even rabbinic texts but are more common in earlier Jewish writings suggests that Neum shares some stylistic and theological similarities with ancient Hebrew texts.

Neum includes references to divine emanations, the union of God and Israel (often portrayed as a marital relationship), and the idea of Israel’s eventual restoration. These are themes that echo Jewish mysticism (such as Kabbalah) and messianic prophecy. These themes also appear in the Book of Mormon when Nephi discusses the coming of the Messiah and Israel’s spiritual restoration.

3. Messianic and Redemptive Themes:

Throughout Neum, there is a focus on the coming of the Messiah, who will redeem Israel and bring about peace and restoration. The text speaks of the Messiah’s suffering, death, resurrection, and eventual return to set things right — themes that are very similar to what Nephi prophesies in the Book of Mormon about Christ, particularly in Nephi’s vision of the future.

The restoration of Israel and the coming peace for Judah are core themes in both Neum and the Book of Mormon, and they also feature prominently in the brass plates. The language in Neum aligns with the Book of Mormon‘s descriptions of Israel’s eventual redemption and reunion with God, which are also central to Nephi’s understanding of God’s plan.

4. Social Justice and Ethical Concerns:

Neum speaks of Israel’s failures, especially in relation to social justice—feeding the poor, caring for widows and orphans—and repentance. This theme of repentance and social responsibility is very much in line with the ethical teachings of the Book of Mormon and the moral teachings attributed to Nephi. Nephi, in the Book of Mormon, often emphasizes the need for the people to repent and align themselves with God’s commandments.

The idea of Israel as an unfaithful bride, who has turned to other gods, is a repeated motif in Neum. This is a common metaphor in the Hebrew Bible, where Israel’s disobedience is likened to adultery. This imagery appears in both Kabbalistic and Old Testament traditions and is a theme that also appears in the Book of Mormon, especially in Nephi’s prophecies.

5. Spiritual Union and Divine Love:

The idea that Israel (or Judah) is like a bride to God, and that God longs for a faithful union, is a recurring motif in Neum. This reflects the Kabbalistic idea of the Shekhinah (God’s immanent presence) seeking union with the Divine Masculine, which resonates with themes found in the Book of Mormon where the people are urged to return to God and be faithful to the covenant.

Evidence for the Connection to the Brass Plates

Neum reflects many themes and ideas that are similar to those in the Book of Mormon such as the restoration of Israel, repentance, the Messianic redemption, the imagery of God as a loving husband. The theological and prophetic content of Neum echos key concepts that are prominent in the Book of Mormon, particularly Nephi’s writings, and may suggest that Neum is intended to share a similar spiritual and prophetic voice.

1. Thematic Similarities:

The themes of redemption, the coming Messiah, the restoration of Israel, and the ultimate reunion of heaven and earth are themes that resonate both in Neum and in the Book of Mormon, particularly the parts of Nephi’s writings that are drawn from the brass plates.

2. Prophetic and Messianic Language:

Neum uses a prophetic voice to speak about the future redemption of Israel and the coming of a Messiah who will bring peace. These are common themes in the brass plates, especially as Nephi and other prophets in the Book of Mormon discuss the coming of Christ.

Conclusion:

Based on the evidence in the text, there are thematic and stylistic similarities between Neum and the content found in the Book of Mormon, particularly in the sections that describe the brass plates. It shares many of the key elements found in the Book of Mormon, especially in the prophetic, Messianic, and redemptive themes. The text strongly aligns with the themes of prophecy, redemption, and divine justice found in the Book of Mormon, suggesting a spiritual or thematic connection. While this evidence is circumstantial, it does imply the possibility and likelihood that this record is exactly what it claims to be, a translation from the brass plates the Nephites studied to learn of God.