The ancient writings known as The Declarations of Neum (Neum, the Oracle or the Declarations) offer a profound glimpse into the spiritual and prophetic world of ancient Judah, as seen through the eyes of a prophetess who was not only a seer but a conduit of divine wisdom. Inscribed on the Plates of Brass—the sacred scriptures that Nephi and his descendants carried with them from the Old World—Neum speaks with the authority of one who lived in the time of Judah’s great turmoil, yet also in the shadow of the covenant promises made by The LORD (YHVH) to His people. As a member of the chosen lineage of Israel, Neum emerges as a voice calling the people back to faithfulness, as well as a messenger of hope for the restoration of Israel in the last days.
Who was “Neum?”
Neum then is a collection of songs, utterances, prophecies, and revelations given through a prophetess previously unknown to the modern world. Before the translation of the plates of brass, the world was only aware of this prophetess from a passing reference made by Nephi in the Book of Mormon:
Yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob yieldeth himself… to be crucified, according to the words of Neum.” -1 Nephi 5:240-241 RAV, 19:10 OPV
Based on the records, it appears that Neum lived after Israel to the north was conquered, but before the southern nation of Judah fell (Neum 14:11). It would appear that she belonged to a group of people who followed the teachings of the prophet Zenock, as she claims to be a disciple of his teachings. Based on parts of the text, she would have lived after him (Neum 14:8). She also appears to live at a time after the priesthood was taken from the sisters, as she points out that the daughters of Miriam have been removed from the positions given them in the Torah (Neum 2:4).
Neum and Kabbalah
Neum serves as a remarkable intersection of the teaching of Book of Mormon theology and Kabbalistic wisdom, woven together by a prophetic voice that transcends time. Written under divine inspiration, Neum carries with it the unique authority of a prophetess who was guided not only by the teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures but also by the mystical wisdom of Kabbalah, revealed to us as a part of the unfolding of the latter days. The intertwining of these two spiritual traditions in the text suggests that Mormon Kabbalah—a fusion of Latter Day Saint teachings and Jewish mystical thought—is not only a tool for personal revelation but also a framework for understanding the ongoing restoration.
As a seer who peers into the spiritual depths, revealing the inner workings of the world to come, Neum‘s role as a prophetess is central to the text. In her recorded utterances and songs, the heavens and the earth are united, and the covenant of Israel is fulfilled. Her role as a prophetess and seer is evident in her frequent references to the heavens, the divine light, and the coming of Jesus Christ as the Messiah—all using themes deeply embedded within Kabbalistic thought. The mystical union between God and His people, Israel, is presented as a spiritual marriage that will ultimately be consummated in this final restoration, where Israel’s faithfulness will be fully restored, and true temple worship will once again be established.
Neum the Prophetess
Articulating a vision of both judgment and redemption as only a prophetess and a seer of The LORD can, Neum calls the people of Judah to repentance. In her utterances, she urges them to return to the covenant they once swore to uphold. Yet she also speaks of a time of reconciliation when The LORD, the eternal husband of Israel, will take His people back, wiping away their tears and restoring them to their rightful place as His bride (Neum 20:8-9). The visions presented in Neum echo those found in the ancient Jewish texts, with themes of the ultimate destiny of mankind and the world that resonate with the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the coming of the Kingdom of God as revealed in the Book of Mormon.
The Kabbalistic themes woven throughout the utterances of Neum are especially significant. From the mystical union of heaven and earth to the revealing of divine wisdom and the return of the Shekinah (Divine Presence) to the people of Israel, the prophetic words of Neum offer a deep, symbolic interpretation of the unfolding of the plan of salvation as it pertains to the restoration of all things (Neum 5:31, 13:23). Her teachings reflect an understanding that divine truth and redemption are not only spiritual realities but are also bound to cosmic principles—principles that can be understood and applied through mystical teachings that open the hearts and minds of the faithful.
Learning About Ourselves through Neum
Ultimately, Neum is an ancient prophetess of the restoration, one who stands as a witness of God’s enduring covenant with His people. Her writings, though not yet widely known in traditional Christian circles, are nonetheless an integral part of the restored gospel. Through her voice, we are invited to enter into a deeper understanding of the divine plan—a plan that unites all peoples, from the ancient house of Israel to the latter-day children of Israel, in a sacred covenant of love, redemption, and spiritual enlightenment.
In reading Neum, we are challenged not only to reflect on the state of our own souls but to understand the cosmic forces at play in the restoration of all things. She invites readers to hear her voice as part of a larger spiritual framework—one that today bridges both ancient and modern revelations, calling all of us to a deeper understanding of the divine mysteries of salvation. As we explore this text, we are not merely looking back to ancient prophecies but forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s purposes, in which the heavens and earth are one, the people of Israel are redeemed, and all creation rejoices in the eternal love of The LORD our God.
Discussion Questions
1. The Intersection of Faith Traditions
How does Neum’s integration of Hebrew scripture, Kabbalistic mysticism, and Book of Mormon theology provide a unique perspective on the divine plan of salvation?
2. The Cosmic Principles of Redemption
Neum speaks of redemption as tied to cosmic principles. How can understanding these principles deepen our appreciation for the interconnectedness of creation and salvation?
3. The Role of Women in Prophecy
Neum highlights the removal of the daughters of Miriam from priesthood roles. What does this reveal about the spiritual and societal challenges of her time, and how might it inspire reflection on gender roles in spiritual leadership today?
4. Neum’s Call to Repentance
How does Neum’s call to repentance resonate with the themes of restoration and reconciliation in the gospel of Jesus Christ? Discuss how this call is relevant in a modern context.
Restoration of the Shekinah
Neum prophesies about the return of the Shekinah (Heavenly Mother or the Divine Presence) to Israel. How does this theme of divine immanence inspire hope and responsibility among believers?