Could A Man Have Written This Book?

As we study the Book of Mormon I am reminded of a question we often told investigators on my mission in Germany to ask themselves as they read it. Haette ein Mensch dieses Buch schreiben koennen? Could a man have written this book?

One of the evidences that the book comes from God and not something Joseph Smith made up is found in 2 Nephi 12:16. For the most part the chapter is like Isaiah chapter 2, but in in the King James version verse 16 says, "And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures." In the Book of Mormon it says, " And upon all the ships of the sea, and upon all the ships of Tarshish and upon all pleasant pictures." It adds the phrase, "and upon all the ships of the sea." In the Book of Mormon footnote it explains, "The Greek (Septuagint) has "ships of the sea." The Hebrew has "ships of Tarshish" The Book of Mormon has both, showing the Brass Plates had lost neither phrase." As one BYU publication says. "Since Joseph Smith did not know Hebrew or Greek prior to 1830 (the year the Book of Mormon was published), he obviously did not check ancient versions of Isaiah as he produced the Book of Mormon. Latter-day Saints therefore accept that the text of 2 Nephi 12:16 must have come from the plates Joseph Smith received from Moroni.

While that's one evidence of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, a greater evidence to me is the powerful teachings of the book itself and the spirit I feel while reading it. I agree with apostle George Cannon who said, "No wicked man could write such a book as this; and no good man would write it, unless it were true and he were commanded of God to do so." As I read the Book of Mormon again and think of how to apply it to my life, and I read all your comments about how it's message is blessing your lives, and I ask myself , "Could a man have written this book?" the answer is clear - No! It's a divine work of scripture that comes from God and was translated by a true prophet of God!