Abinadom

Abinadom was a Nephite historian and soldier, the son of Chemish. He lived sometime between 279 and 130 B.C. [1] Abinadom wrote that he “saw much war and contention between my people, the Nephites, and the Lamanites; and I, with my own sword, have taken the lives of many of the Lamanites in the defence of my brethren.” [1] This indicates that Abinadom was a soldier who fought to defend the Nephites against the Lamanites.

Abinadom also wrote that “the record of this people is engraven upon plates which is had by the kings, according to the generations; and I know of no revelation save that which has been written, neither prophecy; wherefore, that which is sufficient is written.” [1] This suggests that Abinadom did not have access to any new revelations or prophecies beyond what was already recorded on the plates, and he felt that the existing record was sufficient.

Abinadom was the father of Amaleki, who would later go on to write the remainder of the book of Omni. [1] When Abinadom’s time as custodian of the plates came to an end, he passed them on to his son Amaleki. [1]

In summary, Abinadom was a Nephite soldier and historian who defended his people against the Lamanites, and who believed the existing scriptural record was sufficient without any new revelations. He served as a custodian of the small plates of Nephi before passing them on to his son Amaleki.

Learn more:

1. Abinadom
2. Omni 1
3. Omni Chapter 1