BOM Mosiah 9

Today’s reading, Mosiah 9, gives us a glimpse into one of the several distinct sets of records that were employed to construct the Book of Mormon — and is, therefore, yet another window into the complexity of the book that was given to the world through Joseph Smith.

Note the first phrase of verse one, which seems to be a formal record-opening (equivalent to an author’s signature) rather like 1 Nephi 1:1.

Note, too, the word sheum in verse nine.  From the context, it clearly refers to a crop, and probably to a grain.  For a discussion of possible etymologies for sheum, see this brief article from the Book of Mormon Onomasticon project.