Moroni and the Scriptures

There aren’t many scriptural figures that are mentioned in all four standard works, especially those who lived in Book of Mormon times.  But Moroni is one who is found across the scriptural canon.  In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord said this about Moroni: “Wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my everlasting gospel” (D&C 27:5).  As the Savior listed off those who would be part of this grand meeting in the last days with the faithful, Moroni was the very first to be named.  And the language of this statement by the Savior points to another verse in the Bible that modern prophets have consistently taught refers to Moroni: “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Revelation 14:6).  Elder McConkie said, speaking of this Biblical verse, “The angel Moroni brought the message” (see here).  Moroni was the first angel in this dispensation to bring the “everlasting gospel” to the prophet Joseph. 

                Moroni is mentioned in the Doctrine and Covenants by two others besides this reference in section 27 from the Lord.  The Prophet Joseph declared, “And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the book to be revealed” (D&C 128:20).  Moroni was the first tutor of Joseph, and 19 years after his first visit to the young boy, Joseph was still rejoicing in what Moroni brought to him.  Joseph F. Smith also mentioned Moroni as he spoke of those whom he saw in the Spirit World: “And Malachi, the prophet who testified of the coming of Elijah—of whom also Moroni spake to the Prophet Joseph Smith, declaring that he should come before the ushering in of the great and dreadful day of the Lord—were also there” (D&C 138:46).  In addition to restoring truths and bringing forth new scripture in the Book of Mormon as part of the Restoration, one of his missions in the last days seems to have been to testify of the truthfulness of the Bible.  Upon visiting the Prophet Joseph and explaining who he was, Joseph recorded, “After telling me these things, he commenced quoting the prophecies of the Old Testament” (JSH 1:36).  He quoted Malachi, Joel, and Isaiah from the Old Testament in addition to the book of Acts in the New Testament.  So even though Moroni doesn’t appear to be directly mentioned in the Old Testament (although some have suggested that Isaiah 41:2 refers to him), he is a witness himself to the truthfulness of the prophecies of the Old Testament.  We even have a section of the Doctrine and Covenants which contain his words paraphrasing the words of Malachi (D&C 2).

                The mortal Moroni was constantly worried about his inadequacies and weaknesses in writing the Book of Mormon.  The Lord promised him that He could “make weak things become strong unto them” for those who come unto the Lord (Ether 12:27).  Surely if Moroni was ever really weak, he was indeed made strong.  His witness is a foundational part of the restored gospel and his work stands as a testimony of the truthfulness of not only the Book of Mormon but all of the scriptures.