Page "Book of Ether" Paragraph 5

The Book of Ether parallels in many ways the story of the Book of Mormon as a whole.

A small group ( Jared and his companions ; Lehi and his family ) separate themselves from a wicked society ( the Tower of Babel ; Jerusalem just prior to its destruction ) and establish a new nation ( the Jaredites ; the Nephites ) in " the promised land.

" In each case the group is divided following the death of the original leaders and the divisions contend for many generations.

The fortunes of the nations are dependent upon their obedience to God — righteousness brings prosperity and wickedness brings destruction ( sometimes delayed ).

Ultimately, the wicked prevail and the nation is destroyed.