If you are familiar with the Bible and the Book of Mormon, you have probably noticed occasional references to prophets whose writings are no longer found in these scriptures. Zenock, Zenos, and Neum are mentioned by Nephi and other Book of Mormon prophets, yet their records have remained unknown to most readers. Their brief appearances raise an intriguing question: Who were they, and what did they teach?
Within the Church of Jesus Christ in Christian Fellowship, the translation of the Plates of Brass offers the answer to that question. Among these restored writings is The Declarations of Neum, a collection of teachings attributed to the prophetess Neum. For those interested in Mormon Kabbalah, Neum’s voice offers another witness of Jesus Christ while adding fresh perspectives on discipleship, compassion, revelation, and the work of God’s kingdom. Rather than replacing the Bible or the Book of Mormon, her record invites us to read them with new eyes and a deeper appreciation for God’s continuing work throughout history.
The Plates of Brass: A Larger Scriptural Library
Readers of the Book of Mormon already know that Lehi’s family risked everything to obtain the Plates of Brass before leaving Jerusalem (1 Nephi 1:59-174 [3:1-5:12). Those plates were far more than a copy of the books we now know as the Old Testament. They contained the Law of Moses, genealogies, and the writings of additional prophets whose teachings profoundly influenced Nephite scripture.
The translation of the Plates of Brass recovers this lost collection. Among these restored writings are the records of Zenock, Zenos, and Neum. These men and woman were prophets and a prophetess whose words shaped the faith of Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Alma, and many others. Mormon Kabbalah views these texts as part of God’s continuing work of restoration, helping modern readers better understand the spiritual world that shaped the Book of Mormon itself.
The Singing Prophetess of Israel
Most readers first encounter Neum in the Book of Mormon through a single verse. In 1 Nephi 5:239 [19:10c], Nephi lists Neum among the ancient voices who testified that the Messiah would be crucified. Although only briefly mentioned, her inclusion places her alongside some of Israel’s most respected prophetic voices.
The Plates of Brass paint a much fuller picture. Neum was a prophetess whose ministry blended proclamation, worship, poetry, and song. She reminds readers that prophecy is not simply predicting future events It is inviting people into a living relationship with God. Her songs call Israel to repentance, justice, mercy, and hope while celebrating the love and faithfulness of YHVH.
For readers of Mormon Kabbalah, Neum also represents the restoration of an often-overlooked truth. Throughout scripture, God has called both women and men to serve as prophets, teachers, and witnesses. Her recovered voice complements the ministries of Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Anna, and other faithful women whose contributions have sometimes received less attention than they deserve.
What Does Neum Teach?
Although her language is poetic, Neum’s message is remarkably practical. Again and again she invites readers to recognize the Light of Christ within themselves and within others. Rather than focusing primarily on religious status or outward appearances, she calls us to cultivate hearts filled with love, humility, justice, and compassion.
One of the central themes of Mormon Kabbalah is what we call Creative Altruism. This is simply choosing love over selfishness and seeking the good of others before ourselves. Neum repeatedly points readers toward this path. She teaches that spiritual maturity is measured less by what we know and more by how faithfully we love. The divine light we receive is meant to become a blessing to those around us.
Her teachings also emphasize the dignity and worth of every human being. Because every person bears the Light of Christ, every person deserves compassion, respect, and an opportunity to grow. This perspective encourages readers to look beyond labels and divisions and instead see one another as fellow children of God.
A Companion to the Bible and the Book of Mormon
One of the most exciting aspects of reading Neum is discovering how naturally her teachings fit alongside familiar scripture. Readers who know Isaiah, the Psalms, the teachings of Jesus, and the Book of Mormon will often recognize familiar themes expressed from a fresh perspective. The Declarations of Neum frequently reinforce doctrines already found throughout Restoration scripture. She speaks of God’s desire to gather His people, the importance of personal revelation, the need for repentance (teshuvah), the call to care for the poor and marginalized, and the central role of Jesus Christ as the Light of the World.
For students of Mormon Kabbalah, these restored writings also provide additional context for understanding symbolic language, temple imagery, divine wisdom, and the relationship between heaven and earth. They offer another piece of the larger scriptural mosaic that points toward Christ. Rather than introducing an entirely different religion, Neum expands conversations that faithful readers have already begun through the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
An Invitation to Continue the Journey
Whether you have been studying scripture for decades or are just beginning your spiritual journey, the Declarations of Neum offer an invitation to listen for a voice that has been largely silent for centuries. They encourage readers to approach scripture with curiosity, humility, and the expectation that God still speaks to His children today.
In the Fellowship of Christ, we believe that studying the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Plates of Brass together can deepen our understanding of God’s work across generations. We invite you to explore these texts prayerfully, ask sincere questions, and seek personal revelation through Jesus Christ. As you do, you may discover, as we have, that Neum’s ancient testimony is not simply about the past. It is a call to become a people who walk in the Light, love generously, and participate in God’s ongoing restoration of the world.
