And I, Jacob, saw that I must soon go down to my grave…and to the reader I bid farewell, hoping that many of my brethren may read my words. Brethren, Adieu.

Jacob 7:27

The prophet Jacob in the Book of Mormon gave two separate farewells that mirror one another. After making the first farewell, events transpired that necessitated additional writing. Jacob’s first farewell is found in Jacob 6:13. There he bids the reader farewell until we meet again at the pleasing judgment bar of Christ. Interestingly, this same sentiment was used by the last prophet Moroni as he sealed his final words.

Jacob’s second farewell is found in chapter 7 verse 27. He concludes with his final word, ‘adieu’. Adieu, is a form of goodbye that means ‘to God’. It has a certain emotion connected with it that can be bittersweet depending on its usage. It has the connotation of placing in the care of God a loved one until friends are reunited. It also can mean a final earthly farewell until we meet in heaven. Jesus connects us to God, safeguards us, and reunites us with loved ones after this life. He is the final judge that we meet on the day of judgment. Because Jesus is God, Jacob was also stating farewell “until Christ” or “till we reunite with Jesus.” The hymn, God Be With You Till We Meet Again captures much of this sentiment. The word ‘adieu’ also contains within it a destination located at Jesus’ feet. This was Jacob’s last testimony and the last words that he wrote which were then translated into our modern language. Prophets teach, testify, and then seal their words in Jesus’ name. It appears that Jacob also sealed his testimony in Christ’s name while simultaneously commending his loved ones to Jesus. I believe that Adieu can be viewed as the name of Jesus as a destination. It contains within it the faith and hope of meeting loved ones again in Jesus’ presence. Where are we going and where will we meet up? I will see you at Jesus. Adieu.