KnoWhy #240 - Where did the Brother of Jared Get the Idea of Shining Stones? (Ether 6:3)

In order to provide light for their seafaring barges, the brother of Jared prepared sixteen small stones and asked the Lord to touch them with His finger so that they would “shine forth in darkness.” While stones that emit light may seem like an absurdity to some modern readers, legends of their existence and importance were widely spread throughout the ancient world. Of particular relevance are ancient sources which claimed that Noah used shining stones in his ark. If these sources are correct, then the brother of Jared’s solution for providing light may result from him likening the story of Noah’s salvation to his own people.