A Study of the Book of Mormon

Alma 18:1-7 This set of verses is the first step in King Lamoni's conversion. A plain testimony of the king's own servants of what Ammon had done. The conversations and conclusions that transpire between the king and his servants reveal their spiritual understanding, or the traditions of their fathers. It's interesting that they concluded that there was a spiritual force at play. What is more interesting though is that suddenly, though the king had always had a belief in a Great Spirit, now he began to fear because of past actions. There is a subtle point in here that I find insightful in my approach to parenting: The king had slew many of his servant because others had succeeded in scattering the king's sheep. This caused the servants of the king to be very fearful, because of the consequence of death that seemed inevitable. The king was governing his servants in fear, which the king had had no reservations about doing, until suddenly Ammon shows up to protect the serv...

Alma 2 Just a few thoughts on what appears to be accounts of civil process and war. I am first reminded that nothing is included in the Book of Mormon unless there are spiritual ramifications attached to it. On a different note, it is interesting to me that there was an exact count ( vs. 19 ), at the first encounter on the battle field, of exactly how many souls had perished, suggesting that every life lost was known to God. The final thought, and this is almost harder to pull out because of the circumstances (they were in the middle of a war), is that when we are on the Lord's side, we are entitled to the enabling and strengthening power that comes from God to do the impossible. ( vs. 27-33 )

Mosiah 29:1-38 A unique milestone in the history of the Nephite nation is addressed in an epistle to the people from King Mosiah, for they were desirous to continue under the leadership of a king.  King Mosiah, though being the third king from King Mosiah (his grandfather, see Omni 1:12-13 ) to lead the people under righteousness, presents the people with an alternative form of government. An interesting side thought is the reason for this change. The rightful heir to the throne, Aaron -- the son of Mosiah, has rejected the throne because of his desires to serve as a missionary. The decision to reject the throne was a radical decision based on righteous motives. The blessing that resulted to the benefit of the people was of greater good than anything that he could have done for the kingdom as king. Missionary work blesses both those directly and indirectly involved in it. In verse 11 , after presenting an interesting yet not entirely improbable scenario of rebellion,  Mosiah p...

Mosiah 27:1-7 These first verses of this chapter are given more as a setup to what follows. However, I've taken a moment to contemplate the law that was enacted and the purpose for which it was given. As a result of persecution by the unbelievers towards those that did believe, King Mosiah had been petitioned to take action. Consequently, a command was enacted to dissolve persecutions and to protect the equality of all his people. The details of that command included that there was to be no pride or haughtiness that would disturb their peace, that every man should esteem his neighbor as himself, and that all should be industrious or labor with their own hands for their support. (see vs 2-4 ) The result of this command or law was that there was increased peace and prosperity. I am amazed that it appears to have been so simple, that the king issued a command after consulting with his priests and then that the effects were that of general increased peace and prosperity. Oh, how the ti...

Mosiah 23:25-39 The purpose of these verses was summarized in the title of the previous post, "the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people," which is found in verse 21 . In these group of verses we find the details of what is in my mind an extraordinary trial of faith on the part of Alma and also his people. I find myself this morning also asking: What is it about the order or economy of heaven that makes this this particular episode so noteworthy? For after a period of establishment in the land of Helam where the people of Alma had been exceedingly prosperous in their daily affairs, suddenly the appearance of the Lamanites within th borders of the land cause a great fear to arise in the hearts of the people of Alma. I appreciate how it points out that Alma "went forth and stood among them" to quiet their fears by reminding them to place their faith in the Lord. ( see vs. 27 ) The people of Alma respond to this invitation of faith by exercising the power of prayer. The...

Mosiah 2:1-14 A historic occasion is recorded in these opening chapters of the book of Mosiah.In the first few verses of chapter 2, we get a glimpse in the heritage of the Mosaic law that had been preserved and honored by this people. Verse 3 explains that they offered sacrifices to comply with the law of Moses. Verse 4 is where the Spirit brings the law to life. It explains that they also saw this as a means of expressing their gratitude to God for the blessings that they enjoyed, namely: Having been brought out of the land of Jerusalem Having been delivered from their enemies Having just men appointed as their teachers Having a just man appointed as their king Having peace established by their king throughout their land Having been taught by their king to "keep the commandments of God, that they might rejoice and be filled with love towards God and all men". In light of all these blessings, it strikes me as very important the perspective that King Benjamin sees himself in...

2 Nephi 19:6 & 7 The idea that the Savior of mankind will also become the supreme governor of the nations has capture my attention in this reading of these memorable verses. "For unto us a child is born, and unto us a son is given..." one of their own. "And the government shall be upon his shoulders." This strikes me as amazing. The weight of the government of the nations shall be upon Christ. So effective will be his leadership, so profoundly revolutionary shall be its effects, that people will call Him "Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. The following verse states that this government that the Lord will establish will continue to expand and have no end to its increase. Yet the use of government in this sense is so different from the current, secular definition of government as I understand it today. This isn't to suggest that there will be an increase in government spending and programs. Christ's g...

Ether 7 Vs. 5 - Captivity came quickly among the people. Within two generations, it happened. Jared's great-grandson revolted. I believe [that] to understand this chapter, we ust establish black and white, the good and the bad. (There were kings who ruled in righteousness, but did they have the scriptures? There is no mention of them, is there?) First there was Orihah , (righteous, walked humbly before the Lord - GOOD), who begat Kib (It doesn't say how Kib was, but his son rebelled against him), who begat Corihor (He rebelled against his father and brought him into captivity) and later Shule (He was born in captivity and rebelled against his brother [Corihor], restoring the kingdom to Kib [his father]. Kib then, because of his old age, gives it to Shule. He ruled in righteousness. Corihor [Shule's brother] repents of his sins, and received power in his brother's kingdom.). Corihor begat Noah . (He rebels: Noah and Cohor [brothers], these guys rebelled and gave bat...

Ether 6:12-30 Vs. 12 - Upon having arrived in the Promised Land, this people humbled themselves to the ground and gave thanks, a much different attitude than their children. -- In short, the Jaredites that first came to the Americas were a humble, righteous people. Because they were, they began to multiply and become strong. Vs. 22 - The people desired to have a king to lead them. Mahonri's first response is that this thing leadeth to captivity. -- ALmost all the sons of Mahonri and Jared understood this and wouldn't be responsible for the captivity of the people. But they were not completely united. One of Jared's sons consented to be king, Orihah. Vs. 28, 30 - How ever Orihah was not an evil man. He did reign in righteousness. He had humbled himself from before the Lord.