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| Artwork by Jorge Cocco |
Chapter 11 and 12
Three Consequences of Having a Wicked Leader
In Mormon description of king Noah, Mormon shows us three consequences that come from having a wicked leader. There as as follows: 1) Cause people to commit sin; 2) Cause people to support iniquity; and 3) Make people idolatrous
1. Causes People to Commit Sin
Verse 2 states:
2 For behold, he did not keep the commandments of God, but he did walk after the desires of his own heart. And he had many wives and concubines. And he did cause his people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in the sight of the Lord. Yea, and they did commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness. (Mosiah 11)
Why does a wicked leader cause his people to commit sin? Consider Mosiah's (king Benjamin's son)
explanation to his people:
23 And he [wicked king/leader] enacteth laws, and sendeth them forth among his people, yea, laws after the manner of his own wickedness; and whosoever doth not obey his laws he causeth to be destroyed; and whosoever doth rebel against him he will send his armies against them to war, and if he can he will destroy them; and thus an unrighteous king doth pervert the ways of all righteousness.Mosiah's explanation then is that leaders cause people to sin by the laws they enact. If a wicked leader/king is in power, he will enact laws according to his wickedness. The people then, under the threat of destruction (imprisonment, death, penalty) obey the wicked laws and adopt them into their life.
24 And now behold I say unto you, it is not expedient that such abominations should come upon you.
An example of this is found in 1 Kings 12. After Solomon, the kingdom of Israel was divided into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. The Northern kingdom was called Israel; the Southern was called Judah. The first king of Israel was Jeroboam. Verses 25-32 of 1 Kings 12 explains what Jeroboam did and how that affected his people.
Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel. And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David. If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the LORD at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.”
So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” And he set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. Then this thing became a sin, for the people went as far as Dan (northern most part of the kingdom) to be before one. He also made temples on high places and appointed priests from among all the people, who were not of the Levites.
And Jeroboam appointed a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he made. And he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places that he had made.Fearing that he would lose influence among the Israelites if they worshipped God, Jeroboam creates a new god for the people to worship, distracting them from worshipping God. The image of the worship were two gold calves, placed in two different areas of the kingdom. The text tells us that the people in Israel went to those places to worship, even traveling far to worship the golden calve.
In addition to this, 1 Kings 12 also notes that Jeroboam built temples and appointed priests to the temples who were not Levites. Under the Mosaic Law, priests for the temple were to come from the tribe of Levi. Jeroboam's calling of different priests was a counterfeit of the Mosaic Temple worship. He also appoints his own feasts, mimicking the feasts set out under the Mosaic Law.
Enacting these measures caused his people to sin. Jeroboam adopts a new practice for the Israelites and they adopt it into their life.
In addition to Jeroboam's measures, it's also important to realize that compared to the Judahite Kingdom of the South, Israel never had one righteous king. The only possible exception is Jehu, whom the Lord calls, but he turn to wickedness later on.
We learn from the scriptures that Israelite was destroyed first because of their gross wickedness. It's likely that one cause of their being more wicked than the Judahite kingdom is the fact that all their leaders were wicked. The Israelites did not have righteous kings like Uzziah, Jotham, Hezekiah, or Josiah. Instead, each king was wicked. And the Israelites only learned wickedness from their kings.
Applied to the United States
Although monarchies are not common in today's world, this principle of wicked leaders causing people to sin is still relevant for us. Any leader we choose in politics has power to enact or enforce laws. Although the power to enact the law varies among the different leaders, each elected political leader has power to create laws -- to some affect. Those laws become binding upon us. It's also true that some states also elect their judges. This is a big deal, because it means that the denizens of some states choose which judge will adjudicate and create law.
If we elect wicked leaders, then we risk choosing someone that will enact wicked laws, which laws we'll be compelled to follow. Failure to follow those laws could mean a fine or imprisonment. Moreover, wickedness is not partisan. This means that in today's US Government no party is immune from corruption and wickedness, we have heard and read of scandals from broth sides of the aisle.
Because we can't choose political leaders based on political party affiliation, the Lord has provided the standard we should use in voting for our leaders. This is outlined in Doctrine and Covenants 98:
8 I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free.In our voting, we should seek to uphold (vote for) honest, wise, and good men (or women). Otherwise by electing wicked leaders who rule, we, the people, mourn because we allow wicked men to create evil laws.
9 Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.
10 Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.
2. Causes People to Support Iniquity
Another consequence of having a wicked leader is that the people end up supporting iniquity. One way this happens is through taxation.
Mormon explains
3 And he laid a tax of one fifth part of all they possessed, a fifth part of their gold and of their silver, and a fifth part of their ziff, and of their copper, and of their brass and their iron; and a fifth part of their fatlings; and also a fifth part of all their grain.By taxing the people more, he used the revenue from the taxation to support himself in his wicked lifestyle.
4 And all this did he take to support himself, and his wives and his concubines; and also his priests, and their wives and their concubines; thus he had changed the affairs of the kingdom.
Mormon further adds:
...and thus they were supported in their laziness, and in their idolatry, and in their whoredoms, by the taxes which king Noah had put upon his people;.. (Mosiah 11:4)
3. Makes People Idolatrous
Because a leader often stands as an image for the people, the actions of the leader will set a standard for how people can behave. If a leader his righteous, the people have greater change to mimic righteous behavior. This is likely what made king Benjamin so effective and why his people received a remission of their sins, entering into a covenant with God. By setting forth an example of righteous behavior the people saw what righteous behavior looked like and were able to model accordingly.
The adage of monkey-see-monkey-do is applicable here. Because we come into this world with a veil placed over our memories, we learn behavior from others. The fact that behavior (whether righteous or wicked) is learned is why the Lord places the responsibility on parents to teach their children and the responsibility on disciples to call people to repent. Those who have greater knowledge have responsibility to share that knowledge with others so they may also know -- that they may have examples they can model their lives by.
The fact that behavior (whether righteous or wicked) is learned is also why the Lord will judge nations that are ripe in iniquity. Iniquity refers to gross perversion of the Lord's commandments and teaching. When used in scripture, it often refers to prolonged distortion of God's will. In other words, iniquity is transgression left unchecked. When iniquity abounds, the people are surrounded by examples of wickedness. And thus they model their lives from those examples.
Thus a wicked leader, whom the people look up to as guidance and direction, has the major effect of perpetuating wickedness because he sets a model of wickedness for others to follow.
Returning to the passage from 1 Kings 12 (where Jeroboam caused his people (the Israelites) to worship false idols) we see that Jeroboam's wickedness set an example for the rest of the people to follow. By placing idols in sacred places, the people understood that Jeroboam wanted them to worship false idols. And this they did.
Moreover, through the Book of Kings, we read of the negative effect wicked kings have on the people. The Book of Kings is an important book to read because the writer traces Israelite and Judah history to show that one of the main causes of their destruction were due to their wicked leaders.
7 Yea, and they also became idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests; for they did speak flattering things unto them. (Mosiah 11)Idolatry, then, is more than just worshipping false idols. Instead we are idolatrous when we place wicked behavior in the place of righteous behavior. The wicked behavior becomes the image we model our lives by.
What King Noah Did By His Wickedness
With his wealth and revenue coming in from taxation and industry (king Noah owned vineyards [11:15]), and being king with ostensibly absolute power, king Noah is able to bring about the following changes:
1. Consecrating Priests
One of the reforms/alterations made by king Noah was the consecrating of new priests.
Since king Noah consecrated priests and priests oversee the church to teach the word of God, king Noah was altering not only the affairs of the kingdom, but that of the church. And since authority was required to ordain priests, we should ponder whether king Noah might have had authority, in some form, to ordain the priests. If he did, the implications are great. For king Noah also would have been the leader of the church as well.
Evidence from the text support this possibility
Evidence 1 -- that the priests taught the people:
Evidence 2 -- that (at least) some of the teaching was religious in nature:
Evidence 3 -- that king Noah likely had religious authority
Moreover besides these insights, it's important to understand that the concept of a separation between church and state (even the idea of "state" as we use it didn't exist) didn't exist during the time of the Bible. Religion and the nation were intertwined. Although Zarahemla seems to have a separation between the ruler and religion, it's not clear that the Land of Nephi established by Zeniff did. And based on the evidence above, it's highly likely that king Noah was both the king of the kingdom and over the church.
Ultimate insight/point:
Mormon's account of king Noah is not only describing a corrupt people, but a corrupt church. A church with priests who claim to have authority to teach, but who misunderstand the doctrines. And which priests and leaders are corrupted by the things of the world, leading their people (members, to use modern language) astray.
Thus Mormon is setting the stage for the established church, with it's claim of authority, to be challenged by an obscure man whose authority doesn't come through king Noah, but through his connection to God.
For now, I will stop here with my observation, and will let those who are interested ponder on how this applies to us. Nevertheless, after the commentary series is over or when I have time, I will explore the full implications of the inferences I've made.
2. Building a Very High Tower
Another addition he made to the kingdom was building a very high tower to overlook the land. The high tower served as a lookout tower for the king to spot the approaching Lamanites.
One reason why he would have been is because Israelite identity begins at this event. When the children of men built a tower, God disowned them as a people. From that time forth, God did not try to redeem all of humanity, but instead decided to work through a smaller group -- the family of Abraham. After the events of Babel, God began to work through Abraham.
It's likely that any Israelite who was connected to roots to some degree would have know this story and its significance.
Given this, it's possible that Mormon is using this imagery of the temple and a very high tower to suggest that Noah's ambitions were Babel-like. This is all the more important because the word Babylon, as used in English, comes from the Hebrew word for Babel. Thus Babel is Babylon. Perhaps Mormon uses the image to point to the spiritual regression and iniquity present among the people of Zeniff.
In addition to this is the fact that the tower is higher than the temple. The temple is the place to receive instruction from God. By building a a tower bigger than the temple represents man using his merits to save himself. Moreover, the tall tower represents placing temporal salvation over spiritual salvation. For Noah, the tower, not the temple, was his source of salvation and deliverance.
3. Making Wine
The first may be to indicate how king Noah paid for all the buildings and additions. Remember, Mormon notes that the building and thrones were ornamented in precious metals. Although king Noah taxed the people 1/5th that might not have been enough. In order to increase his revenue for his lifestyle and that of the priests, he would need to look to other sources of incomes. Owing many vineyards would do the trick.
The second reason Mormon includes this fact is to tell us that the people were drunk off the wine. This is all the more clear when Mormon says that king Noah and his people became wine-bibbers. A wine-bibber is one "who drink much wine."
With his wealth and revenue coming in from taxation and industry (king Noah owned vineyards [11:15]), and being king with ostensibly absolute power, king Noah is able to bring about the following changes:
- Consecrate New Priests
- Build "ornate", "elegant", and "spacious" buildings
- Build a spacious throne made of wine food, gold, and silver
- Renovated the temple to be ornate and elaborate
- Fashioned the seats of the high priests in "pure gold"
- Build a breastwork for the he and priests to rests their bodies on when preaching
- Built a very high tower near the temple that could overlook the land of Shilom
- Built another tower that "was used as a resort for the [people of Zeniff]"
- Spent his time in riotous living.
- Planted vineyards round about the land, producing wine in abundance.
- Made his people enjoy shedding blood
1. Consecrating Priests
One of the reforms/alterations made by king Noah was the consecrating of new priests.
he put down all the priests that had been consecrated by his father, and consecrated new ones in their stead, such as were lifted up in the pride of their hearts.The fact that king Noah consecrated priests should cause us to explore what this means. Throughout the Book of Mormon, the term and office of priests are connected to the church. Considering how priests are used in the Book of Mormon can lead to interesting insights. Consider the following verses:
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did consecrate Jacob and Joseph, that they should be priests and teachers over the land of my people. (2 Nephi 5:26)Insight: Priests are consecrated to be teachers.
18 And it came to pass that Alma, having authority from God, ordained priests; even one priest to every fifty of their number did he ordain to preach unto them, and to teach them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.Insight: As teachers, priests teach the word of God. Moreover, Authority is required to ordain priests.
19 And he commanded them that they should teach nothing save it were the things which he had taught, and which had been spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets.
20 Yea, even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people. (Mosiah 18)
19 And it came to pass that king Mosiah granted unto Alma that he might establish churches throughout all the land of Zarahemla; and gave him power to ordain priests and teachers over every church.
...
21 Therefore they did assemble themselves together in different bodies, being called churches; every church having their priests and their teachers, and every priest preaching the word according as it was delivered to him by the mouth of Alma.Insight: Priests oversee churches.
Since king Noah consecrated priests and priests oversee the church to teach the word of God, king Noah was altering not only the affairs of the kingdom, but that of the church. And since authority was required to ordain priests, we should ponder whether king Noah might have had authority, in some form, to ordain the priests. If he did, the implications are great. For king Noah also would have been the leader of the church as well.
Evidence from the text support this possibility
Evidence 1 -- that the priests taught the people:
...they also became idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests; for they did speak flattering things unto them. (Mosiah 11:7)
And the seats which were set apart for the high priests, which were above all the other seats, he did ornament with pure gold; and he caused a breastwork to be built before them, that they might rest their bodies and their arms upon while they should speak lying and vain words to his people. (Mosiah 11:7)Insight: We know that the priests acted in teaching capacity of some sort. And we know that the people relied on them to some degree.
Evidence 2 -- that (at least) some of the teaching was religious in nature:
25 And now Abinadi said unto them: Are you priests, and pretend to teach this people, and to understand the spirit of prophesying, and yet desire to know of me what these things [referring to quotations by Isaiah] mean? 26 I say unto you, wo be unto you for perverting the ways of the Lord! For if ye understand these things ye have not taught them; therefore, ye have perverted the ways of the Lord. 27 Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye this people?
28 And they said: We teach the law of Moses. 29 And again he said unto them: If ye teach the law of Moses why do ye not keep it? Why do ye set your hearts upon riches? Why do ye commit whoredoms and spend your strength with harlots, yea, and cause this people to commit sin, that the Lord has cause to send me to prophesy against this people, yea, even a great evil against this people?Insight: Claiming to know and understand the spirit of prophesying is a spiritual/religious matter. Since the spirt of prophecy deals with prophesying from the Lord. Moreover, the priests admit to teaching the Law of Moses to the people.
Evidence 3 -- that king Noah likely had religious authority
And he [king Noah] also caused that his workmen should work all manner of fine work within the walls of the temple, of fine wood, and of copper, and of brass. (Mosiah 11:10)Insight: Shows that king Noah had control and authority over the temple. The temple is a place of worship. That king Noah can add to the temple indicates he had authority.
Moreover besides these insights, it's important to understand that the concept of a separation between church and state (even the idea of "state" as we use it didn't exist) didn't exist during the time of the Bible. Religion and the nation were intertwined. Although Zarahemla seems to have a separation between the ruler and religion, it's not clear that the Land of Nephi established by Zeniff did. And based on the evidence above, it's highly likely that king Noah was both the king of the kingdom and over the church.
Ultimate insight/point:
Mormon's account of king Noah is not only describing a corrupt people, but a corrupt church. A church with priests who claim to have authority to teach, but who misunderstand the doctrines. And which priests and leaders are corrupted by the things of the world, leading their people (members, to use modern language) astray.
Thus Mormon is setting the stage for the established church, with it's claim of authority, to be challenged by an obscure man whose authority doesn't come through king Noah, but through his connection to God.
For now, I will stop here with my observation, and will let those who are interested ponder on how this applies to us. Nevertheless, after the commentary series is over or when I have time, I will explore the full implications of the inferences I've made.
2. Building a Very High Tower
Another addition he made to the kingdom was building a very high tower to overlook the land. The high tower served as a lookout tower for the king to spot the approaching Lamanites.
12 And it came to pass that he built a tower near the temple; yea, a very high tower, even so high that he could stand upon the top thereof and overlook the land of Shilom, and also the land of Shemlon, which was possessed by the Lamanites; and he could even look over all the land round about. (Mosiah 11)Notice that Mormon says that king Noah built a very high tower near the temple. The first imagery that Mormon might be suggesting is that of the tower of Babel. Even though Mormon is abridging this record at the end of the Nephite civilization, he likely would have been familiar with the Genesis story of the tower of Babel.
One reason why he would have been is because Israelite identity begins at this event. When the children of men built a tower, God disowned them as a people. From that time forth, God did not try to redeem all of humanity, but instead decided to work through a smaller group -- the family of Abraham. After the events of Babel, God began to work through Abraham.
It's likely that any Israelite who was connected to roots to some degree would have know this story and its significance.
Given this, it's possible that Mormon is using this imagery of the temple and a very high tower to suggest that Noah's ambitions were Babel-like. This is all the more important because the word Babylon, as used in English, comes from the Hebrew word for Babel. Thus Babel is Babylon. Perhaps Mormon uses the image to point to the spiritual regression and iniquity present among the people of Zeniff.
In addition to this is the fact that the tower is higher than the temple. The temple is the place to receive instruction from God. By building a a tower bigger than the temple represents man using his merits to save himself. Moreover, the tall tower represents placing temporal salvation over spiritual salvation. For Noah, the tower, not the temple, was his source of salvation and deliverance.
3. Making Wine
15 And it came to pass that he planted vineyards round about in the land; and he built wine-presses, and made wine in abundance; and therefore he became a wine-bibber, and also his people. (Mosiah 11)Given that Mormon did not have unlimited time, why would he include information about the king Noah owning and making wine. There is one possibility and one fact.
The first may be to indicate how king Noah paid for all the buildings and additions. Remember, Mormon notes that the building and thrones were ornamented in precious metals. Although king Noah taxed the people 1/5th that might not have been enough. In order to increase his revenue for his lifestyle and that of the priests, he would need to look to other sources of incomes. Owing many vineyards would do the trick.
The second reason Mormon includes this fact is to tell us that the people were drunk off the wine. This is all the more clear when Mormon says that king Noah and his people became wine-bibbers. A wine-bibber is one "who drink much wine."
The Prophecy and Ministry of Abinandi
Abinandi prophecies and ministers to the people two times. Although each time, his message is to repent. The content of the message, however, is different in each instance.
Abinandi's First Time
Abinandi's first prophecy is to call repentance. The Lord tells Abinandi that unless the people will repent, he will visit them in his anger by having them taken into bondage.
Due to being spiritually blind, the people "hardened their hearts" against him, refusing to listen to what he had to say.
Abinandi's first prophecy is to call repentance. The Lord tells Abinandi that unless the people will repent, he will visit them in his anger by having them taken into bondage.
Due to being spiritually blind, the people "hardened their hearts" against him, refusing to listen to what he had to say.
Abinandi's Second Time
The second time, Abinadi's message is different. Abinadi disappears from the scene for two years. The Lord gives the people 2 years to change their ways by turning to him. They people don't. Because the people hardened their hearts and chose not to repent, the people will be visited by the Lord's anger and brought into bondage.
And the Lord, through Abinadi, tells him that unless the people repent, the Lord will "utterly destroy them from off the face of the earth" having them leave a record behind so that other people may know of this people's abominations."
As you can see, the first time the people had the option to either repent or suffer bondage. Having rejected that message, the people's only option now is to either repent or be utterly destroyed. Even if the people repented and hearkned to the Lord, they still would have experienced bondage.
Repentance Isn't A Guarantee
This is important to note because while all people can repent except those who sin against the Holy Ghost, repentance doesn't necessarily mean that a person will forgo or avoid the consequences of their actions. A person's delay in repentance may means they are excluded from certain blessings of the Lord. This principle is also true with inheriting exaltation. The Lord's hand of mercy is extended to all. However, while one can possibly make a death-bed repentance, it doesn't necessarily mean that one who does so will inherit the same station as those who have endured to the end through their life.
This principle is made clear in the Book of Revelations. From chapters 1-3, John addresses 7 churches in Asia. Those 7 churches represent the different levels of spirituality. If you read each of John's messages to the churches, you will notice that each church receives different rewards based on its behavior and action. You will also see that the rewards for repentance are different for each of the churches.
Thus repentance is not a guarantee of exhalation. All repentance means is that you have aligned you will with the Lord. To receive all that the Lord has requires sanctification. Sanctification is when your character is like God.
Peter explains the progress in one of his letters:
The second time, Abinadi's message is different. Abinadi disappears from the scene for two years. The Lord gives the people 2 years to change their ways by turning to him. They people don't. Because the people hardened their hearts and chose not to repent, the people will be visited by the Lord's anger and brought into bondage.
...for they have hardened their hearts against my words; they have repented not of their evil doings; therefore, I will visit them in my anger, yea, ... this generation, because of their iniquities, shall be brought into bondage, and shall be smitten on the cheek; yea, and shall be driven by men, and shall be slain; and the vultures of the air, and the dogs, yea, and the wild beasts, shall devour their flesh.The people, due to their hard hearts, will also suffer "sore afflictions" and "famine and with pestilence".
And the Lord, through Abinadi, tells him that unless the people repent, the Lord will "utterly destroy them from off the face of the earth" having them leave a record behind so that other people may know of this people's abominations."
As you can see, the first time the people had the option to either repent or suffer bondage. Having rejected that message, the people's only option now is to either repent or be utterly destroyed. Even if the people repented and hearkned to the Lord, they still would have experienced bondage.
Repentance Isn't A Guarantee
This is important to note because while all people can repent except those who sin against the Holy Ghost, repentance doesn't necessarily mean that a person will forgo or avoid the consequences of their actions. A person's delay in repentance may means they are excluded from certain blessings of the Lord. This principle is also true with inheriting exaltation. The Lord's hand of mercy is extended to all. However, while one can possibly make a death-bed repentance, it doesn't necessarily mean that one who does so will inherit the same station as those who have endured to the end through their life.
This principle is made clear in the Book of Revelations. From chapters 1-3, John addresses 7 churches in Asia. Those 7 churches represent the different levels of spirituality. If you read each of John's messages to the churches, you will notice that each church receives different rewards based on its behavior and action. You will also see that the rewards for repentance are different for each of the churches.
Thus repentance is not a guarantee of exhalation. All repentance means is that you have aligned you will with the Lord. To receive all that the Lord has requires sanctification. Sanctification is when your character is like God.
Peter explains the progress in one of his letters:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.Here, Peter outlines the steps we must take to our change of character. We add all the traits until we have charity. And once we have charity, we have adopted the character of God, and can receive all that God has. This is why charity is the most important gift. For without it, we couldn't receive all that God has.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Chapter 13
13: 29-32: The Law of Moses and Its Purpose
Abinadi explains the reason why the Israelites were given the Law of Moses and its purpose.
It's Reason
It's Purpose
The purpose of the strict law was not to punish them, but it was given to them to help them stay in remembrance of their duty to God. How so? Let's break it down.
First is to understand what aspects of the law were designed to keep them in remembrance of God. Abinadi explains
Second, how did the ordinances and performances serve this purpose?
Third, and what were they a type of?
But because of the Israelites' hardness of hearts they failed to recognize that the rituals of the Mosaic law were pointing them to the atonement. Ultimately they mistook the rituals themselves as the way to salvation, instead of seeing it as merely an instruction of the real thing that leads to salvation -- the atonement.
But what about us? Have we, with our many temples, made the same mistake as the Israelites? Have we viewed the temple, and its rituals, as the things that save us? Or do we recognize the rituals are merely types of the real thing?
Moreover, if we believe that the temple rituals practiced today are the same as practiced anciently, wouldn't the same be true today? That is, wouldn't today's temple rituals merely be a type of the real thing?
If the temple is a type, what is it a type of? It's a type of our path back to God. The temple rituals are designed to teach us how we, in our own lives, are to journey back into the presence of God.
It's Reason
29 And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God;Because the people were stiffnecked (stubborn), quick to do iniquity (pervert, distort God's commands), and slow to remember God, the Lord gave them a very strict law.
It's Purpose
The purpose of the strict law was not to punish them, but it was given to them to help them stay in remembrance of their duty to God. How so? Let's break it down.
First is to understand what aspects of the law were designed to keep them in remembrance of God. Abinadi explains
there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.Our answer: the performances and ordinances served this purpose.
Second, how did the ordinances and performances serve this purpose?
31 But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were types of things to come.Our answer: because they were a type of things to come?
Third, and what were they a type of?
33 For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things? 34 Have they not said that God himself should come down among the children of men, and take upon him the form of man, and go forth in mighty power upon the face of the earth? 35 Yea, and have they not said also that he should bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, and that he, himself, should be oppressed and afflicted?Our answer: God's redemption of his people, or, in other words, the atonement. The ordinances and performances of the Mosaic law were designed to help the Israelites remember God by pointing them to the atonement of Christ.
But because of the Israelites' hardness of hearts they failed to recognize that the rituals of the Mosaic law were pointing them to the atonement. Ultimately they mistook the rituals themselves as the way to salvation, instead of seeing it as merely an instruction of the real thing that leads to salvation -- the atonement.
32 And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God.Our Temple Worship
But what about us? Have we, with our many temples, made the same mistake as the Israelites? Have we viewed the temple, and its rituals, as the things that save us? Or do we recognize the rituals are merely types of the real thing?
Moreover, if we believe that the temple rituals practiced today are the same as practiced anciently, wouldn't the same be true today? That is, wouldn't today's temple rituals merely be a type of the real thing?
If the temple is a type, what is it a type of? It's a type of our path back to God. The temple rituals are designed to teach us how we, in our own lives, are to journey back into the presence of God.
1st key: Knowledge is the power of salvation. 2nd key: Make your calling and election sure. 3rd key: It is one thing to be on the mount and hear the excellent voice, etc., and another to hear the voice declare to you, You have a part and lot in that kingdom. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg 306)Here, Joseph Smith teaches that one's assurance of exaltation comes from hearing God's voice declare unto us directly that we have a promise of such. The temple teaches us how to do this.
Chapters 14 and 15
Although much of Isaiah deals with the calling and responsibilities of the Davidic Servant, this quotation from Isaiah pertains to Christ. Reading and pondering over Mosiah 14 (Isaiah 53) will lead to a greater appreciation of Jesus Christ. Here, Isaiah describes what the Lord will experience during his earthly ministry.
Christ's Earthly Ministry
The Seed of Christ
In verse 10, Isaiah explains that Christ made an offering for sin so he shall see his seed. The term seed is often used in the scriptures to refer to genealogy. This is how it's being used by Isaiah in verse 10. Through Christ's atonement, he will have his posterity -- he will have his sons and daughters.
That Christ will have sons and daughters may seem strange, after all, aren't we all the sons and daughters of God? Yes. In the sense that our spirits have been organized by God, God is our father and we are his offspring.
But Christ is also our father as well. Just as we are born of an earthly father, we are also born of Christ. We are born of Christ through the baptism of water and fire. These ordinances symbolize a new birth. However, this new birth is not a physical one, but a spiritual one. This is why receiving the Holy Ghost is referred to as being born again -- our spirits are sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost and we become new creatures. When this happens Christ becomes our Father.
That Christ is our father is made clear by Abinadi earlier in chapter 15
Therefore by being a Father, he has his seed -- offspring. Isaiah uses the term seed then to refer to Christ's spiritual offspring, those over whom Christ becomes their father.
Abinandi explains who are the seed of Christ -- those whom the atonement of Christ has power over. He says:
1. Those who have heard and hearkened to the words of the prophets (verse 11)
2. Those who have believed that the Lord would redeem his people (verse 11)
3. Those who have looked forward to a remission of their sins. (verse 11)
If you satisfy all three of these conditions, then the atonement applies to you.
1. Hear and Hearken.
The combination of both to hear and to hearken indicate not only that we hear what the prophets have to say, but that we implement their teachings.
Here are the following definitions of hearken from 1828 Webster's Dictionary:
2. Look Forward to Remission of Their Sins
As a reminder, king Benjamin explained what is required for one to be able to look forward to receiving a remission of sins. See my post here.
To look forward requires that one has received a remission of sins. This occurs through the reception of the Holy Ghost. See my post here for signs and indications for knowing one has received the gift of the Holy Ghost.
That Christ is our father is made clear by Abinadi earlier in chapter 15
1 And now Abinadi said unto them: I would they ye should understand that god himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people.Christ is both Son and Father. Son because he came to earth and took on flesh, subjecting himself to the Father. And Christ is also the Father because the power of God conceived him.
2. And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son --
3. The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and SOn--
4. And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth. (Mosiah 15)
Therefore by being a Father, he has his seed -- offspring. Isaiah uses the term seed then to refer to Christ's spiritual offspring, those over whom Christ becomes their father.
Abinandi explains who are the seed of Christ -- those whom the atonement of Christ has power over. He says:
1. Those who have heard and hearkened to the words of the prophets (verse 11)
2. Those who have believed that the Lord would redeem his people (verse 11)
3. Those who have looked forward to a remission of their sins. (verse 11)
If you satisfy all three of these conditions, then the atonement applies to you.
1. Hear and Hearken.
The combination of both to hear and to hearken indicate not only that we hear what the prophets have to say, but that we implement their teachings.
Here are the following definitions of hearken from 1828 Webster's Dictionary:
1. To listen; to lend the ear; to attend to what is uttered, with eagerness or curiosity.
2. To attend; to regard; to give heed to what is uttered; to observe or obey.
3. To listen; ; to attend; to grant or comply with.Moreover, Abinandi says the teachings of ALL the prophets who have "prophesied of the Lord." This means that we should be well acquainted with the words spoken by the prophets of old. And this means that the prophets we should hearken to are those who prophesied of the Lord. Note that prophesying of the Lord is different from sharing one's belief in him. Prophesy of the Lord is to prophesy of his coming.
2. Look Forward to Remission of Their Sins
As a reminder, king Benjamin explained what is required for one to be able to look forward to receiving a remission of sins. See my post here.
To look forward requires that one has received a remission of sins. This occurs through the reception of the Holy Ghost. See my post here for signs and indications for knowing one has received the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Chapter 16-17
16:5 --Enemy to God
Carrying the same idea as Lehi, Jacob, and others, Abinadi leaves no middle ground. A person is either saved or an enemy to God. This means that despite how good or kind a person is, if they haven't received a remission of sin through the baptism of fire, then they are an enemy to God. And they are an enemy to God because Satan has power over them. Failing to receive a remission of sins means that one is living their lives contrary to God. And thus they are sinning and in rebellion.
Being in a state of sin and rebellion means that the Spirit can't reside. And since it can't reside, the devil will take the place of the Spirit.
16:12--Arms of Mercy
Although God is love. And mercy is a sign of his love. His love does not ignore justice. In fact, justice is part of his love as well. Thus within God are two balancing characteristics -- mercy and justice. In order for God to be God, he must not let one override the other. As it stands, the mercy of God is extended to all. This is manifest through the abundance and prosperity of many countries. It is also manifested by his providing of time to study his word. It's shown through the internet and the many bloggers out there dedicated to spreading the message of Christ. It's shown through the freedom of religion and worship. It's shown through missionary work. And it's shown in our having the time to repent.
But as Abinadi notes, the merciful hand of God will not be extended out forever. And when the hand of mercy his withdrawn, the hand of justice is outstretched to issue the decree of judgment.
This hand of mercy is withdrawn from those who live in distortion of God's commands fail to repent when they are warned. If justice is defined as fairness, then God's justice is not just shown in him paying recompense to the wicked for the evil acts, but also giving them notice of their wicked acts.
One right enshrined in the US Constitution is the right to Due Process. In simple terms, this means that the government has a right to inform you of your violation before it deprives you of a right. It's an important right. For instance, if you are a government worker. Before the government can fire you, they are required to tell you the reason for you termination.
The right of Due Process is given so each person knows the allegations against them. God's justice operates under the same principle. God will not condemn and judge a nation without first warning that nation. We already saw this example earlier in Mosiah 11-12. There, before the Lord caused the people to be put into bondage, he warned them through his prophet. Thus the people had notice (or Due Process, to use modern usage) of their sins and violations. Knowing this, they were aware of their sins and thus had a chance to change. Their refusal to change amounted to transgression because they rejected the law.
Sadly, it's likely that those of Zeniff's people who died failed to repent must face their consequences without receiving redemption through the atonement. What a sad affair! It also shows why waiting to the last moment to repent is risky. After all, you might not ever get the chance.
17:2 -- Alma
We learn that Alma recorded Abinadi's message. It is through Alma that we have Abiandi's words.
This hand of mercy is withdrawn from those who live in distortion of God's commands fail to repent when they are warned. If justice is defined as fairness, then God's justice is not just shown in him paying recompense to the wicked for the evil acts, but also giving them notice of their wicked acts.
One right enshrined in the US Constitution is the right to Due Process. In simple terms, this means that the government has a right to inform you of your violation before it deprives you of a right. It's an important right. For instance, if you are a government worker. Before the government can fire you, they are required to tell you the reason for you termination.
The right of Due Process is given so each person knows the allegations against them. God's justice operates under the same principle. God will not condemn and judge a nation without first warning that nation. We already saw this example earlier in Mosiah 11-12. There, before the Lord caused the people to be put into bondage, he warned them through his prophet. Thus the people had notice (or Due Process, to use modern usage) of their sins and violations. Knowing this, they were aware of their sins and thus had a chance to change. Their refusal to change amounted to transgression because they rejected the law.
Sadly, it's likely that those of Zeniff's people who died failed to repent must face their consequences without receiving redemption through the atonement. What a sad affair! It also shows why waiting to the last moment to repent is risky. After all, you might not ever get the chance.
17:2 -- Alma
We learn that Alma recorded Abinadi's message. It is through Alma that we have Abiandi's words.
17:9 -- Suffered Myself...
It appears that Abinadi intentionally allowed himself to be captured so he could testify to king Noah.
17:20 -- Sealed the Truth of His Words
In Mosiah 11, we learn that the Abinadi was delivered from the people by the Lord. How this happens is not clear. But we learn that if the Lord wanted to preserve Abinadi he could have. This time he didn't. The reason why is so that his death could seal the truth of Abinadi's words. One indication of truthfulness is person's willingness to die for what they believe. By showing his willingness to die, Abinadi provides a strong testament hat is words are true to the king that his words were true.
Moreover, the shedding of Abinaid's blood will stand as testament against king Noah at the last day.
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